By Jeffrey Vasser   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

From Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2, Harrah’s Entertainment, in cooperation with the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, will host the Inaugural TD Bank Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival. The festival promises to be the premier event of the summer season with four days of parties, tastings and celebrity appearances. Chefs from the Food Network and Bravo, including Tom Colicchio, Guy Fieri, Ted Allen, Duff Goldman, Emeril Lagasse and Ingrid Hoffmann, will host, demonstrate, mix and mingle with guests at more than 20 events.

Renowned chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio—best known for his role on Bravo’s hit show Top Chef—will kick off the festival July 30 with a Gourmet Pizza Bash at Caesars. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with a culinary expert as well as sample some of the best pizza on the East Coast.

Tom will then serve as celebrity chef and judge of the Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea BBQ Tailgate presented by Game On! on Friday, July 31. Wet or dry rub? Ribs or brisket? You decide at this finger-licking good event located in the beautifully renovated Dennis Courtyard at Bally’s.

Tom Colicchio returns to pair up food and wine in a poolside paradise—The Pool at Harrah’s Resort. The Food and Wine Spectacular is sure to be one of the signature events of the festival. Throughout the weekend you can catch Tom at his Healthy Eating seminar at Showboat or the House of Blues After Party at Showboat’s Foundation Room.

Because no one knows food like Atlantic City’s food and beverage employees, The Grand Market Industry Preview is just for you.  On Friday, July 31, from 8 p.m. to midnight, every booth will showcase goods with food tastings and more. The preview takes place at Bally’s Grand Ballroom and admission is free for regional food and beverage employees. You can even bring a guest with you for just $20. As an appreciation to all the hard-working casino hotel employees, this one shouldn’t be missed.

If wine is your passion, the Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival has plenty to offer. Learn to Taste Wine Like A Sommelier with lessons featuring wines from around the world. Sample international wines and dance the night away with friends at Wine After Dark at The Pool at Harrah’s.

If you want to try the best wines California has to offer, join Food Network and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy star Ted Allen as he hosts the exclusive Wine Garden: A California Wine Tour with Ted Allen, at the Dennis Courtyard Saturday afternoon. Over 50 of the West Coast’s finest vintages will be showcased.

As an alternative, devout aficionados can enjoy the soothing tastes of rich whiskey and fine cigars at The Glenlivet Cigar & Whiskey Lounge at Bally’s Bikini Beach Bar. If beer is your beverage of choice, be sure to check out The Beer Garden at the Pier Shops at Caesars. Taste beers from all over the world and enjoy food from two of Atlantic City’s signature bar restaurants, Game On! and Trinity Irish Pub.

No food and wine festival would be complete without celebrity chef demonstrations, and this one has plenty. Emeril Lagasse will be “kicking it up a notch” at Caesars with An Evening with Emeril Lagasse. Food Network star and host of the hit show Simply Delicioso Ingrid Hoffmann’s love of Latino food traces back to her family and her mother—a trained chef. So if you’re going to learn Spanish cooking, you’re in good hands with Culinary Demonstration with Ingrid Hoffmann at Showboat.

The energetic and always entertaining Guy Fieri will show how it’s done with easy-to-follow cooking demonstrations at Ready, Set, FIRE! with Guy Fieri. Guy will also host an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime two-hour dinner with a special someone and 24 other guests. Fieri will teach the secrets to family-style dinners with amazing results.

Additional festival highlights include The Melting Pot Presents: The Art of Fondue hosted by Ingrid Hoffmann and Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman at The Pool, The Phillips Seafood Boardwalk Clambake with Guy Fieri at the Dennis Courtyard, and a Southern-style Gospel Brunch hosted by Duff Goldman on the festival’s closing day.

In support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central and South Jersey Affiliate, the TD Bank Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival will also offer a limited number of $2,000 Pink Ribbon packages to those who want to experience the inaugural event like a VIP.  Included in this package is a room throughout the festival along with an all-access pass to over 15 events featuring all of the celebrity chefs, commemorative gifts, VIP early access to the Pool tasting events, and free entry into the 2009 Central and South Jersey Race for the Cure. As the main benefactor of the festival, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central and South Jersey Affiliate will receive $1,000 for each of the “Pink Ribbon” packages sold.

