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