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D-Vision's Las Vegas Food
Gambling is fun, but without the food, Las Vegas wouldn't
be worth a long trip.  Nothing like eating a gourmet dinner
for the price of a Happy Meal.  Where else in the world
can you get a $6.00 prime rib dinner, 24 hours a day?
And buffets with gourmet food, endless sushi, crab, lobster,
steaks, desserts... mmm Vegas...  Just writing this paragraph
has me planning my next trip to Vegas...

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My Top 5 Places to Eat in Vegas
(10/17/07)
They might not be the swankiest or most elegant
places in the city, in fact, they're not, but they
fit into my modest budget.  Especially since
I don't play enough to get anything comped...
(Playing penny slots works up an appetite.)

#5  The Prime Rib at the Cal:
This used to rate higher.  I don't mind losing some money
gambling a little in the casino, but I really don't want to lose
my stomach and bowel movements at a casino.  They're
still some reports of people getting sick, although, we've
eaten there more than a few times this year without any
incidents.  The Prime Rib is usually big and it comes with an
All-You-Can-Eat Salad Bar and Cherries Jubilee for dessert!
Sometimes it's worth the gamble to eat the cherries jubilee!
At $7.99, it is an incredible value...

#4  The Gourmet Buffet at the Bellagio:
We haven't ate there at all lately, which is probably why it
is this low on the list.  I love the food and the decorations as
everything looks and tastes amazing.  Where else can you
have All-You-Can-Eat Beef Wellington or Kobe Beef or Venizon
(whatever floats your boat...)  The thing I don't like about this
buffet is the long line.  I'll pay the high price, but I don't like
waiting in line for an hour to eat...
I'm hungry now!

#3  Sonic Drive-In:
Yes, the fast food drive in cracks the top 5.  I'm from SoCal
where the closest Sonic is in Anaheim, so we don't get to
eat this very often.  The thing to get there is not the crazy
sandwiches (like the philly cheese steak in a hot dog bun),
but their drinks.  My favorite is the Fresh Fruit Slush that comes
in Lime, Lemon-Berry, and Strawberry (my choice).  And you
can get an insane Route 44oz drink for around 50 cents
more than a small size.  Don't confuse this drink with their
Cream Slushes or Limeades, which are okay...
Their food is the standard fair, with my favorite
being the Coney Hot Dog (chili cheese extra long hot dog)
and the Sonic Breakfast Burrito (egg, sausage, tater tots,
onions, & jalapenos) Mmmm, a heart attack waiting to happen!
The Sonic we visit is on Flamingo, across the street from
the Palms Casino.

#2  Makino:
I haven't tried the newer locations, as I usually just eat at the
Makino at the Outlet on the way to downtown.  I just can't
seem to pass up All-You-Can-Eat sushi and tempura.
They added hand scooped ice cream to the menu, which
appeals to me as well.  At dinner you can eat sashimi
and Crab Legs.

#1  The Wynn Buffet:
One of the reasons the Bellagio buffet has dropped lower
is because we've been eating the Wynn Buffet, more and more.
We love the food their just as much as the Bellagio
(King Crab Legs, Prime Rib, Pizza, Ribs, Shrimp)
but the Wynn might edge out the Bellagio when it comes
to dessert.  Such a great selection and their homemade
ice cream does float my boat.  A really short line makes
this our favorite as it is easy to get right to business
when you arrive.  (okay, there was a long line once, but
that was because it was during the Christmas crush)

Honorable Mention:
The breakfast buffet at the Green Valley Ranch

The Garden Buffet
at the new Sun Coast Casino
(05/24/06)
This review is based upon the Sunday Brunch buffet.
(no illegal pictures were taken!)

The Good:
A new buffet experience is always a good thing.  We arrived
around noon, not the optimum time for going to lunch at a casino,
but traffic wasn't that cooperative.  The first thing we did was go
to the player's club booth as they give away 'buy 1, get 1 free'
buffet coupons when you sign up for the club card.  I actually 
had a Coast card from years ago at the Gold Coast casino,
so I was denied a coupon book...  (pretty please???)

When we arrived at the buffet, I was expecting a long line
as there was a long line to eat at their regular coffee shop.
To my surprise the line was short!  I'm guessing the locals
aren't going to shell out $11.95 from their gambling fund
to eat lunch.  (or the buffet must be quite terrible)
We used our 2 for 1 coupon and I gave her my club card
to see if there were any points I could use.  Surprise
number two was that I had enough points to cover the buffet
Nothing like found money, even if it is only $13.00.

