Free Veterans Day Spaghetti Lunch, Decades Returns to Cabaret, Much More

Thanks to Our Veterans!

Monday is Veterans Day and we invite all Veterans and Active Military – plus one guest to join us for our annual Free Spaghetti Lunch in the Valley Ballroom from 11 AM to 2 PM. Simply present your military ID for entrance and lunch for you and your guest is on the CVI!  If you don't have your ID, just briefly tell the host about your service to our country and we’ll welcome you! Lunch includes fresh tossed garden salad, spaghetti with choice of marinara sauce or Bolognese, garlic bread and assorted cookies. 

CVI General Manager Steve Chappell has attended all eight of the previous Veterans Day lunches. “We’ve observed so many interesting interactions at this event over the years. Some share military stories with others, some talk current events as they make new friends with a common bond, a few just eat quietly and leave. All express their appreciation either verbally or with a thankful smile. We are truly appreciative of all those who have served (or are still serving) affording all of us with the freedom we enjoy today.”

Comedian Spotlight – Brian Lee

Four accomplished comedians are entertaining in the CVI Valley Ballroom on Saturday, November 23 and we’ve been spotlighting each of these talented make-you-laugh entertainers in our weekly blog.. The Stand-Up Comedy Show includes Brian Lee, Carlos Rodriguez, Kris Tinkle and Key Lewis . . . and this week, Brian is in our spotlight!

Drinking, relationships, lousy day jobs, family life, more drinking, and the possibility of a new religion are just a few of the topics Brian Lee tackles. He also takes audience participation to a new level with his off-kilter game show, “Cerebral Punishment”. In addition to being a veteran of the stage, he is also a Veteran of the U.S. military.  A combined 24 years between the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy has given him quite a unique perspective and has given him the opportunity to perform around the world. Brian was a finalist in The Improv’s Fall Down Laughing competition in Pittsburgh, PA and was voted “Best Comic” at the inaugural Keystone Comedy Festival.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the Carson Valley Inn hotel desk.  The show starts at 8:00 pm and is for audiences 21 or over.

Strutts for Mutts Here at CVI

The Animal Rescue Relay Strutts for Mutts is coming to our Valley Ballroom on Saturday, November 16 and this event has about as much energy and momentum behind it as we’ve ever seen for a local fundraiser!  The evening includes a Dinner, Music, Silent Auction, Entertainment, Doggie Fashion Show and more including The Imaginator Syndicate - a group of fun-loving actors who skip the script and leap on stage not knowing where they will land! Animal Rescue Relay is a small 501(c)(3) IRS charitable organization dedicated to the transportation and rehoming of shelter and rescue animals. The group’s rescue dogs will be available for adoption as they Strutt their stuff down the walkway while you vote for the best dressed. For more information Click Here or call Kelly at 775-230-4117. 

$52,000 – What Would You Do?

Our Penny Progressive Jackpot rolled over $52,000 yesterday so we started asking the “what would you do” question. So, what would YOU do with $52,000? Send us and email by clicking here and we’ll consider using your “story” in next week’s blog.

Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go

A reminder that we’re offering a Thanksgiving Dinner to Go for Up to Ten and orders are being taken now. We start with a 20 - 22 pound bird but the turkey will be deboned and the white meat and dark meat cooked separately – much easier to prepare and serve on Thanksgiving Day. Traditional side dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing, giblet gravy, green beans amandine, cranberry sauce, a pumpkin pie, rolls and butter all for just $99.00 plus tax. Side dishes of yams are $13.99. Orders may be placed at the Katie's cashier counter or call 775-783-6664 and ask for the Katie's supervisor. Pick up is between 9 AM and noon on Thanksgiving Day. All items will be pre-cooked and packaged in oven-ready roasting pans ready to heat per the provided instructions (allow an hour for heating at home).

