Dine Drink Vegas

In Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 27, we have a Mid-Strip showdown as we talk about Flamingo vs The Linq. Where should you stay? Listen to find out! We also have a smashing good drink of the day as we try every possible variation on the Whiskey Smash.
Dine Drink Vegas is the podcast by and for everyone stuck at home who wishes they were in the land of neon lights and bad decisions. With faces made for radio, in every episode John and Bill bring you the drink of the day, a deep dive into Las Vegas, and all of the Vegas news and highlights. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel
Episode 27- Mid-Strip Showdown
Drink of the Day - Whiskey Smash2 oz of the whiskey of your choiceMint leaves
Fruit (traditionally four lemon wedges, but your call)1 Sugar cubeMuddle the mint, fruit, and sugar cube in the bottom of a shaker. Add the bourbon and ice and shake. Strain over rocks in a highball glass and garnish with mint Mid-Strip Show-Down: Flamingo vs Linq
 
Bill’s Take 
 
John’s Take
My shower flooded. I had to use three different machines and a human agent to check in.
Rooms
Got upgraded to a suite- clean and comfortable and felt bigger than it was. Minor wear and tear on the furniture but otherwise great
Irrelevant due to location unless you want upscale steak with large people in thongs.
Dining
Flamingo had nothing I craved. Some solid options at Linq, especially counting the Promenade - and they even had vending machines for pizza and cake
I missed the Speakeasy in Flamingo. The Linq Promenade makes this essentially a tie.
Bars
Edge to the Linq due to O'Sheas
6/5 even on weekdays.
Casinos
Both properties The VP odds stink. Slots are tight. Walk to Ellis Island. 
Felt like it was living on past glory.
Vibe/Feel
Linq is affordable and youthful without being trashy. Flamingo feels tired. Needs TLC. 
More at the Flamingo, but it is super weird. Who allows cameras at the spa
Amenities 
The Linq’s pool is for the party crowd. Flamingo is more chill. Edge Flamingo if you are old. Edge Linq if you like loud DJs.
Linq
What’s your pick?
Linq
Vegas NewsThe Plaza announced that starting May 24, they’ll be setting off fireworks every Friday night at 9:15 this summerThe RJ reports that Fountainbleua’s newest restaurant, La Côte, a French-Mediterranean spot in their newly-opened 6 acre pool complex, is open to hotel guests only, doubling-down on the resort’s vibe of exclusivity or, perhaps, snobbery, depending on your POVNoMad is OUT at Park MGM after Hilton buys the brand elsewhere (Park’s hotel within a hotel NoMad was separated by contract, per VV) VV reported two days ago  that the President of Wynn/Encore to “pursue other interests” but Scott said that the phrase is, for once, not a euphemism for a firing and that there’s no behind-the-scenes drama. We note with interest that VV stirred the pot today, asking Twitter followers what they’d think if, hypothetically, if Blackstone, former Cosmos owners, were to buy a big stake in Wynn/Encore. Given Scott’s track record of dropping a rumor or hypothetical which turns out to have legs, do we think things are afoot at the house that Steve Wynn built? 360 Vegas dropped a glowing review of “The Rat Pack Is Back” at Tuscany- Bill, you don’t usually catch shows. Any interest in this one? Outro

In Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 26, we look at the latest steakhouse in Las Vegas- Emmitt's Vegas located outside the Fashion Show Mall. With a prime location on the Las Vegas Strip, this new hotpot is fantastic. John and Bill talk about their meal there. For the drink of the day, we explore the Anything Old Fashioned. As always, we cover all of the important Las Vegas news.
Dine Drink Vegas is the podcast by and for everyone stuck at home who wishes they were in the land of neon lights and bad decisions. With faces made for podcasting, in every episode John and Bill bring you the drink of the day and everything you need to know about Las Vegas. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel
 
Episode 26- Touchdown Emmitt Smith!
Drink of the Day - Non-Whiskey old Fashioneds 2  ounces of ANY spirit Bitters
Sweetener to taste
Stirred over ice in the serving glassEmmitt’s Steakhouse - Location
- Ambiance/Vibes- Drinks
- Food
- Service- Overall ratingOther “value pick” steak houses
 
Vegas NewsThe As are going to play in Sacramento for either 3 or 4 years. Seats 14,000 including SRO, and they averaged 7000 last year. No rent, As will pay for park upgrades, and MLBPA is not happy with major leaguers in a minor league park.
 