The buffet was your standard station variety, with Asian,
Mexican, Italian, American, Dessert and Salad stations.
The food was pretty good and they served Mountain Dew!
I had a couple of nice slices of Prime Rib along with your  
everyday shrimp/bacon/onion/green pepper/tomato/green onion/
cheese omelete.  For dessert, I had a piece of pound
cake with pineapple topping and soft ice cream.
Other items that I sampled were chocolate waffles,
peel and eat shrimp, taco bar, peach pie, and corned beef hash.

The Bad:
There is one huge negative to this casino/buffet.
It is located about 9 miles south of the strip, which isn't
that bad of a thing until you see that there is no freeway
exit anywhere near this casino.  You have to take the Lake
Mead exit on the 15 and then drive 9 miles to the casino
or take the Pathrump(sp?) exit and drive 5 miles.
Couldn't they have dropped a million bucks into the
local councilman's pocket and have him okay an off ramp?

If you're looking for a gourmet buffet, don't bother making this
drive.  If you'd like to see a new casino and eat at your
standard Las Vegas buffet, this is a definite option.
The buffet isn't anything spectacular, but we enjoyed the lunch
and the casino.

Location:
South Coast Casino
9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89123

Hours & Price:
Breakfast, Monday - Saturday = 7:00am - 10:00am, $6.45
Lunch, Monday - Saturday = 11:00am - 3:00pm, $7.45
Dinner, Sunday - Friday = 4:00pm - 9:00pm, $12.95
Brunch, Sunday = 8:00am - 3:00pm, $11.95
Dinner, Friday & Saturday = 4:00pm - 10:00pm, $12.95
Monday Steak night dinner = 4pm - 9pm, $13.95
Wednesday Seafood night dinner = 4pm - 9pm, $16.95
Phone: (866) 796 - 7111

D-vision Score:

4 fresh lychee out of 5

only $6.50 each

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The Wynn Buffet
(02/15/06)
This review is based upon a weekday lunch & dinner buffet.
(featuring illegal pictures of their buffet... shhh!)

mini seafood salads in small glasses.
rock shrimp, poki, ceviche, and I don't remember what else.

The Good:
Whenever I try a new gourmet buffet, it is going to be quite
a fun adventure.  This buffet didn't disappoint!  It is just as good
as the Bellagio buffet.  Great atmosphere and a great variety
of food with excellent service.  Jumbo cocktail shrimp, homemade
ice cream (7 flavors?), poki salad (pictured above), prime rib,
flank steak, Carolina baby back ribs, vegetable wellington,
candied apples, lemon tarts, and that's just for lunch.

Why didn't I fill my plate more?
It was my 5th plate... when I remembered to take a picture.

With dinner comes the Alaskan king crab legs,
risotto bar (like an omelete station), won ton bar,
lamb chops, salmon sushi, and more.  I am regretting
not eating more as I am writing this review...

thick cuts of salmon aren't just on top of the rice...
they are wrapped around the rice

For dessert, their handmade ice cream was excellent!
We tried the rich chocolate, coffee, pineapple sherbet, and
vanilla.  They had a lemon tart that was excellent as well
as a strawberry creme dessert.  Too full to try the cakes and
cheesecake.  The candied apple went over well with my wife!
as did the lychee nut/fruit???

The Bad:
Dinero, moolah, bones, benjamins,... Money!
$20 for lunch and even $32 for dinner is a little steep.
Especially when there is no alcohol included.
I'm sure the lines are long, especially on the weekends
and holidays.  And while waiting for the buffet to open,
you can lose quite a bit of money gambling.

Location:
The buffet is located inside the Wynn Casino
3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Hours & Price:
(alcoholic drinks not included)
Breakfast, Monday - Friday = 8:00am - 10:30am, $14.95
Lunch, Monday - Friday = 11:00am - 3:30pm, $19.95
Dinner, Sunday - Friday = 4:00pm - 10:00pm, $31.95
Champagne Brunch, Saturday - Sunday = 8:00am - 3:30pm, $29.95
Dinner, Friday & Saturday = 4:30pm - 10:00pm, $33.95
Phone: (702) 693 - 7111

D-vision Score:

5 fresh lychee nuts/fruit out of 5

The Buffet (Bellagio)
Weekend Brunch
The previous review of this buffet was based off of
the Gourmet Buffet served on Friday nights, Saturday nights,
and Holidays.  This review is of the weekend Brunch,
which is $21.95, plus $6.00 is you want champagne.

