By Karen Bryant

Here, diners enter through a waterfall of sorts by walking through two columns of red glass with cascading sheets of water. The effect is quite dramatic, subtly suggesting that when you enter, you are cleansed of the chaos of everyday hustle and bustle, leaving the real world behind. That feeling is enhanced by the design inside, which mixes elements of nature with modern materials. The ceiling in the main dining room is bamboo, and from it lanterns hang, softly illuminating walls bordered with opulent draperies. Each teppanyaki table has a red lacquer cooking hood and the sushi bar glistens in ice.

The three new gourmet restaurants were added to an already impressive lineup of restaurants: from barbecue, contemporary and classic American food t o sandwiches, salads, snacks, and homemade ice creams and desserts.

“Food and beverage are a big part of the Beau Rivage experience,” explains Goldhoff. And they go the extra mile to ensure that the dining experience is unparalleled. “We fly in fish from Hawaii three times a week. The buffet has 200 items to choose from. The coffee shop roasts its own beans. The ice cream shop makes all the ice cream for the entire property. We make our own cold cuts, smoke our own meats. We cook everything from scratch. The experience is about the food and flavors and great culinary talent. We’ve been fortunate to attract some of best chefs in the United States.”

Another big part of the Beau Rivage experience is the gaming – 24-hour action in an all-new, redesigned casino.

“We created a sightline, so no matter where you are in the casino, you can see everything and feel comfortable. We added a wide promenade centered at the entry, so as you enter, you can look from north to south,” explains Corchis.

The centerpiece of the casino is a raised, high-limit room that emits a soft glow and draws attention from all angles.

“It draws you to walk through and experience the casino,” says Corchis. The gaming floor is in the same location as before, but its walkways are wider and less crowded. “We’ve lowered slot machines, raised ceilings, created a more comfortable atmosphere in general. And we’ve brought back poker. Everyone’s into poker, and we’ve brought it back at a level that is very upscale. It is designed after one of the most beautiful poker rooms in the world, the one at Bellagio, but we’ve built ours in a more Southern, Beau Rivage style.”

All of the restaurants, lounges and clubs have views of the casino floor. One of the best spots for having cocktails while taking in the sights of the casino is EIGHT75, a lounge that’s hugely popular with resort guests and locals alike.

It’s easy to see why this club was ranked by Nightclub and Bar Magazine as one of the top 100 establishments in the country. EIGHT75 serves classic cocktails and signature martinis at a traditional counter bar or in comfy, more intimate seating areas with sofas, chairs and tables.

Beau Rivage has earned a reputation for attracting the best entertainers and performers, a tradition that will continue with the opening of the new, state-of-the-art theater.