Laughlin Buzz

Aug 22, 2015

Papas Pizza gets 20 demerits in Health Inspection

Laughlin, Nevada

Papa's Pizza 

Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)- Inspection Result
Inspection date:   8-12-2015


Papa's Pizza is located in the St. Marks strip plaza of shops directly across from the Pioneer Casino on Casino Drive in Laughlin.  

The Southern Nevada Health District Restaurant Inspection report posted for Papa's Pizza shows the restaurant received  a B grade with 20 demerits including such violations as keeping foods at proper temperatures, handwashing, keeping food protected from potential contamination, pest control, proper washing of kitchenware, and facility maintenance. See the list below.   

This information was taken from what is posted on the SNHD website (as of 8-21-15).  Note, they may have already had a re-inspection as there is a lag time between when they occur and when they are posted.   Every establishment is required to post their current SNHD certificate showing the grade they are operating under.  



The list of violations:



Previous inspections show a continued pattern of B and A inspections dating back to 2011.
It seems like each year they are inspected they get a lower grade with multiple demerits, followed by a re-inspection grade of an A (after corrections are made).







While we have never tried Papa's Pizza we would not recommend it at this time based on the erratic inspection results.   

In other recent inspections that took place on August 12, 2015,  Mama's Pizzeria, The Hideout, the Loading Dock Buffet, and the Loading Dock Bar all received A grades.




About the inspection process: 
An "A" grade is the top grade an establishment can receive.  Generally if any grade less than an 
A is received the restaurant can and does have a re-inspection shortly thereafter after correcting 
any violations.  Keep in mind there is a lag time between when the inspections are performed and 
when they appear on the Southern Nevada Health District Website.  A restaurant may have been 
inspected or re-inspected (in the case of a low grade) since the data was posted.  
When a re-inspection is done the list of violations/demerits from the prior low grade is no longer viewable.
All restaurants are required to have their latest grade certificate displayed for the public to see.  
If you don't see one, ask.

Note:  We do update this article when new/re-inspections are posted.

You can visit the  SNHD  website to look up restaurants in Laughlin or anywhere in Southern Nevada. 
There is a search feature.  For Laughlin use Zipcode 89029.   



*All content in this blog post are presented for informational purposes only and uses 
data taken from the Southern Nevada Health District website.   
We received no compensation from the properties or restaurants in this blog 
post and are not in any way affiliated with them.  

Aug 19, 2015

Pioneer Casino won 4 Best of Laughlin Awards

Laughlin, Nevada


The Pioneer Hotel and Gambling Hall  (also known as the Pioneer Casino)  won four awards in the 2015 Best of Laughlin Awards.

Two of these went to their BumbleBerry Flats restaurant and Chef Craig Pinkard.  

They also won the award for the best looking part of the Riverwalk and the Best Neon Sign, the iconic River Rick Cowboy sign who overlooks the river. 




  


River Rick 








Visit Laughlin Buzz for more about the area.


*All content in this blog post are presented for informational purposes only and was current as of the date of the posting. We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

Aug 18, 2015

Colorado Belle's Loading Dock Bar & Grille

Laughlin, Nevada

Colorado Belle Casino

Loading Dock Bar & Grille








The Loading Dock Bar and Grille was built in a great location right on Laughlin's Riverwalk.   The much anticipated new restaurant opened in February of 2014.    

Since that time there have already been two brief closings for remodeling.  One in December of 2014 and one for the month of June this year (2015).   On the last remodel they added booths, expanded the buffet area, changed the tables, and added a brand new menu.  






Prior to the remodels we had only visited the Loading Dock one time for breakfast.  At that time we called it the Best Breakfast Buffet on the River.  





When the new menu was announced it looked good.   One evening we were going to give Pint's (also in the Belle) another chance but the line was too long.  We decided to go to the Loading Dock instead. There was no line and perhaps 5 or 6 tables occupied.  That seemed strange.  The question crossed our mind why one place was packed and the other was virtually empty by comparison.    


We were greeted immediately by a friendly hostess and got a table near the windows overlooking the Riverwalk.   Our server took our drink orders right away.   They have a full bar menu (see the link at the end of this article).   Plus they offer a couple of the micro brews from Pint's as well.  


The inside after the remodel is slightly different and better, especially with the blue booths added.   Yet the decor is still a mixed look of industrial-cafeteria-loading-dock.  We still get the impression the Loading Dock doesn't know what it wants to be.   This shows not only in the look but also in the menu.   There is a little bit of everything instead of focusing on being a "Bar and Grille".   Plus they have expanded the Buffet and now also offer a soup and salad buffet special.   In our opinion, the buffet belongs in a Buffet not a Bar and Grille.  They should of kept the original Captain's Buffet open. Apparently, however, the buffet is popular as most of the diners seemed to be going to it.  In our opinion, that seems to undercut the idea of the full, fairly expansive menu they have.   


We decided to pass on the buffet and order off the menu.  Our server seemed surprised (or maybe disappointed) we weren't going to the Buffet.    We chose the Steamers as an appetizer.  Petite little neck clams in a white wine and butter sauce.  This was a huge order for $11.99.  More than enough for several people.  The clams were good but the sauce was lacking in flavor. An assistant server dropped the clams off but didn't provide a bowl or plates.  It took too long to get anyone's attention to get some.  


Steamers
For entrees we ordered the 1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs ($18.99) and the Shrimp Scampi ($17.99). Both came with Soup or Salad Bar.  When we selected a salad, we were told to go out to the Buffet and make one.   This is somewhat understandable but we think diners who order off the menu could be given a choice to do that or just have one of their choice brought to the table.    At least the salad bar had a good but limited choice and was fresh and clean.  

