ilani Casino announces restaurant lineup ahead of opening

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When the ilani Casino resort opens up in just a matter of weeks, it will be equipped with more than just an impressive array of gaming entertainment. Last week, the casino announced that a Michael Jordan’s Steak House, Line & Lure Seafood Kitchen and Tap, Rose & Thorn and Longhouse will be four restaurants offered inside. 

The first two announced early last week were Michael Jordan’s Steak House and Line & Lure Seafood Kitchen and Tap.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House has an upscale comfort food type of offering with hand-selected, prime, dry-aged steaks and local seasonal favorites. Additionally, craft ales and signature cocktails are featured alongside its award-winning list of wines “that range from local favorites to international contenders.”

And just in case you’re wondering, yes, the restaurant is a business venture of the Chicago Bulls basketball legend.

Contrastingly, Line & Lure Seafood Kitchen and Tap “brings the best of the local waters to the table.” Seasonal and indigenous seafood will fill the menu inside what is said to be a vibrant restaurant atmosphere. 

“We are excited to bring two distinct dining experiences to ilani,” said Robert Lubbert, vice president of restaurant operations, in a statement. “Both will offer a direct connection to the culture of the Pacific Northwest through the food and drink menus, and are sure to please the Portland metro area’s knowledgeable foodie community.”

Ilani’s president and general manager, Kara Fox-LaRose, added that “It is an exciting opportunity to introduce ilani with the presence of these incredible dining options. We are thrilled to welcome two restaurants that truly embody our culture and values with their commitment to employees and passion for unmatched guest service. We cannot wait for guests to experience all they have to offer.”

Announced later in the week were the Rose & Thorn and Longhouse restaurants. 

At Rose & Thorn, an impressive bar program featuring a selection of bourbons and fine spirits highlights the options. Aging, distilled spirits stored in authentic wooden casks will apparently be utilized to concoct signature cocktails infused with local botanicals and fresh ingredients.

At Longhouse, ocean-fresh handcrafted sushi from the Pacific Northwest and authentic handmade noodle dishes, as well as signature meatballs will be offered. 

“The addition of these two restaurants allows us the ability to have something for everyone at ilani,” said Fox-LaRose stated  about the third and fourth additions days later. “Both dining options boast impressive menus with unique flavors, and we are excited to welcome them to the property.”

More to expect in Michael Jordan’s Steak House

 

Trying to live up to the standards of Michael Jordan himself, the steak house attempts to offer an unmatched dining service to its competition. At its core, the restaurant highly emphasizes “steaksmanship” — which means a belief in the steak, not the sizzle. 



At other locations across the country, the steak house’s appetizer prices settle in the $15-20 range. Average main course options hover around $30-$40 and the steak portion of the menu is about $50.

“We are ecstatic to welcome Michael Jordan’s Steak House to ilani, where his vision and execution in creating the ultimate dining experience will be as unparalleled as his basketball prowess,” said ilani founder and Cowlitz Tribal member David Barnett.

Inside ilani, the restaurant will have a seating capacity of 306, including a 24-person private dining area and an outdoor dining patio, complete with a fire pit. Jordan himself will even have his very own reserved table and will eventually come out for a visit.

More to expect in

Line & Lure Seafood Kitchen and Tap

Line & Lure is set to seat 254 people, including a 28-person private dining room and an outdoor dining patio, also with a fire pit. The restaurant promises skillfully prepared dishes with outstanding flavor, with the chefs being able to bring the best of the local waters to everyone who has come to gather. Guests are said to expect to experience “the craft of a true fisherman” when enjoying a meal.

More to expect in

Rose & Thorn

The bar will feature 24 beers on draft, including many popular local and craft brews. Six ‘al pastor’ spindles will be also incorporated into one end of the main bar where hand-carved-to-order meats cook over an open flame. At the opposite end, a stylish dessert finishing station highlighting imaginative, miniature delicacies will be featured. 

Serving “upscale international street food,” Rose & Thorn will seat up to 225 people wishing to dine on “steam-kettle-roasted seafood fresh from the waters of the Pacific Northwest, as well as other dishes incorporating locally grown, caught and crafted ingredients.”

More to expect in Longhouse

A 40-foot bar able to serve 42 patrons at a time is expected to give Longhouse “a sociable atmosphere.” A sizable array of sake, as well as many Asian and craft beers and signature craft cocktails will be up for purchase to accommodate the sushi plate options. 

A floor-to-ceiling picture window will also dominate the environment, bringing in natural light and great views. The Longhouse design displays original Salish artwork set among natural cut timber, black metal pendant fixtures and ocean blue accents.