Hallandale Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/28/2011 -- Mardi Gras Casino is proud to have snagged new Executive Chef, Ardasher Alex Asadullaev, to bring his culinary creativity to menus throughout the seven (7) restaurants in the casino. Having fourteen years of experience, Chef Alex s previous experience included working for Chase Restaurant at Gulfstream Park and the Court at Palm Aire. Chef Alex was employed as a Chef Saucier at Mardi Gras Casino at the time he applied for the Executive Chef position. When Mardi Gras Casino decided to hire a new Executive Chef they went on a national search and reviewed hundreds of resumes from qualified applicants from around the country. To spice things up a bit, Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Director, Sallyanne Kelly, decided to include a twist to the search, a tasting contest. The highest qualified applicants were invited to come to the Casino and in style with the highly rated TV Show Top Chef offered a challenge, the applicants were to present a tasting of 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and dessert was optional. There were some amazingly good dishes but when the votes were tallied, Chef Alex was by far the front winner. Not only were his scores the highest on taste he stretched the imagination and also went far beyond the requirements. His menu included:
Appetizers:
Shrimp Cocktail with Pink Sauce and Avocado
Cous Cous Stuffed Pepper with Basil Sauce
Pesto Roasted Portobello Mushroom
Entrees:
Chicken Tikka Masala
Beef Wellington with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Balsamic Glaze Medallions of Filet Mignon with Chocolate and Raspberry Red Wine Reduction Roasted Rack of Lamb with Minted Lime Sauce Herb Crusted Snapper with layers of Peas, Mashed Potatoes and Pepper Sauce Stuffed Chicken (stuffed with meat from the legs and Pistachios) Salmon en Croute
Dessert:
Tarte Tartin Berry Champagne Soup
His dishes absolutely blew everyone away, said Food & Beverage Director, Sallyanne Kelly. When asked what really set Chef Alex apart from the other chefs, Director Kelly said that it was his passion for food and the presentation of it… his food comes from the heart.
Chef Alex is a native of Russia and learned his culinary arts skills while serving in the military which may explain his highly disciplined work ethic, strict inventory control and his expert knife skills. He is most noted for his taste level, beautiful presentation of dishes and his passionate explanation of the food. He insists on fresh food that is homemade. Sundays Italian Buffet in the French Quarter Restaurant & Bar now includes homemade pasta and tastes as if your grandma was in the kitchen all day. Chef Alex s fresh homemade dishes are delighting Mardi Casino’s patrons every day.
About Mardi Gras Casino
Mardi Gras Casino is located at 831 North Federal Highway on the corner of US-1 and Pembroke Road. The casino offers over 70,000 square feet of casino excitement featuring 1,100 Las Vegas-style slot machines, including new linked Progressive slots, video roulette, and virtual blackjack; 30 action packed poker tables; simulcast and greyhound racing; and various dining options. For more information, call 954-924-3200 or visit www.playmardigras.com; Become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mardigrascasino or follow us on twitter at http://www/twitter.com/MardiGrasFl.