Laughlin Buzz

May 31, 2014

Rock N Ribs 2014 Music

Rock N Ribs is one of the food and music festivals the Colorado Belle and Edgewater Casinos put on throughout the year.  This year's 6th annual Rock N Ribs was held on May 23-25th.  



We only got down there for a short visit one night but enjoyed the music we heard.  Lil' Elmo and the Cosmos and the Joe Blanchard Trio were alternating sets over the 3 day festivalThe bands performed on the stage by the Loading Dock Bar and Grille near the Colorado Belle.  Unfortunately, we did not get any pictures or video.  But luckily two people who did attend sent us some!    

Below are some pictures and some mostly unedited video we received. Most of the video is of Lil Elmo and the Cosmos but includes two song clips from the Joe Blanchard Trio at the end.  Sound quality might be a bit low gusts of winds blew in off the river from time to time and the venue seemed to provide only small speakers. Overall the volume was not very loud even live. 

(click on images for larger view)

Video is at the end of the post. 

Lil' Elmo & the Cosmos at the Colorado Belle in Laughlin


More Cowbell!



  




Video clips we received of some of the music:


The music was good, everyone in attendance seemed to be having a good time listening (and some dancing) to them.   

As for the rest of the Rock N Ribs Festival, stay tuned, we will be sharing our thoughts and a review in another article soon. 

For more about the Laughlin area visit 




Laughlin Buzz does not own the rights to any of the music in the video, it is provided strictly for entertainment and informational purposes.  Nor do we have any affiliation or receive any compensation from the properties, bands, or entities mentioned herein. 

May 28, 2014

Laughlin April Numbers Up and Down

Laughlin, Nevada

4.3% Up and 4.3% Down


Aquarius Resort Casino in Laughlin on the Colorado River

Laughlin Visitation was up for the month of April and Gaming win was down by the same percentage, 4.3%. 

The numbers from the Nevada Gaming Board showed Nevada gaming revenue was flat for April. Only the Las Vegas Strip showed an increase, with a 3.2% percent gain in gambling revenues. 


For the rest of the state:

Downtown Las Vegas casinos fell 2.4%
North Las Vegas fell 1.9%
Laughlin fell 4.3% percent
Boulder Strip fell 2.5%
Mesquite fell 4.1%
The rest of of Clark County fell 2.3%

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority on Wednesday reported 3.5 million visitors came to Southern Nevada, a 3.5 percent increase over April 2013. Laughlin visitation is also tracked and showed continued improvement. For the second month in a row, Laughlin visitor volume increased. For April it was up  4.3 percent to 196,553.   

For those interested in the numbers here is an abbreviated Nevada Gaming Revenues and Collections  Win Revenue Summary – April 2014   (opens as a .pdf file)


 For more about the Laughlin area, visit  LaughlinBuzz.Com

Guy Fieri Restaurant at Harrah's Laughlin by Year End

Laughlin, Nevada

** New Updates are posted at the end of this article  

Earlier in the month we shared news that Guy Fieri and Caesars Entertainment planned to create several new restaurants including one in Laughlin.   Today, in a press release, it said plans are to open 3 new restaurants by the end of the year (2014) at:

Bally's Atlantic City, Horseshoe Baltimore and Harrah's Laughlin. 




 Press Release:


LAS VEGAS, May 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Caesars Entertainment today announced the company is expanding its relationship with chef, restaurateur, New York Times best-selling author and Emmy award-winning television host, Guy Fieri. On the heels of the opening of Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar at The Quad Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Fieri is now set to launch three new concepts with the gaming-hospitality company in Atlantic City, Baltimore and Laughlin, Nevada.
"Guy's restaurants and menus are innovative, fun and his guests enjoy exceptional service combined with an entertaining experience. His style of hospitality could not be a better fit for the desires of our guests," said Tom Jenkin, Caesars Entertainment Global President of Destination Markets. "Guy's restaurant with us in Las Vegas has received rave reviews and we're thrilled to extend our partnership with him so that our guests across the country can enjoy his cuisine."
The three new restaurants, all slated to open later this year, will be located at Bally's Atlantic City, Horseshoe Baltimore and Harrah's Laughlin. Each concept will be unique and the menu adapted to highlight a regional focus. Fieri's Bally's Atlantic City location will offer a new unique twist on the classic steakhouse while Horseshoe Baltimore and Harrah's Laughlin will feature some of Guy's most popular dishes along with regional favorites.
"It is an honor to play with a championship team," said Fieri. "Getting the opportunity to open one restaurant with Caesars was great, but opening three more, in the same year, is amazing!"
For more information about Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar and to learn more about Fieri's latest concepts with Caesars, visit Caesars.com.
----
We are looking forward to hearing the location within Harrah's Laughlin and what the menu (regional focus) will be.  Either way it is good news to hear of a new, higher profile dining spot coming to the area.

