DANVILLE, Va. (WSET) — Gordon Ramsay’s name is synonymous with fine dining and fiery flair, but inside Caesars Virginia, it’s being seasoned with something Southern.
Ramsay’s Kitchen is delivering global favorites with a local twist—and it’s all orchestrated by Executive Chef James Coughlin, better known to his team as “Chef Jim.”
Behind the dining room and celebrity chef brand is a high-powered kitchen turning out hundreds of meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From signature dishes like Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding to reimagined Southern classics, Chef Jim is making sure every plate tells a story.
“I did a lot of research on different cuisines in the area,” said Coughlin. “One thing that stood out was pimento cheese.”
That research turned into a standout dish: the pimento cheese and crab fritter. Golden, crispy, and served with a lime aioli, it fuses Southern comfort with Ramsay-style precision.
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“The crab fritters—people are loving that,” Coughlin added.
You’ll also find hush puppies, shrimp and grits, and other regional staples, all plated with the polish of a world-class kitchen.
Ramsay’s Kitchen doesn’t cut corners. Each dish has six to eight carefully prepared elements. From portioning to plating, nothing goes unchecked.
“We want things to look beautiful,” Coughlin said. “But if it’s not the correct cut, then it’s going to throw off the dish.”
His commitment to excellence is reflected in every detail—from the zesty lemon salt sprinkled over the fish and chips to the all-meat crab cakes made with zero fillers.
Appetizers at Ramsay’s Kitchen run between $15 and $30, with entrées priced from $30 to $75. It’s not an everyday meal—but it’s not meant to be. For Chef Jim, it’s about delivering the best.
“What do you want to do? You want to serve great food,” he said. “And that’s my goal.”
The flair, the fire, and the famous name are all part of the experience. But at Ramsay’s Kitchen in Danville, it’s the local flavor—and Chef Jim’s touch—that make it unforgettable.
Dining and Cooking