This week we’re featuring the only casino/hotel in southern Arizona.

DESERT DIAMOND CASINO & HOTEL

From a tent containing a bingo hall established in1984 to a $120 million hotel- casino, the Tohono O’odham nation completed its newest casino project in 2007 including its first hotel.

The quite new Desert Diamond Casino

Located adjacent to the Tucson International Airport, Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel is owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Nation, the second largest tribal area in Arizona.  Another Desert Diamond Casino without a hotel property is located I-19 & Pima Mine Rd., approximately 10 miles south.

The 323,000-square-foot casino-hotel is located at 7350 S. Nogales Highway.  A 149 room hotel is connected to the 165,000 sq. ft. casino by an 8,000 sq. ft. conference center.

GAMBLING

The casino complex boasts over 1000 slot machines

• 500 Seat Bingo Hall
• 35 Seat Keno Room
• Separate non-smoking slot machine room
• Separate non-smoking poker and table game room

** Note: Smoke Alert!!!  After visiting several casinos over the last few weeks, all which allow smoking on the gaming floor, my opinion is that The Desert Diamond Casino ventilation system is not as adequate as the previous properties we have reviewed.

ENTERTAINMENT

Monsoon Night Club

Hours: Friday & Saturday 8:00PM

DINING

The Steakhouse

Cost: Prime Rib/Steaks: $16.95-$29.95

Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 7 Days a Week

The Buffet
Cost: Lunch $9.99, Dinner $12.99

Monday Seafood Buffet $16.95

Sunday  Brunch $14.95

Lunch: $8.85
Dinner: $10.85

Food Court

Diamond Grill / Diamond Wok

Cost: Grill – Average Entrees 4.95   Wok – Average Entrees $5.95-7.95

Hours: 24 Hours

HOTEL

As an added benefit to your wallet, there is no lodging tax – a savings of 12.5% per room.

Desert Diamond Hotel with a Vegas kind of look

Facilities

Heated outdoor pool

Exercise facilities

Near the pool

Rooms

King and double rooms are available along with Executive Suites and Luxury VIP suites with one or two bedrooms.

Rooms include:

• Contemporary decor
• 32″ flat panel television (42” flat panels in suites)
• Large work desk
• Complimentary wireless internet access
• Refrigerator

www.desertdiamondcasino.com

This week we’re featuring another casino that’s been around for a while with a hotel property that has a familiar name.

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN RESORT & CASINO

Located 34 miles south of the Phoenix International Airport is the Ak-Chin Indian Nation.  A relatively small community, the Ak-Chin got into the gambling game back in the early 90s. 

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino

With names like Caesars Palace, Paris, Bally’s, The Flamingo, and Rio in Las Vegas, what brought the Harrah’s corporation to what was then a town of about 1,000 population, 40 miles south of downtown Phoenix?

In December of 1994 Harrah’s was contracted to manage a 72,000-square foot casino built just south of the small town of Maricopa.  Expansion brought a 148-room resort hotel to the area. 

In an effort to bring gamblers to the area, there is even a fleet of buses that travel to the Phoenix and Tucson area and bring back players to the gaming establishment for free.

Remember that town of 1,000 I just mentioned?  Well, now there are almost 40,000 residents and Harrah’s renewed its contract until 2010. 

GAMBLING

In 2008, the gaming floor underwent a total renovation.  Although not enlarged, a new Arizona-themed color scheme was adopted and table games were placed down the middle of the gaming area.  The 40,000-square-foot casino has slots, table games (poker, blackjack) and keno.  There is also a new high tech bingo hall (the only Bingo Hall in the entire Harrah’s organization.)

Reel and video slots range from $.01 to $25.  There is also a high stakes room just off the main casino floor. 

Bingo is now held in what was formerly the ballroom.  Players receive a portable computerized game system from the desk out front.  Yes, that’s right, a portable, computerized game system which they take into the room.

Whatever happened to the old Bingo Cards????

ENTERTAINMENT

Oasis Lounge

Offering free entertainment on a stage just above the bartenders, the Oasis features bands and entertainment covering many music mixes. 

The Oasis is also known as a stopping place for “baby-boomer” bands.  Within the last few years, performers from the 60s and 70s have dropped by such as The Grassroots featuring Rob Grill, and The Classic Rock All-Stars with members of some the biggest bands of the 70s. Chubby Checker even twisted away on top of the bar. 

This month, 60s international recording artist Herman’s Hermits, featuring Peter Noone (Herman) will appear for two shows.

There’s not a lot of seating in the lounge area, but standing room is available and it certainly doesn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds. 

Hours: Vary – Friday & Saturday: 9:00pm-1:00am

DINING

The Range Steakhouse

Long touted as the best restaurant in Maricopa, The Range is certainly the priciest.  It’s also a cousin to the restaurant with the same name located at Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. With steaks starting at $28.00, it’s pretty evident that you are in a casino/hotel environment (want the priciest food in almost any city, go to a hotel restaurant). 