About Guy Fieri
Guy Fieri, chef, restaurateur, New York Times Best-Selling author and Emmy Award-winning host began his love affair with food at the age of ten, selling soft pretzels from a three-wheeled bicycle cart he built with his father called "The Awesome Pretzel." By selling pretzels and washing dishes, Guy earned enough money in six years to study abroad as an exchange student in Chantilly, France. There he gained a profound appreciation for international cuisine and the lifestyle associated with it. In 1996, Guy launched his culinary career with the opening of Johnny Garlics, his first restaurant based in his hometown of Santa Rosa, California with business partner Steve Gruber. Since the opening of the first Johnny Garlics, Guy has gone on to create a culinary empire as a popular TV host, chef of seven acclaimed restaurants and New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author. In 2006, Guy Fieri premiered his first show, Guy's Big Bite on Food Network. Today, this "Culinary Rock Star" also hosts top-rated shows including Diners, Drive-Ins and DivesGuy's Grocery Games and guest judges on Next Food Network Star. Guy also collaborates with Rachael Ray in the star studded competition series, Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-off and Rachael vs. Guy: Kids. Guy attended University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management. Fieri, most recently, was awarded an honorary doctorate from UNLV for his public service and commitment to the university.




Update - Editor's Note:
Since sharing this press release we have two additional articles about Guy Fieri's restaurant coming to Laughlin.  Visit:


Will Guy Fieri's Food Hit or Miss in Laughlin? 



For more about the Laughlin area visit  LaughlinBuzz.Com
All information is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only and based on current materials from the sources referenced.     We receive no compensation from the properties or businesses mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.   

Alberto's Restaurant ReInspection

Laughlin, Nevada





Alberto's Restaurant 

The SNHD wesite shows Alberto's was shut down and then later reopened with a satisfactory grade. 

Back in the beginning of May we reported that Alberto's Restaurant received a grade of "C" with 21 demerits on April 11th (2014).   See the article here.

Since that time, two reinspections occurred with one of them apparently resulting in the SNHD closing the restaurant down.  

Update:  Pictures of the inspection at Alberto's below were on the Las Vegas Action 13 Dirty Dining Report*.  They show a disgusting display of grease and food debris that must of taken a long time to accumulate.   This was much worse than we expected to see. 




 






See the graphic below from the the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) Website showing Albertos was closed by SNHD.
   
(click on images for a larger view)




Then on 5/23/14 they were inspected again and received an A rating with just 6 demerits, which must have allowed them to remain open.  



The six demerits were related to protecting food from potential contamination and effective pest control measures/animals restricted as required. 



A local favorite spot, we hope the results of this adequate new inspection will continue or be improved upon by the owners, staff, and management of Alberto's.   


We did notice that on their front window they now have the certificate with the A grade displayed. 



Alberto's is not on Casino Drive.  It is located in upper Laughlin in the Town Center business and shopping complex. 

Reference/Source of inspection pictures
*Dirty Dining Report 
http://www.jrn.com/ktnv/news/dirty-dining/Dirty-Dining-Kung-Pao-Wok-261022371.html


For more about Laughlin visit our home page here


*All content in this blog post are presented for informational purposes only and use data taken from the Southern Nevada Health District website and KtNV's dirty dining report.  Laughlin Buzz assumes no liability or responsibility for the accuracy of this information.  We receive no compensation and have no affiliation with the companies, properties or restaurants referenced in this blog post. 

May 25, 2014

Laughlin a top 50 Destination

Laughlin ranked 21st of 50 top Memorial Day destinations on the Priceline travel site

Based on Priceline's 12th annual company survey, Travel Editor Brian Ek says that Las Vegas is the #1 favorite of the top 50 destinations for this Memorial Day weekend.  Another Nevada location, Laughlin, was ranked #21.  A third Nevada location, Reno took the 24th spot. 

