February 10, 2012

A Commitment To Earn Loyalty Through Excellence

February 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

SEVERAL WEEKS ARE in the history books in this still faintly brand new year.  As we had hoped and expected, our properties have started the year very strong. It seems an appropriate time for some thoughts on what lies ahead in 2012.

This January marks for us another colorful page in a remarkable comeback story. Station Casinos has looked to improve each and every year since some well publicized rough seas not so long ago. Our most recent chapter is a point of pride for me personally, and for Station Casinos as a whole.

Since emerging from bankruptcy our Team Members have shown a renewed commitment towards service excellence.

Our guests, (both local and non-local), have picked up on this renewed focus on service and we are deeply committed to continuing on this course.

Our aim is to climb this mountain all the way to the top and plant a flag that lets our competitors know that we are not just here to compete. We are committed to winning!

It is our goal to win guests’ continued patronage for years to come, and we make a promise to live up to our guests’ expectations. Our stated goal is not to sit back and admire what we’ve done in the past, but rather to keep stoking the flame that symbolizes our return to prominence.

Observers will notice a rather aggressive attitude toward winning guest loyalty from the top down. Our aim is not toward maintaining the new and improved status quo, but in maintaining the trajectory of our improvements.

The quality found in our hotels, casinos and resorts will be such that a first time visitor will become a long time friend. Our goal is for the next (or first) experience of each and every guest of our properties to be a memorable one.

To simplify my vision, if we have the opportunity to host a guest once, the guest will count the days until their next visit. 2012 provides us a great opportunity to raise our own expectations and to impress our guests like never before. We are committed to excellence and we are committed to consistently earn guest loyalty.

The featured blogger for this post is Station Casinos Vice President of Hotels Michael Grisar

Filed Under: Aliante Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, General, Green Valley Ranch, Hotels & Casinos, Palace Station, Red Rock Resort, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station, What's New, Wild Wild West, Wildfire Gaming Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In Search Of The Deal

February 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

IF YOU’RE LIKE me, when it comes to dining, you’re perpetually in search of a deal. It’s not so much to do with financial concerns, although you can’t be too frugal these days.  For many like me, it’s more about the challenge. It’s just fun to find a great value after putting some small bit of effort into the search.

Wine is a good place to start. When ordering an expensive wine on occasion I expect big things and can only be satisfied or disappointed (although I expect the former). But if I take a chance on a $35 bottle that I don’t know anything about, there’s an “excitement of the chase” that’s also brought “to the table”.

I can’t help but get excited, that this may be my next great find, my new favorite that won’t break the bank. In this spirit, and that of the New Year, I plan to try new things. It may be a wine from a new region, a new style, a new varietal.

This determination applies to other aspects of the dining experience.  It may be a new exotic beer or a freshly invented cocktail. My adventure may well go beyond beverage and into the realms of the kitchen. I look forward to trying a new fish I’ve never heard of or pasta that I’ve previously ignored.

One thing I am certain to find on such a quest with this type of mandate is new territory. That’s what it’s all about. That’s the tastiest morsel, the part that is most memorable. I can’t think of any better approach, to dining or to life in 2012.

The featured blogger for this post is Station Casinos Vice President of Food & Beverage Mark LaVoie

Filed Under: Aliante Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, General, Green Valley Ranch, Hotels & Casinos, Palace Station, Red Rock Resort, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station, What's New, Wild Wild West, Wildfire Gaming Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Best Hotel Experience Excels At Making You Feel At Home

December 21, 2011 By 4 Comments

 

WHEN WAS THE last time someone made you feel at home during your travels?

I have stayed at hundreds of hotels, some big and some small. Some have been expensive and some of them were dirt cheap! But it was the hotel where I had little to no expectations that I enjoyed my stay the most.

Think back to all the times you have stayed at a hotel. What do you remember most about the best stay you ever had? Did you pay a king’s ransom and expect a great stay only to be underwhelmed? By contrast, is there a limited service gem in your past travels that surpassed all your expectations because the hospitality you experienced made a lasting impression? No doubt it was the staff that made the difference, not simply by making you feel special, but also by making you feel at home.

