Primm Valley Casino Resorts Celebrates Grand Opening of Ramon Ayala’s Cocina & Cantina
Primm Valley Casino Resorts celebrated the grand opening of the world’s first Ramon Ayala’s Cocina & Cantina with a full blown fiesta headlined by the King of the Accordion himself inside Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino (Pictured above: Ramon Ayala dishes up taquitos – Photo: © Erik Kabik/ www.erikkabik.com).
Primm Valley Vice President of Food and Beverage Bill Hiers, Ramon Ayala, and Primm Valley Executive Vice President and General Manager Loren Gill
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ www.erikkabik.com.
The stature of Ramon Ayala is extraordinary. With more than 50 years of experience as a musician, he has produced 105 albums and graced more than 150 stages across the United States and Mexico.
mon Ayala joins head chef, Jose Mora, and executive chef, Nester Rodriguez, to create a signature dish in the kitchen
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ www.erikkabik.com.
The evening began with a crowded room of spectators patiently awaiting the arrival of the international sensation. The buzz escalated as Ayala made his way across the casino floor, admiring fans stopping for pictures and autographs. Upon arriving at his self-titled restaurant, he was welcomed by a sea of Primm Valley executives and cantina staff surrounding a crimson ribbon accented with hot peppers to offer a unique Mexican flare. The musician took his place alongside notable Primm Valley executives including Executive Vice President and General Manager Loren Gill, Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Marketing Stuart Richey, and Vice President of Food and Beverage Bill Hiers. Gill and Ayala shared the honor of cutting the ribbon with oversized scissors as an eruption of applause filled the casino.
Ramon Ayala autographs the mural inside his restaurant
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ www.erikkabik.com.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the grand opening celebration began and the mariachi band strummed traditional Hispanic tunes. Ayala made his way through the masterfully designed venue with warm stucco walls, oversized mahogany tables and booths, finished with dark wood floors and accents of memorabilia throughout. He stopped to pose for photos in front of a floor to ceiling mural with his favorite dish called Machaca as well as around the glowing multi colored island bar with his choice of tequila.
Interior of Ramon Ayala’s Cocina & Cantina
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ www.erikkabik.com.
Ayala then headed back to the kitchen to ceresin the chopping blocks and give the chefs a few last minute pointers on how to perfect his adored dishes. Executive Chef Nester Rodriguez and Head Chef José Mora donned Ayala with a signature chef toque and told him to whip up a signature dish. With grace, he prepared an order of taquitos as staff overlooked his techniques and eye for detail. He finished off the dish with just the right amount of his favorite garnishes and presented it to an applauding audience.
Ramon Ayala’s Cocina & Cantina, located inside Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ www.erikkabik.com.
As Ramon finished off his chef duties, party attendees were able to enjoy tastings of menu offerings as well as signature libations including jumbo margaritas and Mexican beer while taking in the lively atmosphere. Primm Valley raffled off concert tickets and gift certificates to a few lucky attendees but ensured everyone walked away with a goodie bag filled with restaurant swag. Before waving adios, Ayala stopped for a few last minute autographs and snapshots with swooning chicas.
As part of his partnership with Primm Valley, the Latin Grammy award winner will play two concerts a year at The Star of the Desert Arena with his first happening this Sunday, February 19 at 8 p.m. Ramon Ayala’s Cocina & Cantina will be open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Additional information can be found at www.primmvalleyresorts.com or by calling 1.888.386.7867.
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