Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and the Week In Between at the Carson Valley Inn

Merry Christmas to All

Our Newest Christmas Tree Addition

Our Christian Themed Tree

The Christian themed tree which sits just in front of the hotel registration desk is new this year and Chief Decorating Elf Eileen Knox indicated it fills two voids. "First, I always thought CVI needed something that caught your eye when you walk in the hotel entrance and to the hotel desk. Second, it celebrates the Spirit of Christmas which is, after all, a Christian holiday." I wanted something that was a different color than the other trees and thus you’ll see pink, gold and silver ornaments and trim. While the other trees and decorations are aimed to be enjoyed through the eyes of a kid, this tree is more elegant and has something for all ages.

So how did Eileen how become the CVI's chief decorating Elf? The short version: Years ago she worked at Nordstrom's and volunteered for their traditional Thanksgiving night Christmas decorating to transform the store into a winter wonderland for shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving. When CVI first started doing decorations 20 something years ago, Eileen volunteered for what was then a committee and she soon rose to the forefront,. Towards the end of 2010, the first full year under Mike Pegram's ownership, the lobby had been remodeled and the furniture had not yet arrived, leaving an empty feeling with the holidays approaching. One discussion led to another and Eileen took the lead to fill some unanticipated empty space. Since then, with Mike's full support, she ups the game every year!

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

• Tickets to one or both of the two concerts announced so far for our 2020 TJ’s Corral Concert Series: 
• Tanya Tucker on Saturday June 6, 2020 with special guest Aubrie Sellers as part of her CMT Next Women of Country Bring My Flowers Now Tour.
• The Charlie Daniels Band on June 26, 2020 as part of the Mike Tice Charity Weekend for the Kids.
• A CVI Gift Certificate to cover a night or two at the Carson Valley Inn coupled with one of these adventure tours described over the last three weeks in this blog:
• A Glider Ride over the Carson Valley with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.
• A Snowmobiling Adventure in nearby Hope Valley.
• A Wild Horse Photography Tour in the Pinenut Mountain Range.

CVI's Matt Carter Presents Our Check at the Community Food Drive

Our Communities Step Up Big

The Carson Valley and Carson City communities stepped up big over this holiday season and two very important programs were the beneficiaries. In Carson City, the customers of Bodines and Slotworld joined in to help raise $15,000 in just one day for the Holiday with a Hero program which provided Christmas shopping and presents for hundreds of Carson City kids. Here in the Carson Valley, our community rallied to help generate over 239,000 pounds of food and over $65,000 for the Carson Valley Community Food Closet at the CVI location during the annual KTVN CH 2 Food Drive event. Through our four properties we were proud to be a major contributor to, and supporter of, both of these incredible community services.

New Year’s Eve Dining at the Inn

CV Steak and Katie's are serving their regular menus plus specials on New Year’s Eve next Tuesday. 

• CV Steak is open from 4:30 PM on New Year’s Eve and specials include Beef Tournedos Crab Oscar Style served with Burgundy Demi-Glace for $35 and Seafood Thermidor – Shrimp, Salmon, Monkfish, Scallops and Mushrooms crusted with Hollandaise for $34. As with all CV Steak entrees (except for the hearty pasta dishes), these specials include vegetables and choice of au gratin, twice-baked or baked potato plus tableside-tossed salad, sourdough baguette and creamery butter. CV Steak New Year's Eve reservations can be made by calling 775-783-6650. The Sunset Special will not be offered on New Year’s Eve but will be served on New Year’s Day.
• Katie's is offering a New York Strip Steak Special from 4 PM on New Year’s Eve; a blue cheese encrusted New York Strip Loin with mashed potatoes, vegetable medley and choice of soup or house salad for $16.99.  The December daily Tuesday special will not be served on December 31.
• Katie's is also the perfect spot for New Year's Day "morning after" breakfast and lunch. Katie's 24-hour signature special is a $5.99 Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs plate – add a Bloody Mary and you might just have the perfect hangover helper!.

New Year’s Eve Entertainment

‘Rock’ Ours or ‘Roll’ Your Own!

