Dine Drink Vegas

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 58: The Spaghetti Incident

John makes a drink of the day which makes Bill question his life choices, and Conde Nast thinks they have something to say about balling on a budget in Las Vegas. As always, we bring you the latest news. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #drinkoftheday #dinedrinkvegas

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 57: Fall Flight

The drink of the day is the Fall Flight, where the Paper Airplane meets apple brandy. We weren't kicked out of a bar, but were instead politely asked to leave, and we probably aren't winning the ghost hunting contest at El Cortez. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #drinkoftheday #podcast #dinedrinkvegas

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 56: Billionaires and Baseball

In Episode 56, the Drink of the Day is the Billionaire. Speaking of billionaires, we disagree with Scott @VitalVegas and think that the A's stadium gets built... somehow. As always, we bring you all the latest Las Vegas news. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas
 
Episode 56: Billionaires And Baseball
 
Drink of the Day– The Billionaire Cocktail 
2 oz Bourbon (original recipe called for Bakers 107 proof)
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 oz Grenadine Syrup 1/4 oz Absinthe
Shake and strain into a martini glass or other “up”  glass. Lemon Wheel for garnish
Main Topic– 
 
The Review Journal reported on Bally’s grand plan for the complex around the A’s ballpark on the Tropicana site- from the story:“Bally’s Las Vegas will be built in phases and eventually feature 3,000 hotel rooms, a 2,500-seat, state-of-the-art theater and 500,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space, according to Bally’s.
 
The complex will be built above street level, with the main area of activity — dubbed the podium — accessible from the ground level via escalators, stairs and elevators, and via walkways from Excalibur and MGM Grand, according to Bally’s. The area will feature a 9-acre plaza that will lead fans to the main entrances of the ballpark in the northwest-facing portion of the stadium. Buildings will be built on top of portions of the plaza.”Bill- let’s talk about our thoughts on this plan for a moment…But Scott from Vital Vegas is trying to rain on this parade:
 
So… on a scale of 1-10, with 0 being no chance in hell, and 10 being a sure thing, how do we rate the odds of the stadium project happening?
News:
Scott at Vital Vegas reported rumors that Excalibur lid off some financial staff last Friday, a sign on ongoing issues with MGM Resorts
Scott also shared the Morimotos at MGM will be closed through the month of October into November for a refresh
Multiple sources shared that national treasure Dolly Parton has canceled her Vegas residency due to health issue
Eater Vegas noted the opening of Cymbiotiki Wellness Bar, a casual health food spot, has opened at Fountainblue, begging the question, who goes to Vegas for health food?
 
We reported previously on the closure of Carlos n‘ Charlie’s at The Flamingo. On September 30, Fox 5 Las Vegas reported that they had filed notice with the Nevada Department of Employment that they would be laying off all 79 employees, reminding us that the changes in Las Vegas come with a real human cost.

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 55: Let's Talk Turkey

In Episode 55, we try whiskey as it was intended to be served... neat. John walks Bill through a proper whiskey tasting, and then Bill finishes talking about the W without complaining. Along the way, we give you all the Vegas news.
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas
 
Episode 55– Let’s Talk Turkey
 
Drink of the Day– Spirit Tasting Notes: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
 
Neat:
Nose-
Taste- 
Finish 
 
Rocks notes:
 
Do you recommend? 
 
What cocktails would it work best in?
 
Main Topic– What we liked about the W
 
News
Scott at Vital Vegas reports that the Hard Rock has removed the statues of the sirens from the Mirage auction and will, instead, display them at the Hard Rock as nostalgia pieces
 
Scott and other X users had a thread observing that Emmitt’s was dark over the weekend and reservations are no longer being taken online . It looks like our value pick for steak on the Strip may be a goner
And today, Scott noted that tonight’s show at the Strat  by ventriloquist Terry Fator will be the end of his 18 year run on the Strip, dating back to winning Season 2 of America’s Got Talent
Las Vegas Weekly shared details about the new Taco Escobar which just opened in Fremont East, including details of their fair prices ($4-6 per taco) and the fact that they share ownership with Evel Pie (located just across the street) and China Town hotspot Golden Tiki
 
@thematkwrst on X reported that Excalibur now offers $5 black jack 24/7
In an X post on September 19, Las Vegas Locally said that Caesars properties on the Strip are offering 25% off food and beverage at 100+ restaurants as well as free parking to Las Vegas locals. The deal runs through October 30.
 
