Mohegan Sun celebrates National Burger Month with 31 hamburgers

by Mike Barish on

May is National Burger Month. Yes, you read that correctly. And this important cause needs your help. There are no colored bracelets to wear to raise awareness, though. The only thing you need to do is eat hamburgers. Lots of them. And if you head up to Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT for some gambling or a show, you can have a different burger every day of the month.

Mohegan Sun’s numerous restaurants teamed up to create 31 unique burgers that they will serve all month. Try one a day, one at each meal or, hey, go for the gusto and have a 31-burger day. It’s like Baskin-Robbins’ 31 flavors but with more bacon.

The hardest part (other than fitting into your pants afterward) is deciding which burgers to try. Some of my favorites:

SolToro Burger at SolToro Tequila Grill: Ground sirloin seasoned with Mexican herbs and spices, topped with chihuahua cheese, guacamole, grilled onions, fire-roasted poblano rajas and bacon.

Chili Size at Johnny Rockets: Served open-faced with our exclusive all-meat chili and topped with grated cheddar cheese and chopped onions.

The Bayou Burger at Big Bubba’s BBQ: Burger topped with ham and cheddar cheese.

Of course, you can head over to Margaritaville for their Cheeseburger in Paradise. But, you can also get a burger from room service while you are in the hotel, in case you are in a food coma and can’t get out of bed. Just be sure to bring some pants with an elastic waistband.

Satisfy your lust in Baghdad (finally!)

by Tom Johansmeyer on

According to the NY Times, Baghdad is getting safer, and people are looking to have a good time (though, this does stand in stark contrast to the suicide bombing I reported a few weeks ago). So, if you find yourself in Iraq‘s capital, stop by a nightclub, order a drink and nail a prostitute. For the best results, go to Saddoun Street, where you’ll have plenty of choices.

Or, you can dash off to Abu Nawas Park for a sexual liaison in one of its many hiding places. Fortunately, the bang you get won’t attract the U.S. Army‘s attention!

After your romp, hit a café to toke a hookah and gamble on dice and dominos. If you win back what you spent on the prostitute … well, it’s like she really wasn’t a prostitute after all!

But, be careful.

Gambling is illegal … whether it’s dice, dominoes or cockfighting. Prostitution is, too. Fortunately, the police have had their hands full with the truly dangerous, so they aren’t going to go “Serpico” on hookers and booze. In fact, prostitutes are a figurative step from being deputized, as they’re the cops’ best sources.

To get in on the carnality, the sticker price is around $100, but you’ll probably spend at least that in drinks just to broach the issue.

Needless to say, the Iraqis are certainly having more fun than the Americans. Locals can pay for the real thing, while U.S. military personnel and civilian contractors can’t even bring their own substitutes for prostitutes. Damned shame.

Of course, vice doesn’t just bring fun and excitement … not even to a place like Baghdad. There have been reports of inappropriate (i.e., criminal) behavior, even under the loose enforcement of these laws. Human trafficking and drug abuse are among the problems being discovered in Iraq, proving that turmoil is constant … it just changes its face.

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[Photos by Brian Sayler]

A grim outlook for Hawaii tourism

by Brenda Yun on

Just three months ago I provided a realistic view of Hawaii’s tourism, and I’m sorry to report that there is indeed trouble here in paradise, and the immediate outlook isn’t looking too rosy either.

According to recent local and national reports, Hawaii experienced a whopping 12.5% slump in visitors by sea and air for the month of January. I guess I should have come to this conclusion when, just this month, three of Honolulu’s beloved restaurants are shutting its doors for good. In Ward Center alone, only one restaurant of four on its usually happening second floor will be open come March. E&O, Compadres, and Brew Moon will be like ghost towns.

As an idealist, I’m hoping this is not a sign of the times, but it’s hard to be optimistic. And I was the one who proposed how 2009 could be the year of the YAYcation. Please don’t make me eat my words.

To complicate this already troubling matter, Hawaii is celebrating its 50th statehood anniversary, which among locals here is both bitter and sweet. Let’s not forget also that this month (on Valentine’s Day of all days) we celebrated the death of the man who “discovered” the islands, Captain Cook, who miraculously avoided death sailing around other parts of Polynesia, but didn’t make it out alive when confronted with the native Hawaiians.