It is my singular goal to ensure that our hotels are providing an experience that you can tell your friends about. It’s not just about the amenities, the beautiful weather or the many options our properties have to offer. It’s entirely because of our people.

Our Team Members are the lifeblood of our company. Without them, who could provide such great service? If you have stayed with us before, whether just once or a hundred times, what experiences can you share?

Welcome…. Home!

The featured blogger for this post is Station Casinos Vice President Hotels Michael Grisar

Filed Under: Aliante Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, Green Valley Ranch, Hotels & Casinos, Palace Station, Red Rock Resort, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station, What's New, Wild Wild West, Wildfire Gaming Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When It’s Time To Celebrate, Bring Out Your Best!

December 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

IT’S THAT TIME of year when excitement reigns. Many of us are in a state approaching nirvana going into the holidays and the New Year.

Our deepest hope as we celebrate is to be filled with that extra sense of family and community. However, the excitement can also occasionally get overwhelming when the whole season is not put in proper perspective.

The key to conquering the holidays is to keep focused, and stop unwanted stress from creeping in. Easier said than done in the modern world, but quite attainable if you keep one very important question in mind throughout the festivities: If not now, when?

Most of us experience ups and downs throughout the year, preferably more ups than downs. The end of year holiday season is truly the appropriate time to celebrate fully. In other words, don’t hold back! Bring out your best!

If now is not the time to put out the best silverware, when might be the right time? If now is not the right time to crack the special bottle of wine you’ve been saving, when is the right time? The culmination of a year of hard work, and the end of another year of growth and bonding should not fade lightly. It is to be celebrated with vigor!

It is my sincerest hope that our Las Vegas hotel guests celebrating the holiday season with us (and at home) are filled with the spirit of the season and the luxury of proper perspective throughout. If not now, when?

The featured blogger for this post is Station Casinos Vice President of Food & Beverage Mark LaVoie.

Filed Under: Aliante Station, Boulder Station, Dining, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, General, Green Valley Ranch, Hotels & Casinos, Palace Station, Red Rock Resort, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station, What's New, Wild Wild West, Wildfire Gaming Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Interview with Las Vegas Band: Otherwise

March 21, 2011 By 1 Comment

EVEN WHEN, ESPECIALLY when, it comes to music, Station Casinos loves locals. Our entertainment managers build strong ties with many local bands, often booking them at our various casino lounges, showrooms, clubs and pools. We help local bands connect with new and old fans through our facebook pages and we talk them up on twitter, and share blog space with them just like this. GVR recently announced an upcoming show with Las Vegas’ favorite hard rockers, Otherwise. The Otherwise show at Green Valley Ranch is April 2, there’s no cover and we welcome those 21+. (Come early if you want a seat!)  We recently caught up with Otherwise front man, Las Vegas native, Adrian Patrick:

Adrian, you and your band mates in Otherwise have been busy! Congratulations on an exciting year. Where have you been recently?

2010 was a break-out year for us Wise-Ones; we had the opportunity to tour twice last year: during the summer on the Rockstar Mayhem Festival with Korn, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Atreyu & In This Moment, and then again on a winter tour with In This Moment, Non-Point & Taking Dawn. So we were able to gain a lot of exposure across the entire nation & up into Canada, as well.

What’s the history of Otherwise, in a nutshell? Are you all from Las Vegas?

Yes, 3 out of 4 of us are born & bred here in Vegas. My brother & I started the band back in 2004 when we realized neither of us were going to play pro football! We needed to find a way to give our parents the life they deserve, while still feeding the fire within ourselves.

How did you connect with In This Moment, and what can you share with our readers about that experience?