Event prices vary and are sold separately. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.acfoodandwine.com.

AC Food & Wine Festival Schedule

Thursday, July 30     
Gourmet Pizza Bash, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Location: Caesars Palladium Ballroom • Price: $50

Friday, July 31     
Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea BBQ Tailgate Presented by Game On!, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Location: Bally’s Atlantic City, Dennis Courtyard • Price: $50

The Grand Market Industry Preview, 8 p.m.-Midnight
Location: Bally’s Grand Ballroom • Price: Free for food
& beverage employees (bring a guest with you for $20)

Taste Wine Like A Sommelier, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Harrah’s Resort • Price: $35

Food and Wine Spectacular at The Pool hosted by Tom Colicchio,
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (Session 1); 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (Session 2)
Location: The Pool at Harrah’s Resort • Price: $100/session

Wine After Dark, 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Location: The Pool at Harrah’s • Price: $50

Healthy Eating with Tom Colicchio, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Showboat Atlantic City • Price: $75

Crystal Head Presents: House of Blues After Party hosted by Tom Colicchio,
10 p.m.-2 a.m. Location: Foundation Room, Showboat • Price: $50

Saturday, August 1     
The Grand Market, Noon-7 p.m. Location: Bally’s Grand Ballroom • Price: $30

Feast of Fieri hosted by Guy Fieri, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Caesars Atlantic City • Price: $1,000 (private dinner for 24 guests)

The Glenlivet Cigar & Whiskey Lounge, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Location: Bally’s Bikini Beach Bar • Price: $75

A California Wine Tour with Ted Allen, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Bally’s Dennis Courtyard • Price: $100

Culinary Demonstration & Lesson with Emeril Lagasse,
2 p.m.-4 p.m. Location: Showboat Atlantic City • Price: $150

Culinary Demonstration with Ingrid Hoffmann,
8 p.m.-10 p.m. Location: Showboat Atlantic City • Price: $150

The Beer Garden, Noon-4 p.m.
Location: The Pier Shops at Caesars • Price: $30

An Evening with Emeril Lagasse, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Location: Caesars Circus Maximus • Price: $30

Malibu Rum Beach Soiree, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Location: Bally’s Bikini Beach Bar • Price: $50

Sunday, August 2     
Ready, Set, FIRE! with Guy Fieri, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Caesars Circus Maximus • Price: $50

The Melting Pot Presents: The Art of Fondue,
Noon-3 p.m. Location: The Pool at Harrah’s • Price: $100

The Phillips Seafood Boardwalk Clambake with Guy Fieri, Noon-4 p.m. Location: Bally’s Dennis Courtyard • Price: $100

Dinner & Movie hosted by Ingrid Hoffmann, 8 p.m.-
11 p.m. Location: Caesars Rooftop Pool • Price: $250

Gospel Brunch hosted by Duff Goldman, Noon-2 p.m.
Location: House of Blues Music Hall • Price: $30

By   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

No Atlantic City landmark embodies the slogan “Always Turned On” quite like the light show that plays each night across the surface of Harrah’s Waterfront Tower.

Although it’s not really always turned on—the Lights at Harrah’s Resort run only from dusk into the wee small hours—nighttime visitors to the city can’t miss the dazzling display, which has turned the 525-foot hotel tower into what may be the biggest video screen on the planet, visible up to 10 miles away. (Rubbernecker alert: from afar, the best views are probably from Route 30, the island of Brigantine, and the incoming lanes of the AC Expressway—and the show can also be seen from incoming planes.)

With 36 different animations—tumbling dice, cascading cards, and a rippling American flag, to name just a few—the Lights at Harrah’s are a vivid calling card for the casino giant, a great GPS for people driving into town, and the wave of the future in the use of lights to convey a message, send an invitation and affirm a brand.

