Derby Shittee
- Thread starter 1on1pooltournys
- Start date
Gotta agree that the food is the worst thing about the Derby City Classic.
I did, however, discover a loophole. Some of the items on the room service menu were quite tasty and on a few occasions over the past week, I opted to return to my room and order room service. Still not a great value, but much better food.
Still, I love the Derby City Classic and the Horseshoe Hotel. Lousy food is not enough to take the shine off this great event.
I did, however, discover a loophole. Some of the items on the room service menu were quite tasty and on a few occasions over the past week, I opted to return to my room and order room service. Still not a great value, but much better food.
Still, I love the Derby City Classic and the Horseshoe Hotel. Lousy food is not enough to take the shine off this great event.
I heard this a while back as well, but I also heard it may eventually be every three or four months. That sounds great but how many "pool players" can afford weeks on end at a hotel, especially a casino hotel. Its not like Vegas where the rooms are basically given away just to get people in the doors. I went to Vegas a few years ago for 9 days and it was $450 to $500 for my ticket...both ways and the room, at the Riviera. Granted, there are probably very few options for the tournament location ever since the Executive ousted it but there are always ways to accomodate the DCC patrons a little better, cost wise. Its pretty strong when you are stuck $1100 as soon as you walk in the door and thats got nothing to do with the actual casino.... I have been to at least the last 7 or 8 DCC tournaments and most were for the entire time and this is probably the last time I will go for the duration. Its almost to the point where you need a CPA following you around to keep track of everything, like $9 cashews, $4 bottle waters, $10-$25 internet, $2.25 can soda...and the list goes waaaaay on.
Its no secret that these types of places are soley looking to make as much money as possible but the line must be dranw somewhere. I have eaten at the buffet at least once or twice every year and have never been impressed, with a minor exception to the breakfast one. If I were Paula Dean I would seriously think twice about plastering my face and name all over in a place like that, lol. We have also went to Legands, Binions and all the other places there and Binions is by far the best option on the premises, if you dont mind the price. We ate at Binions twice this past time and I had no complaints either time. The second time they said we neded a reservation even though there were many empty tables so we set at the bar, which is fine as long as you like cigarette smoke with your steak. Why there is no law that prohibits smoking around dining is an absolute joke. The buffet was terrible and definetly not worth the $20+ cost. Both times we ate at Legands were nothing to speak of and neither was the Asian joint. We ate there the first or second night and over $90 for three people is out of line. Its almost as bad as the $7 breakfast sandwhich or $6 chicken salad sandwich on the boat and at the cafe by the front desk. The ice cream place is good and $5 for two scoops of sorbet was the only thing I thought I got my moneys worth out of. Its pretty bad when the staff talk about how much of a hijack the place is and other than work they spend no time or money there.
For those who have never attended the DCC at the new location here is a small list of the expenses we incurred. This is for two people and is a pretty close estimate.
Room = $1100
Buffet once = $50
Legands twice = $70
Asian restaurant once = $50
Binions twice = $180 to $200
Food on boat and cafe = $50
Drinks = $100 minimum (Beer = $3.50, can pop = $2.25, water = $1.50)
Thats roughly $1600 for two people for the 7 days were were there and thats not including probably at least another $100 in table tokens.
Taking a small fridge and a few groceries probably saved us at least $200 total. As for the actual tournament, I didnt hear any complaints on the event. On a side note, multiple outlets in our room didnt work and there was a vast amount of mold in the window ledge inside the room. If anyone would like to see this I took a pic with my phone...
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I fear that the new DCC's popping up over the country will result in fewer players on each event, because most people will only travel to the closest one, and maybe still be going to the "original" one.
But then again, aren't the majority of players only locals now? Maybe there will be 250 new players if the Kentucky players won't travel?
As for the food, it's pretty hopeless if there is no night food. That is the same as encourage people to go to bed.
When it comes to the price of food, I don't have much to complain about. I'm living in the world's most expensive country, where a meal at Burger King costs $ 15 and a decent dinner at a normal restaurant, for 1, cost $ 50. A cola at a supermarket costs $ 2, beer at a bar costs $ 10, and drinks $ 15. A pack of cigarettes $ 15, and even though we are one of the biggest oil-nation's a gallon of gas costs short of $ 10.
When giving it some thoughts, I'm almost saving money on going to DCC for a week!
Edit: US Dollar used to buy 14 Norwegian Kroner, now it buys about 5,7. That makes things almost three times as expensive here for Americans than it used to be, without taking inflation into account.
But then again, aren't the majority of players only locals now? Maybe there will be 250 new players if the Kentucky players won't travel?
