by WillaF » Thu May 09, 2013 2:11 pm
Hi:
If you are thinking about a replacement for Artisan, let me offer a few suggestions, but a lot can change in LV between now and next April. Am not a big fan of Artisan. It is hard to find, hard to park and unpredictable on service and price.
1. I like the Tuscany. It is very LGBTQ friendly and easy to get to. They have 2 lounges: The T Spot (we could give new meaning to that name) in the casino, and the Piazza in the hotel (where the band plays Tues to Sat). I have seen each of them closed for private events, especially early in week (Sun to Tues). I can have 3 glasses of wine and listen to live music for the price of 1 glass at the Artisan. There is a fine Italian Rest., a good Mexican Rest., a Cafe and a Buffet all with reasonable prices. That stretch of Flamingo is called Restaurant Row by the Cab drivers. There's everything from Olive Garden to Landrys within a few blocks.
2. Circus Circus used to be considered not very LGBTQ friendly. That has changed somewhat. (That part of Strip is quiet now) The Banquet Manager at CC is also a big dog in SNAPI, the LV Pride group. CC now hosts monthly Pride Family Bingo in the Ballroom, with drag queens, prizes and gag prizes, including shots for the house every time O-69 is called.
For the evening Bingo they set up a food bar with a variety of snacks, real food and salads at very reasonable prices. They set up a bar with very reasonable prices: domestic beer $3.50, import $4, vodka drinks $4, and some specials. Last weekend they had pajama Bingo Brunch. The brunch was $19 all inclusive tax/tip and a full spread. They had bottomless mimosas for $6 (my friend and I finished a pitcher). They had $4 bloody marys and $4 wine along with a full bar.
The Ballroom is in the Sky Tower somewhat away from the main casino and midway. It is really quite private. You can park in the Sky Tower garage and the walk from the garage to the ballroom is no further than the walk from the valet stand at the Artisan to the bar. The ballroom is quite large and everything could be held inside. The Pepermill is across the street.
3. The other choice for someplace really private would be The Center. The banquet room can serve 500. There's lots of parking and totally private. Would need to hire a caterer for a bar, or get a permit and hire some of the "boys" from the Center to tend bar. The cafe is open and has a good menu with reasonable prices. It's a short hop to Fremont St.
Bea