From: Annie (annie@geekbabe.com)
Date: Mon Mar 17 2003 - 08:06:46 CST
In this mailing:
Org List
This mailing
HRC proposal
Sasha's experience
Sasha's e-mail
Sasha's
Densie writes
San Remo News
Hard Rock Cafe proposal, Little Sister view
Night at the barge
Summary schedule of activities
Administrivia
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Org List:
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This mailing:
Much of this mailing has to do with Sasha's, including one kinda
perplexing item received on Sasha's mailing list.
We are in great need of some local feedback, both facts and opinions,
regarding the state of Sasha's, and if anybody thinks they can indeed
serve us next month.
We do need information so we can make an informed decision.
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HRC proposal:
Monique writes:
>This email is Monique's responses to the past 2-3 emails regarding a
>substitution for Sasha's for Wed. evening HH and Dinner.........
>IMO, even $25 may seem a bit pricey, I think this is a pretty good deal
>with gratuities included. Obviously, any thing from the bar is at one's
>own personal expense over and above the $25 fixed priced menu. BTW, the
>three selections that group sales has offered to our group... all three
>meals are generous and good. From personal experience both in Nashville
>and Denver, the HRC is a fun time and I think all DLV attendees will
>enjoy the experience.
I agree that everybody would have an, uh, "Ab Fab" time! :) :)
>My vote is a Resounding YES for HH and Dinner at the HRC.
>And I also wish to thank Ginger for taking the initative on calling the
>HRC-Vegas. Thanks Sister! :)
Yes, Ginger, we owe you one on this!
>I would also suggest that we make a decision on the HRC vs other places
>that I believe Cat was going to suggest by next Sunday, 3/23. Group
>sales at the HRC, with a large group that has signed up for Sasha's,
>needs that much advance notice so we don't get turned away due to lack
>of planning.
>I, like all of us, hate to see Sasha's close, but realistically
>speaking, I have no faith that Sasha's will be open during DLV'03,
>since they are basically trying to keep the business going day to day.
My guess, is that they are living month to month, and that they were in
danger of not making some critical obligation about this time of this
month.
Next crunch time will therefore come just after the 10th of April.
>I really hate to abandon Sasha's, but at this time, I also have no
>faith that Sasha's is going to be in business during DLV'03. I would
>like to suggest that we have to consider Sasha's not a viable option
>for Wed. DLV'03 activities.
I know we have some diehard Sasha's fans here, and if you (the Sasha's
fans) have any evidence that Sasha's will indeed be around the third
week of April, please present it now.
I would propose that if by this coming weekend, we don't have either
compelling evidence that Sasha's will be around, open, and can handle us
on Wednesday of DLV week, or another proposal in addition to HRC, we go
with Ginger's HRC proposal. Hopefully we can decide by consensus, and if
not, we can vote.
I do agree that we need to make a hard decision, and that means if we
decide to go with HRC (or whatever) we go with it. That means that if
we decided to move this to HRC/whatever and Sasha's is indeed around
DLV week, there's no switching back at the last minute.
Comments, ladies? (especially Sasha's fans)
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Sasha's experience:
>Hi Annie ... :+)
Hewwo :)
>I do have to agree with Cat about the "Not Feeling Warm, Fuzzy, and
>Welcome" at Sasha's. I have been in Sasha's twice since DLV 2002, and
>both times I was treated like the Odd Girl Out when I was there. The
>very gay crowd, including the Bartender, let it be known through their
>actions, not as much as words, that we were not overly welcome.
This is, of course, a valid observation. However, it's almost 180 out
from my perceptions.
>I did see a group of TG gals(5) come in and were treated a bit better
>since they sat at a table and ordered from a table. I do think (of
>course anyone that knows me can say I don't think near enough at
>times...LOL) that a single TG and probably a couple of TGs are treated
>not so welcome, but a larger group is seen as a more viable
>customer?!?!?!?
Hmmmm ... usually it's the case that places like that make more on
drinks than they do on food ... food is often used as a magnet to get
people in to buy alcohol.
>The last time I was there, I just left my UNTOUCHED drink and no
>payment on the bar and walked back out because of the rude bartender.
>I was there for 15 minutes and the drink got there in 12 minutes. I
>was the only one sitting at the bar.
Did you report this? Rude or inept service should always be reported. I
don't know Sasha very well, but my impression was that she was very
proud of that place, and would want to know if anybody left there
unhappy. Sasha has always been very nice to me, and if there was any
bias on her part, I think I would have sensed it. Maybe those who are
closer to Sasha can comment a bit more authoritatively.
(dusting off rusty memory cells ...) The last time I was in Sasha's was
the night of the 2002 Pride Parade. I got there soon after the parade
was over, but before the place was really crowded. I sat at the bar. I
was actually waiting for Michael Cagle to begin his show. I remember
they had two bartenders there, one in street clothes, the other in the
non-uniform, which I admit is tacky. I caught the eye of the one in
civvies, who took my drink order quickly. I said I would like to order
food, and he waved to the waitress who took my order, which arrived in
good time. I remember thinking that if I was in there later, service
probably would not be that quick.
