Walking into the restaurant Hand + Foot, you might think that you were in any major city, not in the small town of upstate New York. But, it is in the charming town of Corning, population 11,000. Exposed brick walls, low lighting, a long bar filled with small craft brands and a communal table in the center of the room, this restaurant could be in Manhattan, Brooklyn, San Francisco, Los Angeles.
Owners Dan and Laurie Morton worked in bars in Orlando and New York City before moving back home to Corning. They took over an Irish bar that was covered in sheet rock and housed a golf simulator to create the warm and inviting Hand + Foot.
My first thought when I heard about the restaurant was that they were on trend with the nose to tail movement, featuring whole animal cuisine. After all, what else would hand and foot mean? Well, actually it refers to a card game, similar to canasta, that Dan's family has been playing for generations.
In the mood for steak and some slot machines but don't want to go all the way to Vegas? Head to San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in San Bernardino County, an hour and a half east of Los Angeles. That's what I did with some friends when I was invited out to The Pines Steakhouse.
It was my first time to San Manuel Casino and I was impressed by the recently renovated casino. But, what is all the more impressive are the 3600 slot machines! That is a lot of slot machines and the sound of spinning slots and the bells are ringing from every corner.
Located on the second floor of the San Manuel Casino, The Pines Steakhouse is tucked away from the excitement and noise of the casino gaming floor. As you exit the casino and enter the restaurant, a sense of calm surrounds you. The large dining room will remind you of any Las Vegas dining room but this dining room is converted to a nightclub later in the evening.