Real Deals | A $100 entry fee includes the two-day slot tournament, two free pulls on the brand new Pawn Stars slot machine, daily drawings for a VIP tour of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop downtown, and much more.

Pokin' Around | Meatballs is one of her cooking ventures. Pellegrino is most connected with Bratalian in Henderson. Carla Pellegrino is a rising star in an industry that has seen a number of prominent chefs hit the reality TV circuit.

The Full Monti | I’m very much in awe of “Celebrity Apprentice” and Penn Jillette. I saw the Penn & Teller show twice because my friend, Johnny Thompson said this was one of the greatest magic acts to ever hit the stage.

Best Bites | The bar I was looking for in Boulder City was The Dillinger. Walking in it reminded me of your typical neighborhood bar from back home where I would go to hang out with friends, grab a bite to eat and just chill with a few cold ones.

Pokin' Around | The Green Valley Ranch's new bingo room is open daily from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. with cash balls of $5,000 and $1,000. The room has state-of-the-art technology with the feel of a movie theater.

Around Town | We confess. We never saw the movie Titanic. Hollywood’s version of history is not our cup of tea. However, last week we did take in Titanic – The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor, and we were impressed.

Best Bites | This week the wife and I went old school as we headed downtown to Chicago Joe’s. Now don’t judge a book by its cover, when you pull up and see this brick house located at 820 S. 4th Street you are going to wonder where I sent you.

Real Deals | Station Casinos’ “May $3 Million Swipe & Win” giveaway includes the chance to win roundtrip airfare for two to Hawaii on Allegiant Airlines as well as cash, dining and slot play prizes.

The Full Monti | One of the legendary shows in Las Vegas, Legends in Concert, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a fabulous reception, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and a wonderful performance of the show.

The Full Monti | Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones are celebrating 50 years, a tour, and not willing to retire yet. For all you Monti Rock fans, you must know I once opened for the Stones – on roller skates – singing “Ain’t He Peculiar?” 

Real Deals | Mother’s Day is always one of the busiest days at casinos in Las Vegas, especially in all of the restaurants. If you plan to take Mom out, plan ahead, call for a reservation if the restaurant offers them.

Best Bites | Bonefish Grill has returned to the restaurant scene in Las Vegas. The original Bonefish Grill was on Eastern Avenue before closing a couple of years ago, but they are back better than ever at 6527 Las Vegas Boulevard.

PIN UP, the new Las Vegas show features Claire Sinclair  – PLAYBOY’s 2011 Playmate of the Year and Bettie Page Clothing model. See PIN UP  at 10:30pm, Thursdays through Mondays  in the Stratosphere Theatre.

Around Town | One of our favorite weeks of the year has finally arrived with the 139th renewal on Saturday of the Kentucky Derby. When you factor in all the betting options and a full field of up to 20 horses going to post, it’s a horseplayer’s feast.

The Full Monti | The MGM has opened Hakkasan, a conceptual club and Cantonese-style gourmet restaurant in the space where Studio 54 used to be. Famous DJ’s, who make all the money and seem to be the new flavor of this millennium, are the stars of this club.

Pokin' Around | Frank “Jack” Plevo was not at all about the Las Vegas Strip. He’d rather hang out at his place, Skyline Casino on Boulder Highway, and call everybody pal.

Real Deals | To celebrate the Kentucky Derby, the D will hold its own form of Derby: its first-ever Sigma Derby Tournament, this Friday and Saturday. The Sigma invites die-hard fans to compete for the chance at a $10,000 prize pool.

Best Bites | We decided on Ember’s Grill & Spirits because it was a Tuesday night and they had live music. Being able to go somewhere and get a great meal along with live music on a Tuesday was very nice.

Real Deals | Hooters Casino Hotel has a good new member sign-up promotion replacing the previous (bad!) scratch card promotion! Through Dec. 31, 2013, new members signing up can receive up to $500 in free slot play.

Best Bites | My friend Chris had suggested we try Vintner Grill. The décor of the restaurant is breath taking. They have an outdoor patio that looks amazing at night with all the lights. I will be back to chill and have drinks on the patio.