Do you remember the 2023 cyber attack that cost MGM $100 million where someone messed them up? Turns out it was a teenager.

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 54: The Most Important Meal of the Day

If you hurt in the morning, well, that's what you get for waking up in Vegas. John and Bill talk about the best ways to deal with that at breakfast. The Drink of the Day is the Aperol Margarita, we bring you the latest news, and our Vegas WTF section is truly WTF. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas
 
Episode 54: The Most Important Meal Of The Day
Drink of the Day:  The Aperol Margarita (compiled from a BUNCH of recipes) Ingredients
2 oz tequila blanco (sub mezcal for smoky notes)
1 oz Aperol
1 oz lime juice
2 oz orange juice (some recipes sub grapefruit) OPTIONAL- .5oz of simple for those with a sweet tooth
IceShake all the ingredients and service on the rocks. Garnish with a wedge of orange Rim may be just salted, or salted with dried orange and lime zest mixed in, or salted with Tajin
 
Main Story: 
Saturday RiRa review 
 
Sunday Border Grill Review
 
News Items
Scott at Vital Vegas reported that the  Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has added some branding and signage and a photo op to “reimagine” the ride share pick up area at Harry Reid International Airport. They didn’t fix the long waits or crowded space, sp I guess it will be a slightly nicer cluster
And Scott says that Wynn has gotten rid of OOO roulett.
He also announced a new GM at the Palms, and on X, he broke news of yet another management shakeup at troubled Hilton asset Resorts World
Las Vegas Locally broke news that MGM Resorts will dump some 800 mid-management positions, reportedly with directors, executive directors, and VPs competing for jobs.
Brock Radke at Las Vegas Weekly reports that Penn Entertainment’s recent announcement that the new hotel tower at M Resort will open in December also includes the addition of Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant Meril, which will expand from New Orleans with this location in Henderson. It’s Lagasse’s first off-Strip project in the Las Vegas area.
What Now las Vegas has coverage of the Mob Museum’s plan to open the Starlight Lounge in October- an open air cocktail venue with live music just east of the Museum
According to KSNV, the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere has sold $65,000,000 worth of tickets to 500,000 pe free dc ople. That works out to an average of $130 per ticket. Tickets went on sale June 10, and the show started August 28.
 
In Vegas WTF news, @lasvegaslocally reported that A top Las Vegas stripper has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from an Arkansas businessman who claims she defrauded him out of more than $2.1 million over a 10-year relationship.The man is suing her for $38.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 53: Mandalay Bay Pool Day

John and Bill put on their swim trunks, and to the best of our knowledge that didn't frighten anyone at the Mandalay Bay pool. The Drink of the Day is the Busted Pipe, and as always we bring you the latest Las Vegas news. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas
 
Episode 53: Mandalay Pool Day
Drink of the Day: The Busted PipeIngredients
1.5 oz  Amaro Nonino
1.5 oz  Bourbon
Garnish
1  Luxardo Cherry
1  Lemon Twist
Directions
Combine the bourbon and Amaro Nonino into a mixing glass.
Add ice.
Stir for 30 seconds.
Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
Express lemon peel oils over the cocktail. 
Garnish with the cherry and lemon twist.
Main Story: 
Bill and John dive into pool day
 
News Items
Scott at Vital Vegas reported that the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay is temporarily closed for a remodel. No opening date available but rumors say as long as 11 months is possible 
 
He also shared that Caesars Resorts was delisted on the S&P500
 
And on X, Scott and others have been sharing some new deals being offered by Vegas venues  to combat declining numbers, including $2 ice cream treats at the MGM Grand Pool, $20 buckets of beer at Westgate, $6 beers at Carnival Court, and an $18 taco plate at boujee Mexican joint Amaya at Cosmo- follow the deals with #MakeVegasAValueAgain
 
According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, starting September 19 all drinks at Center Bar at Golden Gate will be free from 6-7 p.m. every night. This comes immediately on the heels of that property removing all physical table games.
 
