From The Grill | Grosvenor, Sunderland

Until I was invited along to this event, I'd never stepped foot in a casino. I'm not really into gambling; the most I've ever done was placed a bet on the Grand National and that was just last month! Anyway, I was recently invited along to Grosvenor Casino in Sunderland to sample their new 'From The Grill' menu and here's what I thought.
The casino itself is located in the Sunniside Complex in Sunderland, opposite the Empire Cinema and just around the corner from Nando's. As I'd never been in before I had to register, but this only took a few minutes (and I got a few free vouchers too, probably to entice me back!) and Rachel, a member of staff, took us on a tour of the facilities. She explained where everything was located and showed us to the bar/restaurant area and after getting a drink we sat down for the main event; the food!   The starter selection featured crispy calamari (first time trying it!) chicken wings, prawn cocktail, tempura chipotle prawns and cheesy garlic mushrooms. There's also the usual olives, bread and soup on the menu but the range we tried was great. I'm not sure I'd order calamari again given the option, but that's down to personal taste. The tempura prawns were very nicely marinated with chili and in a light and crispy batter.The main platter was full of flavours and very grill orientated. We had a piece of steak, medium to well done I'd say which was great since I don't like them too pink, Hickory BBQ glazed ribs (which you just cannot eat in a dignified fashion) grilled chicken in a lime and herb sauce, onion rings and crispy skin-on chips. I enjoyed the steak, the ribs had a good amount of meat and the sauce for the chicken wasn't too tangy. I think I'd quite like to try one of the burgers or the hot dog or perhaps the singapore noodles another time.I tried to save some room for dessert, but the portions we were given were huge and I was disappointed I didn't finish the cheesecake. We were given a piece of each dessert; chocolate and salted caramel tart, banoffee brulee tart, backed new york cheesecake and a scoop of ice cream. My only criticism lies with the chocolate and salted caramel tart; I thought the chocolate was quite rich and filling and perhaps slightly too much caramel, but again this is personal taste. I do tend to like sweeter, lighter desserts and really liked the banoffee brulee tart and the new york cheesecake with mango drizzle was very impressive.
After our food we were invited to a training table where Mike explained roulette, the odds and gave us some chips to play with. I think I just about got the hang of it in the end, after 'winning' a few times on odd numbers. 
It's always nice to go do something different and whether visiting the casino is something you do regularly, or you're completely new to it like me, it's probably somewhere you wouldn't think to go for food. Now they've changed their menu (though I don't know what the old one consisted of) I think Grosvenor have a good chance of keeping people a little longer, whether you pop in for a cocktail or two (I did enjoy a woo woo since I was designated driver for the night) or opt for a steak/burger and chips. 
Have you been to one of Grosvenor Casinos and tried their food?I was invited along to Grosvenor to sample their menu. All word and photos are my own. Thanks again for inviting me along and a lovely evening.