submitted by Yavapai Gaming Agency
The Food and Beverage Management Team at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos have received the prestigious Arizona Indian Gaming Association’s People’s Choice Award.
The award was the culmination of the AIGA Chef’s Challenge, a culinary battle represented by eight of Arizona’s premier casino and resort chefs. The AIGA Expo was held at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa in October.
The team included Food and Beverage Director Chef Alex Riviera, Chef Will Caster, Chef Mert Dorsey and Food and Beverage Manager Grant Routson.
The theme for this year’s challenge was Native Flavors: Arizona is Your Pantry, allowing participants to showcase their skills while incorporating Arizona’s local ingredients. The meal was prepared on site and served to 200 guests who voted for the People’s Choice Award, declaring Riviera and his team the award winners.
The winning menu consisted of roasted lamb with prickly pear demi and cheese stuffed courgette flowers served on roasted poblano corn cakes.
The People’s Choice Award shines a spotlight on the incredible Food and Beverage Team at both Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos and their hard work in uniting their team and offering incredible dining options to local and visiting guests, enticing them to return again and again.
Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos are properties of the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe. Offering two dining options and styles, the Grey Room at Bucky’s Casino creates cuisine with a fresh take on seasonal and local ingredients made from scratch, and the Cantina at Yavapai Casino invites guests to enjoy all their classic, delicious favorites.
