Okay, foodies – be truthful: one of the best things about going to a conference is trying out new restaurants or new dishes, am I right? Harrah’s has a lot to offer food-wise, so get your palates ready!
First, if you’re attending a luncheon – I’m not going to give away every detail, but as an insider, I can tell you that I have been seeing menus that include “warm caprese chicken” and “mushroom duxelle” and “chocolate blackout cake.” Yum!
If you’re headed to a brown bag lunch, there are several options inside the hotel where you can pick something up. Just steps from the conference area is the Harrah’s Food Court which features Deli No. 4, The Pizza Joint, and Tipsy Cream. The deli serves breakfast sandwiches and bagels in the morning, lunch sandwiches and salads in the afternoon and beyond. The Pizza Joint opens at noon and has pizza by the slice or by the pie, calzones, strombolis, Italian hot dogs, and the like. Tipsy Cream features fresh made doughnuts, sweet treats and adult milkshakes. (!!!) More quick bites can be had at Café Tazza in the hotel lobby, open 24 hours.
Looking for a great place to have a sit-down meal? You have several great options to choose from.
The Waterfront Buffet boasts fresh ingredients, dining stations from around the world and CRAB LEGS EVERY DAY! Open from 4-8pm during our conference.
Sammy D’s Kitchen and Bar is open 7am-2pm and 5-10pm for casual dining at its finest. Salted caramel pancakes appear on the brunch menu and Philly Cheesesteak dumplings are served at lunch and dinner – so I know what I’ll be trying! (Their specialty cupcakes sound really tasty, too!)
Have lunch at The Pool! Take a break and stretch out in the sun – have some coconut shrimp, a refreshing salad, and/or a tropical cocktail! Serving from 11:30am-5pm.
If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll want to head to McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. The menu features a “Fresh List” of over 30 seafood varieties. If you’re more of a landlubber, there are also aged steaks, salads, chicken, and pasta dishes as well.
Dos Caminos Restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but if you’re staying on Sunday night or Wednesday night (5:30-10pm), you can sample some of their authentic Mexican dishes.
For a more upscale experience, try Martorano’s for fine Italian cuisine (closed Monday, but open Tuesday night from 5:30-10:30pm), Oshi Sushi & Sake for an amazing sushi and sashimi experience (closed Monday and Tuesday, but open Wednesday night 5pm-1am), or The Steakhouse for… well… steak (open Monday night from 5-9:30, closed Tuesday and Wednesday).
Not terribly concerned about the food, but looking for the nearest Happy Hour? No problem!
The Steakhouse: Check out the new 777 Happy Hour- available at the Bar only. Friday thru Tuesday from 5pm till 7pm. Featured Items: $7 craft beers, $7 signature cocktails, $7 Select Wines, $1 Clams on the half shell, $2 Oysters on the half shell (Take out is excluded. Tax not included.)
The Pool: Get Happy at The Pool twice in one day! Enjoy drink and food specials! Reverse Happy Hour 11:30am-1:30pm, Afternoon Happy Hour 3-6pm.
Eden Lounge: Happy Hour 4-7pm.
X-Bar: Stay Happy All Day with 6am-6pm Happy Hour Specials!
Dos Caminos: Happiest Hours with great specials! La Hora Buena - 5pm-7pm Sunday through Friday
$5 Margaritas & $4 Domestics, Complimentary Chips and Salsa.
No matter where you choose to dine or imbibe, remember that all of the above are right on the Harrah’s property only steps from the conference center – no need to leave the building! Happy eating!
Kimberly Paone and the 2016 Conference Committee