Carson Valley Inn and Sharkey’s Casino are teaming up to give you two diverse choices for New Year’s Eve entertainment on Tuesday:  Classic rock ‘n’ roll for listening, dancing and partying in the Cabaret Lounge at the CVI. . . .  or “Roll Your Own” Entertainment with the full on karaoke experience in the Silver Dollar Bar area at Sharkey’s.

Rockology is a Classic Rock Tribute Band bringing the greatest hits from the '70s, '80s and more to the Cabaret Lounge on New Year’s Eve from 9 PM to 1 AM. This fun group of seasoned musicians delivers a catalog filled with three-part harmonies, saxophone, keyboards, electric guitars and live drums - the perfect audio and visual stimulus to New Year’s Eve dancing, partying and fun!

At the Sharkey’s Silver Dollar Bar, we’re talking the full-on karaoke experience with Kurtis B Karaoke leading the charge from 10 PM until 2 AM with a professional sound system and full book of songs and lyrics. A long time music business veteran, Kurtis showcased his karaoke skills in Tahoe at the Horizon and MontBlue. His 30+ year career in the entertainment business includes shooting videos for MTV and VH1 back in the 80s and many years of touring in key backstage positions with major acts such as Journey, Stix, REO Speedwagon, Cher and many more. Currently, he is enjoying the holiday off-season in the Carson Valley while continuing as Stage Manager for Alice Cooper's tour. The Kurtis B Karaoke Show draws you in as the star while making sure to entertain all those in attendance!

This Week’s Promotions Lineup

• 5X Points Today for Christmas: Earn 5 Points on slots and videos all day! Ladies’ Night fun returns on January 8
• Point Multiplier Friday: Earn 5 Points on slots and videos all day this Friday. 
• 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 December.
• 4X Points Tuesday: Earn 4 Points on slots and videos from 4 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday, December 31. 

From the Sports & Race Book

• Sports Book Mike’s Musings:
• NFL favorites went 9-6-1 last week. Five of the dogs won.
• College bowl games get going in earnest this week.  There are 20 NCAA Bowl Games over the next 7 days including two on Saturday that will decide the final two teams for The National Championship: The Peach Bowl pitting No. 1 LSU vs. No. 4 Oklahoma and the Fiesta Bowl featuring No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Clemson.
• Special "Bowl Games" parlay cards will run through Thursday this week. The standard parlay cards, with the NFL games, will not be available until Friday morning, when they will supersede the "Bowl Games" cards.
• Specials Sports Book hours on New Year’s Eve are 9 AM to 5 PM.
• The Raiders can somehow still make the playoffs!  If these teams win on Sunday, then they are supposedly in: Ravens, Texans, Colts and Raiders.  How is it that the already eliminated Broncos are favored against the Raiders?
• Our Pro Pick’em Progressive Jackpot is $4,629 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, Bodines and SlotWorld. If it isn’t won this week, we’ll keep it climbing and roll it into the NFL Playoffs adding some prop bets to get to 15 choices each week,
• Seasonal Wagers on board this week include NFL Football, NCAA Football Bowl Games, NBA and NCAA Basketball, NHL Hockey and Horse Racing.
• Futures Bets on the board include: 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.
• Bar Snacks Delivered to Your Seat while you watch or play. Get the full menu and pricing at this link!!

This Week in Our Restaurants

Katie’s Specials This Week:

• Wednesday – Christmas Day: Traditional Roasted Turkey Dinner from 11 AM to 10 PM (Smoked Chicken Legs not served today.)
• Thursday: Spaghetti & A Giant Meatball with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, parsley, garlic bread from 11 AM to 10 PM; $6.99.
• Friday and Saturday: Meat Lovers Platter with slow roasted brisket, pulled chicken & smoked sausage plus choice of 2 sides from macaroni salad, baked beans, potato salad or coleslaw. From 11 AM to 10 PM; $13.99.
• Sunday: "Chandler" Chicken Dinner; southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes, coleslaw. From 2 to 10 PM; $7.99.
• Monday: Katie’s Shepherd’s Pie; a one-dish serving of sautéed ground beef with grandma’s brown gravy, peas and carrots. From 11 AM to 10 PM; $5.99
• Tuesday: New York Strip Steak Special from 4 PM New Year’s Eve (Pork Chili Verde not available.)

