MGM Springfield preparing for busy post-Valentine’s Day weekend

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Valentine’s Day may be over, but because the holiday was in the middle of the week, restaurants at MGM Springfield are gearing up for a very busy weekend, especially for couples.

Lots of couples are expected to sit down and enjoy a lovely meal in case they were not able to do so this past Wednesday and, after a sold-out post-holiday weekend last year, as well as a busy pre-Valentine’s Day last weekend, MGM Springfield spokesperson Beth Ward told Western Mass News that she expects more of the same this time around.

“It’s the economy of Valentine’s Day, right? So, we like to see all of that business of course, but hey, we are here to entertain and provide world class experience,” Ward said.

One place that is almost booked both Friday night and Saturday night is The Chandler Steakhouse. MGM Springfield Executive Chef Mark Hall said he is looking forward to the restaurant full of couples.

“You get to be part of making some really magical memories for people, so I think from the hospitality side of things, the best part (of working Valentine’s week) is having those people come in and have this amazing experience,” Hall noted.

Those who come to The Chandler over the weekend can try several different specials, including the crab-stuffed jumbo prawn.

“We make a little stuffing mixture. It’s crab (general crab meat), a little mayonnaise, a little bread crumbs, lemon zest, parsley, smoked paprika. That gets put in the middle of the crab there, and then we bake it and finish it in the salamander, so that way it gets a bit of a nice color on it and a little bit of a crust and then it’s going to get served with a salsa verde,” Hall explained.

Other specials that will only be available through Saturday night include a tomahawk surf n’ turf and a grapefruit tart dessert and Hall told us that there is a little bonus if you are dining inside the restaurant on Saturday.

“In partnership with Hannoush, if you dine in Chandler, you will be entered to win a pair of diamond stud earrings,” Hall noted.

If you cannot enjoy fine dining at The Chandler, Ward said there are still other options.

“We do have some reservations at Costa, so different experiences, but all really good food, so we invite people to come down and just have a great time,” Ward said.