Tag Archives: ranch

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 14, 2000

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Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews, the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Las Vegas Rooms : http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

JUNE ROOM SPECIALS – Harrah’s from $59.95 a night and The Sahara from $49.95 a night. Details at http://www.180096hotel.com/cgi-bin/hotdeals?SID=IVC

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions.

Read Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com
Post Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com

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This Issue: Binion’s Ranch Steakhouse

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com


á

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

FIREWORKS – LVCVA has authorized a half-million dollars for New Year’s Eve fireworks this year. We’ve been sitting on this one for a few weeks, as we didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, but it’s now a done deal! Full story at http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/business/2000/may/22/510288532.html New Years Eve discount rates already available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm are as follows:

GOLD COASTáááááááá 199.95 (5 minutes from Strip, free shuttle)
SAM’S TOWNáááá 159.95 (15 minutes from Strip, free shuttle)
EXCALIBURáááááááá 239.95
BARBARY COASTáááá 189.95
LUXORáááááááá 275.95
ORLEANSááááááá 219.95 (10 minutes from Strip, free shuttle)

And if you have your own car and want to book now and book cheap: BOULDER PALMS LUXURY SUITES (20 minutes from Strip) is going at 59.95 an night. No, that’s not a misprint, and the place is nice!

All rooms booked at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm come with a low price guarantee. Find it cheaper, they refund the difference or let you cancel, no penalty.

WAYNE NEWTON, JIMMY HOPPER – Catch a Las Vegas legend as well as a possible future legend who will be special guests at a June 22 fund raiser for Nevada GOP U.S. Senate candidate John Ensign. The entertainment and a BBQ are included in the price: $50 per person or $75 for couples. Location: 8320 Black Brothers Court (near Sahara and Durango, 20 minutes from the Strip). To purchase your tickets today or for more information, visit http://www.ensign4nevada.com or call (702) 880-1000.

MIRAGE BOTANICAL GARDENS – According to R-J columnist NORM!, the botanical gardens as well as the Dale Chihuly glass flower sculpture over the lobby are staying put for now. With the MGM in control, I personally give the gardens 6 months and expect a decline in quality. Pictures from the gardens (Christmas theme) are available in our Bellagio Buffet review at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/99-12-15.htm The NORM! column was at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-11-Sun-2000/news/13743258.html

DODGERS? MAYBE NOT – The mayor and the city refuted last week’s L.A. Times report that we are going to pay the Dodgers a big bonus to relocate their spring training here. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-09-Fri-2000/sports/13743678.html

LION HABITAT UNDER FIRE – An animal rights organization is condemning the MGM’s Lion Habitat (reviewed at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/99-07-28.htm ), calling it exploitation. The MGM has countered, noting that the lions are kept on an 8-acre facility when not in the habitat, and portions of the proceeds go to animal preservation organizations. Full story at http://www.spokane.net/news-story-body.asp?Date=061000&ID=s813447&cat=

WINNERS! – Don DeLay of Elkhart, IN won the Las Vegas T-shirt.

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Quick Concert and Show Notes:

See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

Hard Rock – Ringo Starr on June 17, Violent Femmes on June 19, Anthrax on June 28, destiny’s Child on July 2, Don Henley on July 10, No Doubt with Black Eyed Peas on July 31, and B-52’s on Aug. 5. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Las Vegas Hilton – Sinbad on June 30 and July 1, Engelbert Humperdinck July 11-16, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour July 28-29, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, and Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21 (return engagement) and Jeff Foxworthy Nov. 30 – Dec. 3. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