LET BILL TAKE THIS STORY Fox News reported on September 9 that Las Vegas buffets are a “dying breed”  in favor of food halls. Several other outlets ran with the same story, but that just doesn’t track with what I saw at Palms.
 
According to KLAS News 8, a tourist won a jackpot of almost a million dollars– $937,040, specifically– at The Linq. John/Bill, what do you do if you win that kind of money and you are on a trip like the one we took last week?
 
According to sfgate.com, Lake Mead water levels will hit their lowest levels ever over the next two years, and over the same time frame Lake Powell water levels may drop so low as to impact electricity generation.
 
We have reported previously on The Eagles extending their residency at The Sphere. According to the New York Post, they have now added 4 dates in 2026.
 
In other Sphere news, KLAS 8 News reports that The Wizard of Oz is admitting 4000-5000 people 2-3 times a day and is taking in up to $2 million dollars per day.

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 52: Customer Service-- The Good, The Bad, and the W

Apparently, the word "guarantee" doesn't mean much to MGM Rewards. It's OK, though, because the Drink of the Day is delicious and we have all of the latest Las Vegas news. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas
 
Episode 52: Customer Service? Part 3: The Good, The Bad, and the W
Drink of the Day: The Left Hand:This is a riff on the Negroni by NYC bartended Sam Ross (same guy who did the Paper Airplane) 
Ingredients:1 1/2 ounces bourbon
3/4 ounces Campari
3/4 ounces sweet vermouth
3 dashes chocolate bitters (such as Bittermen’s)
Brandied cherry, for garnish
 
Stir everything but the cherry in a mixing glass with ice, then strain into a highball glass over one single ice cube and garnish (or just be lazy and build it in your class) 
Main Story: 
Bill and John have thoughts about our W experience:John QUICKLY recaps Bill’s previous drama and yield the floor for the update
 
Bill explains what happened on arrival o Thursday and how the W tried to rectify it 
 
John talks gift card complaints
 
The boys debate- was the VIP Lounge Experience worth it this trip? 
 
News Items
Scott at Vital Vegas reported that the Flamingo is saying adios to long-time margarita bar Carlos and Charlies because there is, apparently, a master plan for the Flamingo
He also mentions (without mentioning the name) that former Cosmo breakfast joint Egg Slut has found a new home at the Rio
And the last story we’ve stolen from VV is that Project BBQ in front of Circa is getting a glow-up with a fresh look, draft beer, and a revised menu. The location is outdoors on the FSE next to the Main Stage
According to the LVRJ, the Athletics got a building permit from Clark County for the next $87 million chunk of concrete work. That tracks with what we saw with our own eyes.
Also according to the LVRJ, Resorts World revenue is up from the first quarter of this year but down from the second quarter of last year. Gaming revenue is up 8% from the first quarter but down 18% from the second quarter of last year, and occupancy was up from 78% in the first quarter to 80% in the second quarter. That’s down from 90% in the second quarter last year.
CBS News presented a complicated picture of Las Vegas visitors and revenue. In a story on August 30, they said that visitors were down for the sixth straight month even though gambling revenue is up. Traffic from Canada is down 18%, but visits from Mexico, the UK, and Australia are increasing.

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 51: Guy's Trip Preview

John makes Bill drink beer. Bill complains that it doesn't taste like whiskey. We talk about the highlights of the trip this weekend and our college football bets. We talk about all the news, including why we are pretty sure the A's actually make it to Vegas. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas 
 
Episode 51 Guys Trip Preview
Drink of the Day
Beer picks for College Football 
Bill’s 
John’s
You want something lighter, because you have a full day of football to get through. You also want it to be actual beer. So:
Modelo Especial
Any of the other Mexican beers with a similar profile. Something like a Pacifico Clara or an Estrella.
Almost nothing European, although a Stella Artois or maybe a Harp lager will do.
Cahaba Blond
And, when my Aggies start losing, just mainline vodka. 
For football games, you want beers that you can enjoy more than ne of- and since it stays hot in Texas for the first half of the season, that generally means lighter beers for me- I’ll save Guiness abd even full-bodied lagers like Sam Adams for when temps cool down closer to november
Mexican Lagers (I prefer Tecate)
Micalob Ultra (if temps are over 95)
 
