Photo of Hard Rock Cafe, Lake Tahoe
An hour away at Lake Tahoe, Paul Voss, director of catering and convention services for Caesars Entertainment Corporation, which owns Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino and purchased Harveys Resort and Casino in 2001 to operate the two adjoining South Shore properties as one entity, credits the types of dining options now available at the lake to changes in both supply and demand.
Visitors to Tahoe are looking for different things when they go out to eat as compared to urban tourists. Because so many people come for the outdoor activities—skiing, hiking and boating—healthy vegetarian options are a requirement.
Caesars now accommodates all types of special requests. When the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society came to town in June for their Bike the West event, they brought along a six-page list of dietary restrictions for attendees.
At the same time, hotel ownership has different goals than when Voss started in 1974. “At that time, the only reason to have restaurants was so guests wouldn’t stop gambling to leave the property,” he says. Food wasn’t expected to be a profit center. It was just supposed to fuel more gaming. Cheap diner food was the norm. Today, fine dining experiences are part of the total entertainment package at most Stateline properties.
In addition to the stunning views in the award-winning 19 Kitchen Bar at the top of Harveys and Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood Grill at the top of Harrah’s, the recently renovated 17,500-square-foot Special Events Center floor includes Sushi Kai sushi bar.
Just down the street, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino opened in 2015 after $60 million in renovations to the former Horizon Resort Casino with its signature The Oyster Bar restaurant.
Photo of Ciera Steak and Chophouse, Lake Tahoe
Nearby, Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa renovated the four-star Ciera Steak and Chophouse three years ago as part of a $24 million Scandinavian fantasy-style makeover that included all rooms and the convention center.
Further Reading:
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