Some “Special” Days This Week

• Today is National Saxophone Day. Celebrate this Thursday thru Saturday when the saxophone is one of over a dozen instruments played by the trained musicians who comprise the group Decades performing in our Cabaret Lounge!
• Thursday is National Men Make Dinner Day (Must Cook. No BBQ Allowed!). Some men will cook - that's admirable. Some men will bring their spouse to Katie’s or CV Steak and get by on the technicality that "A man cooked our dinner!" That’s our kind of guy!
• Friday is National Cappuccino Day. We'll make you one starting at 6 AM in Job's Perk.
• Sunday is National Vanilla Cupcake Day. We make them here and sell them every day at the Katie's Bakery Counter: Vanilla or Chocolate . . . or one of each!
• Tuesday is National French Dip Day - we serve a great French Dip in Katie's.
• Tuesday is also National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day. Whatever you like on your pizza, you can’t beat our Sister property Bodines Casino – their brick pizza oven and made-to-order philosophy combine for a most-excellent pizza experience.

Poker Room - Pineapple and More

• Our Poker Room has added two special Crazy Pineapple “extras” this week!  This Saturday, November 9 there’s a special $2/$6 Crazy Pineapple Hi/Low Game. And on Tuesday, the crew in the poker room is adding $50 to the pot for the Crazy Pineapple High/Low Limit Tournament at 6 PM.
• And don’t forget the Poker Ladder and Free Roll Tournament Promotion is going on through the end of November. Be sure to use your Inn Club card whenever you play in the poker room and the top 30 players based on points earned in live play will get into the $1000 Free Roll Tournament on Friday, December 6. An updated ladder is posted each week and If you’re not in the top 30, don’t give up . . . many times some of those qualifiers can’t make it for whatever reason and we often go down into the next 10 finishers to get all the qualifiers for the Free Roll Tournament.
• As we mentioned last week, there’s a special bonus for the winner of our daily Opening Shootout during November and December: Each day's winner earns a spot in our $400 winner-take-all Shootout Tournament of Champions on Monday, January 6!  After you’ve qualified once, any future “wins” in the daily Shoot Out gains you an extra $100 to your starting chip stack.
• For more on the CVI Poker Room ongoing featured games, tournaments, and promotions, click here.

Play Our Turkey Trot Giant Board Game!

This Week’s Promotions Lineup

• Ladies’ Night Wednesday: The fun runs from 5:30 to 8:30PM including a Free Silver Platter Serving Tray for the first 150 ladies (over 100 include FreePlay), All Wrapped Up Baskets as hot seat prizes, free Bingo Games, free Raffles and a weekly Drink Special!.
• Free-Shirt Thursday: Earn just 50 points on Thursday and get a Free CVI T-Shirt at the Guest Services Counter – plus you keep the points!.
• Point Multiplier Friday: Earn 5 Points on Video Poker slots and 3X Points on Video Reels all day this Friday. 
• Turkey Trot Drawings and Board Game Fridays and Saturdays: The drawings start at 6 PM every Friday and Saturday for the 6:45 PM game. Around 7:30 PM we start more drawings for the 8 PM game. Three people each time qualify for our giant board game with prizes and fun along the way!
• Point Party Sunday: You’ll be earning anywhere from 2X to 10X Points from noon to 7PM with the point multiplier changing every half hour. We guarantee the 10X Points will run for 30 minutes at least twice every Sunday in November.

