Laughlin River Run 2016 - Poker Runs

Laughlin, NV
2016 Laughlin River Run 

American Heroes  -  Charity Poker Run
Friday, April 29th

Registration 8-10am  -   Ride leaves at 10am

at Tropicana Laughlin
Donations:  Rider $15 + Passenger $10

American Heroes Poker Run - 2014

Early Bird Poker Run - Self Guided Poker Run 

Register Thursday, April 28th or Friday April 29th  8-11am

Register Saturday, April 30th   8-10am

Start location is:  Riverside Resort Starview Room

Finish location is: Colorado Belle Vendor Area - by Saturday 3pm

Awards posted Saturday April 30th at 6 pm at the Colorado Belle Loading Dock Grille

You must be a registered participate of the 2016 Laughlin River Run to participate. 

Official Event Passes are $25 per person

Includes Official 2016 Souvenir T-Shirt

Official 2016 River Run Ride Pin

Admission to the Saturday Poker Run

Contestant entry to Custom Bike Show or Ms. Laughlin River Run Contest  

https://www.laughlinriverrun.com/passes/index.php

American Heroes Poker Run 2013

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Dates, events, times, etc. are the sole responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.  

The Steakhouse at Tropicana Laughlin

Laughlin, NV

Review
The Steakhouse at Tropicana Laughlin

March 2016

The Steakhouse at the Tropicana Laughlin was recently remodeled.  Changes included a new interior look and fresh changes to the menu.  Recently we finally had a chance to dine there.

The inside of the Steakhouse is now decorated in softer tones and the old Tropicana train motif is history. The overall look and feel is nice for a dinner out, or even a special occasion.  Both booths and tables are available. We do, however,  miss the high back chairs they used to have.

An open kitchen at the back of the Steakhouse allows diners a glimpse into the preparation of the steaks, seafood, and other items on the new menu.

Even though Chef Cole Sheridan has changed the menu, many of the popular items we remember
still make their appearance on it.

Even though it was a busy night, we were seated promptly in spite of not having a reservation. Reservations are recommended.

The table side salad cart service with a choice of toppings allows you to choose what you would like on your starter salad.  Just pick what you want from a wooden paddle they hand you. The server puts your salad together at your table. Everything was fresh off the cart.

Other salads are also available on the menu.

Salad created from the Table Side Salad Cart 

Appetizer - In the past we have had the Shrimp Cocktail, which seems to be actually called Chilled Shrimp on the menu.  That was very good but this time we wanted to try something different.  We chose the Lemon Scented Crab Dip ($8) served with a flame broiled baguette.  

This appetizer was very different but very good.  The portion of Crab Dip was big enough to serve several people, however, there was much more dip than baguette.  While we enjoyed it, on future visits we will probably try something else again.


Main Courses - We went for a Steak so that is what we both ordered.

The New York Strip Steak (pictured below, 12oz, $36) was cooked a perfect medium.  Overall it was a nice steak, except for one ounce or so on the end of it which was a bit tough.  It should of been trimmed.

New York Strip Steak at the Steakhouse - Tropicana Laughlin 

The Filet Mignon (7 oz., $38) was even better than the New York Strip.  It was cooked perfectly too and very good.  Given a choice between the two, the Filet would be the top pick.  They also offer a Porterhouse, and Ribeye Steak.   

Dessert

Creme Brulee - very creamy and light. Topped with fresh berries
Other desserts are also available.

Besides Steak there are other options such as Sea Bass, Chicken, Salmon, a Surf and Turf Trio, and Twin Lobster Tails.   See the current menu here (PDF file):
The Steakhouse Menu

The Steakhouse also has an extensive wine list to choose from.

Our service was very good and attentive, except at the very end of the dinner.  Our waiter seemed to have disappeared off the floor for about 10 minutes after he dropped off the check. They were very busy but we did end up sitting there for a bit too long waiting for him to come back and pick it up.

The current hours are
Fri-Sat (4 pm-10 pm)
Sun, Wed, Thurs (4 pm-9 pm)
Closed Mon-Tues.
For reservations - Call 1-888-888-8695

The Steakhouse does offer a Twin Lobster Tail Early Bird Special
$19.99 with a Trop Advantage Card  (free to obtain at the Players Club)

Twin Lobster Tails - Photo by Tropicana Laughlin 

 

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Visit our website at: 

LaughlinBuzz.Com

   

All reviews are our own personal experience, based on our tastes and preferences, and are presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. Your experience may vary.  All references to prices, menus, hours and other particulars are subject to change at the sole discretion of the restaurant or company involved.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

Recent Laughlin Restaurant Inspections

Laughlin, Nevada

Since the last couple of bad health inspections* months ago, Laughlin restaurants have done very well. This week, however, a couple restaurants received less than A ratings.  These were from June and just reported by the Southern Nevada Health District. 