CV Steak Specials:

• Today: Seared Fillet of Salmon with Dijon Mustard Lemon Caper Cream Sauce and Grilled New York Strip Loin with Bacon and Wild Mushroom Sauce.
• Thursday: CV Steak Mix Grill, a combination of our Filet Mignon, a Dijon and molasses marinated Pork Tenderloin Medallion and herb marinated Lamb Chop Steak.
• Friday: Veal Scaloppini with Lemon and Capers.
• Saturday: Garlic Studded Prime Rib.
• Sunday: “Oscar Style” Fillet of Salmon with crab and Béarnaise sauce.
• Tuesday, New Year’s Eve:  See story above. 

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

• Michael Furlong Band tonight thru Saturday: Michael Furlong has been an accomplished performing musician and technician throughout his life with extensive experience as a lead vocalist, lead guitar player, songwriter, studio and live audio engineer, record and video producer and editor. While he and his band perform hits from a variety of artists, he is best known for his “Petty Theft" Show – A Tribute to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.
• NFL Football Sunday: The Niners vs. the Seahawks in the final game of the NFL regular season.
• Trippin King Snakes, December 30: Ev Musselman (Guitar and Vocals), Charlie Fecteau (Bass) and Nick Fecteau (Drums and Vocals) are a popular northern Nevada trio of musicians playing an eclectic array of Rock, Blues, Funk, and Alternative Covers and originals.
• Rockology on Tuesday, New Year’s Eve: Rockology is a high energy Classic Rock Tribute Band bringing you the greatest hits from the '70s, '80s and more.  This fun group of seasoned musicians delivers a catalog filled with three-part harmonies, saxophone, keyboards, electric guitars and live drums. 

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!

New Year's Eve, Free Meals in January, More in CVI Blog

New Year’ Eve Dining at the Inn

CV Steak and Katie's are serving their regular menus plus holiday specials on New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31 . . . please join us and be sure to see the In the Casino section below for more on New Year’s Eve:

• The New Year's Eve specials in CV Steak are a Trio of Tournedos (a blackened Filet Mignon with southwest au jus, a blue cheese topped Filet Mignon and a bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon) for $34 and Sake Marinated Salmon Filet served with a mild red curry cucumber salad and basmati rice for $35. As with all CV Steak entrees (except for the hearty pasta dishes), these specials include vegetable and choice of au gratin, twice-baked or baked potato plus tableside-tossed salad, sourdough baguette and creamery butter. CV Steak New Year's Eve reservations (starting at 4:30 PM) can be made by calling 775-783-6650. The Sunset Special will not be offered on New Year’s Eve but will be served on New Year’s Day.
• Katie's is offering a New York Strip Steak Special from 11 am on New Year’s Eve; a blue cheese encrusted New York Strip Loin with mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and choice of soup or house salad for $15.99.  The Katie’s Sunday Chandler Chicken Dinner Special will also be served on December 31^st from 2 to 10 p.m.

$99,000 – Someone Will Win It . . .

. . . But When Is Best?

$99,000 for Someone - You?

Here’s a question to take to your accountant in the next couple of days as you pester him or her with questions regarding the new tax laws going into effect for 2018: Would you be better off to win our $99,000 Penny Progressive Jackpot before the end of this year, or should you lay back and start pounding away on January 1? Or, are you like those of us who sit in the blog writing room and scream out, “Are You Kidding?!?! I’ll take it either year!” Last thing we’d do is wait a few days to play for it and find out someone else won it . . . but that’s just us. And here’s our friendly reminder: this $99,000 Progressive Jackpot can – and eventually will – only be won at one of our four properties; the Carson Valley Inn, Bodines Casino, Sharkey’s Casino or Slot World.

Free Meals in January – On Us!

Mondays and Wednesdays in January

Here is an opportunity to enjoy a meal in Katie’s on us a couple of times a week during January – we're calling it Free Meal January and here’s how it works:  Earn just 100 base points (that means before any multipliers) on any Monday or Wednesday in January and then swipe at the casino kiosk for a certificate for a free meal from our January Player’s Menu. You have until the end the day Thursday in the same week your earned it to use your certificate and the Players Menu includes our All-American Breakfast, any omelet, a cheeseburger or any of our six $7.99 Plates.

