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A few blogs ago, I wrote about the greater Fort Lauderdale racinos. They’re the combination race track/casinos that attract so many people these days. But as I said then, I hadn’t visited any of these places personally. At least not until last night. I finally made it to Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach. It was enjoyable. Gulfstream is an attractive facility, with lots more of that facility on the way. Tens of thousands of square feet are under construction, huge buildings that I believe will include more restaurants and other offerings to draw the crowds. The park was easy to get into, easy to get out of – and surprisingly busy for a Monday night. Poker tables were full, with folks waiting to squeeze into games of Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven-Card Stud. There were plenty of bettors laying out cash on the simulcast horse races too.
I arrived in the early evening after a pleasant drive with my convertible top down, the night air feeling fresh to me. I parked on my own, avoiding the valet service, and headed to the escalators that bring you to the action. I’d only come to kind of scope things out, not to bet. I’m not a gambler. And this is my only real suggestion about Gulfstream: If you’re not into gambling, then go with a group. Going alone is fine if you do want to lay down some bets, of course, and many poker players seemed to be on their own. Otherwise, you probably want some buddies to laugh and goof with as you watch the gambling and big screen sports action. I could see this being a good guys night out – or a girls night out for that matter.
Anyway, Gulfstream really does have a very nice look to it. Outside, there’s a large colored fountain, with tall arches illuminated by carriage lights. In the slot machine casino, the décor has an appealing futuristic theme. And the poker room welcomes you to a classic gambling environment, with high ceilings and huge chandeliers. There’s also a new feature for those who take their gambling a little too seriously. You can get a massage from a sexy young lady – while you play cards. One masseuse was walking around in a very tight red top and very short white skirt, ready to massage those tense shoulders. Tempting. Ahem, anyway I also made my way to the third floor where the Asian restaurant, Christine Lee’s, overlooks the race track. There’s no live racing here until winter, but I thought a nice meal beside a beautiful track would be delightful anyway. This is a huge restaurant, very pretty with an enormous oval bar. Get it? Shaped like a race track. Ha! I hope to get back here again sometime with friends, maybe even try the food at Christine Lee’s. Meanwhile, I’ll head to the other two racinos over the next few weeks and tell you what I think. I may not be a gambler but I like a fun night out.
I arrived in the early evening after a pleasant drive with my convertible top down, the night air feeling fresh to me. I parked on my own, avoiding the valet service, and headed to the escalators that bring you to the action. I’d only come to kind of scope things out, not to bet. I’m not a gambler. And this is my only real suggestion about Gulfstream: If you’re not into gambling, then go with a group. Going alone is fine if you do want to lay down some bets, of course, and many poker players seemed to be on their own. Otherwise, you probably want some buddies to laugh and goof with as you watch the gambling and big screen sports action. I could see this being a good guys night out – or a girls night out for that matter.
Anyway, Gulfstream really does have a very nice look to it. Outside, there’s a large colored fountain, with tall arches illuminated by carriage lights. In the slot machine casino, the décor has an appealing futuristic theme. And the poker room welcomes you to a classic gambling environment, with high ceilings and huge chandeliers. There’s also a new feature for those who take their gambling a little too seriously. You can get a massage from a sexy young lady – while you play cards. One masseuse was walking around in a very tight red top and very short white skirt, ready to massage those tense shoulders. Tempting. Ahem, anyway I also made my way to the third floor where the Asian restaurant, Christine Lee’s, overlooks the race track. There’s no live racing here until winter, but I thought a nice meal beside a beautiful track would be delightful anyway. This is a huge restaurant, very pretty with an enormous oval bar. Get it? Shaped like a race track. Ha! I hope to get back here again sometime with friends, maybe even try the food at Christine Lee’s. Meanwhile, I’ll head to the other two racinos over the next few weeks and tell you what I think. I may not be a gambler but I like a fun night out.
posted by LauderBLOGGER at 11:52 AM
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