We entered the Quad Cities area armed with much intelligence from a discussion with Mike Stapleton who lived there for several years. We knew where the casinos were, where to eat, and where to find cheap hotels so all that was left was to enjoy the environs.
We started at Rhythm City casino in Davenport. It was late Tuesday afternoon so not many folks were there. We found a low limit blackjack table with only a dealer. She told us her players had abandoned her because she had cleaned out their stakes. We were not intimidated and started to play.
When we registered for player cards she noticed our out of area driver's licenses and this led to a discussion about what we were doing there. Mel gave her what has become a story line and she called over the pit boss. This led to a call to the casino host. The casino host arranged a room for us at their Isle of Capri casino in Bettendorf, IA down (or maybe up) river from the little place where we were.
Mel enjoyed some success at the afternoon work session while I suffered a loss.
Later we enjoyed a meal at O'Melias Supper Club in Rock Island, a Mike Stapleton haunt and while the best bartender in the Quad Cities was having a day off, the meal turned out to be as promised. Mel had two pork chops, one batter deep-fried and the other broiled. The batter deep fried chop was completely finished and the broiled, while good, was the second choice. I had half a chicken and several potatoes worth of fries, both remained unfinished because of the ample portions.
Returning for another session at the Isle of Capri casino led to my recovering the money they were holding after the afternoon session and Mel returning some of his prior winnings. The room though is on the Concierge floor but doesn't face the river.
