When I imagine a casino environment, I visualize flashing lights and the rattle of slot machines, not fine dining.
However, while visiting Indiana Grand Racing & Casino a couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of having dinner at Center Cut, the casino’s newly renovated seafood, steak and martini restaurant.
The low-lit interior featured modern design and was staffed with formally dressed servers waiting to engage with customers.
Upon entering, my boyfriend and I were greeted by the hostess and manager of the restaurant and shown to a private table toward the back of the restaurant.
Tammy, our waitress was charming and attentive.
We knew our evening was one we wanted to enjoy, so we ordered anything that sounded delicious— which was just about everything.
For starters, we enjoyed the shrimp cocktail dish served with fresh horseradish sauce. The dish featured six jumbo shrimp, four of which I admit to eating myself. Other appetizers included Baked Spinney Creek Oysters, Seared Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Blackened Beef Medallions.
Next we both selected the Coconut Cosmo, recommended by a staff member I’d spoken to earlier that evening.
If you are into sweet juices, the Coconut Cosmo will definitely make a lasting impression. The drink was a combination of Malibu, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice shaken and served in a coconut rimmed glass with dried cranberries. More than 15 martinis were on the menu and included the Key Lime Pie martini with Ke ke Beach key lime liqueur and Licor 43 served in a graham cracker rimmed glass garnished with a slice of fresh key lime.
A variety of soups and salads were available such as the Lobster Bisque and Wedge Salad with smoked bacon, Maytag blue cheese, crispy onion, tomato and blue cheese dressing. The entree section featured Chicken and Dumplings, Potato Crusted Walleye and seven styles of steak along with pork and lamb chops.
I’m not a huge steak eater, so I knew the seafood menu would serve me well. I ordered the Cold-Water Lobster served with whipped Yukon potatoes and three jumbo grilled shrimp, which I added on. My boyfriend ordered the 10 oz New York Strip, also served with whipped Yukon potatoes.
The food and service was top notch! Many times when I order lobster, I’m served a small portion split down the middle with butter and seasoning. Center Cut truly set the standard. I was served not a small piece of lobster, but an entire jumbo lobster tail about the size of my hands put together. I was impressed! Even the three grilled shrimp were large.
My boyfriend kept eating the steak well after he was full because it was so tasty.
After we had indulged for more than and hour and a half at Center Cut, Tammy wheeled over a dessert tray displaying six well-crafted desserts including Chocolate Hazelnut Torte and Apple Cranberry Bread Pudding. I ordered Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing and my boyfriend ordered the Cheesecake with a graham crust. I’m not a big icing fan, but I had no issue demolishing my cake.
If you have a chance to visit Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, a trip to Center Cut is a “must do” activity. Even if you don’t gamble, simply visiting for the food is worth the time and money.
Center Cut
4300 N. Michigan Road
Shelbyville, Ind. 46176
Hours: Sundays–Thursdays, 5–10 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays 5–11 p.m.
Indianagrand.com/dining/centercut.
