We are very pleased to announce TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, is presenting The Mill Casino with the 2013 Certificate of Excellence!

The Certificate of Excellence is an award that honors hospitality excellence to top performing establishments around the world. This recognition is based on feedback from those who matter most – our customers!

UPDATE:  5/22/2013-  This event will be rescheduled and will not take place in June as originally reported in this post.  We will reschedule and share any updates with you on our website and Facebook page.  Thank you.

The landscape on the southern Oregon coast seems to be one of those places that is made for golf and it is no secret that Oregon is home to some of the best golf courses in the country, including Bandon Crossings!

That is why The Mill Casino has partnered with Bandon Crossings to present the Oregon Coast Couples Golf Classic June 7-9, 2013!

Schedule of Events
Optional: Friday Practice round at Bandon Crossings. Call golf shop to reserve your starting time.

Friday June 7th, 2013
6:00 pm Welcome reception at The Mill Casino

Saturday June 8th, 2013
7:00 pm Dinner Buffet at The Mill Casino. Day one tournament results announced.

Sunday June 9th, 2013
4:00 p.m. Lunch and Awards presentation at The Mill Casino.

Tournament entry deadline is Monday, June 3, 2013

Tournament Details:
Entry Fee $285 per couple, includes green fees, range balls, daily competition fee and all scheduled events.

For more information contact:
The Mill Casino 800-953-4800 ext. 1490 or Bandon Crossings 541-347-3232

Printable Registration Form Completed Tournament registration form may be mailed to:

The Mill Casino•Hotel & RV Park
Attn: Barb Dunham
3201 Tremont Avenue,
North Bend, OR 97459

Bandon Crossings Golf Course is home to “18 Unique Experiences.”  It is a 2012 recipient of TripAdvisor’s CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE and named one of the 10 best new courses of 2007 by GOLF Magazine!

The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park has a new Executive Chef!

His first job, at age 16, was washing dishes in a seafood restaurant on the Jersey Shore. Now, after more than three decades in the kitchen, Chef Henry is Executive Chef at The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park.

Chef Mark Henry took The Mill’s culinary reins in late September after serving as Executive Chef at the Portland Marriot Downtown on the Waterfront. He had worked with Marriott International for 17 years beginning at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, the company’s flagship location in Arizona, and including stops at the Marriott Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale, McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale and the Sea View Resort and Spa in New Jersey.

But Chef Henry’s culinary roots go back much further. He credits his New Jersey childhood for sparking his interest in food preparation.

“Growing up in North Jersey we always had good food made with fresh local ingredients,” Chef Henry said. “We also learned how to prepare meals at an early age. I’ve been working in the kitchen since 1977.”

Chef Henry is wasting no time in bringing his commitment to local and sustainable foods to The Mill’s kitchens. He already is at work revising the menus at The Mill’s key dining venues.

“I want to re-energize our kitchen and our restaurants by introducing different foods and some of the newer trends to our menus,” Chef Henry said. “We need to have menus in place that will cater to the differing diets and preferences of our guests.”

Taking advantage of his experience with a variety of international cuisines in restaurants throughout North America, Chef Henry said he also plans on introducing new ingredients and dishes to guests at The Mill.

“Although we will focus on local, regional and West Coast foods,” Chef Henry said, “we also want to offer our guests and opportunity to explore some unfamiliar dining experiences.”

Chef Henry graduated in 1983 from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) program in Hyde Park, New York. He was just 19. During his training he moved to Southern California to complete an externship at the Anaheim Marriott. Immediately after graduation, he had a brief stint at the New York Hilton before returning to California and the Irvine Marriott.

His culinary odyssey took him to the Plaza Hotel in New York City and then to the Poseidon Restaurant and the Westin Harbor Castle in Toronto before returning to the U. S. and the Vista International in Waltham, Mass., and the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. From there, he began his career with Marriott International.

The holidays are around the corner, and you know what that means?  The Mill Casino and The Bay Area Rotary invite you to our annual holiday-themed fundraiser, The Festival of Trees.

Beautifully decorated trees and wreaths will be on display at The Mill Casino•Hotel November 27- December 6, 2012.

This event is a beloved seasonal tradition that gives businesses, organizations and individuals the opportunity to help families in need by raising funds for local charities while getting into the holiday spirit.

Raising over $10,000 last year, the Festival of Trees lets participants demonstrate their holiday-decorating talents while raising money for local charities. This year’s goal is to raise $14,000 for such charities as Shots for Tots and Teens and The Women’s Safety and Resource Center and Coddington Place.

Participants simply choose to sponsor a tree, a wreath or pre-decorated tree by Nov. 1, or while available trees last. Then, at 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26 sponsors bring their chosen decorations to The Mill Casino’s Salmon Room for the annual Festival of Trees Decorating Party, complete with complimentary refreshments and holiday tunes.

Following the decorating party, a panel of judges will award the top choice in the following categories: Most Traditional, Most Elegant, Best Theme, Best Wreath, Judge’s Choice and, of course, Best of Show. The decorated trees and wreaths will be placed on display throughout the hotel lobby through Dec. 6.