It’s not a large restaurant (17 booths and seven tables (with room for a few more)), so the open kitchen is in view of anyone facing that direction.  There’s also a small bar just inside the door. 

I will have to say that “booths” might not be classiest idea for a high-priced steak/prime rib/lobster joint … but then again, you’re not there to eat the furniture!

Cost: $28 – $42 (Bison) Surf & Turf Combos $50-$60 

Hours: 4pm – 9pm (10pm Fridays & Saturdays)

The Harvest Buffet

Immediately next to the The Range Steakhouse, the Harvest Buffet features selections of salads, soups, hot entrees and hand-carved meats.  There is also a dessert bar.  Friday and Saturday night the food selection switches to a Seafood Buffet from 4pm to 10pm and there is a Sunday Champagne Brunch.

Cost: Lunch $9.99, Dinner $12.99

Friday/Saturday – Seafood Buffet $19.99

Sunday Brunch $15.99

Hours: Daily lunch and dinner

Agave’s Restaurant

This casual restaurant is actually down the hall from the casino, so smoke and the sound of gaming machines are far from the door.  Open for breakfast and lunch only, Agave’s entrees are reasonably priced for their location within the property.  The menu features the usual suspects for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch.

Cost: Breakfast: Average Entrees $7.00   Lunch: Entrees $10.50-$21.00

Hours: Open daily for breakfast and lunch – 7am to 2pm daily

Copper Cactus Grill

This walk-up grill just off of the gaming floor features sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza made to order.

Cost: $7.00 – $10.00

Hours: 24 hours

HOTEL

Although attached to the casino, the 144-room hotel is actually 20 separate buildings in a 2-story resort setting.  A swimming pool that curves around palm trees is also home to the Corkscrew swim-up bar. 

The pool

Rooms are 450 sq. ft. with either one king, or two queen beds. 

Although the hotel has no golf course, two are within easy driving distance.

For a town that still has no accommodations for out of town guests, this is the place to stay.

www.harrahsakchin.com

As I mentioned last week, the newest and largest in the casino business often has only a fleeting chance to be on top of the heap.  Currently in its final construction phases is the soon to open Talking Stick Resort just east of Scottsdale.

East of I-101 is the Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community.  Up to this point they have opened two Casino Arizona properties (the oldest currently next to the Talking Stick Resort).  Within minutes of Old Town Scottsdale, unique shopping, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the Talking Stick Resort property is bound to be a mecca for high rollers … did I mention Scottsdale?

Access to the property is simple with easy on-off exits at I-101 and Indian Bend Road.  The property is located 1 mile east and easily visible from the highway.

Talking Stick Resort - under construction

Current specs for the property include:

- 497 room, 15-story luxury hotel

- 240,000 sq. ft. casino floor (poker, table games, slots, keno)

- 900+ Vegas-style slot machines

- 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space (indoor/outdoor)

- 750-seat showroom

- 8 restaurants (including fine dining on the15^th floor)

- 10+ night clubs/lounges

- 2, 18-hole golf course managed by internationally recognized Troon Golf, LLC

- 13,000 sq. ft. spa (massage/fitness center, etc.)

- 2 parking garages

As with its sister casino several miles south, the showroom will feature “tribute shows” rather than nationally known entertainment.

Current rates are not available, although reservations will be accepted starting January 1, 2010.

Talking Stick Resort looks to be a major destination in the East Valley of the Phoenix area.

As soon as the property opens, we will update our blog.

www.talkingstickresort.com

www.talkingstickgolfclub.com

www.casinoarizona.com

We’re back with Wacky Casino Wednesday! NO!  The casinos aren’t wacky, it’s Wednesday that’s wacky!  (Just wanted to clear that up…)

This week we’re featuring a casino that’s been around for a while with a new hotel property.

RADISSON FORT MCDOWELL RESORT & CASINO

Located 24 miles from the Phoenix airport, just south of Fountain Hills, Arizona on highway AZ-87 (Payson) is the home of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.  Although not a name you might be familiar with, the Yavapai were instrumental in forcing Arizona into a gaming compact creating this states tribal casino system.

As I mentioned in my first article last week, the Federal government passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988.  The catch was that each state was responsible for signing contracts between themselves and the tribes who wished to participate in gaming.  Unfortunately, the governor of Arizona was opposed to tribal gaming so signing anything was not going to happen.

Ft. McDowell's Indian commemorating when they asserted their sovereign nation status

Unfortunately for the state, five casinos were already in operation around the state so in a desperate move, the Governor asked the FBI to raid the establishments, including Fort McDowell.