As for the food, it's pretty hopeless if there is no night food. That is the same as encourage people to go to bed.
When it comes to the price of food, I don't have much to complain about. I'm living in the world's most expensive country, where a meal at Burger King costs $ 15 and a decent dinner at a normal restaurant, for 1, cost $ 50. A cola at a supermarket costs $ 2, beer at a bar costs $ 10, and drinks $ 15. A pack of cigarettes $ 15, and even though we are one of the biggest oil-nation's a gallon of gas costs short of $ 10.
When giving it some thoughts, I'm almost saving money on going to DCC for a week!
Edit: US Dollar used to buy 14 Norwegian Kroner, now it buys about 5,7. That makes things almost three times as expensive here for Americans than it used to be, without taking inflation into account.
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I am going to load up on all the things mentioned and ship them over, we can split the profit...:thumbup:
Yeah, I heard that it was better before, it was not so great last year and I heard a good deal of people commenting that this year was not much better so I will pass on it until something changes. IMO, I believe the DCC is a great tournament but other than that its not so great for your average pool players. I think they should just move the event to Vegas, I know some will disagree but there is much more to do there instead of being trapped there, the casino boat and food selection do nothing for me. Better weather in Vegas, cheaper airfare and hotels, more positives then negatives. If they are having a 2nd DCC they need to bring it to Vegas, it cannot fail there.
I just got back from the Derby a few hours ago and had a pretty darn good time. I figure that I'd throw in my $0.02 on some of the things I saw in this thread and the most common complaint I see.
I ate at the Paula Dean buffet and thought it was pretty good. The buffet was $17 which is a little high for a buffet, but I can down more than $17 worth of food anywhere I go so I get my moneys worth. The food was fresh and the only thing I thought was underspiced was the fried catfish. Everything else was great. I'd give it a B, but when you grade on the casino premium curve it moves up to an A-.
I also ate at Legends. I tried to hit the buffet again last night, but the seniors were out in force creating a line about a hundred yards long. At Legends I got a 16oz prime rib with mashed potatoes. It was cooked great, a nice cut and the mashed potatoes were great. This was $22 including my coffee which is a bit much unless you saw the size of the prime rib I got. I guarantee it was closer to 25oz than 16oz and I had a hell of a time finishing it, but when push came to shove I won the battle
. Considering the perks in the food I got I give it an A. Certainly not the best prime rib I've eaten, but pretty high up there.
Another place I ate was the cafe inside the casino. I ended up with a burger and fries there and likened it to a microwave burger you get out of a vending machine. It wasn't good, but got the job done.
Overall the food was pretty good and I wouldn't go out there to say it was way overpriced like others. If it's way overpriced, then I need to pack up and move to where they are. I'm there for pool first so when it comes to food I want what gets the job done.
I have seen mention of the casino having a non-smoking policy. I don't know where in the hell these people were because they were smoking like freight trains where I was. I don't care to be around it, but I can tolerate it. I saw a few ashing on the carpets and putting their cigs out on the carpet, door jambs etc and that aggravated me pretty good. I didn't care for it, but it won't keep me from going back.
Now on to the most common complaint I see about the casino which is the walk from the room to the floor. I suppose if you are paralyzed, handicapped, blind drunk, on fire or an infant it is a long walk. If you don't fall into one of these categories you must love to complain. A motorized sidewalk covers over half the distance from the first floor to the tables. I'd imagine that if I timed myself I could make it from my room the upstairs tables in 2.5-3 minutes and I was on the 5th floor. Then again I tend to walk fairly fast and while I passing ppl walking in the same direction I didn't catch anyone passing me.
Overall I had a great time and got to meet and talk with some really good ppl from this site. I certainly plan on being there next year.
I have to add that while watching Alex Pagulayan last night I have concluded that he is by far the most entertaining and engaging pro at the tournament. He just has a way of drawing ppl in and making them smile or laugh. I bet I missed half of the Busty/Morra 10 ball match watching him and laughing. The best was him trying to kick the CB with a foot 3 rails to knock a ball in. When he missed the first time I flipped his foot up and chalked the sole of his shoe and made it the next time.
I ate at the Paula Dean buffet and thought it was pretty good. The buffet was $17 which is a little high for a buffet, but I can down more than $17 worth of food anywhere I go so I get my moneys worth. The food was fresh and the only thing I thought was underspiced was the fried catfish. Everything else was great. I'd give it a B, but when you grade on the casino premium curve it moves up to an A-.