We linked up with In This Moment through Grammy-nominated producer Kevin Churko. They needed a male-vocalist for their rock-metal duet “The Promise” so Kevin recommended yours truly, after we recorded our single “Lighthouse” with him. “The Promise” is currently in the Top 30 on the Billboard Active Rock chart & the rest, as they say, is musical history. In This Moment was one of our favorite bands before getting the opportunity to work with them, so it was the experience of a lifetime to get a chance to become friends with them; we’re blessed to know that band.

The rock scene is pretty tight here, isn’t it? Any area bands that Otherwise wants to give a shout-out?

The Vegas scene is pretty cool, TAKING DAWN & ADELITA’S WAY are two bands that have done well for all us Sin City rocker-boys by signing major-label deals & touring the world. Mike Stanley from CONFLICT OF INTEREST, Chase Grijalva from FALL IN VAIN & myself have been through a lot of the same struggles together. Plus, we have the support of some of the best venues in the nation thanks to remarkable people like Monica Reeves at Station Casinos, Holmie Pooser at the House of Blues & Mark Hornsby at the Black Door.

Are you a Mac or a PC? iPhone, or Droid?

None of the above, I use my cell phone strictly for texting purposes only… that’s all I need!

You’re playing in the same room Steel Panther packs on a weekly basis, so I’ll ask you some of the same questions I asked them:

Van Halen or Van Hagar? Definitely a Diamond Dave fan! (Note: a.k.a. Van Halen)

Ozzy or Lemmy? Since Kevin Churko did his last two albums, I have to go with Ozzy!

April 2nd at Ovation inside Green Valley Ranch is going to be a special night. Anything special we can say to the local Otherwise fans?

We are very lucky & grateful to have the kind of support that we do, here in our beloved Las Vegas. Yes, we’ve endured some very dark times as a band, but we’ve also seen the brightest Light together, & that’s largely thanks to the people here in this city who constantly motivate & inspire us to continue doing what we love. We’re always striving to make our supporters proud to call themselves Wise-Ones.

Filed Under: Concerts, Entertainment, Green Valley Ranch Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Las Vegas (Dining) Deal of the Week (2.14.11)

February 14, 2011 By

OUR NEW WeLuvLocals website is like the slot machine or hot dealer that keeps paying off: you just don’t walk away. In fact, you keep going back!

Go check out what the deal is right now.  There is always a great coupon to be had.

And, no, you don’t have to be a Las Vegas local. You just need to be able to use the coupon in about a three week period. Enjoy!

A Recent Las Vegas (Buffet Coupon) Deal of the Week – So Hot it Sold Out.

Here’s what you gotta know…

  1. Go to www.weluvlocals.com
  2. Click the Redeem button (also vote on the next deal)
  3. Register for the website real fast
  4. Log into the website
  5. Print your coupon
  6. Redeem your coupon at a Station Casino
  7. Enjoy yourself
  8. Repeat next time as there will be a new free Las Vegas deal at weluvlocals.com

Good deal, right?

Filed Under: Deal of the Week, Dining Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

RECIPE BOX: Low-Fat Eggnog

December 13, 2010 By 1 Comment
eggnogarticle_blog

Great holiday taste without the guilt!

CHEF DIRK IS in the holiday spirit this week with a recipe for guilt-free eggnog.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups of 1% milk
  • 1/8 tsp of freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbl of all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup of brandy (bourbon or rum)
  • 2 tsp of vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup of light whipping cream

Method

  1. Bring nutmeg and milk to simmer in a heavy sauce pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
  2. Whisk eggs, flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
  3. Whisking constantly, gradually add hot milk; return mixture to sauce pan.
  4. Cook eggnog over very low heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 10 to 15 minutes (temperature should be 160 degrees; do not let eggnog come to a simmer). Remove from heat and pour through a fine-meshed sieve into a bowl.
  5. Whisk in your choice of liquor or vanilla. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the eggnog and refrigerate until chilled, at least 8 hour or overnight.
  6. Just before serving, add cream to eggnog.

View more of Chef Dirk’s recipes

Have a comment or question for our executive chef?

