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New Jersey Gentleman Wins First Monthly DREAM REWARDS JACKPOT at The MGM Grand at Foxwoods! David Singelyn of Whitehouse Station, N.J. is $100,801.26 richer today after he won the first Dream Rewards Jackpot at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods!  The MGM Grand at Foxwoods has been holding a Dream Rewards Jackpot throughout the month of January and this progressive jackpot increases as the days of the month go by.  The jackpot can hit at anytime provided your Dream Reward Card is inserted into one of the 1400 slot machines located at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.  David had played at his lucky Stars&Bars slot machine last night, and today he thought he would give it another try.  About 5 minutes into play he hit the big progressive win of $96,801.26!  What makes this win even grander, was that David also hit a jackpot for $4,000.00 right before his Dream Reward Jackpot win. “I never could have imagined that I hit the big one! I still really can’t believe it!”  David was at the Grand Opening of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in May so this is his second visit to the property.  Asked what he will do with the money he said, “ I don’t know!  Maybe visit my son in Lake Tahoe.  I’ll pick up the dinner tab!” The MGM Grand at Foxwoods Dream Reward Jackpot will restart the first day of each month and progressively increase up to the amount of $100,000 by month end. 

Let's have a census:

Does anyone care if MGM employees have facial hair? If you didn't already know, some members of the "Foxwoods" Entertainment department have lost their jobs over this suddenly and inconsistently applied "appearance policy". You will notice that the Food Court workers have facial hair and/or long hair. Aren't these the people that should be following the policy rather than the behind-the-scenes employees?

Foxwoods Resort Casino and the MGM Grand at Foxwoods proudly announce that three of their new dining outlets have been honored with “Best of Connecticut” awards for 2009 by Connecticut Magazine.  The annual Reader’s Choice Restaurant Poll is taken every October, with the readers of Connecticut Magazine submitting their votes for the restaurants of their choice in a wide variety of categories. The results of those votes are tabulated and made public in the January issue of the magazine.

David Burke Prime - Best Prime Rib – New London County

David Burke Prime, situated on the hotel level of the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino features a stunning 35 foot wine tower that escalates up three stories to the casino level of the complex, holding more than 5,000 bottles of premium wines. The visually stunning decor incorporates a state-of-the-art in-house dry-aging room composed of pink rock salt imported from the Himalayas. Prime was designed by the renowned design firm, The Friedmutter Group out of New York and Las Vegas. The beef on Primes’ menu is imported directly from Creekstone Farms in Kentucky.  The restaurant boasts a private event space seating up to 75 guests and will cater a menu to everyone’s special needs and requests.  David Burke Prime is the sister restaurant to David Burke’s Primehouse which was recently awarded the proud nod of Chicago’s Best Steakhouse 2008. Foxwoods also hosts another Burke restaurant, Burke in the Box, located between the MGM Grand at Foxwoods and Grand Pequot Towers.  David Burke is an award winning chef who currently owns nine restaurants bearing his name in New York, New Jersey, Las Vegas, Chicago and Connecticut.

Craftsteak – Best New Restaurant – New London County

Famous for celebrating the flavors of seasonal ingredients sourced from small family farms and artisinal producers, acclaimed chef Tom Colicchio’s 150 seat Craftsteak located at the new MGM Grand at Foxwoods features an extensive array of steaks including several cuts of Wagyu, corn and grass fed beef.  In addition to steak, the menu offers a wide selection of fish and shellfish as well as seasonal side dishes. Designed by New York based Bentel & Bentel Architects, the 9,500 square foot restaurant highlights expert craftsmanship and incorporates materials such as bronze, Brazilian walnut, leather and steel.

Shrine, Asian Bistro and Lounge – Best Asian – New London County

From its state-of-the-art and energetic sound to its authentic Asian designed décor, Shrine is MGM Grand at Foxwoods hippest and most diverse venue.  In addition to its 20,000 square feet of space to enjoy cocktails, mingle and dance the night away, Shrine offers a variety of menus including lunch, dinner and late night menus.

With two private dining rooms accommodating 20-40 people and a 12 person kitchen and sushi counter and a 225 seat dining room, Shrine has no trouble satisfying any appetite.  The menu presents a modern interpretation of Asian cuisine wit a predominately Chinese feel, while also incorporating Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Cambodian and Thai flavors and spices into the mix.

“We are extremely pleased that three of our new restaurants have been honored with the distinction of being chosen as a “Best of Connecticut” dining destination.  The reader’s of Connecticut Magazine are a sophisticated and discerning group of individuals that enjoy, understand and seek out quality establishments for dining, entertaining and for making  recommendations to friends.” said Mike Speller, President of the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise.  “We extend a hearty congratulations to these three new restaurants for achieving this highly sought after recognition.  We are pleased that we continue to offer our customers at Foxwoods and the MGM Grand at Foxwoods award winning amenities and a superior guest experience when visiting our properties.”

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 through Feb. 28, 2009
Arctic Spirit: Inuit Art from the Albrecht Collection at the Heard Museum
Our newest exhibit of more than 120 examples of the Canadian Inuit’s rich artistic traditions includes sculptures, textiles, prints, and drawings from 30 villages. Arctic Spirit objects represent more than 2,000 years of artistic creativity, from 250 B.C. to the present. Maps, text panels, and photographs of the land and artists provide background information. The 22nd exhibition in the Mashantucket Gallery, Arctic Spirit is free with regular Museum admission and opens to the public on Saturday, Dec. 27, at noon. See below for opening-day events, including a special preview for Museum members.

Arctic Spirit: Inuit Art from the Albrecht Collection at the Heard Museum is organized by the Heard Museum and toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

 LATE NIGHT SHOPPING, DAILY PRIZE DRAWINGS AND FREE GIFTS WITH PURCHASE

 Retail Outlets to Remain Open Until Midnight For Your Shopping Convenience

Jerry Lanni, MGM Mirage's chairman and CEO, is planning to retire at the end of the month.

Jim Murren, COO, is being recommended for the job.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/34422724.html

Whoa... Didn't see this coming. End of the month? That's not much time for a transition. Is he sick? Hopefully not [ED: a memo to employees says it is not health related].

I can't imagine majority shareholder Kerkorian would toss him during such a tumultuous time. They've worked together for ages... It must be something else... The timing is just so strange.

Update: MGM Mirage press release here:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=101502&p=IROL-NewsText&t=Regular&id=1226453&

UPDATE: The Wall Street Journal is reporting there are some questions about his MBA from USC as the school could not verify the degree.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122661583489225999.html?mod=testMod