Visitreno

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

This is the FIRST installment from my 2012 trip to Reno & Virgina City for the Virginia City Oyster Fry & St. Paddy's Day.

http://www.rgj.com/article/20120222/NEIGHBORHOODS/302220032/Virginia-City-Rocky-Mountain-Oyster-Fry-returns-St-Patrick-s-Day

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"The 21st annual Virginia City Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry is on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, this year.The event includes amateur and professional cooks with special recipes featuring flavors and textures of Rocky Mountain oysters (bull calf testicles or “beef fries”). Entries will be judged with prizes, trophies and bragging rights at stake. Four categories will be judged, including Best Overall Taste. First place takes home a $500 prize. Music, face painting, street magicians and balloon animals will be included."

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http://www.nvshows.com/home/rocky-mountain-oyster-fry/

John: Want to meet me there? Or are you going to be busy? They have "balloon animals" this year !!

Oh, I just noticed.....Sponsored by a Catholic Saint (Patrick) and The Mustang Ranch. Perfect for VC !

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

(This trip report is being prepared at 7 am Sat and I am more than a little shaky from last night...but I had to get here FIRST. You'll understand in a minute.)

I tried to leave Portland by 3 am to arrive in Reno about noon.

But I was running a bit late and decided at after seeing Stan Allan's pics of the snow, had to find my tire chains....even though I have AWD.

I should have left the chains at home, and remembered my shorts and bathing suit. It was over 70degrees and sunny yesterday...although I am told it snowed here two days ago and the sidewalks still had salt on them.

I had a two night comped stay at the Eldo which is kind of goofy since I never really played there much before. THAT soon changes.

I played HARD last night....dollar VP at the Siena, SIlver Legacy, Eldo, AND the SKy bridge bar at the CAL NEVA. More on THAT later !!

I sorta recall hitting a couple of 4oK but I am going to have to count my money NOW to give you all an accurate report.

I don't feel so good right now.

I need more water.....

MORE LATER.

JD, out
hey, did they change the clocks LAST night? it is now 7:32 am

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

I really had to take a shower, rehydrate and get chow. Breakfast special at Siena is biscuits & gravy, two eggs, sausage...$6.99 BUT (thank you John)...be sure to leave your club card out for additional 15% off.

And...(thanks John) if you follow John tip of showing them an upgraded card from another casino....they give you $ 50 in food comps on your card as well.

And as I was getting my "free" bloody Mary to take to breakfast, I hit another 4oK for $ 100 (dBL dBL BONUS) but I played it all off.

I am kinda getting ahead of myself because I have not yet mentioned the strange set of circumstances that led to LAST NIGHT'S rowdy behavior.

ANd unless I am BEGGED for MY version....you'll just have to wait for SOME OTHER person TO POST their VERSION OF EVENTS.

Then I'll no doubt have to refute it all.

mjames1229 · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 406

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

WHO said it was a guy? Or short?

CaSwede · Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 866

This on the fly report is going to be great. Will the mystery guest please sign in and give us the real report?

I totally understand the first night big play/drinking....... that is what I do, but I am never up at 7 AM with a coherent report on the Internet.

john · Site Admin Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 1181

First of all, I'm not short and not a guy. Let's take a look...my bad, I'm a short guy, but long winded.

So I was sitting at home having a long philosophical conversation with Charlie and Higgins when JD called to corrupt me with an offer of gambling, drinking and flirting with a long legged, short skirted, very cute, young cocktail waitress at the Siena. Oh, the misery I put myself through for the benefit of this board.

As usual, JD kicked butt on VP with yet another royal flush. That guy just can't lose. He quit his job and is moving to Reno to become a professional VP shark and waitress chaser. My luck wasn't quite as good at VP, but DaVinci's Diamonds shot me a $100 bonus round and Wolf Run spun a $136 return on an eighty cent bet.

JD treated me to dinner at some point last night. It's a little hard to remember everything because so much happened and JD was getting pretty drunk. I thought he was drunk when I noticed his face was blurry, but knew for sure when he stepped on my hand. Some guys just can't control themselves.

Over all, it was the usual fun evening with the famous $2 man who actually got recognition in the Virginia City newspaper for his legendary generosity.

On bended knee, I implore you, oh gifted storyteller, to continue to entertain and amaze us with the next installation of your sojourn.

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

Well I guess that means JOHN is NOT in jail as I expected.

I need to go way back to day one. I departed Portland at 3:30 am Friday and was able to average 59.2 mph for the 540 miles from MY house to the ARCH. I say this because it is my intention to attempt the several differnt options some LONGER but faster...and I am getting to know the Eugene, Oakridge, K Falls, Alturas , Likely, Litchfield route.

So I check in (Eldo reservations is THE BOMB...no need for a host...they do a better job anyway) about 2:00 and very nice room. 21sy floor facing Virginia Street. (DO NOT TOUCH THE MINI BAR OR FRIDGE...picking up a can of cheese sticks causes huge drain of funds from your bank account...REALLY ! there is a weight sensor and if you just pick an item up and set it down...it's yours.

