If you’ve exhausted your roll of pennies, nickels and quarters and are tired of standing in line at the ATM for more money, there are other distractions within and outside of the casino that are part of the Gila River Indian Community.

(Hint: there are several ATM/Casino Card machines throughout the gaming floor – - not just the one everyone seemed to be lined up down the aisle to use.)

SHOWROOM

For the first time in any casino in Arizona is the inclusion of a large (1400 seat), first class, Vegas-style showroom.  Already those who have appeared in the just less than one month since it’s opening are Lee Ann Rhimes, Jay Leno, and Debbie Reynolds.  Coming soon: Shirley Jones, Rita Moreno and Mitzi Gaynor (do we see a “it’s “snowbird” season” in Arizona skew to the entertainment).

So, at least for the other end of the generation, it’s a good thing that Paul Rodriguez will be headlining in mid-December.  But, in a genius “bring in the baby boomers” idea, January 21^st, 2010 will feature the rock band, Styx (with at least two, possibly three, of its original members on stage.)FOOD

Okay, so you’re not a Football fan.  But, it’s possible that you have heard of Don Shula, former coach of the Miami Dolphin’s.  It seems that coaching led to a new life for the restaurateur.  Don Shula’s American’s Steakhouse, one of several across the country, is located on the second floor just off an escalator, or elevator ride, from the main gaming floor.

In an interesting twist to menus, it seems that you can see the price of all items, except the steaks. 

I overheard a hostess tell a potential guest that all steaks are UNDER $40.00.  I guess it’s true, “if you have to ask .…”

In their defense, the restaurant only uses a “high roller” aged, Black Angus Beef of which a selection is even available on their Website.

And, for those of you who love your steak at 6:30 A.M. in the morning, seven days a week, this IS the place to go.  (Remember, this is a 24-Hour a day casino)

www.donshula.com

We opted to have dinner at Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill, a four-restaurant chain located just off of the gaming floor.  Although smoking is allowed on the gaming floor, it didn’t seem to go past the front door of the restaurant.

We decided to try two different appetizers: Kung Fu Coconut Shrimp (8) and Crispy Crab Wontons (8). Unlike many appetizer menus, there were actually several selections that were NOT fried. 

Our selected entrees were Honey Walnut Shrimp: crispy shrimp, mushrooms, honey sauce, and candied walnuts ($13.99) and Buddha’s Feast with Chicken ($12.99) accompanied with a slightly sweet brown sauce.

www.lingandlouies.com

OTHER FOOD OPTIONS

Another sit-down option off of the gaming floor is Cafe 24/7.  Entrees such as Mac & Cheese, Idaho Trout, and NY Steak mix with sandwiches and burgers in this upscale 24-hour diner.  

In what might look like the food court at a mall, there are four fast food alternatives just off of the gaming floor. They include Tamales (Mexican), Boar’s Head Deli (Deli Sandwiches), Famiglia Pizzeria (Pizza), and Fatburger (Burgers).  Prices for the four establishments ranged from $5.00 – $10.00 for the main menu.

OTHER GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY ATTRACTIONS

For a list of other tourist attractions associated with the Gila River Indians (and there are several) visit their Website at:

www.wingilariver.com

…and also see Rawhide at their adjacent property, which we visited  - see our blog – on July 9th.

Click on Tourist Attractions under Tourism

Next Week: Ft. McDowell Casino/Radisson Ft. McDowell Resort and a look at the final construction phases of the soon to open Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale

Note: Photography in the casinos is frowned upon, so we cannot take many photos in areas near casinos – which includes most of the adjacent restaurants. 

Tomorrow: We visit several fun things to do within 15 minutes of the airport – in  another direction!