The Good (Brunch):
Where to start... I began at the omelete/egg station and
had a delicious (real) crab, mushroom, and onion omelete
with cheddar cheese.  Trying to decide what ingredients to add
to the omelete was a task as there is a list of about 15 things,
like bacon, ham, shrimp, spinach, bell pepper, etc..  Most breakfast
buffets offer an omelete station, but few offer the crab and shrimp.
I also enjoyed jumbo shrimp (the kind you get in a fancy shrimp
cocktail), a bacon-cheddar cheese-chicken-barbeque pizza,
a pesto-rock shrimp pizza, prime rib, chicken wellington, fresh
fruit, fresh guacamole, ginger salmon, pasta, and more.
Another impressive feature to this buffet is a pancake
station, where a chef will prepare pancakes for you with
your choice of ingredients like chocolate chips, fruits, and nuts.
I almost forgot to mention the french toast, which was excellent
because they prepare it right in front of you.  It tasted so much
better than the regular soggy french toast you normally get
at buffets.  I saw people attacking the plates of California
roll sushi with real alaskan king crab.  I tried some, it was okay.
The dessert station didn't have the selection that you get at
dinner time, but I had little room for dessert anyways.
(we were so full, we didn't eat again until after midnight)

The Bad (Brunch):
$21.95... this buffet is always pricey.
That's over two rolls of quarters...
There is always a line, unless you go when it opens.
We got there on a Saturday at about 11:30am and spent
a half an hour in line.  (not bad)  When we left, the line was longer
than when we got there.  If you ever have been to the Bellagio,
you know that there are always tons of people walking around
in the casino.  No matter where you go or where you want to
go, you run into people.  In other words, the Bellagio
is always crowded!
(Also, on their Bonus Poker machines, you only get 30 coins
for a full house... ouch!)

Location:
The buffet is located inside the Bellagio Casino,
along the west wall. 
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Price:
(alcoholic drinks not included)
Monday - Friday = Breakfast $12.95
Monday - Friday = Lunch $15.95
Monday - Friday = Dinner $24.95
Saturday - Sunday = Brunch $21.95
Saturday - Sunday = Gourmet Dinner $31.95
Children 2 and under eat free.
Holiday menus are priced higher for dinner.

Hours:
Breakfast, Monday - Friday = 8:00am - 10:30am
Lunch, Monday - Friday = 11:00am - 3:30pm
Dinner, Monday - Friday = 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Champagne Brunch, Saturday - Sunday = 8:00am - 4:00pm
Gourmet Dinner, Saturday - Sunday = 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Phone: (702) 693 - 7111
Special Menus and Hours on Holidays.

Spice Market Buffet
(01/12/05)
Aladdin Hotel/Casino

The Good (Dinner):
This buffet is always voted one of the best in Las Vegas.
It features the King Crab Legs that every premium buffet
has along with stations from America, Asia, Italy, the Middle
East, Mexico, and an excellent dessert section.  They feature
some sushi (tuna, salmon, and unagi) as well as cocktail shrimp
lamb kabobs, sirloin steak, crab cakes, etc...
The price of the dinner buffet is $19.99 (everyday), which is much
cheaper than the Bellagio gourmet buffet, $31.95  (and only
served on Friday and Saturday).

The Bad (Dinner):
The buffet opened at 4:00pm for dinner on a Tuesday.
Because of the rain and traffic, we didn't arrive until 4:45pm.
(we left downtown at 3:15pm and I took the backroads, not
the insanely crowded freeway.)  The line was already quite long,
but after 20 minutes, the line doubled.  It took an hour and a half
in line to finally reach the escalator that takes you down to the
buffet.  Now, don't get too happy, like us, when they finally let
you down the escalator, because there is another winding line
downstairs.  (It's like Disneyland)  Upon finally getting seated, 
had to get in line to get some crab legs.  Granted you have to
stand in line at the Bellagio to get crab legs also, but at least
the Bellagio has two stations for crab legs, the Aladdin only
has one.  All that said, I did enjoy the buffet!

