After starting my Thursday with another mediocre Cafe Roma breakfast, I left Caesars for the nearby jitney stop where I was corralled by a friendly senior gentleman who proceeded to give me a synopsis of his life. From his self-description, he appeared to be one of those "millionaire next door" types who liked to take the train down on an almost daily basis to play a little blackjack. He told me that the train shuttle would be arriving soon and we did indeed catch it together to the train terminal/convention center complex.
Not finding the previous day's convention-hosted lunch particularly appealing, I decided to use my mid-day break to check out a Boardwalk eatery that had been suggested to me: Bill's Gyros. While I'm not into Greek cuisine, they had plenty of typical American fare including the turkey burger and fries that I ordered. This was actually the best meal I would have the entire trip...and for less than $10. (Note that there are certainly numerous restaurants in the casinos and on and near the Boardwalk that would satisfy those with more refined palates seeking a more upscale atmosphere. This was just not my time to emulate Donald Trump.)
My post-convention plans for Thursday night were to either check out the Borgata Comedy Club (to compare with the Tropicana's Comedy Stop), head to the Ego Lounge at the Trump Taj Mahal (where I figured I might find some of my fellow convention friends a bit more loosened up) or even both. However, I was feeling rather tired so I figured I'd make a decision after a short nap. Unfortunately, I woke up at 10pm, too late for the comedy show and still not quite up to hanging out at the lounge. I felt conscious enough to do some pre-packing and eventually make yet another Cafe Roma run.
I sidled up to the bar and ordered some chicken noodle soup (and ginger ale) for the soul and chatted up the friendly bartender. The soup had hit the spot so I started feeling my oats and went down for one more party with the Village People.
Starting out with my original twenty-spot, I had my best run of the trip earning lots of bonuses. Eventually, I was able to virtual double my investment to $39. Satisfied with my good fortune, I ended my final party and called it a night.
Next: Am I in still in Atlantic City or am I in Las Vegas?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Return To The Boardwalk - Part Three
I started my day at Caesars' Cafe Roma. It would seem that the breakfast selection had changed as the $4 short stack pancakes that made my buddy Ben's day were replaced by an offering of five "silver dollar" pancakes for $8. Otherwise, it seemed to be the same mediocre yet overpriced fare once one would expect at a casino coffee shop.
My main reason for being in town was to attend an expo at the convention center. As Caesars was fairly close, I figured on walking or taking a short jitney ride up the road. Unfortunately, as it was raining cats and seagulls outside, I decided that catching a cab would be more prudent. The driver seemed like an honest guy as he complained about the coincidence of red lights that were actually boosting his fare. I ended up giving him $10 for his $7.50 fare.
The skies had cleared up by the time the convention ended for the day so I decided to walk back to Caesars via Michigan Avenue. As I passed through the collection of outlet stores known as The Walk, I discovered something I wasn't aware of during my first trip. Lane Bryant and Catherine's are located next to each other on Michigan Avenue. Ashley Stewart, which I already knew about, is around the corner north on Atlantic Avenue.
Although I had an interesting and productive day at the convention, I was starting to feel worse. But I was determined to enjoy my off-time so I rested for a couple hours before heading down to the Tropicana.
It was my intention during my visit to check out both the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana as well as the Borgata Comedy Club. It made sense to go to the closer Trop first. After buying my ticket, I realized I had developed a bit of an appetite. I decided to go for the closest place I could find with was...another damn sports bar!
Actually it was A Dam Good Sports Bar...no really, that was the name. (Ha!) All jokes aside, it was a decent place. This Phillies fan had actually hoped to enjoy watching the team play among a quasi-hometown sports bar crowd. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. So I ignored the majority of screens that were showing some game in San Francisco and instead sat down near a TV showing the Sixers home debut versus the would-be champion Heat. The restaurant, from the apparent staff requirements to the decor, reminded me of Hooters...which was ironic since there is a Hooters elsewhere in the Trop.
I ordered what turned out to be a generous portion of chicken fingers and french fries. I sort of wished my lady Kat or my buddy Ben were there to help me finish them as the combo was too much for me. I gave my server $20 for my $15 order.
Over at the Comedy Shop, I was a little wary when the host offered to seat me in the front as I figured that would make me ripe for ribbing. It turns out I didn't have much material for the three comedians to work with; at least not as much as a guy with a long white mane and beard who was alternately nicknamed "Grizzly Adams" and accused of bankrupting his barber by two of the comics. The humor wasn't *too* blue but just enough to remind you that you were in a casino. I enjoyed the show and was glad I got myself together to check it out.
On the way back to the room, I decided to take another crack at the Village People slots. I inserted my $18.75 voucher and traded wins and losses until I scored 500 credits. Eventually that bonus went back to the house and I called it even with my original $20. I also called it a night.
