The winter season is upon us, and what better way to dive into the holiday spirit than by enjoying some delicious foods that represent Christmas? This year, we’re introducing our newest on-property Chef as he shares a custom holiday dessert for you to make at home for your own celebrations.
Or maybe you’re looking to do some local traveling for the holiday season. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento has it covered with specialty Christmas and New Year’s menus at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and YOUYU Noodle Bar. No matter what delicious dishes you’re looking to enjoy this year, Fire Mountain is your source for all of your Christmas dish desires. Learn more about our newest Chef, bookmark this one-of-a-kind Christmas dessert, and feast your eyes upon the holiday menus we have on-property.
Get to Know Hard Rock Sacramento’s Chef Scott
Chef Scott Minervini, a San Diego native and most recently the Executive Chef for the San Diego Gaslamp Marriott Hotel, has been working in the culinary field since he was 14 years old. With over 30 years experience running some of the top resorts in the country, he joins the Hard Rock team with enthusiasm!
Chef Scott began in some of San Diego’s top spots including the former Neiman’s Restaurant and the Hotel Del Coronado before moving to Los Angeles where he was the Banquet Chef for the Sheraton Universal. He spent a majority of his career in Las Vegas catering to the stars such as Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Cher, Elton John, and others. Running esteemed properties and resorts such as Paris & Bally’s Hotel, Rio Hotel, Lake Las Vegas Resort, and ultimately a Director at Caesars Palace, his exposure to multiple levels and styles of cuisine has allowed him to work with world renowned Chefs such as Guy Savoy, Bobby Flay, The Rao’s Family, and many more. A career high was opening the partnered “Johnny Smalls” restaurant at the Hard Rock Las Vegas to rave reviews. Other resorts in his coffer are The Boulders Waldorf Astoria and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, both in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Chef Scott has three boys, 25-29 years old, with his beautiful wife, Jacki. While not at work, he enjoys music, movies, and is an avid Harley Davidson motorcyclist. He is definitely looking forward to the new adventures Northern California has to offer!
Chef Scott’s Holiday Dessert Recipe
If you’re looking for a tasty recipe to wrap up your holiday meal, Chef Scott has created the perfect dessert for you to make at home. Make sure you have all the ingredients and tools that you need to recreate this dish at home, because this is one dessert that you won’t want to miss out on.
Drunken Holiday Black Forest Cake Parfaits
Serves: 6
Prepared Ahead:
- 1 box Fudge Brownies, prepared (Customize to your tastes! Add nuts, chocolate chips, etc!) Cook thoroughly and dice into small bite size pieces (about 6-8 per glass).
- 12 “whole” Cherries from filling. Set aside.
Ingredients:
- 1 box Fudge Brownies
- 1 quart Heavy Whipping Cream (or Cool Whip if desired)
- 2 tsp. Vanilla Bean Paste
- 1-21 oz. can Cherry Pie Filling
- 3 oz. Chambord Liqueur (or other berry flavored liqueur)
- Chocolate shavings.
Directions:
- Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, adding vanilla bean paste. Set aside.
- Place 6-8 pieces of brownie bites in a rocks (or similar) glass.
- Pour about 1/2 oz. (or desired qty) of Chambord onto brownies to soak in.
- Top brownies with approximately 2-3 oz. of cherry pie filling.
- Once settled into the glass, top each glass with whipped cream (overfill slightly)
- Scrape off excess cream to create a “flat” top.
- Place 2 whole cherries (previously set aside) and garnish with chocolate shavings or other desired garnish.
Holiday Menus at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento
If you’re still looking for the perfect location to enjoy an exquisite main course for the holidays, look no further than Fire Mountain. Whether you’re looking for a more classic menu at our upscale steakhouse or a twist to the traditional menu at our Asian infusion location, we have it all!
Council Oak Steaks and Seafood
Take your taste buds on a culinary journey this holiday season and give your palate something to be thankful for! Whether you’re looking for a Christmas dining menu of your dreams or a special way to ring in the New Year, Council Oak is here to deliver classic favorites along with new items that you can’t get enough of. Check out our specialty menus and make your reservations today!
Council Oak New Year’s Eve Menu
YOUYU Noodle Bar
Made with nothing but the freshest ingredients, YOUYU is delivery Asian inspired street food on a regular basis and for the holidays this year! Wrap up 2020 with our Christmas and Christmas Eve menu, filled with unique dishes such as Steam Drunken Chicken and Kung Pao Scallops, or start the year 2021 with our specialty New Year’s Eve menu. No matter what you’re celebrating this holiday season, the team at YOUYU is here to make it special.
YOUYU Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Menu
YOUYU New Year’s Day & New Year’s Eve Menu
Now that you have some tasty dishes to get you in the holiday spirit, it’s time to enjoy the deliciousness to the fullest. No matter if you’re staying home this year or are looking to book a room or suite at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento, our team at Fire Mountain will assure that you are indulging in some of the best food around. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a very happy New Year!