Fontainebleau is changing their rewards program, which was i point per $2 of slot or video poker play to 1 point per $5 in slot play OR $10 in video poker playThe Tropicana is now closed.(Las Vegas Locally reports that asbestos abetment will slow down any demo/implosion plans) The Monorail’s days appease to be numbered, per MANY sourcesA Boeing 737 flown by Southwest had to make an emergency landing on its trip from Denver to HOuston due to a loose engine cowling. Not directly Vegas-related, but I’ve flown from here to Houston to Denver to Vegas before and Boeing’s issues impact all Southwest flyers science their whole fleet are 737sLost Spirits Distilling at Area 15 closes on April 29
 
Trump Hotel is co-owned with Phil Ruffin (TI and Circus Circus). Las Vegas Review Journal on April 5 discussed that it could be sold as the former president attempts to pay his legal fees. That is still speculation at this point.Plans were announced for the King David hotel and resort aimed at Jewish vistors. Many, including Scott at VV, doubt it will ever actually openGlitter Gulch TikiBar is getting ready to open in the former Nacho Daddy space on Fremont (fear not Nacho fans, Nacho Daddy moved into a bigger space around the corner on 4th street) (VV) 
Outro

In Dine Drink Vegas Podcast Episode 25, we explore the beautiful Fontainebleau hotel. We talk about everything it has to offer as well as what the major drawbacks are. Our drink of the day in on point and pays homage to the original Fontainebleau in Miami, and then we return to Las Vegas with all of the latest news.
Dine Drink Vegas is the podcast by and for everyone stuck at home who wishes they were in the land of neon lights and bad decisions. With faces made for radio, John and Bill bring you everything Vegas. You can also find us on YouTube at Dine Drink Vegas, and on all major social media platforms @dinedrinktravel. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinktravel #dinedrinkvegas
Episode 25- Finally Fountainbleau
Drink of the Day - The Miami Cocktail (A drink that seems to have been invented by the Cointreau company- at least, I can’t find an origin story) 1 ounce Contreau or the orange liquor of your choosing
1.5  ounce light rum 
3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Shaken and strainedBill’s take on FBLVBeautifulSuper comfortable bedGood serviceGreat barsMother WolfLast Q- do you recommend FBLV and, if so, to who? 
Super Expensive
$180 spa day pass on a Wednesday
No 3/2 Blackjack for less than $50 Wednesday mid-day
$15.50 slice of pizza
Super-expensive steakhouses
One other problem– it was pretty far away from everything, and the sidewalks aren’t set up well.
 
Vegas News-VV and other sources report Fountainbleau is countersuing Wynn in their flap over staff poaching between the two luxury resorts-VV reports the Rio has re-opened their Wine Cellar tasting room as part of the new ownership rejuvenating the property- multiple outlets covered the story from two weeks ago that a guest at the Venetian was stung in the testicles by a Scorpion while he slept - Eater Vegas reports that Sammy Hagar will be headlining at the Palms this summer and the pool will be turned into “Sammy's Island,” complete wit themed cabana and his rum, tequila, canned cocktails, and beer-Also from Eater, Bellagio opens the new poolside eatery Como Poolside Café & Bar-Margaritaville at Flamingo is closing, per many outlets-the Neon News blog from the Neon Feast app reports that famed La Frontera in chicago owner and PBS Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless will be brining Tortazo, a Torta shop, to Ceasar’s Palce. This marks his return to the Vegas strip as his MGM Grand eatery Diago shuttered back in 2013Outro

Only in Las Vegas are baseball stadiums inspired by spherical armadillos, so thanks John Fisher! In Episode 24 we talk about the new stadium for the Las Vegas As, our favorite ways to get to Las Vegas, good news out of Lake Mead, and reports on our upcoming trips this week. As always, we bring you the Drink of the Day. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #podcast #dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel
 
Episode 24- The Spherical Armadillo
Drink of the Day - The Between The Sheets (a twist on the Side Car- “Conventional belief credits the cocktail to Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, where acclaimed bartender and author Harry MacElhone, supposedly created it in the 1920s” 1 ounce cognac
1 ounce light rum 1 ounce triple sec
1/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Shaken and strained- garnish with (flamed) orange peel
Feature- Airline battle Southwest versus AmericanBill’s pick (American Airlines)
Boarding process at the Vegas airport– Bill hates how cramped the Southwest gates are
Restaurants and lounges in which to wait
You can’t go to the holodeck in economy class
My miles get me non-Vegas places I actually want to go
John’s pick (SW) 
Price
Direct Flights
Chase/SW Credit Card points
 
