Upon arrival in Las Vegas, I was taken to my casino by a very Potsy-esque character (difference being he's alive). A 3-decade veteran, we shared our own thoughts on the changes over that time, good and bad. He knew of all conventions, back streets, and where the rare deals still exist. In the course of this conversation, he shared this flash: "The Mirage is supposed to be torn down next year for a new casino." What's that, you say?! Well, I never made a dime there, and I guess Love has played its course there, but is that really it? Hard Rock bought it and is going to try again in town, so is that how it goes? And if so, what's it like in a dead casino walking?
I knew the only way to find out is to dive head-in myself and check it out. Jim was unusually flaky, so there would be no reunion in-town...just me. The Mirage is still as you remember it...the big open dome front, the tropical vibe, the unusual cigarette smoke mixing in with that tropical vibe, the generic named restaurants ("Snack Stand", "Sports Bar"), that was all the same. But look deeper, and you can see tell-tale signs. The ceilings are low, a sign of the old days. There are rooms and areas that used be for something else that are now complete empty. There were stores, but now the doors to those are closed. Don't look over there, and don't ask. They'll drive this until the tank is empty, and then we'll all wave goodbye.
When I walked outside again, I wandered around the grounds. Even for a weekday evening, it was unusually slow and quiet. If security wasn't what it was, I'd have done more diving, but to be honest, I didn't care that much. I'm not trying to be brazen, but honest: it's another old name you can add to the list in town. I never had any success there, except seeing a great show, so yeah, why not razz it?
What the cab driver said was still ringing in my ears. I went from casino to casino in walking distance looking for that elusive deal. His take was South Point, but a car ride just for a meal deal went against the whole point. So I continue to wander until something very bizarre caught my eye: Casino Royale. It's still here? It's still here!
A little touch of downtown out near the Strip, Casino Hotel almost brings laughter the minute you walk in (a wall of mirrors is the first touch) but don't sell it short. It doesn't try to be anything it isn't. But I kept walking, and then I saw the food options. And I saw this:
I had to take the photo quickly to as not be seen. It was something that was burned into my brain forever, but as you can witness, had I not, my explanation would not do any justice.
- The "Bundle Deal" - 3 corn dogs for $6. Are you up for the challenge?
- The foot long dog for just $2.49, and all sauce pumps (all = 3) right on the counter.
- The "Manager's Special" which consists of chicken tenders, fries, and a drink
- Please do not enter this door: it is for Snack Nook employees only
On the website they suggest to "swing by our Food Court for lunch or a quick snack" and that it is "on premises." The dutifully noted "only White Castle on the West Coast" is mere steps away, which might be why there was no one at the counter on either side. Or maybe because there were no seats and tables to enjoy my dog. Was I supposed to be enjoying it as I balanced it on the counter of a slot machine? It's a mystery.
Walking out I was left to reflect. Las Vegas remains an enigma. I know my favorites, and plans, but Las Vegas changes, and we have to as well. It rolls along and like the many people handing out "Free Poker Tournament" flyers or hooker's business cards: when faced with either attention or apathy, it goes forward. There will always be "new," we will always be able to look back, and we'll start planning memories from the future.
