After an extensive $11 million renovation, Cloverdale’s Elements Casino, formerly known as Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino, officially re-opened in December 2015, with a fresh new look and brand.

The casino now boasts over 500 slot machines, a brand new semi-private baccarat room for VIP guests, new table games, live entertainment spaces, as well as four dining and beverage options.

We were invited as guests to Escape, Elements Casino’ brand new live entertainment space, to enjoy an incredible 7-course dinner, prepared by Chef Raymond Mah, and his culinary team.

We started off with a Tomato & Bocconcini, with sundried tomato pesto, and balsamic glaze, along with an incredible spread of antipasto salad, with grilled vegetables, salami, and basil.

Next up was a feature of pork loin with a grainy mustard apple sauce, a homey comfort food with rich, hearty flavours that remind me of sitting around the table with family and a Thanksgiving turkey.

These baby back pork ribs were delicious – the whiskey smoked BBQ flavour really shines through the tender meat. Once you sink your teeth into this, you’ll want to get every little bit off the bone!

I was pretty excited for the Portuguese paella, with a wonderfully aromatic mix of the saffron rice, the spicy chorizo, and shrimp. Yum!

This huge pot was a treat for any seafood-lover: clams & mussels in rich ciopinno broth with all the seafood juices mixed in for that taste of ocean.

Next up, was tender, tender salmon that melts right in your mouth. Together with the bacon carbonara jus? Utter perfection. I love my salmon, so this was one of my favourites of the evening.

The fifth course on the menu was a lemongrass chicken with mango chutney. I was told this was not on their regular menu, but I really think it ought to be – the meat was tender and flavourful, and the mango chutney gives it an extra bit of summer flavour.

The smoked beef brisket with natural jus definitely evoked a few “oohs” and “aahs” at our table.

Finally, the highlight of the evening were these succulent garlic steamed king crab legs with green onions.

Last but not least, we finished off with butter poached crab claws. The best part about crab is that it’s always so delicious when it’s simply prepared. And butter is ALWAYS good.

But wait there’s more! Cakes, pastries, and cookies, they had a delicious line-up of treats that will satisfy any of your sweet craving. And the best part? All-you-can-eat DIY ice cream cones!

All this is but a sneak peek at all that Elements Casino has to offer. They have number of buffet nights, including a seafood buffet (Sundays), Mexican buffet (Mondays), Asian buffet (Wednesdays), and BBQ buffet (Fridays), with entrance prices ranging from $18-30.

With an Encore Rewards membership, you can get access to exclusive discounts to the aforementioned buffets, as well as a chance to earn free slot plays, contests, and monthly bonus points for Double/Triple Diamond members.

This casino has all the “Elements” it needs for your mini getaway from the city. From slot machines, to horse-racing to a Molson Canadian Lounge, there are plenty of spots inside to explore and experience.

Elements Casino is located at 17755 60 Ave, at Pacific Hwy and 60 Ave in Surrey. Check out their Facebook page and Twitter to learn more!