The Blog at Four Winds Casinos

Do you turn your nose up when you hear the word brussels sprouts? Or have you been interested in trying them but just haven’t taken the plunge? Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to your side-dish recipes. On Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon, we dive into […]

Not your average salad! Chef Brandon brings you an Asian Peanut Noodle Salad that includes a mixture of textures and flavors. It’s a great recipe for a BBQ or Asian themed night. Are your taste buds ready to dig in? Ingredients Asian Noodle Salad 10 oz                             Spaghetti Noodles 1                                     Red Bell Pepper, Thinly […]

Simple and delectable, Lobster Corndogs are going to be the most desired item at your picnic. Chef Brandon brings life back and some spice to an old favorite. But lobster, really? Really! This recipe is refreshing and uses a tempura batter, so the entrée is light and crispy.  The batter is so perfect because we […]

You’ve probably had a similar dish at many Asian dining spots, but Chef Brandon says this recipe from Chef Kuo is the bees’ knees. That’s enough for us to get excited, so let’s dive in. Ingredients ½ Cup            Water ½ Cup            Sugar ½ Cup            Walnuts 1 lb.               Medium Shrimp, Peeled and […]

Thirst quenching and refreshing flavor, Brazilian Limonade is a must try. Chef Brandon and Cooking Creations bring you a three-ingredient beverage perfect for summer. Ingredients 4                     Limes 5 Cups           Cold Water 1                     Can (14 ounces) Sweetened Condensed Milk Ice Cubes Preparation What did you think? Tell us in the comments or on […]

Risotto is great to enjoy but can be very intimidating to make at home as your sole focus must be on the entrée to have it turn out perfect. Chef Thomas takes us step by step on Cooking Creations with a Mushroom Parmesan Risotto. His 6-year-old loves it and it’s a recipe that can be […]

Simple and delectable, Lobster Corndogs are going to be the most desired item at your picnic. Chef Brandon brings life back and some spice to an old favorite. But lobster, really? Really! This recipe is refreshing and uses a tempura batter, so the entrée is light and crispy.  The batter is so perfect because we […]

A dipping sauce that works great for marinating and more! Chef Drew’s Carolina BBQ Dipping Sauce is a must try. What makes it a Carolina sauce? The oh-so tasty vinegar base. Let’s give it a try. Ingredients 3 C                  Apple Cider Vinegar 1/4 C             Light Brown Sugar, Packed 2 tsp              Salt 2 […]

These are not your average fries! Chef Drew’s Brined French Fries take time to prepare but every bite is worth the wait. Ingredients 3 lbs.             Yukon Potato 5 Tbsp           Kosher Salt 8 C                  Water 5                      Napa Cabbage Leaves Fry Seasoning 5 Tbsp           Salt 1 Tbsp           Black Pepper 2 Tbsp           Garlic Powder 3 Tbsp           Fresh Dill, […]

A rack of Lamb is not only impressive and delicious to eat but intimidating to think about cooking! Chef Brian of Copper Rock Steakhouse takes us through the 6 steps to grilling a rack of lamb that will impress everyone at the table. Let’s get started on your lamb lollipops! Want a video tutorial? We’ve […]

Gaming 101 – Mississippi Stud At Four Winds Casinos, we occasionally receive requests from guests about learning how to play table games. We understand that it can be intimidating to walk up to a table with seasoned players and try to learn a new game, so we’re going to teach you how to play Mississippi Stud! […]

It is always great when recommendations turn into amazing experiences! Hello Gorgeous! checked out Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center on the recommendation of a friend. After visiting our South Bend event center, the Hello Gorgeous! team thought the space was: “Absolutely amazing!! It was perfect for the ambiance we wanted for the event.” Hello […]

Brisket is king of the party and rightfully so. When done right brisket is moist and flavorful, but it tends to be intimidating for people to cook themselves because of the trimming, seasoning ratios, and cooking time. Chef Drew is a brisket man and has brought a sweet, bitter, and savory seasoning combo to Cooking […]

You’ve seen it on the menu at most Italian spots and your taste buds love it! But what is Gnocchi? Gnocchi is a simple to make Italian dumpling. How simple? You probably already have the three main ingredients in your kitchen: Flour, Eggs, and Potatoes! It is a perfect change-up of pasta and can be […]

