Buffet Nominations Anyone?

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This posting is from: Red
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My vote is for the Sahara! You cannot beat the price! And the food
isn't all that bad! I would much rather pay $7.99 (6.99) for adequate,
than $17.99 for wonderful. I cannot afford wonderful every day. Even
$12.99 every day is a bit pricey for me. But, that is just my
opinion.... :)

Barb/Utah

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This posting is from: Ginger
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>I think that the Brunch/Lunch with(out) Tina/Ginger has been our
>most successful effort in having some kind of a regular daytime
>get-together.

>However, I guess Ginger is considering rotating the location of the LWG
>thing this time, and I assume that much of it has to do with the
>obvious slippage of the Sahara buffet.

My suggestion about rotating the buffet location was to accommodate
others. I'm personally very happy with the Sahara Buffet. For my diet
and budget it's the best I've found in Las Vegas and I have checked out
several, but remember what I eat especially for lunch is what others'
food calls food (Reference: Comment by Tony about real food).

Tell me what other buffet in Las Vegas has such a huge selection of
ready-to-eat citrus and other fresh fruits and vegetables. For those
staying elsewhere, the Sahara is easily accessible by automobile with
free parking and by public transportation including bus, trolley and
monorail (if they ever get it running regularly). The regular weekday
cost is $7.99 and with the widely available $1.00 off coupon the price
is actually $6.99 for the discerning diner.

So far I've not had any firm suggestions for alternative locations
although there have been some comments on other buffets. One recently
mentioned was Harrah's where lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday for $12.99.

As I recall Harrah's is in a congested area of the strip and not
particularly convenient for those staying elsewhere. Is this correct?
If this is your kind of place nominate it and let us know about parking
and various means of getting there if we are staying elsewhere.

The Bellagio has been mentioned and in the past a few DLV people have
been there for lunch on special occasions. The Web site gives this
description, "The Buffet at Bellagio offers you the finest cuisine,
hand-picked from a myriad of exotic places. Revel in a variety of
sumptuous selections from Italy, China and Japan, as well as fresh
seafood and traditional American delights. Satisfy your discerning taste
with custom cuisine live-action cooking stations assure that your meal
is made-to-order. No price was given on the Web site and I suppose if
you need to know the price you probably don't need to be eating there.

However, in the interest of DLV participation I called and inquired.
Today it's $17.95. In addition to offering lots of heavy rich foods, the
atmosphere is quite elegant. It's reasonably accessible by public
transportation, but I don't know about parking. If you want to revel in
sumptuous lunch selections from exotic places in an elegant atmosphere
for $17.95 make your case!

I'm nominating the conveniently accessible and informal Sahara Buffet
(OK so you have to walk a little and go through the NASCAR area once you
are in the hotel) with wonderful salad items, deserts, and other
typical buffet foods foods served in a clean, but somewhat utilitarian
atmosphere for $7.99 ($6.99 with coupon). In the interest of fairness
we'll plan some other lunch meetings in alternative locations if there
is good interest by people who will promise to come. I'd also like to
hear from those who support the Sahara Buffet lunch group!

After lunch we'll take an urban safari in that dry desert heat and walk
off our food if there is any interest! The Fashion Show Mall and other
destinations await!

Ginger
**

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This posting is from: annie
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>I'm personally very happy with the Sahara Buffet. For my diet
>and budget it's the best I've found in Las Vegas

It's cheap. It's there. It's quick. And yes, it has a far more extensive
fruit and salad bar than any other in that vicinity.

>but remember what I eat especially for lunch is what others'
>food calls food (Reference: Comment by Tony about real food).

LOL! "That's not food! That's what food eats!" :)

>Tell me what other buffet in Las Vegas has such a huge selection of
>ready-to-eat citrus and other fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Stardust has/had a large salad/fruit bar a while ago. It's been a
long time since I've been there. I don't remember the Hilton or the
Riviera having that wide a selection.

