Atlantic City NJ
Transcription
Atlantic City NJ
Hot Eats p/16 Best Bets p/17 SUMMER GUIDE TO Atlantic City CHRISTOPHER GABELLO/METRO Classy nights ... and breakfast Eight page pullout special section A Place for Play Clubs, casinos, bars and everything else in A.C. 12–17 $5 blackjack and other top picks metro Thursday, May 22, 2008 12atlantic city Gas prices putting the hurt on A.C. road trips? Maybe or maybe not. But remember that New Jersey Transit from 30th Street to A.C. is just $8 each way, and you’re there in under 90 minutes. METRO ’s guide to: Hey good lookin’ Atlantic City Nights still sizzle in and out of the clubs GETTY IMAGES Events coming to A.C. this summer Guess which casino has the bestlooking waitresses? See Page 17 for the answer and some tips for how to win at the casinos, or at least walk away with your shirt. May DEBORAH GIBSON. Tonight, 8 p.m., Tomorrow and Friday, 9 p.m. Harrah’s, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., 609-441-5000, www.ticketmaster.com, $25 Grab your scrunchie, crimper and pile of Playbills for Debbieturned-Deborah’s pop Broadway extravaganza. Lil Wayne’s in town June 8. July THE WEDDING SINGER July1toAug.31, Mon.,7p.m., Tue.toThurs.andSun.,8p.m, Tue.andSun.,3p.m.,Fri.,9p.m. Harrah’s, 777 Harrah's Blvd., 609-441-5000, www.ticketmaster.com, $30$50 Unlike the movie, Adam Sandler himself won't be bawling onstage in this musical production. That’s good news. DJ AM & DJ JAZZY JEFF. May 25, 10 p.m. Mur.Mur at Borgata, One Borgata Way 609-317-1000, www.borgatanightlife.com, Two of the most well-known spinners around take to the DJ booth for a Memorial Day Weekend party. BILL MAHER. May 31, 8 p.m. Borgata Music Box, One Borgata Way, 609-317-1000, www.theborgata.com, $45$65 The man who made smartalecking his life’s work sits down to talk about safe, noncontroversial topics like puppies and kittens. Or maybe he’ll talk lots of politics. Either one. Borgata’s hip nightclub Mixx is reliable for a dense dance floor, high-energy DJs, and brightly colored lights zipping around the action. ELTON JOHN There’s something for everyone in A.C. but it’s the nightlife that’s often most exciting. Here’s a sampling of the best the casinos have to offer after sundown. June 8, 8 p.m. Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, 609348-7000, www.ticketmaster .com, $65-$125 Lil Wayne looks to shed that diminutive association with selections from his long-awaited new album. June 21, 9 p.m. Caesar’s, 2100 Pacific Ave., 800-677-7469, www.ticketmaster.com, $40-$75 The queen of comedy — Gen X is still waiting for its own Carol Burnett — shares her bawdy, brilliant self with an adoring audience. Harrah’s: The Pool Mur.mur and Gypsy are cool and we’re excited for the Water Club, but Mixx is the original party spot. It’s more like a nightclub with water in the middle. Trump Taj Mahal: Casbah Over the top, sure, but it rocks like its namesake. Showboat: Club Worship There’s three levels and karaoke every Friday. Nuff said. July 19, 8 p.m., Boardwalk Hall 2301 Boardwalk, 609-3487000, www.ticketmaster.com, $67-$227 Singing along at an Elton John concert isn’t just encouraged, it's practically mandatory—especially on a “Rocket Man”themed tour. GOV’T MULE July 25, 9 p.m, House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, 609-236BLUE, www.ticketmaster.com, $30-$36 Get your Southern soul on with jams from the Allman Brothers Band spin-off. Water Club Borgata’s red-hot new tower opens in June. August A BIT SQUARE Lucy the Elephant This eye-catching attraction is worth a trip to Margate. Firewaters Bar The Snickers martinis shine at this Trop spot. Harrah’s Pool With its bar in full effect, it’s always a hip hang. GLADYS KNIGHT HIP CAROL BURNETT The 50 draft beers are only the beginning. A.C. Aquarium The new interactive Tropical Rain Forest exhibit is a nice touch, though. LIL WAYNE AND BIRDMAN June 21, 9 p.m. Borgata Music Box, One Borgata Way, 609317-1000, www.theborgata.com, $45 The foulest-mouthed