Mandalay Bay – Megadeth on Jun. 23, Queensryche on June 16 and 17, Bob Dylan on June 27, Mickey Hart Band on June 30, Ween on July 1, Kottonmouth Kings on July 2, The Young Dubliners on July 3, Cheap Trick on July 3, Boz Scaggs on Jul 8, Dan Folgelberg on Jul. 14, Hall and Oats on July 21, LeAnn Rimes on Jul. 28, the BB King Blues Festival 2000 on Aug. 1, and Brian Setzer on Aug. 8. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Penn and Teller now through June 21, Marc Anthony on June 16, Rodger Waters on June 17, Carrot Top June 22 – July 5, Blink-182 and Bad Religion on June 24, Nickelodeon’s All That Music & More Festival featuring LFO, Blaque, and B*Witched on July 1, Rodney Dangerfield on July 6-12 and again on Aug. 24-Sept. 6, Penn and Teller July 27 – Aug. 9, and Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

Mirage – Paul Anka now through June 20. Tickets available at (702) 792-7777 and Mirage discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mirage link).

Station Casinos – Todd Rungren & The Motels June 16 at Sunset, Jean-Luc Ponty June 17 at Palace, Sammy Kershaw June 30th at Sunset, Loverboy & Night Ranger June 30 at Sunset, and Joe Walsh plus a fireworks extravaganza July 1 at Sunset. Tickets at (888) 464-2468 and Station Casinos discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (various Station Casinos links).

The Orleans – The Righteous Brothers now through June 25, and Robert Goulet June 29 – July 2.. Tickets at (702) 365-7075 and Orleans discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (The Orleans link).


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FEATURE STORY: Binion’s Ranch Steakhouse

Unfortunately, Binion’s Horseshoe Casino hasn’t been in the news for it’s long time reputation of good food and fair gaming lately. The Binion Murder trial has been watched all over the United States.

Others (including us) have grumbled over the loss of many of the great specials like the late night $3 steak special. But the place that family patriarch Benny Binion founded still keeps alive the spirit he brought to his downtown property.

Binion’s Ranch Steakhouse is part of that tradition. This is upscale dining with prime beef and a view to die for while still maintaining that friendly down-home feel you’ve come to expect from Binion’s. If those trendy places where they put more importance on choosing the decorator instead of the chef bug you, this is your place. The decor is nice, reasonably plush, but understated.

Look up to the very top of Binion’s and you see two-story glass wrapped around the top of the building. I used to think those were the high-roller suites. But NO, that is the steakhouse! The view is unique, letting you see over the rest of downtown to the Strip and far beyond.

Service is down-home also. Helpful, but not at all pretentious. Hate those guys at the high-end places with the fake accents and waiters with foreign names (co’mon — they can’t all be Pierre from Paris), you’ll enjoy the “real” feel of the wait staff. Good service, but relaxed and with a smile.

Between generous portion size and the items served with the main course, appetizers aren’t really necessary. However, they are available: Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Cocktail, Scampi A Las Maison, Oysters on the Half Shell, Oysters Rockefeller, and Escargot Bourguignonne. They range from $9.95 to $12.95.

All main courses are served with soup of the day or salad, rice pilaf, baked potato or roasted garlic mashed and warm sourdough bread — a personal favorite. You can order soups or salads: House Salad ($4.95), Caesar Salad ($6.95), French Onion Soup ($4.75), Greek Salad ($9.95) and Crab Chowder served in a sourdough bowl ($5.75)

Specialties are meat, meat, and more meat. A regular cut of prime rib runs $27.00, but splurge for the “Benny Cut” at $32.00 and see if you can eat it all! Other specialties are Broiled Spring Lamb Chops ($28.50), Veal Marlala ($24.00), Broiled Chicken Breasts ($22.00), Steak Diane ($25.00) and Binion’s famous Pepper Steak, a 16 oz. New York Steak rolled in cracked peppercorns, sautÚed and topped with Brandy cream sauce for $30.00.

Steak lovers rejoice! I had the Filet Mignon. 12 oz. that I could almost cut with a fork despite my insistence that they cook it medium well ($28.00). Also available are the New York Steak (16 oz., $27.00), Ribeye (16 oz., $25.00) and the Porterhouse (21 oz. extra-thick cut, $30.00).