For a while the bartender did as any good bartender does, and asked me
if I was ready for another one when my glass was mostly empty. After the
place got busy and zooey, I did have to raise my finger, and he would
nod yes and soon another drink appeared.
I (think I) was the only t* person in there, but I didn't feel
unwelcome. I know I occasionally made small talk, and I remember a
couple people recognized me and asked me if I heard how Mindy's SO was
doing. When I did leave, I remember it as an enjoyable time.
Those are my observations, which do contrast with yours and Cat's. If
the experience of you to is a pattern, I could see how they are not
doing as well as I expected them to do.
My guess (and that's what it is, a guess) is that if there is any bias,
it is that of the individual bartender or server at the time, and not a
coordinated, policy-based, or unwritten anti-t* discrimination. It may
be the case that a slipping service level has contributed to the
downward plunge that has them about to auger into the ground. I
would think that Sasha would do something about this, if it was
happening, but since I'm quite removed from the place now, I don't
know.
Sorry for the lengthy digression, but I'm quite perplexed by both the
business difficulties and the reports of crummy service.
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Sasha's e-mail:
I just received this in the mail (Sasha's mailing list):
Sasha writes:
+I am delighted to announce that in today's Review-Journal Poll, the
+staff of the largest paper in Southern Nevada named Sasha's "Best
+Alternative/Gay Bar" in Las Vegas. We will soon be flying a "Best of
+Las Vegas" Banner outside and using the "Best of Las Vegas" logo in
+all our advertising.
+How'd we do it?
+By offering a "dizzying array" of entertainment and giving back to the
+community. But, it wouldn't have been possible without YOU!
Not one mention of the difficulties or possible closure.
I wonder if the publicity of this will give Sasha's the kick in the
pocketbook they need to survive.
Would you who are local please find out what you can, so we can make
some informed decisions on what to do about our Wednesday evening
things?
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Sasha's:
Anya writes:
>>>If Sasha's makes it, I will be greatly surprised. Although I try to go
>>>by at least once a week, I have never had the "warm, fuzzy" feeling of
[snip]
>I felt the same way as well.
>>Every time I've eaten there I've had a very good meal, whether it was
>>chicken strips at the bar or Real Food<tm> in the dining room.
>I always thought the food was quite good.
>>Personally, I think our people would have a great time at the Hard
>>Rock Cafe, but I'm not married to the idea. We do have a little bit
>>of breathing room and we have some time to examine options.
>I've never been to the Hard Rock Cafe. But I think it's worth a try.
>They did have a series of {drag} shows at the HRC recently. I can't
>imagine there would be a problem.
If HRC is indeed putting on drag shows, they are either actively or
passively courting the GLBT crowd, perhaps trying to syphon some
business from some of their competitors down the road.
>>OTOH, we've had some people get on our case for being too closely tied
>>to the GLBT places, and this will appeal to them.
>Agreed
>>(Thinking out loud here ...) A buffet might be another idea. Most any
>>buffet can absorb another 50 bodies easily.
[deletia]
>Good idea.
>>There are other buffets which are reasonable and decent. Gold Coast,
>>Main St Station come to mind immediately.
>Both of these places are very good.
>>Flamingo has a very good
>>moderately-priced buffet, but it usually has a line in a cramped
[bobbitt]
>Never eaten at the Flamingo. Can't imagine any potential trouble with
>that.
I don't see this as a problem for small groups of our people, of those
who are confident in public. However, I think it would scare the hell
out of the newbees, both the trek to the buffet, which can be reached
either thru the casino, or thru the tour entrance, neither of which is
secluded, and the wait on line which is in a tight switchback queue
which can be PACKED. IIRC the tour entrance is adjacent to the main
employee entrance and a loading dock.
I don't think this should be our first choice for a large group that
contains many of the new people.
>>>$21.00 is a bit pricey for meatloaf, but I am all in favor of getting
>>>out of the gay-bar ghetto and going to as many mainstream places as
>>>possible.
>I fully agree here. Why do the same things in Vegas that you can do at
>home. And I live here.
Not really sure what you mean here. HRC is ubiquitous, but HRC is also
something you seldom do regularly in your home town.
(Meat Loaf Again? ... another slice, anyone? {WWWAAAaaaaaaaarrrrggg!})
>>My feeling is that we should strive to maximize our turnout and
>>participation all over the scale, and this involves using a good mix
>>of mainstream and alternative venues. I think we have a very good
>>mix of them this year.
>Such is true.
>>I see Hard Rock Cafe as something that is definitely on the mainstream
>>side of the fence, but should not be too scary for most of our people.
>Can't see any danger going down that road.
>Just my two cents again.
