Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

We're on a streak of compelling interview shows, with DeRuyter Butler, Anthony Marnell III and now Roger Thomas.
I want to thank Roger for taking the time to engage with us and share his thoughts with our corner of the universe. There are a lot of folks who love his work and I believe Roger's explanation of the Wynn design team's creative process -- and what they've created -- will enhance podcast listeners' appreciation. Bravo!

Great podcast with incredible insights from a man who has devoted his life to the subject. Thomas talks like a professor teaching doctorate levels students. It was weighty, without bieng mind-numbingly detailed. Thomas strikes me as a person who might be relunctant to get into the subject because he knows he has the depth of knowledge to easilty make a persons eyes glaze over.

I agree with Jeff Simpson's position that South Florida could be the biggest domestic challenge to Las Vegas. Even here in sleepy Oklahoma City I can gamble at a half dozen casinos in a half hour, no big deal. But Las Vegas has the glitz and glamourous vibe that beats all. Except possibly, Miami. Exciting Miami beach-Jackie Gleason and the June Taylor dancers, Miami Vice, Gloria Estefan, Shaq. Warm ocean breezes and beautiful women.

A terrific interview. You all must have made Roger Thomas comfortable because he was very open and informative. Some random comments:
* Emphasis on "honoring the culture of China" by Roger and Steve was intriguing. Sounds like we'll really see the meaning of that when Cotai opens.
* Comparison of escalator entrance to Picasso-Prime with Parasol Up/Down fascinating. I've thought the same except I was never able to articulate it. It was great that Roger discussed it.
* Roger mentioned Michael Weaver at Wynn. I haven't read much about him since he arrived from HET/CET. It's been mostly about Marilyn Spiegel. Would like to see some detail on what he's up to.
*Loved Roger's "bootyectomy" reference to Treasure Island.
*Was suprised that Roger shared personal comments on five bouts with pneumonia in Macau. Confirms my opinion of climate there.
*Only disappointment with his responses was the one about the closure of Alex. I was obviously pleased he thinks so highly of the space and design, but his answer that "4 1/2 hour culinary experiences" don't work any more was almost verbatim the explanation given by both Steve and Marilyn. Drinks, dinner, wine and converation never lasted 4 1/2 hours for me. And, I assume that Joel Robuchon, Picasso Guy Savoy,etc are still doing well. Am I wrong?
*I already tweeted Jeff Simpson that his "Sure Bet" about South Florida casinos was on the money. (By the way, Jeff in OKC is showing his age remembering Jackie Gleason and the June Taylor Dancers. Always loved the opening shot of the show from the speedboat racing across Biscayne Bay.)

Posted by Hunter

It was definitely the corporate line regarding the closing of Alex. Without numbers for the other restaurants to dispute it though, I didn't really see a point into getting into an argument when neither one of us probably has the hard data. Sounds like he was sharing what he was told.

Late to respond, but absolutely love these interviews. Its great the hear that they are planning something to detail all the artifacts present in Wynncore.

Certainly you had to read between the lines at points, but you have to feel the douchbag crowd is a double edged sword with them. I'm not sure how they are going to redesign the waiting line of these clubs. I have to think the redesign's cheif objective is not to make the club goers waiting in line more comfortable as it is to make them more invisible. If they can reach both objectives, great.