When the FBI loaded up 349 slot machines into trucks they found that they were not going to get too far.  Yavapai members blocked the casino access road with all types of vehicles and stood their ground for three weeks.  The governor finally (and surely reluctantly) signed a compact with the Yavapai.  This in essence created the legalization of Indian gaming in Arizona.

If you want to celebrate with them, May 12^th is a tribal holiday!

GAMBLING

With a 150,000 sq. ft. gaming floor, there are 866 machines, 55 table and poker games, keno, poker, and bingo.

ENTERTAINMENT

Lucky 7 Saloon

Friday & Saturday: 9:00pm-1:00am

Sunday: 4:00pm-8:00pm

Outdoor Concerts

Throughout the summer outdoor concerts are presented with nationally known entertainers

FOOD

Fort McDowell Casino Dining

Cottonwood Café: Open Daily – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Featuring: Asian, Italian, Mexican, Prime Ribs, Sandwiches

Redrock Buffet: Open Daily – Friday-Sunday Buffet with “All you can eat” Crab Legs $14.50

New York New York Deli: Sandwiches / Pizza $5.00 – $12.95

Noodles Sushiya: Sushi Bar in the non-smoking area of the casino $2.95-$7.95

Outside The Casino

Ah-Ha-Qwah-Ja Pool Bar and Café: Beverage & light entrees.
We-Ko-Pa Grill (We-Ko-Pa Golf Clubhouse):  Open daily serving breakfast & lunch.

HOTEL

Radisson Hotel at Fort McDowell Casino

In December 2005, Radisson opened its property next to the casino.  It’s interesting that although it is next to the casino, the Radisson is not physically connected to it or to the conference center that forms a buffer between the two buildings.  Fortunately, the southwestern desert climate makes inclement weather a rarity so even on a brisk winter evening the walk is invigorating.

- 248 rooms (4-star resort)

- Sleep Number Beds available

- $10 in casino play with free Fort McDowell Fortune Club membership

- Amethyst Spa

- Ahnala Mesquite Room restaurant

- Wassaja Conference Center (25,000 sq. ft.

- Heated outdoor pool/Jacuzzi

- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (two, 18-hole courses)

http://www.radissonfortmcdowellresort.com

http://www.fortmcdowellcasino.com

http://fortmcdowelldestination.com

Tomorrow – We’ll take a quick look at what will soon be the newest, and largest, Resort Casino to open in Arizona.

In the casino business, it’s all about numbers:

- 242 room hotel
- 1,400-seat Las Vegas-style showroom
- 1,000 Vegas-style slot machines
- 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
- 800-car parking garage
- 7 restaurants
- 5 night clubs/lounges

Atrium of Wild Horse Pass Hotel

This is currently the largest hotel/casino project to open in Arizona. Unfortunately in the hotel business, fame is fleeting as everyone tries to top each other (i.e. Las Vegas). Within the next few months the area east of Scottsdale and home of the Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community will be home to a larger hotel/casino property (double the room number and nearly two and a half times the square footage of gaming floor.)

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

But wait, that’s not all! There is talk of an even bigger property in Glendale, Arizona if “everyone“ can come to some type of an agreement.

But for now, The Wild Horse Pass & Casino is KING!

Fountain at Wild Horse Pass

About the only thing that is free is the parking, but that’s better than most hotels on Vegas strip! Once you enter the massive 100,000 sq. ft. gaming area, the noise ramps up and the fun begins, if you are a gambler.

GAMBLING

Although it’s actually possible to go in a casino, walk around and never spend one penny on any of the enticing machines that seem to be calling your name, you might be one of those who listens to the call.

In that case, there are 1,000 slot machines to choose from. If you haven’t seen a slot machine lately, don’t expect to be pulling on one of those arms on the side of the machine. Today’s slots are totally electronic/computerized masterminds at the art of trying to get your money to become theirs. The clicking sounds of the rotors have been quieted to the extent you can actually hear music emanating from the ceilings.

If you are not a smoker (Indian Gaming in Arizona makes smoking permissible on the casino floor), there is an enclosed room with a small number of slot machines.

Table games include Blackjack with table limits from $5 to $1,000.

A separate 17-table Poker room is a non-smoking area with its own kitchen offering half-price menu items for qualified guests.

So, what if you don’t gamble? There are still things to do.

Come back tomorrow for more things to do at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

The fun part was that the retailers served as hosts and provided nibbles to go with the wine sampling. At Many Hands Trading gift shop , the hors d’oeuvres were so delicious that I commented to the gentleman rapidly restocking the treats that whoever was providing them should be a caterer. It turned out that Margaret Wilson, the storeowner, used to be a caterer. Great job! Both her store – a fabulous gift and home furnishings store – and the catering were a high success. And we liked a couple of the wines, especially the Pinot Gris 2007,  from the Spindrift Cellars represented there, too.