man to ever charm his way through “Full House,” Saget can dish on everything from the Olsen Twins to “The Aristocrats” these days. Borgata: Mixx Options all over the map for young and old visitors to A.C. YOUNG June BOB SAGET Tropicana: Firewaters Bar The Pier Shops Fountain Ooh, look how pretty. A.C. Art Center Some culture can help offset so much debauchery. Gospel Brunch Let the House of Blues feed your soul after a big night out. Havana Rooftop Slots Despite its name, Trop’s new room is indoors, but there are Cuban-style drinks and sometimes a cigar roller. OLDER The Pier Shops restaurants Try them all and see which is your favorite. Gypsy Bar Enjoy tequila samplers and pomegranate habanero wings at Borgata’s gem. Aug. 8-9, 9 p.m. Tropicana Casino, Brighton and Boardwalk avenues, 800-526-2935, $25-$75 This legendary R&B diva doesn’t need no stinkin’ Pips — she’s going strong thirty years after her first single. NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Sept. 27, 8 p.m. Borgata Event Center, One Borgata Way, 609-317-1000, www.ticketmaster.com, Sold Out Don’t have your seats yet for the sold-out blowout? Start cruising Craigslist now, because the return of the fabbest five to ever wear stonewashed denim is the hottest ticket in town this summer. ALLISON WILLIAMS/METRO PRESENTED BY GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY CIRQUEDUSOLEIL.COM or 1 800 678-5440 NOW PLAYING UNDER THE GRAND CHAPITEAU ON THE AVENUE OF THE ARTS IN PHILADELPHIA OFFICIAL SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNERS Written and Directed by David Shiner metro Thursday, May 22, 2008 atlantic city 13 ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS AUTHORITY Don’t forget fun for the kids Treat the young ones to Shark Park, a sprawling wooden wonderland of a playground in nearby Brigantine. METRO No dice? No problem There’s still plenty to do in A.C. beyond the casinos Beach bars in A.C. are always fun, by day or night. Go on, hit the beach From the bikini bars and the boardwalk to nearby towns and attractions, life’s a beach in A.C. Ventnor: Yearning for a sun- Boardwalk: Whether slowly strolling or catching a buggy, the boardwalk is the quintessential A.C. experience for all ages. There’s enough rides, games, food and shopping to keep you occupied for hours, if not days. And you’ll get some sun while you’re at it. Margate: There’s more to ny bike ride or beach walk? Ventor remains a bustling destination for everyone. Margate than Lucy, the beloved giant elephant. An even bigger draw is the packed beach and its plentiful fishing opportunities. Longsport: Unlike its Absecon siblings above, Longport is an underappreciated shore spot. Bikini Beach Bar: Sip sum- mer drinks while lounging in or near the sand and taking in the eye candy all around you. If this one’s too crowded, don’t worry: Trump Plaza and Hilton have their own. Brigantine: This island off- shoot of A.C. is perfect for fishing, surfing, swimming and feasting your eyes on dolphins and sunsets at the Sea Wall. DOUG WALLEN/METRO Ah, Atlantic City. Is it still a nice excursion for grannies or is it the new Shangri-La for those more attached to their iPod than an oxygen tank? This summer will see a slew of openings in town, many attracting those who don’t even know how to operate a one-armed bandit. Immersion, The Spa at The Water Club At the Water Club, Atlantic City’s first boutique hotel (which means no casino), there are many things for a nongambler to check out, such as new upscale shops, luxury lofts and five pools. However, we’re most excited about Immersion, a new 36,000-square-foot highend spa whose menu is filled with amazing options. Immersion One Renaissance Way Opens in June 800-800-8817 www.thewaterclubatborga- ta.com The 5th Floor, The Chelsea The Chelsea, a very pink boutique hotel set to open toward the end of the summer, has designed one of its floors — “the 5th Floor” — as a decadent hot spot. It’s home to a swimming pool with private cabanas, the latest Stephen Starr restaurant called Chelsea Prime and three over-21 club areas. We think this will be the best place to party in AC since the name “Borgata” was uttered. The Chelsea 111 S. Chelsea Ave. (at the Boardwalk) 866-393-3285 www.theChelsea-AC.com The Pool at Harrah’s Resort A popular spot since it opened last year, Harrah’s pool will soon be for more than just taking a dip. Starting Memorial Day weekend, the deck will feature live DJs on Friday and Atlantic City’s newest boutique hotel, the Chelsea, is set to open at the end of the summer. Saturday night. And for a bonus, Carmen Electra will make an appearance there tomorrow in the flesh at 11:30 p.m. The Pool at Harrah’s Resort 777 Harrah’s Blvd. 609-441-5233 www.harrahs.com DOROTHY ROBINSON/METRO PRESENTED BY GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY CIRQUEDUSOLEIL.COM or 1 800 678-5440 NOW PLAYING UNDER THE GRAND CHAPITEAU ON THE AVENUE OF THE ARTS IN PHILADELPHIA OFFICIAL SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNERS Written and Directed by David Shiner metro Thursday, May 22, 2008 16atlantic city New openings Gertrude’s 7309 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor 823-3003 From budget to gourmet, good food is all over A.C. Sink your teeth into steak and seafood, pasta and pizza and more PHOTOS BY CODY GLENN/METRO Open a month now, Gertrude’s is run by and named after the mom of Chef Neil Elsohn from Cape May’s popular Waters Edge. He arrives with his zeal for inventive seafood very much intact, as proven by somewhat wild entrees and a steady stream of lively starters. SEAFOOD. Fake meat on the boardwalk? The Philly-made faux-meat product Veggie Steak is available in the style of beef or chicken in a sandwich at Godfather’s On The Boardwalk. METRO Dubliner Irish Pub & Grill 325 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd. 652-2210 Although outside A.C., this Galloway Township haunt has been going strong since it debuted in February, specializing in traditional Irish fare with losing anyone who just wants to hoist a pint and enjoy a game on TV. IRISH. McCormick & Schmick’s 777 Harrah’s Blvd. 609-441-5000 Coming in June, this chain’s newest location looks to rival Phillips and other successful destinations in town for oceanic cuisine. SEAFOOD. Top pick White House METRO/DW QuickQ&A “Pantry Raid” celebrity chef Michael Schulson is opening his first restaurant, the Japanese spot Izakaya, at the Borgata in June. If you can deal with them calling hoagies “submarines,” White House has been around since the 1940s and is like Pat’s and Geno’s rolled into one, only better. Whether you’re driven by your cravings or your wallet, here are some smart bets for A.C. dining. $$$ Knife & Fork Inn Q A What attracts you so much to Asian cuisine? I started out in French food when I worked at Le Bec Fin. But then I was at Susanna Foo and I’ve been pigeoned-holed with Asian food for the last 10 years. But it’s a blessing as it’s been the hottest food for seven or eight years now. It has light and clean flavors and is really a fun food. Q Atlantic & Pacific Aves. 609-344-1133 Hearty seafood and meat arrive direct from the wood-fired grill at this Prohibition-era landmark. There’s also inventive sides (goat cheese gratin potatoes, French Fried beet chips), impressive wines, and appetizers (lobster spring rolls, mini Kobe burgers) that you'll be begging to let someone share with you. STEAKHOUSE. mean? A DOROTHY ROBINSON/METRO Phillips Seafood The Pier Shops at Caesars 609-348-2273 The popular chain is at its best with this posh location, complete with an eager chef and an eye-catching wine room. Start with the oysters but make sure to leave room for the gourmet mac and cheese topped with luscious King crab. SEAFOOD. Sonzai Sushi & Sake The Pier Shops at Caesars 609-348-4443 A newer addition to the Pier Shops’ solid string of restaurants, this cute oasis has a breathtaking beach view and a nighttime happy hour (9 to 11 p.m. Mon.