Seafood includes Australian Lobster Tail (market price), Alaskan King Crab Legs (2 pounds, $42.50), Scampi A La Maison ($28.50), Braised Halibut Filet ($25.50), and Broiled Salmon ($22.50). Both Surf and Turf (petite filet and rock lobster) and the Petite Filet Mignon and Crab Legs are market price.

You aren’t paying for just the view — the food is excellent also. Go right around sunset. Nothing compares to an unobstructed view, watching the Strip and the entire Las Vegas valley light up while a piece of prime steak dissolves in your mouth. Although we had no problem getting a table at about 8:00 PM on a weeknight unannounced, we suggest reservations at (702) 382-1600 and they are open 5-11 PM.


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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Jimmy Jones wrote:

>Hi, We are visiting Vegas on the 4th of July. Do you
>have a big fireworks show?

Good question! Yes and no. We really don’t have one of those huge, “The sky never goes dark for 45 minutes” shows. The Stratosphere is having fireworks again this year. Last year was a let-down as they shot them off from behind the building (not from the Tower) and most people were too close to see them properly. If you go to the Strat, the best view is a couple of blocks down the Strip or back aways in any direction (avoid the neighborhood behind the casino — it’s a high crime area).

There are some pretty good displays around town in the suburbs. They are listed at http://www.lasvegas.com/events/4thofjuly If you have a car, I’d suggest the one at Desert Breeze Park put on by the County. We’ll have more details on the New Years Eve fireworks as they become available.

Lonna Durand wrote,

>What is going on with the El Rancho? When are they going to tear this
>eyesore down?? Is there a hold-up in selling a valuable strip
>property? I haven’t see anything on it in years. It was closed 12
>years ago when we started coming to Las Vegas . What’s the story?

Good question. We’ve been following the fate of the El Rancho (shuttered property in the north end of the Strip) on http://www.accessvegas.com but I failed to mention anything here.

The company building the high-rise condos behind the El Rancho bought it for $45 million just to get rid of the eyesore for potential buyers, and they are having a “fire sale” before demolishing it. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-03-Sat-2000/business/13703431.html No word on an implosion yet. This one might be done by wrecking ball as it’s not that big.

As long time readers know, we tend to shy away from idle speculation and rumor and only print things when the ink on the deals are dry so you don’t run into any disappointments. However, if you are interested in something like this that we haven’t mentioned here, do drop us a line. Info is directly below.

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Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc. if accepted.

ONLINE POLL – “If you live in Las Vegas, how long do you plan on living here?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in two weeks!

Results from last weeks poll “What kind of casino atmosphere do you like?”

Comfortable Midrange (Harrah’s, Flamingo, Ballys, etc.) 46%
Cheap Drinks and Low Limits (Downtown, Circus Circus, etc.) 21%
Young and Trendy atmosphere (Hard Rock, Rio, Mandalay, etc.) 18%
Fine Surroundings (Bellagio, DI, Mirage, etc.) 13%

FREE CONTESTS:

Rules (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest): You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner. Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

Airfare to Las Vegas for you and 20 friends, $15,000 and a suite at Bellagio for New Year’s. Enter at http://click.egroups.com/1/5292/4/_/645610/_/960504432/

Two tickets to Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton, a $100 gift certificate to Quark’s Bar and Restaurant, a copy of the Collector’s Edition CD Rom from Activision – STAR TREK -Hidden Evil and a fabulous two night stay at the Las Vegas Hilton! Enter at http://promotion.lasvegas.citysearch.com/the_experience.html

Golden Gate Hotel and Casino: three day, two night stay plus dinner for two at Golden Gate’s Bay City Diner. Enter at http://www.vegasexperience.com/webclub/index.html

Free Circus Tickets – The “Greatest Show on Earth” returns to the Thomas & Mack Center July 5–9 and Channel 8 is giving away two family four packs for VIP seats for opening night of the Circus, Wednesday, July 5th. Enter at http://www.klastv.com/contests/circus/circuscontestindex.html

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Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.accessvegas.com You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

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New to the list? Back issues can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

You may subscribe to this newsletter by going to:
https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com or sending a blank email to below

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
June 14, 2000

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 07, 2000

Posted on by

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews, the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Las Vegas Rooms : http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

JUNE ROOM SPECIALS – Harrah’s from $59.95 a night and The Sahara from $49.95 a night. Details at http://www.180096hotel.com/cgi-bin/hotdeals?SID=IVC

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions.

