Sometimes you’re fortunate enough to experience the perfect balance of fantastic food, awesome drinks, impeccable service and amazing atmosphere–all in the same meal. That was certainly the case at our 40th Anniversary celebration week kickoff lunch in Las Vegas. It has become an annual tradition to begin the week’s festivities at Nine Fine Irishmen in the New York New York Las Vegas Resort and Casino. After several flights and a long layover, we were ready for some cold beer and pub food… Irish-style!

We prefer OpenTable for making reservations. I specifically like adding information describing the purpose of our visit (i.e. birthday, anniversary, …) and preferred seating (i.e. the DraftMaster table). Most restaurants skim this information and perhaps make mention of a special event, but Nine Fine Irishmen used the information to create an experience.

Mike, Patti, Tammy and I started our lunch with the traditional Beer and Cheese Dip and Fried Sausages. Of course no pub appetizer is complete without a cold draft beer, and there was no shortage of options. From the classics like Guinness, Harp, Bass and Smithwick’s to all the usual domestics… we were in for a treat. The service was over the top. Our glasses were never empty, and the server was fun and engaging.

Part way through the main course(s) we were approached by the manager. And while this isn’t (and shouldn’t be) unusual, what happened next was memorable. Anthony Longenbach, Restaurant General Manager at MGM Resorts International – Nine Fine Irishmen, stopped by to wish us a very happy 40th Anniversary. Prior to our arrival, he made it a point to read the notes and comments I posted on the OpenTable reservation. He knew this was the traditional first stop of the week.

A few minutes later, Mr. Longenbach returned to the table with a special surprise–bourbon. He said he wanted to share their signature MGM bourbon with the “Bourbon Girl.” He poured four glasses… neat… and we toasted our 40th Anniversary, Nine Fine Irishmen, and the week to come. It was a great experience. Their attention to detail and customer-centric approach is why Nine Fine Irishmen has earned a loyal following. This venue gets top marks for quality, service, ambience and consistency.

Thanks again Anthony… we’ll see you and the Nine Fine Irishmen team next year!