New York New York Hotel & Casino Spring 2016 (aka Kayotay Tackos)

The themed resort is one of the things that makes Vegas so special.  If you just want to gamble, you can find casinos all over the place.  Only in Vegas can you walk from an Egyptian pyramid to a Mid-evil Castle to New York City without even traveling a mile.   

Enter NYNY, MGM’s contribution to the Vegas themed offerings.  Located on the corner of the busiest intersection in the United States, Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd, NYNY was a huge hit from day one.  It aimed for the mid-market right out of the gate and they came.  Some have argued that the property has an identity crisis with Cirque’s most provocative production in residency while also offering a huge arcade and a roller coaster, clearly aimed at entertaining those not old enough to gamble. 

Today, it’s one of the anchor properties of MGM’s outdoor promenade “The Park”, a play off of New York’s central park, if only in general concept and location to the themed resort, complete with a 20,000 seat arena and home to the cities first professional team.  Coming up on it’s 20th anniversary, it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Rating

Mark & Alastair - 3/5

Keren - 2/5

Broadway Burger @NYNY Spring 2016

It’s a burger, right?  Sure, some are better than others but how do you justifying charging $10-20 for it.  Well, once you taste it, you’ll understand why.  Apparently there really is such a thing as a gourmet burger and Broadway Burger is a good example of one.

You wouldn’t expect much from a restaurant with a name that fits the theme of the hotel/casino it resides in but you would be wrong to overlook this experience.  Broadway Burger showcases the concept that the whole is more than the sum of it’s parts because, while each element is well taken care of, the combination is something special.

While the concept isn’t new the simplicity of their build a burger is something to be enjoyed, appearing to be inspired by the Chipotle concept, if only in menu layout.  Pick your protein, cheese, veggies, meats and even fry styles.  I know your listening to this and thinking, lots of people do this, it isn’t anything new.  Let me assure you, Broadway Burger doesn’t do burgers like everyone else does.

Rating (scale of 1-5)

Mark – 5/5

Keren – 4/5

Alistair – 4/5