Location:
Aladdin Hotel Casino
3667 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Price:
Just as complicated as the original...
Monday - Friday = Breakfast 8:00am - 10:30am $11.99
Monday - Friday = Lunch 11:00am - 2:30pm $14.99
Monday - Sunday = Dinner 4:00pm - 9:30pm $19.99
Weekdays = Champagne Brunch 8:30am - 2:30pm $17.99
(These prices may not be accurate.)

Hours:
Monday - Friday = Breakfast 8:00am - 10:30am
Monday - Friday = Lunch 11:00am - 2:30pm
Monday - Sunday = Dinner 4:00pm - 9:30pm
Weekdays = Champagne Brunch 8:30am - 2:30pm
Phone: (702) 785 - 9005
kkawana@aladdincasino.com

Makino Restaurant #2
(06/23/04)
Now Open

The Good (Dinner):
Only minutes from Downtown Las Vegas and you don't
need to take the freeway!  The food is just as good and
it's not as crowded (yet) as the original Makino.
Crab Legs, Sushi, Sashimi, Oysters, Tempura, Desserts, etc.
We went when it opened on a Friday night and it wasn't
crowded at all the whole time we were there!

The Bad (Dinner):
It is a pricey meal if you don't enjoy seafood and sushi.
Walking off your meal, you may spend more
money while shopping at the Outlet Mall.
I bought a pair of shoes at the Nike Outlet Store.

Makino's Location:
775 S Grand Central Parkway #1301
Las Vegas, NV 89106
Located inside the Premium Outlet Mall
(park in the back)

Price:
Just as complicated as the original...
(drinks not included)
Monday - Thursday = Lunch $13.95, Dinner $21.95
Friday - Sunday = Lunch $14.95, Dinner $22.95
Babies who can't stand = Free
Children 3 feet or shorter = Free
Children between 3 feet & 4 feet = Lunch $4.95, Dinner $5.95
Children between 4 feet & 5 feet = Lunch $6.95, Dinner $10.95
Seniors 65 and over = 20% off
(These prices may not be accurate.)

Hours:
Lunch, Monday - Thursday = 11:30am - 2:30pm
Lunch, Friday - Sunday = 11:30am - 3:00pm
Dinner, Everyday = 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Phone: (702) 382 - 8848/ (702) 889 - 0099
makinopremium@earthlink.net
They take reservations.

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Food Poisoning/Norwalk Virus at the Cal
(03/16/04)
I'm sure (I hope) you've heard something about this...
The initial number was 103, then 284, but has exploded
to over 1000 people getting sick with food poisoning symptoms
after their trip to Las Vegas.  The investigation is ongoing.
1,174 people (not just from Hawaii) have reported being sick
(with the Norwalk virus) since December 3rd, 2003.
The Norwalk Virus can be spread through eating
contaminated food and by touching a contaminated surface,
like a hand rail or a poker machine, and then putting
your hand in your mouth.  It is the same virus that had infected
some of the cruise ships.  The Cal has cleaned their casino,
bathrooms, kitchens, rooms, etc. in an effort to wipe out the virus.
The best way to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands
frequently.

For more info look into these articles:
New Articles (3/19/04)
The Maui News
KTVU News with video
USA Today Article
Honolulu Advertiser
"More Returning from Vegas with Norwalk Virus"
"Vegas virus sickened 49 this month"
"Number of Vegas virus cases climbs to 1,174"
WebMD
"Viral Gastroenteritis"

Why haven't I heard anything?  Why wasn't I warned?
I'm sure the casino didn't want this to get out while they
were investigating the source of the problems.
Many people are angry because this has been an ongoing
problem (since December) that the customers and hotel guests
were not made aware of.  Now, there are warnings in the room,
and all of the employees are wearing gloves. 
So, be warned and let others know...

If you went to Vegas and had a stomach flulike illness:
You should report it to the Clark County Health District:
(702) 383-1378  epidemiology section.

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Prime Rib Dinner at the Cal
Mmm Cherries Jubilee...
Possibly the best bargain in downtown Las Vegas.
For the price of a supersized Big Mac meal, you get
a complete three course meal...
with all the atmosphere of your local coffee shop...
good or bad...

The Good:
I've probably eaten this meal over 25 times, which is
sad and amazing when I think about it... anyways, it
doesn't disappoint as it starts off with an all-you-can-eat
salad bar, which features an imitation crab salad.
There is always a few different specialty salads along with
the usual lettuce & accessories.  There is also pears or peaches
that you can eat with cottage cheese...
The prime rib is a decent size (1/2 pound?) that comes with your
choice of potato or rice and the vegetable of the day.  The meal
is finished off with Cherries Jubilee... mmm Cherries Jubilee.
Warm cherries in juice topped with ice cream, whipped cream,
and a flaky cracker...  mmm Cherries Jubilee...
All this for $5.99?   I'd pay $5.99 for the Cherries Jubilee.

