TAM: Where should I eat?

[jayman]

For the meals that aren't provided at TAM, does anyone have any recommendations for where to eat at TAM? Any vegetarian-friendly places, like Thai or Indian restaurants?

[ejk]

There's not much close to the hotel, so unless you have transportation you're probably looking at the options on site. There's a nice Italian place, and a less pricey Mexican restaurant, which both should have reasonable vegetarian options. The Garden Buffet had a number of options, but the quality of the food was so-so at best. I think the Coronado will also have some reasonable options -- they have a Chinese menu among other things.

That said, it may not be a bad idea to bring some granola bars and peanut butter. Last year the vegetarian lunch wasn't very satisfying, so I plan to make arrangements for supplemental snacks just in case.

[brainlesssteel]

Last year I felt like the vegetarian options in the hotel restaurant were adequate, but not impressive. I only ate at the Buffet and the Cafe when I was there last, though, so I can't verify whether the Italian or Mexican places are any good. The lunches were probably the most disappointing, though. I'll just say I hope you like salad with a side of potato salad. I'm hoping this time I can get to some sort of grocery store to pick up a few things just so that I don't have to spend as much on restaurant meals.

[Wowbagger]

I had no problems obtaining vegetarian food within the hotel. I did not have any dissapointing meals, myself.

I hope you are not a vegan. Vegans seem to have it tough in Vegas. Though, I suppose they have it tough just about anywhere.

The Mexican place, Baja Miguel's, had relatively good vegetable sizzling fajitas.

The buffet wasn't too bad, really. When you are with good friends, you won't even notice that the stuff was only a little bit better than merely edible, anyway.

I think that the Coronado Cafe serves slightly better food, though I can't remember exactly what I had, there.

Pizza from the Del Mar Deli is not too shabby, either, when you need a quick bite.

A group of folks might travel to The Peppermill. It's several miles from the hotel (It's near the Riviera hotel), but it seems to be a favorite TAM meal spot, going all the way back to TAM3. If I recall correctly, there should be some fairly good vegetarian stuff on its menu.

[Susan Gerbic]

The Peppermill in Reno is really great, maybe I'll hang with the group going there.

I lived off the cheese pizza from the shop downstairs at TAM7

The buffet was okay, but better because of the people who hang out there. US

The problem is that I don't like to eat tons and when in the buffet you have already paid $12 or so I always want to eat at least that much food.

My plan this year is to Twitter where I want to go and see if anyone else shows up to join me.

I'm more than ready for some chicken fajitas!

[Wowbagger]

By the way, last year, we were given coupon books at check-in, that included a 2-for-1 coupon for the buffet.

I don't know if they'll do that this year, but if they do, find a buddy, and pay half-price each.

[Rasmus]

The Bootleggers (http://www.bootleggerlasvegas.com/)is run by relatives of an ex-forumite. (And now wife of a forumite, I think?)

I don't know if they have any vegetarian options, but I did like the food.

[Allecher]

Google maps seems to show a convenience store diagonally across the intersection from the SouthPoint. Does anyone remember from last year if that is a good option for snacks, etc?

[SkepticScott]

There are links at http://www.southpointcasino.com/dining/index.php to South Point's restaurants, and each restaurant page has links to their menus. Last year I ate one meal at Baja Miguel's, many meals a Coronado Cafe, a few at the Garden Buffet, and one meal at Silverado Steakhouse. I'm not particularly fussy about what I eat. Silverado was great, Miguel's was good, and the buffet and the Cafe were average.

Allecher,
I didn't go in to that store, but as I'd wait at the bus stop there, that complex always seemed to be busy. There are more stores further east on Silverado Ranch; the 117 bus goes along there.

[jayman]

There's not much close to the hotel, so unless you have transportation you're probably looking at the options on site.


I will have my own transportation.


Thanks for all of the suggestions, so far, everyone! If you have more, please, keep them coming. :)

[RSLancastr]

What are these "vegetables" of which you speak?

[Sc00ter]

Google maps seems to show a convenience store diagonally across the intersection from the SouthPoint. Does anyone remember from last year if that is a good option for snacks, etc?

I went to it to get some pepto or something like that thinking it would be cheaper than the gift shop in the hotel. It wasn't, and it was TINY TINY and didn't have much at all.

[Fitter]

What are these "vegetables" of which you speak?

You know, the stuff that food eats.

