Executive Chef Chris Ipanis Returns to Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles

Oct. 11, 2009 - PRLog -- ST. CHARLES, MO. — Award-winning Executive Chef Chris Ipanis is set to return to the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles and couldn’t be happier. He originally started working with Ameristar as a restaurant chef in 2002 at the very same property during its opening. He is looking forward to coming full circle in his Ameristar career and once again becoming a part of the St. Charles restaurant scene. Since starting work in St. Charles, Missouri, he has been promoted and moved to Ameristar sister properties in Black Hawk and Kansas City.

Chris’s vision as the Executive Chef at Ameristar St. Charles is for each St. Charles restaurant to be the best in the St. Louis Area, not just the local casino market. He has previously achieved notable recognition for his food and beverage work in Black Hawk, Colo.

“Ameristar’s culinary philosophy is all about quality, passion and creativity, and I look forward to bringing those strengths to represent our property and the state at the regional — and hopefully national — competition,” said Chris regarding his receipt of the Colorado Chef of the Year Award in late 2007.

Before becoming a part of the Ameristar restaurant team, Chris began his career as a culinary student with the Walt Disney World Company in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. In addition to working at many different venues at Disney, he has also worked at NBA City and restaurants in Washington and Minnesota.

Other than solely working as a chef in this St. Charles restaurant, Ipanis also has a passion for charity, having started the first and only food rescue operation among his previous city’s casino operators, providing more than 700 pounds of surplus prepared food each week to the Food Bank of the Rockies. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals.

Enjoy a change of pace and dine at one of the many Ameristar St. Charles restaurants. For further information and a list of dining options at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles, visit: http://ameristar.com/St_Charles.aspx

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About Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles: As one of the first casinos to open in the St. Louis area, Ameristar St. Charles has long been a gaming leader in the region. Now, with the completion of the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, its $265 million luxury hotel and spa, it's poised to become the most popular gaming and entertainment destination in Greater St. Louis.