Hard Rock International has announced plans to build a 41,000-square-foot Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip, just north of the MGM Grand (as part of a reconfiguration of the Showcase Mall).

The three-story venue will house a restaurant with an outdoor dining deck, gift shop and concert hall, and is scheduled to open in summer 2009. The Hard Rock Cafe on Paradise Road will remain in operation. The cafe operations and the Hard Rock Casino are owned by different companies, and the Hard Rock on the Strip will not include a casino.

Planet's alignment delayed: The grand-opening party for Planet Hollywood has been pushed back a couple of months. The last dates were Sept. 28-29, but "scheduling conflicts," presumably of some big-name Hollywood types, triggered a delay. The new dates are Nov. 16-17. Owner Robert Earl is promising "one of the city's biggest celebrity bashes."

Prime Discount: Jerry's Nugget coffee shop, famous for serving one of Las Vegas' best prime ribs, is dealing. This month, get the English cut for $6.99 and the thick cut for $12.99. The monster double cut stays at $29.99. Time limit: Who would've guessed? Signs have been showing up in a few buffets stating the maximum amount of time that diners may stay in the room. The time limit in Station Casinos' buffets is two hours, while the Sam's Town buffet allows only 90 minutes.

Q. I know Las Vegas is supposed to offer 24-hour everything, but what about whole Maine lobster?

A. Twenty-four-hour lobster hasn't been a constant over the years. Some places in the Asian district serve it about 18 hours, but not 24. However, one around-the-clock play does exist. The Coachman's Inn, east of the Strip at the corner of Desert Inn and Eastern, serves a 1 1/4-pound whole lobster with vegetable, potato and bread at any hour. It's a good one, and the price is just $22.95.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.