We Have Three of These to Give Away

From the Sports & Race Book

• Sports Book Mike’s Musings:
• Favorites went 7-6 against the spread last week.  The dogs won 5 games.
• Actually, the home teams won every NFL game played in the US on Sunday. Home dogs were definitely a good play.
• Just when folks thought the cream was on top, we had one of those weeks in the NFL. Specifically, the Packers and Patriots taking a face plant. Not that it changes the playoff picture, but it does point to how hard it is to pick games each week. The top teams had been covering at a pretty high percentage.
• Big games in College football this week starting with The Golden Gophers hosting Penn State.  Alabama hosts an SEC game this week as well – against LSU, 12:30 on CBS: This week’s talking-sports-heads “Game of the Century!” 
• Our Pro Pick’em Progressive Jackpot is at $3,692 this week. Pick all 15 NFL winners on our weekly $5 Parlay Card and it’s yours. Each week it is not “hit,” the jackpot climbs based on the collective contest play at the CVI, Sharkey’s Casino, Bodines Casino and SlotWorld Casino.
• College Hoops are Back! Great to see all the college basketball enthusiasts back yesterday for the “opening day.” More games to bet every day of the week so get in on the action! The full slate on board this week includes NFL and NCAA Football, NBA and NCAA Basketball, NHL Hockey, Canadian Football Division Semi-Finals, Horse Racing and this Sunday’s NASCAR Monster Energy Series Bluegreen Vacations 500 at the ISM Raceway.in Phoenix.
• Futures Bets on the board include: 2019 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup, 2020 NCAA Football Championship, 2020 Super Bowl, 2020 NCAA College Basketball, 2020 NBA Championship and 2020 Stanley Cup
• Football Extras:
• $2 Coors Light draft at the Casino Bar or in the Cabaret Lounge during all televised NFL and College Games.
• A couple of Free NFL Hats given away for each of the teams playing every Monday Night Football Game.
• Bar Snacks Delivered to Your Seat while you watch or play. Get the full menu and pricing at this link!
• Three Yeti Coolers Want One? All three will be given away on Monday, December 23 during the Packers/Vikings MNF Game. Each has a $300 value and will hold 28 beers at the 2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume. Ask the bartender for more information when ordering a Coors at our Casino Bar during any NFL game!
• Poker Room Squares Pool: Earn squares as you play in live poker games during the week. Each week we kick in $160 and the payout is on the Monday Night Football Game – $40 to the winners of the first three quarters and the final score. Any unclaimed quarters roll to the next week and for the November 11 Seahawks/Niners game it’s at $82 a quarter!!

This Week in Our Restaurants

Katie’s Specials:

• Wednesday: Spaghetti with Giant Meatballs, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, parsley and toasted garlic bread served from 11 AM to 10 PM for $7.99.
• Thursday: CVI Smokehouse Platter with house smoked pork loin, polish sausage, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes served from 11 AM to 10 PM for $8.99. 
• Friday: Slowly Roasted Brisket with vegetable medley, garlic mashed potatoes & natural au ju for $10.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• Saturday Dinner: Roasted Prime Rib and Fried Shrimp Dinner served with baked potato, vegetable and soup or salad from 4 to 10 PM for $14.99.
• Saturday & Sunday for Brunch from 7 AM to 2 PM: Brunch Skillet – a combination of home fried potatoes tossed with peppers, onions, bacon & sausage, scrambled eggs & tomato, topped with melted cheese all for $7.99.
• Sunday Dinner:  "The Chandler" Chicken Dinner is served from 2 to 10 PM for $7.99.If you haven’t had it lately, we recently enhanced the seasoning and ingredients to achieve improved crispiness and juiciness of this very popular special and encourage you to check out this hearty dinner of southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw.
• Monday: Katie’s Shepherd’s Pie is a one-dish serving of sautéed ground beef with grandma’s brown gravy, peas and carrots for $5.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• Tuesday: Pork Chili Verde served with Spanish rice and black beans for $7.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.

CV Steak Specials:
Wednesday’s special is Beef Tenderloin Brochette with bell pepper, onions, cherry tomato and a spicy sweet and sour sauce. Thursday is the CV Steak Mix Grill, a combination of our Filet Mignon, a Dijon and molasses marinated Pork Tenderloin Medallion and herb marinated Lamb Chop Steak.  This Friday’s special is Roasted Stuffed Quail with prosciutto, wild rice pilaf and plum port glaze. On Saturday night CV Steak features Garlic Studded Prime Rib. This Sunday’s special is “Oscar Style” Fillet of Salmon with crab and Béarnaise sauce. CV Steak specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked – tableside tossed salad and warm sourdough baguette.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

• John Palmore tonight: Former musical director for the late “LOUIS ARMSTRONG,” John is an accomplished singer and keyboardist who has worked with Jackie Wilson, Mary Wells, ZZ Hill, Wilson Pickett, Joe Simon, Percy Sledge, The Platters and other “name” artists.
• Decades Thursday thru Saturday: Since 2010, this electrifying group presents a vibrant and diverse act from Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars Uptown Funk. Decades’ 4-part harmonies and energized rhythm section truly shine when playing hits from the 1950’s to today.  The young quintet includes Jen Benoit (lead vocals, harmonica, flute, keys and accordion), Ben Ruttenburg (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar) Billy DiBono (drums, vocals), Will Watje (lead guitar, sax, slide guitar, piano, vocals), and Tobias Brooks (bass, trumpet, drums vocals).  This band has played nearly 1,000 shows and won WeddingWire.com’s Couple’s Choice Award for 2019.  They’ll be making their European debut June of 2020.
• NFL Football Sunday and Monday Nights: We suspend live entertainment on Sunday and Monday nights during the fall so the featured night NFL games can be enjoyed on the big screen.
• Hans Eberbach Tuesday and Wednesday: Vocalist and songwriter Hans Eberbach sings for the band Joy & Madness, an evolution of vintage soul sound with modern classic pop sensibilities. He also fronts his own band HANS! and the HOT MESS – a band that represents his original singer/songwriter/electronic soul work.