Next: Chicken Noodle Soup and other Boardwalk delicacies.
My main reason for being in town was to attend an expo at the convention center. As Caesars was fairly close, I figured on walking or taking a short jitney ride up the road. Unfortunately, as it was raining cats and seagulls outside, I decided that catching a cab would be more prudent. The driver seemed like an honest guy as he complained about the coincidence of red lights that were actually boosting his fare. I ended up giving him $10 for his $7.50 fare.
The skies had cleared up by the time the convention ended for the day so I decided to walk back to Caesars via Michigan Avenue. As I passed through the collection of outlet stores known as The Walk, I discovered something I wasn't aware of during my first trip. Lane Bryant and Catherine's are located next to each other on Michigan Avenue. Ashley Stewart, which I already knew about, is around the corner north on Atlantic Avenue.
Although I had an interesting and productive day at the convention, I was starting to feel worse. But I was determined to enjoy my off-time so I rested for a couple hours before heading down to the Tropicana.
It was my intention during my visit to check out both the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana as well as the Borgata Comedy Club. It made sense to go to the closer Trop first. After buying my ticket, I realized I had developed a bit of an appetite. I decided to go for the closest place I could find with was...another damn sports bar!
Actually it was A Dam Good Sports Bar...no really, that was the name. (Ha!) All jokes aside, it was a decent place. This Phillies fan had actually hoped to enjoy watching the team play among a quasi-hometown sports bar crowd. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. So I ignored the majority of screens that were showing some game in San Francisco and instead sat down near a TV showing the Sixers home debut versus the would-be champion Heat. The restaurant, from the apparent staff requirements to the decor, reminded me of Hooters...which was ironic since there is a Hooters elsewhere in the Trop.
I ordered what turned out to be a generous portion of chicken fingers and french fries. I sort of wished my lady Kat or my buddy Ben were there to help me finish them as the combo was too much for me. I gave my server $20 for my $15 order.
Over at the Comedy Shop, I was a little wary when the host offered to seat me in the front as I figured that would make me ripe for ribbing. It turns out I didn't have much material for the three comedians to work with; at least not as much as a guy with a long white mane and beard who was alternately nicknamed "Grizzly Adams" and accused of bankrupting his barber by two of the comics. The humor wasn't *too* blue but just enough to remind you that you were in a casino. I enjoyed the show and was glad I got myself together to check it out.
On the way back to the room, I decided to take another crack at the Village People slots. I inserted my $18.75 voucher and traded wins and losses until I scored 500 credits. Eventually that bonus went back to the house and I called it even with my original $20. I also called it a night.
Next: Chicken Noodle Soup and other Boardwalk delicacies.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Return To The Boardwalk - Part Two
When I “play to win”, I like to play Blazing Sevens based on some advice from an industry friend of mine. But when I’m just playing for fun, I prefer Village People Party. Its sound effects may not be quite as elaborate as Star Trek or Wizard of Oz, but I enjoy the bonus rounds nonetheless. Having the bank of machines located near the escalator to the lower (smoking) casino makes the Village People easy to find as well. On this trip, I was playing for fun.
I settled in at one Village People Party machine and fed it $20. I alternated between betting 25 and 50 credits, mostly trading back and forth. I was a bit down at one point until I scored 500 credits, bringing back close to even at $18.75 at which point I cashed out.
Next, I decided to take a walk down to Trump Plaza. On behalf of my enthusiastic low-rolling buddy Ben, I wanted to check out what all the hype was about the $1 Blackjack deal. It didn’t take me too long to find the one table. I was surprised that it offer 3:2 odds but it was too crowded for me to see if the dealer was required to hit or stand at 17. I took a walk around the perimeter of the tables to see if there was anything else that interested me. Other than a couple restaurants at the downstairs entrance, there was nothing that particularly tickled my fancy, so I went back to the Boardwalk.
I decided to walk north from Trump Plaza and past Caesars and Bally's to confirm the answers I got to my previous question here about whether there was anything still open on the Boardwalk at this time of year besides the casinos. I was surprised to see that the majority of local establishments were indeed open for business. However, business wasn't exactly booming. I rarely saw anyone actually in the stores. One guy working a prize booth was practically begging customers to patronize him not to mention the staff at the ubiquitous Asian therapeutic massage shops. I made it up to Central Pier and thought I might let out the kid in me to play a few video games. I was disappointed to see only older slot machines reconditioned to spit out credits for prizes. I guess this is to train the kids for future casino play?
After a healthy stroll up the Boardwalk, I thought I might treat myself to one of those massage establishments, after all. I entered one where one of the two female staff curious walked me over to a menu of services in an attempt to upsell me. When I said that I was actually interested in the $20 special, she feigned confusion while her associate pointed out to the sign outside to "remind" her of the deal. Suddenly "remembering" the sign, my masseuse agree to perform the 20-minute (fully clothed) service.