Getting back to the stunning coincidence...I start my rounds of card checking to see who found out I was on the way so they could purge my points the previous day.

Walk to Siena....drop maybe $ 40 but got a lot of play. (Be sure to follow John's advise on flashing you highest graded card). I wander over to Cal Neva an sit at JP the bartender at the sky bridge bar. There's only about four out of twenty open seat...and one is immediately to my right.

I order my FIRST drink... "JD ROCKS" (get it?) and re tell my running $ 2 bill gag to get every bartender in town's loyalty.

"Would you rather have a TWO dollar tip, or a ONE dollar tip" as I pull out my envelope of dueces. And EXACTLY as I say this....a stunning, hot, tall redhead is plopping down at that one bar stool to my right. (and for clarity for John...it is NOT a guy or short)

"You look familiar," the redhead says.

I think....("hooker"?) wisely say nothing because I'm pretty sure this gal could kick my ass.

While SHE cannot place me (I've been on a six month haircut and beard growing binge to be explained later)....I IMMEDIATELY THINK I know this gal from on line and VIRGINIA CITY last year when I gave her and her dirty dog of a husband a tour of the Comstock.

"Lilly???" "Is that YOU?"

Yup....to paraphrase Rick from Casablanca..."Of all the gin joints in all the world, you had to...."

And she probably would have mistaken me for a homeless guy at Cal Neva had I not been right in the middle of my $ 2 bill thing at that moment. Is that too cool for school? AND AN OMEN OF THINGS TO COME.

More later...and it's all good. Well for ME anyway.

Lilly? You out there?

Breakfast now...night number two (Sat night without Lilly and dog) is an even BETTER set of coincidences...and Lilly doesn't even KNOW about SAT night.

Anyone want MORE?

(I think I'll try the Eldo breakfast buffet....I THINK I HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TODAY !!!!)

Let me check....yup. I think I have enough.

(By the way...the royal John mentioned...it was only on dimes because I go down when l lose for very long....and I had JUST been playing dollars.. not much earlier.) But that royal started something very good.

More later on request.

LilyJDragonfly · Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Posts: 425

It is true, indeed.... we'd just arrived in at the Cal-Neva for a one-night gamble fest and I'd just arrived at the SkyBar.

Some chump in new suede shoes had just settled in at the bartop VP and placed all his wadded up newspapers on the very machine I had my eyes on. As I strolled up, he sensed my presence and immediately gathered up the papers as he offered the bartender his choice of a TWO dollar tip or a ONE dollar tip.... at that moment, I whipped my head around to see who in the hell could POSSIBLY be offering the famous 2-buck bill and he looks damn familiar, but JD isn't due in town until next week.....

As it turns out, it sure as hell is JD himself!! We go rally up The Dog and well, read the rest in MY trip report to be posted today......

And JD, keep collecting those matches....

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

So THAT'S where all those matches came from !!

I prefer finding phone numbers on cocktail napkins with a woman's name on them...but matches will just have to do for that night.

Drop a duece on JP the Sky bar bartender....he will take care of you.

Did I leave anything out? (The song from , "We're off to see the Wizard" will just have to be a memory.

SO I think that's it for day # 1.

Day TWO...is the John & JD do Siena. More properly put as "John and JD would LIKE to do the cocktail staff at the Siena"

We sit at the bartops with the only bartender....beings as we are the ONLY people AT the bar...we would be the BEST CUSTOMERS at the bar.

John is quickly bored and moves off to find a Pharoh's Fortune SLOT. Something without any motor or memory skills.

I stay at the bar and try to charm Jeannie...another hot redhead...except she's required to be nice to old geezers like the J & JD crowd.

(NOTE TO SELF: "Want to join me at the TESTICLE FESTIVAL?" Is not a pick up line that appears to have the desired results on the drink babes...so I resort to the old duece stand by:

"I used to cocktail at Harrah's and I got these $ 2 bills from HIM. He was from Oregon."

"THAT'S ME" says I
"I gave them to my son from the tooth fairy..."
"Does your son look like me?"

END OF CONVERSATION.....

I join John who is killing the Pharaoh machine....

As I lose, I go down....Dollars, quarters,,,,now dimes.

Boom third hand on dime....Natural Royal...$ 400??/ Can't quite remember. But it's an omen.

Back to the bartops...I go up to dollars....quite a few hands and then IT HAPPENS.

Dbl Dbl bonus,,,,I get a few 4oK...then

ACE, ACE, ACE.......draw

4, ACE.....ding ding ding.... $ 2,000 and w-4g

My turn to buy dinner. And John is hammered.

I count my dough when I get to Eldo.... total up... $ 2,700

Counting the previous night.... about 6-8 four of a kind at Dbl/Dbl, one dime royal, one $ 2K four aces w/ kicker....I should go home right NOW.

But I won't

Next up... Sunday breakfast with Debbie at the Little Nugget....

And Debbie is the day shift (most weekends) bartendress at the Little Nugget and SHE will let you eat at her bar while losing $ 200 of Siena's money.

Debbie might be along soon to relate HER version of this story.