Vegas News- Renderings of the A’s stadium design 2.0 hit the interwebs last week. Designer Bjarke Ingles says it’s supposed to look like a “spherical armadillo”
- Jacob from Jacob’s Life In Vegas showed off the revitalized Slots-o-fun at Circus Circus, with new table games, more slot machines, including coin-operated classics, and reopened bar and food options. -Rumors persist of a possible sale of TI, including, maybe, to the seminoles- some speculate that the volcano may be saved as if the sale happens, the guitar tower will go where TI stands (no real evidence of this, but fun rumor)
 
- TSA has started self-service screening in Terminal 3. First in the nation. Started March 6.
 
- Lake Mead is now at a 3 year high
March Trips Previews
- Bill is at Flamingo and FB
-Ryan is at Signature by MGM Grand
- Mon Ami Gabi, Emmitt’s, and something in FB
- Should I upgrade to a suite?-John @ Linq, upgrade activated-Meal plans include the Bacchanal, Hofbreau House, and, maybe, a trip to flavortown - The Sphere-Stage Door and Eliis Island for gaming-Will be doing the Royal Pub Crawl on the Promenade Outro

How authentic are the Irish pubs in Las Vegas? Bill just got back from Dublin and Cork, and we talk about how they compare. As always, we bring you the latest Vegas news and the drink of the day. Dine Drink Vegas is the podcast for everybody stuck at home who wishes they were in the land of neon lights and bad decisions. Come travel with us!
Episode 23- Vegas Vs Dublin
Drink of the Day - Irish whiskey flight
Bushmills to Jameson to Redbreast 12
Feature- Bill’s Adventures In Ireland, Q&A-So let’s talk about hotel accommodations? -What was the dining scene like? 
They fry stuff at a level which puts the Texas State Fair to shame.
 
What was your favorite Irish whiskey of the trip? 
Redbreast 12
Jameson is a real thing that actual Irish people order
There weren’t any bad options. Much less peaty than Scotch, and much less sweet than bourbon.
-Any tourist pitfalls visitors to Ireland should know about? 
 
- Functionally, what is the difference between pubs in Dublin and Cork?
Pubs in Central Dublin are more likely to have hordes of marauding tourists.
Cork is cheaper.
Both can feature an excellent pub crawl
 
And finally, how do the “Irish pubs” in Vegas compare to the real deal? 
 
How did the decor compare?
 
How did the food compare?
 
How did the drink service compare?
Virtually infinite selection of whiskeys
Usually fewer beers, depending on the pub
1 oz
 
How did the fellow patrons compare?
 
What is the best pub in Ireland?
- Alibi on Washington Street in Cork
- We met Danny.
- Fried sausages, cheese and onion pie
- Board games.
- I. Talked. To. Strangers.Vegas News-Scott at VV says the Rio is cutting 3 director-level executives due to overstaffing, all 3 were holdovers from Caesars -VV also reports new signs along the FSE informing visitors that street performers aren’t official employees and cannot demand payment -Scott also broke news about a Bob Marley theater and experience titled One Love coming to Mandalay Bay-multiple sources report that Smoke and Mirrors, the first* new weed lounge under a new Nevada law, is now open just off the Strip. Will these lounges reduce people smoking on the Strip? -The RJ reports that the last “Mccarran” signs gone as the Harry Reid moniker change complete at the airport
-https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/four-fremont-street-properties-sell-for-11m-3004698/
-@Vegas says they are finally ditching the Dorito facade at Luxor-After a hiatus, Spandex Nation announced their to the FSE starting in April. Along w/ Alter Ego, they keep Gen X rockin downtown -uslakaes.info says  Lake Mead up tp 1076 feet, continuing the 2023 rebound. Atmospheric Rivers this winter and decreased demand are helping. National Weather Service reports that the Western Rocky Snowpack is on track to hit at least average, so levels may keep rising through spring into early summer. 
 