At the Tropicana Laughlin, The Steakhouse restaurant received a B rating with 14 demerits on June 30, 2014.  See the graphics below clipped from the Southern Nevada Health District Restaurant Inspection page.  (click on images for a larger view)

The Steakhouse at the Tropicana demerits are shown in the graphic below:

 

Two of the violations involved the food.  PHF/TCSs at proper temperatures during storage, display, service, transport and holding.  PHF means "potentially hazardous food." TCS means "Temperature Control for Safety.  Also one violation was for Food protected from potential contamination during storage and preparation. 

All prior inspections in the reporting by the SNHD for The Steakhouse were all A ratings.  

We have enjoyed The Steakhouse on the occasions we have dined there.  (See our reviews here when we dined in May of 2014 and here when we dined in February of 2013)

Over at the Golden Nugget the Sports Bar - Tarzans Bar* received a B with 18 demerits on June 4, 2014 but then in a subsequent reinspection got an even lower C grade with 23 demerits on June 29, 2014.

We sent an inquiry to determine exactly what the Sports Bar - Tarzans Bar is.  We assume it is the new Gold Diggers, as that space used to be called Tarzans.   No response has been received as of yet to confirm this.

Demerits from June 29th are in the graphic below. They included violations for Food protected from potential contamination during storage and preparation, pest control, and hand washing. 

Previous inspections showed all A's prior to the last two.

We have never dined at the bar or Tarzans or Gold Diggers. 

To see the recent reports on older Inspections* in the Laughlin area that were less than stellar see the links below.

Alberto's 

Outback Steakhouse

Minato Sushi

The SNHD requires restaurants to post the health inspection certificate indicating the grade of the inspection they received.  Keep in mind, however, that once they get a re-inspection following a poor grade, you will no longer see the old information.   

Visit the SNHD  website here to look up restaurants in Nevada. There is a search feature.  

For Laughlin put in Zipcode 89029.  

Visit us at our Laughlin Buzz HomePage 

*All content in this blog post are presented for informational purposes only and uses data taken from the Southern Nevada Health District website.   We received no compensation from the properties or restaurants in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.  

River Palms Resort and Casino in Laughlin Sold

July 1, 2014

photo by Laughlin Buzz

Press Release from Tropicana Entertainment Inc

Tropicana Entertainment Inc. Announces Sale of River Palms Resort and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada to Nevada Restaurant Services, Inc. and Laughlin Hotel, LLC.

LAS VEGAS, July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropicana Entertainment Inc. ("Tropicana") announces that its subsidiary companies Columbia Properties Laughlin, LLC ("CP Laughlin") and CP Laughlin Realty, LLC ("CPL Realty") entered into and simultaneously closed a sale and lease back transaction with Laughlin Hotel, LLC ("Laughlin Hotel") and Nevada Restaurant Services, Inc. ("NRS" and, collectively with Laughlin Hotel, the "Buyers"). Pursuant to the terms of an asset purchase agreement, CP Laughlin and CPL Realty sold substantially all of the assets associated with the operation of the River Palms Casino in Laughlin, Nevada ("River Palms") to the Buyers, in exchange for $6.75 million in cash. Concurrently with the execution and closing of the asset purchase agreement, CP Laughlin leased back River Palms for a period of up to ninety (90) days, subject to an additional thirty (30) day extension, and further subject to earlier termination rights. Tropicana intends to terminate the lease and discontinue its operation of River Palms in September 2014.

"We are pleased to announce this transaction today," said Tony Rodio, President and Chief Executive Officer for Tropicana. "We have had River Palms on the market for some time and upon the closing of this transaction and the discontinuance of our operation of River Palms in September 2014, we will be able to focus our Laughlin efforts exclusively on our flagship property - Tropicana Laughlin."

"Nevada Restaurant Services is excited about the opportunity to operate the River Palms in the Laughlin market and looks forward to re-opening the facility quickly after a temporary closure while renovations and improvements are made to the property," said Craig Estey, President of Nevada Restaurant Services.

Tropicana is a publicly traded company that, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates eight casinos and resorts in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Missouri, New Jersey and Aruba. Tropicana properties collectively have approximately 5,500 rooms, 8,000 slot positions and 270 table games. The company is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains statements relating to the Company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, events and plans that are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent the Company's estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's sale and lease-back of its River Palms casino to Nevada Restaurant Services, Inc. and its affiliate, Laughlin Hotel, LLC, the anticipated benefits to the Company of such sale, and the Company's expectation regarding the Laughlin, Nevada gaming market. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions made by the Company as of the date of this press release and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, that the Company may not realize the anticipated advantages of the sale, and the additional risk factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Tropicana Entertainment Inc.

End of Press Release

photo by Laughlin Buzz

For more information about Laughlin, Nevada visit us at LaughlinBuzz.Com

The Steakhouse at the Tropicana Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada
Tropicana Laughlin

The Steakhouse   - May 2014 Restaurant Review

We didn't realize it had been so long since we had visited a favorite steakhouse in Laughlin, Nevada.  The Steakhouse is located in the Tropicana Laughlin.  Our last visit (and review) was in February of 2013. 

We finally got back in there. Three of us dined on a Saturday evening in May.   Reservations are suggested, but we didn't have any.  We were still seated promptly.  They were about 3/4 full.   Though, if we had reservations perhaps we could of had one of the tables with the high backed chairs. They have nice booths and two styles of tables.  Our low back chair table was still very nice and comfortable though. There is plenty of room between tables and booths and the low noise level of the room makes it a nice. 

 

The room is dimly lit and nice for a good dinner  or special occasion.  This time we noticed the train themed pictures which were nice enough but just seemed a bit dated and out of place for rest of the decor. Perhaps they are left over from when the train was running and was more of a theme at the Tropicana. 

Service was very attentive as usual.  But this time we were only offered "water" rather than a choice of bottled spring or sparkling water as we had been last time.  This was fine because we were more interested in the cocktails anyway!  A glass of house wine, a vodka martini, and a Corona were ordered. 

We were presented with the bread basket, consisting of several different types of rolls, pretzel bread sticks and flatbread. Accompanying it was a small plate with butter, a herb butter, and port wine cheese.They were so good we had too much of it and that ruined any chance of trying a dessert later. 

For appetizers, we split a delicious shrimp cocktail, knowing there were three huge shrimp per order.  It was very firm and fresh with a good cocktail sauce.  Highly recommended. Another one in our party had the Lobster Bisque.  She said it was excellent, very creamy with nice pieces of lobster throughout.  For entrees we had one New York Strip Steak, one of the Twin Lobster Tail specials*, and a Filet steak. 

The steaks come with a salad consisting of mixed greens and whole mini tomatoes.  They have what they call the Steakhouse Salad cart that is wheeled up to your table for you to choose your salad toppings and dressing.  They prepare it table side.  This is a nice feature. Choices included bacon, baby bay shrimp, mushrooms, olives, onions, etc.  Salads were just the right size and very good. 

The twin lobster tail special is just $19.99 (with a Trop players card).  Regular price on the menu is $30.  The twin tails are served with a decent rice pilaf and some sort of veggies which our diner didn't try.  A salad is not included, but can be added for $5.50 from the cart. The lobster tails were very good size, cooked just right, and very sweet.  This is a good value for the price.  When you add in the salad though it comes to over $25.   

The 7 oz, filet mignon ($32) was cooked perfectly and was a excellent cut, tender and full of flavor. Steaks come with choice of baked potato, sweet potato or garlic roasted mashed potatoes. Both of us chose a very good sized baked potato, which they also put toppings on for you table side.  

We were slightly disappointed, however, in the New York Strip steak (12 oz for $30).   It was of no comparison to the last one Strip steak we had at the Steakhouse last time.  This seemed to be a thinner cut, not as juicy or flavorful.  About 3-4 ounces of it was tougher fat.  Last time there was virtually no inedible fat on a well marbled  steak.  It was cooked as ordered but definitely a cut below in taste and quality than before. 

They also offer specials nightly, this night they had a halibut and a rack of lamb.  A table next to us had the lamb, and even though we are not fans of this dish, it looked like a big portion and delicious.  Specials vary night to night. 

Service and hospitality at the Steakhouse is very good.  They make you feel welcome and are professional, prompt, and friendly from start to finish.   In spite of the one lackluster steak we still feel the Steakhouse is one of the best local spots for a nice dinner, holiday meal, or special occassion. Next time we will just stick to the filet or try another cut.  We will definitely be back and hopefully it won't take us so long.

*Trop players cards are free, even if you don't use it or gamble.  Pick one up at the Trop club before dining if you want the Twin Lobster special.  If you have comps on your card you can also apply them to your bill at the Steakhouse.

The Steakhouse is open at 5pm, Wed-Sunday and are closed Monday & Tuesday

For their current published menu visit here.  

Health Inspection report for The Steakhouse. 
From time to time we check the Southern Nevada Health District restaurant inspections to see how Laughlin restaurants are faring.  Happy to report that the last inspection that was reported for The Steakhouse was a A grade, back in April of 2013.  

Screenshot taken from the SNHD website.
click on image for a larger view

The lighting was too dim to get any pictures this time, but we have included some in our last review:  See our review from last year here.

For more reviews and restaurant information 

in Laughlin visit our dining page at

LaughlinBuzz.Com

   

All reviews are our own personal experience, based on our tastes and preferences, and are presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. Your experience may vary.  All references to prices, menus, hours and other particulars are subject to change at the sole discretion of the restaurant or company involved.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

Poker Run at Tropicana Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada

River Run 2014

American Heros Charity Poker Run

The American Heros Charity Poker Run took place Friday morning at the Tropicana Laughlin. Here are just a few Pictures and a video we received from the start of the Poker Run.   

Click on video to watch larger version on Youtube.

A few other Random Pictures from the River Run 

True Spirit, nothing going to stop the fun at River Run!

The Bike Tropicana is giving away!

For more about Laughlin visit our home page here. 

If you have pictures from River Run 2014 please share them with on:

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*All content of this blog are from our own personal experience and are presented for informational purposes only.  We received no compensation from the properties or restaurants in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.  

Roundhouse Buffet - Dixieland Brunch at Tropicana Laughlin

Review of the Dixieland Brunch at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada

The following is a Guest Review from a loyal reader.

Last Sunday we visited the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada to redeem free play we had received in the mail.   We got extremely lucky and ended up winning a hundred dollars.  It was approaching 11 am and we noticed we also had a 2 for 1 coupon for the Roundhouse Buffet.   We figured you couldn't go wrong for $12.99 for two of what was advertised, Dixieland Brunches.  Friends had told us they had gone in the past and enjoyed it.

There was no line so we were seated right away.  This was a stark contrast from the lines we usually find at a couple of the other Casino Sunday brunches.  Included in the cost of the brunch is one ticket for a glass of champagne.  We thought that was odd since other places we have tried either give you unlimited or at least two glasses.  We had to go up to the champagne bar to get it, at first no one was there and other people were waiting.  So, we went to get food first (after we had gotten a plate of food an employee finally appeared at the champagne bar).  When we finally did get our glass of champagne it was a huge one, though in a plastic cup.  I guess the size makes up for only being given one glass.

The food was alright. There were the usual breakfast selections and several choices of other dishes like fried chicken (way overdone), carved ham (average), and several different Mexican style selections.  There was also this big (very dry and tasteless) breakfast pizza.   We would be hard pressed to call the buffet good or recommend it.  Certainly not if you are paying full price.  Definitely not as good as the Sunday brunches we have had at Aquarius, Harrahs, or the Golden Nugget.   The best (and freshest, hottest) dishes were the pancakes, sausage, bacon, and fruit selections.   Dessert choices were limited and what they did have were all very dry.   There were sugar free choices we did not try.  They do have four machines that dispense fat free yogurt and ice cream (soft serve).  Plus toppings.  Is it wrong to take fat free yogurt and add whipped cream and Carmel?

We did like that at this buffet you can go get your own drinks from the machines set up.  Soft drinks, coffee, hot chocolate, juices.  No waiting necessary for the servers to get them for you.  However, we seldom saw a server and between plates they did not clear the dirty dishes very promptly.

Finally, perhaps they discontinued the brunch as a Dixieland brunch.  We had heard that there is usually a trio of performers playing as a dixieland band in the dining area of the brunch.  None were seen or heard during the entire 1+ hour we were there.  If they have stopped doing it, and that is possible, they should remove it from their website and advertising.  As of when we were there it was still advertised as such.