Read Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com
Post Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This Issue: Harrah’s Range Steakhouse

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com


 

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

DESERTED INN – is what Steve Wynn referred to his new hotel as in his licensing hearing, and he said that it’s up to him to change all of that. In true Wynn fashion, he’s already outlining plans for a 3000 room, 5-star hotel for the site. He plans to “one-up” Bellagio with a property that centers on elegance instead of a specific theme. How he will finance this remains to be seen, but Wynn has indicated that he will always have 60% or better control and that success won’t necessarily be measured in the bottom line. Two stories with full details are available at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-08-Thu-2000/news/13733515.html and http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-08-Thu-2000/news/13736035.html

CELEB WATCHING – will be at a peak at the Orleans the afternoon of June 16 for the Las Vegas Bowling Bash Benefiting the Urban Youth Scholarship Fund and Children’s Miracle Network. Scheduled to appear are Charles Barkley, Tracy McGrady, Drew Bledsoe, Allyah and Joey McIntyre among many others. Story and full details at http://news.excite.com/news/bw/000602/nv-las-vegas-bowling-bas

“LAS VEGAS” DODGERS – According to the L.A. Times, we are prepared to toss an extra $5 million bonus at the Dodgers to move spring training here. The yet-to-be-built spring training complex would be constructed in Henderson (SW Las Vegas suburb) and also include the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays. Full story at http://www.latimes.com/sports/times/20000608/t000054295.html

FRONT SIGHT, NV – is the new gun-friendly community in the building process about 45 minutes SW of Las Vegas. Featured will be 12 shooting ranges, an assault tower, 400 yards of training tunnels, 177 home lots, a convenience store and a private K-12 school. This is a town where law abiding gun owners can live among those who share their beliefs, and is conjectured that it will be the safest town in America. Full story at http://www.usatoday.com/life/travel/leisure/2000/ltl222.htm

MGM AIRPORT CHECK-IN – Just a reminder that the MGM now offers hotel registration right at the airport. You can get your room key while you wait for your luggage! This desk is located in the south baggage claim near the exit from the C and D gates and is open 10 AM to 2 AM daily. As always, you can book discount MGM rooms at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

MAGICAL HOMES – This Sunday evening, HGTV (Home and Garden cable channel) is doing a special on the homes of magicians. Scheduled are the homes of Las Vegas magicians Lance Burton and Mac King. Check local listings for time.

WINNERS! – Don DeLay of Elkhart, IN won the Las Vegas T-shirt.

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Quick Concert and Show Notes:

See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

Hard Rock – Ozzy Osbourne on June 15, Ringo Starr on June 17, Violent Femmes on June 19, Anthrax on June 28, destiny’s Child on July 2, Don Henley on July 10, No Doubt with Black Eyed Peas on July 31, and B-52’s on Aug. 5. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Las Vegas Hilton – Dwight Yoakam with special guest Keith Urban June 9-10, Sinbad on June 30 and July 1, Engelbert Humperdinck July 11-16, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, and Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

Mandalay Bay – Megadeth on Jun. 23, Queensryche on June 16 and 17, Bob Dylan on June 27, Mickey Hart Band on June 30, Ween on July 1, Kottonmouth Kings on July 2, The Young Dubliners on July 3, Cheap Trick on July 3, Boz Scaggs on Jul 8, Dan Folgelberg on Jul. 14, Hall and Oats on July 21, LeAnn Rimes on Jul. 28, the BB King Blues Festival 2000 on Aug. 1, and Brian Setzer on Aug. 8. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Carrot Top now through June 13, Penn and Teller June 15-21, Marc Anthony on June 16, Rodger Waters on June 17, Carrot Top June 22 – July 5, Blink-182 and Bad Religion on June 24, Nickelodeon’s All That Music & More Festival featuring LFO, Blaque, and B*Witched on July 1, Rodney Dangerfield on July 6-12 and again on Aug. 24-Sept. 6, Penn and Teller July 27 – Aug. 9, and Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

Mirage – Paul Anka now through June 20. Tickets available at (702) 792-7777 and Mirage discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mirage link).

