Laughlin Buzz

Nov 22, 2013

Laughlin Dog Show

This event was rained out on November 23rd and has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 14th. Registration begins at 9am.

Sad because it rained in Laughlin and the show was postponed the first time.

Laughlin, NV

Bark in the Park Dog Show

Dogs of all ages and breeds are invited to the Bark in the Park Dog show. The show takes place at Mountain View Park in Laughlin on ~~November 23rd~~. December 14th. Registration begins at 9am.

Over 20 dog show contests are slated for the event. Best Costume, Best Groomed, Dog-Owner look alike, Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, and many other fun contests will take place. Participation is $3 per contest or four contests for $10. The top three in each contest will win a award, and there will also be a Best of Show competition, with a prize awarded. All shot records must be up to date to enter the show. Dogs must be leashed in the park.

In addition to the dog contests, there will be Vendor booths, raffles and drawings. Plus Roto-Dogs (hot dogs) will be available.

Download the Bark in the Park Info here

The show is being put on and sponsored by the Laughlin Junior Senior High School Interact Club.
Proceeds from this event will support Rotary International and the fight to "END POLIO NOW"
throughout the free world ....All funds will go directly to eradicate polio.

Registration begins at 9:00 am and the first competition is at 10:00 am See the above link for more details.

Booth space is still available. For more information about the show or to register as a vendor, contact Kristin Johnson at 906-360-2951 or email kajohnson888@gmail.com.

Nov 21, 2013

Check out the Cove Bar and Lounge!

We went to the Cove on the recommendation of a review we read on Laughlin Buzz. We absolutely loved it! Drinks were amazing and very strong. We tried the Margarita's, Martini's and for dessert the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini. The Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini might not be for everyone but it is now one of our favorites. The martini was delicious but also very sweet and so easy to drink fast. For us, the appetizers were as good as dinner. They are huge. We started with the Steak Salad. This is a meal itself. The steak strips were better than most steak served as an entree in other places. The dressing was outstanding as well. Shrimp Cocktail was one of the best we have had. The shrimp were jumbo, very fresh, nicely chilled. The Crab and Artichoke Dip was our other appetizer choice. This was another big portion with a plate of crostini type bread, coated with a sun dried tomato paste, to spread the dip on. The dip itself was creamy and had a nice crab flavor, even though the Artichokes seemed more prevalent. While we did like the sun dried tomato on the bread, we think it would of been even better with just plain bread.

We thought the prices for the appetizers were very reasonable, maybe even low, for the quality and portion size. Our waitress was very good and very friendly, but she was overworked. Apparently, they were short on staff and also training a new person this night. Because of this service was slow at the start but got much better quickly. We sat in the portion of the Cove that is in the room behind the bar. This is a cozy little section with high tables, low tables, and a few comfortable sofa type chairs. We will definitely be back to the Cove.

Review by guest, Carl F.

The Cove Bar and Lounge is located in the non-smoking section of the Aquarius Casino in Laughlin, NV.

App Menu* and Drink Menu* for the Cove Bar and Lounge

*as always items and pricing subject to change

Read other reviews of the Cove Bar and Lounge here:

October 2013
http://laughlinbuzz.blogspot.com/2013/10/cove-bar-and-lounge-revisited.html

June 2013
http://laughlinbuzz.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-cove-bar-and-lounge-at-aquarius.html

For more reviews and current happenings in the area, visit LaughlinBuzz.Com

*All reviews are based on our or our contributors personal experience. Your own experiences may vary based on tastes, preferences, and other variables. Information contained herein, such as pricing, hours, menu items, etc., is subject to change by the restaurants. Reviews are presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Nov 16, 2013

Riverwalk by the Aquarius Casino Resort

We spend alot of time on the Riverwalk in Laughlin. Year round. The portion of the Riverwalk by the Aquarius is very nicely maintained, clean, safe, with great views of the River and Mountains. All the other Casinos except River Palms and Harrah's are within a fairly short walking distance from the Aquarius.