-Sat.) SUSHI. to oysters and A.C.-style hot shrimp. A nifty selection of mini-sandwiches includes Lil’ Porky and Lil’ Beefy for $3 and Chicken Cutlet Italiano and Spicy Chicken Breast for $4. Also expect homemade pizza, 20 unique martinis and, in a new twist, Wi-Fi. AC Diner 2500 Atlantic Ave. 609-344-3332 DINER. The Los Amigos 1926 Atlantic Ave. 609-344-2293 A cozy sliver of the old school almost swallowed by the squeakyclean chains around it, this beloved Mexican spot thrives thanks to a warm, colorful décor and great food and service. Pitchers of margaritas don’t hurt either, and there’s Mexican beer and strong starters to boot. And every meal includes free chips and a nicely garlic-y salsa. Atlantic City Bar & Grill 1217-1219 Pacific Ave. 609-348-8080 A host of fresh seafood lurks here, from Alaskan Snow Crab and Whole Maine Lobster SEAFOOD/PASTA. “The Grill” specializes in seafood, pasta, fried platters and very cheap beer. Dive into the open-faced hot beef sandwich with gravy and thick fries or decide for yourself if the pizza is worthy. Like White House, though, this atmospheric old-school hangout is cash-only. decades White House has thrilled A.C. residents and visitors with its cheesesteaks and mayoless tuna subs. Warning: It’s cash only and you’d be wise to call ahead with your order. Buffets Borgata Buffet $$ MEXICAN. You describe Izakaya as “Japanese pub fare.” What does this One of the cool things that separates us from normal Japanese restaurants is usually the cuisine is grouped. If you want to get satays, you have to go to a satay restaurant. Sushi, you have to go to a sushi restaurant. We’re going to have it all under one roof. And I’ll be there all summer, cooking it up. featuring dollar beer and sake, $3 cocktails and several sushi specials. Reflections Cafe 777 Harrah’s Blvd. 609-441-5000 Recently relocated to just across the bumping pool bar at Harrah’s, Reflections pairs burgers and sandwiches with allday breakfast and cooler choices like pan-seared calves liver and Asianglazed wings with wasabi sour cream. Plus, the menu’s back page is stocked with authentic Asian dishes, including $5 kim chee. blintzes and Eggs Jubilee stand out at this 24-hour retro favorite, but head straight for the omelets, especially the Italiano: It’s a feast of veggies, provolone and pasta sauce. Also enjoy the buttery home fries and fast, friendly service. BAR/CAFE. $ SEAFOOD/PASTA. Tony’s Baltimore Grill 2800 Atlantic Ave. 609-345-5766 1 Borgata Way 609-317-1000 Whether digging into an epic dinner or trying out the omelet stations at the Sunday brunch version, this buffet is among the best regarded in town. Seafood is tops here, from mussels to soft-shell crabs, but there’s no shortage of options. That includes countless international options for eaters out there with a yen for the more exotic. ALL YOU CAN EAT. Waterfront Buffet 777 Harrah’s Blvd. 800-242-7724 White House 2301 Arctic Ave. 609-345-1564 SANDWICHES. When subs are this big, this cheap ($14) and this delicious, of course there’s going to be a cult following. For ALL YOU CAN EAT. Food stations are the name of the game at this famed Harrah’s feast, including soup and salad, pasta, seafood, steak, sushi, Mongolian barbecue and desserts, among others. It’s quite a big one, even by buffet standards, which may be another reason it sees such a loyal turnout. DOUG WALLEN/METRO metro Thursday, May 22, 2008 atlantic city 17 Smoke ’em if you got ’em A full smoking ban on A.C.’s casino floors will kick in Oct. 15, making this summer a definite last hurrah for smokers. METRO Gambling made easy CODY GLENN/METRO CODY GLENN/METRO Top poker rooms The Borgata’s poker room fills up quickly but there’s rarely a long wait for a game. When it comes to trying your hand at gambling, trial and error is costly. Here’s a quick and easy guide to some of the wisest places to start. Cheap blackjack: Showboat Since it’s not a The poker boom has led to more and more casinos opening poker rooms, but here are a few that rise above the rest. typical destination for high rollers, many of the 41 blackjack tables are open and cheap, sometimes as low as $5. Borgata The most popular room also has the most tables and spreads the highest limits. Beers are served in bottles and there is rarely a long wait for any game. Open slot machines: Bally’s Believe it or not, the most slots in town (5,126, including 1,182 nickel machines) live here. You’ll have to deal with the Wild West theme, of course. Taj Mahal No-frills old-school action is the vibe in the second-biggest room in A.C. The original home of East Coast poker. Best-looking cocktail waitresses: Borgata This isn’t even close. It’s as if Sports Illustrated is holding its Swimsuit Issue tryouts on the casino floor. Tropicana Even though Caesar’s room is quickly growing a reputation, the Trop still has the size and brand name to attract direct action. But watch this space. METRO/AL Beaches are nice but casinos are king Best racebook: Borgata Enjoy the thrill of Roulette action keeps people glued to the tables at the Borgata. watching a horse get “It’s as if Sports Illustrated is holding its Swimsuit Issue tryouts on the casino floor.” whipped for two minutes and then ripping up your ticket in a huff. At least here you’ll do it in front of huge plasma TVs while planted in plush leather chairs you won’t want to vacate anytime soon. Oddest game: Boston 5 Stud Poker table game, Taj Mahal The poker boom has given life to poker-based table games. This one is the only one of its kind in A.C. ADAM LEVITAN/METRO Betting advice from Hollywood The silver screen has been glamorizing high-stakes poker, sports-betting, blackjack and pool for years. Here are some tips for emulating your favorite movie gamblers: The MIT blackjack team from “21”: Card counting seems so simple. Each card is assigned a positive or negative number. Keep a running count of that number in your head. When that count reaches a certain number, the deck is in the your favor, you raise your bet and collect the cash. On top of it all, A.C. casinos can’t throw you out or beat you up for counting. All they can do is reshuffle the deck on you. Easy as pie! Mike McDermott from “Rounders”: In A.C., you don’t need a password to get into the poker rooms and won’t have to deal with the Russian mob to get chips. But if you want to win, following Mike’s advice isn’t a bad idea: “If you can’t spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table, then you ARE the sucker.” METRO/AL SUMMER HOT SPOTS AT THE TROP Providence Now open in The Quarter, Providence is the hottest new nightclub in Atlantic City. Providence features an energetic vibe, DJ "spinoffs" with bottle service and VIP lounge areas. Well-known DJ's will be located at two DJ booths around the dance floor creating a high energy, back and forth "dance mix" throughout the night. Ideal for groups and bachelor/bachelorette parties, Providence is the premiere nightlife venue in Atlantic City. For more information visit their website at www.providenceclubac.com or call 609.345.7800. Cuba Libre On weekend nights, after dinner hours, Cuba Libre turns into one of Atlantic City’s most exciting and unique night spots. Dance all night to the DJ spinning salsa and other upbeat Latin music through a state-of-the-art sound system. You never know what you might see or who you will run into at Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar. 609-348-6700 32° Luxe Lounge A high energy European bottle service lounge, 32° Luxe Lounge runs on Paris, London, and New York time. With a stunning staff, a VIP section and a celebrity following, 32° caters to an elite, high profile clientele. The attentive staff pampers guests in a contemporary yet comfortable atmosphere. Beautiful cocktail servers offer bottles of the finest spirits and champagnes with all amenities tableside. Frequent guests may rent personal liquor lockers to store their unfinished spirits. Artfully crafted individual drinks featuring only premium spirits are offered at each of two bars. Superior service, energizing music and jet set atmosphere put 32° in the class of the world's best luxe lounges. 609-572-0032 Ri~Ra Irish Pub In addition to its fantastic food, Ri~Ra offers nightly entertainment, traditional Irish dancing, clogging and music. At Ri~Ra Irish Pub, it’s St. Patrick’s Day every day! Ri~Ra has been heralded as a truly great place to relax with a pint of Guinness or maybe a sip or two of Irish whiskey. The stars of the show are always the cozy environment and the great conversation with friends old and new. 609-348-8600 Comedy Stop Café and Cabaret Ray Romano, Rosie O’Donnell, Drew Carey, and Tim Allen all have the Comedy Stop at the Trop to thank for helping to launch their wildly successful careers. This legendary Atlantic City venue now located in new environs in The Quarter, where guests will have the opportunity to relax, sip a favorite drink and see today’s brightest standup comics along with tomorrow’s rising stars. 1-877-FUNNY-AC Planet Rose Thanks to its deliberately garish décor and unique take on the fine art of karaoke, Planet Rose is described by Citysearch.com as “Berlin decadence fused with Tokyo pop and American cheese.” Inside what Shecky’s Bar Review refers to as a “Surreal, wood paneled womb,” Planet Rose patrons in The Quarter are encouraged to follow the lead of the Saturday Night Live regulars who frequent the club’s New York City location and take their best shot at belting out their favorite - or perhaps most reviled - pop gems. 609-344-6565 Tango's Lounge @ Tropicana Welcome to paradise found at the exclusive new casino lounge Tango’s. Guests can relax and enjoy the feel of the islands in The Quarter at Tropicana while leaving their passports at home. Tango’s is the perfect setting for listening to live jazz, reggae or salsa, or celebrity-spotting while sipping a tropical cocktail at the unique, raised, round bar. Missile Bar It’s time to fuel up and dance at one of Atlantic City’s Nightspots located in The Quarter. Hot Vocal House and Dance all weekend long from Midnight till Dawn Every Weekend. Located on the upper level between IMAX and 32 Luxe Lounge, it’s the place to be. 609-348-6700 A Dam Good Sports Bar Their new poolroom, "Wilson's," is the only billiard parlor in an Atlantic City casino hotel. It's a great place for birthday, bachelor, or bachelorette parties. Keep your eyes open for live entertainment weekends and holidays. A high energy dance party is an all-night affair at Providence Night club, the premiere nightlife venue in Atlantic City. And you can always find your favorite "40s". For Atlantic City dining at A Dam Good Sports Bar call 609-347-7770 Red Square On weekend nights, starting at 12 am, Red Square turns into one of The Quarter’s favorite party spots. Dance all night and check out the impressive frozen ice bar, which measures 40 feet, will serve the finest selection of more than 120 frozen vodkas, infusions and martinis. 609.344.9100 Firewaters @ The Market Place Whether it’s that hard-to-find LaChouffe or a Triple Karmeliet, Firewaters is famous for importing beers from around the world to Atlantic City. One-hundred-and-one beer varieties and a fabulous martini bar (shaken, stirred, olive or onion—Firewaters serves up a mean martini) make Firewaters the place for a night on the town. Add in a one-of-a-kind ice wall and a lively dance floor, and the result is night club nirvana. 609.344.6699 The Bar at Wellingtonʼs @ Tropicana Located on the 2nd floor of the south tower, The Bar at Wellington’s features a variety of wine, cocktails and spirits, and offers a menu with full and half size appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. Wine is available by the glass and from the half bottle wine list, and Apple martini and Cosmopolitan flights provide the perfect way to enjoy and explore a cocktail. CONTENT PROVIDED BY THE TROPICANA
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