In the Casino

This Thursday's VIP Hot Seat Prizes - Want One?

• Ladies’ Night Tonight:  Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM tonight with the first two bowls in a Set of Four Soup Bowls for the first 150 ladies and Bath & Body Works Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes. Also tonight: games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and, somewhere around 8 PM, the drawing for $500 in New Year Cash.
• VIP Gifts Thursday: Free VIP Gift Giveaways at 2, 4, 6 and 8 PM! Be sure to use your INN Club card while playing to qualify for these hot seat drawings.  We’ll be giving away a Samsung SmartCam Home Security Camera, a Lasko Motion Heat Plus Ceramic Heater, an Ellia Aroma Diffuser and an HP Office Jet All in One Wireless Printer.
• Four Bowl Games Saturday: The Taxslayer, Liberty, Fiesta and Orange Bowls fill the day from 9 AM until almost 9 PM.
• 4X Points Saturday: That’s quadruple the benefits for your play all day this Saturday.

Pop a Cork with Us Sunday Night!

• Points, Pigskins, Pop Sounds and Popping Corks Sunday: Stop in New Year’s Eve Day for 4X points between 4 AM and 4 PM, catch the final 16 NFL Football Games of the season during the day, enjoy  Free Live Entertainment and Dancing in the Cabaret Lounge from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and a join us for a Free Champagne Toast at midnight.
• Free Meal Monday:  It's such a good deal we included a whole article about this further above.
• Five Bowl Games Monday: Catch the traditional New Year’s Day NCAA Bowl Games (Outback, Peach, Citrus, Rose and Sugar) during the day and into the evening.

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM! The Friday and Saturday night special in Katie’s is Roasted Prime Rib & Fried Shrimp for $14.99 served from 4 PM.
• Thursday’s special in CV Steak 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 for $26. This Friday it's Grilled Duck Breast marinated with fresh herbs and served with natural duck jus for $28.00. Saturday night’s special is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 and Sunday's New Year’s Eve Specials are at this link. The usual Sunday Night $32 One-Pound of King Crab Legs Special will be served on Monday, New Years Day this week. 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 Job's Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino, Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino and Betsy’s Big Kitchen at Slot World Casino.

Our Usual Tidbits

• Friday is Tick Tock Day. If you are planning to make New Year's Resolutions, or have done so in the past, you might just take a minute to read about Tick Tock Day and consider starting sooner than New Year's Eve.

Bacon Day - So Here's Bacon!

• Saturday is Bacon Day. Being somewhat fascinated with the growth in popularity of bacon over the last few years we did a little research and our favorite finding is the preponderance of Bacon & Beer events (go ahead, Google it!). While we don’t have such an event planned, we do have plenty of bacon and beer at the CVI.
• Sunday is No Interruptions Day. So, turn off your phone, shut your office door, hold all calls, and ask your friends, family, and co-workers to let you focus for the day, even though you love them dearly. Wait . . . Sunday is also New Year's Eve, so scratch all those suggestions and work on your New Year's Resolutions if you didn’t handle them on Tick Tock Day. And what better way to ponder those resolutions while you are earning 4X Points on Dec. 31 from 4 AM to 4 PM!
• Monday is Bloody Mary Day. If you happen to be sitting at the Casino Bar or in the Cabaret Lounge watching a bowl game or trying to review in your mind your activities of the night before, take a look at our Bar Bites Menu . . . The $4.99 Breakfast Burrito includes a free Bloody Mary or Budweiser draft!
• Monday is Weigh In Day and Tuesday is Buffet Day. Seriously?!  Isn't anyone monitoring this stuff!!

