Published: Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 6:11 PM Updated: Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 6:54 PM
WAYLAND TOWNSHIP — Myrtle Sevenski, 83, navigated the buffet line at Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen in the food court at the Gun Lake Casino.
She picked out a plate of pizza and pasta.
Sevenski, a Friends of Gun Lake Indians member from Elmira took in the special guest party at the casino while staying with relatives in the area.
She said she’s been to many of the casinos in Michigan and considers the Gun Lake Casino’s 125-seat food court with four national restaurant franchises to be a good start.
“It’s a very nice beginning,” she said. “They’ll keep adding.”
Had she wanted, Sevenski could have chosen among several other dining options at the casino. The 225-seat, 24-hour-a-day Sandhill Café will offer classic breakfast options ($6.25 waffles, $8.25 omlettes to name a few), casual fare by day and bistro-style dining by night.
In addition to dishes like pot pie, Indian tacos and a $19 prime rib, the cafe will also feature traditional tribal recipes including Fry Bread, wild rice soup and a $16.25 potato-encrusted Great Lakes Walleye entree prepared under the direction of executive chef Michael Frank.
The line was long to get into the cafe and guests were looking at a 45-minute to an hour wait for tables. Staff said the cafe menu will change on a regular basis.
From left to right in the food court, guests wound their way past franchise locations like a Tim Hortons (open 24 hours), Cold Stone Creamery (open 24 hours), Villa and Johnny Rockets (both open Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 10 am. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday).
Employees walked the food court floor with questions and passing out samples. Pat Staley, a Wayland Township trustee, tried Johnny Rockets for the first time.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things,” she said about the classic Americana-style diner that features burgers, malts and shakes.
The food court restaurants are all leased outlets through Labelle Management of Mount Pleasant and employees were hired through the management company, said casino spokespeople.
“So far, this is my favorite job,” said Molly Kirk, 19, of Portage, behind the Villa counter, serving pizza slices to guests. Although she is too young to enter the casino floor — you must be 21 — she said she enjoys the upbeat atmosphere.
E-mail the author of this story: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|