Rotisserie
Buffet a rare find in casinos
By Christopher
Maund, Outpost
contributer
Reno residents give two
thumbs up to the Rotisserie Buffet for good reason: it
offers a wide selection of food for an unbeatable price. The
Rotisserie is undoubtedly one of the best buffets in Reno.
John Ascuaga sets high standards inside
his Rotisserie Buffet as with the rest of his
Sparks casino.
Photo by
Christopher
Maund
Located next to the main desk in John Ascuaga's Nugget, the Rotisserie Buffet serves brunch, lunch and dinner.
At the $10.95 Sunday brunch, staff dishes up made-to-order omelets, fresh waffles, French toast, bread pudding and half a dozen types of fruit &endash; all of which complement the wide variety of desserts, Italian sausage and cold shrimp.
Two aisles of food, each
adorned with brass lighting, glass panels and wooden
counters, run longer than 50 feet. The dessert and omelet
kiosks sit at opposite ends. The European ambiance, an
old-world style relaxed through indirect lighting. The
restaurant is kept spotless by a staff that cleans up spills
every few
minutes. (775) 356-3300 From Reno take I-80 East to the Nugget Avenue
exit. Stay in the right lane. Free parking is on
the left. Valet parking is also available.
Restaurants in the Nugget accept major credit
cards, cash and local checks with guarantee card.
Guests of the hotel can charge food directly to
their room bill.
The Rotisserie Buffet offers a brunch on
Saturday and Sunday. It costs $10.95, and opens at
8:30 a.m. on Sunday and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Closing time on both days is 2 p.m.
Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11
a.m. until 2 p.m. It costs $7.50.
Dinner schedules are as follows:
Monday: Seafood. $13.50
Tuesday: America's Best (replaced Fiesta Night).
$12.95
Wednesday: Ribs. $10.50
Thursday: Prime rib. $12.95
Friday: Seafood with shells. $16.95
Saturday: Gourmet. $16.95
Sunday: International. $10.50
The dinner buffet operates Sunday through
Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., and on Friday and
Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m.
Both the smoking and the non-smoking sections have about two dozen booths and tables each. The semi-circle booths, fitted with plush red seats, fit up to four comfortably. The wooden chairs, four of which surround each table, are sturdy and comfortable.
An electric fireplace, complete with a stone hearth and a framed equestrian print, gives the non-smoking section a homey feel. Of course, Keno is available at every table.
During a recent brunch, the dozen servers kept the coffee hot, the pulpy orange juice cool and the water ice cold. All three beverages were included in the price. Never did a glass remain empty for more than two minutes. The staff was helpful and courteous -- not overly friendly, but willing to assist. No one was rushed. The service was efficient and professional.
Ascuaga, surprisingly, did not give the full-luxury touch to his Sunday buffet. The linen tablecloths were missing, replaced by paper placemats. Ditto with the napkins. The linen variety, according to one Nugget employee, only came with dinner.
The food was fresh and well spiced. The biscuits and sausage gravy, laced with sage and black pepper, tasted great -- especially when located between three strips of crispy bacon and a spoonful of "melts-in-your-mouth" bread pudding, which hinted of sweet vanilla and cinnamon.
The quartered Italian sausage links were mixed with sautéed green peppers and onions. The fried potatoes were complemented with the same luscious peppers and sweet onions. For those not inclined toward such fare, hash browns also were available. Plain sweet sausage was not on the buffet.
In observance of Halloween, about half of the staff donned some sort of costume. Being seated by two witches and Uncle Fester illustrated that even some serious, businesslike casinos can have a lighter, more playful side.
The Rotisserie Buffet does not have a dress code. Jeans are acceptable. Most of the Sunday brunch patrons wear sweaters and slacks. Service is first-come, first-serve.
More is offered at The Rotisserie Buffet than just Sunday brunch. Dinners are theme-based, with seafood and rib buffet specials throughout the week. Prices range from $10.50 to $16.95.
Be sure to show up early, and take a group. Parties of eight to 12 can reserve their own private dining room. Otherwise, you may have to wait in line.
Posted
Dec. 1, 1999
Copyright 1999
Nevada Outpost
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