Filed Under: Dining, Misc Tagged With: , , , ,

Locations of UFC 124 Viewing Parties in Las Vegas

December 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Oops! You found an older post.
Go here for information about our UFC Viewing Parties for this weekend!

FINALLY, EH? GEORGES St. Pierre and Josh Koscheck will rematch this Saturday night, December 11 in Montreal. The coaches from this season’s The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) show on Spike TV aren’t friends. Not even close. If you watch the show, you know that these fighters couldn’t be more opposite from one another. GSP is quiet and confident. Koscheck’s trash talk has been “writing checks” all season long, and we are all waiting to see if GSP is ready to cash those “checks” in. The boos will be deafening in St. Pierre’s turf when Kos is announced, but that’s pretty much the only sure thing at UFC 124.

Other matchups we’re excited for on Saturday night: Two towering giants collide! 6’11 Stefan Struve vs. 6’7 Sean McCorkle should be exciting. We’ll see if McCorkle’s 33lbs is an advantage or not. UFC Veterans, Joe “Daddy” Stevenson vs. Mac Danzig could go 100 mph in any direction, to the mat or end by strikes. Jim Miller vs. Charles Oliveira have the MMA blogs buzzing. Many think this will be fight of the night. Also, do. Not. Miss. The Muay Thai battle between Thiago Alves (beat Koscheck awhile back) vs. John Howard (wild, crazy exciting fights). (Author’s Pick for Fight Of the Night – see 5:55 in the video below).*

Join us to watch UFC 124 in Las Vegas at the following Station Casinos UFC Fight Parties: (Must be 21+)

Aliante Station Casino + Hotel – Access Showroom, $10 Cover
Doors Open at 6:00pm | Call 702.469.1864 for table reservations
7300 Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas, NV 89084
(702) 692-7777

Fiesta Henderson – Cancun Room, $10 Cover
Doors Open at 4:00pm
777 W. Lake Mead Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 558-7000

Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa, Casino – Grand Ballroom, $20 Cover
Doors Open at 6pm | Call 702.617.7413 for table reservations
2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson, NV 89052
(702) 617-7777

Palace Station Hotel & Casino – Louie Anderson Theatre, $10 Cover
Doors Open at 6pm
2411 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 367-2411

Red Rock Casino, Resort, Spa – Cherry, $20 Cover
Doors Open at 6pm – Pre-Sale at 4pm
11011 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89135
(702) 797-7777

Santa Fe Station – Revolver, $10 Cover
Doors Open at 6pm
4949 N. Rancho, Las Vegas NV 89130
(702) 658-4900

Sunset Station – Sunset Room, $10 Cover
Presale at 5pm | Doors Open at 5:30pm
1301 W. Sunset Rd. Henderson, NV 89014
(702) 547-7777

UFC 124 FIGHT CARD*

  • Georges St. Pierre (20-2-0) vs. Josh Koscheck (17-4-0)
  • Stefan Struve (23-4-0) vs. Sean McCorkle (10-0-0)
  • Jim Miller (18-2-0) vs. Charles Oliveira (14-0-0)
  • Joe Stevenson (36-11-0) vs. Mac Danzig (20-8-1)
  • Thiago Alves (22-6-0) vs. John Howard (14-5-0)
  • Mark Bocek (8-3-0) vs. Dustin Hazelett (14-6-0)
  • Jesse Bongfeldt (15-4-0) vs. Rafael Natal (12-3-0)
  • Matthew Riddle (5-1-0) vs. Sean Person (10-4-0)
  • Joe Doerksen (45-13-0) vs. Dan Miller (12-4-0, 1 NC)
  • TJ Grant (16-4-0) vs. Ricardo Almeida (12-3-0)
  • Pat Audnwood (9-1-1) vs. John Makdessi (7-0-0)

* Source: www.UFC.com. Fight card subject to change, and some fights may not be televised. Note: The “Author’s Pick for Fight Of The Night” is completely unofficial. Author is a fight fan only, and doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinions of Station Casinos, UFC, YouTube, this blog, the internet, the hosting company, your ISP, any casino, any of the representatives from any of the awesome fight parties, any of the the lovely waitresses and bartenders, hosts, security guards, chefs, and any team member that I may have forgotten to mention. Enjoy the fights!

