The silverware is shined, the linens white and crisp and the staff eager to serve at the new Magnolia House restaurant. Celebrity Chef Kelly English debuted Magnolia House during an opening celebration among community leaders and invited guests. Attendees were treated to featured menu items and a tour of the highly anticipated restaurant, which opens at the soon-to-be Harrah’s Gulf Coast to the public on May 3. The new fine-dining amenity is ready to welcome and delight its guests with newly crafted dishes by the award-winning celebrity chef.
During the opening celebration, members of the community saw the restaurant’s Southern charm come to life as they walked through each of the unique rooms, sampling Kelly’s signature Magnolia House menu items, including Au Gratin Crab and Gulf Oysters with Cathead Vodka Mignonette. Further sweetening the event, were Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bites with Graham Cracker Crumble and Spiced Crème Anglaise.
English who was a 2009 Food and Wine Magazine Best New Chef and 2010 James Beard Semifinalist wanted his new restaurant to stand apart from the other dining options found on the Gulf Coast. “The vision behind Magnolia House was to bring people a refreshing restaurant concept, that offers exceptional food in a comfortable environment,” said English. “In exploring the different creative options, we thought nothing would accomplish that better than a restaurant designed around a Southern home. After all, that’s what the South is known for – its hospitality. When you bring that to the table, along with food you can’t experience anywhere else, you have a winning combination.”
The opening celebration was the perfect opportunity to showcase the menu and atmosphere coming together and completing the idyllic vision. And guests have even more to look forward to than just the food and hospitality. The restaurant will also display original works of art from the talented New Orleans based artist, Max Ryan.
“We wanted to create an indelible experience for our guests. Part of that is the décor and that’s where Max comes in,” said Jonathan Jones, senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Gulf Coast. “Max’s collection perfectly complements Magnolia House, because like Kelly, he’s native to the South and his collection is representative of the culture of our region. We’re excited and proud to work with a distinguished local artist like Max.”
Ryan, who works primarily with acrylic paints on canvas, uses texture, rich colors and special treatments that are inspired by various architectural details to create robust contemporary works full of personality. Patrons will not only be able to enjoy his artistic talent when they dine, but they will also have the opportunity to purchase the pieces of art that adorn the walls of Magnolia House, many of which, were created exclusively for the new restaurant.
The unveiling of Magnolia House was an important milestone in the transformation of Grand Biloxi Casino into Harrah’s Gulf Coast. Set to raise the standard in the culinary community, Harrah’s Gulf Coast is confident that Magnolia House will become a staple in the Southern culinary scene.
About Grand Biloxi Casino, Hotel and Spa
Grand Biloxi Casino, Hotel & Spa is one of 40 casinos in the Caesars Entertainment nationwide family of casino resorts and is conveniently located in the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Highway 90 in Biloxi. The 33,000-square-foot casino provides Total Rewards members with more than 800 slots and 35 table games. The Grand Biloxi Hotel features plasma TVs and pillow top bedding in each of its 494 rooms and suites. Other amenities include the luxurious, 16,000-square-foot Bellissimo Spa – complete with salon & fitness center, and the award-winning Grand Bear Golf Course – a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Grand Biloxi also offers an array of dining experiences, including Grand Buffet, Hotel Lobby Bar and the 24-hour Grand Cafe located in the hotel lobby. For more information or reservations, call 1-800-WIN-2-WIN or visit our website at www.grandbiloxi.com.