By Denise Ortuno
With the recent addition of Pier 29 Food Court and La Diabla Maria, enjoying tasty eats as well as casino fun at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, is no gamble at all.
It’s one of the most popular casinos in the Coachella Valley, with plenty of gambling options, and a vibrant concert an entertainment venue. Now the casino favorite has added even more dining choices, truly giving casino goers a little something for everyone’s taste buds, “The new restaurants present flavors for any palate and terrific value in a fun, party-style atmosphere,” says General Manager Michael Frawley.
If you’re winning streak has led you to neglect those rumbles in your tummy, no need to travel too far from your cash cow, as you can just scoot on over to Spotlight 29’s new Pier 29 Food Court. In the new food court you will find satisfying eats to quell your rumbles, and get you back hanging out with Lady Luck.
Start off your food court fun with a stop at Easy Rita’s Margarita’s, for a refreshing libation, with or without alcohol. The concoctions come ready to go out of walled dispensers, with flavors such as Peachy Keen, Mango Magic, Perky Pina Colada, Strawberry Sweetheart, Legit Lemon Margarita and my favorite, Rock Star Raspberry. As mentioned, patrons can enjoy the liquid fun in PG form sans spirits, or kick it up to an R rating with the addition of a variety of liquors, including 1800 Tequila, Malibu Rum, Absolute Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, Jack Daniels and more. My G version Rock Star Raspberry was not overly sweet, and I found it comfortably refreshing. I’m sure it would be equally delish with a zap of liquor octane….maybe next time.
After your beverage respite, stop on over to Sharkey’s Pizza, for an 8” or 14” pizza with toppings of your choice. Toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, ham, red onions, jalapenos, pineapple, peppers and extra cheese will make your pie pleasing to your palate. My personal tasting pizza came with savory pepperoni and ham, happily together on a thin crust topped with tomato sauce and cheese. A fabulous pizza bite!
The last stop at the food court (or the first depending on which way that you started), is Mr. Weiner, a happening, hot dog haven! The tubular eatery has a wide selection of hot dog selections, all made with Nathans All Beef and served on Hawaiian buns. Those who dig hot dogs can choose either a 6” or 12” option. Selections include the Coachella Dog ( onion, tomato, pickles, jalapeno and Tapatio aioli), Obama Dog ( cheddar cheese, relish, onion, mustard and ketchup), Johnson (caramelized onions, avocado, arugula and spicy basil aioli) and my favorite, the Homewrecker (wrapped in 2 slices of bacon, sautéed onions and bell peppers), plus many others. The Homewrecker hot dog was amazing!! The hot dog was juicy, and the bacon introduced a smoky flavor, with the added savories’ of the onions and peppers. But the surprise was involving the Hawaiian bun to it, it brought it to a different level, creating a subtle sweetness and a softness to the dog. Add some crescent shaped fries and one of Mr. Weiner’s luscious shakes to your meal, and you will be completely re-charged for another round of gambling casino action!
On the chance that you were perhaps craving something south of the border, it’s a sure bet that their other new restaurant next to the Pier 29 Food Court, La Diabla Maria, will give you a winning meal. The Mexican themed venue serves some crazy fantastic street style tacos, on authentic house made corn or flour tortillas. Taco fillings include, el pastor, carne asada, pollo, tripas, lengua, barbacoa and pork chorizo. My el pastor was super delicious, some of the best that I’ve had in a while, and the tortillas, well…house made makes all the difference. I topped mine off with some of their scratch salsa and easily could have had 5 more. La Diabla Maria also offers flights of tequila, and cervezas frias to wash down all of the taco goodness. Muy delicioso!
Spotlight 29 Casino’s light just got brighter with the opening of their new food venues Pier 29 Food Court, and La Diabla Maria. Making it a winning bet for tasty eats, as well as exciting casino fun!
Spotlight 29 Casino is located at 46-200 Harrison Pl, Coachella, Ca 92236
For more information visit www.spotlight29.com
