Question — What’s the cutoff figure on deciding…..this isn’t a place I’d normally try, but since they’re comping generously, I’ll go?
I just received an offer for what amounts to a free dinner for two. It’s for the new Italian restaurant at Arizona Charlie’s, on Decatur. River Rock Pizza and Pasta is the name of the joint, which I believe opened up last year.
Unfortunately, this place has several strikes against it, but I do want to keep an open mind. First, it’s at Arizona Charlie’s, which is kinda’ to casinos what PBR is to beer. Second, there’s plenty of solid Italian restaurants on the west side — do I really need another option? Third, a glance at the menu at their website shows higher prices than one might expect at a dive like Arizona Charlie’s. The reviews are at best, mixed. Oh, and they are not open for lunch.
Oh wait — the meal is free. Reservation for two, please!
I have about $50 worth of comps at Arizona Charlie’s that I must have earned some time ago betting sports, and simply forgot about it. Anyway, I don’t want the points to expire and I need to use them. The casino also just sent me $30 in free video poker play, plus a $10 food comp which much be used sometime in February. So, they’re basically saying — here’s $50 + $30 + 10 = $90…..on us!
This got me to thinking. What’s the cutoff dollar figure (or percentage of the bill) for saying…..this isn’t a place I would normally try, but since they are comping generously, I’ll go? For instance, if the food at Burger King was free, I wouldn’t eat it. Same with lots of other junk food places. There are also many terrible restaurants I would never return to under any circumstances. But then, what about 30 percent off? What about half price? What about a meal with comp points? Here in Las Vegas, we locals used to be faced with this wonderful dilemma all the time. Now, it’s become a rarity because so many casinos eliminated the perks (except for high rollers) and the prices are no longer a bargain, and besides they fuck you for paid parking.
I figured my cutoff is about half price. I would NEVER go to this restaurant and pay regular prices. But once the deep discount happens, sit me down in the nearest booth and get the waiter over here–quick! I’m ready to order! Excuse me, sir—do you have PBR on tap?
Who knows? An Italian restaurant inside Arizona Charlie’s? Maybe I’ll discover a hidden gem in the rough. Or, perhaps the meal with be so bad, it will trigger a classic rant.
That’s what I call a win-win.
To be continued….