ONLINE GAMBLING AND CASINO GUIDE

“Rexville” and “dining options” are two phrases which are rarely used in the same sentence.

While we do have some signature establishments such as Tiffany’s, Luv-It, Pepe’s, and Albo’s … for the most part, we are limited to fairly common offerings such as Carl’s Jr. and Denny’s.

This is a shame for such an urban, inner-city neighborhood, but such is the net effect of suburban sprawl.  It is my hope, and even counter-intuitive expectation, that Las Vegas may actually reverse its pattern of honky flight.  As the outer fringes become cheaper and de-facto “low income” areas, perhaps the former-elite will begin questioning their 45 minute commute.  It’s entirely possible that the central city will see a re-imagining.  If you are going to live among the riff-raff anyway, you may as well live closer to work and in a place that isn’t completely infested with strip malls and lawn nazis.

Dare to dream.

Until such a time comes when people extend a middle finger to “planned communities”, however, it’s always heartening when an independent business discovers the Rexville neighborhood.  Of course, this usually comes at the expense of a failed business, but such is the price of progress I suppose.

Sometime in mid-December, a new establishment took over the shaved ice parlor which used to sit directly adjacent to Dino’s.  The new restaurant is called the “Naked City Sandwich Shop”.  This joint was supposedly founded by a couple of chefs who worked in restaurants on The Strip.  Why did they decide to open a sandwich shop?  In this neighborhood of all places?  It’s hard to say, but it’s certainly an interesting move.

For the past 6 weeks or so, I have passed the Naked City Sandwich shop on a near-daily basis with alternating amusement and curiosity.  You have to give props to any business that openly advertises their affiliation with the seediest, most dangerous neighborhood in the entire state of Nevada.  At least that is the perception of said neighborhoods, and I’m not sure that it’s completely unwarranted.

On Saturday, I finally decided to dine in the establishment.

I called the place up and ordered their signature dish named, appropriately enough, “The Naked Sandwich”.  I figured if I called before I left, the sandwich would be ready to go by the time I got there, and this was indeed the case.

When I walked in and got the attention of the chef/cashier, she handed me a humongous bag to carry back home.  At first I thought she had gotten my order mixed up with that of a large corporate picnic, but as it turns out, they just use large paper bags because they hate trees.  Or because plastic bags make baby seals cry.  I’m out of the eco-loop, so I won’t pretend to know what is fashionable for the planet these days.

The cashier was pleasant enough, but I was a little dismayed by yet another goddamn tip jar.  I really wish businesses would stop putting these things by the cash register.  To me, it really, really seems like begging — and there is some kind of psychological pressure surrounding it.  It makes me feel like a penile implant if I put my change in my pocket instead of dropping it in the jar.  Like I am just oh-so cheap if I actually want to keep my coins.

It wasn’t like the sandwich was inexpensive either.  It was $10.  This is the same price as the Hash House and the Mad Greek, and is somewhat pricey for a carryout joint in Rexville.  I didn’t want to be an ass, but neither did I want to encourage the carry-out tip behavior … so I pocketed my change while looking around and acting like I didn’t see the jar.  I don’t want to be a pushover, but I don’t want to be rude either.

After waving to Craig Ferguson and passing three pants-less murderers on my way home, I tore open the bag and then opened the styrofoam container that encapsulated my sandwich.

Styrofoam inside of a paper bag?  Isn’t that an eco oxymoron?

Not for me to say.

Anyway, when I finally got to the food, I was pleasantly surprised.  I was greeted with a large sandwich, garlic/onion/salt roll containing a generous amount of roast beef.  It tasted even better than it looked.  The meat was rare, tender, and practically melted in my mouth.  Your mother says the same thing about my … never mind.

Seriously, I devoured the Naked Sandwich pretty quickly, and I found the meat to be some of the highest quality I have ever had in a ten buck deli offering.  Not only was the sandwich itself good, but so was the pickle and the vegetable sides.  Of the quick $10 meals I’ve had in the last few weeks, I would have to say that this was my favorite.  The fact that I procured the food in Rexville, within quick walking distance to my home made it all the better.

Now that I have actually tried the food, I think it is safe to say that I will be a repeat customer to The Naked City Sandwich Shop.

Great location, great name, great food … what’s not to like?

The prices may be a tiny bit on the high side for a strictly locals joint, but given the quality of the ingredients, I don’t imagine that the prices could be much lower.  If I can convince them to get rid of the damn tip jar, it just might be perfect.

The shop is also directly across the street from the Olympic Garden, and is a mere one block away from Luv-It Custard and the small crack/heroin market that operates behind it (trust me, I’m not telling the LVMPD anything they don’t already know).

In any event, for those of you who usually give no thought to the small, sketchy neighborhood that you have to traverse while going from The Strip to Fremont Street … you now have another reason to stop and spend some time here.

If you do happen to try out Naked City Sandwich, tell them Rex sent you.

They have absolutely no idea what my name is, but taking time to explain it to them will give you perfect cover to avoid the tip jar.

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