Dine Drink Vegas

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 48: Customer Service Rant Part 2

Bill goes on an epic rant about MGM Rewards customer service, and John makes a Drink of the Day- The Iron Ranger- with way too many ingredients. Along the way we talk about all of the Vegas news, and for once we get serious right at the end.
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel
 
Episode 48: Customer Service? Part 2
 
Drink of the Day- Iron RangerThis bourbon-based modern tiki drink comes from Raised by Wolves in San Diego 
Ingredients:
2 oz. bourbon (Original recipe uses Maker's Mark Cask Strength)
¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. pineapple juice
½ oz. falernum
½ oz. simple syrup (1:1)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
 
This drink should be shaken, then strained into a tall glass, such as a hurricane glass, a tiki mug, or just a pint glass, that is full of crushed or pebble ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 
Feature Story:
 
Mini feature? We follow up on the main story from last week by talking about how the eventually responded.We
News
Scott at Vital Vegas reports that beloved taco joint Pinche’s Tacos has closed at Container Park, blaming increased operating costs and decreased foot traffic. The other Vegas location remains open, but in a location not suited for tourists 
 
Scott also says Eater is cutting 15 staff members, likely including some city-specific writers. We hope this doesn’t impact Eater Vegas
Eater Vegas has dropped a listicle and map of what they say are the hot new brunches in Vegas
Casino.org reports that the A’s have their first investor in Aramark Sports+Entertainment, a philadelphia subsidiary of the company better known for running hospital and college cafeterias, is investing a total of $175 million into the franchise, including 75M of capital expenditures. They also will run concessions in the new stadium, as they did for the ‘s in Oakland.
The same outlet shares that Tillman Fertitta has “officially suspended” his plans to build on the Strip, which has been unofficially suspended for a long time, so nobody is really surprised  , 
 
According to KSNV and other sources, two-Michelin-star Gymkhana will be coming to the Aria this Fall. The original location is in London.
 
According to NBC and most of the internet, Kelly Clarkson has postponed her remaining August residency date so she could  be “fully present” for her children as her ex-husband battles illness. He passed away on August 7th
 
According to the Associated Press, the Venetian has just signed a contract with the Culinary Workers Union. That means all major casinos on the Strip are now unionized. What makes Las Vegas defy the national trends on unionization?

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 47: Customer Service?

Several episodes ago, we asked whether M Life cutbacks would impact customer service. In Episode 47, Bill goes on an epic tant to sat they did. Later, John goes on a rant to complain about Paris Las Vegas charging someone 50 bucks to plug in their laptop. Along the way, the Drink of the Way is the Corn n' Oil and we share all the latest Vegas news. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel
 
Episode 47: Customer service?
 
Drink of the Day- Corn ‘n’ OilIngredients:
2 ounces blackstrap rum (or aged Barbados rum)
1/2 ounce falernum
1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
3 dashes Angostura bitters (Bill interjects about the John definition of “3 dashes”)
Garnish: lime wedge
 
This drink is built in the glass. Fill a rocks glass with ice, then add the lime juice, falernum, and bitters, and stot (yes, normally, you shake when lime justice is involved- just go with it)
Then float your dark rum gently on top and garnish with a lime peel 
Feature Story:We previously covered MGM properties laying off concierges and bell hops, shiting many responsibilities to other staff. This made us wonder if stretching the staff thin would have any negative impacts on the quality of customer care and the overall guest experience. Bill now has a story he’d like to tell, we we will discuss:
 
For our upcoming Labor Day trip to the W, my buddy Mike and I have connecting rooms. I decided to price out what a two bedroom suite would be, and that meant cancelling my original room for I could see the MLife discount. The two bedroom suite cost more with less space, so I decided to go back to my original room. Unfortunately, the original deal was gone and I was going to have to pay another 2-300 bucks.
That’s not a legal or an ethics problem. That’s just poor customer service. A customer should be able to price out what an alternative room type would be without losing the deal they already have.
 
At this point in the story I am still in a reasonably good mood, so I spent an hour a day over four days in mid-June trying to book the new deal. I could see the price, but the MLife website wouldn’t let me book it. That meant I had to call in.
It shouldn’t be so hard to give MLife my money. Unfortunately, you and our other friends are at this hotel, so its not like I could easily change hotels.
 
