Q: negative

A: I'll cut them slack for opening month jitters and a petrified cashier who couldn't count change from a $20 on a $7.40 sandwich And the freshness and flavor wasn't bad although nothing special - at least it wasn't disgusting. But I'm not a fan of places that are so chincy to work their bottom line margins that they essentially pull a flimflam like I'm too stupid to realize it. You will get two transparently thin slices of cheese and so little shaved meat on your sub it becomes an $8 bread and condiment sandwich. Just make a sub like its supposed to be where you can actually taste the meat and cheese and charge what you need. Verdict is this is a rip deal.

Q: negative

A: This is a difficult hotel to rate, but I decided to rate it anyway. I have to say up front that I am not a fan of Vegas, and that is a huge understatement. I only went to this hotel because it was the conference hotel for a convention that required my attendance. Many of my concerns could likely apply to other hotels on the strip. That said, there were several public areas that were smoky. I found it disheartening that so many of the women who worked in this hotel were dressed in uniforms that lacked modesty. The guest room itself was impressive, though it is not one to share with someone who you don't want to be naked around. There are glass doors that serve as a wall between the bedroom and the shower. Others I was at the conference with described the shower area as like the set for a porn movie. I don't disagree. The lighting in the room turns on and off depending upon where you are in the room -- a 'green friendly' feature, but at times annoying. Still, you can tell the hotel is very new and economical from an energy standpoint, and well constructed. You have to walk through Casino areas to get to many places where you have to go in the hotel -- not a surprise, but also unpleasant for those of us (like me) who find such areas highly depressing. One thing that was particularly difficult was finding any food options that were even moderately priced. Everything anywhere close to this hotel was very, very expensive. In a later visit to Vegas (again, required by another conference, it was a bad year), I stayed in another hotel that had some more low-moderate cost options. Overall, I found that the facilities in this hotel were well constructed, staff were certainly attentive, and for what they are selling (an experience focused on the hope of winning money that almost all people won't win and wouldn't even make those who win it very happy anyway) and looking at women who are wearing very little in ways that objectify them, some customers may find some satisfaction. As for me, I prefer other options.

Q: positive

A: Yangtse Chinese Bistro is one of the East Valley's hidden gems. We come here for lunch and dinner and have always left satisfied and impressed. This is comfortable, friendly Chinese food served by friendly people in an atmosphere that is relaxing if not fancy. Considering lunch specials run an average of $5 plus drinks for tremendous food of prodigious portion size, you might feel just a little guilty getting so much for so little. But what they deliver is wonderful. Occasionally I dare to try something new, but more often than not, I stick with my far-and-above favorite, the Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts lunch special (also offered as a dinner special with extra treats). This spicy, tasty treat will open your sinuses and wow your taste buds. This is one of those rare restaurants where you can't help but enjoy your meal, make friends with the people who work there, and start thinking about when you'll come back while you're paying your tab. They would be successful if they doubled their prices, but I'm thrilled they haven't. A must-try for the east valley!

Q: negative

A:
Although the service was excellent, my family and I were very disappointed by the availability of items on the menu. We called ahead to make sure that they had oysters, but were told that they were out about five minutes after we had placed our order. Shortly after, we were informed that they were also out of the seafood pasta dish which two of the people in our party had ordered. I can't understand why a restaurant with "raw bar" in it's name would be so nonchalant about running out of oysters. Very disappointing. The food wasn't impressive enough to make us give it another try.