Considering that much of the next twenty minutes were spent with the masseuse alternately impaling her palms and elbows into my back, I decided that either: a) she was *really* unhappy about my declining that upsell, or b) Chinese massage is not meant to be a relaxing experience. Eventually, her touch would get lighter as she approached my legs. I have to even admit that as I walked out, I felt a lot looser. No pain no gain, I guess.
I should note that walking up and down the Boardwalk may not be for everyone. Fortunately, there are other options. One would be renting a scooter from your casino home. Another would be to hire one of the rolling scooters; the hard-working attendants happily accept tips.
I was getting a little hungry at this point and decided to head back to the Pier at Caesars for a bite to eat. The Game On sports bar intrigued me last time and, without a value-focused running buddy to limit my dining choices, I decided to check it out.
Notwithstanding rap mogul Jay-Z's 40/40 Sports Club, which I’ve yet to visit, Game On appeared to be positioning itself as a casually upscale place to hang out. Yet the food prices were pretty reasonable. I sat the bar and enjoyed looking at the multiple screens while I ate. I was mostly watching the NBA opening night game between the Celtics and the Heat but I caught a little hockey action as well. I found it interesting that the bar was able to subscribe to Rogers Sports Net, a Canadian channel, and I enjoyed watching the local commercials from Up North in between puck drops. I ordered a Sloppy Joe with fries and, since I drink like a fish, multiple orders of ginger ale. The bill came to about $15 and I told the bartender to keep my $20.
I wasn’t feeling 100% so I returned to my room after dinner to rest up for the business ahead the next day.
Next: To the Tropicana, Gosh Darn it!
I settled in at one Village People Party machine and fed it $20. I alternated between betting 25 and 50 credits, mostly trading back and forth. I was a bit down at one point until I scored 500 credits, bringing back close to even at $18.75 at which point I cashed out.
Next, I decided to take a walk down to Trump Plaza. On behalf of my enthusiastic low-rolling buddy Ben, I wanted to check out what all the hype was about the $1 Blackjack deal. It didn’t take me too long to find the one table. I was surprised that it offer 3:2 odds but it was too crowded for me to see if the dealer was required to hit or stand at 17. I took a walk around the perimeter of the tables to see if there was anything else that interested me. Other than a couple restaurants at the downstairs entrance, there was nothing that particularly tickled my fancy, so I went back to the Boardwalk.
I decided to walk north from Trump Plaza and past Caesars and Bally's to confirm the answers I got to my previous question here about whether there was anything still open on the Boardwalk at this time of year besides the casinos. I was surprised to see that the majority of local establishments were indeed open for business. However, business wasn't exactly booming. I rarely saw anyone actually in the stores. One guy working a prize booth was practically begging customers to patronize him not to mention the staff at the ubiquitous Asian therapeutic massage shops. I made it up to Central Pier and thought I might let out the kid in me to play a few video games. I was disappointed to see only older slot machines reconditioned to spit out credits for prizes. I guess this is to train the kids for future casino play?
After a healthy stroll up the Boardwalk, I thought I might treat myself to one of those massage establishments, after all. I entered one where one of the two female staff curious walked me over to a menu of services in an attempt to upsell me. When I said that I was actually interested in the $20 special, she feigned confusion while her associate pointed out to the sign outside to "remind" her of the deal. Suddenly "remembering" the sign, my masseuse agree to perform the 20-minute (fully clothed) service.
Considering that much of the next twenty minutes were spent with the masseuse alternately impaling her palms and elbows into my back, I decided that either: a) she was *really* unhappy about my declining that upsell, or b) Chinese massage is not meant to be a relaxing experience. Eventually, her touch would get lighter as she approached my legs. I have to even admit that as I walked out, I felt a lot looser. No pain no gain, I guess.
I should note that walking up and down the Boardwalk may not be for everyone. Fortunately, there are other options. One would be renting a scooter from your casino home. Another would be to hire one of the rolling scooters; the hard-working attendants happily accept tips.
I was getting a little hungry at this point and decided to head back to the Pier at Caesars for a bite to eat. The Game On sports bar intrigued me last time and, without a value-focused running buddy to limit my dining choices, I decided to check it out.
Notwithstanding rap mogul Jay-Z's 40/40 Sports Club, which I’ve yet to visit, Game On appeared to be positioning itself as a casually upscale place to hang out. Yet the food prices were pretty reasonable. I sat the bar and enjoyed looking at the multiple screens while I ate. I was mostly watching the NBA opening night game between the Celtics and the Heat but I caught a little hockey action as well. I found it interesting that the bar was able to subscribe to Rogers Sports Net, a Canadian channel, and I enjoyed watching the local commercials from Up North in between puck drops. I ordered a Sloppy Joe with fries and, since I drink like a fish, multiple orders of ginger ale. The bill came to about $15 and I told the bartender to keep my $20.