Filed Under: Aliante Station, Entertainment, Events, Fiesta Henderson, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Red Rock Resort, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, UFC Viewing Parties Tagged With: , , , ,

RECIPE BOX: Greek Orzo Stuffed Peppers

April 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Get colorful in your presentation!

CHEF DIRK GOES Mediterranean with a mouth-watering recipe for stuffed peppers.

Ingredients

  • 4 yellow, orange, and/or red bell peppers
  • ½ cup whole wheat or tri-colored orzo
  • 15 oz can garbanzo beans
  • 1 TBL extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 6 oz baby spinach (coarsely chopped)
  • 1 TBL chopped fresh oregano
  • ¾ cup feta cheese (divided)
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (not oil packed) chopped
  • 1 TBL sherry or red wine vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt

Method

  1. Halve peppers lengthwise through the stems, leaving stems attached.
  2. Remove seeds and white membrane. Set aside.
  3. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until just tender, 8-10 minutes or according to package directions.
  4. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  5. Mash garbanzo beans into a chunky paste, leaving some whole.
  6. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add spinach and oregano and cook, stirring, until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in orzo, mashed garbanzo beans, ½ cup of the feta cheese, tomatoes, vinegar, and salt. Cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Divide the filling among the pepper halves and sprinkle each pepper with some of the remaining feta cheese.
  7. Bake in an oven-proof dish at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes or until internal temperature is 165 degrees.

NOTE: Grilled chicken (fully cooked) may be added during the last step. Dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces before adding to mixture.

View more of Chef Dirk’s recipes

Get information on Restaurants at Station Casinos

Have a great recipe or a comment or question for our executive chef? Let me know below!

Filed Under: Dining, Misc Tagged With: , , , , ,

RECIPE BOX: Chicken Pot Pie

March 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Buying a cooked rotisserie chicken can be a real time-saver.

CHEF DIRK IS warming up the Dutch oven this time with a classic CPP recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs**
  • 2 cups chicken broth*
  • 1½ TBL vegetable oil
  • 1 medium-large onion diced ¼ inch
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced ¼ inch
  • 2 celery ribs, diced ¼ inch
  • 4 TBL butter
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 1½ cup low fat milk
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 3 TBL dry sherry
  • ¾ cup peas, thawed
  • 3 TBL minced parsley
  • 1 box pre-made pie dough
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Put chicken and broth in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
  3. Cover and bring to a simmer, simmer until chicken is done.
  4. Transfer meat to a large bowl and broth to another bowl. Skim fat from broth.
  5. Increase heat to medium high; heat oil in Dutch oven.
  6. Add carrots, onion and celery and sautee’ until just tender, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt & pepper.
  7. Meanwhile, shred or dice chicken into bite size pieces.
  8. Transfer cooked vegetables to bowl with chicken; set aside.
  9. Heat butter over medium heat in Dutch oven.
  10. When foaming subsides, add flour; cook for about 1 minute.
  11. Whisk in reserved chicken broth, milk, and thyme.
  12. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring until sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
  13. Season to taste with salt and pepper; stir in sherry.
  14. Pour sauce over chicken – vegetable mixture; stir to combine.
  15. Stir in peas and parsley, adjust seasonings.
  16. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch pan or any shallow baking dish of similar size.
  17. Top with the pie dough and bake until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly, about 30-40 minutes.

** To save time you can buy a cooked rotisserie chicken and debone for the pot pie.

* If you buy the chicken you will also have to buy the chicken broth.

View more of Chef Dirk’s recipes

Get information on Restaurants at Station Casinos

Have your own recipes for pot pie? Have a comment or question for our executive chef? Let me know below!

Filed Under: Dining, Misc Tagged With: , , , , ,