We generally love all the dining choices at the Tropicana in Laughin.  The Steakhouse is one of our favorites. Carnegie's Dining Car has good food.   Even the small Mexican restaurant and Italian place have pretty good choices at great prices.  The Roundhouse Buffet isn't quite up to par with the food quality or service.  From now on when we visit the Tropicana we will most certainly go to one of the other places.

Luckily, with some comps on our players card and a discount, the entire brunch for two of us only cost us a couple dollars.  That's a real deal.  In retrospect we did get to relax, sit, and enjoy our coffee and champagne after a nice bonus win in the casino.

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For other reviews visit the other pages of our blog or stop by our main page
at http://www.laughlinbuzz.com

Loved it. The Steakhouse at Tropicana Laughlin

The Steakhouse is located in the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada

Each time we visit The Steakhouse we are more and more impressed with the food and the service. We normally only go on special occasions, this time we did a pre-Valentines day dinner since we couldn't go out on the 14th.

The restaurant was fairly busy and but we were seated promptly.  You can choose from tables or very nice booths.  This time we chose a booth. Last time we sat in the very comfy high backed chairs. Either choice is very comfortable. The restaurant is well decorated and roomy.

Service was instant, with an offer of filtered water, bottled spring or sparkling water from Italy.  We opted for the bottled spring water.  In addition right away they set out a basket of rolls and flat bread, plus a plate of port wine cheese, regular butter, and rosemary herb butter. Delicious, but way too easy to fill up on fast if you aren't careful.

Bread Basket, Cheese, Butters

Even though we knew the portions were good sized we decided to split a Shrimp Cocktail.  These were among the best, freshest shrimp we have had in a long time.  You only get three to an order but they are huge in size.  For drinks one of us had a dirty vodka martini, the other ordered a glass of wine. Both were good quality,  the martini complete with 2 really good olives.

Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer

Martini

Our orders were the New York Strip and the Steak and Seafood Trio.  Entrees come with a salad of nice mixed greens and tomato.  As the salad cart comes to the table you have choices for salad toppings outlined on a wooden paddle handed to you.  Choose what you want on your salad and they prepare it right there. Choice include bacon, artichokes, baby shrimp, croutons, mushrooms, and more.  Plus several dressings.  We are blue cheese fans and theirs was very good.

Service was impeccable this night, with them refilling the water glasses, whisking away dishes, and giving plenty of time between appetizer, salad, and the main meals. No rush, you can relax an enjoy dinner.

The New York Strip (12 oz) was a very good cut, cooked exactly as ordered. No fat but marbled and juicy.  Choice of potato is also included.

The Steak and Seafood Trio was a pleasant surprise.  It consists of a trio of items.  A 3oz. medallion of filet and a large shrimp (both with Barbecue glazing).  Another 3 oz. medallion of filet with a half a lobster tail on mashed redskin potato. And a third 3 oz. medallion of filet with crab and a Bearnaise type sauce. Plus spears of perfectly cooked asparagus. All of them were delicious, with the crab one being our favorite. The filets were melt in your mouth good, even better than the NY Strip, which we loved.  This was a very large entree and something we would recommend trying.

Steak and Seafood Trio

Unfortunately we were too full for dessert, even though we listed to the half dozen choices that all sounded good.

With tax and tip our bill came to about $115 (for two people), which is reasonable considering drinks, appetizers, etc..  Although it is priced a bit higher than most of the restaurants in the area the quality, atmosphere and experience is well worth it.  Both of our waiters were excellent, professional, and wonderful.

The Steakhouse is definitely on our list of top favorites for a nice or celebratory, or holiday dinner out. It is a bit of a hidden gem for Laughlin.


There are several other items to choose from on the menu.  The Prime Rib we have heard is also very good. And the Lobster is among the best you can get in Laughlin.  They do offer a Twin Lobster Tail Special and a great price of just $19.99 with a Trop Advantage Players Card.  We have had this in the past too and it is a wonderful deal. (Players Cards are available at no cost). As with any specials and hours, please check with the property/restaurant. Things may change without notice, or be subject to other special considerations.  Comps from the Player card are honored for payment as well.

Hours are currently listed as Open Wednesday - Sunday at 4 p.m.  Closed Monday & Tuesday
Reservations Recommended, though we have never had a problem getting a table.