Here is where the customer service failing became a real problem. I called in and was quoted the same price I could see on the website. I agreed to it. The agent took my payment and charged me for the first room. Then, AFTER SHE AGREED TO A PRICE AND HAD ALREADY TAKEN THE PAYMENT ON ONE OF THE ROOMS, she said the second room was no longer available and that I would have to pay roughly an additional $800.
 
I physically mailed MLife customer service on June 20, and they received the letter at 5:24 a.m. on June 24. They never responded.
 
I emailed them on Sunday at 3:53 p.m. I got an auto-response, but as of Wednesday have no real response.
News
Scott at Vital Vegas is reporting what he labels a “rumor” that the Downtown Grand has stopped paying their vendors. He states that he has talked to some of the vendors.
And Scott broke news at TI is now partnering with Accor, a world-wide hotel operator that partners with a number of brands that, to be delicate, is underwhelming- including names no longer gracing Vegas properties such as SLS and Delano.
Scott also broke news of a GREAT financial quarter at Red Rock, showing that locals casinos are doing just fine while the Strip continues to lose ground
And one more stolen from Scott, chef-driven smash burger NADC Burger (Not A Damn Chance) is open as a pop-up in the old Suns Out Buns Out location at Resorts World.
EaterVegas’ Jannet Karel reports that NaughtyPatty, the Smashburger joint at Cosmo’s Block 16 Food Hall opened on July 28, giving the property a replacement for the shuttered Holsteins, which has moved to the Arts District
She also shared that Dave’s Hot Chicken is now open at Terminal D at the Airport. No word if airlines are upgrading airplane lavatories on departing flights to prepare for regrettable spicy chicken decisions by hungover tourists leaving Las Vegas
According to Travel and Leisure, MGM Grand is amidst a 300M renovation to their rooms and suites. The first of those rooms are available to book now, and the rest will be available by year’s end.(Travel Ruby already has a video showing off one of the new Grand King rooms along with a few other new facilities on the property) 
 
According to CNBC, The Las Vegas Sphere will soon screen 1939′s “The Wizard of Oz” in a new immersive film experience. The project places viewers inside the world of Oz using the Sphere’s 160,000-square-foot wraparound screen. The film will play in 16K resolution with full spatial audio using 167,000 speakers and haptic seating, according to a June press release.
On a related note, Twitter user Chris Holmes reported that the Love sign at Venetian/Palazzo, reportedly to make way for a Wizard of Oz add
 
According to Newsweek, Las Vegas hotel occupancy is down 17% in early July to a total of 66.7%.
 
VEGAS WTF View From the Wing is reporting that a visitor at the Paris Las Vegas was charged $50 for unplugging a cord from the wall so she could plug in her laptop. The Paris responded that the charge was legitimate, because there was a sign telling her not to do this. That sign was on the minibar tray, which was not located near the plug. There was not another convenient place to plug in.

Dine Drink Vegas Episode 46: Summer Odds and Ends

In #podcast Episode 46, John and Bill have a full and frank exchange of views on the wisdom of certain craps bets while talking about their favorite #lasvegas Youtubers. The Drink of the Day is the Brown Derby, and as always we bring you the latest Las Vegas news. Come travel with us!
#dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravels
 
Episode 46- Late July Odds and Ends
 
Drink of the Day- The Brown DerbyThis 1930s classic has Hollywood roots, named after the famed L.A. dinner, and once popular among the early West Coast celebs who brought a bit of glam to early Vegas
1 1/2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 ounce honey syrup
 
No Main Story- Just News (YouTuber talk built into news- you had suggested that so let’s do it in news context) 
 
