"The Spread" dry-run
It was a dry-run for chefs and servers at “The Spread” buffet at the Horseshoe Casino downtown. Contemporary takes on traditional American, Italian, Asian and Eastern European dishes are prepared at seven different stations, all with open kitchens where you can see the chefs at work.  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and pizza will be served along with more exotic fare, like duck enchiladas, Ramen noodles and Dim-sum.

The focus is local
Executive Chef Steven Varga says what will set this casino buffet apart from others, is that local, seasonal produce, meats and cheeses are incorporated into at the all dishes. Varga expects the greens to become one of the casino’s signature dishes.

“Definitely that station there, the salad station. When they see it’s not just greens in a bowl, they’re getting an actual composed dish, whether it’s a chopped salad, we have a mini iceberg wedge salad. So we’re very much in tuned to bringing that type of produce and produce to Cleveland. I think the people will really like the pierogi program too.”

"Shuffle" station
Chef Mike Wyatt runs the buffet’s “Shuffle” station where multi-ethnic cuisines are prepared.

“It’ll change day to day, a lot of Eastern European stuff because there’s a big influence in Cleveland, as well as some Latin American foods we have out today. Pierogis, we’re going to do a mac and cheese bar where you can choose your cheese and your topping and they’ll make it right in front of you.” Another local favorite being served is Lake Erie perch.

Cost
Casino visitors who sign up for the loyalty program, which offers discounts based on money spent, will pay $10 for breakfast, $14 for lunch and $24 for dinner. People who stop in just to eat at the buffet will spend about two dollars more per meal. Casino officials hope downtown workers chose the buffet for breakfast and lunch. 

The head of food and beverage for the Horseshoe Casino is Kaywan Samadinie. He says the quality of the buffets’ offerings must be at least as good as the food at other downtown restaurants.