If you’re a fan of expertly prepared classic dishes with tons of flavor, you’re in for a treat – the Stronghold Restaurant at Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel is introducing a new executive chef that is ready to wow your tastebuds. Meet award-winning Executive Chef Tyler Venables, whose diverse culinary experience ranges from working in a local diner in high school to recently managing one of the top restaurants in South Dakota. Continue reading to learn about what Chef Tyler is bringing to the table!
Learning the Ropes
Although his recent experience includes preparing gourmet dishes in a fine dining atmosphere, Chef Venables’s career began with him working under his brother, who had graduated from culinary school. This hands-on start in the industry sparked his love of cooking and led to him staying in the line of work through school. After graduating and trying his hand in other industries like construction, Tyler returned to the culinary world after his brother asked him one very important question. “He asked if I was ready for a career change, and I’ve been in the industry since,” Venables recalls with a laugh.
Perfecting His Techniques
Throughout his 22-year culinary career, Chef Tyler has served many different roles, from Sous Chef to Food and Beverage Manager. The most recent stop on his journey was at Tin Lizzie’s in Deadwood, where he worked as the General Manager of Snitches. During his time there, the restaurant was awarded the title of Best Restaurant in Historic Deadwood and he won multiple cookoffs, including the titles of Best Overall Taste and Best Presentation in the Historic Deadwood Cajun Cookoff.
This recognition led to visits by bloggers and food critics and helped cement Chef Venables’ reputation as a master of delicious cuisine. He grew a love for fine dining, as well as the culinary world as a whole. “My main focus is always to have passion in what I’m doing,” he explains.
Family First
Another focus of Chef Venables’ is family. He looks up to his brother, who he credits with teaching him everything he’s needed to know to have a successful career. Born and raised in Hot Springs, South Dakota, Chef Tyler has planted roots in his home state with his wife and their three children. During his free time, you can often find them all playing volleyball on the court in their yard, watching movies, or playing cards. And come dinnertime? “We eat as a family. They get to try all of my experiments.”
Culinary Perspective
“I try not to stick with the standard,” Chef Tyler discloses when asked about his culinary style, detailing a unique dish he’s recently made – wasabi and ginger mashed potatoes paired with Korean-style short ribs. “They turned out really good!”
What’s Ahead
Now guests to the Stronghold Restaurant can benefit from all of Chef Tyler’s years of experience and practice. He plans on keeping the menu simple, with classic favorites served with flair and great flavor. He also hopes to bring in all-you-can-eat style menu options as a safer alternative to the restaurant’s buffets.
Experience Executive Chef Tyler Venables’ culinary skills for yourself by paying a visit to Stronghold Restaurant! View our hours and menu here!