I’ve never been to Vegas, I couldn’t gamble myself out of a paper bag and I frankly have had little use for casinos in the past. But, after an invite to visit the Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby, I am thinking somewhat differently about the whole “Casino as Entertainment” adventure.
The Grand Villa is beside the Delta Hotel Burnaby, which has recently been renovated and is more than just a comfortable place to rest your head. The Hotel is home to Ebo Restaurant , one of the better dining experiences I had last year. The actual Casino shows are held in Scala Lounge, and there’s also a Starbucks, a wine bar and food court in the building. Grand Dynasty Chinese Restaurant is also onsite as well as an Izakaya, G-Be Izakaya. There’s no lack of dining choices.
The night I went out to Dueling Pianos, now held every Thursday night, I didn’t have any idea what to expect. I was a little reluctant in fact. I dined in the Scala Lounge, but the chef tested out the new menu from the Alpina Wine Bar on me, so it wasn’t what you’d normally get there, the menu in the lounge is more casual, including such items burger, sandwiches, ribs and perogies.
Excellent flavours in all dishes, could have worked a bit on the temperature. Part of this is because the items where coming from the tiny kitchen chef had to work out of and, as mentioned, these are usually upstairs at the wine bar. I did a ticket giveaway for the casino and heard back from the winners that they had some great burgers that night, so might have to try these out on my next visit, which will be soon.
The piano playing itself was more of a cooperative effort than a duel, the idea is that the audience challenges the team to play their request and by the end of the night most where up singing and dancing along, including, I say rather embarrassingly, myself. I got caught up in the fun after a couple of martinis, lets call it only partially liquid courage.
I am planning my return to the casino soon, there are many other shows, such as Dr. Strangelove and Tainted Lovers, but I am going back for Dueling Pianos and this time I am bringing out a few more of my friends. I know I am not going to be the only one embarrassing myself and I will be bringing my camera to gather evidence.
