44°F
weather icon Mostly Cloudy

Station Casinos continues transformation of iconic Grand Cafes

Longtime Las Vegans who have come to know and love the Grand Cafes at their neighborhood Station casinos may be surprised to soon see dishes like a Chicken Enchilada Omelet on the menu, along with favorites breakfast classics and familiar dishes such as chicken-fried steak or a turkey dinner.

It’s all part of each cafe’s transition to the Brass Fork, which is complete at Santa Fe Station, and will occur June 3 at Sunset Station and this summer at Boulder Station.

“When we started developing the concept for the Brass Fork, we wanted to make sure our restaurants stayed relevant,” said Joseph Kudrak, corporate director of culinary operations. “There’s so much development in Las Vegas and so many new guests who have come to our properties. We want to be relevant to guests who have been loyal to us for many years, but also to someone who may not be a gambler — someone who might be a foodie, who’s looking for that new, creative dish.”

Thus the Chicken Enchilada Omelet, $12.99, which is an open-faced enchilada topped with a three-cheese omelet crowned with enchilada sauce, crema and guacamole.

“It’s over the top,” Kudrak said.

There’s also bacon and egg fried rice, $8.99, which Kudrak said “has been a really big hit.” And prime rib hash, $13.99, served with eggs and sweet-and-spicy barbecue aioli. Or the Loaded Hash Brown Omelet, $11.99.

“The churro waffle is super-flavorful and fun,” Kudrak said of the riff on the Mexican treat graced with salted caramel, bananas, dulce de leche whipped cream, Mexican chocolate and toasted peanuts, $9.99. “You can order that and share it in the middle of the table. It’s like having dessert for breakfast.”

Sandwiches include Elote Grilled Cheese, $10.99, which is three slices of brioche with a three-cheese blend, roasted corn, tajin, guacamole and pico de gallo. A classic Cubano, $10.99. The Cheddar Popper Burger, $12.99, with crispy chorizo and cheddar jalapeno poppers

Entrees include such choices as the French Onion Salisbury Steak, $11.99, with caramelized onions and French onion gravy, served with melted Swiss and Parmesan and garlic toast.

“It’s very much like a comfort-food item,” Kudrak said.

There’s a riff on steak frites, New York steak with garlic-herb fries, tarragon aioli and pickled onions, $15.99. Cajun chicken Alfredo, $12.99. Or his own favorite, chicken Parmesan, $10.99.

“There’s something for everyone,” he said.

Kudrak said the look of the cafes-turned-Brass Forks is much the same, because the recent attention has been on food and service.

Contact Heidi Knapp Rinella at Hrinella@reviewjournal.com. Follow @HKRinella on Twitter.

THE LATEST
 
Randy’s Donuts opens its 4th shop in Las Vegas

The new store features a signature mix of more than 60 doughnut varieties, plus new breakfast items and a drive-thru.

Top 10 things to do in Las Vegas this week

Singer Jennifer Hudson, Christmas movies and dancer Derek Hough lead this week’s entertainment lineup in Las Vegas.

1st look inside new downtown bar from chef James Trees

The latest project from the owner of Esther’s Kitchen features cocktail and snack pairings, nods to street art and a determination to make happy hour cool again.

How Ethel M Chocolates got its start in Henderson

Chocolatier Forrest Mars came out to Las Vegas to retire, but after learning about Nevada’s unique liquor laws, he decided to start a new brand instead.

 
Vegas-only dishes and more on the menu at new Strip steakhouse

Consider the caviar Twinkie. What is essentially a buttery cornbread forms the Twinkie cake; the yuzu crème fraîche stands in for vanilla cream filling. The caviar, of course, is wholly Vegas.

Top 10 things to do in Las Vegas this week

The return of Nevada Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” the NBA Cup and an immersive “Nightmare Before Christmas” top this week’s entertainment options.