Mr Ek explained: 
“Last year, an unusually cold spring in many parts of the country prompted travelers to spend Memorial Day in major cities. This year, beach destinations large and small are back in force as travelers look to warm up and lose those memories of the polar vortex.  Once again, Memorial Day travel was pretty much confined to the U.S. with London being the only destination chosen outside North America.  This could be due to the fact that most Memorial Day travelers save their longer trips for later in the summer.”

Las Vegas has been the top destination in six of the 12 years priceline.com has compiled its Memorial Day travel survey: 2014, 2012, 2009, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

Here is the complete 2014 list:
#1    Las Vegas
#2    San Diego
#3    Orlando
#4    New York City
#5    Orange County
#6    Washington D.C.
#7    Miami
#8    Chicago
#9    San Francisco
#10    Atlanta
#11    New Orleans
#12    Central Los Angeles
#13    Myrtle Beach
#14    San Antonio
#15    Boston
#16    Nashville
#17    Virginia Beach
#18    Atlantic City/Cape May
#19    Seattle
#20    Monterey
#21    Laughlin (NV)
#22    Dallas
#23    Northern Virginia
#24    Reno
#25    St. Louis
#26    Baton Rouge
#27    Ocean City
#28    Fort Lauderdale
#29    Phoenix
#30    Indianapolis
#31    California’s Central Coast
#32    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg
#33    Austin
#34    San Jose
#35    St. Catharines/Niagara Falls
#36    Charlotte
#37    Denver
#38    London
#39    Baltimore
#40    Tampa
#41    Toronto
#42    Charleston
#43    Minneapolis/St. Paul
#44    Detroit
#45    Buffalo/Niagara Falls
#46    Houston
#47    Portland
#48    Flagstaff/Sedona
#49    St. Petersburg/Clearwater
#50    The Florida Keys

Connect with LaughlinBuzz.Com

for more pictures, video, event listings, restaurant reviews and more 


All information and data herein was based on info from Priceline.Com and is presented for informational and entertainment purposes. Laughlin Buzz is not affiliated with Priceline in any manner.   

May 24, 2014

Laughlin at Night

Laughlin, Nevada

A few pictures of a few of the Casinos, the Riverwalk, and Casino Drive in Laughlin at night.  

(click on images for larger view)

Last of the sunset over the Loading Dock and cloudy sky.

Loading Dock Bar and Grille at the Colorado Belle Laughlin

Loading Dock and Colorado Belle

Front of the Colorado Belle 

Colorado Belle Sign with Tropicana Laughlin Sign in the distance. 

Riverwalk in front of the Loading Dock Bar and Grille


Colorado Belle


Very nice too see that the tall Pioneer Sign and 
all the lights on the front of the Pioneer Casino were actually lit up.  


Tropicana Laughlin is the only one on Casino Drive that is not on the River side. 


Golden Nugget Laughlin recently had a very nice "Gold" paint job and is nicely lit up at night. 


The Hideout and Minato Sushi Bar and Restaurant all lit up.
Located directly across from the Pioneer Casino.

Riverwalk behind the Pioneer Casino

A couple shots of River Sports on the Colorado River in Laughlin before it got dark:




Connect with LaughlinBuzz.Com

for more pictures, video, event listings, restaurant reviews and more 

All pictures taken or received in this post were by Laughlin Buzz in May of 2014. Picturesare presented for informational and entertainment purposes.  Feel free to use these images for your own use, if you would like to give credit we would appreciate it.  

May 23, 2014

Tim McGraw concert in Laughlin

Update:  Nov 2nd (2014):  Looks like it will be a sold out show.  
See more info here

Press Release from the Edgewater Casino Hotel Resort





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAUGHLIN, NV-- Country superstar Tim McGraw has just been announced to play in the new Laughlin Event Center November 8. Tickets go on sale now at laughlineventcenter.com

Tim McGraw has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and dominated the charts with 35 No. one singles.  He's won three Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, 10 American Music Awards, three People's Choice Awards and numerous other honors.  Also an accomplished actor, McGraw's film credits include "Country Strong," the Academy Award nominated "The Blind Side," "Friday Night Lights" and the upcoming "Tomorrowland."  His latest single, "Meanwhile Back at Mama's," (featuring Faith Hill) comes from his next Big Machine Records release SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN,  due out Sept. 16. McGraw will kick off the SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN 2014 TOUR on May 8, bringing his "characteristically high-octane" (Billboard) show to 30 cities over the course of the summer. 