On the Sports Front

• Our Guys Picks: the boys went 4 - 2 last week which, if they could do every week, would result in new careers as professional sports bettors! Looking to continue the streak of good fortune, Mike (2-0 last week) is going with Wisconsin -1½ vs. Miami and Mississippi State +6 ½ against Louisville. Alan is on the Falcons -4 vs. the Panthers and Ohio State -7½ against USC. Greg is going full underdog with the Browns +13½ at the Steelers and the Jets +15½ at New England.
• Enjoy $2 Draft Beer during all Televised Pro Football and College football bowl games at the CVI - and our staff will bring your bar bites order to you right at your seat.
• The Progressive Pro PK'EM is at $4,379 this week and all the NFL games are on Sunday.  If no one wins this week, we’ll let the Jackpot grow and carry into the NFL playoffs when the props will get a little more interesting than just winner against the spread and over or under. The parlay cards are just $5 each!
• January 8 NCAA Championship Game Football Grid: Start earning squares in our Poker Room on New Year’s Day ‘cause we’re giving away $50 for each of the first three quarters and the final score! Earn entries during live poker games starting Monday, January 1 ‘til all squares are claimed. 
• Place Your Bet: Place your bets on Pro Football, NCAA Bowl Games, NHL Hockey, NBA and NCAA Basketball and Horse Racing. Futures on the board include winners for the 2018 Super Bowl (selection gets smaller each week!), 2018 NCAA Basketball and Football Championships, 2018 NBA Championship, 2018 NHL Stanley Cup and 2018 World Series.
• Sports and Race Betting: You can place and collect sports bets any time the Sports Book is open at the Carson Valley Inn or Bodines Casino. At Sharkey’s and Slot World, all sports betting is done at Guest Services. A winning sports bet placed at any of our four casinos can be cashed at any of our four casinos.  Horse Race bets can only be placed or cashed when the Race and Sports Book is open at the CVI or Bodines Casino.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge:

John Palmore tonight, Justin Lee Thursday thru Saturday, The Lucky Seven Sunday, NCAA Bowl Games on Monday and Cliff and Dave Tuesday and Wednesday.  John Palmore 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. A Night In The Country – Nevada’s largest country music festival – featured Justin Lee on the main stage prior to The Band Perry in 2015. Justin’s new album Where I Belong includes the single Like I've Fallen and here’s a link to the video, part of which was recorded in our TJ’s Corral. The Lucky Seven brings a mix of the freshest, modern music and favorites from recent decades. Their song choices, while all popular and mostly current, are refreshingly wide reaching and show the band's versatility. They are good friends, making good music, for good people. Cliff and Dave are powerhouse singer/gospel drummer Cliff Porter and southern-fried singer/guitarist Dave Berry, often seen fronting the band Jelly Bread. The duo provides an evening of sultry R&B, funk and swinging rock ’n’ roll.

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!

New Year's Week at the Carson Valley Inn

New Year’s Eve Dining – CVI and Sharkey’s . . . Enjoy these three choices for New Year's Eve specials and regular menu items:

• CV Steak has a Duo of Tournedos with Seared Scallops (a blackened Filet Mignon with southwest au jus, a blue cheese crusted Filet Mignon and Seared Scallops) for $36 and King Crab Legs (One pound of Alaskan King Crab Legs served with drawn butter) for $35. New Year's Eve reservations are a must in CV Steak – call 775-783-6650.
• Katie's is offering an Apple Stuffed Roast Pork Loin with a glaze of spiced cranberries and orange zest, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables, choice of soup or fresh garden green salad, fresh bread and creamery butter for $13.99. Also available is the usual Saturday night special, Roasted Prime Rib & Fried Shrimp Dinner served with baked potato, vegetable and soup or salad for $14.99. Both of these specials are served from 11 a.m.
• Sharkey’s Jackpot Café is featuring its regular Friday and Saturday Night Special starting at 4 p.m. – Prime Rib and Lobster with twice baked potato and choice of soup or salad for $20.
• New Year's Day: All restaurants will be open regular hours.

Poker Players - get in on our NCAA Championship Game Grid

Poker Room Squares for NCAA Championship Game: $160 is on the table for Poker players starting Monday in our annual College Football Playoff National Championship Football Grid. From January 2 until the chart is full, win a square by making a Full House or higher in live action Texas Hold’ em or any hand of Tens Full or higher in Pineapple or Omaha. Grid numbers will be drawn on Monday, January 9 when the board is full and the payout is $40 each for 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters and for final score. Complete guidelines will be posted in the Poker Room.