I wasn’t feeling 100% so I returned to my room after dinner to rest up for the business ahead the next day.
Next: To the Tropicana, Gosh Darn it!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Return To The Boardwalk - 10/26-10/29
Four months after my last visit with my good buddy Ben, I returned to Atlantic City primarily to attend a travel industry conference although I intended to have some fun as well. Since I tend to enjoy casinos not so much for the main attraction of gambling as their other amenities, I knew that it could be a challenge to find many non-gaming options to keep me entertained during a midweek autumn stay. I also struggled a bit against an unexpected illness but managed to make the best of my stay.
I traveled from DC to Atlantic City on the rails via Amtrak and New Jersey Transit, changing trains at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. It was admittedly not the most scenic ride but it was mostly uneventful, save some guy obliviously wailing away off-key to whatever was playing on his MP3 player for about half of the NJ Transit ride. Upon arriving at the train terminal, conveniently connected to the Convention Center, I caught the free train shuttle bus to Caesars Atlantic City.
As you may recall from the blogs on my previous trip, the mid-level “Luxury” room that Ben and I had reserved was unexpectedly downgraded to a standard “Deluxe” room (with an appropriate rate change). As I was taking advantage of a flyer I received that "comped" or gave me room rate credit for two of my three nights, I expected to get the same standard room. Imagine my surprise when I was given the Luxury room instead! From the moment that I walked onto my floor of the Centurion Tower, I could immediately sense the difference in every way from the Temple Tower. Much of the room actually seemed fairly similar to the standard room with two important changes. For one, I appreciate the upgraded bathroom with its sit-down shower and separate water closet. I also appreciated the view featuring the “Caesars” sign on a top of another tower which would look great later once lit up in the night. If I pressed my face along the left corner of the window, I could even see a bit of ocean! This was definitely an improvement over admiring a frosted window that hid a wall. (See: Temple Tower.)
The Temple and Centurion Towers each have their advantages, depending on what's more important to you. The Temple Tower is closer to the front desk and bell desk, the upscale restaurants Mia and Morton's Steakhouse as well as the valet parking and taxis on the Pacific Avenue (mainland) side of the hotel. The Centurion Tower is more convenient to most other restaurants including the La Piazza buffet and Cafe Roma coffee shop as well as the overpass to the Pier at Caesars retail and entertainment complex. The Ocean Tower, while set back further than the other two, offers the most upgraded rooms and more opportunities for scenic views as its name implies.
Once I unpacked my things, I went down to the casino to try my luck at my favorite slot game.
Next: A $20 "Party" and $1 Blackjack? Game On!
I traveled from DC to Atlantic City on the rails via Amtrak and New Jersey Transit, changing trains at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. It was admittedly not the most scenic ride but it was mostly uneventful, save some guy obliviously wailing away off-key to whatever was playing on his MP3 player for about half of the NJ Transit ride. Upon arriving at the train terminal, conveniently connected to the Convention Center, I caught the free train shuttle bus to Caesars Atlantic City.
As you may recall from the blogs on my previous trip, the mid-level “Luxury” room that Ben and I had reserved was unexpectedly downgraded to a standard “Deluxe” room (with an appropriate rate change). As I was taking advantage of a flyer I received that "comped" or gave me room rate credit for two of my three nights, I expected to get the same standard room. Imagine my surprise when I was given the Luxury room instead! From the moment that I walked onto my floor of the Centurion Tower, I could immediately sense the difference in every way from the Temple Tower. Much of the room actually seemed fairly similar to the standard room with two important changes. For one, I appreciate the upgraded bathroom with its sit-down shower and separate water closet. I also appreciated the view featuring the “Caesars” sign on a top of another tower which would look great later once lit up in the night. If I pressed my face along the left corner of the window, I could even see a bit of ocean! This was definitely an improvement over admiring a frosted window that hid a wall. (See: Temple Tower.)
The Temple and Centurion Towers each have their advantages, depending on what's more important to you. The Temple Tower is closer to the front desk and bell desk, the upscale restaurants Mia and Morton's Steakhouse as well as the valet parking and taxis on the Pacific Avenue (mainland) side of the hotel. The Centurion Tower is more convenient to most other restaurants including the La Piazza buffet and Cafe Roma coffee shop as well as the overpass to the Pier at Caesars retail and entertainment complex. The Ocean Tower, while set back further than the other two, offers the most upgraded rooms and more opportunities for scenic views as its name implies.
Once I unpacked my things, I went down to the casino to try my luck at my favorite slot game.
Next: A $20 "Party" and $1 Blackjack? Game On!
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