SJ2K – KLUC Summer Jam 2000 features SisQo, Nu Flavor, Kumbia Kings, Pink, Voice V, Angelina and more on June 10 at the Thomas and Mack Center. Tickets available at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is 2 blocks from the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).


 

FEATURE STORY: Harrah’s Range Steakhouse

Harrah’s really spruced up their great center-strip location with a major remodel over the past two years, and our favorite new areas are the outdoor Carnival Bar (to be reviewed at a later date) and The Range Steakhouse. While a quick, one floor elevator ride from the middle of the casino, it is a world apart from the pounding noise and bright colors designed to separate you from your money.

Two story glass windows wrap around the dining and lounge areas providing a panoramic view of The Strip including Caesars and The Mirage. Plenty of lush, dark wood and fine comfortable surroundings pamper the senses without being arrogantly disturbing. Seating is on tiered levels, giving you an unobstructed view regardless of where you sit. Table spacing is surprisingly pleasant … you won’t have to worry about backing your chair into your neighbor’s or having to listen to every conversation around you.

The lounge features gentle live jazz from a pianist or guitarist and is a perfect place to unwind while waiting for your reservation, or a pleasant place to enjoy desert after your meal. It is cigar-friendly, and the high ceilings and swift ventilation assure you won’t offend others.

Bring your appetite, your wallet, and get ready to try something a little out of the norm. Appetizers range from $7.95 for the “Half and Half” of Fanny Bay oysters and half littleneck clams to $13.95 for a traditional shrimp cocktail. Their Southwest Artichoke & Crab Dip is a signature item featuring lump crab, grilled pita chips, and soft pretzels ($11.95). Also available are Roasted Corn Crab Cakes ($12.95), Escargot ($9.95), and Smoked Chicken Quesadilla ($8.95).

Entrees come with salad and a side of their “famous cabernet mushrooms” (quite good) but soups are extra. You can choose between their signature Five Onion Soup with bagel chips and lamented gouda ($5.75) or Brandied Lobster Bisque with Maine lobster and creme fraiche ($7.25).

Their fortes are the steaks, prime rib, and chops ranging from the Double-Cut Pork Loin Chop ($19.95) to the Lamb Rack Chops ($32.95). The 16 oz. Veal Shop with caramelized pearl onions is a treat ($34.95) and the Blackened Rib-Eye Chop ($25.95) is served with pistachio salsa butter. Smaller appetites might prefer the 8 oz. Filet Mignon ($26.95) or the 14 oz. Bone-In Filet ($31.95).

You can add seafood to any entree: 7 oz. Lobster Tail ($19.95), Fried Giant Shrimp ($14.95), or 1/2 lb. King Crab Legs ($13.95).

Seafood and Poultry, while not their specialties are offered for those who’s taste runs away from red meat. Prices range from $18.95 for the Free-Range Grilled Chicken to $53.95 for the Australian Twin Lobster Tails (two 7 oz. cold water tails).

I enjoyed their signature 20 oz. Bone-In New York Strip ($29.95) and a side of Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes. Side orders offered also include Garlic Steak Friens, Asparagus, Giant Baked Potato, “Colossal” Onion rings, Creamed Spinach, or Wild Rice. All sides run $5.25

Service was prompt but not overbearing. My only complaint was that my steak was undercooked. I ordered it medium-well (the waiter confirmed that I was requesting it cooked with just a little pink left) and it was delivered on the medium-rare side. Granted, many of you true steak connoisseurs might be saying “Serves you right to ask for that done to a fine cut of meat”! I was hungry, it tasted fine and I enjoyed it, noting the error later to the wait staff.