Plus, they’re cool to look at. “Dozens of viral videos of the Lights have popped up all over the web this year,” says Danielle Mohn, vice president of marketing for Harrah’s Resort. Among them: a handful of home videos posted on YouTube and viewed by thousands, earning free publicity for the city and the casino. Clearly a very bright idea.

Light Fantastic

So how’d they do that?

The answer—which may be fully understood only by geeks and techies—starts with light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, which produce illumination through the conduction of energy. The massive light show at Harrah’s is made up of more than 4 million square feet of tiny LED lights wrapped around all four sides of the 44-story tower. Each floor has 700 feet of linear LED fixtures, which look like narrow tubes, attached to the supporting structures between each window. End to end, that’s more than six miles of lights.

More simply, think of a monster HDTV screen stretched out over an entire building. To illuminate the lights, a pre-programmed signal is sent through a command program that is run, believe it or not, from desktop PC. But there is no wizard behind the curtain running this extravagant show. The whole thing is preprogrammed, automated, and works on a timer.

But the show can be changed depending on the occasion, giving the casino an extraordinary opportunity to showcase upcoming concert events, promote gaming tourneys, or simply deliver a crowd-pleasing experience.

Harrah’s famously choreographed real fireworks and video fireworks on the Fourth of July last year, with breathtaking effects (the casino, along with partner Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, will do so again this month). And during the Christmas holidays last year, the Lights at Harrah’s, starting with a single giant snowflake, turned into a gathering snowfall.

Trompe L'Oeil

Even though the image-producing LED fixtures are mounted about 10 feet apart at each floor of the building, from a distance they look like a seamlessly unfolding video image. That’s just an optical illusion, says Mike Hansen of Tim Hunter Design, which designed the control system and digital media content for the Waterfront Tower.

“When you’re up close, it’s a lot more glass than light tube, which is maybe a couple inches wide at each floor,” Hansen says. “It’s the same as a TV set, or a Seurat painting. Up close, you can see it’s just a bunch of tiny little lines and dots, heavily packed together. But when you step back, the brain puts the image together. This building is done on the same principal, but at a much larger scale. It’s your brain that does most of the work.”

In fact, the closer you get, the more abstract the image becomes—which is impressive in its own way.

“When you’re in the Pool area looking almost straight up, it’s kind of a giant monolithic color-changing face,” says Hansen.

The perspective from inside one of the hotel rooms is surprising, because the light display that is visible for miles becomes suddenly and remarkably unobtrusive.

“The way the fixtures are designed, the light shines outward,” says Bill Groener, president of Tim Hunter Designs. “If you’re in a room and look up, all you can see is a very thin light.”

Exploding Technology

Just as Las Vegas was once defined by its neon skyline, Atlantic City’s silhouette has brightened with the years. Bally’s was one of the first casinos in town to light its entire building as a nighttime attraction, with beaded lights that changed colors. When Borgata came into the market in 2003, it made an elegant statement with bands of shimmering purple that encircled the tower.

Harrah’s first used LED technology in 2002, when architects outfitted the 28-story Bayview Tower with an LED façade. Back then, the special effects were limited to changing colors, sunbursts, color wipes and the like, says Groener.

“The color of the building could be red at one point, then transform into blue, then go into green, or else a rainbow of colors could come from the top down or the bottom up.” While eye-catching, “these were fairly simple lighting effects,” says Groener.

“The resolution was very gross,” agrees Hansen. “Yes, it was cool and innovative for the time, but the example I use is, ‘Compare the old video game Pong to Grand Theft Auto.’ The latest generation is much different.”

The older tower’s lights were programmable by 1-to-2-foot lengths. The new ones can be controlled in inch-long increments for even greater definition. With the exponential improvement in LED technology, more detailed images with higher resolution and an almost 3-D depth of field can turn an entire building into a giant video screen capable of startlingly detailed imagery, like pretty girls dancing around Harrah’s Pool. (If that doesn’t stop traffic, nothing will.)
     
Circling the Globe

The Lights at Harrah’s could be the best show in the Greater Northeast, but similar gee-whiz light installations are getting attention around the world.

