SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Dec 9, 2013) - Barona Resort & Casino has unveiled a magical gingerbread village called "Barona's North Pole" which was created by members of Barona's award-winning culinary team. The village was the vision of Chef de Cuisine Erin DePompeo working with Chef de Partied Ashley Rodney and with help from Chef Jose Barajas.
Measuring 50 feet long, the gingerbread village welcomes guests to Barona's bustling food court and entrance to the Season's Fresh Buffet. Chef Erin and her Santa's helpers spent more than 900 hours creating the winter wonderland on weekends and before and after their shifts.
"We had so much fun planning and building this village over the past year and now it is bringing us even more enjoyment as we watch all of Barona's guests stop to look at it," said Chef Erin DePompeo. "They are taking photos and talking about how it brings back memories of their childhood. And, every time they come back they see a new character or little detail. We are glad it is bringing so much joy to so many people."
The buildings, characters and intricate decorations are constructed almost entirely from edible products including butter, cinnamon, sugar, candies, chocolate, cloves, flour, fondant, gelatin molasses and shortening.
The village was inspired by Chef Erin's favorite holiday memories. The display features a snow covered village complete with Santa's Workshop with three rooms including Santa's private retreat with a roaring fireplace, tiny elves building toys in Santa's workshop and a gift wrapping room where the elves load up gifts on Santa's sleigh. Out front there is a miniature Christmas tree lot and a pen where Santa's reindeer are fed and rest up for the night of delivering gifts to good girls and boys. Other areas of the village include a scene with beloved characters including Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, a polar bear plunge, a mine with elves gathering bags of coal for those who have been naughty instead of nice, a train station where an electric train can stop on its way around the display as well as a bakery, shops and even an elf tavern.
"This gingerbread village was a true labor of love for Erin, Ashley and Jose and it really captures the essence of the holidays," said Rick Salinas general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. "Everyone who stops by to see the village is amazed by all of the artistry and incredible details. This is truly one of those things that cannot be described in words. The entire Barona Resort & Casino is beautifully decorated for the season and this incredible display is just another reason to come out and see us for the holidays."
Barona's gingerbread village will be on display through December 30, 2013.
About Barona Resort & Casino
Barona Resort & Casino, an AAA Four Diamond rated property, blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. LEED® Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Barona features 400 guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662). You can also join Barona on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Foursquare.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Audrey Doherty
(619) 236-8397
Kelly Jacobs Speer
(619) 933-5013
