By Jane Feehan
IP Casino Resort
850 Bayview Ave.
Biloxi MS 39530
888-WIN at IP
Sunday-Thursday: 5 - 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 5 – 11 p.m.
Up, up and away … that’s “thirty-two” – the upscale restaurant on the 32nd floor of the IP Casino and Resort, tallest building in town. With a great view of Biloxi’s Back Bay from the lounge and a view of the Gulf from the dining area, thirty-two offers a wonderful dining experience.
I started my meal with their signature thirty-two salad: arugula, mesclun greens, grapefruit, bleu cheese and walnut bits, dressed in champagne vinaigrette. Excellent. The main course of red snapper was salt water fresh and the accompanying butter lemon sauce was served appropriately on the side. No covering up these goods with sauce – as if it were a dare to find fault with the fish, which I couldn’t. Most everything is ala carte. I ordered creamed spinach, which was very light (I could actually taste spinach) instead of the usual tasteless quasi-cement mixture presented by many other dining establishments. A variety of breads was served with both baked garlic and butter. Since everything was so good – and relatively light in calories – I decided to try dessert. Their Southern Fried Fruit Pie served with sour cream ice cream was a winner; it wasn’t too heavy or too sweet, a perfect ending to a memorable meal.
Thirty-two offers Allen Brothers steaks for beef lovers. They also serve a fairly good collection of single malt scotches as well as good wines from an extensive list. This place is expensive – about $150-200 for two with just two glasses of wine each. It’s worth it in so many ways. If you seek the experience without the big tab, eat in the lounge from the appetizer menu while listening to live music. Try it either way; you’ll love it. Service: excellent.
© 2009
