This is the historic Deadwood, an area in the Black Hills that is steeped in history, and Jakes, the only AAA four diamond award restaurant in South Dakota, is housed in Kevin Costner's (yes, the actor) Casino.

This five story structure houses a memorabilia from Costner's movies, and also a high spirited Bar and Grill -- Diamond Lil's where some great grub is served up in style.

Go one floor up and the elevator opens into a lavish dining room, immediately assuring you that you 'R' in for a very special evening.

The food lives up to all the beauty.

Buffalo Carpaccio @ $10.00

Crab Cakes @ $11.00 -- pan fried in Cajun relish.

Shredded Pheasant Quesadillas with chili pequine @ $10.00.

These are just a few of the unusual and sumptuous starters.

Meat dishes range from Buffalo, Pork, Lamb, Beef, Veal; all masterfully prepared, such as:

Buffalo Top Sirloin glazed with green peppercorn butter @ $28.00. -- If you have never tasted buffalo and you have avoided beef, due to cholesterol concerns, this is your chance to have a delicious significantly lower-in-fat Buffalo Steak.

A 'Love Chef' favorite is the Pork Porterhouse @ $24.95. Juicy and awesome served with a cinnamon plum sauce.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the several dishes the chef offers, including the Seafood Cavatapi @ $20.00 the plate. -- A mixture of fish, shrimp and scallops tossed with a creamy dill pasta.

A Sauteéd Walleye @ $22.00, prepared in a light tomato basil sauce.

And, if you are a duck lover, by all means try their Duck -- roasted and glazed in a tart cherry sauce @ $25.00.

But the Peppered Mandarin Chicken is not just chicken, but roasted after a fruit juice bath @ $21.00.

email: lovechef@thelovechef.com