-The Athletic reports that the Oakland As are looking to extend their current lease but their relationship with fans remains “fraught” 
March Trips PreviewsOutro

Episode 22 - Courting The Queen Of HeartsDrink of the Day - Tequila Manhattan
2 ounces reposado tequila
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes bitters (some recipes say orange, others chocolate or even mole)
Garnish: lime twist, orange wedge, or cocktail cherry (optional)
John and Bill’s Guide To Romancing Your Sig Other In Vegas
 
John’s Take
Bill’s Take
Good ideas
Mayfair Supper Club
Lost Spirits Distillery Immersive Art Experiences
Pick a rooftop bar
Le Cirque
La Cave at the Wynn
Bad Ideas
Too much walkingComedy clubs (fun but not romantic)MGM Grand Food Court
Fremont Street
Schedule your flight out too early the next day
Steakhouses
 
Plaza News- (from the On The Corner Of Main Street Podcast)
McDonalds out, wall down non smoking section expanding into a food court which is getting new dining options
Hints of a show coming to Plaza (JJ mentioned Absinthe as an inspiration) and a dining venue in the old bus station
John Fisher continues to not have a plan for where exactly the As are going to go.Eater Vegas reports that after years of legal limbo, Emmitt Smith’s steakhouse, christened Emmit’s Vegas, located at Fashion Show Mall opens this month
The Forum Shops @ Caesars unblocks the pathway, saving us precious steps and no longer making us look at stores we wouldn’t ever shop at (VV)
A Chase Sapphire lounge is coming to Terminal 1 near the C Gates at the Vegas airport. This would be close to a lot of Southwest flightsJLo following Brittany Spears over to Park MGM, Caesar’s losing more headliners to the house that Gaga built (VV)Spiegelworld is bringing DiscoShow to the Linq, along with DinerRoss to give the dinner/show combo SuperFrico patrons could enjoy when OPM was still a thing (VV)Non-Vegas- a 4th cruise in Galveston 
Last thing- most listeners will hear us after the game, but let’s call it anyway: Super Bowl Odds. Circa has San Fran as a 2 point underdog- who you got? O/U is 47 ½
Bill’s upcoming trip to Ireland. In Episode 23, we will talk about how authentic the Irish pubs are in Las Vegas

In Episode 21, we examine Nachogate-- the $24 plate of 6 nachos that it took the Fontainebleau over an hour to deliver and everything that tells us about contemporary Vegas. We also take a look at the only business in Vegas that may be run worse--the impending arrival of the As baseball team from Oakland. As always, we bring your the drink of the day and all the Las Vegas news. Dine Drink Vegas is the podcast by and for everyone who is stuck at home but who wishes they were in the land of neon lights and bad decisions. Come travel with us!
#lasvegas #fontainebleau #dinedrinktravel
Episode 21 - NachogateDrink of the Day - The Bourbonista - a cocktail from the Youtube channel “How To Drink”In a Shaker
1 Lime Wheel, Squeeze the Rest (roughly one ounce)
1 -1/2 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Bitters
1/2 oz Maraschino Liqueur
1/2 oz Simple
Add Ice – Shake – Strain into a coup glass that has been rinsed with absinthe 
 
Tweeter/Xer @MuTigerMIke set off a social media storm with his viral post about nachos gone wrong at Fontainebleau Thoughts….Field of Schemes.com reports that the A’s planned retractable roof design will NOT fit in the Tropicana space, calling the whole project into question-site change?            -if so, what about the Trop?                         - state funds tied to location
- They can’t build up due to airport location            - The As still do not have their billion in financing
                        - Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday. The reception was unenthusiastic
                        - There is a more immediate problem with 2025 and a series of minor league stadiumsMultiple outlets reported on updates to the Rio, ranging from room remodels, a new food hall in the old buffet space, and even restoring the exterior lighting to its former glory
 
@vegasstarfish reports Ceasar’s has been canceling bookings for Super Bowl weekend and then offering to rebook guests into cheaper properties (Linq, Flamingo) at higher rates (in return, some Tweeters have accused her of being in the bag for MGM) 
@LasVegasLocally says the first Whataburger on the Strip opens Feb 28th
 
@Vitalvegas was right the transformation of the Mirage Volcano into the Paramount Mountain does look like a poop emoji
VV and others report that The Killers will play the Colosseum @ Ceasar’s Palace on eight dates in mid-late AugustVV also broke (I think) new resort fees at MGM properties:“Here are the new resort fees at some of your favorite Las Vegas hotels:
 Excalibur, Luxor: $37 New York-New York, Park MGM, Signature: $42 Mandalay Bay, Delano: $45 Aria, Vdara, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Cosmopolitan: $50”The Las Vegas Sun reports that the Vegas Thrill, a professional women;s volleyball team, will play their first game at the Dollar Loan Center on Feb 15March trip updates…
It is really hard to book the Golden Steer

