Chef Biographies

Executive Chef

Former professional film and stage actor Don Hamilton brings 28 years of impressive experience to the Peppermill. He graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America - 4th in his class of 500. Since then, he has won medals in the International Culinary Olympics in France and worked for prestigious hospitality corporations like Hilton, Disney and Sheraton, Harrah's and Stouffer's. Along the way, he has opened world-renowned hotel restaurants in New Orleans, Atlanta, Boston, Newport and Anaheim.

"Chef," as he likes to be called, has busied himself with revamping our menus and improving our in-house training program. Chef Don and our Food and Beverage Director Jim Moritz lead our food and beverage staff. We're excited to have them both on our team. With their experience, skill and leadership, you can count on world-class dining value whenever you visit one of our fine casino restaurants.

Romanza Ristorante

Chef de Cuisine Massimo Riggio brings his innovative Italian style to Romanza Ristorante from Milan, Italy. Massimo honed his craft in the great restaurants and hotels of Venice and Milan, including the famous "La Scala". During his five years at the La Strada restaurant in Reno, he garnered many awards for his stylish cuisine. He most recently won the " Best Italian Restaurant and Best Themed Restaurant" for Romanza. Chef Riggio changes his Northern Italian menus often to reflect the best products that each season brings.

White Orchid

Chef de Cuisine Roger Morris' impressive culinary career spans nearly 25 years. Roger has perfected his art through many great restaurants of the Pacific Northwest and California. Having worked with the legendary chef, Horst Mager, Roger knows what fine cuisine and the attention to taste, quality and the small details, are all about. In Reno, Roger helped the Cafe GiGi at the MGM attain it's recognition, then the Bundox Restaurant and finally, Le Moulin, here at the Peppermill. During the last six years Roger has helped the White Orchid become a nationally recognized restaurant, winning all major awards bestowed by the food and wine community. His pairings of food and wine have made the major vintners of Napa and Sonoma quote" the best pairing of wine and food in the West !" With the help of John Sanders, the White Orchid maitre 'd, he has continued to raise the level of food and service standards as high as possible, creating an unforgettable experience for our guests.