Main Story: Trip Preview
 
The PLACE: THE W
 
THE PLAN:
Thursday (no John) - 
Bill gets there first. Step one– tell the lounge we would ideally like rooms on the same floor. Step 2, go to the liquor store for in room drinks.
Lunch. I am a fat kid, and I will need to eat. Is Libertine Social even open for lunch? Hmmmm…. It is not.
PROTIP– There is a shopping center across S. Las Vegas Blvd with a highly rated Indian restaurant and a highly rated Mexican restaurant. I live in Alabama, I miss spicy, and that’s honestly what I probably do. Liquor Outlet is between those two places, and there is also a gas station and convenience store nearby.
Dinner at Eiffel Tower. I paid for the good table.
We will eventually lose Zero at a craps table. I assume he sleeps on the tables.
Friday- 
Friday morning I am going to need to log in and work for an hour or two.
I am saving Ri Ra for Saturday, but hell, I may go twice
This might be an option to go to TI or downtown to gamble, but I am inclined to wait for you to do that. If not, this may be when I work in a buffet. Maybe Palms.
Atomic Golf and the Peppermill
I am going to want a cigar bar. Fortunately, there is a great option in 8 Cigar Lounge across the street from Peppermill.
Saturday- Pool Day w/ Cabana, Happy Hour @ Bourbon Steak, football and gambling
Sunday- Brunch at Border Grill. Trip downtown.Sports Betting Predictions Sure To Go Wrong (ESPN Odds)Bill’s Pigskin Prognostication:
Never bet on a team you are rooting for. It is about winning money.
Remember that the spread isn’t a prediction. It is how many points the casino has to give to get an equal amount of money bet on both teams.
Friday– Auburn minus 2.5 at Baylor. Aranda at Baylor is a great defensive mind from his LSU days, but he didn’t have an amazing defense last year against good teams. Auburn’s defense last year wasn’t terrible, and I think they have enough of an offensive spark to cover the spread.
Saturday early– Miss State -13.5 at Southern Miss. I just don’t see Southern Mississippi keeping this one that close.
Saturday early– Tennessee -13.5 at Syracuse. Same story, but I feel more strongly about it.
I also take Notre Dame -2.5 at Miami.  Any side bets?Bill- I bet that our buddy Zero will have a large amount of Fireball. I further bet that something at the pool will be overpriced.
 
John-
 
News Items
Scott at Vital Vegas reported that Iron Chef Mike Simon’s Mabel’s BBQ will be closing soon. Since that story broke, it looks like two more restaurants, included much-lauded Vetri Cucina are also closing, so a dining portfolio makeover seems in progress at The Palms 
 
Scott also posted pictures of the casino expansion at Ellis Island, which look similar much classier and more modern than the “truck stop game room” vibe we joked about last episode 
 
Twitter user Chris Holmes @seventensuited shared great photos of the progress Hard Rock has made thus far building their guitar tower- and this tower is going to be huge
 
Travel Zork and many others have shared updates on the Mirage item  auction, including the 10K opening bid on the mermaid statue from the lobby. The auction begins on Sept 20.
 
Proper Eats Food Hall announced a $24 all the draft beer you can drink offer available over this Labor Day Weekend 
 
TravelZork reports that there will be a first-ever Oktoberfest in Fremont East from September 19-21 complete with an open-air beer hall taking over East Fremont Street from Las Vegas Blvd to 7th Street (basically next to El Cortez and Container Park)
 
In a story which we didn’t lift from Scott, which feels weird to both of us, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported on August 21 that John Fisher has financing in place for the new stadium. Team president Marc Badain acknowledged that costs are likely to rise an additional 250,000,000 to 2 billion, but said the financing is in place. Interestingly, the article did not say what the financing actually is.
 
In related news, Mick Akers at the LVRJ reported August 26 that the A’s will visit Las Vegas for select home games next year. There will be a total of six games, against the Brewers from June 8 to 10 and against the Rockies from June 12 to 14. The games will be at Las Vegas Ballpark.
 
Following up on a previous story reminding you that Las Vegas is a real place where regular people actually live, the Summerlin South Little League team won the U.S. championship before falling to Taiwan in the world championship game.