The Laughlin Event Center is the newest outdoor entertainment venue in Laughlin with comfortable concert seating for up to 9,300, state of the art audio/visual, VIP Skyboxes and permanent restroom facilities.
*Subject to change or cancellation. All times NV (Pacific) time. Ticket prices include L.E.T. tax; additional service fees apply. 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.

For More about other concerts, shows and events in the Laughlin Area visit  LaughlinBuzz.Com

May 20, 2014

Rock ‘N’ Ribs 2014

Laughlin, NV




Rock ‘N’ Ribs on the Laughlin Riverwalk for Memorial Day Weekend

In addition to all the other events going on for Memorial Day weekend, the Colorado Belle is presenting the 6th annaul Rock 'n' Ribs festival.   Free Live Entertainment from two bands will take place on the Loading Dock Stage right on the Laughlin Riverwalk.  

Li'l Elmo & The Cosmos AND the Joe Blanchard Trio will be alternating sets each day.  


Li'l Elmo & The Cosmos

Food will be available from vendors lined along the Riverwalk between the Colorado Belle and Edgewater Casinos.  BBQ ribs will be the feature, but there will also be such items as:

BBQ Brisket, Redneck Nachos (Waffle Fries, Pulled Pork, Cheese Sauce, Pico De Gallo), Chicken Wings, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Plus sides of Corn on the Cobb, BBQ Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, Corn Bread.  Don't forget dessert.  Grab a Red Velvet Cupcake or slice of Bourbon Pecan Pie.  

And of course, beer and great beverages including domestic & specialty beers, Pints Golden Ale, and Rockin’ Rum Punch, a special festival cocktail. 




Come on out and enjoy some beautiful weather, great food and music right on the Colorado River in Laughlin.

Rock ‘N’ Ribs will take place place Friday through Sunday, May 23-25.
Friday (2 p.m.-10 p.m.), Saturday-Sunday (noon-10 p.m.).  
There is no charge to attend the festival; food and beverages are sold separately.

Seating and food will also be available at the Loading Dock restaurant, but this is 
separate from the rest of the food vendors.  Check in with the host or hostess at the
Loading Dock podium to be seated on their outdoor patio. 

For more about the Laughlin area visit us at  LAUGHLINBUZZ.COM 

All information is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only and based on current materials from the organization mentioned.  Any dates, times, prices, events, locations mentioned are subject to change solely at the discretion of the source.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.  

May 19, 2014

Laughlin Jr./Sr. High School Art Exhibit 2014

Laughlin Jr./Sr. High School Art Exhibit 

LAUGHLIN JR. /SR. HIGH SCHOOL will be holding its 16th Annual Judged Art Exhibition from Tuesday, May 20, 2014 through Saturday, May 24, 2014.  

The exhibition will be held at Preferred Outlets at Laughlin on Casino Drive.  

The art opening will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. on the second floor of the mall in the previous Gap space.  Winners of the exhibition will be announced. Ribbons will be given out for the following categories: visual arts and ceramics, woods, and architectural.  

Best in Show will receive Laughlin Jr. /Sr. High School’s Grand Prize Award.  

Other events for the evening will include students’ dance, musical and singing duets and solos. The show this year should be an outstanding event.  Please make a family night of the opening.  
Enjoy the show and have dinner at the mall!

For more information, please contact Ms. Sharon Davie, Art Teacher at the school.  
Telephone # (702) 298-1996

2013 Best in Show




Information was provided via a press release from Laughlin Jr./Sr. High and all dates, times, and details are subject to change by the school.  

May 16, 2014

Guy Fieri Restaurant coming to Laughlin?

Laughlin, NV

In April at the opening of his recent Las Vegas restaurant, Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar, Fieri told the Las Vegas Sun that he has "four restaurants getting ready to open up," including locations in Baltimore, Atlantic City, and Laughlin, Nevada.  





Fieri said, "some" concepts will be similar to Fieri's Vegas Kitchen, while "some will have a different concept. One's a steakhouse, one's a Mexican theme."  

Given that his new Vegas restaurant is at the Quad (operated by Caesars), it would be a natural conclusion that the location in Laughlin would be at Harrah's, which is also owned by Caesars Entertainment.  