Another beautiful winter day in Carson Valley
Photo by Jan Vandermade

#WhyCV Contest Starts Today: Submissions can  now be made for the #WhyCV Contest sponsored by the Carson Valley Visitors Authority and Carson Valley Times. Gather your favorite photo (like the one above), video or written story depicting why Carson Valley has carved out a special place in your heart. Prizes include an iPad, a GoPro, smartphone camera lenses, and a variety of gift certificates to the best in local dining – including CV Steak of course! All the details are on this page and we hope you’ll include the CArson Valley Inn if we are part of your story on how you came about visiting or moving here!

Sports and Race Book:

• On the Board: This week you can bet NFL Football, the remaining NCAA Bowl Games, NBA, College Basketball and NHL.  Also on the board: futures bets on who will win the NCAA Football Championship, Super Bowl, NBA Championship and NHL Stanley Cup.
• The PRO PK’EM Parlay Progressive is now at $4,395 – pick all 15 NFL props straight up on the $5 card and it’s yours! And if no one hits this week, we will carny this over to the NFL playoffs.
• Around the Sportsbook with Mike, Alan and Greg:
• Last Week, 3-3: Mike skunked as he took Maryland at -1½ over Boston College (B.C. won) in the Quick Lane Bowl and the Rams at -4 over the 49ers (seriously, did anyone bet the Niners to actually win?). Alan had the Ravens at +5 over the Steelers (got it by 1 point) and the Raiders at -4 over the Colts (another win). Greg got the Niners at +4 over the Rams and was “off by a mile” on the Jets at +16 ½ over the Patriots.
• Last Week Trivia Quiz: The Quick Lane Bowl is backed by the Detroit Lions. It is a de facto replacement for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. The Ford Motor Company serves as title sponsor of the game through its auto shop brand Quick Lane.
• This Week:  Mike likes Oklahoma State at +3 over Colorado and the Clemson Tigers (+3 ½) over Ohio State. Alan’s going pro on his picks: Raiders to beat Denver in a pick ‘em game and the Dolphins at +9 ½ over the Patriots. (Per Mike, “there’s still fight in them there fish!”)  Greg tapped the Giants at +8 over the Redskins and (get ready) the  “overs" on the Falcons-Saints game at 56! 
• Trivia: Only about 17% of NFL games have a point total over 56 points. The highest point total in an NFL game was 113 points when Washington beat the N.Y. Giants 72 - 41 on Nov. 27, 1966.

Relatively Unimportant but Fun: Some people make lists. Still others compile lists of lists. Then there are those who find an article like this: The Master List of Year End Lists - over 350 of 'em! We certainly don’t have time for all this so we "borrowed" this link from an update Bill Chernock from the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce sent to Chamber members yesterday. How did he find the time? We suspect he plans on picking up time this Saturday on Leap Second Time Adjustment Day! What did all these list makers do before the internet provided a forum for publishing such lists?

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.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge:  Tyler Stafford performs tonight, Just Us entertains Thursday, After Dark takes the stage Friday and Saturday and the Novelists Acoustic Duo appears next Tuesday and Wednesday. Just Us blends together the sounds of the Motor City and Oakland, CA to develop "Sweet, Grown & Sexy" music from the 60’s to the present. The high energy of After Dark Band will have you up and dancing and singing along with the guys! With a great variety of rock and roll, country, blues and R & B their “must not miss” show is filled with the songs you know and love and the energy of the group creates a party waiting for you to join in. With Bernie DeLaCruz and Dave Vasquez on guitar, Dustin Taunton on bass, Don Peterson on drums and Scott Anderson on vocals this award winning band will get you rockin’! The Novelists Acoustic Duo provides cliffhanger storytelling, dual lead singing personalities and their signature harmonies. Click here for the upcoming lineup of free entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge.