I also ate at Legends. I tried to hit the buffet again last night, but the seniors were out in force creating a line about a hundred yards long. At Legends I got a 16oz prime rib with mashed potatoes. It was cooked great, a nice cut and the mashed potatoes were great. This was $22 including my coffee which is a bit much unless you saw the size of the prime rib I got. I guarantee it was closer to 25oz than 16oz and I had a hell of a time finishing it, but when push came to shove I won the battle
. Considering the perks in the food I got I give it an A. Certainly not the best prime rib I've eaten, but pretty high up there.Another place I ate was the cafe inside the casino. I ended up with a burger and fries there and likened it to a microwave burger you get out of a vending machine. It wasn't good, but got the job done.
Overall the food was pretty good and I wouldn't go out there to say it was way overpriced like others. If it's way overpriced, then I need to pack up and move to where they are. I'm there for pool first so when it comes to food I want what gets the job done.
I have seen mention of the casino having a non-smoking policy. I don't know where in the hell these people were because they were smoking like freight trains where I was. I don't care to be around it, but I can tolerate it. I saw a few ashing on the carpets and putting their cigs out on the carpet, door jambs etc and that aggravated me pretty good. I didn't care for it, but it won't keep me from going back.
Now on to the most common complaint I see about the casino which is the walk from the room to the floor. I suppose if you are paralyzed, handicapped, blind drunk, on fire or an infant it is a long walk. If you don't fall into one of these categories you must love to complain. A motorized sidewalk covers over half the distance from the first floor to the tables. I'd imagine that if I timed myself I could make it from my room the upstairs tables in 2.5-3 minutes and I was on the 5th floor. Then again I tend to walk fairly fast and while I passing ppl walking in the same direction I didn't catch anyone passing me.
Overall I had a great time and got to meet and talk with some really good ppl from this site. I certainly plan on being there next year.
I have to add that while watching Alex Pagulayan last night I have concluded that he is by far the most entertaining and engaging pro at the tournament. He just has a way of drawing ppl in and making them smile or laugh. I bet I missed half of the Busty/Morra 10 ball match watching him and laughing. The best was him trying to kick the CB with a foot 3 rails to knock a ball in. When he missed the first time I flipped his foot up and chalked the sole of his shoe and made it the next time.
got back yesterday from the derby had a great time:thumbup: as far as the food goes its way over price also went to new albany to lancasters and ate better food more reasonable prices stayed over at clarksville had good places over there to eat not that far away if you have a car like the old place better just my opinon rooms were cheaper and food better prices
Wasn't blown away by the food, but wasn't killed by it either. The hotel changed up a little since last time. I liked the over the counter Paula Dean wraps and salads. I got a pulled pork sandwich 4:00am wed morning outside the tournament room that was okay.
It looked like those restaurants there weren't doing as well as last year. I wonder how much that bridge being out is hurting that place.
It looked like those restaurants there weren't doing as well as last year. I wonder how much that bridge being out is hurting that place.
One of the best matches I ever saw was with Alex P. and Keith McCready at the US Open (2003 I believe).
It was so entertaining that they switched the camera from the featured table to start showing that match.
They were hilarious and it was deep in the tournament.
I went out every day to eat in New Albany. Good Chinese food at a place called The Onion Grill, good BBQ at Mark's Feed Store, didn't like Lancaster's cafeteria much (avoid the liver and onions), a pretty good but overrated burger and fries at 5 Guys. Only once did I eat dinner at the Horseshoe (Pearl, the asian restaurant) and my stomach did not thank me the next morning. Pearl is probably the worst yet most expensive Chinese restaurant I've ever eaten at. I did the Paula Deen last year - that's why I didn't do it this year. The ice cream place is good, and their pretty good coffee is under $2.
I never did room service but that's probably not a bad idea. Saves the drive to New Albany anyway.
I never did room service but that's probably not a bad idea. Saves the drive to New Albany anyway.
What derby were you guys at??
$12.38 is too much for a full breakfast buffet????????????
Christ, it includes your coffee & juices.
For $9.50 you get a huge & i mean huge chefs salad & a side of onion rings at the cafe in the lobby of the hotel.
For $9.50 you get a 1/2 pound angus burger & a side of onion rings at the cafe in the lobby of the hotel.
I spent $17.00 for some really good fried rice with shrimp, pork & beef & a side of egg rolls at the chinese place.
Good deal for some good food.
The food in the sports bar was not a great deal or very good, but they have a lot of alternatives at other places.
Just out of curiosity, what would you consider a good deal for meals?
SLIM
$12.38 is too much for a full breakfast buffet????????????
Christ, it includes your coffee & juices.
For $9.50 you get a huge & i mean huge chefs salad & a side of onion rings at the cafe in the lobby of the hotel.
