What many wrote off as a pure pipe dream may not be after all. A Texas businessman who proposed building a 1,888-foot hotel condo project on the site of the former Wet 'n' Wild water park on the Strip last week made a $40 million land-option payment to retain control of the 27-acre site. Immediately after, Australian billionaire James Packer announced that he was buying into the project for a 37.5 percent stake; the development would be called Crown Las Vegas. If completed, the $5 billion 142-story 5,000-room hotel-casino would be 739 feet taller than the Stratosphere, and the tallest building in the western hemisphere. Many issues remain to be settled, however, not the least of which is getting Federal Aviation Administration approval.

Country Cookin': One of the operators behind Gilley's at the New Frontier says he'll build a massive new country venue this summer on Las Vegas Boulevard, three miles south of Mandalay Bay. Stoney's Rockin' Country will feature more than 20,000 square feet of live music, line-dancing, mechanical-bull riding, and two full-service bars. The country market will open when the existing Gilley's is closed for the New Frontier's announced demolition.

$10 Dinners: As part of its ongoing 10th anniversary celebration, the Silverton has introduced a special menu at its Mi Casa Cantina Grill offering 10 items for under $10. Featured dishes include tortilla soup ($5.99), quesadillas ($7.99), and enchiladas, burritos and fajitas ($9.99). This may be the best casino-based Mexican restaurant in town, even at normal pricing.

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