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983.

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit “0” when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

RIP Stew, New Entertainment Showcase, True Willie Almost Here, Super Betting Weekend, More

“Something touched me deep inside the day the music died”

Stew Stewart

These lyrics are from the song “American Pie” by Don McLean, written about a tragic event on February 3, 1959 that deeply affected the music industry. Seems ironic that this Friday is February 3 and last Friday the CVI experienced a too-close-to-home “Day the music died” when Stew Stewart, our former Entertainment Manager and long-time northern-Nevada entertainer passed on. Stew had many sides to his modus operandi and what often was seen as a crusty exterior hid a heart of gold, true devotion to friends and a willingness to help others who showed they “got it.”  We invite you to spend 3 or 4 minutes and read this tribute collectively written by the members of the band Decades who Stew took under his wing . . . they appeared in our Cabaret Lounge last Thursday and Friday and learned of Stew’s passing while they were here.   

You May Be Able To Say "I Knew Him When!"

John Cole Taylor
One of Three Performers February 17 at CVI

Every year Joey Whitacre, our Director of Marketing and Casino Operations, and our owner Mike Pegram go to Nashville to meet with agents and view potential acts for TJ’s Corral concerts. As they have built relationships and made contacts, they have seen a lot of very talented singers and songwriters getting close to taking the next step. According to Joey, “we know that a percentage of the up-and-comers we see and meet will someday make it big . . . we just don’t know which ones. So, we decided to start a series of Nashville Nights Showcases. We’ll have ‘em every month or so in the Valley Ballroom and we’ll fly in the artists so our guests can hear, see and meet them in the up-close setting of the Valley Ballroom.“  And thus, the first in the Nashville Nights Showcases is Friday, February 17 featuring a regional singer/songwriter Hannah Jane Kile and two up-and-coming country talents direct from Nashville, John Cole Taylor (singer/songwriter for Universal Music Publishing Group in  Nashville, has had songs recorded by Florida Georgia Line, Chase Rice, and more) and Travis Denning. The "tab" to catch the evening with all three is a flat $19 and, at least for this first show, we have a free Nashville Nights Showcase T-Shirt for everyone who attends and posts on Facebook or Instagram at the show. Tickets are available at the Hotel Desk or call 775-783-6606. This is not a guarantee, but in the months to come you may see some of these names pop up on the national country radar and be able to say "I knew him when!"

True Willie Band February 10

It took hours to “stage,” was a fleeting few seconds on screen, and was noticed by many! That’s the best way to summarize Roger Hegyi’s appearance as Willie Nelson in a Passat commercial (watch for the yellow bug at about :16) that ran last fall. Roger shares the “story behind the story” in this article from the Orange County Register. Not only does he look like Willie, but Roger and his True Willie Band act, sound and ooze the authenticity of the real man . . . so don’t miss the True Willie Band Show coming to our Valley Ballroom on Friday, February 10 with shows at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($20) are available at the Hotel Desk or call 775-783-6606.

Make Your Dinner Plans Now!

Valentine’s Day Dining at the Inn: It’s two weeks from yesterday and Katie's and CV Steak are offering their regular menu selections plus specials on Valentine's Day, Tuesday, February 14.

• CV Steak’s  Valentine's Day Specials are a Tournedos Trio (a filet mignon wrapped in bacon with peppercorn sauce, a blackened filet mignon with southwest au jus and a blue cheese crusted filet mignon) for $34. The Grilled Salmon Oscar includes a salmon fillet served with crab meat, asparagus, béarnaise sauce and port wine glaze for $30. Both specials include the CV Steak signature table side tossed salad, sour dough baguette, creamery butter, and choice of twice-baked, baked or au gratin potatoes. Reservations are recommended in CV Steak and are a must for Valentine’s Day at 775-783-6650.
• Katie's Valentine's Day specials from 2 to 10 p.m. are a half-pound Roasted Prime Rib and Fried Shrimp Dinner served with baked potato, vegetable and soup or salad for $14.99 and a Penne Pasta Shrimp Scampi special with soup or salad for $10.99. 