News
The Houston Chronicle is throwing shade on Golden Nugget own and big Wynn stakeholder Tilman Fertitta for NOT moving forward with his planned Post Oak resort on Las Vegas Blvd and Harmon Ave, instead leaving a parking lot where Texas-themed luxury was once promised. Like they say, everything is bigger in Texas, including talking smack at our billionaires
YouTuber Lydia, friend of Norma, recently profiled the Prime Time Wine and Dine menu at Scotch 80 Prime Steakhouse at The Palms- it may not be new, but we didn't know about it
Let’s talk YouTubers besides Dine Drink Vegas for a minute- Bill’s Recomendations- Norma Geli, Turn it Up World, I am starting to do more of a “Best Of” series on the channelJohn’s Recommendations- Jacob’s Life In Vegas, Color Up, and Travel Ruby - honorable mention to Pennys For Vegas, who looks my me brother from another mother
Multiple outlets report that much-lauded breakfast joint Suns Out Buns Out is down and out at Resorts World
 Scott at Vital Vegas warns against the “Hard All Day” craps bet that’s been popping up in casinos everywhere without the help of little blue pills.At least one host of this podcast doesn’t chase long-shot craps bets AND ONE OF US WINS BIG!
Scott at Vital Vegas shares that Taco Escobar has opened in the former Smashed Pig location in Fremont East- following up on a story he broke previously
Casino.org is reporting that investor sentiment is souring on casino chains, even though their stock prices are up 9% over the last month.

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 45: Mob Law

Las Vegas has not always been the shiny corporate metropolis that it is today. On Episode 45, we watch the 1998 Documentary Mob Law (free on YouTube) https://youtu.be/j03S9Rif0uM?si=GX3vYEt-HqB9tYvR and take you back to Old Vegas and look at the legal career of Oscar Goodman and the clients he defended. The Drink of the Day gets Bill kicked out of the luxury lounge, and in Vegas WTF News at least one establishment is now charging tips on tips. Come travel with us!
#dinedrinkvegas #podcast #lasvegas
 
Episode 45: Mob Law
 
Drink of the Day- The Water Bottle Challenge
In Vegas, drinks can be expensive, but the ABC Store, Walgreens, CVS, and Target have affordable mini bottles and water bottles- so this is our guide to making a tasty, cheap drink with a little help from the corner store1 bottle of cold water
1 powdered drink mix packet
1 or 2 mini-bottles
Main Story- Vegas Legend Oscar Goodman1998 Documentary Mob Law (free on YouTube) https://youtu.be/j03S9Rif0uM?si=GX3vYEt-HqB9tYvR
 
Let’s talk about:
Oscar’s steps into becoming a mob lawyer 
His ethical code while dealing with the underworld 
His conflict with the FBI
The importance of criminal defense in our Republic
News
According to Eli Segall with the Las Vegas Review Journal, Las Vegas has the second highest unemployment in the country amongst metro areas with at least 1 million people. Vegas unemployment is 5.5% against a national average of 4%.
 
Jacob’s Life In Vegas reported that a new law “banning” fake THC shops- they can still opperarew but must clearly disclose that their products are just CBD
 
Scott at Vital Vegas says the Rolling Stone plan to buy the Downtown Grand is officially dead, this as low occupancy drives rumors of layoffs 
 
He also reports that Grand Bazaar Shops karaoke bar Bourbon Parade has been rebranded as the Smelly Cat, a timely pop culture reference if tomorrow is going to be January 1, 1999 
 
And following up on Scott’s original story, Eater Vegas shared details about Carbon Rivera, which will, and we quote, “Carbone Riviera marks a new chapter for the brand, one with a sharper focus on seafood. Developed in partnership between Major Food Group and MGM Resorts International, the restaurant will feature a centerpiece display showcasing Dungeness and king crab, oysters, langoustines, ricci di mare sea urchins, and razor clams sprawled over ice. Daily flown-in seafood will support whole-fish preparations like salt-baked branzino and grilled Dover sole. Signature Carbone dishes — including spicy lobster meatballs and spicy rigatoni vodka — will also appear on the menu, along with a decadent two-pound lobster pasta.”
 
Eater Vegas also announced that Spiegelworld has just brought a circus-themed dinner show called The Party to Cosmo.The intimate 50-seat dinner theater will pair an Italian pre-fixe menu with circus acts. The two-hour experience will run $150 for dinner and a show, plus tax, tip, and booze 
 
According to Yahoo Finance, there is a record 7 billion dollars worth of homes on the market in Las Vegas. The median home price is $480,000 against an all time high of $485,000 and a national median of $441,000. Las Vegas appears to no longer be the haven of affordability that it once was
 
In Vegas WTF news, Scott @ Vital Cegas shared a recipe from Ole Red that has us seeing red.

