By Chef Mick Brown
Thanks for checking in with Chef Mick. Special Greetings to those who have followed me on Google, YouTube and in Social Media over the years. Of course, I have read and heard about strong arm robbery and racial discrimination in my lifetime. Who ever thought it would be done to me by a hotel in Las Vegas, with the aid of local police? I thought that I was staying at one of the happiest places on earth- Circus Circus Resort and Casino. Did you know that if a Black man is a guest at your Vegas resort, he can be jailed for trespass?
Part of my mission for Vegas trip was to decide on a vehicle upgrade for our charity’s 2020 plans to travel the US for outreach projects. Should I stay with the Infiniti QX60 or try out a Tesla for a change? Back to the trip. My first Vegas experience was learning that someone had hacked and sold the Lady Gaga tickets I had purchased a year ago for Thursday night’s “Enigma” show. Before reaching city limits, I was also enriched with a 110 mph Speeding Ticket courtesy of the Las Vegas Highway Patrol.
Things got better the next day, when Jennie from the Park Theatre Box Office upgraded me to the front of stage SRO area. So I got to sing eye-to-eye with Lady Gaga on Saturday night. Then the MGM Box Office gave me a second row aisle seat to the Michael Jackson “One” show on Sunday. The dancers interacted with me so much that people approached afterwards to ask if I was part of the show. Great times.
Earlier on Sunday, I was loaned a Model X by Las Vegas Tesla for the whole day. The car was an amazing feat of auto engineering and drove like a dream. They knew that I was an outgoing guy who would show it off to folks. Also, I was doing charity for the BBQ RESCUES! Foundation, so I even offered people free rides (within a mile). No one took me up on the offer, not even the homeless. Circus Circus security thought I was somehow soliciting something and asked me to stop talking to my new friends at the resort. Why?
Then it happened. I was maybe a little drowsy from the exciting night with Michael Jackson. While trying to check out of my room at Circus Circus on Monday, this creepy security guard named Clarke started following me around. I politely told him I was just packing my car, and asked to please give me space. He roared “NO! I’m calling the Manager!”. Seemingly seconds later a posse shows up with hotel staff and the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD). So now I am a drunk and disorderly Black man whose Photo ID has been mysteriously ditched by the Circus Circus Security Guard And/Or Staff. Please contact me if anything similar has happened to you in Las Vegas. [Email address is below].
Reality Check. Has anyone stayed at Circus Circus recently? Maybe it was just me, but I couldn’t ask staff for a water bottle without presenting my hotel key and a Photo ID. So the hotel pretended like I didn’t have it, even though I was staying in one of their rooms? As if. Or did they want a chance to deliberately steal all of my cash, valuables and bust up a new iMac Desktop computer that is owned by Charity? Do Non-Black Circus Circus Clients who are allegedly drinking get a chance to have coffee, sleep it off or are they all hauled off to jail?
Circus Circus- I’m listening for your Answers?
What happened afterwards is something I’m not quite yet ready to re-live. Will do so soon. I promise. Also, will update you on the car race. In the meantime I want you to please Live, Eat and Be Well.
Are there any good-hearted Civil and/or Defense Attorneys in Las Vegas? My Court Date is 12/19/19.
Chef Mick Brown is the Executive Director of national 501c3 Charity, the BBQ RESCUES! Foundation and hosts “BBQ RESCUES! TV With Chef Mick Brown” on Youtube. Professionally, he has appeared on television, winning the first ever BBQ themed episode of Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen”. He has also appeared on Spike TV, the Cooking Channel and on Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules” Season Finale. He has been a Judge at the World Food Championships (sponsored by Walmart). He is also known for presenting a Healthy BBQ Seminar at the National Barbecue and Grilling Association’s International Conference. Email Mick@bbqrescues.org.