Random Las Vegas Thoughts From My October 13-17, 2026 Trip

I had not posted in my blog for some time, so why not today? Although I am a retiree, I have plenty of things to do to keep me busy. I seem to have a lull in my schedule today, so instead of trying to fit in a short poker session, I present you with this. 😁

I was in Las Vegas last week during the week -- Tuesday through Saturday. I had been planning to go to Las Vegas in September and stay at NYNY, but after canceling that trip, I opted for staying at the ol' homestead, Excalibur, last week. Actually, I think the NYNY room was significantly higher last week, so maybe next time. Some Las Vegas thoughts ...

Food: 

South Point's Coronado Cafe -- I had the midnight steak and eggs special one night. The steak was not as good as it had been in the past, but who can argue with $6.95 for steak, eggs, hash browns, and toast? I also ate dinner there one day. My Rodeo Wrap was pretty tasty.

Have you ever watched any of the BrandonFromVegas videos? I enjoy watching his food videos and decided to try two places he puts near the top of his list: China Mama, and With Love, Always.

China Mama -- I went to the one in Shanghai Plaza and had Mongolian Beef. I couldn't believe that there was an extra charge for steamed rice. Cutting out unnecessity carbs seemed the best route. My entree was pretty good, not exceptional. The food others ordered looked quite appealing.

With Love, Always -- I went to the one out by Durango Casino. This restaurant is touted by some as having the best hamburger in Las Vegas. I had the All-American smashburger with lettuce and tomato added, plus the Loaded With Love fries, which had cheddar sauce, grilled onions, Love Sauce, and chopped pickles. I was disappointed by the goop added on the fries. As for the burger, it reminded me of the hamburgers at Shake Shack. It was very good, but I wouldn't drive a far distance to get one if there was a Shake Shack nearby.

Casinos:

South Point -- SP was hosting the Indian National Finals Rodeo 50th anniversary. The place was packed with cowboys and cowgirls. It was a reminder of how great Las Vegas can be. South Point always seems to be hosting meetings and competitions there. Poker was pretty good there. What a great casino!

Venetian -- I played poker and slots here. Both were a disaster this trip. I guess I can't complain too much since I was winning at poker and slots here recently. Comeuppance, I believe it is called.

Excalibur -- My favorite slots were cold this trip. Quite a disappointment.

Horseshoe -- Years ago when this casino was Bally's, it used to be my honey hole. Then, without warning, it turned on me for several years. Amazingly, I won all three sessions I played here. In my first hour or two of play, I hit a $500 high hand bonus. The Shoe is back, baby!

Meet Up Game

Luke Johnston and I arranged a MUG at South Point. We alternated each orbit with $1/2 NL and $1/2 PLO. Among the "honored" guests were Chris Abramski, Foo foo Kitty, NormInVegas, Norm's friend Bruce, Flynn & Ollie, and bigfokkerdog. As always, meet up games with friends are lots of fun. I won't divulge who I perceived were the winners and losers, except that I lost about $50. Not a bad price to pay for a night of poker fun with friends. Many thanks to the poker room manager and the dealers at South Point poker room.

 Bruce, Norm, Me, Jeff, Alysia, Chris, Luke, and Erin

Transportation

I had my car, thus was able to head to South Point a few times. I had little problem getting around driving or walking. I parked at Treasure Island when I played at Venetian and at Bellagio when I played at Horseshoe. I long for the old days of no parking fees so that free  parking could actually be at the casino where you played.

Las Vegas Vibe

I usually prefer going to Las Vegas during the week so that I don't have to deal with huge crowds. The Strip seemed awfully quiet  during the week. I never saw more than two games going at MGM, so I did not play there this trip.

Epilogue

Even when Las Vegas isn't shining as much as it has in the past, it still shines a lot. If only the corporations could look at South Point for a vision and make player-friendly changes. We can always hope.

Thanks for reading. Comments on the blog are welcomed. Until next time ... 😁