We suggest going around or after sunset. Unfortunately, the large picture windows face west and while they have tinted windows and sun-blocking screens in place (retracted after sunset), it doesn’t make for the best view trying to look into the sun.

While no bargain, you get what you pay for, and it’s a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of the center Strip. Plus, remember the my Vegas adage: Eating is cheaper than losing. If you are on a run of bad luck, toss your money on the dinner table and enjoy yourself!

Harrah’s Range Steakhouse is open daily from 5-11 PM. Reservations are recommended at (702) 369-5000

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Hans Lenski wrote:

>A friend of mine said to try and see a show at Treasure Island called
>Circus Se’La. Is there still this show there and what is the cost?
>Thanks

>Have A Great Day !!

It’s called Mystere – A Cirque Du Soleil Production

It’s one of the top shows in town — it typically sells out well in advance so you might want to get your tickets early and pay the online surcharge. Info on the show as well as ticket purchase is available at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?ID=23&amid=143&cscheme=5

Barb wrote:

>Any word on the Frontier == is it being remodeled, imploded or left?
>We like that old hotel and wondered where its going.á Thanks Love your newsletter

The implosion has been put off at least until the end of the year. The owner is noting higher interest rates which put a damper on more immediate plans to build his San Francisco themed resort. The other San Francisco themed resort that was being planned for where the shuttered Silver City Casino sits (across from the Stardust) has apparently been scrapped. A Walgreens is scheduled to go in that spot.

Cindy Tomasi from Italy wrote:

>Hello there!!!á Your newsletter is super and I love to get it, so keep
>up the good work!!!á We will come to Vegas in September, and planning
>to stay at the Excalibur during the week and Circus Circus during the
>weekend (they have cheaper rates during the weekend..!!).á We’ve been
>at the Excalibur already but never been to Circus Circus, so I was
>wondering if someone who’s been there can tell me if the rooms are
>nice and if the area is nice too.á I’ve heard bad things about the
>Westward Ho’s area, and the Circus Circus is almost attached to the
>HO, so I was wondering if it’s a dangerous area of the Strip or
>what???á Can someone give me some info???á Thanks a million!!

Both hotels are owned by the same company and offer run-of-the-mill rooms. Nothing special but adequate. While not one of the newer parts of the Strip, the police have gotten better at enforcing curfew laws. The “bad area” rap has mostly come because a lot of bored teens were hanging out and Slots-of-Fun does sometime have a younger, rowdy crowd. There isn’t anywhere between Circus and Mandalay Bay that I would caution people to avoid. Each hotel has security cameras aimed at the street (not good business is people got mugged before the casino could get your money!) as well as both uniformed and plain clothes security at and near casino entrances.

As always, I would caution against walking more than a couple blocks away from the Strip or Fremont St. Experience. The exceptions are perhaps Convention Center (over to The Beach Nightclub and the convention center) and Flamingo Rd. (west to The Rio and east to The Maxim and Ellis Island).

Mark Carrothers of New Philadelphia, OH wrote:

>Hey Ted, My wife & I have visited Vegas twice within the past year &
>our favorite place in town is the Voo Doo Lounge on top of the Rio.
>This place has the best view in town & the 21$ “What the Witch Doctor
>Ordered” drink is a must for all.á I heard recently that they have now
>started a cover charge at the door.á Any truth to that?á If so how
>much & why.

Supply and demand. I don’t like it either, but guess what: I still pay it for the view and the ambiance (which is about all that there is to see now that Jimmy Hopper has moved on from performing).

When you are up there, you aren’t gambling and even with the spendy drinks (domestic beer starts at about $5), they would rather have you spending more time on the casino floor. Which is also my guess as to why they close down at 3 AM despite an often full house at that hour (especially on weekends).

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June 7, 2000