In the Casino

• Ladies’ Night is “off” tonight but resumes Wednesdays in January.
• Drawings Tonight: Cash & Freeplay Giveaways at 5, 7 & 8 p.m. Win up to $2,500 tonight.
• Bingo and Drawings Thursday:
• Come in and play Bingo on the even hour 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and win $50 - $100 instantly!  Simply be in the casino playing slots or table games using your INN Club card and watch for our staff bringing around Free Bingo Cards. 
• Cash & Freeplay Giveaways at 5, 7 & 8 p.m. Win up to $2,500 tonight.
• $5,000 Guaranteed Friday: A total of $5,000 in cash and prizes is guaranteed in drawings between 4 and 9 p.m.
• Saturday:
• 4X Points from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Live Entertainment & Dancing: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Champagne Toast in the casino at midnight
• Penny Progressive Over $47,000 . . 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. 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! Check all the Katie’s Daily Specials at this link.
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Grilled Elk Medallions with a Brandy Cherry Demi for $30.  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.

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!

New Year's Week Full of Activities, Promotions,More

Bringing in the New Year at the CVI! We have many activities and promotions happening over the next few days – here is a Quick Guide:

• Wednesday - Today:
• Bowl Games: Birmingham Bowl, Belk Bowl, Music City Bowl, and Holiday Bowl in the casino.
• Have A Double Bacon BLT in Katie’s: Why? See the “Because We Feel Like Mentioning It” section below.
• Thursday – New Year’s Eve:
  
• Katie’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Specials (Slow-Roasted New York Strip Loin with 6 Fried Shrimp and Pan Seared Lemon Pepper Tilapia) are served from 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. all regular menu items will also be available. Katie’s will not be serving the Thursday night Corned Beef & Cabbage special.
• CV Steak will open at 4:30 PM. The CV Steak New Year’s Eve Dinner Specials (Tournedos Trio and Seafood Florentine) will be served along with our regular menu. We will not be serving the Sunset Menu Specials on New Year’s Eve.
• 4X Points from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Be sure to use your card!
• Peach Bowl plus the two College Football Playoff Semifinal Games on the Cabaret Big Screen and casino TVs – the Orange Bowl (Oklahoma vs. Clemson) and the Cotton Bowl (Michigan State vs. Alabama).
• Free Entertainment with the RYE Brothers, 8 p.m., to 1 a.m.
• Midnight Champagne Toast in the casino.
• Friday, New Year’s Day:
• NCAA Bowl Games on the casino TV’s: Outback Bowl, Citrus Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl
• Katie’s will be serving the Friday Night Specials: Charbroiled Salmon and the Katie's Captain’s Platter.
• Slots Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. with a different Mystery Multiplier (3X-7X Points) every half hour.
• Saturday, January 2:
• King of Cash “K.O.C. Cash Frenzy” 1 – 9 p.m.
• Giveaways and Hot Seats every hour.
• Free T-Shirts handed out randomly to players.
• Slots Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. with a different Mystery Multiplier (3X-7X Points) every half hour.
• More Bowl Games on the Casino TV’s: Taxslayer Bowl. Liberty Bowl, Alamo Bowl and Cactus Bowl.
• Sunday, January 3:
• NFL Football – 15 games on the casino TVs.
• Ladies Only Poker Tournament in the Poker Room at 4 p.m.
• Monday, January 4:
• 4X Points today and every Monday in January!
• Poker Room Grid: Start earning squares on the College Football Playoff National Championship Game $120.00 Football Grid! 

Aunt Millie Gave You a Christmas Gift and You Didn't Get Her Anything!  Unless it was a fruitcake (there is never an obligation to reciprocate a fruitcake gift), you now feel guilty. Here's a quick solution: call (775-783-6606) or visit our hotel desk and get her a CVI gift card which can be used at the Carson Valley Inn, Bodines Casino or Sharkey's Casino. Not only is it a versatile gift, but it comes with a versatile excuse for why you didn't give it to Aunt Millie on Christmas: you can claim we were out of them when you tried to buy hers (almost the truth as we sold a record number this year) or that we had to mail it to you and it got held up in the Christmas mail overload. Add your own twist and you'll be providing a very nice gift with a plausible reason as to why it wasn't on time. And if Aunt Millie did get you a fruitcake? Make your way to Manitou Springs, Colorado on Saturday (or pretend you are there) and dispose of it in a most ceremonial and competitive manner!