At his Denim store in New York City, designer Tommy Hilfiger used LED technology to turn a massive three-tiered chandelier into a video display. The city of Berlin, Germany, which according to Architect magazine is “besotted” with media façades, recently added a 380-foot-long, 40-foot-high LED screen to the new 17,000-seat O2 World Arena.

And the all-new Yankee Stadium has been tricked out with a massive 103-by-58-foot, 1080p HD Mitsubishi Diamond Vision LED display, six times larger than the screen at old Yankee Stadium. The display is embedded with 8,601,600 LED lamps and can capture up to four simultaneous images.

Despite that comprehensive perspective, according to the Yankees, the big screen will not function as a photofinish or replay device; the umps will still make all the calls.

Green Scene
   
Harrah’s is famous for its green commitment, and the Lights fit right into that philosophy, says Jill Klingler of Color Kinetics, which manufactured the lights adorning the Waterfront Tower.

“One of the benefits with LED lights is that they don’t ‘go out,’ like your regular screw-in light bulb. They will fade over time, but even in harsher temperatures they will last and last. At 30,000 to 50,000 hours, the light output depreciates to about 50 percent of the original light. But if you think about it, they’re only running every day from dusk until early morning.”

Which means the Lights at Harrah’s could still be glowing in the year 2055.

“The Lights have become one of the ‘must-see’ attractions not only in Atlantic City, but in New Jersey as a whole,” says Mohn. “We’re pleased people are so captivated by the show.”

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

There’s nothing like a great summer hangout, where the beer flows freely, the music never stops, and the dress code is strictly flip-flops and shorts.

Unlike trendy nightclubs with their big cover charges and oversized attitudes, the classic Jersey shore bar emphasizes good times, good music, potent libations and a decidedly low-key atmosphere—the kind of nice-and-easy groove you’re looking for on a summer Saturday night.

When you’re done with the sun (but not the fun), we invite you to a leisurely pub crawl. It traces the Jersey coast from north to south, and includes pit stops at some of the best bars we know. Of all the gin joints in all the world, here are a dozen you’ll love.

Stone Pony
913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
732-502-0600 • www.stoneponyonline.com

Musical Mecca. Rock-and-rollers should visit three shrines during their lives: Liverpool’s Cavern Club (birthplace of Beatlemania); Sun Studios in Memphis (where Elvis got his start); and the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, called “one of the greatest rock clubs of all time” by Robert Santelli of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Did Springsteen put the Stone Pony on the map, or vice versa? It hardly matters. Both became iconic, and though the Pony these days is a little frayed around the edges—it never was much more than a concrete block with a stage—it’s still the place for great live music, from headliners to up-and-comers. This summer’s lineup includes the Pretenders, the Black Crowes, Peter Frampton, Leon Russell, Ween, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones—and the list goes on and on. True to its roots, the Stone Pony is always scouting new talent (with fingers crossed that one of these days, the next Boss will come sauntering in).

Thursday nights, the Stone Pony features Jersey Shore bands and a reggae house mix, with $2 Coors Light drafts and bar specials all night long. Rock on.

Joe Pop’s Shore Bar
2002 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom
609-494-0558 • www.joepops.com

For All Ages. It’s the rare bar that manages to be cross-generational, welcoming baby boomers along with 30-somethings and kids and making them all feel welcome. In South Jersey, that place is Joe Pop’s in Ship Bottom—an ultra-casual bar with a great, party-on spirit that isn’t the least bit exclusionary or too-cool-for-you.

A consistently mixed crowd grooves to Top 40 music with bands like Speakeasy, Trippin Carla, Runaway and Undisputed. The Bobby Lynch Band plays every Sunday; Mondays are unplugged (acoustics only). The only caveat for boomers: you set might want to sidestep Tuesdays, which are College Nights.

The food here is fast and deep-fried, but arteries be damned. Don’t miss the sweet potato fries dusted with cinnamon sugar (better than funnel cake!), fried mac-and-cheese bites, scallop skewers and beer-battered onion rings. After that, sweat it off on the dance floor.

