Good plan sarge.

I will admit that the service at Il is reminiscent of The Old Country.

sarge - hope she has a great party -- but one of your last posts threw me. If her guests are paying for their meals, she ain't "throwing a bash at all". I thought you meant she was hosting a party for her friends, not asking them to come celebrate her birthday - oh and by the way, you need to pay your own way.

IMHO if someone is asking folks to come to a party - that someone should pay. If it is too expensive - downsize the expectations.

janisj...taken in that context, it does sound rude, doesn't it? :) But the "invitees" are all aware of the circumstances surrounding the "party". It is a family/close friends affair and everyone is using it as an excuse to meet up in Vegas after the holiday stress. :) The invitees are aware that dinner that night is at their expense. But, yes, it would be rude to invite people to a party and then expect them to pay for it. :) No matter what she chooses, she has already informed the group that she will not be offended if they don't come for dinner, but simply join the birthday party afterwards. :) (She and her hubby will be providing the cake and a round of drinks.) :)

I would utilize the Excalibur-Luxor-Mandalay Bay Tram, instead of walking from NYNY (the Excab is across from NYNY via a walkway). It's saferthan walking, because of traffic. FYI, I like Il Fornaio also.

and yes, mid-January is cold, and too cold for outdoor seating. so your other option sounds much better :)