A much-anticipated feature of the Las Vegas opening of Planet Hollywood this month is the Trader Vic's restaurant and its outdoor patio, which may now be the best al-fresco Strip-view dining venue in town. It overlooks the boulevard and the massive CityCenter construction site across the street, and figures to be even better when that complex is completed. Vic's serves daily beginning at 11 a.m., making it an excellent choice for a classy lunch.

TIGER HABITAT CLOSES: One of Las Vegas' first and most popular free attractions, the Royal White Tiger Habitat at the Mirage, has closed. The spot that housed the beautiful animals used in the Siegfried & Roy show will become a restaurant called BLT Burger, opening in spring of next year. Anyone wishing to see the tigers can still do so, for a fee of $15 per person, at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

BREW FOR TWO: The Gold Coast is selling $2 Heineken in the bottle at all bars. The deal is good 24/7 throughout November.

Q. What will happen to the great Station Casinos properties when that company completes its deal to go private?

A. Nothing, from the standpoint of the casinos and their operating style. The move — which has secured final approval this month — is purely a business maneuver and should, if anything, lead to even more building by Las Vegas' biggest "locals casino" company. Next up is Aliante Station, planned for next year on the northwest side of town.

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