When people think of casinos, they think of usually the lights and sounds of the slot machines, the padded green tables and sound of shuffling cards or the roulette wheel. Me, I think of the food. It’s true in Vegas, one of the premier destinations in the US for eating I think – and it’s true at the nearby to Portland Ilani Resort and Casino. Don’t let the Ridgefield Washington location put you off – it’s 30 minutes or less drive from Portland. I want to go there to eat. In particular, I’m a fan of Line and Lure Seafood Restaurant.
Line and Lure may be most known by those in the know with their brunch buffet, available on weekends. It’s where I’d take my parents or other relatives if they were in town. But there’s more reason to come- for instance come enjoy the calmer vibe at happy hour or at dinner. You can enjoy Line and Lure and Live Music every Friday & Saturday from 6-10 PM: see the schedule here. The musicians are local, and in a good sign, it also helps bring in some local regulars along with the casino members. And now that better weather season is here dine out on their patio with firepit to start out a casino date night.
They have multiple lovely libations, but my favorite is both a drink and a snack: their Admiral Bloody Mary in concocted with their housemade bloody mary mix and Tito’s vodka, crab leg, prawn, bacon, pepperoncini, olive, onion, spicy pickled bean, fresh lime
Start with a seafood forward appetizer like Dungeness Crab Claws served your choice of either chilled on ice or steamed. Basic preparation but the best ingredients show off the fresh tastiness of the crab.
But, don’t afraid to go with a lot of prepared flavors – like the complex layered starter of the BBQ Shimp and Griddled Corn Cakes with grilled prawns, seared polenta cakes, spicy BBQ sauce.
