Sunday, June 24, 2012

Tender Steakhouse @Luxor Spring 2012



Tender Steakhouse is the perfect spot for a quiet glass of wine with friends. Step off the casino floor and into the bar and lounge, here you are able to sit at the bar or relax in one of the many comfy leather chairs, while still enjoying the action.

The restaurant, which is located through the lounge and hence away from the noise of the casino, offers an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. The lighting is dimmed down and the warm cherry and mahogany furniture play well against the leather and wood panelled walls. 

Location – Inside the Luxor Hotel, adjacent to the walkway to Mandalay Bay, opposite LAX nightclub
  •       Operating Hours: 
    • Restaurant- Daily 5pm-11pm
    • Bar- Daily 4:30pm-12:00
Drinks – Tender does not feature a signature drink, but is renowned for its extensive wine list, winning the national Wine Spectator Award for the last 3 years.
The wine list has over 200 bottles to choose from, imported from all over the world, some available in half and full bottles.
  • Average Drink Price
    • Beer $7
    • Wine by the glass $12
    • Wine by the bottle $35-$500
    • Cocktails $12
Food/Nosh – Like its wine listing, Tender does not feature a speciality dish of sorts, but is well known for its steak range.
  • Average Cost
    • Appetizer $114
    • Soup and Salads $9
    • Entree $40
    • Side $9
    • Dessert $9 
Reservations – Recommended for dinner and available by phone or online

Happy Hour – Daily from 5pm-7pm. 
  • Two wine or cheese tastings $8
  • Four wine or cheese tastings $15


Vegas Mate Rating – 4/5
Mark & Keren Rate - 4/5


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Bally's Hotel & Casino Spring 2012

History:

Bally’s Hotel and Casino first opened in 1973 as the original MGM Grand, under the ownership of Kirk Kerkorian. It was the largest hotel in the world, costing a then staggering $106 million and would remain so until Steve Wynn opened the Mirage in the late 1980’s.

Much like the current MGM Grand, the property was then heavily themed with movie memorabilia as Kirk Kerkorian had a large financial interest in Metro Goldwyn Meyer. The hotel was the number one destination on the Las Vegas Strip and was a highly sought after property for celebrity headliners, such as the Carpenters, Barry Manilow and Joan Rivers, to name just a few.

In 1980, one of the restaurants in the property caught fire, which spread throughout the hotel killing 85 employees and guests. Much of the property was destroyed, Kirk Kerkorian quickly rebuilt in under 8 months. The fire was such a disaster that it caused massive fire safety reform across the globe.

In 1985, the property was sold to Bally Entertainment Corparaation for $594 million and then in 1995 Bally Entertainment was purchased by The Hilton chain. In a massive expansion, Hilton sub divided the company and its casino operations were managed by Caesars Entertainment. This was later sold to Harrah’s in 2005 and with a recent re branding, is now called Caesars 

Hotel Specifications:

  •  Size- Built on 43 acres, featuring 2814 rooms
  • Casino- 67,000 square feet of gaming space, including 1,500 slot machines, all major table games and a poker room.
  • Race & Sports Book- 256 seats, 150 televisions and 11 big screens
  •  Restaurants - Bally’s Steakhouse, Java Coast, Nosh, Sea-The Thai Experience, Sidewalk Café, Sterling Brunch, Blu Café and Tequila Bar & Grill. As well as several mall restaurants
  • Entertainment - Jubilee, The Price is Right and Tony & Tina’s Wedding

Room Overview:


At more than 450 sq. ft., Bally's Classic guest rooms are among the most spacious standard accommodations on the Las Vegas Strip. Choose from one king or two queen beds, and smoking or non-smoking rooms.

Vegas Mate Rating: 3/5

Mark & Keren Rate: 4/5