Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, a Food Network Iron Chef and the experienced hand behind Butter Restaurant in New York, will take over a restaurant at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Pocola in November.
The resort, located near Fort Smith, Ark., will offer a four-course meal from the well-known chef at its Seven Ponies Restaurant.
Guarnaschelli will be cooking alongside the Seven Ponies team (and make appearances in the dining room) for two nights, from Friday, Nov. 1, to Saturday, Nov. 2, with seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m. While the chef will only be there for a few evenings, the four-course menu will be served until Nov. 24.
The offerings begin with classic calamari and marinara for dipping and an iceberg salad with herbs and red wine dressing. The main course menu spans chicken marsala and lasagna bolognese with braised beef short ribs. The meal concludes with a “jumbo” affogato, a concoction including vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and espresso.
Attendees on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 will receive a signed, advanced copy of Guarnaschelli’s new book “Italian American Forever.”
The special dinners prepared in tandem with chef Alex Guarnaschelli are on Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2, with seatings at 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $125. Choctaw Casino & Resort in Pocola, Okla. choctawcasinos.com/choctaw-pocola.