Sports and Race Book:

• On the Board: This week you can bet the Super Bowl, NBA, College Basketball and NHL.  Also on the board: wager on who will win the NASCAR Daytona 500, NCAA Basketball Championship,  Masters, NBA Championship, NHL Stanley Cup and World Series.
• $5,000 PRO PK’EM Parlay Progressive Guaranteed Winner This Week!  The Super Sunday $5 card is out with 15 props on the big game. Bet as many cards as you like at the Sports Books at the CVI, Bodines Casino or Sharkey’s Casino. Whoever gets the most out of 15 correct wins the $5,000 with any ties split.  Why not play a couple of cards ‘cause the $5,000 will be paid out this coming week!  And follow this carefully: The only people who can win this Jackpot are those who play cards at one of our three casinos this week, for this game.  While the $100,000 card advertised elsewhere sounds nice, you are wagering against players at over 100 locations around Nevada. We like our odds better . . .  a lot better.
• Around the Sportsbook with Mike, Alan and Greg:
• Last Week: The guys had a week off to ponder their choices for the Super Bowl Game. 
• So How Did it All Wind Up? We tallied up the results since we started last fall and here’s how it came out – remember; only Mike has been in since we started and the first few weeks Alan made only one pick:
• Mike: The longest prognosticator this season, Mike went 18-14 for a 56.25% success rate.
• Alan: Joining in after the first few weeks, Alan went 12-11 for 52.17%
• Greg: Wanting more games on which to judge, Greg didn’t jump in until mid-December and he wound up at 9-5 for an impressive 64.29%.
• Picks for the Super Bowl Game:  We gave Alan, Mike and Greg the following “rules:” You have to make four picks: Winner, over/under, and your choice of any two props on our board. Here’s what they offered with the Patriots at +4 and an over/under of 60½:
• Mike:  Patriots, over, L. Bount will score a TD (1123) and neither team convert a FG in the 1^st Qtr (1094).
• Alan: Patriots, under, there will not be three unanswered scoresi n the game (1022) and Edleman will score a TD (1129).
• Greg: Patriots, over, tails on the coin toss (1030) and Falcons final point total will be an odd number (167). 

Happening this Week!

• Thursday is World Play Your Ukulele Day. How could that possibly mean anything to the Carson Valley Inn?  Thanks to local resident Doug Reynolds, two very successful and well attended Ukulele Retreats have been held here at the CVI in the last year and we are working with Doug on more. What’s it all about? Doug tells the story best on his webpage.
• Friday is National Carrot Cake Day and you can mark the occasion with a mini or full-size carrot cake baked fresh in our bakery and sold at the Katie’s Bakery Counter!  
• This week’s Cheesecake of the Week (thru Sunday) is Cappuccino! 

Whiskey Maiden in the Cabaret Lounge

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge:

Jamie Rollins tonight, Whiskey Maiden Thursday through Saturday, Rock River Sunday and Monday and Adam Bergoch next Tuesday and Wednesday. Whiskey Maiden, February 2 – 4:  Whiskey Maiden is making their CVI debut this weekend. This premiere country/rock/pop act out of California entertains with modern music, high energy performance & nonstop dance-floor-filling song selections. Fronted by the charismatic & soaring vocals of Sandy Nuyts, the members are highly skilled musicians who have performed with the likes of Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Neil McCoy, Hootie & the Blowfish, Edwin McCain & many more national & international artists. After the game on Sunday, Rock River (Buddy and Kim from the Buddy Emmer Blues Band) present an evening of blues (one of the teams will identify) and other music!

