The front section of The Linq opened Dec. 27 with O’Sheas casino, a few restaurants and a retail store in operation. It’s only a preview of what the center-Strip restaurant, bar and nightclub district that is sandwiched between the Flamingo and The Quad will be when it’s completed in March, but it provides a good glimpse of what’s in store (including an up-close look at the towering observation wheel).

The return of O’Sheas is the main attraction. Far from the former divey O’Sheas that was demolished to make way for The Linq, this is a sleek and modern version, with a stained-concrete floor and classy wall coverings. It’s actually a minicasino within the Quad, but it’s a neat little nod to the past.

» Party place: The new O’Sheas is going all out to position itself as a place to party. At any of three bars, draft Miller Light, Coors Light, Blue Moon and Redd’s Apple Cider are $3, and Jager and fireball shots are $6. There’s a foosball table on the floor that’s free to play, daily beer pong tournaments at 3 p.m. and live music from 4 to 11 p.m., then DJs till 3 nightly. Just watch out for the whistle-blowing leprechauns.

» Asian at M: A new restaurant called Jayde Fuzion has opened at M Resort, featuring Asian small plates with a "Mississippi flair." The executive chef is Seonkyoung Longest, winner of Food Network’s "Restaurant Express."

» Twofer Thursdays: Get two-for-one buffets every Thursday in January at the Silverton casino. You have to have a players club card, but they’re free and easy to get at the Silverton club booth.

QUESTION: A friend told me that the new casino downtown doesn’t have parking. It has a hotel, so where do guests park?

ANSWER: Parking is indeed a problem at the new Downtown Grand, which doesn’t have its own self-parking garage or lot. You can use valet, but if you want to park yourself, you’ll have to poach a spot at one of the other area garages.

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