Las Vegas Weekly

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A casino needs a deli. It's a natural fit. If you want me to spend a long time losing or winning money, drinking and carousing, there needs to be a sandwich at the end of this rainbow.

In my mind, Treasure Island became a much better casino when it opened an offshoot of legendary LA delicatessen Canter's across from its sports book in 2003. But things always change, and as TI updated its restaurant offerings, Canter's time ran out. Now, there's a quiet, somewhat hidden poker room in the nook that once served as my cozy pastrami escape, and the kitchen, counter and small seating area in front is home to Little Richie's, serving hot dogs, Italian sausages and beef sandwiches, and other familiar fare.

The new food is not bad. Though the all-beef frank is a little wimpy, the classic Chicago dog has all the classic fixins: mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato slices, pickle spear, sport peppers, celery salt and poppy seed bun. Its price ($8.99) may shock you, but the delicious deli-style sandwiches from the Canter's days were just as overpriced. There's hand-cut fries, a nice foundation for chili, cheese and onions ($5.99), onion rings, grilled Polish sausages, and substantial roast beef sandwiches with hot and/or sweet peppers on soft Italian rolls (also $8.99).

Overall, it's a hearty junk-food meal, pretty much exactly what you want from a casino quick-serve between a poker room and a sports book. But where can I get a sandwich? The Red Rock Resort casino recently replaced its sandwichy sports book cafe with Pink's Hot Dogs. I'm worried this is part of a disturbing hot dog vs. deli trend. Can't we all just get along?