HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA JUST GOT FUNNER WITH HELL’S KITCHEN
by tony reverditto
Just over four years ago, at a silent auction, I won a stay at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center. We had so much fun that we have been going once a month ever since. With a Caesars Reward Card, you enjoy perks such as free stays, resort credits for food, free play and much more.
If you really want to live it up on a staycation, I highly recommend the “Oh So Suite rooms,” 1,028 square feet of cozy living area and a large primary with a king-size bed. Gaze at the action-packed pool from a roomy private balcony or let your imagination run free as you enjoy the views of gorgeous “Funner, California.” My favorite feature of the room is the deep soaking Jacuzzi tub.
At the casino, it is always a fun-filled adrenaline rush with 1,500 slot machines and more than 50 table games ranging from blackjack to Pai gow poker to Roll to Win eCraps. Table games team members can join the Impressive Progressive — California’s first all-table progressive jackpot.
Before I delve into the dining experience at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, let’s give a shout-out to all of the restaurants at Harrah’s. Each one is excellent, with its own unique spin, from fast casual at Smash Burger to the fine dining experience at Fiore. The Café is our go-to for a solid tasty meal after a day of partying. While the service can be spotty at KJ Chinese Restaurant, the food represented from various Asian regions is always authentically delicious.
I have been a food writer for over 15 years and was probably more excited to dine at Hell’s Kitchen then any its predecessors. The biggest reason is probably because I have been a super fan of the Hell’s Kitchen competition reality series since the first episode aired on May 30, 2005. Year after year, my mouth watered as multi-Michelin starred master chef Gordon Ramsey saw his signature dishes make their way to diners. Finally, my palette would experience these classics at the highly anticipated opening of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant, which debuted on Friday, August 12, 2022.
The nation’s largest Hell’s Kitchen restaurant, a replication of the legendary concept seen on the long-running Fox program, is truly a feast for the senses, emblazoned with the iconic red and blue flames. The spacious restaurant seating 332 guests features three areas for guests to experience the Hell’s Kitchen vibe, including a full-service restaurant, a posh lounge and two private dining areas with 11,360 square feet. Other features include an elegant bar, a stunning curated wine wall, an exhibition kitchen, and two chef’s tables for the ultimate VIP dining experience.
At the helm of this amazing creation is Chef Redentor “Reden” Ramos, executive chef for Hell’s Kitchen. He will oversee everything from making sure each entrée is crafted to perfection to ensuring each guest leaves happy and satisfied. With three decades of experience working in hotels and restaurants, Chef Reden has proven his talent and skill and said he is excited to bring a fresh approach to the classic ingredients, techniques and training to the next generation of chefs with high standards in mind.
Chef Reden resides in Murrieta but has lived all over the country. He said his childhood dream of becoming a chef began in the Philippines where he worked in his mother’s restaurant. As an adult, he mastered the barbecue pits of St. Louis, Missouri and learned how to filet fresh fish in Seattle, Washington. Chef Reden has cooked in the kitchens of resorts such as the Hyatt, Hilton, Hotel Del Coronado and now at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. He got his first taste of “Funner, California” as the Specialty Banquet and Buffet Chef from 2009 to 2014. Hell’s Kitchen is located where the phenomenal buffet used to be and will be the perfect replacement since the days of the buffet seem to have faded away due to the ongoing pandemic.
The transformation from buffet to Hell’s Kitchen is jaw-dropping. Once seated, we looked over the well-appointed Specialty Cocktail menu and wine list, and were greeted by the lovely Carolina. The signature cocktails are very cool and unique, but my guest decided on a glass of Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley 2020 Chardonnay, which is one of his favorites. I chose a Patron Spicy Margarita, which was presented beautifully with a slice of orange branded with the Hell’s Kitchen logo. The spicy margarita had a nice kick of heat, while still being very thirst-quenching.
I knew years before my visit exactly what I would order. We started with Oysters on the Half Shell and Shrimp Cocktail. Both were ultra-fresh, and these treasures of the sea were the perfect starter to what would be a phenomenal dining experience.
There was no way I was going to miss out on the Pan Seared Scallops garnished with celery root, braised bacon lardons and pickled Granny Smith apples. Was it everything I anticipated and hoped for? That would be an astounding yes. Tender, seared perfectly while melting in my mouth. We shared an order of the signature Lobster Risotto, butter poached lobster tail, truffle risotto topped with crispy onions. The tender lobster was sublime and the accent of truffle in the risotto was perfection.
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard Chef Ramsey, yell, “It’s raw!” in reference to the cook on the legendary Beef Wellington on his reality TV show. Well, at Harrah’s Southern California, my wasn’t, nor was the buttery puff pastry, both were cooked to perfection, accompanied with a delightful potato purée, glazed tender root vegetables, with the Wellington drizzled with a red wine demi-glace. My guest loved the Crispy Skin Salmon served with warm white beans, sea bean salad, Ibérico chorizo, adorned with a lovely citrus beurre blanc. He complimented on how well-balanced the white beans were with the salmon.
We had the sinful Sticky Toffee Pudding because it sounded too good to resist, as well as the Peanut Butter Fudge Cheesecake served with house made ice cream. Both were heaven in hell!
There is a reason that this franchise continues to explode with new locations. It’s because of the attention to detail in every aspect of the operation, from the interior design to the professionalism of the staff to the consistency of the fantastic staple menu. If you haven’t been to a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant, I highly recommend that you do!
Harrah’s Resort Southern California is located at 777 S Resort Drive, Valley Center, California. harrahssocal.com or 760.751.3100
FUN FACT ABOUT FUNNER, CALIFORNIA
Actress, comedian, author and game show host Jane Lynch became the fictitious “Mayor of Funner, California” on May 19, 2022, at 4:01 p.m. It marked the first time a female and openly LGBTQ person was inducted.
“Wow, I am incredibly humbled and so excited to be here with you all in my favorite city in the world, Funner, California,” Mayor Jane said. “If you’re not ready for 100% fun, 100% of the time — do I have some sorry news for you. Funner is more than a place, it’s a state of mind. It’s an oasis and a reprieve from the everyday mundane, where everyone is welcome and surprises can be found at every corner. It is my wish and my duty that I lead the people to join us and follow their own Funner.”