For $9.50 you get a 1/2 pound angus burger & a side of onion rings at the cafe in the lobby of the hotel.
I spent $17.00 for some really good fried rice with shrimp, pork & beef & a side of egg rolls at the chinese place.
Good deal for some good food.
The food in the sports bar was not a great deal or very good, but they have a lot of alternatives at other places.
Just out of curiosity, what would you consider a good deal for meals?
SLIM
Different strokes for different folks , the pearl was the WORST Asian food I have ever eaten in my life , the service had people leaving, If you want to eat in a smoke filled environment,that,s your choice (not mine) Personally I drove to New Albany and enjoyed a quiet enjoyable meal,but that ws MY CHOICE.
I've been there every year and my choices for food begin with the Aroma cafe in the hotel lobby. I had my inexpensive breakfast there every day ($5-10). Many choices on their menu. The only bad thing was they closed during the day on Monday thru Thursday. Why I don't know. A bad management decision imo.
I also bought inexpensive snacks at the hotel gift shop to keep in my room. Much less expensive than the food and drinks that are stocked in your room. The over the counter food at Paula Dean right next to the pool tournament was good, fresh and not expensive. Even the tourney snack bar had good burgers and chicken wings (and fresh fruit or a giant cookie), also not expensive. I also liked the ice cream shop for a quick milk shake or ice cream cone.
I could eat well there on $20 a day (two meals + snacks) with no problem. I never went to Legends or the buffet (but I would have gone to the breakfast buffet if the Aroma had been crowded). I never went to the boat either. I did go to the Steakhouse three times. Lucky for me I got treated twice (thanks Mika and Barry Behrman). I took Lee Brett one night and it cost us $87 + $15 tip for a good meal with no drinks! A little high for my tastes. If it had been in the $50 price range ($25 a person), I might have gone there more often.
All and all, food wise I like the Horseshoe a lot better than the old place. JMHO as always. It's still one of the premier events in this country, with so many top players competing there. And there is non stop action to sweat as well. Where else can you see top flight Bank Pool, One Pocket, 9-Ball, Ten Ball and Straight Pool, all under one roof at the same time? Answer - NOWHERE!
P.S. Not many people know this but you can walk in off the street and if the hotel has rooms, you might get one for as little as $59.95 a night with no reservations! That comes to about $66 a night with tax. Next time if you're driving in, try walking in without a reservation during the week and see what happens. Worst case is you will have to stay in New Albany if they're booked up. Don't tell anyone I told you! :wink:
I also bought inexpensive snacks at the hotel gift shop to keep in my room. Much less expensive than the food and drinks that are stocked in your room. The over the counter food at Paula Dean right next to the pool tournament was good, fresh and not expensive. Even the tourney snack bar had good burgers and chicken wings (and fresh fruit or a giant cookie), also not expensive. I also liked the ice cream shop for a quick milk shake or ice cream cone.
I could eat well there on $20 a day (two meals + snacks) with no problem. I never went to Legends or the buffet (but I would have gone to the breakfast buffet if the Aroma had been crowded). I never went to the boat either. I did go to the Steakhouse three times. Lucky for me I got treated twice (thanks Mika and Barry Behrman). I took Lee Brett one night and it cost us $87 + $15 tip for a good meal with no drinks! A little high for my tastes. If it had been in the $50 price range ($25 a person), I might have gone there more often.
All and all, food wise I like the Horseshoe a lot better than the old place. JMHO as always. It's still one of the premier events in this country, with so many top players competing there. And there is non stop action to sweat as well. Where else can you see top flight Bank Pool, One Pocket, 9-Ball, Ten Ball and Straight Pool, all under one roof at the same time? Answer - NOWHERE!
P.S. Not many people know this but you can walk in off the street and if the hotel has rooms, you might get one for as little as $59.95 a night with no reservations! That comes to about $66 a night with tax. Next time if you're driving in, try walking in without a reservation during the week and see what happens. Worst case is you will have to stay in New Albany if they're booked up. Don't tell anyone I told you! :wink:
lou:
I ate at Binion's three times. Bone in Ribeye one day, Lobster bisque soup and lobster mac and cheese another day, and Sea Bass on the last day. They were all excellent.
I had the Paula Deen buffet every morning around 9:00 a.m. for about $12 or so and got my money's worth.
I ate at the Asian place one afternoon and it was fair. Ate at the sports bar one night and it was not too good.
Dennis
It was nice meeting you there Joe! I am pretty sure that unless I am entered in an event, I won't go back either. you played some with me, so I'm sure you know that me entering an event is highly unlikely!!! lol!!
Take care!
Ryan Roach
Take care!
Ryan Roach