The Downs Racetrack & Casino has opened the doors to The Crown Room, an elegant dining experience located in the heart of Albuquerque. Overseen by Executive Chef Cordell Bomar, and Maȋtre d’ James “Kielan” McCollum, the restaurant provides gourmet cuisine for guests, from seasonal stone crab flown in daily from Triar Seafood Company in Florida to wood fired steaks from the highest-grade cuts of USDA prime beef.
“We are extremely excited to provide Albuquerque residents and guests of The Downs Racetrack & Casino with such a delicious and gourmet dining experience,” said Scott Eldredge, chief operating officer at The Downs Racetrack & Casino. “With Chef Cordell’s expertise and passion for gourmet food, we’ve developed a menu which consists of some of the finest ingredients from throughout the world. We look forward to providing an unique dining experience and showcasing this new, elegant restaurant to Albuquerque residents.”
Chef Cordell was hired as executive chef of The Crown Room with the recent opening of the new gaming facility at The Downs Racetrack & Casino. Chef Cordell is responsible for menu development and dish creations, the management of the staff at The Crown Room, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. He joined The Downs Racetrack & Casino from Buffalo Thunder Casino & Resort where he was executive chef.
“I am thrilled to join The Downs Racetrack & Casino as executive chef of The Crown Room,” said Chef Cordell, executive chef at The Downs Racetrack & Casino. “Having a passion for creating the most delicious dining options for our guests, I look forward to showing off The Crown Room to Albuquerque residents and providing them with a dining experience they will never forget.”
In addition, The Downs Racetrack & Casino has hired James “Keilan” McCollum as maȋtre d’ of the restaurant. Keilan will work closely with Chef Cordell to create a sophisticated fine dining and unique experience for guests. He will be in charge of managing restaurant staff, overseeing the overall functioning of the restaurant, and ensuring guest satisfaction.
Chef Cordell and Keilan have announced The Crown Room’s menu which consists of some of the freshest seafood options available in New Mexico, with a guarantee of the seafood being delivered
from “Shore to Store in Twenty Four.” During the crab season, The Crown Room receives fresh stone crab, which is flown in daily from Triar Seafood Company in Florida. In addition, the menu consists of several additional fresh seafood entrees including a lobster scallops and shrimp cioppino, prosciutto wrapped scallops, sauted sea bass, and more.
The menu also includes of some of the finest prime beef options and features wood fired filet mignon, wood fired bone-in ribeye, chateaubriand bouquetiere, and more. The Crown Room offers several specialty options including veal roman saltimbocca, lamb ossco bucco, french pork chop, as well as several dessert options including bananas foster which is flambed table-side.
The Crown Room features a private and exclusive setting, with a room capacity of 50 people. The restaurant is open to guests every Wednesday through Saturday between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the The Downs Racetrack & Casino at (505) 767-7171. For more information on The Downs Racetrack & Casino, please visit www.abqdowns.com.
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About The Downs Racetrack & Casino
The Downs Racetrack & Casino is a premier gaming facility which offers an exciting and modern gaming experience for Albuquerque residents. Located in the heart of Albuquerque, near the intersection of Louisiana Blvd. and Central Ave., The Downs Racetrack & Casino is the only casino located within the city limits. It features 700 slot machines, a live horse racing venue, simulcast and parimutuel wagering options, a contemporary bar and First Turn Lounge, gourmet food at The Crown Room fine dining restaurant, a food court, and much more. For more information, please visit www.abqdowns.com or call (505) 767-7171.