>One recently mentioned was Harrah's where lunch is served from 11 a.m.
>to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for $12.99.

That's almost twice the price. :(

I've had dinner at the Harrah's buffet and it is good. I would rate it
definitely above the Sahara's buffet. However, twice the price ...

>As I recall Harrah's is in a congested area of the strip and not
>particularly convenient for those staying elsewhere. Is this correct?

The Flamingo-Strip area is about the most congested there is, both with
vehicle and pedestrian traffic. There is a garage for Harrah's, and you
can enter via Audrie/Koval in the rear. Around noon it shouldn't be
that bad, though.

There's also the Monorail, which stops behind Harrah's, if they ever get
it fixed so it doesn't rain shrapnel on people below. :(

>If this is your kind of place nominate it and let us know about parking
>and various means of getting there if we are staying elsewhere.

Actually, I'm not nominating it. :) You just asked about access and
parking. :)

>The Bellagio has been mentioned and in the past a few DLV people have
>been there for lunch on special occasions. The Web site gives this
[deletia]
>Today it's $17.95. In addition to offering lots of heavy rich foods,

We just went from twice the price (of Sahara) to 3 times the price.
IMAO, this is good for a one-shot, either for LWG or a one-shot, but
I'll probably go to someplace cheaper that day.

>I'm nominating the conveniently accessible and informal Sahara Buffet
>(OK so you have to walk a little and go through the NASCAR area once you

Actually, in 2003 and 2004, I thought the kid/jock level was below the
threshold of annoyance. Now if they would only ash-can those $#!+head
timeshare creeps! (Usually, if you are walking alone, they tend not to
bother you.)

>I'd also like to hear from those who support the Sahara Buffet lunch
>group!

Ok, I'll go on record as seconding your nomination. I don't promise I'll
be there everyday, but I will if I'm there, free, and hungry at the
time.

Yes, there are people who complain about the food there. If you take
something that turns out to be totally 144, push it aside and go back
and get something else. There's enough variety so that anybody can get
something they will enjoy.

As for atmosphere, well ... :) Think of a high school cafeteria but
without a thousand kids throwing food and such. :)

Mess hall? (Awright you guys, don't shoot the $#!+, eat it!) :) :)

>After lunch we'll take an urban safari in that dry desert heat and walk
>off our food if there is any interest!

Yes, we can visit the dicey areas of town and drink Galiano [sic] with
the various ethnic winos that haunt those areas. {ducking and running}

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This posting is from: kumiko yvonne watanabe
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*tweeet* - time out -

Did I miss something?

... we were discussing an event hotel.... and all of a sudden its now
buffet nominations for Lunch with or without Ginger? specifically
Sahara vs Bellagio? I'm getting lost on what we are focusing on?

Considering the diversity of our DLV group in tastes, palate and
appetites, along with budget, I don't think there will be any good
single answer. Too many variables to even boil it down to a handful of
selections.

I kinda like how it has been so far...the organizer should choose a
place, if its ok with you then go. Aren't we moving to having many
organizers for different places to eat at the same time?

If Ginger likes the Sahara, then those that like it too can join her.
Others will go to resturants they like, with those that like to eat
there, and avoid places that they weren't satisfied or had bad
experiences. Some will have good experiences at the same place others
had bad ones....

For example, If I want to go somewhere else the same time Ginger is
having hers at the Sahara, and am opening it up to others, I'll tell
Annie and she'll put it on the list. It should NOT be anything personal
against Ginger or the Sahara, just another option location to join
others for lunch.

I can see having a list of venues that are TG friendly or not rather
than specific taste, variety, quality, quantity, or cost. Everyone is
different.

I for one am willing to have a one good meal at the Bellagio, Makino's
Sushi, Sahara, or even at McDonalds. I'm on vacation, and probably
would rather have a good meal whatever the cost vs losing the money at
the same time on video poker or slots...