[Horatius]

...thinking it would be cheaper than the gift shop in the hotel. It wasn't, ...



This bears repeating. Contrary to expectations, the shops at the South point didn't seem to be jacking up their prices with the expectation that people wouldn't be able (or likely) to go elsewhere. The one item (some booze) I went looking for off-site was more expensive there than the same item at the SP.

[TsarBomba]

This bears repeating. Contrary to expectations, the shops at the South point didn't seem to be jacking up their prices with the expectation that people wouldn't be able (or likely) to go elsewhere. The one item (some booze) I went looking for off-site was more expensive there than the same item at the SP.

Indeed. I found the booze prices in the gift store cheaper than back home.

[saganite]

I like stopping at a grocery store on my way into Vegas and stocking up on water, healthy snacks, sandwiches, etc. I can't remember if South Point supplies you with a refrigerator, but even if they don't most will wheel you up a mini-fridge if you ask for one.

[Chris H]

What are these "vegetables" of which you speak?


I'm allergic to all green food (except for green M&M's), so I'll be eating with Rob. ;)

[hcmom]

Terry managed to not starve to death last year on whatever vegan food was available. Seems to me like he didn't have a wide range of choices, but he did eat.

[brainlesssteel]

I can't remember if South Point supplies you with a refrigerator, but even if they don't most will wheel you up a mini-fridge if you ask for one.

You don't get a fridge, but you're correct that you can request a mini fridge. However, I don't know for sure whether or not they charge you some extra fee for it. You should ask Skeptikhatt about that. I know she had one last year.

[saganite]

You don't get a fridge, but you're correct that you can request a mini fridge. However, I don't know for sure whether or not they charge you some extra fee for it. You should ask Skeptikhatt about that. I know she had one last year.

I just called, and it's $15/day charge for a mini-fridge. So...whether or not it's worth the cost depends on your priorities, I suppose. It will be worth it to me for the convenience of not having to go down to the gift shop every time I want to eat a quick sandwich on the run, or find a vending machine when I want a cold soda.

I'm also willing to store people's leftovers for them on occasion, if you ask me nice.

[UNLoVedRebel]

For the meals that aren't provided at TAM, does anyone have any recommendations for where to eat at TAM? Any vegetarian-friendly places, like Thai or Indian restaurants?

Like I said in the other thread, try Town Sqaure off of Las Vegas Blvd and Warm Springs. It's five minutes away from the South Point. It's impossible to get lost since you're just going north on Las Vegas blvd. There's a collection of restaurants there along with a Whole Foods. Most of the restaurants are meat-centric but you can find some vegetarian dishes.

Edit -- I know of a Indian restaurant across from the Hard Rock Hotel on Paradise and Harmon-can't think of its name right now. It's right next to a CVS drug store. 15 minutes from the South Point. Less than ten if there's little traffic and you know where you're going.

[SkepticScott]

Edit -- I know of a Indian restaurant across from the Hard Rock Hotel on Paradise and Harmon-can't think of its name right now. It's right next to a CVS drug store. 15 minutes from the South Point. Less than ten if there's little traffic and you know where you're going.Google maps shows an Origin India next to that CVS. Is that its name?

[HawaiiBigSis]

Didn't a group go to the Salt Lick last year? How was that?

[hcmom]

I don't think we went last year, but I want to go this year. It was YUMMY!!

[UNLoVedRebel]

Google maps shows an Origin India next to that CVS. Is that its name?

Yup, looks like it. It's across from a collection of gay bars known as "the fruit loop." On a side note, Las Vegas has a big gay community. Krave being the most popular gay club. Thought I'd throw that in after Randi's coming out ceremony.

/110% straight

[SkepticScott]

Yup, looks like it. It's across from a collection of gay bars known as "the fruit loop." On a side note, Las Vegas has a big gay community. Krave being the most popular gay club. Thought I'd throw that in after Randi's coming out ceremony.

/110% straightLOL! I met Randi before I knew he was gay. Over the year, it just never came up, I never had any hint until I learned about it a few years ago.

I haven't eaten much Indian food, but I like the not-too-spicy dishes. Is anyone else going to be in LV Sunday or Tuesday?

[conadera]

How about we set agree on a time (for meals not included in reg)--say, 11:30 or after the program ends for lunch, 5:30-ish for dinner--and anyone who wants to join others can meet at the horse?
I'm Italian, which means I'm omnivorous and like to eat with a crowd.