After ordering the ribs I remembered the Loading Dock sometimes offers a chicken and ribs (all you can eat or buffet) special.  Had I remembered this I probably wouldn't have ordered them.  Mostly because we never cared for the ribs at the old buffet or at Mark Twains restaurant (which also closed when the Loading Dock opened).   On the Loading Dock menu they were listed under specialties so I was hopeful they would be good.

It turned out they were OK, but not something I would order again, especially for 19 dollars.  The sauce seemed to be added as an afterthought and was not very tasty.  Maybe we are spoiled from the BBQ and sauces served at Yogi's in the mall?  The coleslaw and beans that came with it were just average tasting and the corn bread was dry.    It sort of all looked and tasted like something you would get at an outdoor cookout/picnic.  


The Shrimp Scampi is described as Jumbo Prawns, Linguine, Garlic and Butter Sauce.  The ingredient they forgot to list was SALT.  The sauce was so salty that after several bites it became overwhelming.    The shrimp weren't jumbo and were slightly overcooked, as was the Linguine.   



Service was pretty good at the start but went downhill afterward. The food all came out to fast, especially since we had to go build our own salads.  Our server never checked on us after everything was dropped off, never asked if we wanted another drink.  We got the impression from the way some of the staff was acting and standing around talking that they were going through the motions and putting in their time just waiting to get out of there.  Service had a cold, industrial feel just like the decor. 

Buffet selections are outlined on a chalk board outside of the Loading Dock.   Prices seem a bit high. Even the breakfast buffet (which we liked before) has gone up in price.   Sadly, after seeing the rest of the menu and our sub par experience, breakfast is most likely the best bet at the Loading Dock.  If you are willing to be brave there are other options like Fish and Chips, Steaks, Tacos, Lobster.  

They do have a Happy Hour that might be worth visiting for the drinks and appetizers.  But it is only limited to Monday through Thursday, 4-6PM. 





To see the Loading Dock menu and their hours, visit the Colorado Belle page here.

Right outside the Loading Dock on the Riverwalk is the Chill Bar.  This features various drinks and frozen drinks.   Unfortunately, their hours aren't posted but it is a good place to grab a drink when you can find them open.   They are busy when bands are playing on the Loading Dock Stage directly across from the restaurant. 






Overall we were not impressed with the Loading Dock.  We had high hopes but it was a disappointment. Given so many other options to eat out in Laughlin, it probably will be awhile before we visit again.   It is a shame they had to spend so much to build a brand new restaurant, only to the serve the same kinds of food they used to offer at 5 other restaurants they closed*.  At a higher price and lesser quality too.       


*Prior to or when the Loading Dock Restaurant opened the Colorado Belle closed the Captain's Buffet, Mangia (Italian), Tortilla's (Mexican), Gallery Cafe, and Mark Twains (Chicken and Ribs).  




Visit us at:
    

OR 




*All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes. The review was based on our own personal experience and the food was purchased by us, not comped by the restaurant.  Your results may vary. Time, events, menu items, prices, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them.  We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. All pictures are the property of and were taken by Laughlin Buzz but may be shared for personal use with credit given.  




Aug 17, 2015

Revenue up at Aquarius Casino in Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada
Aquarius Casino Resort Net Revenue Up for 3rd Consecutive Quarter



American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (“ACEP”), the operator of Aquarius Casino in Laughlin, and the Stratosphere and two Arizona Charlie's properties in Vegas, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015.

Consolidated Net revenues were $95.7 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $89.4 million for the second quarter of 2014, an increase of 7.0%. ACEP reported second quarter net income of $7.4 million for 2015 compared to net income of $1.7 million for the second quarter of 2014.

Of local interest, in Laughlin, at the Aquarius Resort, net Revenue increased for the third consecutive quarter. However, the increase of 2.4% for this most recent quarter was smaller than the two previous quarters of 11.9% and 10.3%.   Occupancy was down, as was hotel revenue.   

Aquarius numbers: 

  • Net revenues increased 2.4% in the second quarter of 2015 
  • Hotel revenue decreased 2.7% 
  • Occupancy decreased to 52.9% 
  • Casino revenue increased 3.1% due to increased slot and table revenue. 
  • Food and beverage revenue increased 2.4% due to a higher average check per cover. 


* All statistics are compared to the second quarter of 2014




For the other ACEP properties:

Stratosphere

  • Net revenues increased 11.1% 
  • Hotel revenue increased 20.3% due to a 5.7 percentage point increase in occupancy and a 12.9% increase in average daily room rates. 
  • Casino revenues increased 7.1% due primarily to increased slot and table games
  • revenue. 
  • Food and beverage revenues increased 9.5% due to increased food and beverage covers. 
  • Tower revenue fell 2.3% due primarily to decreased Sky Jump admissions. 

Arizona Charlie’s

  • Net revenues increased 4.9% 
  • Casino revenues increased 3.2% on increased slot coin-in and table games hold. 
  • Hotel revenues increased 20.8% due to increased occupancy at both properties and higher average daily room rates at Arizona Charlie's Decatur and food and beverage revenues increased 9.1% due to increased food covers. 




Statistics were taken from the American Casino & Entertainment Properties quarterly press release of August 14, 2015 and can be viewed at: 
http://www.acepllc.com/InvestorRelations/Investor/PressReleases


All content and pictures are presented for informational purposes. Time, events, data, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them. Number are quoted and taken from ACEP Press release referenced. We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.