By Margaret Malsam
Fountain in the dessert station bubbles out chocolate fondue for dipping. Photos by Margaret Malsam.
If you love chocolate, you will want to dine at the Seasons Buffet in The Lodge Casino in Black Hawk. Two tempting fondue fountains in the dessert station swirl out warm mounds of white chocolate and dark chocolate to satisfy your chocolate yearnings.
Chocolate has been proven to be good for you. Nutritionists have discovered that chocolate has a wide variety of benefits for the body, including a healthy supply of vitamins and minerals, mood-lifting neurotransmitters to fight depression and a powerful collection of antioxidants to help keep you healthy.
At The Lodge’s buffet, you can choose from a large assortment of fruits and pastries and have the attendant dip each piece in the bubbling chocolate for you. Fresh strawberries and pineapple are my favorites for chocolate dipping.
Meat carvings plus fine sausages are served at the Seasons Buffet.
The chocolate fountains, however, aren’t the only reason The Lodge’s all-you-can-eat buffet is so popular. Customers keep coming back for more great food from their action grill and carving stations, made-to-order pasta and omelets, seafood, specialty salads, savory soups and fancy desserts. Delicious, succulent crab legs are on the buffet seven nights a week.
My husband and I have eaten many times with out-of-town guests at The Lodge’s buffet, and we’ve always been quite pleased with both the variety and the fresh quality of the food. The Seasons Buffet opens daily at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, followed by lunch and dinner. It also features a Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., plus late night dining from a menu from 11:30 p.m. – 6 a.m. Seniors can dine at a discount with their Winners Club playing card on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more special offers, periodic updates and giveaways by e-mail, you can sign up for their E club. Be sure and check the Colorado Gambler for special offers, promotions and coupons in the Winner’s World insert.
White Buffalo Grille offers delectable evening dining with wine pairings.
J.C. Collier, Colorado director of Food and Beverage for Jacobs Entertainment (owner of the Lodge and Gilpin casinos), explained that much of their produce and meats are purchased from Colorado companies, like Tonali’s Meats, a Colorado and family-owned distributor. For an example, he pointed out that when Palisade peaches are at their prime goodness their chefs make peach pie and peach cobbler from these tasty, prized peaches.
“We also serve Rocky Ford cantaloupe,” he said.
White Buffalo Grille
Located atop the “bridge” at The Lodge, the White Buffalo Grille offers spectacular mountain views. Its unusual name is derived from old Native American legends surrounding the rare white buffalo. Many experts believe the White Buffalo legend about rituals leading to an era of peace parallels other religions and traditions, according to a menu page.
Tempting salmon fillets are one of many entrees offered at the Seasons Buffet.
Of course, buffalo tenderloin is one of the White Buffalo Grille’s many fine entrees that are paired with wine suggestions for fabulous evening dining. Other delectable entrees are Colorado rack of lamb, colossal Atlantic lobster tail and tournedos Oscar. Appetizers include such taste tempting treats as crab cakes with crisp cabbage slaw and lemon-capers aioli or beef tenderloin tips topped with bleu cheese, cream and balsamic reduction. A choice of a house-prepared soup or salad comes with these entrees. Tasty side accompaniments, such as sautéed mushrooms, butter poached asparagus or Yukon Gold mashed potatoes are served with their prime grade steaks and surf & turf entrees.
For a sweet ending to a gourmet meal, The Lodge’s Executive Chef Paul Kapla prepares such scrumptious desserts as fudgy wudgy chocolate cake, gourmet apple pie, colossal New York cheesecake, triple layer carrot cake and lemon drop cheesecake. Dinner hours are 5 – 9 p.m., Sunday – Thursday, and until 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are suggested, 303-582-6375. Prices range from $16.95 to $39.95.
Jake’s Deli
For those gamblers in a hurry to get back to their machines, Jake’s Deli features made-to-order sandwiches, great pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, soup and salads, and fresh baked cookies. When my friend comes up the mountain to gamble, she loves to go Jake’s for their Chicago-style hot dog with traditional toppings served in a poppy seed bun. Jake’s is open daily starting at 10:30 a.m.
Java-n-Crème
For a light quick energy snack or beverage, try The Lodge’s Java-n-Crème bar located near the east entrance on first floor. It features premium coffees, espressos, lattes, tasty smoothies, Bonnie Brae ice cream and fresh baked goodies from 6 a.m. – 3 a.m. daily.
For more information, visit www.thelodgecasino.com.