In the Casino

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a free Manicure Set for the first 150 ladies, World Market Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and earn entries for the February 22^nd drawings for a free Designer Handbag.
• $1,000 Guaranteed Friday: Free Cash and Getaway Giveaways Promotion drawings at 5, 7 and 9 PM. $1,000 in some combination of Cash, Free Play and Trips is guaranteed this Friday and every Friday through February 24^th.
• 4X Points Saturday: 4X Points this and every Saturday in February – that’s quadruple the benefits for your play!
• Eat and Drink During Sunday’s Game: Enjoy $2 Draft Beer and the convenience of delivered-to-your-seat Bar Bites while you watch the big game in our Cabaret Lounge or at the Casino Bar or CV Steak Bar. And stick around after the game for cash drawings and the chance to win up to $1,000!
• Penny Progressive Now Over $59,500 . . . someone will win this jackpot on one of the Triple Red Hot 7's slots at the CVI, Sharkey’s or Bodines.
• Poker Room: Featured Games, Tournaments and Special Promotions with something going on every day of the week. Win squares in our $160 Super Sunday Football Grid. Click here for all the poker room info.
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our Current Casino Promotions!

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day/Night in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each!
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Roasted Rack of Venison with cherry brandy demi for $32.  Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato (au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked), tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino.

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983.

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit “0” when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

Decades Returns, Camera Alert, A Unique Countdown, Doppelganger, more

Doppelganger - Tim Parsons at Tahoe Onstage used this most appropriate word in the headline of his story about how Roger Hegyi has become Willie Nelson. Roger brings Willie to life in his True Willie Band performance coming to our Valley Ballroom on Friday, February 10 with shows at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Camera Alert! You’ll see lots of cameras, tripods and warmly-dressed raptor enthusiasts around the Carson Valley Inn this weekend . .  they’re all part of the 250+ people participating in the annual Eagles and Agriculture event sponsored by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and produced in cooperation with many of the Carson Valley ranchers and agriculture community

Some Pictures are Worth a 1,000+ Words:

No question the picture depicts the anticipation these five friends (Art, Dave, Craig, Dennis, Brandon) share about the CVI Sporting Clays Shooting Weekend coming up on February 23 – 25. There are other clusters of two, three, four or more people who also mark this event on their calendar and plan “life” around their annual visit to the CVI. However, this is the first time we’ve heard of someone actually setting up a countdown clock. And to show the lengths and imagination that people will use when expressing their love for this event, check the very top of the picture for a clue as to their resourcefulness in finding an “app!”  While we have a lot of repeat participants in this event, there are also quite a few new folks each year. If you have any interest in clay shooting, whatever your level of skill or luck, perhaps you'll establish your tradition next month . . . and start your countdown clock to 2018 a week later! 

Our Hotel Entrance Early This Week

Haven't Seen this in a Few Years:

Mark Breedon, our Bell/Valet captain took this picture Monday morning after the most recent of a series of snowfalls in the Carson Valley. While quite picturesque and postcard-worthy, our engineering crew was on scene a few minutes later with our three plows, a number of shovels, and their usual fine dedication and hard work. Bottom line: as with all snowfalls - granted we don't get too many at our location - the parking lot was cleared quickly and as soon as the sun came out the "Nevada high-desert melt" finished the job making the CVI very accessible! We remain a great location to base for a ski visit: it’s a straight shot to Kirkwood on Highway 88 and to the Nevada side Heavenly lodges to our West.

Today is National Irish Coffee Day. We caught up with Jeff Wellman, long time (20+ years) CVI bartender a couple of days ago. It was a snowy day and we asked him to make an Irish Coffee for a picture. He said “I’ll do you one better, turn on that video camera and let’s show ‘em how we do it!”

Mini Chocolate Fudge Cakes

One Mighty Large Chocolate Cake - Inside and Out!

Friday is National Chocolate Cake Day so we wandered down to the bakery a few days ago and first caught the tray full of Mini Chocolate Fudge Cakes ($7.00, available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) just about ready to go up to the Katie’s Bakery Counter. We then came across Kristyna as she was putting the final topping decor on one of our full-size Chocolate Fudge Cakes ($20, available every day).

A Plateful!!

National Blueberry Pancake Day  is Saturday which is quite serendipitous because every Saturday we feature blueberry pancakes – with the blueberries baked in – for $4.99 in Katie’s. If you prefer your pancakes smothered in blueberries, come in today because every Wednesday we do blueberry topped pancakes for $4.99.

