I was privileged to be invited to Gordon Ramsay Steak’s official grand opening on February 21, 2025 at River Rock Casino Resort Richmond. This is Chef Gordon Ramsay’s first fine dining restaurant to open in Canada and the second collaboration between Great Canadian Entertainment. The first one, the more casual Gordon Ramsay Burger at Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, opened in December 2023.
Meeting the legendary Michelin Chef Gordon Ramsay was indeed an unforgettable experience. To everyone’s delight, Chef Ramsay graciously made time to greet the more than 200 guests when he entered the celebration.
At the opening, we were treated to a sampling of Chef Ramsay’s signature dishes, as well as plenty of champagne, local and imported wines, signature mocktails, and a fun cocktail named “Notes from Gordon,” served with a punchy message from the Chef.
Signature Beef Wellington and journalist Wendy Nordvik-Carr with legendary Chef Gordon Ramsay at the official restaurant opening.
Signature cocktails and mocktails are served at Gordon Ramsay Steak. Journalist Wendy Nordvik-Carr tries the fun cocktail named “Notes from Gordon”.
Musqueaum Chief Wayne Sparrow, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Matthew Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment, and Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair all took part in the short inauguration ceremony to officially open Gordon Ramsay Steak.
The crowd cheered loudly when Chef Ramsay acknowledged Canada’s recent Four Nations Cup overtime win.
Champagne toast with Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair (L), Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Chef Gordon Ramsay (centre), Matthew Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment and Musqueaum Chief Wayne Sparrow at the Grand Opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak at River Rock Casino Resort on February 21, 2025. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Everyone was delighted that Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair joined the celebration. She presented Ramsay with a Team Canada soccer jersey and wittily remarked, “I’m sorry that it’s not Chelsea Blue; it’s more of a Liverpool red,” teasing him about his well-known reverence for the Chelsea Football Team.
Sinclair continued, ” Soccer in this country is obviously blowing up. We’re going to welcome the world next summer when we co-host the World Cup and before, Canada is about to launch its first-ever professional women’s soccer league. As part owner of Vancouver Rise FC, it is also my honour to present you with an official team scarf. And this is your official invite to our home opener, April 16, at BC Place.” She promised to bring the team for dinner at Gordon Ramsay Steak after the game.
Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair presents Chef Gordon Ramsay with an official Vancouver Rise FC team scarf. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Journalist Wendy Nordvik-Carr and her husband Rick Carr attending the official grand opening at Gordon Ramsay Steak River Rock Casino Resort Richmond.
Gordon Ramsay Steak sources 85 percent of its menu ingredients locally, including local wines.
My partner and I tried the following menu items and can highly recommend all of them.
• Signature Roasted Beef Wellington. It was tender and juicy with a rich, buttery pastry.
• A Seafood Plateau sampling of oysters, a crudo/tartare variety, a shrimp cocktail, Alaska King Crab Legs, and Canadian Lobster. The crab served had the freshest succulent meat I have tasted.
• Beef Tartare – Truffle egg emulsion, coriander vinaigrette, quail egg yolk.
• Pork Belly
• Dungeness Crab Cake with herb aioli, charred lemon.
• Tuna Tartare – Avocado, spicy ponzu, sesame cracker.
• Rack of Lamb. I needed two samples. It’s cooked to perfection and has a slightly sweet flavour.
• Miso Glazed Sablefish – Napa cabbage, bok choy, shimeji mushroom, shrimp dashi.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding – Warm date cake, English toffee sauce, toffee ice cream.
• Cheesecake – Vanilla mascarpone cheesecake, berry compote, lemon curd, meringue.
• Chocolate Tart – Chocolate ganache, salted caramel, chantilly cream.
• Black Forest Trifle – Kirsch-soaked cherries, chocolate, sherry custard, chantilly cream, marcona almonds.
Miso Glazed Sablefish and Beef Tartar River Rock Casino Resort Richmond. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
A dedicated team of talented chefs at Gordon Ramsay Steak River Rock Casino Resort. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The spectacular ice-carved table displays delicious seafood offerings at the Gordon Ramsay Steak Vancouver grand opening. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Talented Gordon Ramsay Steak Team
The talented dedicated Gordon Ramsay Steak team, both front of the house and back, make sure that everything is up to the restaurant’s elevated standard.
Chef Ramsay praised his entire local 150-person team. “Getting to spend time with the chefs, the front of house, back of house, receptionists, waiters… the passion and the desire that’s running this restaurant is just extraordinary,” said Ramsay. “Chefs depend on their brigades, we’re only as good as our brigades. Thank you.”
He continued his acknowledgement, giving Executive Chef Rohit Kulkarni the highest accolades. “Understanding his story, growing up in Mumbai and arriving here in Richmond at the age of 12, and working hard, to see Rohit moving to the very top of the chain at the age of 29 to become our executive head Chef was just such a meaningful moment.”
As for the space, Gordon Ramsay Steak’s 266-seat restaurant is the crown jewel of the River Rock Casino Resort lobby. The large and bright windows let lots of natural light stream in and offer breathtaking waterfront views from its patio.
A dedicated team of talented chefs at Gordon Ramsay Steak in Vancouver. Executive Sous Chef Sebastian Kenzie (right) Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Chef Gordon Ramsay takes a selfie with his dedicated team at Gordon Ramsay Steak Vancouver. Courtesy photo.
Gordon Ramsay Steak at River Rock Casino Resort
Gordon Ramsay Steak restaurant is located at 8811 River Rd, Richmond. It is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Reservations are strongly recommended and available via OpenTable.
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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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