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 44: The Morning After

Vegas involves choices. In Episode 44, John and Bill talk about how to deal with the morning after making too many typical Las Vegas choices. The Drink of the Day is the Italian Gentlemen, the YouTube channels have a million views, and as always we bring you the latest Las Vegas news!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas 
Episode 44: Dealing With The Morning After
Drink of the Day- The Italian Gentleman
 
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces Campari
1 1/2 ounces bourbon
3/4 ounce lemon juice
1/4 ounce simple syrup
Dash of orange bitters (optional)
 
Shake with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel. 
Main Story- What To Do When You Over Vegas
Bill’s morning cure:
Ri Ra or 7th and Carson
Steam room at the spa
In. Room. Coffee.
Pork products and a Bloody Mary.John’s Survival Strategies:
Pregame with electrolytes and vitamin B
Hydrate before, during, and after
Don’t go hard the night before departure
Shower, coffee, bacon- repeat if necessary 
 
News
Bill- The Guardian, in a July 2 story debating whether the As stadium ever gets actually built, notes that construction costs are increasing daily and that John Fisher has seen costs rise from 1.5B to 1.75B– an increase of $250,000,000 for a project that already has strained financing.
 
John- Scott @ Vital Vegas is reporting “substantial layoffs” at Treasure Island amongst room attendants, cooks, servers, and bartenders.
 
Bill- Chelsea Leite, writing for SBNation.com, says the dynasty era for the Las Vegas Aces may be over. After winning the championship in 2022 and 2023 and making a strong run in 2024, they are as of July 5 sitting at 8-9 on the season. They are 10th in points per game, 12th in field goal percentage, and 11th in assists per game. What do you think about catching major sports in Las Vegas?
 
John- According the the New York Post and multiple other sources, Kelly Clarkson cancelled the Independence Day debut of her new residency at Caesars, blaming tired vocal chords in preparing for the show and wanting it to be perfect. The cancellation happened hours before the show. What would fair be to the fans if you have travelled to Vegas just to see this show? What would happen to your refund if you bought the ticket on the secondary market?
 
Bill- Fox 5 and other sources are reporting that there was a fire in a storage room in the parking structure at the Cromwell. Sprinklers contained the fire, and the Las Vegas Fire Department responded to the scene. Pictures show smoke billowing out of the parking garage.
 
John- According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, the 2028 Final Four will be held in Allegiant Stadium. Do you remember when major sports were still hesitant to go to Vegas?
 
Bill- According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, Carbone– which already has an outpost at Aria-i will be moving into the space in Bellagio previously occupied by Picasso. (We shared Scott at VV’s post predicting this in Episode 42)
 
John- Neon Feast and Neon News (Al Mancini, Gemini Stevens, and crew) have shared their list restaurants with a view, compiled by Vegas Food and Beverage Industry insiders they interviewed
 
Bill- Our YouTube channels have collectively passed the 1,000,000 view mark.
 

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 37: The Lowdown on Rooftop Drinking

The Drink of the Day is a Sazerac, and as always we bring you the latest Las Vegas news. John and Bill also discuss which Vegas rooftop bars are worth your time, and we give a shoutout to our growing audience from Ireland. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #ireland #dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 43: Land of the Free, Home of the Fun

In Episode 43, John and Bill talk about what inhibitions they lose when they go to Vegas. The drink of the day is an Orange Daiquiri, and as always we bring you all of the latest Las Vegas news. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas 

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 42: Las Vegas Time Machine

John and Bill go back in time to talk about Las Vegas moments they missed. The drink of the day is a Lemon Basil Mojito, and as always we bring you all of the Las Vegas news. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas 

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 41: Adult Swim

A #poolday is a great way to enjoy #lasvegas, and we give you the inside info. The Drink of the Day is the Red Raider, which Bill has re-christened the Alabama Porch Lemonade. Things get weird when Bill is nice to John, and always we bring you the latest Las Vegas news. Enjoy #podcast Episode 41!

Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 40: Bill's Excellent Vegas Adventure

Bill literally took the limo to the luxury lounge, where he discovered that Lemongrass at Aria is great and Cipriani at Wynn is not. The drink of the day is a tequila daiquiri, and our wives make a guest appearance on the podcast, where they are shocked to find us drinking.
 
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel