Laughlin Buzz

Mar 27, 2014

Black Bear Diner Fail Part 2

Black Bear Diner
Bullhead City, AZ




Back in early March we reported about the very poor restaurant inspection that the Black Bear Diner in Bullhead City, AZ received. See the original report and inspection information here.  This is of local interest as it is just a short distance from Laughlin, NV across the bridge. 

The original inspection was on March 6, 2014.

They were re-inspected as a follow up on March 14, 2014

This inspection showed some of the issues seem to have been fixed (such as the black mold), but that there are still many others.    They still received a Needs Improvement rating and multiple violations. 



Here is a copy of the text/report from the inspector, taken from the Mohave Co. Department of Public Health Website:
-----------
Establishment Summary
Inspection Date: 03/14/2014 Rating: Needs Improvement
Permit Description: 1003 - FOOD SERVICE - TYPE III
Establishment: BLACK BEAR DINER
Address: 1751 HWY 95 SUITE #25, BULLHEAD CITY
Violation(s):
5. Potentially hazardous foods held at proper cooling temperature
7. Hand washing facilities available and functional
19. Effective food contact controls are preventing food contamination
20. Food contact surfaces and equipment are cleaned frequently and properly to prevent food contamination
21. Food contact surfaces and equipment are sanitized frequently and properly to prevent food contamination
27. Other critical and non-critical items in compliance

Inspector Notes:
2. ALL HOT HELD FOOD WAS 140 F OR MORE. NO PAR-COOKED CHICKEN OBSERVED DURING INSPECTION. 4. NO COOLING WAS TAKING PLACE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. 5. THE WAIT STATION PREP TOP AND REACH-IN ARE STILL NOT FIXED READING @ 59-63 F. TIME/TEMP SHEETS ARE BEING USED. THAWING UNDER 73.9 F RUNNING WATER WAS REMOVED TO REFRIGERATION AS 70 F OR LESS WATER TEMP FOR THAWING IS REQUIRED. 7. HAND SINK FOR COOKS IS CORRECT. THE OTHER HAND SINK STATION DID NOT HAVE PAPER TOWELS. CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION. 13. DID NOT OBSERVE ANY BARE HAND CONTACT OF RTE FOODS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. IMPROPER GLOVE USE WAS OBSERVED TOUCHING RTE FOODS. 19. IMPROPER GLOVE USE OBSERVED. GLOVED FINGERS WIPED ON DIRTY RAGS THEN PICKED UP LETTUCE AND TOMATO AND PUT ON PLATE. SANDWICH PRESSED UPON RIGHT AFTER WIPING GLOVES ON RAG. POT PIE PICKED UP AND HELD WITH THUMB ON TOP OF CRUST. WEARING GLOVES BUT THEY WERE NOT CLEAN. GLOVES HAD TOUCHED WALK-IN DOOR HANDLE AND MICROWAVE HANDLE AND WERE WIPED ON A RAG BEFORE THE POT PIE WAS TOUCHED. THIS IS CROSS CONTAMINATION. ANOTHER EMPLOYEE WIPED HANDS ON APRON AND THEN OPENED WALK-IN DOOR, CAME OUT, SET FOOD DOWN AND WIPED GLOVED HANDS ON RAG. 20. OBSERVED 2 BUSSERS-ONE CARRYING SMALL BOWLS WITH FINGERS INSIDE BOWL AND ONE CARRYING DRINKING GLASSES TOUCHING THE TOP RIMS AND WITH FINGERS INSIDE-CARRIED UPSIDE DOWN. TOUCH THE OUTSIDE ON THE NON- FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE DISHES, UTENSILS AND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS-WHETHER GLOVES ARE WORN OR NOT. BLACK MOLD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE WALK-IN. PICTURES TAKEN. 21. NO QUAT SANITIZER TEST STRIPS WERE AVAILABLE. QUAT SOLUTION WAS COMING OUT OF THE DISPENSER WEAK AT LESS THAN 150 PPM WHEN 200 PPM IS REQUIRED. PRO-CLEAN WAS CALLED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION TO FIX THE DISPENSER. HOWEVER TEST STRIPS COULD HAVE BEEN PURCHASED IN THE WEEK SINCE THE LAST INSPECTION. THEY ARE REQUIRED. THIS IS A RE-OCCURRING VIOLATION. TOWEL BUCKETS WERE RE-MADE BY MIXING 1/2 TABLESPOON OF QUAT TO A GALLON OF WATER. IMPROPER RAG USE IS PREVALENT. RAGS IN THE SANITIZER TOWEL BUCKETS WERE NOT USED AT THE COOK-LINE ONCE DURING INSPECTION. INSTEAD-DRY OR DIRTY RAGS WERE LEFT ON PREP SURFACES AND GLOVED HANDS WERE WIPED AND SCRUBBED WITH UNSANITIZED RAGS. ALL RAGS MUST BE KEPT IN THE SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES AND SANITIZER MUST BE AT PROPER STRENGTH AND CHANGED FREQUENTLY. IMPROPER USE OF RAGS IS A REPEAT VIOLATION. 27. FANS IN WALK-IN ARE STILL DUSTY. SHELVES STILL NEED TO BE BETTER ARRANGED AND DEEP CLEANED. WALL BEHIND SINK STILL HAS HOLES. ALL EQUIPMENT NEEDS TO BE PULLED AWAY FROM THE WALL OR IF FIXED IN PLACE IT STILL NEEDS TO BE DEEP CLEANED AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. AN NOV WILL BE ISSUED FOR A PATTERN OF NON-COMPLIANCE AND THE FACILITY WILL BE PLACED ON A RISK CONTROL PLAN FOR THOSE ITEMS. A FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION WILL TAKE PLACE IN 10 DAYS ON OR AFTER 3-24-14. NOV WILL BE ON OR AFTER 3-19-14. MANAGER REQUESTS SUPERVISOR ATTEND THE FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION.
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As evidenced by the violations described there are still problems that we believe need to be fixed before we would ever consider visiting this location.   There are more follow up inspections indicated to be done in the report (above).    

Dine at the Black Bear in Bullhead City at your own risk, especially in light of the potential contamination violations outlined by the inspector.

The Mohave County Department of Public Health Website for searching restaurant inspections is located here.   You can search by name or city.  Both Bullhead City and Fort Mohave (Arizona) are neighbors to Laughlin and are located in Mohave County, AZ. 


Visit us at our Laughlin Buzz HomePage 

*All content in this blog post are presented for informational purposes only and use data taken from the Mohave County Department of Public Health website.   We received no compensation from the properties or restaurants in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.  

Pat Benatar, Joan Jett and Berlin at Laughlin Event Center

Laughlin, Nevada
Laughlin Event Center

Coming on May 25 to the Laughlin Event Center:  

Pat Benatar, Joan Jett and Berlin 

will perform at the new outdoor venue in Laughlin.



Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are headlining the three acts for their 35th Anniversary Tour.  

Joan Jett performed last year in Laughlin (with the Steve Miller Band) and put on a great show.  Look for this year's to be even better.  

Tickets go on sale on 3/28 for tickets (starting at $35).  LaughlinEventCenter.Com 

Visit the Laughlin Buzz HomePage for more about the area.

*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. We received 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. 

Mar 26, 2014

Best Breakfast Buffet on the River in Laughlin

Breakfast at the Loading Dock Bar and Grill
Colorado Belle 
Laughlin, NV


One morning we decided to head out for Breakfast in Laughlin. Wanting to try something new our choice was either Bumbleberry Flats (at the Pioneer) or the Loading Dock Bar and Grille at the Colorado Belle. Since we had comps we decided to use them and headed to the Loading Dock.  There is nothing like a free breakfast on the River, and besides we had heard a few not too flattering opinions of the food and service and wanted to see for ourselves.

Upon going up to the hostess stand we were greeted right away. This was a great first sign. We were asked if we were going to have the Buffet.  Apparently the morning breakfast buffet is popular.  We generally don't go for Buffets so asked to see a regular menu.


As we walked in we noticed most of people there wee in the first two rows of tables closest to the buffet. The regular breakfast menu was laminated onto a wooden board, a unique menu format.  After looking it over we realized the price for the Buffet ($7.99 includes coffee or a drink) was a great deal.


I did a walk by of the buffet and saw it looked really good (for a buffet).  Smaller bins of food that looked fresh and of higher quality than we recall at the old Captains Buffet or Edgewater Buffet.  There was also a egg/omelet station and toasting station.  There was fresh fruit, pastries, muffins, cereal plus eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, a egg quiche, pancakes, waffles and more.


So, we all decided to go with the Buffet and it was a good choice. Being that the layout and size was smaller than typical bigger style buffets, choices were hotter and fresher, with them replenishing them more often.  Sometimes, less is more. Do a few things very well is far better than many things done with mediocrity.


For just $7.99 this is probably one of the best breakfast values on the River now.  People who used to love the old $7.99 buffet at the Pioneer Casino Boarding House restaurant before it closed should love this one.  It is much better. The service was wonderful, prompt and friendly.  They had one person refilling coffee and even though we had the buffet our server kept checking on us to see how we were doing.  The decor is a nice concept and even if you sit inside instead of on the patio, you can see out to the Riverwalk.   The tables and tableware were nice and we actually enjoyed everything about the Loading Dock.


Our contributor Todd recently shared a good experience he and his wife had at lunch at the Loading Dock. Sometime in the near future we need to revisit to see how dinner during a busy time goes.   The restaurant seems to be more geared to the regular menu than the buffet for dinner but for breakfast we highly recommend the buffet.  For now it is the best value and breakfast buffet on the River in Laughlin.

You, of course, can order off the regular menu and we did see people doing this. The food that went by looked good and were large portions.    More pictures below:

Ceiling of the Loading Dock

Entrance to the Loading Dock




Large Windows look out onto the Patio and beyond to the Riverwalk and Colorado River


Laughlin Buzz T-shirts, Hats and Can/Bottle Koozies 
Now Available  
  




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

The above restaurant is located at the Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada

The review above is based on our contributor's personal experience. Opinions and Photographs are his own. Your 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 restaurant. 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. 









Mar 20, 2014

Benefit Barbecue for family of Daniel O'Brien

Laughlin, Nevada

Benefit Barbecue for O'Brien family.

Laughlin High student, 18-year-old Daniel Tripp O’Brien, died on March 5, with the apparent cause being viral myocarditis, an infection that leads to inflammation of the heart muscle.    

A benefit barbecue to help the O’Brien family defray their expenses will is being held on Sunday, March 23rd from 2 to 6 p.m.

This will take place in front of Kruz ‘n Kuts in the Laughlin Town Center, 3080 Needles Highway.  
On the O’Brien's page of the GiveForward website they wrote, 

“Up until about 3 days ago everyone thought Daniel had the flu. When he was rushed to the hospital because his heart wouldn’t slow down we realized it was much more serious.”  

The page has not been updated to reflect his passing, however, they are still accepting donations for the family there. 
 www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/9444/hope-for-daniel 

Drop by the BBQ on Sunday or visit their page and help support the O'Brien family during this heartbreaking, tragic time.


Laughlin Townfest called a "Huge Success"

“It was a huge success,” -Lin Clark, organizer of the recent Laughlin Townfest

Laughlin, Nevada

The 4-day, 11th annual Townfest was once again well attended and called a success by the organizers.  The festival featured live music, a carnival, food and the annual parade.     Parade pictures and winners are listed below.

(click on images to view a larger version)








Awards were given for the parade and winners were as follows.  

We have included pictures of those we managed to snap or were sent by other attendees.  We apologize to anyone we may have missed and thank everyone who helped support the parade and Laughlin.  


DEP 3 Racing (Outlaw Willie’s Best Car in Show award)


Laughlin Community Church (Aldape’s Market’s Most Original award)

Laughlin Volunteers in Partnership ( Laughlin Chamber of Commerce Most Enthusiastic award)

Aldape’s Market (The Hideout Best Float award)

Knights of Columbus (Valley View Medical Center Most Dedicated Non-Profit award)

 


Laughlin/Bullhead Relay 4 Life and Paws 4 the Cause (American Legion Post 60 Most Team Spirit award)




 R&B Properties/Old Town Saloon (Kruz ‘n Kuts’ Best Theme award)

Republican Party (Tropicana Express’ Most Patriotic Group award)


Silver Rider Bus (Debbie and Darryl Dauenhauer’s Most Creative award)

State Sen. Joe Hardy (Laughlin Elks 2873’s Best Community Spirit award)


Healing Hooves (Maas Construction’s Equestrian Favorite award)

The Frank Buckley/All Veterans’ Most Patriotic Award went to the ROTC from Mohave Valley High School.





The local Tri-State TV2 KLBC presented plaques to the American Legion Post 60, American Legion Post 87 and the Laughlin Substation of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their continued participation and support for the parade.


More Random Parade Pictures:





Sue Lowden - Candidate for Lt. Gov. of Nevada and Owner of Pioneer Casino








The 2nd annual  Laughlin Oktoberfest is already in the planning mode and is scheduled for  Saturday, October 34, 2014 at the same location in the  Laughlin Town Center. 





Organizer, Lin Clark
We highly recommend supporting everyone and the groups and organizations who participated in or sponsored the parade.  These are the people who have pride in and support the Laughlin community. making it a wonderful place to live.



*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. We received 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.  






Mar 19, 2014

Blues&Brews Festival and Blues Traveler in Laughlin


BLUES & BREWS AT THE BELLE


EDGEWATER FEATURES BLUES TRAVELER 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAUGHLIN, NV--16TH ANNUAL BLUES & BREWS FESTIVAL will be held outdoors in Colorado Belle's Center Circle Friday through Sunday, April 4-6, 2014.  The event will feature four great blues bands, an excellent assortment of beer and great food.  The Edgewater's  E Center will feature the return of the acclaimed Blues Traveler band on Saturday, April 5. 
NOTHING BUT THE BLUES
Memphis bluesman, guitarist and soulful vocalist Preston Shannon, the reigning “King of Beale Street”, returns to Blues & Brews in 2014.  Preston brings Southern "deep soul" to the blues- hoarse, gritty vocals and brassy arrangements.  Also returning to Blues & Brews is Las Vegas bluesman John Earl & The BoogieMan Band and Chris Hiatt and his band Cold Shot. Event hours are 2pm-12 midnight Friday and Saturday and noon to 8pm Sunday.  Admission is free.
BLUES TRAVELER
The Grammy award-winning band Blues Traveler performs in the Edgewater’s E Center Saturday, April 5 at 8pm.  Led by singer and harmonica virtuoso John Popper, the band is well famous for dynamic live performances.  Their best-known single, “Run-Around,” won a Grammy and was the longest-charting radio single in Billboard magazine history.  A unique blend of blues rock, folk rock, southern rock, psychedelic rock and soul, the band has produced a variety of great tunes including Top 40 singles “But Anyway”, “Run-Around” and “Hook”.  Their album “Straight On Till Morning” achieved platinum status.   Concert tickets start at $25*.
*Ticket price includes L.E.T. tax; additional service fees apply. The 27,000 square foot indoor climate-controlled E Center is an entertainment, convention and concert venue facility with excellent acoustics.

The Colorado Belle and Edgewater Casino Resorts are owned and operated by Marnell Gaming, LLC, a limited liability corporation which owns gaming establishments in Laughlin, Nevada. The corporation develops, expands and acquires gaming-related properties and is focused on providing a unique portfolio of gaming offerings to its guests.


This press release is from the source listed and is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them.  Taken from the official Press Release at http://www.edgewater-casino.com/media/media.html

Splash! at Aquarius Casino Resort Re-Opening April 4, 2014

Red 7 Communications Press Release for Aquarius Casino Resort:

Aquarius Casino Resort Announces Grand Re-Opening of Splash!

Aquarius Casino Resort is proud to announce the grand re-opening of Splash on Friday, April 4, 2014 with a special live performance by Matt Farris and Kinfolk from 7 p.m. to midnight. The concert is free to the public.
The new Splash is sure to make a splash with Aquarius guests with its refreshed look, featuring a cool new water-inspired color scheme and large feature window to highlight Splash’s spectacular view of the Colorado River.
Guests will immediately notice the spacious entrance from the casino floor, increased seating with brand new tables and chairs, and a reconfigured stage with state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment. The new venue is open and airy, with plenty of room to party.
“Splash has always been one of the most exciting live entertainment venues on the Colorado River.  Now we’ve made it even better,” said Aquarius Casino Resort General Manager Sean Hammond.  “We are looking forward to the grand re-opening on April 4 and can’t wait for guests to experience the new Splash.”
With its easy access to the outdoor Vineyard patio, the new Splash is also the perfect space for private parties, wedding receptions and other events.
“We designed Splash to be a beautiful venue for any occasion,” said Tim Abrams, Aquarius Casino Resort Vice President of Food and Beverage. “It doesn’t matter if you want to dance the night away, or host an unforgettable wedding or anniversary.  Splash is the new Laughlin hot spot.”
Guest can order delicious snacks and appetizers from Cafe Aquarius to enjoy at Splash any time between 9 a.m. and 1 a.m., seven days a week.
Splash has been closed for remodeling since September 2013.
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This press release is from the source listed and is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them.  Press Release Link:  http://red7communications.com/aquarius-casino-resort-announces-grand-re-opening-of-splash/

Review: Loading Dock Bar & Grill at Colorado Belle

 Loading Dock Bar & Grill at Colorado Belle


 After waiting many weeks for the Loading Dock Bar & Grill to open, my wife and I finally got a chance to try it over Mardi Gras weekend.  The location is bigger than it looks from the outside with a number of seating options.  There is the large L shaped bar.  There appear to be just a few video poker machines after looking at the picture a second time.  They weren’t obvious as we walked by.




The restaurant combines a sit down bar and grill with a buffet.  Inside is a large seating area for both eating choices, though it is clearly set up with buffet density in mind (meaning no booths).

Indoor seating

The most entertaining seating option is outside on a large L shaped patio facing the Riverwalk and the water. 

We had a good time people watching and seeing the occasional watercraft zoom down the river.  There is a small stage right outside the dining patio and it can get a bit loud while eating but we didn’t find it over powering to our conversation.  We did notice that the music of the Loading Dock competes with the stage music at times which is odd to listen to.  The restaurant should really turn the patio music down when a band is playing.  The stage band created a nice atmosphere to each lunch by on a really nice weather day.

Stage on the Riverwalk outside the Loading Dock Bar and Grill Patio

We went to the Loading Dock for lunch at 11:30am on Saturday 3/8.  There were very few customers seated when we came in but a steady stream followed us.  Service speed was fair.  The server was friendly but had a large number of tables.

They bring drinks in small barrel type glasses that are too small for my taste.  I asked quite regularly for soda refills.  Have them bring two if they can to save on server travel.  I ordered a club sandwich (my standard when trying a new restaurant) and my wife had fish tacos.      
  
Outdoor Seating


Food portions are good if not a little big for lunch.  The sandwich had real turkey (big plus), good bacon, and the fries were very good.  My wife’s fish tacos were a bit tasteless.  She commented that more southwest seasoning, that you typically find in such tacos, would be a good thing.  She is willing to try the restaurant again for different menu items.  

Club Sandwich

Fish Tacos

Two drinks and the two meals above came to $35 which is a little high for lunch but it was a good experience that I will certainly repeat.  I look forward to going back for dinner.  I mentioned the crowd was sparse at 11:30 but it filled up nicely by the time we left.  It appears this location will do very well as long as the service and food quality stay high.


Review by Laughlin Buzz Contributor, Todd Carnes

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

The above restaurant is located at the Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada

The review above is based on our contributor's personal experience. Opinions and Photographs are his own. Your 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 restaurant. 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. 

Mar 13, 2014

It's time for the Bullhead City Farmers Market again!

Bullhead City, AZ
Laughlin, NV



The Bullhead City Farmers Market is the 3rd Saturday of the month. 

That means it is time for another one.
March 15th from 8am to 12pm but get there early, it is very popular!

The market has moved this year and is at Community Park.





Visit our homepage at LaughlinBuzz.Com