The Bad:
Let's face it... you will be eating this in a coffee shop.
Maybe once or twice in my 25 experiences with this meal
the meat has come out dry.  Usually it is tender and juicy.
Remember, you are eating a $5.99 prime rib dinner, so don't
expect a house cut (2 inches thick, slow roasted all day, melt
in your mouth) you would get for a $25.99 prime rib dinner.
Get in line at 4pm or watch out, the line to the coffee shop
tends to extend into the casino...

Location:
The coffee shop is located inside the Cal
1st floor, in the Northwest corner.
12 Ogden Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Price:
Prime Rib Dinner - $5.99

Hours:
Only served during dinner
7 days a week = 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Phone: (800) 634 - 6505

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Makino Restaurant
Finding Nemo Sushi
This is a hoax!
Even though it is a hoax, it's still a cool picture.

Makino's II:
There will be a new Makino Restaurant built in the new
Outlet Center in Las Vegas, close to Downtown.  The new
outlets are now open, but the restaurant will be opened
later this year.  Will it be as good as the original?
We'll have to give it a try and see...
(The outlets are located right off of the Charleston West
exit on the 15 North.)

Makino's Location:
3965 South Decatur in the Renaissance West Shopping Plaza
The plaza is located on the NW corner of Flamingo & Decatur.

Price:
More complicated than you would think...
(drinks not included)
Monday - Thursday = Lunch $13.95, Dinner $21.95
Friday - Sunday = Lunch $14.95, Dinner $22.95
Babies who can't stand = Free
Children 3 feet or shorter = Free
Children between 3 feet & 4 feet = Lunch $4.95, Dinner $5.95
Children between 4 feet & 5 feet = Lunch $6.95, Dinner $10.95
Seniors 65 and over = 20% off
(Don't worry, they don't ambush you with a measuring stick
when you enter the restaurant.)

Hours:
Lunch, Monday - Thursday = 11:30am - 2:30pm
Lunch, Friday - Sunday = 11:30am - 3:00pm
Dinner, Everyday = 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Phone: (702) 889 - 4477
They take reservations.

Caesar's Palace - Cypress Street
A picnic in middle of a casino?
I liken the Cypress Street Marketplace to a very upscale
Mall Food Court.  You get your food from your choice
of 9 restaurant stations and sit down on benches with silverware
and eat under trees (or in front of a huge big screen tv)...

The Good:
9 different restaurant stations give you a variety of food like the Slice
Bar (Pizza), Salad (made to order, you pick the ingredients and
they toss it for you), Hand-Carved (turkey dinner, pastrami,
corned beef), Lobster & Chowder Co. (clam chowder,
fried clams, lobster roll), Bar BQ (pulled pork, rotisserie chicken),
Ah So (Chinese food), Wraps (wrapped sandwiches),
& Burgers (burgers, fries, & shakes) 
The atmosphere is relaxing compared to the hectic casino.
Don't forget to try the lemonade on the drink cart.  It is
as good as it looks.  The Pizza place serves pizza until 4am
in the morning and is open 24 hours for drinks.
Marketplace attendants help you by bringing you your silverware
when you sit down and a dessert cart is rolled around the
marketplace, although I didn't see one when we went.

The Bad:
More expensive than your typical mall prices.
Lobster Roll is $12.95, Turkey Dinner $8.95, drink not included.
A strange way of paying for your meal as you pay
after you finish eating.  You carry a "dining passport", which
basically is a credit card that you take to the different stations
and they put whatever you order onto your card.  It is supposed
to make it easier for you to get a variety of food from different
stations.  If you don't watch out, your bill will $20...
Not a lot to offer in terms of dessert, but then again, I didn't see
the dessert cart go by... I guess I was too busy chowing down
on my Turkey with all the fixin's...

Location:
The restaurant is located inside the Caesar's Palace
across from the Celine Dion store and pavilion.
3570 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Price:
Varies between
Huge Slice of Cheese Pizza - $2.25
Lobster Roll - $12.95

Hours:
Monday - Thursday = 11:00am - 11:00pm
Friday - Saturday = 11:00am - midnight
Slice Bar - 24 hours (Pizza served 11am - 4am)
Java Coast - 24 hours (Coffee & Pastries)
Phone: (877) 427 - 7243

Las Vegas Club - Great Moments Room
Fine dining in an unlikely location.
The Las Vegas Club is located across the street from
the Cal and along the Fremont experience.  This sports
themed casino features a Zagat award winning restaurant
located near the arcade and snack bar...

The Good:
The food is excellent, top notch, gourmet, etc...
For example, the Surf and Turf ($35.95) features a tender
Filet Mignon, a huge Austrailian Lobster Tail (not those tiny ones
you get at other restaurants), baked potato, grilled veggies, and
soup or salad.  You can also order prime rib, steaks, fish, salads,
appetizers, and a choice of about 7 desserts. 
The service is first class from the maitre'd to the bus boys.
Service does have a big effect on the meal, at least to me...

The Bad:
Fine dining at fine dining prices!
Unless you get a full comp, be prepared to
pay for a premiere dinner.

Location:
The restaurant is located inside the Las Vegas Club
in Downtown Las Vegas. 
18 E. Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Price:
Dinner, Thursday - Monday = $25 - $36 for an entree

Hours:
Dinner, Thursday - Monday = 5:00pm - 9:30pm
closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Phone: (702) 385 - 1664

Some Lessons in Buffet Etiquette
A trip to the buffet is supposed to be an enjoyable experience.
However, sometimes there are those who believe that the
buffet is being held in their honor, thus giving them the
right to do whatever they want... you know what I'm
talking about.  Those people that act like they're eating
at home.  Here are some of those self-involved people...
see if you can spot them on your next trip to Makino's.

• Wrong Way Driver -  This person seems oblivious to the fact that the line is going from the salad to the sushi.   They want to go from the sushi to the salad.  "Hey pal, why don't you wait in line like the rest of us?"

• The Cutter - I'm not talking about the person who just needs a lemon wedge or a bowl of soup.  As long as they are quick and leave immediately after they grab what they need, not a problem... However, if you jump into the line, grab a muffin, and then stay there standing in line, you got some nerve.  "You want to stand in line?  How about standing at the end of the line like the rest of us?"  Do they think we enjoy standing in line?

• The Road Block - The person who stops the entire line as they grab all/almost all of a certain item.  "Don't save any for me... why don't you just take the platter and leave your plate there?   It would take less time!"  Meanwhile cutters make their way into the line ahead of this person.  Even worse is the Road Block that just sits there because they can't make up their mind...

• Tong Holder -  These are a rare breed.  If you ever see one of these, take a picture.  They take the tongs at the first station, put some, say lettuce, on their plate and then continue to the next area doing the same thing, over and over, but with the same tongs!  "Are you going to eat with those too?"  This sometimes explains why there are extra tongs left at the end of a buffet line.  Meanwhile, what do you do?  Use your hands to get the lettuce? 

• More to come... I can guarantee it!

Fiesta Henderson - The Festival Buffet
Fiesta Henderson, formerly The Reserve, is located off the strip
in Henderson, Nevada, which is about a 15 minute drive
from the lights of the strip.  It is what people refer to as a
local's casino and is mainly made up of slots and video poker
machines.  Enough about the casino, how's the grub?

The Good:
Taken right from the blueprints of many other buffets,
this is a station buffet.  Italian, Asian, Mongolian, American,
and other cuisines are featured here along with a salad bar,
dessert bar, and seafood bar.  (crab legs, cocktail shrimp, etc.)
The prices are good especially for lunch.  We sometimes get
"free buffet for two" coupons and what can
be better than a free buffet?

The Bad:
This is a good buffet, nothing exotic, which is both good
and bad.  You're not going to be telling all your friends about
this "must see" buffet, but you will not be telling your friends
to avoid this place.  The different cuisines are only represented
with their regular, well known dishes, nothing that will have
you asking, "What is that?"

Location:
The buffet is located inside the Fiesta Casino in Henderson.
Take the 215 West and keep going when it ends. 
777 W. Lake Mead Drive
Henderson, NV 89015

Price:
(children of age 4-6 eat for half price)
Lunch = $6.99
Dinner, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday = $9.99
Dinner, Wed. (T-Bone & Baked Potato Bar) = $10.99
Dinner, Friday (Seafood Extravaganza) = $14.99
Champagne Brunch, Saturday & Sunday = $9.99
Dinner, Saturday - Sunday (Prime Rib) = $10.99
Children 3 and under eat free.

Hours:
Lunch, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday = 11:00am - 4:00pm
Lunch, Wednesday = 11:00am - 3:30pm
Lunch, Friday = 11:00am - 3:00pm
Dinner, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday = 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Dinner, Wed. (T-Bone & Baked Potato Bar) = 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Dinner, Friday (Seafood Extravaganza) = 3:30pm - 10:00pm
Champagne Brunch, Saturday = 10:00am - 4:00pm
Champagne Brunch, Sunday = 9:00am - 4:00pm
Dinner, Saturday - Sunday (Prime Rib) = 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Phone: (702) 567 - 7777

The Rio's Carnival World Buffet
One of the pioneers of Las Vegas buffets.
All other casinos have learned from this buffet and have since
made their own.  Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, & Dinner.
When you serve 20,000 people a day, you can almost
guarantee standing in line.

The Good:
A wall of different stations featuring all kinds of different food.
Salad, Burgers, Sushi, Stir-fry, Chinese Food, Fried Food,
American Food, Italian Food, and more...  Let's not forget
their awesome dessert bar...  Enough choices to keep you
busy and tame your hunger.  The kids will love the assortment
of food and dessert.

The Bad:
The food is good, but there isn't anything spectacular
like some of the newer buffets have.  You're not going to find
Alaskan King Crab Legs or Venizon, but you will find your basics,
like carved roast beef, turkey, pork chops, burgers, and fries.
I wouldn't say Hometown Buffet food, but a definite step above that.
Like most buffets, long lines.  Without a comp or room key
you will be waiting in line even if you go early.

My Bad (My one bad experience):
I've eaten at the buffet many times and you shouldn't let this one
story prevent you from eating here.  (because I'm sure every buffet
and restaurant in the world has a similar story.)
With my disclaimer out of the way, 5 of us met and had
dinner at the Carnival buffet on a busy holiday weekend.
There were two groups of us, a group of 3 and a group of 2.
I was in the group of 3 and the next morning we were scheduled
to head home, but my wife started feeling food poisoning sick.
Ten minutes later, our friend with us also got the same sickness.
Luckily, that same sickness didn't engulf me.  We had to stay an
extra night until the two of them felt better.  We found out later that
on their way home, one of our two friends that we ate with at the
buffet also got sick.  We were able to narrow down the bad food
to the fried food section of the buffet since the 3 that got sick ate
from there and the other 2 did not.  It was the fried shrimp or fried
clams or the cocktail sauce that was bad.  (I have my doctor to
thank as he told me to watch my cholesterol and avoid fried food.)

Location:
The buffet is located inside the Rio Casino,
toward the west wing of the casino. 
3700 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Price:
(children = kids of age 4-8)
Monday - Friday = Breakfast $9.99, children $6.99
Monday - Friday = Lunch $11.99, children $9.99
Monday - Friday = Dinner $16.99, children $13.99
Saturday - Sunday = Brunch $16.99, children $13.99
Saturday - Sunday = Dinner $16.99, children $13.99
Children 3 and under eat free.

Hours:
Breakfast, Monday - Friday = 7:00am - 11:00am
Lunch, Monday - Friday = 11:00am - 3:30pm
Dinner, Monday - Friday = 3:30pm - 10:00pm
Champagne Brunch, Saturday - Sunday = 7:30am - 3:30pm
Dinner, Saturday - Sunday = 3:30pm - 11:00pm
Phone: (800) 752 - 9746

The Buffet (Bellagio)
Gourmet Buffet
This is the best buffet in Vegas...
If you don't arrive when it opens, you will be waiting in
a long line.  It is located in the back of the Bellagio's gaming
floor.  Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, & Dinner.
On Friday & Saturday nights, they serve a gourmet dinner.
Like Makino's, go when it opens unless you enjoy standing in line.

The Good (Gourmet Dinner):
Beef Wellington, gourmet desserts, and Alaskan King Crab Legs.
There is also Kobe Beef, Venizon, Lamb, Prime Rib, Lobster
Ravioli, and I can go on and on.  By the way, the crab legs are
already halved for you, so there is no time consuming shell cracking.
Everything is prepared behind the buffet, so everything is
fresh and you can see them cooking it.
Incredible, fancy desserts ranging from cream puffs to pies to
creme brule to cake, all with fancy restaurant style presentation.