In Episode 20, we talk about the executives forced out of the Fountainebleau in their first month and how that opening has been. To honor the Fountainebleau, our drink of the day is the Aqua Velva featuring Blue Curacao. As always, we bring you all of the latest Vegas news and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot moments. Dine Drink Vegas is the podcast for everyone who is stuck at home and who wishes they were in the land of neon lights and bad decisions. Come travel with us!
#fountainebleau #lasvegas #dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel 
Episode 20 - The Fontainebleau Blues Drink of the Day - The Aqua Velva - a cocktail from the 80s (exact origins unclear) made infamous in the 2007 film Zodiak and named for the disappointing and cheap aftershave that claimed to be so, so classy (similar to the Blue Lagoon) John’s version (less sweet) Ingredients
1 oz Gin
1 oz Vodka
3/4 oz Blue Curacao
Top with club soda and simple syrup to taste
Squeeze in a lime or lemon wedge, then drop the wedge in
Build and drink in a highball glass, no umbrella needed
The big news story- drama at Fountaine BlueTwo weeks ago, the senior VP of casino operations was fired, players club issues etc
Yesterday, the COO and chief of casino marketing gone too
Room reviews- Vloggers seem to like it, but prices have ranged from the low 200s to over 600
Expensive seats in sportsbook- superbowl prices for ordinary games (360 vegas??? Can’t recall) 
SO… are we still excited???
KTNV is reporting that as of 4 p.m. this afternoon, 339 flights in and out of Vegas are delayed and 64 are outright canceled due to bad weather in other parts of the country. Always have a backup plan, even in Vegas.
Ol’ Red by Blake Shelton will open up later this month  out in front of Horseshoe with three stories of yee haw action and music
With projects like the Sphere, Fountain Blue, and F1 now gone, Fox 5 reports that 11,000 construction workers are needed for the Brightline rail project to California. Eventually, that may relieve airport crowding.
MGM leases the land for the Bellagio and Cosmo from Blackstone. According to the Las Vegas Review Journal on January 10, last year they bought a 1.62 acre vacant lot between those 2 properties for $54 million.And our Vegas WTF moment for this episode, a new app called Flush debuts at CES Las Vegas this week, which lets you rent out your bathroom to passers-bye who need a pit stop. Our 2024 plans…
Bill’s plans depend on where his kid goes to college, although I will get the chance to investigate the authenticity of Ri Ra next month. Other than that…
Bill trip to Fountain Blue and Mirage… live pricing as I plan the trip
Labor Day trip downtown

In Episode 19, it's last call for 2023 Vegas thoughts and we add a new twist to an old classic with the Drink of the Day. We talk about the biggest openings, the biggest closings, the biggest event, and the biggest Vegas Whiskey Tango Foxtrot moment of the year. With faces made for radio, John and Bill bring you to the land of neon lights and bad decisions. Come travel with us!
#dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel #lasvegas #podcast
 
Episode 19 The Last Call 2023
Drink of the Day- Fiero MartiniThe Big Goodbye to 2023
 
Bill
John
Biggest openings/announcements
The As coming to Vegas– but how do they still not have a firm plan?
Fountain Blue
Biggest closing
The slow death of the Mirage
Smashed Pig
Biggest event/happening
Water coming back in to Lake Mead
F1
Biggest WTF moment 
It makes no sense that MGM has de-prioritized spending
F1 skybridge crap
NEWS:FountainBlue’s rewards card is “spend agnostic” according to COO Collene Birch on an episode of On The Corner of Mainstreet
CES runs January 9-12. Make dinner and hotel reservations if you have not already.Edgar Allan Poe-themed pop-up event @ Notoriety Live on Fremont from Jan 4-6
Michigan -2 vs. Alabama and Texas -4 vs Washington
During outro- We have re-branded Dine Drink Cruise as Dine Drink Travel. Look there for information about air travel and my upcoming trip to Ireland.

In Episode 18, the drink of the day is an Espresso Martini as John and Bill talk about their best Vegas experiences of 2023 and catch you up on all the latest Las Vegas news. Dine Drink Vegas is the podcast by and for everyone who is stuck at home but who wishes they were in the land of neon lights and bad decisions. With faces made for audio-only podcasting, John and Bill bring the best of Vegas to you in every episode. Come travel with us!
#dinedrinkvegas #dinedrinktravel #lasvegas #podcast