I very much would like to join other dlv attendees at many meals as
possible and willing to try new places that some are going to check it
out for myself.

Last year we went to this small hole in the wall burrito place. It was
great at 2am in the morning...and I will recommend it to others, Gina,
Aiko, Michelle, Debbie, Allison are a few that also know. It may not be
exactly TG friendly with the transient crowd that goes there.... but the
burritos were great!

just my 2 cents....

Yv

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This posting is from: Jamie
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I have always enjoyed the Buffet at the Sahara. Last year it got even
better, since Ginger was there. I do feel that this time and place is a
good, and inexpensive, place for the newcommers to meet other Sisters.

If someone doesnt want to join us there, then by all means go to where
you want. That is the idea here anyway, isn't it?

The Hotel thing is the same. Get a room where you are comfortable and
happy. The events are scattered all over the southern end of the State,
so a central location is not a priority.

My feeling on the Golf day is that if it is on Thursday I wont be able
to play, since the Limo tour is that evening. Tootsey and I just barely
got things ready as it was, and we had all day. Here again, if I miss
golf I guess I will just have to go shopping to ease my sadness!!!:))

Jamie Renae

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This posting is from: annie
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>Did I miss something?

Uh, I don't know. Did you? :)

>... we were discussing an event hotel....

Yes, we were, and that thread is still open.

>and all of a sudden its now buffet nominations for Lunch with or
>without Ginger?

Yes, it is. Ginger (or somebody) did post under the appropriate subject.

>I'm getting lost on what we are focusing on?

Lost??? Have you tried Hari Krishna? :)

Seriously, there's nothing that says two or more threads can't be going
at once. The web interface to this forum will keep the threads together,
and if your mail client sorts or groups by subject, it can too.

>For example, If I want to go somewhere else the same time Ginger is
>having hers at the Sahara, and am opening it up to others, I'll tell
>Annie and she'll put it on the list. It should NOT be anything personal
>against Ginger or the Sahara, just another option location to join
>others for lunch.

Yes, there's nothing stopping you from sponsoring a Lunch With or
Without Yvonne. It could be as "official" as LW(o)G is.

What I think Ginger is trying to do is to get a handle on what will
encourage a good turnout for LW(o)G. IMAO, a buffet is a good catch-all
when you want a place where most will be willing to eat.

There were some complaints about the Sahara Buffet last year. One idea
was to move the LW(o)G elsewhere, perhaps rotating among various venues.

Personally, I think the recent discussion here has been very good, both
about the hotels and about the buffets.

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This posting is from: Kate
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>>However, I guess Ginger is considering rotating the location of the
>>LWG thing this time, and I assume

>So far I've not had any firm suggestions for alternative locations
>although there have been some comments on other buffets.

If we decide on rotating buffets I think The Gold Coast might fit the
bill nicely. The buffet is good and has a wide variety of choices and
the price is $6.95 for lunch and $5.95 for brecky.

The dining area is spacious and you can purchase a bottle of wine for
$5.00. The parking for those who want to drive there is directly out
front, inside or outside and never busy. and the casino odds there seem
to be better than average too.

For those staying on the strip a free shuttle runs every 15 minutes from
the south side of The Barbary Coast. And CAT stops right out front.

The Walk off could be to the Rio or The Palms, a la tv show. Or even
both for the adventurous amongst us. and Bally's corner is only 20
minutes walk away too.

I have no idea how T- friendly it is, Maybe some of our local ladies
can advise us here.

Just another option.
Kate.

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This posting is from: annie
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>If we decide on rotating buffets I think The Gold Coast might fit the
>bill nicely. The buffet is good and has a wide variety of choices and
>the price is $6.95 for lunch and $5.95 for brecky.

When the Gold Coast buffet reopened (just before DLV a few years back)
I thought it was one of the best, especially for the price. Last trip,
however, it had slipped. The variety and quality that was there right
after they reopened were gone.

I may have just hit it on a bad day, however.