The Bad (Gourmet Dinner):
$31.95... yes thirty-one, ninety-five.
Think about how fast $32 goes in the casino.  You are going
to be gorging on food for at least an hour and a half.
Eat just 5 different desserts and you got your money back...
The buffet isn't exactly kid friendly, unless your kid eats a lot!
Another problem is long, long lines.  Not only do you have
to wait for people ahead of you to eat, but don't forget about
all the people that get comped and go to the front of the line.
(There used to be an online game at Bellagio.com where you
would gather points and could use them toward free buffet dinners.
It would take a few hours just to get one dinner, but it was always
well worth it when we used to go to the front of the comp line!
"Don't worry people in line, we'll leave you some fruit and salad.")

Holiday Menus (Gourmet Dinner):
On holiday weekends, they usually have a special holiday menu
that offers an array of new dishes.  For instance, we went on
Memorial Day weekend and they served Maryland Crab Cakes,
Florida Soft Shell Crabs (sooo good!), and lychee.  Now, you may
wonder why even mention lychee (as I thought when I saw the menu)
but you would've been surprised at how many people had
dessert plates full of fresh lychee.  I tried it and it was good, but
I quickly returned to my plate of soft shell crab.  By the way, the
price of the buffet was $35.95, I believe.  On New Years, there was
a special $49.95 gourmet dinner that served Maine Lobster Tails!

Location:
The buffet is located inside the Bellagio Casino,
along the west wall. 
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Price:
(alcholic drinks not included)
Monday - Friday = Breakfast $12.95
Monday - Friday = Lunch $15.95
Monday - Friday = Dinner $24.95
Saturday - Sunday = Brunch $21.95
Saturday - Sunday = Gourmet Dinner $31.95
Children 2 and under eat free.
Holiday menus are priced higher for dinner.

Hours:
Breakfast, Monday - Friday = 8:00am - 10:30am
Lunch, Monday - Friday = 11:00am - 3:30pm
Dinner, Monday - Friday = 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Champagne Brunch, Saturday - Sunday = 8:00am - 4:00pm
Gourmet Dinner, Saturday - Sunday = 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Phone: (702) 693 - 7111
Special Menus and Hours on Holidays.

Makino Restaurant
a.k.a. Makino's
A must visit for any sushi lover...
No longer a secret, as shown by the crowds of hungry
customers whenever we visit.  Located not far from the Palms,
this all-you-can-eat seafood buffet is absolutely incredible.
Go for dinner, go when it opens (5:30pm), go with an empty stomach.

The Good:
Dinner boasts three long tables of sushi, sashimi, special rolls, etc.
There is also snow crab legs, oysters, stuffed prawns, teriyaki steak,
cocktail shrimp, baked scallops, salmon, did I mention sushi,
tempura, fresh udon, fresh fruit, desserts (cake & cookies),
creme brule, and did I mention sashimi...
(salmon, tuna, yellowtail, & octopus sashimi)
They even had Hawaiian style shave ice in the Summer.

The Bad:
Not going to dinner at 5:30pm and having to wait
an hour for a table to open up.  People who don't use
the utensils (tongs?) to pick up the food. 
("Hey, why don't you and your sticky fingers
take a lesson in buffet etiquette")

Location:
3965 South Decatur in the Renaissance West Shopping Plaza
The plaza is located on the NW corner of Flamingo & Decatur
Flamingo being the street that Rio, Gold Coast, the Palms, Bellagio
Bally's, Caesar's Palace and Flamingo Casino are on.
1/2 mile west of the Palms.  The plaza has a Food for Less inside.

Price:
More complicated than you would think...
(drinks not included)
Monday - Thursday = Lunch $13.95, Dinner $21.95
Friday - Sunday = Lunch $14.95, Dinner $22.95
Babies who can't stand = Free
Children 3 feet or shorter = Free
Children between 3 feet & 4 feet = Lunch $4.95, Dinner $5.95
Children between 4 feet & 5 feet = Lunch $6.95, Dinner $10.95
Seniors 65 and over = 20% off
(Don't worry, they don't ambush you with a measuring stick
when you enter the restaurant.)

Hours:
Lunch, Monday - Thursday = 11:30am - 2:30pm
Lunch, Friday - Sunday = 11:30am - 3:00pm
Dinner, Everyday = 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Phone: (702) 889 - 4477
They take reservations.

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