Here is our latest picture tour of the Riverwalk outside the Aquarius. Pictures taken in November 2013.

When you come out the back entrance onto the Riverwalk, the Riverside Casino is to the left and the Regency and Edgewater are the first ones to the right.

A circular sitting area just outside the doors is a nice place with some shade and a great view.

Just outside the Riverwalk entrance of the Aquarius

View of the Colorado River

The Cove Bar and Lounge is just inside the doors.

Part of the Cove lounge seating overlooks the Riverwalk and the Colorado River (see below)

Benches line this section of the Riverwalk

Duet Coffee and Wine (with free wifi) is inside the Casino

This section of the Riverwalk was recently landscaped. Much of the overgrowth of trees was cleared to make for a nicer look and a better view of the River. New flowers and plants were put in. As you continue walking you reach the end of the Aquarius section of the Riverwalk. The Riverside Resort and Casino is just ahead.

Outback Steakhouse is inside, located on the Casino floor.

As you start walking down the Riverwalk there is another entrance. This enters right by the Windows on the River Buffet and leads back into the Casino.

Panda Express is also located in the Casino

A large McDonalds is located in another corner of the Casino

Looking back down the Colorado River toward the Aquarius and Edgewater.
The Regency is a small casino (no hotel) nestled just between the two.

If you head down the Riverwalk toward the Edgewater Casino, the first thing you see are The Rocky River Adventure sales shack and the Celebration River Cruise sales booth.

Rent Waverunners and more

Celebration Cruise - Day cruises and Dinner Cruises are available.

This "cruise director/saleswoman" will most likely stop you and tell you all about the cruises. Unlike how you are accosted in Vegas, in all of Laughlin this is one of the only sales pitches we have seen on the Riverwalk or Casino Drive. We have probably been asked a hundred times. One of these times we will try it out, just to see what it is like. Just 10 dollars for the daytime cruise.

The Celebration

Everything is for rent on the Riverwalk.

Just about 400 steps down the Riverwalk you will come up to the Regency (the small building in front of the Edgewater). This marks the end of the Aquarius portion of the walk.

Other features: Right behind the Celebration sales booth is the Aquarius outdoor Amphitheater. This is very small and is rarely used. Recent acts have included Bill Engvall and Heart.

The Amphitheater is basically a parking area with a stage on one side and bleachers on the other. If there is a show, chairs are placed on the "floor" parking lot area. When there is no show it seems to double as parking for various Aquarius workers. The bleachers are right in front of the parking garage. When there is a concert they usually block the view from the garage into the Amphitheater with vinyl covering. We actually did catch the Bill Engvall show there. Because it is so small the view is great for all seats.

As you walk past the Amphitheater the walkway continues along side the hotel and out to the front of the Aquarius on Casino Drive.

Food Court - McDonalds, Subway and Dreyers Ice Cream.
Panda Express is on the opposite corner of the Casino floor.

The only restaurant not mentioned on the Riverwalk signage is the Vineyard Ristorante. This has been one of our favorites. This fine Italian dining spot is located right off the Riverwalk as well. Some of the seating inside has a nice view of the River.

Below are more posts about other parts of the Riverwalk.

Golden Nugget

No man's land between the Golden Nugget and the River Palms

Pioneer Casino and River Rick at night

Who says Laughlin doesn't have nightlife?

We will have more Riverwalk photo's coming soon. If you have some you would like to share send us a email at laughlinbuzz@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page and share them!

LaughlinBuzz.Com

All depictions, descriptions, and information was current at the time of posting and is subject to change by the properties involved. We have no affiliation with and receive no compensation from the properties mentioned.

Nov 15, 2013

Sweet Stuff and Free WiFi

Duet Coffee & Wine Aquarius Casino Resort, Laughlin, NV

At Duet you will find all kinds of coffee drinks, Latte, Espresso, Cappuccinos. Plus Tea, hot chocolate, frappés and more. See their drink menu here. Several kinds of sweet desserts are available. It would take quite awhile to sample them all. Over the past few months here are just a few that we have tasted.

Brownie with Chocolate Ganache

The brownie itself was very rich and moist. With the ganache added on this is a good one for a chocolate lover. The blue icing flower was a bit much, too sweet. We would of preferred it without the flower, or a smaller one. This was the least favorite of the sweets so far.

Tuxedo Cookie

Cousin of the Black and White Cookie?

A good cookie, large enough for two people to easily share. We think we still prefer the black and white cookie, because we like vanilla more than chocolate most of the time.

Eclair

This was the overall favorite from all the desserts, by everyone who tried them in our group. We didn't expect it to be so were pleasantly surprised. Fresh, flaky, pastry, with just enough icing and a rich filling. Definitely rivals (though is smaller than) the Eclair they serve over at the Tropicana in Laughlin.

Pumpkin Creme Cheese Muffin

Second favorite so far. Very moist, good pumpkin flavor, with a nice, creamy, not overly sweet icing.

We also tried the cream puff and it was very good too. And very big, something you want to share. People ate it up too fast so we didn't get a pic of it.

Pricing is reasonable, about what you would expect at any similar shop or bakery.

There is ample seating, outlets for your computer, phone, or tablet and free wi-fi.

Hours:

Sunday through Thursday, 6am to 11pm

Friday and Saturday, 6am to Midnight.

Have you tried Duet?Comment below and let us know what you thought!

LaughlinBuzz.Com: http://www.laughlinbuzz.com

All reviews are our own personal experience, based on our tastes and preferences, and are presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Nov 14, 2013

Lost in the Outback

Outback Steakhouse - Aquarius Resort Casino

*We have had good and back luck with dining at this Outback in Laughlin. Here is another restaurant review we recently received from guest. (October 2013)

It has been awhile since we visited an Outback Steakhouse. On a recent visit to Laughlin we decided to try the only option for steak at the Aquarius Resort. We had a wait of about 15 minutes even though there seemed to be empty, open tables. We almost left to go to the Cafe Aquarius that is close by. In retrospect, it may have been a wise decision to do so. Our teenage son wanted us to share the Blooming Onion so we ordered that and drinks. As I said, it had been awhile since we dined at an Outback. The Blooming Onion seemed substantially smaller. It also wasn't as good as we recall. Or maybe it was just this particular Outback. The onion definitely wasn't crisp enough. The dipping sauce was good but without that didn't make up for the onion itself. The small loaf of dark bread they gave us was not very good either. The bread seemed hard in a stale kind of way, but warm in a just was in the microwave kind of way. My wife and I both had a salad. This came promptly and was fine. After all, it is hard to mess up a salad. Then it all began.

The waitress dropped by and said our entrees should be out soon. We waited. And waited. And waited some more. She kept refilling our son's soda and asked us if we wanted more drinks. Finally after a long 20 minutes a manager appeared and said he was sorry that it was taking so long. He explained that "there was a problem in the kitchen" and our orders were just put in. He asked if we would like something else like a bowl of soup on the house. We declined this odd offer. He explained he was going to give us 50 percent off to make up for the problem. Apparently they had lost or misplaced our slip? The waitress was wonderful, apologetic, and attentive. It wasn't her fault.

Finally the meals arrived. Our son had the ribs. These were tender, almost fall off the bone good. He didn't care for the sauce. He said there was too much of it and it was too spicy. My wife had the small filet steak and baked potato. She said the steak was done perfectly and very good. It did taste much, much better than the way it looked on the plate.

I had one bite of it and didn't think it was quite that good. Certainly ok, but nothing special. You expect a cut of filet to be of the best quality. Then I tasted my ribeye and realized hers was so much better. When I ordered the ribeye they recommened char grilled preparation. The ribeye was well seasoned, however, the cut of meat was not of good quality. It actually was one of the worst ribeye steaks I have ever had.

Usually, a ribeye is marbled with fat. Good fat, juicy, and delicious that you can eat. Not gristly and hard to cut with a steak knife. About a third of the ribeye was inedible. The rest was chewy and lacked flavor other than the seasoning on top. This was a lesson learned, if you must have steak, and must eat at the Outback, get the filet. At least at this Laughlin location. The baked potato was perhaps the best part of my meal. I do recommend getting butter and/or sour cream on the side though. Way too much was heaped on the potato.

When we finished we declined dessert since we had been there for an extended time already. We decided instead to pop into the McDonalds (also in the casino) for ice cream instead. Of course, as so often is the case at this location, the ice cream machine was not working. The manager kept his word and gave us 50 percent off our meals, but not the onion, or drinks. Walking out I realized I didn't mind paying $60 for our meals but had it been the actual $100 it should of been, I would not have been too pleased. Ultimately, it was the ribeye that left a bad taste in my mouth.

We applaud our waitress and the manager for making the best effort in an unusual situation. Still, we probably will not go back to Outback for a long time again, and definitely not to the one in Laughlin.

Review by guest, Carl F.and family.

For more reviews and current happenings in the area, visit LaughlinBuzz.Com

Nov 13, 2013

Pizza at Passaggio

Passaggio Italian Gardens - Tropicana Laughlin

Pizza at Passaggio

In my continuing quest to find good pizza in Laughlin/Bullhead City, my wife and I stopped into Passaggio in the Tropicana Express hotel on Friday November 1st. I had read good things about the food and figured it was time to trek across the street and give it a go. The casino was lively, but not crowded, that evening with a band playing at the Caboose Lounge that could be heard from the Passaggio eatery.

The restaurant was not very crowded for 6:30pm on a Friday night which made me wonder about the quality. We were not overly hungry so we decided to share a small pizza and get a salad bar. I’m particularly fond of Italian restaurant salad bars since they tend to have more goodies to choose from. The two topping small pizza for $11.50 seemed to be just right based on the waiter’s description. Service was friendly but also quite slow.

As the evening progressed and the crowds filled up the tables, we saw a corresponding decrease in service speed. Our waiter brought our soft drinks and some garlic bread which was pretty fantastic. We resisted a second helping.

While waiting for the pizza, I prepared my salad at their bar. I expect more from a salad bar at an Italian restaurant than what is offered at Passaggio. There was no shredded cheese, cubed meats (turkey, ham), pepperoni slices, various types of greens, etc. They did have the standard lettuce, few veggies, marinated tomatoes, mixed peppers and croutons. It did the job but I was left wanting more.

The pizza finally came after a significant wait and my wife and I laughed at their description of “small”. This is an 8 slice pizza that would challenge many restaurant mediums. It was very good pizza with a decent crust (on the more done side which I prefer), good sauce, nice amount of cheese, and tasty toppings. I ended up taking a few slices home to eat the next morning cold. It was really good the next morning by the way.

Will I go back? Based on the price and food quality, I will go back to Passaggio to again have pizza and to try other items on their menu. I’m hopeful, as we are in many Laughlin restaurants, that the slow service was just a bad night and not the norm.

Review by Laughlin Buzz Contributor, Todd Carnes

For more reviews and current happenings in the area, visit LaughlinBuzz.Com

All reviews are based on our or our contributors personal experience. Your own experiences may vary based on tastes, preferences, and other variables. Information contained herein, such as pricing, hours, menu items, etc., is subject to change by the restaurants. Reviews are presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Laughlin's Aquarius Casino outshines Stratosphere

Laughlin's Aquarius Casino Resort was the only ACE property to show an increase in Revenue for the 3rd quarter of 2013

Aquarius Casino Resort shown in November of 2013

Las Vegas-based American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC reported a 9.4 million dollar loss for the third quarter of 2013. In the same period for 2012 their net loss was only 3.3 million.

ACE is the owner and operator of the the Stratosphere and two Arizona Charlies properties in Las Vegas, plus the Aquarius Resort Casino in Laughlin. The company had been profitable in the second quarter.

The company said its net revenue during the quarter fell 1.6 percent to $84.4 million.

The Aquarius Casino Resort, was the only one of the 4 casinos owned by the company that reported an increase in revenue. A 1.6 percent increase in casino revenue and a 4.5 percent increase in hotel revenues helped the Aquarius show an overall revenue growth of 1.3%. Meanwhile, Stratosphere’s revenue decreased 3.5% and the two Arizona Charlie’s casinos revenues decreased by less than 1%.

For more about the Laughin area visit http://www.laughlinbuzz.com

Nov 11, 2013

Breakfast Burrito and Eggs Benedict

Review of breakfast at Beach Cafe, Harrah's Laughlin

Date of visit: Nov. 2013

We have always enjoyed the Eggs Benedict at the Beach Cafe located in Harrah's Laughlin. See a review here. One morning, recently, we dropped by Harrah's and made an unplanned visit to the Cafe for breakfast. For some reason we strayed from our "usual" 1/2 Benedict and California Style *choices. We must of felt over hungry as we ordered the Full Benedict and the signature, "Specialty" Breakfast Burrito.

Breakfast Burrito with Hash browns. Topped with Avocado

Burrito cut in half

Eggs Benedict - Full Size with Hash browns

We were not disappointed with the Burrito. This is a 10 inch flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, chorizo, refried beans and Monterey Jack cheese. Topped with ranchero sauce, avocado slices and more Monterey Jack cheese. As you may be aware, chorizo has a bite to it, this one was spicy but very flavorful. The burrito was huge, almost too much for one person. Plus hash browns on the side (a good size portion too). Price is 9.99 with a Total Rewards Card, 10.99 without.

As usual the eggs benedict were very good. They have a very good hollandaise sauce, the eggs are cooked just right, the ham is thick yet lean and juicy. Side of hash browns included, for 9.99 with a Total Rewards Card, 10.99 without. The half benedict morning special available until 10am is just right, this one is for a hearty appetite.

The Beach Cafe is open 24 hours and serves breakfast 24 hours. They have something for everyone at fairly good prices with large portions. Easily enough to share at times. See this link for a pdf file of the menu.

Our favorites for breakfast (available as a special from 6am-10am) are:

Half Benedict 6.95 with TR Card
Half a grilled English muffin topped
with thick sliced ham, a poached egg and
Hollandaise sauce

California Style 6.95 with TR Card
One poached egg served on top of sliced
turkey and a grilled half bagel, topped with
Hollandaise sauce and avocado served with
hash browns

Have you tried the Beach Cafe?

Comment below and let us know what you thought!

LaughlinBuzz.Com: http://www.laughlinbuzz.com

All reviews are our own personal experience, based on our tastes and preferences, and are presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Nov 10, 2013

Veterans Day Ceremony at Pioneer Casino

Laughlin, NV
Veterans Day Ceremony at the Pioneer Casino (Riverwalk, point by the Beach)
11-9-2013

Pictures and Video Laughlin Buzz received from the event:

The morning was beautiful, cool but warming up fast as the sun came up over the Colorado River. A crowd of a hundred or so people gathered in chairs and on the Riverwalk to pay tribute to our Veterans. Thank you to the Pioneer and everyone who helped create such a wonderful event.

Members of Post 60 will presented the colors. Laughlin Constable, Jordan Ross followed with the Pledge of Allegiance and Veterans Day comments. The invocation was by Fr. Charlie Urnick.

Music include the official song and tribute for each branch of the armed forces plus special performances by Judy and Dustin Crump. Video of God Bless The USA below: