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Beyond the Dice & Slots in Atlantic City
GLORIA HAYES KREMER ,
Special to The Times
Welcome to Atlantic City reinventing itself once again. "A rebirth or a renaissance is certainly not a wrong term," says Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority."If you haven’t been here in five years you will be wowed."
The city has had several very real problems to solve as it facedcompetition from all sides --- from the dazzle of Las Vegas to the successful casinos in nearby Connecticut. Yet, the self-proclaimed Queen of Resorts has not only generated a record-breaking $5.2 billion in gaming revenue but has seen its non-gaming revenues regularly rise as new dining venues, chic nightclubs, elegant shops and luxurious spas have appeared to add to the resort’s appeal.
To the delight of Realtors, a real estate boom is energizing the atmosphere.
The town’s three casinos -- Harrah’s, Borgata and Trump Taj Mahal -- are constructing towers that will be higher than anything in town. And luxury condominiums are also sprouting up -- along with prices --- all over the city.
Late last month, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the just completed $200 million first phase of the Borgata expansion took place at the new, separate entrance which features an outside escalator, one of only two in New Jersey.
In addition to the hotel’s eleven restaurants, including Sulan by famed Philadelphia restaurateur Susanna Foo, three celebrity chefs have opened swanky dining rooms with menus that are as intriguing as the decor: Wolfgang Puck’s American Grille features fish, skillet steaks and pizza, the Food Network’s Bobby Flay Steak offers lobster and steak with a Southwestern flair and Michael Mina’s Seablue creates unique seafood dishes including lobster pot pie and lobster corn dogs.
Diners at Seablue enjoy a unique decor which replicates the inside of an aquarium by using ten projection screens around the room, simulating aquatic life.
Also opened at Borgata is a quick-service Cafeteria, a 30-seat Bread and Butter cafe, a bar, a nightclub ... and the new 85-table poker room.
It’s almost like a restaurant revolution with the arrival of these award-wining, nationally known chefs, all creating delectable fare.
The ultra-sophisticated Borgata, which opened in 2003, has beensuccessful as well as influential in raising the standards of practically all the other casino operations in town.A deluxe resort, the Borgata, as spectacular as any in Vegas, confirms that high-end amenities can attract visitors from anywhere.
Even "The Donald" acknowledges the positive impact the Borgata has had on his three casinos, with Trump stating, "Myself and others have expanded and put in an extraordinary amount of money to make our suites nicer, bigger and more beautiful than the Borgata’s."
Unquestionably, one of the most dramatic dining rooms in town is nestled at the exquisitely designed Mia --- just off the 4-story atrium lobby at Caesars --- Georges Perrier and Chris Scarduzio’s beautiful dining room.
Romanesque columns and soft curtains flowing from soaring ceilings create a surreal ambience fit for a movie set, or visiting royalty from ancient Rome.
Heralded as presenting "some of the finest food at the shore," Mia offers an innovative Mediterranean cuisine for those seeking an elegant dining experience.
In June, Caesar’s introduced its new $15 million Asian-themed gaming area, Palace East, with a festive celebration of the traditional Chinese lion dance. The comfortably arranged 22 gaming tables establishes this new locale as the largest, most elaborate gaming area of its kind in the country featuring a plush setting, with dealers who speak several languages.
An adjoining restaurant, Kwi-Asian Restaurant and Noodle Bar, serves Asian specialties.
"This is so special," said Frank Ho, playing Pai Gow --- Chinese dominoes -- as he savored "‘Rocket Roll" spring rolls at the counter.
Dan Nita Sr., vice president, general manager at Caesar’s, noted, "The Asian market has been increasingly growing and all the casinos are looking at this demographic with great attention."Among other casinos currently accommodating Asian visitors are Showboat, Atlantic City Hilton, Trump Taj Mahal.
And Bally’s will open their Asian pit in February.
Also just opened in late June, The Pier at Caesar’s is the dazzling new star on the Boardwalk.
With 90 retailers, including Gucci, Ferragamo and Tiffany among others and 10 restaurants including Buddakan, Phillips Seafood and Vino Noir, this shopping and entertainment venue is a stunner.
Built on one of Atlantic City’s original piers (remember the Million Dollar Pier?), this nearly 500,00 square feet of retail and dining space confirms developer Scott Gordon’s claim that "people need to open their eyes and see that you can come and have a great time without gaming."
Visitors can dine at first-class restaurants as they look out on the cerulean blue ocean.
The nearly 100,000 feet of mammoth illuminated billboards (larger than any of the signs in Times Square) will light up the Boardwalk and be seen for miles. Expected by fall is a three-level water, light and music show free to all.
And there is even a wedding chapel with a glass-walled enclosure that extends over the ocean.
Another bonus for couples is a live Web cast option which can broadcast the wedding ceremony to friends and family across the globe.
At Showboat, the new House of Blues Suites offer multi-layered rooms with a circular seating area facing huge plasma television, Indian decor, views of the ocean ..and a great, oversized bathroom with a shower that has five multi-directional jets shooting from many angles.
The hotel’s intimate Foundation Room offers creative cuisine for those who join the House of Blues Club which also gives them entrance to any Foundation Room in the country.
The Atlantic City Hilton continues a sizzling entertainment line-up, with Damon Ayans, Frank Sinatra Jr. and rock band America.During the summer months, the outdoor Hilton Beach Bar is buzzing with party goers who enjoy the live concerts and friendly atmosphere.
Bally’s Atlantic City still offers a superb spa experience. The hit television show, "The Price is Right," takes place every day but Saturday at Claridge’s Palace Theater which has been incorporated into Bally’s Casino.And party action at the Bikini Beach Bar starts early and ends late.
Harrah’s is currently undergoing a huge expansion renovation. But it still offers one of the most congenial atmospheres of any casino hotel.
Beginning the this week through mid-September, the hit Broadway musical, "Hairspray" will charm audiences with its cheerful, wholesome fun.
And coming soon, the famed Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa will open its doors.
Resorts, the first casino hotel on the scene, has created Tabou, a dining and entertainment venue that offers trendy dining from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and then it’s "showtime" as the talented staff performs for the diners.
Still, fine cuisine is definitely a priority with five-star Peregrines restaurant, New York’s famed Gallagher’s Steak House, Capriccio and an open-all-hours 25 Hours Bar.
Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Marina and Trump Plaza still satisfy a trendy crowd.
At the Taj Mahal, the continuing dance fest brings top DJs to the scene.
Trump’s Marina offers outdoor gaming on The Deck and Trump’s Plaza hosts the amazing Cirque du Soleil extravaganza.Don’t miss the lively Beach Bar, picturesque and buzzing with people enjoying the sand and sea and dance floor.
The Sands Casino Hotel, just steps back from the Boardwalk, perhaps because it is smaller than its behemoth casino sisters, is rather cozy and comfortable.
Their Boardwalk Buffet (one of the city’s best buys) satisfies any gourmand for just$9.99.
Through Aug. 24, a "Stay, Play and Dine" package for $140 per person is another worthwhile value.
At the Tropicana Casino & Resort, The Quarter is the palm-fringed, Havana-themed complex of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.The Quarter’s new Havana Tower offers luxury bi-level suites with a spiral staircase to the second floor.
Offering exotic dining options in town, The Trop boasts Cuba Libre, P.F. Chang‘s Asian bistro, Il Verdi, Golden Dynasty, Red Square and Carmine’s, to name a few.
Live bands, street performers, lots of Salsa music, even karaoke keep the crowds entertained.
Meanwhile, outside the casinos, there’s much to see and do.
Shopaholics love the popular Walk, a span of outlet stores of fine caliber like Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, Ecco and others.Dining offers everything from gourmet cuisine at the classic Knife and Fork Inn to seafood specialties at Dock’s Oyster House.
Lucy the Elephant still charms families and Gardner’s Basin has introduced Crafter’s Village, a quaint working village of artists along the waterfront.
And, when you realize Barbra Streisand is performing on Nov. 4 at Boardwalk Hall, you know hip, colorful, sparkling Atlantic City is really booming.
For more Atlantic City information, call (888) 228-4748 or visit atlanticcitynj.com on the Web.
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