When I think of casinos, my mind immediately goes to “Las Vegas.” I am usually in Vegas for a convention or to see a show and not necessarily to play the newest Sex in the City slot machine (a story for another post).  I have absolutely nothing against casinos or gambling for that matter, but I know my strengths and weaknesses and gambling is not one of them.  I tend to like the casinos for the other attractions, so when I was invited to check out Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, I was intrigued to see what they had in store.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

This night, in particular, was a blogger event – a great way to bring together local food, travel, and lifestyle bloggers to tour the newly expanded and renovated facility and talk shop.  We started our evening off with a signature cocktail, named Maximus – Nolet’s ® Private Reserve, Grey Goose® VX, Grand Marnier® 100 spray, Lilet Blanc® ice cubes and a 23k gold leaf garnish in a beautiful vintage-inspired glass – and off we went to our first stop, Fresh Harvest.

Fresh Harvest

I took a quick peek at what the buffet had to order, and can attest that there is something for everyone here. I was especially impressed with their sushi bar!

Once seated, we tasted a few of their delicious offerings.  We started with the Ahi Tuna Poke Poke served on gyoza skin with avocado.  It was the perfect starter – super fresh and yummy.

Next, we moved on to the braised pork wing.  Also known as “When Pigs Fly” (get it?), the meat fell off the bone.  The “wing” was paired with Peruvian purple potatoes.

Sorrisi

If you’re looking for a top-notch Italian place, look no further than Sorrisi.  We were escorted into the private Chianti room to continue our tasting tour.  Placed in front of us was Maine lobster ravioli with ricotta and herbs in a cognac lobster sundried tomato cream.  Wow.  It was paired with grilled romaine, prosciutto, and Reggiano cheese and the most fantastic chardonnay I’ve had in ages.

When I heard the chef explain that the Greco di Tufo’s Mastroberardino® is aged in stainless steel barrels, I knew why I liked it so much (I am not a fan of oak-barreled chardonnays).  As if that wasn’t enough delicious food, we had one more food stop to go!

NYY Steak

I’ve eaten at NYY before and was already a fan – of the food and the Yankee’s decor!  First, we stopped to meet with the lead butcher, Walter Apfelbaum and learned all about where their beef comes from and how they prepare it.  Next, we were off to our table.  I had never tasted caviar until this evening.  NYY presented us with the traditional Osetra caviar service complete with egg, red onion, creme fraiche, and chives.  I have to say I was a bit nervous at first, but it was good.

When the waiter brought around the house-cured and smoked Kurobuta pork belly (bacon) hanging on what looked like a mini clothesline over cornbread, I knew my husband was going to be super jealous.  The bacon was heavenly; the cornbread super soft and tasty.

As if we didn’t have enough to eat, out came NYY’s prime dry-aged New York strip with creamed spinach.

Oh, and I definitely cannot forget the black truffle mac and cheese – it was DELISH!

Dessert, which I couldn’t even take more than one spoon before needing someone to roll me out of there, was their signature 151 Volcano (vanilla ice cream, Heath bar crunch, and 151 rum).

level2

The night ended at level2, the casino’s non-smoking section on the second floor.  They spoiled us with Brandy Alexanders and a beautiful dessert display.

In Between All of the Food…

In between all of the different dishes we tried, I learned a lot about the casino.  Aside from the three restaurants we visited, you can also choose from:

• 1st Street Deli
• Nectar
• Sunset Grill

Throughout the year, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek’s Pavilion is the home to many acts – singers, comedians, and the like.  If you do gamble, there are 2,000Las Vegas-style slot machines and 70 live table games like blackjack, poker, and baccarat.

So this is what I’m thinking – if you’re planning a trip to South Florida, I highly recommend you take a night to enjoy dinner and a show at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. If you are a local, you are even luckier because you can do so more often!

Check out their entertainment schedule and learn more about the casino as a whole on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.