After poking round in half a dozen stores and trying the wines and appetizers, we were full and a bit tipsy. People were friendly and in a festive mood. The “Rhapsody” lingered on, as we have fond memories of the event, the wines, the people, the stores – and, well, everything!

Where to stay in Corvallis

We stayed on the OSU campus at the Hilton Garden Inn. Our room was on an upper level far away from the elevator. It was large, comfortable and well-equipped. The hotel amenities were terrific with a large, indoor pool and a fairly well-equipped fitness center (weights, treadmills and the like).

The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating – “Where can we recycle this newspaper” – “Here” – “Oh, great!”

Where to eat in Corvallis

In addition to Block 15, we tried some other Corvallis eateries. For the most part, dress was casual and service was terrific. Again, we gave lots of 20% tips.

Big River from the upper dining area

Big Meal at Big River

One evening, we tried Big River, and had an enjoyable meal over which we were allowed to linger. My “canelloni” was luscious, melt in your mouth, with a fresh salad; my husband’s pork was tender and flavorful.  We finished by sharing a rich, creamy vanilla creme brulee.  Our wait staffer was extremely patient and accommodating.   Their ingredients are local whenever possible and the menu changes to reflect that.

It was a good feeling not to be rushed as in places where they’re trying to “turn the tables” so they can make more tips. We lingered.

Seated upstairs in what was a converted warehouse, we were able to look at some of the food preparations below as we stepped downstairs. It is always interesting to see the orchestrations of a kitchen – with many people working in a small area, it is amazing that everything gets done, no one bumps into anyone else and the food gets out to people while it is still warm. We loved it.

Another restaurant where we ate lunch had all the vibes of the “crunchy granola set” going for it. “Healthy” food was proffered at Cloud 9. Burgers, sandwiches, teas, fresh large salads – a perfect place for a reasonably-priced lunch. We liked the food and the service, but the ambience was sparse.  They have an evening crowd that seems a lot more clubby, according to their Web site.

Leaving Corvallis…

Corvallis was one of those places where you didn’t really want to leave. We drove around in the community and saw a variety of homes from upscale to not-so upscale. It is definitely one of those places where you could see yourself living.

Now, granted, we were there when the roads were not clogged with traffic heading to a football game on the OSU campus. We did not see what it was like with the campus crammed with students. We could picture it – and we liked it there, anyway. We even read that they were working out strategies to move traffic more quickly on games days!

Planning, thinking, recycling, “green,” friendly – we like Corvallis!

Many Hands Trading

www.manyhandstrading.com

Big River Restaurant

http://www.bigriverrest.com/

Cloud 9 Bistro & Bar

http://dinecloud9.com/

Corvallis-Benton Chamber Coalition

http://www.corvallischamber.com/

Corvallis Convention & Visitors Bureau

http://www.visitcorvallis.com/

That said, on to the fun!

They call themselves “the ultimate in drag dining,” but Lips is anything but a drag (I know, bad pun there!).

We had a very tall performer serving us our dinner, “All Beef Patty,” who did an admirable job serving, but a truly wild time entertaining.

All Beef Patty - with plenty of saucy attitude

The risqué and outrageous is the norm, but everyone is having a good time. Audience participation is expected and some of the participation involves desserts and crowns.

Performance with gusto!

The performances are so authentic you have to remind yourself that these are guys! They have the mannerisms and makeup down and they appear to belt out the songs in a way that would make Mae West proud! (Yvonne, the manager, says that only one of the performers is actually singing, the rest of the entertainers are actually lip-synching.)

Belting out a song

Yeah, they serve dinner, too…

The food is fine, with the flounder picatta with capers and herbs in butter sauce, veggies and rice (“Coco La Chine”) I ordered nicely prepared. The menu items are named after the performers – or, is it the other way around? Everything from chicken to seafood to pasta to beef is available with all of the trimmings.

There were other options, but the dinner was the last thing on everyone’s mind. The plates of appetizers, especially the cheese crisps and wings, went quickly and everyone was enjoying the drinks prepared by Frankie Cocktail. (Again, you have to remind yourself that these are all guys.)

Lips has two seatings for dinner and a show during the week Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays, three seatings on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are expected, since people come in groups of 10 or more.

I was surprised to learn that they also have locations in San Diego and Fort Lauderdale. Probably equally outrageous, I can’t vouch for those other locations, but I know my trip to Lips certainly fulfilled the promise – “the ultimate in drag dining.” I can’t say I’ve ever had quite as wild an evening and more unusual entertainment.

Those queens really put on a show!

Lips in NYC  is open six nights a week and has a Gospel Brunch on Sundays. They’re located at 2 Banks Street in the West Village, Manhattan.

http://www.lipsnyc.com/