Barona Resort and Casino
http://www.barona.com/dining/
The following review was sent by Michelle Hamm in 5/10:
Italian Cucina
"I wanted to write to you about an incredible dining experience which I had at the Italian Cucina in February 2010. I was visiting the casino with my Mom and wanted to enjoy a special dinner.
Our celiac support group teaches us how to work with restaurant staff to request special dietary needs. So I knew to stop into the restaurant was not busy to discuss my needs in advance with the staff. I approached the hostess and asked her if I could please speak with a chef to help me with my special needs. She asked Chef Michael to come out to help me. He was so kind and genuinely caring and took the time to listen. I explained to him my limitations, and asked if a couple entrees could be slightly modified to meet my needs. I chose the “fruit de mare” and asked if it could please be served with the polenta instead of the pasta (since the restaurant has polenta on the regular menu), and he said yes, no problem. He even offered to make the fried calamari with corn starch (instead of wheat flour), so I could enjoy it as well. I almost cried, since I thought I would never be able to eat fried calamari again in any restaurant. He asked what time I would be dining and so I made a reservation for 7pm that evening. He also asked for my name, and for me to please let the server know that I spoke with him regarding my dinner.
So at 7pm (on a busy Saturday night, amazing!), my mom arrived for our special dinner. Our server was Mario, who was incredibly attentive and he took the time to listen to my needs. I explained to him my situation (no wheat), and I think he might of thought I was a bit crazy (no wheat in an Italian restaurant). I went on to explain to him that I spoke with Chef Michael, and could he please give my order to him, and let him know Michelle was here, the girl who can’t eat wheat. He coordinated seamlessly with Chef Michael. I don’t think I’ve have better service or a more incredible meal than that night. It meant so much more to me, since I never thought I eat at a beautiful Italian restaurant again.
At the end of the meal, Chef Michael came out to my table to personally check on me, and I gave him a big hug. I don’t think he will ever realize how much that meal meant to me. On my way out, I let Ms. Xavier know how happy I was with the dinner and the service.
Buffet
On another note, I would also like to let you know that I have also eaten at the buffet. Since I was only diagnosed a year and a half ago, I was worried when I first ate there shortly after my diagnosis. At that time, I asked one of the hostesses if they could please ask a chef to please come out and help me with my dietary needs. A nice young man (who’s name I didn’t write down) came out and walked me personally though all the food stations and we discussed what I could and could not eat. I have never had any bad reactions to any foods which I have eaten at any restaurants at Barona."
Barona Resort and Casino
1932 Wildcat Canyon Road
Lakeside, CA 92040
1-888-722-7662
