The letters 'e' in Elements Casino could very well stand for enthusiasm, eagerness and excitement judging by the expression on the face of General Manager Michael Kim.
Leading up to the official grand opening of the freshly renovated Elements Casino in Surrey on December 17, Kim has been busy with media tours at the rebranded Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino location.
"We can't wait for our guests to see what's in store for them at Elements Casino," Kim said. "New table games, new slots and new dining facilities have all parlayed into an entertainment package second to none in the marketplace. The residents of the City of Surrey have been waiting for a property like this one."
While the facility will be rebranded as Elements, Chuck Keeling, Vice President, Stakeholder Relations and Responsible Gaming for Great Canadian told Trot Insider in June that the Fraser Downs name would still be used as it relates to the harness racing side.
Visually, the multi-million dollar redevelopment program under the ownership of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation begins with new signage that includes spectacular, colour-changing lighting as part of the exterior.
Once inside, a gleaming Atrium provides a sense of arrival with fresh carpeting, a conveniently situated Guest Services area and 150 slots beyond the main doors.
From there, it simply gets more breathtaking.
The new Molson Canadian Lounge comfortably seats 60 and can best be described as a modern 'mini pub' where beer and burgers are the order of the day and night with major sporting events popping up on television monitors throughout the area.
Operations Manager of Food & Beverage Marty Morel – like Kim – has trouble harnessing his enthusiasm when it comes to several other dining and entertainment options being introduced at Elements Casino.
Morel and Kim are convinced the Diamond Buffet will be a big hit and it is most assuredly a safe bet when you consider the elaborate salad bar, pasta stations and hot servings that are topped off with an exotic dessert menu.
"Brunch, late lunch and dinner seven days a week with seating for 150," Morel said proudly. "We'll have flexible menus with new items daily."
But the best is yet to come. On the second level is Escape – an imposing showroom that can accommodate 300 guests for live entertainment. New Year's Eve reservations are now being accepted for an appearance by the popular hard-driving local party band All About Jack.
Adjacent to Escape is a short stairway that leads to Homestretch, a brightly lit dining area that seats up to 600 horse racing fans who can dine while overlooking the track. It's also the new home to the B.C. Harness Racing Hall of Fame that features pictures and trophies of the province's racing legends.
Outside the entrance to Homestretch, guests have the opportunity to play 100 slots in a unique seating design that allows them to watch live racing at the same time.
Also on the second level is a vast gaming area that consists of 50 percent slots and 50 percent tables including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, poker and a VIP room. Nearby is another eatery simply called Foodies, a funky grab-and-go area that offers complimentary self-serve coffee and soft drinks.
The man behind all of the attractive food outlets at Elements Casino is Executive Chef Raymond Mah, a creative master who said, "Food is my passion; family is my inspiration. And what better way to bring friends and family together than by offering enjoyable dining! I have 25 culinary colleagues on our Elements team and we strive together to come up with new creations."
The hand-made sliders, flatbread, pork gyoza and cracked dry ribs on the appies menu are, in a word, amazing.
Mah is a talented young Vancouver chef whose background includes developing his trade at Seasons in the Park, Westwood Plateau and the Sutton Place Hotel.
There is little doubt he is now in his perfect 'element' ... the exciting new Elements Casino.
(with files from Great Canadian Gaming Corp.)