Dine Drink Vegas Episode 50: Celebration!

In Episode 50, we celebrate the podcast making it this far with John and Bill each making dueling old fashioneds. We do a role reversal where Bill talks about saving money and John talks about living the high life in Las Vegas. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas
 
Drink of the Day
 
Dueling Old Fashioneds 
Bill’s 
John’s
Maker’s Mark Private Label Select
Orange Bitters
Angostura Bitters
Collins Candied Orange Peel
Amarena cherries
Brown sugar cubes
Appleton Estates 12 Rare Cask Rum
Angostura Bitters (be liberal with it)
Bar spoon of Maraschino Liquor as a sweetener 
Garnish with a lime wedge (maybe give it a squeeze) 
 
Main Story
Role reversal 
 
Bill’s Budget Tips:
Pizza is your friend
Do your gambling downtown or at Treasure Island
Go to ABC or CVS. Do not go where you limo or cab driver wants to take you.
Go during the middle of the week
Buy access to the VIP lounge. The net cost is less than you think.
 
John’s Luxury List:
Get a pool cabana - it’s worth every penny 
Try a pre-fixe French menu at least once in your life 
Order at least one high-end spirit or cocktail per day 
Pay for the room with a view
Buy access to the VIP lounge
 
News Items
Scott at Vital Vegas reported that Ceasar’s is rolling out a 280-1 bet on hitting green twice in a row on roulett, presenting it as roulett’s best bet,” even though anyone who passed 7th grade math can clearly see how foolish anyone would have to be to bet on it
He also shared that Ellis Island is launching Boomers Sports Book, named after yjhe owner’s beloved dog, not the generation who posts too much politics on Facebook
He also reported that Dinner Ross at Linq is now Dinner Ross Steakhouse, ruining the pun
And finally he shared about the new AI-driven robot that sells show tickets at Fashion Show Mall (Holy Uncanny Valley, Batman!)
According to Fox 5 Vegas, Vegas visitor volume was down 11.3% in June. However, that still left 3,000,000 people visiting that month. Interestingly, the Strip seems to have been hit harder than downtown and outlying areas.

Dine Drink Vegas Episode 49: How the Tables Have Turned

In Episode 49, John and Bill- shocker!- have different opinions on the Golden Gate's decision to eliminate table games while keeping the Poop and Pour. We also read the news about As baseball a little bit differently than Scorr at Vital Vegas. The Drink of the Day is the Paper Airplane, which crosses the Luxury Lounge/Baller on a Budget Barrier. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel
 
Drink of the Day
The Paper Airplane, invented in 2008 by famed New York bartended Sam Ross as a variation on The Last Word, a classic cocktail we haven’t gotten around to yet
Ingredients:
3/4 ounce bourbon
3/4 ounce Aperol
3/4 ounce Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Shaken and served up, garnished with a lemon peel
Main Story
According to Scott at Vital Vegas, the Golden Gate on Fremont Street is removing all of their live table games in favor of electronic table games. Dealers are being offered table game roles at Circa or D, and also have the option of other roles at Golden Gate. We have thoughts(John explains why he is for this)
 
News Items
According to the Las Vegas Review Journal and other sources, they have started to pour actual concrete at the As construction site. It is tied to foundation work on the project. In seemingly related news, Scott at Vital Vegas tweeted a photo Saturday morning of the unfinished stadium in Sacramento where they poured concrete in 1989.
 
According to KSNV, Lake Mead water levels are going back down after a better stretch the last couple of years. They are 7 feet lower than 2023 and 2024, and it is presently projected to reach its lowest level ever recorded in 2027.
 
In a reminder that Las Vegas and its suburbs is a place where real people actually live when they aren’t on vacation, Fox 5 reports that Summerlin South Little League defeated Lone Peak Little League from Alpine, Utah 6-3 to advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It is the third year in a row that a team from Las Vegas made it that far.
 
According to the New York Post, tipping is down drastically in Las Vegas. Some servers are saying it is down by half, blaming various causes. One cocktail waitress said she used to average 80 cents a drink and now averages 10. A supervisor at Pinxbox donuts said he used to get $200 a week in credit card tips and now gets between 100-150.