Silver Creek Event Center and Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center are the perfect locations to host conferences, weddings, and more. Spartan Nash recently chose to host a two-day conference at Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center. Why did they choose Four Winds New Buffalo? “We picked Four Winds for its casino and […]

Have a craving for oysters but it’s too late for reservations at your favorite restaurant? Chef Brandon has you covered with Chargrilled Oysters on Cooking Creations. In three easy steps you’ll have delicious oysters perfect for an appetizer, side dish, or anytime snack. Go get some oysters and open the pantry, it’s time to get […]

Chef Brandon has brought a simple, fulfilling recipe you make the night before using your favorite cheese and jam combinations. Monte Cristo Breakfast Bake allows you to tailor the ingredients to your flavor favorites and use up the bread from spaghetti night. Let’s get breakfast started. Ingredients 1 (16-oz)      Loaf French Bread 1/3 C             Honey Mustard Dressing […]

Appetizer, side dish, or the main show, Chef Brandon has brought you a cooking creation that does it all. Lobster stuffed mushrooms! We are loving this recipe because it is adaptable. Not a fan of lobster? Switch to chicken, steak, or tofu. You can add a little more zest with a Boursin cheese instead of […]

Something sweet for your sweetie, or just to surprise your friends and family with your dessert skills! Chef Brandon brings you a pink raspberry cheesecake mousse. Oh yeah! Our taste buds are smiling already. This recipe is adaptable for your favorite fruits. Not a raspberry fan, try strawberry or blueberry. Whatever your fruit fancy is […]

Did someone say pudding? We did! Everyone should be able to enjoy bread pudding, so Chef Brandon has crafted a Maple Pecan Vegan Bread Pudding recipe sure to impress! Ingredients 5 C.                        Day-Old Bread (Torn into 2-Inch Pieces) 1 14 oz. Can         Full-Fat Coconut Milk 2/3 C.                    Maple Syrup 2 tsp.                     Ground Cinnamon 1 tsp.                     Salt, […]

“Thank you so much for making our end of the year party so fun and easy! We couldn’t have done it without you!” D.A. Dodd held their seventh end of the year celebration at Four Winds Casino. They said “A company event can be a drag and Four Winds offers so much to do during […]

Winter is near and that means soup season! There’s something so warming and satisfying about a homemade soup after an afternoon of winter adventures. Chef Brandon has outdone himself with an Italian Sausage, Kale, and Bean Soup recipe. This recipe has a lot of quick steps, but it is worth it when you get a […]

Some guests like appetizers and some like the desserts but this Cooking Creations recipe will have them singing PO-TAT-OES! Mashed Potato Casserole is a game changer and the perfect twist for the holidays. Ingredients 1 Lbs.                    Russet Potatoes, Peeled and Cut into Cubes 1/2 Tbsp.             Salt 5                              Garlic Cloves 1 Pkg.                    (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, […]

Fall is here and it’s time for holiday treats! A couple fall ingredients, chocolate and pumpkin, are perfect together to make a show stopping dessert. Chef Brandon brings you a Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake in four simple steps.

Chef Brandon twists your favorite potato skins into a bite-sized gourmet treat. Packed with flavor, these bites are perfect for gatherings and tailgate parties. Let’s dive into another Cooking Creations favorite.

As soon as you say, Yes! the planning begins. From venues, dates, food, décor, hotel, and more, the to-do list can seem endless. Allie & Nick cut the to-do list down when “we chose Four Winds Casino. It has a large space and the restaurants and casino would entertain our guests before and after the […]

It’s a classic for all the right reasons and when it’s done right there won’t be a smear left in the bowl! What makes the classic phenomenal? The ingredients. Fresh is always best but it can be hard to pick the perfect produce. How do you know when an avocado is ripe enough for today […]

Plan your vacation to Lake Michigan and experience the treat of our resort and promotional packages at Four Winds New Buffalo. Relax in the luxurious Four Winds hotel, enjoy exciting gaming and savor delectable food all in one beautiful location.