On Sunday, Dec. 2, Rotary will sponsor a family viewing day to encourage families to come in and look at the trees from 1-4 p.m. Santa will be on hand and refreshments will be served.

Each tree and wreath will be auctioned off to the highest bidder during a public auction that begins promptly at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 in The Mill’s Salmon Room. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. to allow potential bidders to take one more look at the trees.

The fully decorated trees will be delivered (up to 30 miles away) to the winning bidder’s home or office by a member of the Bay Area Rotary. Auction winners may request to have their tree donated to a needy family.

The Mill Casino • Hotel contributes to the purchase of the trees and wreaths so that sponsorship and auction proceeds from the Festival of Trees can go directly to local charities. In addition, local vendors are used when purchasing trees and wreaths for this Bay Area fundraiser.

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in helping those in need are encouraged to participate by sponsoring and/or decorating a tree and/or wreath. To learn more about how to get involved with this event, contact Festival Coordinator, Heidi Proett at 541-269-7929 or 541-297-8287.

photo credit: Mr. T in DC via photopin cc

photo credit: vbecker via photopin cc

The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park  is now under the direction of a new General Manager!

Terri Porcaro, with extensive casino management experience in Illinois and Las Vegas, took over her duties as the fourth General Manager in our 17-year history. She replaces Larry Close, who led our casino since December 1998 and has retired after 44 years in the casino-hotel industry.

From her recent post as Director of Casino Operations at Arizona Charlie’s Casino in Las Vegas, Porcaro brings considerable experience in all aspects of casino and hospitality management to her new position at The Mill. In 1995, she got her management career off the ground by launching the Grand Victoria Riverboat Casino in Elgin, Illinois. As Vice President of Casino Operations and later Vice President and General Manager, she was involved in every aspect of a casino startup.

Since then, Porcaro served in similar positions at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and the Lumiere Place Casino and Hotels in St. Louis where she served as Vice President and General Manager. In between, she served as a Gaming Consultant at Richardson Builders, a top Las Vegas gaming consulting firm that designs casino floor layouts.

“We were truly impressed with the breadth of Terri’s experience and her knowledge of casino operations and guest relations, and are fully confident in her ability to lead The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park into its next chapter,” said Cal Mukumoto, CEO of the Coquille Economic Development Corporation, which manages The Mill for the Coquille Indian Tribe.

We have some news to “wine” about.  The Plank House Restaurant and Whitecaps Lounge are now offering wine flights to our guests!

Wine flights, also known as “tasting flights”, are a chance to sample a variety of wines in one setting.  Think of it like a mini wine tasting party, right at your table.

Wine Flights are an opportunity to explore your palate and compare three wines for the equivalent price and volume of one regular glass.

Maybe you will sample three wines from one winery, or you may compare one varietal (such as Chardonnay) from three wineries.

We are also now offering “Wine Discovery Evenings by the Bay” on Mondays and Tuesdays so guests can purchase premium wines by the bottle for half the regular price. Ask your server for details!

Wine Discovery Evenings and Wine Flights are the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day while enjoying a spectacular view of the water. Linger over a romantic sunset dinner paired with the perfect wine at the bay-side Plank House Restaurant or relax with a glass of wine in the smoke-free, waterfront Whitecaps lounge.

A lip smackin good time was had by all who attended the first ever BBQ, Blues and Brews on the Bay at The Mill Casino this Memorial Day weekend!

The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned event was sponsored by Green Mountain Grills, Marshfield Bargain House and K-Dock 92.9.

Visitors from all over the region came to the South Oregon Coast for the holiday weekend to take in some hot blues music from regional artists such as the Ty Curtis Band, The Vipers, Brooks Robertson and Soulpie along with regionally-crafted beers from Ninkasi, Deschutes Brewery, Seven Brides Brewing, Pyramid Brewery, Full Sail, Bridgeport, Caldera Brewing Company, and Cascade Lakes.

The banner event however was the KCBS sanctioned BBQ competition where 20- plus BBQ teams competed for bragging rights and a total of $5,000 in prize money.   Congratulations to all of our winners!

Grand Champions: Movin' The Chains with Head Cook: Mr. Jesse Henry

Grand Reserve Champions: Fat Dad's Barbeque with Head Cook: Mr. Scott Watters

Winner: 1st Place Chicken: Da Fat Boyz BBQ with Head Cook: Mr. John Bagorio

More Honors:

1st Place Pork Ribs Team Name: Fat Dad’s Barbecue Head Cook: Mr. Scott Watters
1st Place Pork Team Name: Movin’ The Chains Head Cook: Mr. Jesse Henry
1st Place Brisket Team Name: Movin’ The Chains Head Cook: Mr. Jesse Henry

Hot Links Eating Contest:
1. Billy Ray Steward
2. Matt Neiffer
3. Tie: Ross Mathews/Paul Glavantis

The Kansas City Barbecue Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying barbeque. The KCBS sanctions over 300 barbeque contests coast-to-coast throughout America. A portion of the BBQ, Blues and Brews on the Bay proceeds will go towards the Coos Bay Volunteer Fire Department.