Already there is the Range steakhouse and a Mexican spot, Baja Blue and Harrah's Laughlin.  There was also a Range Steakhouse at Harrah's in Las Vegas until it was changed to a Ruth Chris Steakhouse.  Is it probable or possible that the new Fieri Steakhouse in Laughlin will replace the Range?    

*Update May 28, 2014 - Press Release confirms new restaurant coming to Harrah's Laughlin



Guy Fieri is an Emmy Award-winning TV host, chef and restaurateur, and UNLV graduate. Most recently he hosts the Food Network’s top-rated show, “Diners, Drives-Ins and Dives.”

For more about the Laughlin area visit  LaughlinBuzz.Com

Update 10/18/14 -  on the Laughlin Facebook Page  it was posted by Matt A., that the Guy Fieri Restaurant at Harrah's Laughlin will be Mexican Food themed and go by the name of "Borracho Burro" 
  

All information is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only and based on current materials from the entities mentioned.  Any facts, figures, dates, times,locations mentioned are from said entities.   We receive no compensation from the properties or businesses mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.  Opinions, statements, etc. made herein are not necessarily the position of Laughlin Buzz.  

Sources/Credits
Eater National:
 http://eater.com/archives/2014/05/15/fieri-in-atlantic-city-baltimore.php
Las Vegas Sun:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/apr/18/chefs-week-q-unlv-graduate-turned-star-chef-guy-fi/
Picture:
April 3, 2014 - Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America

May 12, 2014

Medical Marijuana in Laughlin, Nevada

Laughlin, Nevada

** Update June 11, 2014:   
Laughlin location chosen as one of the 18 applicants, see story here.



Growing, producing, and selling of Medical Marijuana proposed on Casino Drive in Laughlin.

A proposed Medical Marijuana business in Laughlin may have hit a roadblock by a recent ruling by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. 

Clark County officials released a list of entities seeking to open a marijuana business in Clark County. One of the applicants was Clear River LLC.  Nevada Secretary of State records indicate that Anthony Marnell III is an officer with Clear River and owns a 71 percent stake.  He is also the CEO of M Resort in Las Vegas and of Marnell Gaming, who own and operate the Colorado Belle and Edgewater Hotels and Casinos in Laughlin.  Marnell Gaming also owns the newly opened Laughlin Event Center.

The Mohave Daily News reported that Clear River is seeking to open a medical marijuana cultivation and production facility and dispensary at 1975 Casino Drive in Laughlin.  This location is right on Casino Drive across from Edgewater Casino and just down from the Laughlin Event Center. Currently it houses a cigarette factory and vapor lounge.  Marnell Gaming also recently received  a zoning reclassification of a portion of the Laughlin Event Center site from H-1 (Limited Resort and Apartment) to C-2 (General Commercial).  This would help comply with the Clark County zoning requirements for a medical marijuana facility.  

On May 6th, Gaming Control Board member Terry Johnson sent a memo reminding licensees that the state has legalized dispensaries but federal law still prohibits manufacturing and distributing marijuana.  

"Unless the federal law is changed, the board does not believe investment or any other involvement in a medical marijuana facility or establishment by a person who has received a gaming approval or has applied for a gaming approval is consistent with the effective regulation of gaming," the memo said.

The involvement of casino operators in the medical marijuana industry "would tend to reflect discredit upon gaming in the state of Nevada," the memo said. 

See the entire Nevada Gaming Control Board Memo Here.

 More background on Medical Marijuana in Nevada and Clark County:

Medical marijuana has been legal in Nevada since 2000. This gave individuals holding a valid medical marijuana card the right to possess 1 oz. of medical marijuana, as well as three mature plants and four immature plans. But it wasn't until last year that state lawmakers enacted a law to allow dispensaries to operate.  The law also allows for the taxation of medical marijuana products. Clark County became the first jurisdiction in Southern Nevada to accept applications for marijuana-related businesses after approving regulations in March. 

Here is the Clark County map of the locations for those seeking licences.   You can see in the right, lower corner the Laughlin location.   

The Laughlin section show below clearly shows the spot on Casino Drive where it would be located. 
(click on image for a larger view)

Visit LaughlinBuzz.Com for more about the area. 


All information is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only and based on current materials from the entities mentioned.  Any facts, figures, dates, times,locations mentioned are from said entities.   We receive no compensation from the properties or businesses mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.  Opinions, statements, etc. made herein are not necessarily the position of Laughlin Buzz.