Breakfast, Dessert, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, you can enjoy pizza anytime, any day of the week! Chef Brandon mixes up the sauce and toppings to create a new twist on a family favorite.

Bacon is always a great idea, especially when Chef Brandon puts his twist on it. This simple recipe brings the heat and sweet to your breakfast favorite.

Do you really want to impress your dinner guests but are not confident in your baking skills? Bread pudding is the perfect place to start. Bread pudding is sweet, creamy and very versatile. Chef Brandon explains that you can use fresh, day-old or stale bread making this dessert not only delicious but a great way to utilize your pantry! Not a fan of blueberries? Try strawberries, peaches, or another favorite. Now that your mind is racing with possibilities to get started.

From summer picnics to tailgating, slaws are a must have and are so easy to change up to use seasonally fresh ingredients and flavors. Chef Brandon and Chef Tammy have teamed together to create a fruity and nutty summer slaw ready in just two steps.

A healthy Peruvian dish with so much flavor is Ceviche! Traditionally made with raw fresh fish or shrimp, this traditional dish can make some new cooks wary of attempting so Chef Brandon has crafted an introductory ceviche recipe. This first step recipe will have you falling in love with ceviche and we are excited to learn how much you enjoy this one.

Heat up your deep fryer and get ready to be amazed! Not your average wings, with not your average flavoring!

Strawberries right off the vine are so juicy and flavorful it is a mesmerizing experience and makes us super excited for strawberry season this June! With so many local patches, you can find the freshest ingredients to indulge in. One of our favorite ways to use strawberries is a crumble. Crumbles are perfect for any after-dinner treat, coffee break, or the occasional breakfast.

Johnny Mathis has recorded more than 80 albums, 6 Christmas albums, and has sold millions of records, worldwide. From Opera training to college sports, Mathis is multitalented performer who has become the voice of romance through the decades. He has taken time to answer some questions about his life in the music industry.

This simple recipe will delight your senses and make a splash at any meal or cookout. Avocado, cheese, tomatoes, and peaches; what more could you need?

Hot summer days just got better with these boozy adult treats!

Spring is finally arriving and it’s the best time to start prepping your grill for all your spring and summer meals. Brats, steaks, and corn on the cob are great, but our Pineapple Salmon Skewers are full of flavor and just what your grilling rotation needs.

“They made my wedding day everything I wanted it to be!”

Creamy, spicy, and full of flavor. Chef Brandon brings a Creamy Sriracha Crab Salad to Cooking Creations. Also known as a Kani Salad, this recipe is a Japanese style salad that is quick and easy and pairs great with everything from burgers to filet mignon. So, grab a cutting board and let’s get started.

We love bruschetta and it’s a perfect appetizer for all those tasty tomatoes you grew, but sometimes it’s nice to mix it up! Chef Art twists the flavors of bruschetta into a delicious bruschetta chicken sandwich that’ll become a staple rotation in your dinner line-up. Grab your gardening gloves and let’s gather some ingredients.

Salads are so delicious but can get boring and repetitive. Here is a simple way to jazz up your salad and revive your love for them.

Card games can be very intimidating due to the many decisions a player has to make – hit or stay, fold or raise. Mini-Baccarat lets you enjoy the table game atmosphere with only two decisions you must make: How much do you want to bet and are you going to bet on the “Banker” or the “Player.” This means there are only two hands that you need to keep track of. Sounds simple enough. Right?

Perfect for your anniversary, birthday, or to just blow the socks off your guests. Give our Dry Aged Lamb Chop with Mint Chimichurri and Roasted Tri-Color Carrots recipe a try. Already intimidated? Don’t worry. Chef Philip has given us a step-by-step to creating this luxury dinner.

A perfect pick-me-up afternoon treat or a delicious way to enjoy coffee and dessert! This simple recipe can be tailored to your tastes. Want dark chocolate? Sounds great. Need a little more oomph of espresso? You got it. Chef Michael shows you how to rule the dessert game with his chocolate coffee truffles on Cooking Creations.

Summer is here and so is the abundance of fresh fruit. There are so many dessert recipes using fresh fruit we could go on all day. Today however, we are going tropical with grilled pineapple! But won’t grilling dry it out? Not at all. This simple, quick recipe adds a complexity of rich flavors into a perfect sweet treat.

