Q: negative

A: Traveled to Vegas to see Rod Stewart on our 16th Wedding anniversary. Rod Stewart was playing at Caesar's Palace, this hotel is close by. The room was ok but old, the long walks thru the casino to get anywhere was full of smoke from smokers. We asked the clerk at the checkin counter where there was a fine dining restaurant, she advised the Cortez Room, there at the Gold Coast Hotel. The meal at the Cortez Room was hands down is the worst meal we have ever had in Las Vegas in the 35 years traveling there. We had to send ever item back, change our order, because we could not eat what was being served, The menu it self was very old fashioned, nothing healthy. The staff just kept taking it back. We observed numerous tables doing the same. There was nothing served fresh, only frozen and microwaved. The manager only comped half the meal. We also complained to head of the food and beverage department. This manager took our phone number and said he was going to contact us the next night to make it right, but never contacted us. The price of the meal was very expensive for this horrible menu. I even got sick the following day. I will never stay at the Gold Coast Hotel again. You can not say that you get what you pay for, because in Vegas, the bar is usually set a lot higher, for less.

Q: negative

A: I didn't realize that ''Complete Petmart'' was now a PetCo. I was looking for the hours for the Huntersville store online yesterday & noticed this new location. I shop at PetCo often since, of the chain stores, they have the best selection of aquarium fish & supplies. I was thrilled to see there was a new one so close to home--about time the Univ/Northlake area get one. So we pile in the dog-mobile and head over today to check'em out. Ummmmm......THIS is PETCO? As in the national retailer synonymous with vast selections of everything animal-related under one roof??? This store is S-M-A-L-L small. I've seen larger pet stores in Manhattan (where smallish stores are normal). This small-store concept would work much better downtown Charlotte or Midtown/Metro. But in the 'burbs? Just doesn't cut it. -- AQUARIUMS/FISH/ETC: Fuggettaboutit! ''Excuse me sir, when will your aquatic dept be up 'n running?'' ''We aren't gonna have fish at this store; it's something they're doing in all their small-concept-stores'''. .... innnteresting. No supplies either. The only aquatic life they carry are feeder goldfish. So if you have a large fish that eats small fish for lunch/treats, then you're in luck. Otherwise, keep it moving. Don't let the wall of empty tanks with backgrounds taped to the front of them fool ya. They won't be utilized (at least that's the plan at this point). -- DOGS/CATS/FURRY FRIENDS: Slim selection of dog food brands other than those such as Science Diet and one's that can be found at places like Target (ie: PurinaOne). It was slim pickings on some of the slightly lesser-known (yet no less ridiculously expensive) brands like we use--Royal Canin--and others such as IAMS. I never pay attention to the cat section since I don't have one, but that selection appeared to be comparable. Also, it appeared that a selection of merchandise for ''critters'' such as hamsters was non-existent. Don't take me to the bank on that though. Also another section I typically bypass altogether. -- TOYS/BEDS/ACCESSORIES: I will say that they shined in this area. We were surprised at the selection of toys, treats, leashes, harnesses, etc. They even had a few things here that I hadn't seen at the larger stores. If you're in the mood to pick up your ''child'' a new toy or a tasty new rawhide after work one day, then this is a good option, especially if you want to avoid the ''big box'' lines. Oh, and I was able to nab two mini "_______ for dummies'' books - first aid for dogs for dummies and pet stain removal for dummies for only a buck each. So they made two dollars off me today. A banner sales day I'm sure! All-in-all I'm very disappointed in this location. It's entirely too small & cramped (a ''department'' consists of only 1-3 aisles). The selection is inadequate. And most importantly (for me anyway), no aquarium section. Well ok, they did have a hand full of artificial plants. So for me, I'll continue to patronize the Huntersville store. I'll give'em an A for effort though.

Q: positive

A: Good spot for a quick lunch or dinner. The food is good. The space is relaxing. I've had the chow mein, some of the dinner plates and the pork and egg roll apps. Never disappointed. I also appreciate that they will accept special requests. (I like the chow mein with extra veggies and few noodles.) Hsin fills a hole for Chinese food in downtown. My only complaint is their Ice Tea. Then need to change beverage vendors or start making the tea in house. This is AZ. There is no excuse for crummy ice tea.

Q: positive

A:
I recently went to this Autozone because my check engine light was on. While I was waiting to be helped, I had noticed one of the employees outside helping an older gentleman replace something, maybe a headlight. When they were finished, I noticed they shook hands and the customer left very happy. Then, it was my turn. I told the employee, Randy, why I was in and he immediately came out to check the codes. While we were out there, I mentioned to him that I wanted to address this issue so I could then fix the whistling sound I was hearing from the engine. Randy immediately asked me to pop the engine so he could take a look. Within a minute, he identified the problem. Without my asking, he said he'd be back & returned with a replacement hose, installing it for me. It was then that I realized this type of service was just protocol for Randy. He truly enjoys helping others. A side benefit is he is the reason why customers will return. Many times when visiting autoparts stores, it seems to me that the employees are disinterested in helping their customers really understand and resolve their concerns. Their role is to solely identify the correct replacement part and sell it to you. After this, you are on your own. If you are lucky enough to visit this Autozone while Randy is working, I am confident you will leave a more informed & satisfied customer. Thanks, Randy, for putting in the little extra effort that makes a big difference!!