The trees are trimmed, the lamps are lit, and the bidding will soon begin at the annual Festival of Trees. The Bay Area Rotary and The Mill Casino co-sponsored 13 fresh cut and three artificial tabletop trees, along with seven decorated wreaths, each with its own theme and community sponsor.

All of the decorated trees are on display in the lobby of The Mill Hotel. A family viewing reception will be held from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 in the hotel’s second floor reception area. A cookie reception and a visit from Santa are all part of the festivities. Photos with Santa will be available through the Women’s Safety & Resource Center.

The Festival of Trees auction festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 in the Salmon Room at The Mill Casino • Hotel. A live auctioneer joins the party at 7:00 p.m. to start the bidding.

Jolly Rotarian elves will then deliver the trees within a 30-mile radius on Dec. 2. Successful bidders can choose to donate the tree to a needy family. The Mill Casino • Hotel contributes to the purchase of the trees and wreaths so that sponsorship and auction proceeds from the Festival of Trees can go directly to local charities. In addition, local vendors are used when purchasing trees and wreaths for this Bay Area fundraiser.

While all of this year’s trees are sure to put even the biggest Scrooge into the holiday spirit, the judges have spoken. This year’s Festival of Trees decoration contest winners are as follows:

Most Original: International Port of Coos Bay

Best Use of Color: Life Care Center

Best Theme: Engles Furniture

Best Wreath: Ocean Ridge Assisted Living

Best of Show: Hough, McAdam & Wartnik, CPA

Judge’s Choice: Kitty Kitchen, Bay Area Hospital and The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park Service Ambassadors

The decorated trees will remain on display in the lobby of The Mill Casino• Hotel through Dec. 1.

Want to win Travis Tritt or Salmon Celebration tickets? Enter to win a luxurious Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park Package on our Facebook Page!

The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park launched a BIGGEST ever Summer Sweepstakes last week! We will be giving away not 1…not 2…but 3 fabulous Mill Casino experiences to 3 lucky winners. When you enter our Summer Sweepstakes, you can choose from one of these packages:

Bayview Hotel Suite Package
The Bayview Hotel Suite Package includes dinner for two and a stay in one of our six luxury hotel tower bay view suites featuring king sized beds, a spacious seating area complete with table and chairs, a comfortable full-sized couch, and a furnished balcony with access through a sliding glass door. Each spacious bathroom features a walk-in shower, an oversized soaking tub, dual vanities, fluffy robes, plus a sea inspired custom designed amenity package and built-in hairdryer with night-light.

Travis Tritt Package
Enjoy a night of entertainment under the stars with Travis Tritt!
This package includes two tickets to Travis Tritt live in concert on Thursday, August 11 at 8:30 p.m. outdoors under the stars and on the dock of Coos Bay! This package includes a stay in one our hotel rooms. Each Tower room features luxurious king-sized pillow top beds, wide screen televisions, contemporary décor, and panoramic views from almost every room. Or stay in one of our tastefully appointed, cozy lodge rooms featuring custom-made Pendleton blankets and Northwest lodge-inspired décor. This package includes dinner for two in any one of our five dining venues.

Mill Luck Salmon Celebration Package
This package includes a two-night stay during the 8th annual Mill Luck Salmon Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11, 2011. The weekend event featuring canoe races, cultural exhibits and demonstrations, children’s activities and a Native American marketplace promises to be an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family. Enjoy two tickets to a traditional salmon bake dinner including two commemorative tee shirts and two tickets for an evening with the Pow Wow Comedy Jam on Saturday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m.

To enter for a chance to win one of these packages: Visit our Contest Page on Facebook!

Prize Eligibility Only persons residing in United States who are at least 21 years of age can enter.
Sweepstakes Ends August 05, 2011

We want to congratulate “Angela C” whose name was randomly selected yesterday as the winner of the Taylor Hicks Package!  Angela has won two tickets to the Sold Out May 27 Taylor Hicks concert along with dinner for 2  and a one night stay at the Red Lion Hotel Coos Bay.

Here is what she had to say about this American Idol:

Never before, have I watched American Idol, until I saw the show while channel surfing. That day, Taylor Hicks was performing, and I only watched the show to follow his progression. Each time, I hoped he would move on to the next time and he did. His voice is beautiful. The unique way he presents his vocal talent is incredible. Each time he worked on his presentation and evolved his ablilities. I would be so honored to be able to see him in person and hear him sing. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express how much his voice has lent to the music world. Even if I do not get the opportunity to see him in person, I will always seek out his next music production in CD or performance on tour as he is an awesome talent and well worth the moments of listening enjoyment!!!

We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who entered the contest!  Some of your comments were so moving and I wish we could have awarded tickets to each and every one of you!  Please stay tuned for more promotions in the near future!