Poker Poker Poker!: [vpFREE] Re: Good Family Restaurant at MGM Properties

Curt Hitchcock wrote:
> > I'm looking to take my family to a restaurant and use some of my
> > MGM comps. Any suggestions besides buffets?

ckonwin replied:
Gonzalez y Gonzalez at NYNY

connielas526 replied:
> My son loves the Rain Forest Cafe at the MGM and the EPSN Zone at New
> York New York.

These are both top notch suggestions -- "GyG" and "RF Cafe" both came
to mind. (We never tested the ESPN fare.) These are moderately
priced and will likely see your comps the furthest next to buffet
offerings.

The Mex fare at Gonzalez y Gonzalez is very satisfying and was a must
for us w/ each NYNY stay when we were frequent there a couple of years
ago.

Rain Forest is a novel offering and has offerings that should appeal
to all (likely among the best pick for the under-12 set). However,
I'll note that the franchise in Orlando puts this one to shame.
(Well, to be honest, a one time dinner 3 years ago is our only
experience with the MGM RF.)

I'll offer up two more choices to consider -- both at Bellagio.

The coffee shop there is a little pricier than most, but still
reasonable. It's among the nicest on the Strip (we like it better
than Caesar's). While dinner might run higher than you'd care for,
for a coffee shop meal (maybe not), check it out for breakfast or
lunch. It's location adjacent to the Bellagio Conservatory really
makes to a nice "field trip" in general.

You ask for suggestions outside of a buffet -- well, I wouldn't
overlook the buffet at Bellagio entirely. Again, it's exceptional
(though, of course, on the pricier side). You certainly couldn't ask
for a finer Sunday brunch.

If you opt for the Bellagio buffet, be mindful that lines can be long.
I suggest trying to sweet talk a rep at the card desk into a line
pass. (Pour on the charm ... maybe with the suggestion that it's a
special occasion for some member of your party ;)

It once was the case that an hour's play on a new card would garner
you one with a comp for 2 ... I think those days are past, but maybe a
line pass is still within their discretion. I have to tell you that
there's a certain self-satisfied thrill in sailing past what otherwise
is likely up to an hour's wait for immediate seating.

- Harry