(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) - The Pala Band of Mission Indians will open its $100 million expansion at Pala Casino Spa and Resort, which includes major improvements to its dining and gaming areas and a new parking garage, in May 2009. Pala Casino is one of the few Southern California casinos undergoing a significant development this year.

Newly expanded to 20,000 sq. ft. and renamed Choices, Pala Casino’s buffet area now provides guests a world-class, interactive dining experience featuring eight live-action cooking stations, seating for more than 625 guests, an area for private parties, interior bathrooms and a million-dollar view of the scenic mountains.

Two new restaurants are also opening at Pala Casino — Amigos, an authentic Mexican eatery with quick-style service, and Sushi Sake, a Japanese restaurant.  Amigos features a salsa bar, cantina-style indoor and outdoor seating, and views of Palomar Mountain. A full-service sushi bar, Sushi Sake has dine-in and grab-and-go options and also serves hot and cold sake. Both restaurants are scheduled to open May 2009.

New to Pala’s casino floor is a Poker Room with 15 tables, private cage windows and tableside dining. The Poker Room will have an aggressive tournament schedule and high-hand and jackpot promotions.

The High Limit Area, a private “casino within the casino,” raises the stakes with three redesigned, Feng Shui-inspired rooms. The Slot Room, Table Games Room and exclusive High Limit Lounge are each accessible via a separate entrance. 

“Pala Casino is one of the only Southern California casinos undergoing a significant expansion, and our expansion is greatly impacting the community in a positive way,” said Bill Bembenek, CEO of Pala Casino Resort and Spa, “Not only did the Pala Band of Mission Indians help create 150 new jobs at the casino and resort by funding the expansion, but they also made a large contribution to the Highway 76 project to improve safety and traffic flow.”

State Route 76 is undergoing a significant widening and realignment project, largely funded by the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Two of four lanes in a 1.5-mile stretch of State Route 76 are now open to the public, providing quicker and more convenient traveling. There are three entrances and exits to Pala Casino from State Route 76.