MUCKLESHOOT MESSENGER

January 2026

Vol. XXVII, No. 1
Muckleshoot indian reservation, wash.
January 2026
From the Front Page

Smoke & Cedar Named No. 1 Best Casino Steakhouse

Smoke & Cedar at Muckleshoot Casino Resort has been named the No. 1 best casino steakhouse in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Polls, earning national recognitionfrom diners across the country.

Located on the 19th floor of the resort, Smoke & Cedar is known for its Pacific Northwest focused menu.

“Winning the best casino steakhouse award is an incredible honor for Smoke & Cedar. Our team takes pride in crafting an unforgettable dining experience pairing locally sourced ingredients premium meats and seafood and exceptional service with the breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence and our passion for creating a destination where every guest feels truly special. Most importantly, it honors the strength of our Tribal heritage and the dedication of our people, reminding us that every achievement is rooted in our traditions and community.”

— Junior Maldonado, Chief Operating Officer

The 2026 recognition builds on recent praises for Smoke & Cedar. The restaurant was named best steakhouse in 2024 and best fine dining in 2025 in The Seattle Times Best in the Pacific Northwest People’s Choice Awards, reflecting continued excellence and consistency from the culinary and service teams.

Smoke & Cedar’s success also contributes to the community. Revenue from the resort supports Tribal programs like education, health care, housing and cultural preservation while helping fund regional philanthropic efforts from schools to first responders and local nonprofits. Dinner at Smoke & Cedar is not just a night out. It is part of how the Tribe uplifts the community and sustains a legacy of giving back.

More from This Edition

Vol. XXVII, No. 1

January 2026

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More from the Messenger

Edition

Councilwoman Virginia Cross Honored at Centennial Accord Meeting

Muckleshoot Tribal Councilwoman Virginia Cross received recognition from Gov. Jay Inslee and Tribal leaders from around the state at the Centennial Accord meeting this year.

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October 2024
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Tribal Councilwoman Jessica Garcia-Jones On Voting

A message from Tribal Councilwoman Jessica Garcia-Jones and important info about the 2024 General Election.

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October 2024
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USDA Conference Opening Ceremony at the Muckleshoot Casino

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe recently hosted a United States Department of Agriculture conference on the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

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October 2024
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Tribal Members Gather for Annual Tomanamus Community Day

You can view all Tomanamus Day photos commissioned by the Tribe by photographer Danielle Wilcox on her portfolio site, linked here.

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About the Muckleshoot Messenger

The Muckleshoot Messenger is a Tribal publication created by the Muckleshoot Office of Media Services. Tribal community members and Tribal employees are welcome to submit items to the newspaper such as news, calendar items, photos, poems, and artwork.


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