As much as I would hate to see Hawaii resort to such a thing, the state is considering a move to turn the islands (or maybe just one) into the new Vegas and allow gambling. While this could certainly boost the state’s tourism and economy, it’s certainly no guarantee (just look at the reports from Nevada about the ghost town that Las Vegas is becoming). Yet, in that same Forbes report, Honolulu tops the list of high demand for living. I guess that doesn’t translate into high demand (or affordability) for traveling to Hawaii.

Somebody, please remind me to shoot myself if or when the “Golden Nugget” begins construction on Kalakaua Ave.

Bet on a bargain at Mohegan Sun

by Tom Johansmeyer on

When even the loosest of slots can’t get you up to Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is ready to up the ante. Its “Bets & Bites” deal is designed to lure you and that big jar full of change on your bedroom floor to the casino … of course so you can win big.

For $129 a person (for two people), you’ll get a one-night stay at the casino’s hotel. When you’ve drained your cash at the tables, use a reservation at Todd English‘s Tuscany, Bamboo Forest or any of the other reservations on the property – made a bit easier by the $100 meal credit which will be applied to your room. The chef will even stop by to see how you’re doing.

After you bring your signed copy of Under the Sun: A Celebration of Cuisine & Culture, Mohegan Sun’s cookbook, back to your room, head back downstairs for one last bet. Mohegan includes a $10 play as part of the package. When you book this getaway, mention code PTFBV to take advantage of the deal.

And, there are more. See a full list after the jump, including some great ideas for Valentine’s Day!Here are a few more for you to consider!

Rest and Relax – Zen (starting at $219 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay in Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • Your choice of two 50-minute massages or one 50-minute couples massage at The Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun
  • Whole fruit delivered to your room
  • An Elemis Spa gift bag
  • A bonsai tree to take home

Mention code PTSPA when booking.

A Pregnant Pause (starting at $189 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • A 50-minute massage for the mother-to-be at The Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun
  • A gift for mom and baby including Elemis Spa milk bath products
  • A credit for Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, located in The Shops at Mohegan Sun

Mention code PTBAB when booking.

“In Like” Package (starting at $109 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • A half-dozen chocolate covered strawberries and bottle of champagne delivered to your room
  • One complimentary in-room movie

Mention code PTRML when booking.

“In Love” Package (starting at $219 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • VIP Hotel Check-In at Aquai
  • A dozen chocolate covered strawberries delivered to your room
  • Two complimentary martinis at Leffingwells Martini Bar
  • A couples massage at The Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun
  • One complimentary in-room movie

Mention code PTRMH when booking.

No Boys Allowed (starting at $239 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • VIP Hotel Check-In at Aqaui
  • A martini mixing station delivered to your room
  • Two martini-themed manicures and pedicures at The Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun
  • Two complimentary martinis at Leffingwells Martini Bar
  • Two complimentary breakfast buffets at Seasons Buffet
  • One $10 free bet per person

Mention code PTGRL when booking.

You Could Use Some Sun (starting at $99 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • A $25.00 food and beverage credit applied to your room
  • One $10.00 free bet per person

Mention code PTSD when booking.

Your next gambling destination – Chicago O’Hare?

by Scott Carmichael on

Illinois just ended a 15 year battle over their 10th casino license. The license had originally been awarded to the village of Rosemont back in 1997, but when it went dormant, it was revoked. It was then moved back to to the village when a different casino closed, and once again revoked when investigators suspected mob ties with the license holding company.

Rosemont had even started building the actual casino site, and anyone flying in or out of Chicago O’Hare will have probably seen the half built lot which has been untouched since 2005.

In the final week of 2008, the Illinois gaming commission finally awarded the 10th license to the city of Des Plaines. The proposed location is next to the airport, and is only seperated by a some houses, ironically enough, in the village of Rosemont.

The Des Plaines Casino is scheduled to open in 2010, but more legal troubles could delay that some more. Needless to say, Rosemont was not too thrilled with the decision, as they probably thought of themselves as the clear winners.

So, if all works out, anyone passing through O’Hare in 2010 will be able to grab a 10 minute shuttle bus to the new Casino, and lose their money before heading to Vegas to lose more of it. When the location is completed, it’ll house a hotel, shopping and dining district as well as the proposed 50,000 square foot casino.