Living Las Vegas

Saturday, August 15, 2009 - Brandon Cantu

After the World Series of Poker, Las Vegas seems to get back to normal, at least what is considered to be normal for those of us who live here.  The hype of the tournament subsides and most people leave town to get away.  Before I even begin to make some moves, I need some R &R.

My friend Dave from my home town came to town.  He lives and works in Charlottesville, VA.  With some extra time on my hands after the tournament and a friend in town, I found reasons to get bottle service at one of my favorite clubs in town, XS.  My neighbor and good friend, Jeff Madsen came along to join us.  This club with its ambiance and cabanas were perfect place to unwind with some good friends.  I must say, I have never met a night at XS I didn’t like. 

After enjoying the table and friends for a bit at XS, I decided to make my way over to the pool area of XS where tables of black jack are set up.  I played for about an hour and turned $1200 to $6000.  I seem to do well on XS nights for whatever reason.

In my downtime I also went saw a movie, Bruno.  Sacha Baren Cohen is hilarious in this movie and I must say is a great follow up to one of his other movies I enjoyed, Borat.  Bruno became an instant classic in my book.  I liked it almost as much as The Hangover, which may be one of the best comedies of all-time.

Three of my favorite things to do here in my free time here in Las Vegas are watching Howard Stern on Demand, smoking Hookah, and hanging out at my pool.  My time since WSOP has significantly consisted of those three things:

The Howard Stern show on demand is by far my favorite show.  I watch it religiously on demand.  His antics and regulars make any day a good one.  I need to find a reason to get a request to appear on that show.  Maybe, I should start a scandal???  Just playing.  Recently, regular Howard guest, Blue Iris passed away of a heart attack.  Very sad. 

If I’m not at home or playing poker, most likely the next spot to check for me is Paymon’s hookah spot.  It’s a local favorite and a place I sometimes tend to consider a 2^nd home.  There is something so relaxing about sitting on Persian couches, eating hummus and smoking the hookah flavor of the month.  Often times this is the starting point before heading out for the night.  Great place.  Good times. 

What is summer in Las Vegas without being poolside?  Last year I order these oversized chaise beds for hanging out by my pool.  It makes my pool feel like a casino resort cabana in my backyard.  Having friends over, good food, gin and beers poolside are all signs life is good.

From the clubs and gambling to hookah and hanging out by my pool.  My unwinding time after the tournament has proved to be amazing.  I love living in Las Vegas.

 Brandon Cantu  

Tags: Brandon Cantu, las vegas, Poker Poker Poker, WSOP, XS

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UltimateBet.com’s 10th Anniversary Party

Saturday, July 18, 2009 - Brandon Cantu

I attended UltimateBet.com’s 10th Anniversary Party at Studio 54 in the MGM.  A group of us met up beforehand at a bar inside the MGM for a round of drinks before we rolled over to the party.  As we got to 54, we ran into Annie Duke and Joe Reitman who showed up simultaneously.  Before, we actually went inside, I shot PokerListings.com’s “Rail Rewind”, as I had the #4 rewind story, “The $50k H.O.R.S.E. Final Table Begins Today”.

UB’s party was a great time.  Not only was I able to spend time with fellow UB pros, but I was able to meet some of the UB staff and put faces to names.  Being there and reviewing my sponsorship decision, I am realizing I have found a good home in UB.  I really feel like I am wanted, that everyone is working together, and that the future is bright.  I do not feel like I could be shelved like other pros are with other sites.

The scene at the party: Hellmuth was lowered on a platform to open the night, naked body paint models in Roman theme, acrobatic dancers, live music performance, open bar, lots of pros, media and UB staff.  Ultimate Bet put on a good show.  It was a great way to kick off the start of the Main Event which began shortly after and to celebrate their milestone anniversary.

As it got later on into the night, I heard that some friends had tables at XS in the Encore.  A group of us left the UB party, grabbed some cabs, and headed over for a little after-party.  XS was amazing, as usual, and the good times continued.

As it got late, I decided to head out with a couple of people who were remaining.  I had to be up to play in the morning and now is not the time to party until the sun comes up.  I did, however, sit down for a few hands of black jack, which turned out to be quite profitable.  Every once in a while it is nice to sit down and gamble a little bit, just release and forget about life for a bit.

- Brandon Cantu

Tags: Annie Duke, Encore, Joe Reitman, MGM, Studio 54, ub, XS

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