Back to the Eldo for the Sunday paper.

Next : Eldo deals, breakfast critique, and a nap.

Dave · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 212

Fun report JD. I look forward to hearing more. So glad you are having a good time. Smile

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

So I think I owe you all most of Sunday's report.

I started off at the registration desk at Eldo. I extended my "two nights, FREE...with another that offered Sunday & Monday at $ 25 & $ 30 and tues IS free. $ 55/5 nights...cool, huh? And I didn't have to move.

I thinkI covered eating breakfast at the little nugget. No luck at all but three terrific Bloody Marys at $80 each. I won NOTHING of significance but I'm pretty sure I was the morning's best customer. The stories of old Reno by the bartender, Debbie...was worth half of what I lost.

Lost another $ 100 at Harrah's ...nothing eventful.

Lost another $ 100 at Cal Neva.

Lost another $ 400 AT Siena.

Went back to room to count my money.

OH...WAIT....I took Lilly's advice on the Sushi Bar.

And Chris is a great Sushi tutor. While I know a lot about fish I don't have the Asian cuisine experience down pat like Lilly.

I have the whole place to myself...THE SUSHI Saga. This was what Lilly said about it:
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"Sushi Saga.

Sweet Mother of Salmon – this is some fine stuff! The chef is, get this, an Irish guy named Chris. We’ve not had sushi this terrific since May of 2007 when we were at Tokyo Go Go in San Francisco. And it was an All-You-Can-Eat deal, too. We sat at the counter (the seats are fairly small and not terribly comfortable) and let Chris serve us up whatever he thought we’d dig. All of it was DELIGHTFUL!! We highly recommend gorging yourself at this fine restaurant. $19/AYCE lunch, $24/AYCE dinner… "
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And at LAST I have moral support for the Great Balls of Fire Feast next weekend. Chris is going to try to meet up there. We have a terrific discussion about saltwater fish species and their correct identification.

And this is turning out to be the HOT REDHEAD weekend of all time.

Chris's sidekick is ANGELA....yikes !! Hot Redhead alert!! And they BOTH remember Lilly and the Dog... favorably. I thank my stars John and I did not discover this in John's rare venture into the other side of sobriety !

And Jeannie is a pistol of a cocktail waitress on Siena's Casino floor. Clearly SOME GUY in the HR department has a Henna fetish. And it works for me !

And this is the week that I'm exploring my inner homeless look !

I'm going for a part with a pony tail and my biker glasses. Maybe I should try walking thru J A Nugget to check reactions?

I too, recommend SUSHI Saga inside Siena. And practice your Japanese if you want to impress Angela. All I know is "Hei" (yes)... but she had to teach me, "Eay" (NO). As I leave, I initiate both Chris and Angela to the $ 2 bill club.

That's it for now. I think with all the losses and spending from today...still up about $ 2100 or so . About $ 600 loss for today.

More later...BUT ONLY IF I'M ASKED !

CaSwede · Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 866

Great stuff--- keep it coming.

"More later...BUT ONLY IF I'M ASKED !" Consider yourself asked, but don't make us beg.

john · Site Admin Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 1181

Don't listen to Swede, JD. MAKE ME BEG, BABY.

I went to Siena yesterday. Jeannie said you were in there the night before, despite the warning from security. I told her about the message board, but she didn't write the URL down, so don't look for her here.

Call me when you're ready for more D & G.

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

WHAT should I call you?

First I think I need to file my MONDAY report

Lost $ 100 at first casino
Lost $ 200 at other casino
Lost $ 40 at the third

Ate breakfast

Lost $ 150
Lost $ 50

QUIT GAMBLING.

Ate dinner (another $ 5.99 Prime rib at Cal Neva...BUT they charged me $ 2 to substitute a baked tater instead of fries. Seemed a little harsh to me)

And I think it's now time to go get breakfast....Oh...I might try the Eldos chow line.
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Back from the Eldo's $ 7.99 Barfett. Not bad...in fact, pretty good if you don't try either the chicken fried steak or biscuits & Gravy. Note: There are TWO sized plates. NOW I know which ones NOT to take.

Tasty croissants and GIANT ORANGE JUICE & Coffee included and no line on a TUESDAY.

Sign says, "Free Buffet on Weds. to out of town guests". We will test that tomorrow..,but today, I paid by points on my club card. Cool.

Now John: Are you SURE your liver has recovered enough for a repeat?

Everyone else: Please don't tell anyone but I am playing KENO. My goal is to have my card flagged as a sucker that needs to be invited back. Maybe I'll only lose half of my 21 games....so I need not be present to win...get it?

I'm in my room Kenoing up a storm, as we speak. Whoooo Hooo !

COCKTAILS? Can we get cocktails to 2110? Is there a cocktail waitress on this floor?

Game: 746 Yipeee. One hit ONE of 8 on an eight spot...what's that pay?

I'm wandering over to the bed now to be bored to sleep. I need a nap but I'm GAMBLING !!!

oh...hit four of 8= $ 1 WINNER, WINNER...chicken dinner!