And worth every penny. Thanks. :)
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Densie writes:
>>Denise 520-271-5051
>This one's been disconnected.
I will get it off then. Do you have a new one, or would you rather not
be a contact of last resort this year?
>>Personally, I think our people would have a great time at the Hard
>>Rock Cafe
>We went there one year and I didn't like the place at all.
Oh really? What in particular did you not like?
>>1 DebbieSage 1047353992-20604 Mar 10 22:41:30 CST Mar 10 22:
>>1 Nami 1044242594-14872 Mar 11 01:02:24 CST Mar 11 01:
>Maybe we should have a link to look at this stuff on the web instead of
>including it in all the mailings. It takes me forever to scroll
>through it all and delete it when replying.
Uh, weren't we going to do this? Hmmmm ... I remember this, but never
set it up, I guess. Anyway, unless there are no objections, I'll stop
sending this out in the regular mailings except for one final one,
and the working copy will always appear at:
http://www.drbbs.com/dmr/dlvroster.txt
This is a symlink, so you may have to hit refresh or reload to always
see the very latest one.
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San Remo News
Tina writes:
>Interesting note from the latest Bill Here LV Newsletter about
>entertainment additions at the San Remo:
+SAN REMO: Three afternoon shows opened: Daytripper, Rock & Roll Idols &
+All Shook Up.
>And for for those who liked the singing and dancing waiters at
>Pinkfest, just a note I found personally interesting about cocktail
>waitresses providing entertainment at the Rio (too bad we won't see it
>this trip):
+May 18= All cocktail waitresses will be replaced by "BevEntertainers"
+who will sing and dance in 8 to 10 spots on the casino floor, every
+10-15 minutes, and then continue the usual beverage service - Rio.
BevEntertainers? Is that a word?
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Hard Rock Cafe proposal, Little Sister view:
Big Sister Cindy writes:
>I E-mailed my Lil Sis as to her feelings on going from a secure local
>restaurant to a high profile Hard Rock Cafe and a $10.00 increase in the
>price of food.She is fine with this and feels I / WE would not steer
>her in harms way.
>And it's Vegas what's $10.00!
Uh, two rolls on craps ... :)
>I like this girl. :]
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Night at the barge:
Mindy writes:
>i wont name a night or day at this time but for the bold i will take a
>group of gals to the barge at ceasars one night.. it is one of my fav
>non gay places to go in vegas.
Ok, thanks, Mindy. If you want to put this on the schedule as a second
track item, please let us know when you have a day/time picked out.
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Summary schedule of activities:
This schedule is still under development and is subject to change
without notice.
Monday, April 21:
10:00am Side trip, A-le-Inn and Area 51 (Area 51)
1:00pm Brunch with Tina (Sahara buffet)
Tuesday, April 22:
1:00pm Brunch with Tina (Sahara buffet)
5:00pm Happy Hour (Hamburger Mary's)
6:00pm Pre-DLV dinner (Hamburger Mary's)
8:00pm Welcome celebration (Flex)
11:00pm Dancing (SRO)
Wednesday, April 23:
11:00am Primm Valley Mall shopping (Primm Valley)
1:00pm Brunch with Tina (Sahara buffet)
1-4pm Hidden Woman Open House (HW)
1:30pm Comportment workshop (Hidden Woman)
2:30pm Wig styling workshop (Hidden Woman)
Ev Red Shoe Night (All)
5:30pm Happy Hour (TBD)
6:30pm Dinner, possible show (TBD)
10:30pm Karaoke (Goodtimes)
Thursday, April 24:
9:00am Air tours (Henderson Airport)
12:00n Buffet lunch (Bellagio)
1:00pm Brunch without Tina (Sahara buffet)
1-4pm Glamour Boutique Open House (Glamour Boutique)
2:00pm Passing Seminar (Glamour Boutique)
6:00pm Happy Hour (Hamburger Mary's)
7:00pm Dinner (Hamburger Mary's)
7:30pm Jubilee (Bally's)
9:00pm Club Girl Talk (Hamburger Mary's)
9:30pm Limo Tour (Bally's)
Friday, April 25:
9:00am Golf (Golf course)
9:00am Air tours (Henderson Airport)
1:00pm Brunch with or without Tina (Sahara buffet)
4:00pm SO's Get-together (Somewhere on E Trop)
5:00pm Happy Hour (Carluccio's)
6:00pm Dinner (Carluccio's)
7:30pm Annual Mixer (Goodtimes)
11:00pm Dance Night (Gipsy)
Saturday, April 26:
11-3 SBS Garden Party (Mindy's)
7:00pm Happy Hour (San Remo)
8:00pm Buffet dinner (San Remo)
10:30pm Showgirls Of Magic (San Remo)
Sunday, April 27:
2:00pm Side trip (Mt Charleston)
2:30pm High Tea (Bellagio ?)
5:30pm Buffet Dinner (Palace Station)
8:00pm Farewell celebration (Flex)
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