Local paper picks Vegas' best
March 24, 2008 | 12:09
pm
The Las Vegas-Review Journal just issued its annual "Best of Las Vegas"
package. Locals have discerning tastes, and the R-J provides the choices from
readers and editors. If you travel around Vegas, you will find advertisements
that constantly reference winning this award. The reason is that while a lot of
the best of Vegas-type lists are rigged and play favorites, the
Review-Journal's package manages to maintain credibility and respect. So, you
may be interested to know that this year both readers and the Review-Journal's editors
have picked the Palms as the best place to play slots.
Not that this list is perfect.
The Review-Journal likes to prove that it isn't a hip publication. So, on the media side, while there is space for the categories of best weathercaster and best radio personality in Vegas, the Internet still doesn't exist as a Vegas resource. So, forget about finding a category for the best Vegas-theme website or, for that matter, the best Vegas blog (hint).
The Review-Journal likes to prove that it isn't a hip publication. So, on the media side, while there is space for the categories of best weathercaster and best radio personality in Vegas, the Internet still doesn't exist as a Vegas resource. So, forget about finding a category for the best Vegas-theme website or, for that matter, the best Vegas blog (hint).
But there is hope for next year.
The Review-Journal has finally gotten around to launching its first real blog earlier this month by the talented and witty Doug Elfman. I am looking forward to reading Elfman. Now, maybe with a blog of their own, 2009 will include the Internets' various Vegas manifestations on the R-J's "Best of Vegas package."
The Review-Journal has finally gotten around to launching its first real blog earlier this month by the talented and witty Doug Elfman. I am looking forward to reading Elfman. Now, maybe with a blog of their own, 2009 will include the Internets' various Vegas manifestations on the R-J's "Best of Vegas package."
I am skeptical of any poll that selects PF Chang's and the "Best" Chinese Restaurant. It barely qualifies as a Chinese restaurant. It's more of a "Chinese" restaurant. Also, Taco Bell is not a Mexican restaurant, yet apparently came in 2nd for "best tacos." So how are Vegas locals discerning?
Posted by: L | March 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Hi, Thanks for reading. I agree chain stores tend to do well in these sorts of "Best of" lists everywhere. Marketing works, and that proves it. However, particularly when it comes to issues like gambling, Las Vegas is a town of informed and passionate consumers. As a tourist visiting here, I think you can learn a lot from what locals see as the best entertainment or nightclub. But you are right; no one source is flawless including experts and guidebooks or me. Add to that everyone has different tastes. So, the opinions of the masses may not always be what is the best choice even when readers name it "Best." That is true for the editors as well. What is best is for you to decide. But I still find the R-J list a fascinating and valuable snapshot of what the people who live here are enjoying. Yrs., Richard
Posted by: Richard Abowitz | March 25, 2008 at 09:55 AM
That's true. But Vegas has such amazing restaurants, it's sad that "the masses" may not realize how lucky they are. But I always like to read about casinos I never really think about going to, off the Strip. From the R-J awards, looks like I need to check out Red Rock and Green Valley. Maybe they have better blackjack rules, since an LA Times article last week just confirmed that the Strip has lousy blackjack.
Posted by: L | March 25, 2008 at 07:07 PM
"Locals have discerning tastes..."?
Please take a stroll through any of the Las Vegas neighborhoods and you'll see them driving the same type of cars, going to the same supermarkets, eating at all the same Panda Express's and In 'n Outs. Vegas is where originality comes to die. The only thing discerning about Las Vegas is the Strip, where non Las Vegas spend their money and support the rest of blue collar Las Vegas.
Posted by: Whata Joke | March 27, 2008 at 07:16 PM