Race and Sports Book:

• This week you can watch and bet the last week of regular-season NFL Football, the remaining 16 College Bowl Games, Horseracing, NBA and College Basketball, NHL Hockey and UFC fights.
• The PRO PK’EM jackpot is $4,759 on this week’s progressive parlay card.
• About This Bowl Game Madness: Previous to 1959 there were only five college football bowl games. Can you name the first? Okay, that was easy - the Rose Bowl, first played in 1901. The next college bowl games didn’t come about until 1934. Here are the next few in order of their "founding": Orange Bowl, 1934; Sugar Bowl, 1934; Sun Bowl, 1934; Cotton Bowl, 1936; Gator Bowl, 1945; Tangerine/Citrus Bowl (now the CapitalOne Bowl), 1946; Liberty Bowl, 1959. Now there are 40 NCAA Bowl Games.
• Seeding and two remaining AFC spots are up for grabs this Sunday for the NFL Playoffs  . . . rather than embarrass ourselves  by attempting to go any further, read though this article and perhaps you MAY understand all the permutations! Anyway, should make for a lot of interesting (and some meaningless) games on Sunday.

Cabaret Lounge Entertainment – No Cover, No Minimum – Free! Dale Poune performs tonight, The Rye Brothers entertain Thursday through Saturday nights, NFL Football is on Sunday night,  and John Palmore returns next Tuesday and Wednesday.  The Rye Brothers are a “power-pop” country act, mixing contemporary country music and rock n’ roll guitar driven songs. The group is led by Paul Justin & Justin Foutz, who trade off on the lead vocals and guitar licks. Paul and Justin formed Rye Brothers in the summer of 2015 and quickly added a solid rhythm section consisting of Jacob Delott (bass, backing vocals) and Jeff Sorenson (drums, backing vocals) to round out this Southern California based quartet. Sarah Hauck,  Entertainment reporter for The Record Courier did an interview with Paul Justin and her story can be read here.

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News

• Venison Friday, Prime Rib Saturday, King Crab Sunday in CV Steak:  Our Friday special in CV Steak is Roasted Rack of Venison with Cherry Brandy Demi for $32.00. Saturday night’s special in CV Steak is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 and Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. Both 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.
• It’ll be Cold, But We’ll Keep You Warm: Walk out the old and welcome the New Year at the Candlelight Labyrinth Walk sponsored by Main Street Gardnerville at Heritage Park Gardens on New Year's Eve. Stop by anytime between 6 and 9 p.m. The event is off Gilman Street; just across highway 395 from Sharkey's Casino. We'll keep it warm inside Sharkey’s so stop in for dinner and/or cocktails before or after the outdoor Candlelight Walk. For more on this event call 775-782-8027.
• Day After the Day After: If you never do make it out of the house on New Year’s Day, here’s a reason to resurface on Saturday - Katie’s offers an Eggs Benedict special from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday . . . a traditional favorite including toasted English muffin, grilled Canadian bacon, two poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce and hash browns all for just $5.99.
• Because We Feel Like Mentioning It:

• Today is Bacon Day. Philosophically, we are neutral on the latest resurgence of bacon. However, we want to respect those who wish to honor this day by reminding you that we have over a dozen breakfast and lunch items on the Katie's menu that come with bacon . . .  and we'll be glad to provide a single or double side order of bacon in, on, or around any Katie's menu item!
• Friday is Bloody Mary Day. And please don't tell us you didn't see that one coming on the day after New Year's Eve! Click the link for some interesting thoughts behind the name and (again, you certainly expected this part) a suggested recipe.
• Friday is also Polar Bear Swim Day. No need to go to the north or south pole if you have a hankering to participate - Lake Tahoe is just a few minutes away!
• Monday is Spaghetti Day.  If you have to mark the occasion on the actual day, we suggest you stop by Sharkey's Casino for the Monday night $7.99 Spaghetti and Meatballs special. If you can wait until Wednesday, check out the January Wednesday Italian Specials in Katie's with three Italian specials served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting at $5.99.  Couldn't make either of these or you can't get enough pasta? The Thursday Italian Night at Bodines Casino offers even more selections!
• Monday is also Trivia Day. Keep that in mind for something we will be covering in next week’s blog. 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or just 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!