Dining Destinations
Elaine and Scott Harris are full time journalists for over a decade covering resorts, spas, fine dining, wine, spirits and luxury travel. The husband and wife writing duo are sommeliers through the Court of Master Sommeliers and their work has appeared in the LA Times, Travel and Leisure, Google Travel, Modern Luxury, French Quarter Magazine in France and Monaco and Lausanne Tourism City Guide. Visit their website at Cuisineist.com to read articles and view over 400 videos featuring celebrity chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and Food Network stars.
Photo Credit: Elaine and Scott Harris
Rainbow Club & Casino in Henderson Finds Culinary Pot of Gold with Addition of Chef Scott Pajak
By Elaine and Scott Harris
Even within the age of COVID, entrepreneurs and twin brothers Tim and Mike Brooks, owners of the Emerald Island Casino, acquired the Rainbow Club & Casino in Henderson from the Peppermill Resorts. This updated locals casino continues to beckon eager locals and visitors alike as the historic Water Street experiences a resurgence of activity. A refresh on the exterior highlights the bright and colorful wall mural depicting the local area history that overlooks the newly paved parking lot. Aside from the cosmetic boost on both the exterior and interior, one of the greatest changes that has happened has been the appointment of Chef Scott Pajak as Culinary Director and Executive Chef. Pajak, a winner of Food Network’s Chopped, spent over a decade within the Emeril Lagasse organization where his last stint found him as Chef de Cuisine at Lagasse Stadium at The Palazzo Resort and Casino. With countless hours in the kitchen, serving hundreds of hungry sports fans—upwards to 800 covers each day during football season—this opportunity came at just the right time. “We found out Lagasse’s Stadium was closing and with the COVID, I was concerned for the future as so many of those in www.lvfnbpro.com
the food and beverage industry are looking for employment,” said Pajak. But as fate would have it, Scott’s earlier charitable work brought him in contact with Mike Brooks. On Sept. 17, the Brooks brothers sealed the deal on the casino, and reached out to Pajak offering him the position to revamp the entire culinary operation. The most exciting addition is Triple B Burgers AKA Brooks Brothers Burgers, found just inside the casino. “We are working through the new protocols and the new dining systems which can present initial challenges for employees who have been with the Henderson casino for decades,” said Pajak. “We are getting through the process, and we are excited to feature our Triple B Burgers with an incredible price point—everything on the menu is $10.99, and that includes a drink, entrée and side.” The new menu features two 5oz handcrafted double Angus Beef patties placed on specialty buns. The Po Boy Shrimp Sub pays homage to Pajak’s New Orleans-influenced menu with plump golden friend shrimp served with shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes and pickle chips with a slathering of creamy mayo on top of fresh French bread.
The fries, known as dippers, are unique to the restaurant menu. The crispy golden potato scoop-like French fries are perfect for getting the ideal amount of ketchup or condiment with effortless ease from your plate to the palate. The Triple B Classic Cheeseburger, Creole Burger, BLT Burger or Southwest Burger are carefully curated affording that heart-warming burger bite that will not bust your budget. The Footlong Hot Dog is loaded with house-made beef chili, topped with diced onion served with a comforting side of golden tater tots. Sip on a refreshing root beer float, or a cold beverage of your choice including a new frozen bar featuring eight types of Margaritas, Daiquiris, Pina Coladas and Mudslides with rotating flavors, and non-alcoholic options have been introduced within the Casino’s bar program. “We are glad to provide great food for the enjoyment of our guests and players and with Chef Scott working with us we couldn’t be more pleased,” said Tim Brooks, Co-Owner of the Rainbow Club. The colors of the food rainbow just got brighter with Chef Pajak at the helm of Triple B.
November 2020 I The Las Vegas Food & Beverage Professional 7
