MASHANTUCKET, CT (June 28, 2007) � Dining in Southeastern Connecticut will reach new heights when Chef Michael Schlow�s acclaimed Italian restaurant Alta Strada opens at the highly anticipated MGM Grand at Foxwoods next spring.  The first of many celebrated chefs slated to join the hotel�s culinary scene, Schlow�s new restaurant is expected to bring excitement, style and a large fan base when it debuts.

�We are extremely excited to have Michael Schlow lead the way in helping to build the MGM Grand at Foxwoods into a dining destination for our guests,� said John O�Brien, president of Foxwoods Resort Casino.  �His reputation as one of the leading chefs in the United States will help define and shape the hotel�s dining landscape.�

Providing a distinctive design for the 8,000-square-foot restaurant is Boston-based David McMahon Associates, designers of Schlow�s first Alta Strada restaurant in Wellesley, Massachusetts.  Blending traditional Italian flair with modern elegance, the 225-seat restaurant will offer both indoor and outdoor seating and a menu filled with tantalizing Italian favorites from Homemade Ricotta with Sage, Hot Pepper and Crostini to Chittara with Spicy Lobster and Fresh Peas, as well as Grilled Lamb Chops with Asparagus, Potato and Pickled Onion Salad.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests will be transported into an authentic Italian trattoria/wine bar where they can enjoy a relaxed, casual setting and lighter fare such as antipasti, pizza, salads and pasta.  The main dining room, with its 25-foot ceilings, offers a more elaborate menu, as well as an open exhibition kitchen, a six-seat �antipasti counter,� a chef�s table and a 20-person private dining room.  Alta Strada will also feature a beautiful 1,300-square-foot outdoor Mediterranean grill where guests can dine �al fresco� while taking in the Connecticut countryside.  The restaurant will be open seven days per week for lunch and dinner.

�Partnering with MGM Grand at Foxwoods allows me to realize a dream � create a new, exciting restaurant in a new, exciting destination,� said Michael Schlow.  �The bar is constantly being raised when it comes to dining in gaming destinations, and we�re thrilled to initiate this trend at the MGM Grand.�

Michael Schlow, executive chef and co-owner of Radius, Via Matta, Great Bay and Alta Strada, is considered one of the leading chefs in the United States.  He has garnered numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the James Beard Award of Excellence for �Best Chef in the Northeast,� Santé magazine�s �Chef of the Year,� Food & Wine magazine�s �Best New Chefs� and the �Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence,� handed out to only six chefs per year.  These accolades have helped solidify Schlow�s culinary reputation and have brought him to national attention.  He has made numerous television appearances on network and cable food programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America and The CBS Morning Show, and his presence is requested at some of the most prestigious culinary events including The Masters of Food and Wine in Carmel, CA, The World Culinary Summit in Dubai and the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore.

About Foxwoods

Foxwoods Resort Casino®, the world�s largest casino, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, is the ultimate casino resort destination on the East Coast, offering over 7,200 slots, 380 table games, the only WPT World Poker Room�, High Stakes Bingo and Ultimate Racebook all conveniently located under one roof. With 1,400 luxurious hotel rooms and suites, over 50 sumptuous restaurants and retail outlets, a 1,400 seat theater and 55,000 square feet of superior meeting space, Foxwoods is the premiere destination for the business or leisure traveler. Lake of Isles�, rated America�s Best New Golf Course by Golf Digest, is located directly adjacent to the property. The highly anticipated MGM Grand at Foxwoods® will open Spring of 2008 and feature 826 ultramodern, technologically advanced hotel rooms with world class amenities reminiscent of the Las Vegas style landmark, including 115,000 additional square feet of meeting space, cutting�edge business communications capabilities, a state-of-the-art 4,000 seat Performing Arts Theater and exciting new dining, retail, gaming and luxurious spa facilities.

Foxwoods is easily accessible from Boston, New York, Hartford and Providence and only minutes away from Mystic and Long Island Sound.  For more information call 1-800-FOXWOODS or visit us at www.FOXWOODS.com.

Sandra Rios
Foxwoods Resort Casino
860-312-4072
[email protected]
www.FOXWOODS.com