I also miss the complimentary daiquiri that they used to serve in their
old buffet, which also was not too bad before the remodel.

>I have no idea how T- friendly it is, Maybe some of our local ladies
>can advise us here.

I'm not local, but I've played and eaten there a few times with no
trouble. A few years back one of those fantasy ball things was at the
Gold Coast, so I know they've seen it all. I remember that one of our
people (forget who) went to that.

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This posting is from: kumiko yvonne watanabe
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>>I'm getting lost on what we are focusing on?

>Lost??? Have you tried Hari Krishna? :)

Wasn't that from a Muppets Movie? :-) Like that fork in the road.....
:-) fer shure!

>Seriously, there's nothing that says two or more threads can't be going
>at once. The web interface to this forum will keep the threads together,
>and if your mail client sorts or groups by subject, it can too.

ok... I thought I had missed some postings.... my bad...

>What I think Ginger is trying to do is to get a handle on what will
>encourage a good turnout for LW(o)G. IMAO, a buffet is a good catch-all
>when you want a place where most will be willing to eat.

>Personally, I think the recent discussion here has been very good, both
>about the hotels and about the buffets.

oh, I see! I must have been having a blonde moment! Now I understand!

Thanks Annie for clearing it up my confusion!

I haven't had any bad experiences with Sahara resturants or buffets
either by either staff or food. The price was reasonable. I just have
to get over the nervousness of being in a group and clocked, and trying
to ignore it and enjoy my meal.

Are there other buffet type resturants, like chinese, vietamese,
filipino, japanese, korean, italian, or others in or not in a casino
that is TG friendly? or sandwich type deli's? or breakfast places like
IHOP? I don't live in LV, so I can't help.

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This posting is from: annie
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>>>I'm getting lost on what we are focusing on?

>>Lost??? Have you tried Hari Krishna? :)

>Wasn't that from a Muppets Movie? :-) Like that fork in the road.....

Yes, it was a recurring gag throughout the film. :) I remember seeing
it zoom over the heads of all of the kids in the audience. :)

>oh, I see! I must have been having a blonde moment! Now I understand!

Only problem with having a blonde moment is that you can't do math for
about a month. {ducking and running} :)

>I just have to get over the nervousness of being in a group and
>clocked, and trying to ignore it and enjoy my meal.

One fact of life is that when groups of t's get together in public,
the whole group gets read. The magic number is about 3. A semi-geeky
discussion of this appears at:

http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/groups.html

If passing is important, don't hang around in groups. (Hmmmm ... seems
like I had this converation only a few hours ago.) :) :) :)

>Are there other buffet type resturants, like chinese, vietamese,
>filipino, japanese, korean, italian, or others in or not in a casino
>that is TG friendly? or sandwich type deli's? or breakfast places like
>IHOP?

When I'm in Las Vegas, either for business or pleasure, I seldom eat at
any place that's not in a casino. However, I've been to the IHOP on
Maryland Parkway and the Blueberry Hill on Flamingo several times with
no raised eyebrows that I could detect. I know others from our group
have been to the BH on Decatur with no problems.

However (comma) I don't think a BH/IHOP type place would get as good a
turnout as a buffet for a daily brunch/lunch with/without {whoever} type
thing.

As for Asian, there are many casino and non-casino places all over the
city, with a concentration in the Spring Mountain and Valley View area.
I'm assuming there will be a mix of buffets, "column-a column-b" places,
and full service places in that area. Benihana at the Hilton has been
suggested for one of our EON choices.

For Italian, Milano's is the best kept secret in Las Vegas, but I think
you're looking for places you don't know, right? :) I like Battista's,
(Audrie just off Flamingo) but people seem to love it or hate it
strongly. I was pleasantly surprised by the Italian place at Palace
Station. I now recommend it over their buffet. I've also been told that
the Italian place at the Orleans is very good too. There are TONS of
other casino and stand-alone places as well.

Getting hungry? :)

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