Sports and Race Book:

• On the Board: This week you can bet the Super Bowl, NBA, College Basketball and NHL.  Also on the board: wager on who will win the NCAA Basketball Championship,  NBA Championship, NHL Stanley Cup and World Series. Coming soon: futures on the Masters and NASCAR.
• The PRO PK’EM Parlay Progressive still has not had a winner so now we must give it away on Super Bowl Sunday or we’ll run amok of the Nevada Gaming Gods. Here’s the deal: We’ll have a Super Sunday $5 card out by this Saturday with 15 props on the February 5 game. Play as many cards as you wish and whoever gets the most out of 15 correct wins $5,000 with any ties split.  Someone will win – and the only “for sure” is that it will not be you if you don’t play a card!
• Around the Sportsbook with Mike, Alan and Greg:
• Last Week, 3-3:  Mike split on his “Killer P’s” (Pats at -5½ and Packers at +4).  Greg hit both the Patriots to cover and the over on the Pats-Steelers game at 51. Alan had reversed Greg’s picks so 0-2 for him.
• This Week:  No picks this week so we are devoting our energy to following the #notmysuperbowl hashtag on Twitter.  Despite some serious begging from Hank at the CV Steak Bar (he’s a diehard Cheesehead) and Matt at the Casino Bar (Steelers to the end) we did not give them off on Super Bowl weekend so they could think about what might have been! We need them here to serve the $2 Draft Beer specials during the game!
• So How Did it All Wind Up? We’re tallying it all up to see how our boys did since we started this weekly guessing game. Look for results next week. 

Decades Thursday and Friday in the Cabaret Lounge

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge:  Bill Wharton performs tonight, Decades entertains Thursday and Friday, Justin Lee returns Saturday, Tyler Stafford takes over for Sunday and Monday and Jamie Rollins appears next Tuesday and Wednesday.  

Decades is one of our most popular groups with a vibrant and diverse act from Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars Uptown Funk. Decades’ 4-part harmonies and energized rhythm section truly shine when playing hits from the 1950's to today.  The quintet of former music majors from Chico State includes Samantha Francis (keyboard, harmonica, guitar, flute and vocals), Ben Ruttenberg (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Billy DiBono (drums, vocals), Will Watje (guitar, sax, vocals), and Tobias Brooks (bass, guitar, vocals). Justin Lee has gone from playing in a cover band with his buddies to performing on the same stage with acts such as The Band Perry, Parmalee and Jake Owen. An up-and-coming country artist, Justin has performed at ShipKicker in Long Beach and Night in the Country, Nevada’s largest country music festival.

In the Casino

• Cash Blast Giveaways Today: Win up to $1,000 in cash in our giveaway drawings at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Use your card while you play 'cause you get in via hot seat selection and virtual drawing tickets from your play today!
• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a free Cosmetic Bag for the first 150 ladies, Bath & Body Works Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and last chance to earn entries for tonight’s drawings for a free Coach Handbag and Coach Wallet.
• $1,000 Guaranteed Friday: Free Cash and Getaway Giveaways Promotion drawings at 5, 7 and 9 PM. $1,000 in some combination of Cash, Free Play and Trips is guaranteed this Friday and every Friday through February 24^th.
• 5X Points Saturday: 5X Points this Saturday – that’s five times the benefits for your play!
• Golden Ticket Days: Golden Tickets are being distributed today through Saturday – use your INN Club card!
• Golden Ticket Drawings Sunday: We’re giving away a guaranteed total of $10,000 in Cash and Freeplay between CVI and Bodines Casino and we’ll have 10 winners each at 6 and 8 p.m. at the CVI!
• January Scratcher Drawings Tuesday: Join us at 6 and 8 p.m. for the chance to win up to $5,000.
• Penny Progressive Almost $57,000 . . . someone will win this jackpot on one of the Triple Red Hot 7's slots at the CVI, Sharkey’s or Bodines.
• Poker Room: Featured Games, Tournaments and Special Promotions with something going on every day of the week. Win squares in our $160 Super Sunday Football Grid starting this Sunday, January 29. Click here for all the poker room info.
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our Current Casino Promotions!

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day/Night in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each!
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Roasted Stuffed Quail with prosciutto, wild rice pilaf and plum port glaze for $28.  Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato (au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked), tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino.

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983.

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit “0” when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!