Southwest Michigan has an abundance of beautiful orchards to cruise through on a lovely summer’s day. Using fresh, local ingredients when cooking gives your dishes extra flavor and using fruit in your entrees adds an extra level of excitement for your taste buds. Today we are creating a pairing of salmon with fruit and a dash of spice, Coconut Crusted Salmon with a Peach Chili Sauce.

Quick and tasty; that’s just what this dish is. Blackened Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa is great for evenings on the patio. Since salmon cooks fast, you won’t be stuck at the cooktop while the rest of the guests are sipping on margaritas and cervezas. There are only four steps, so let’s get started!

Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon is thrilled to have summer just around the corner and to celebrate the warming season with great summer recipes. One of the best parts of summer in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana is all the fresh fruit available! Enjoy a day of picking at a local grove or pick up fresh ingredients from the farmers market for the best tasting salads. Side salad for a party or a main entrée for any day of the week, the Strawberry Spinach Salad will have your taste buds basking in flavorful delight.

Grilling season has arrived, and pickled red onions are just the topping your taste buds have been missing! Burgers, hotdogs, tacos and more, it is as simple as 1,2,3! Let’s get started.

Where’s the meat? Not here! A flavorful cauliflower steak with citrus cumin slaw will have your taste buds so thrilled you will be wondering if you have room for a second.

Get ready for a real treat! Empanadas are a great side dish or main entrée because you can alter the filling to be anything you want! The sky is the limit but today we are sticking with the classic cheese empanada. Chef Brandon takes a stab at his wife’s traditional fried cheese empanadas recipe on Cooking Creations.

Let’s talk vinaigrettes. Salad dressings, marinades, red wine, apple cider vinegar, basil, the list is endless and so are the opportunities. With so many types to choose from, vinaigrettes must be complicated, right? Wrong! A vinaigrette is simply mixing an oil with something acidic such as vinegar and lemon juice.

On Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon, we explore a forgotten favorite, Quiche! Quiche is a French dish that consists of a pastry crust with savory custard and pieces of cheese, meat, seafood, vegetables or any combination that you can dream of! Hot or cold, Quiche is a dish that is very versatile and can be served for any meal.

Cut the winter chill with a perfectly crafted soup topped with bread and melted cheese – it doesn’t get much better.

Are reservations hard to come by or are you opting for reservations at your dining room table for Valentine’s Day 2021? We’re here to help impress your significate other with a dinner that will have them wondering if you hired a chef.

Desserts are the staple to every gathering but even more soduring the winter holidays. While the holidays may look a little different in 2020 this simple dessert will be one to share for generations to come and is simple enough to make for a little reminder of the best of times. Chocolate, caramel, sweet, salty, need we say more? Let’s get to cookin’!

Silver Creek Event Center is the place to go for legendary concerts and comedians!

Whether you started a garden this year or are a green-thumbed pro, it’s the best time of year to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Tomato Bruschetta is a simple dish you can create in 20-30 minutes any time of year, but everything is better when you use fresh, high quality ingredients. Where is the best place to find them, your garden or favorite roadside stand of course! Pick those tomatoes and harvest some basil – let’s get started.

Congratulations to Justin and Amanda on their recent marriage! This lovely couple had a beautiful wedding at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo in November 2019. We were thrilled to be part of the wedding planning and even more excited to see all the little details come together for Justin and Amanda’s special day. The breathtaking bride has been kind enough to share why they chose Silver Creek Event Center for their special day.

We were excited to get a few minutes of Dewey Bunnell’s time to answer a few questions.Of all your albums which one was the hardest to complete and why?Hat Trick took the longest. It was the 3rd album and we were producing it ourselves as we had done since the 1st album, which we co-produced. It was not necessarily hard to complete, but we realized how complex it really was to keep up with the administrative side as well as the creative side of producing a record. Consequently, we reached out to George Martin to produce our next 7 albums!What is your favorite thing about performing today as opposed to 49 years ago?I think we truly appreciate every performance now, taking nothing for granted as we try to make the show the best it can be every night.