Martell’s Tiki Bar
308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach
732-892-0131 • www.tikibar.com

Adventures in Paradise. For authentic island atmosphere complete with thatched huts, swoon-inducing tropical drinks and non-stop entertainment, there’s no place like Martell’s Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant Beach.

Martell’s has an indoor restaurant, the Sea Breeze; an outdoor raw bar (oyster shooters for the amorously inclined!); and even its own Beach Club (kids under 12 are free; daily and seasonal passes are available for adults). A cool stage on a pier over the surf always attracts a good crowd; featured entertainers include the great Shorty Long Band, the Sensational Soul Cruisers, the Big Ragu and the ever-popular Don’t Call Me Francis.

How about some grub? For lunch, try the lobster pot pie; Martell’s awesome mozzarella-n-tomato tower; or a classic burger. Specialty drinks include a Blue Moon Margarita made with Cuervo Gold, blue Curacao and lime; the Coastal Kiss, with DiSaronno, Southern Comfort and pineapple juice; and the Banana Monkey—it’s dessert in a glass with sweet cream, Kahlua and banana liqueur.

Chelsea Pub and Inn
8 South Morris Avenue, Atlantic City
609-345-4916

All-Nighter. It’s not your typical shore bar with a deck, a DJ and lots of fruity little drinks. But the Chelsea Pub has one thing going for it that most others don’t: it’s open 24/7. And it’s a fun local and tourist hangout for an always-turned-on city.

About a block from the Tropicana, the Chelsea features a big indoor bar and outdoor patio with four pool tables. Owner Jack Conway, who bought the 40-room hotel at the dawn of the casino era, carved the labyrinthine bar—actually three adjoining bars—from a ground-floor parking garage.

While it’s nothing fancy, that’s part of the Chelsea’s charm. The rooms upstairs are clean and neat, the burgers, salads and seafood are good and plentiful, the prices are blessedly low and the people are friendly. When you’re through high-toning it through the city’s swanky nightclubs, dial it back down a little at the Chelsea.

Ventura’s Greenhouse
106 S. Benson Avenue, Margate City
609-822-0140 • www.venturasgreenhouse.com

Coastal Cool. For great elephant gazing and plenty of opposite-sex-ogling, check out the view from Ventura’s Greenhouse Café in Margate.

The popular bar-restaurant (with real palm trees out front) not only has a terrific view of the dunes and the ocean; it’s also cheek-by-jowl with mighty Lucy the Elephant, the six-story pachyderm-shaped “architectural folly” built as a roadside attraction during the 1880s.

Ventura’s relaxing outdoor deck features a raw bar with clams on the half shell, peel-it-yourself shrimp, and weeknight drink specials (stop in on Tropical Tuesdays, when Cruzan daiquiris are just $5).

Downstairs, the nautically themed Greenhouse Grill is known for its super-fresh pizza (our favorite: white pie with spinach, garlic and tomatoes on a yummy, yeasty crust). There’s a hearty Italian menu with mussels marinara, veal rollatini and great meatballs. The atmosphere throughout is decidedly low-key: T-shirts and Bermudas are just fine.

Maynard’s Café
9306 Amherst Avenue, Margate City
609-822-8423 • www.maynards-cafe.com

On the Avenue. Hard to believe today, but Amherst Avenue in Margate was once called the Barbary Coast—a rough-and-tumble strip with bars that catered mostly to fishermen. Today, Amherst is an elegant drive lined by stately marinas and swanky bars. And then there’s Maynard’s. Named for professional boxer Billy Maynard, who opened the joint in 1914, and operated by honorary “Mayor of Margate” Al Troiano until his death in 2003, Maynard’s is still one of the area’s most popular summer hangouts.

With its unpretentious atmosphere and a cheap-and-cheerful menu of chicken fingers, potato nachos, toasted ravioli and the like, plus live music and DJs in Big Al’s outdoor Starlite Garden, Maynard’s is as good as it gets in the summertime.

Drinks include $1.50 Bud Light pints daily. On select Wednesdays, Maynard’s has late-night Skyy Vodka drinks for just $4 (try the Grape Bomb with Skyy Infusions Grape and Red Bull); on select Thursdays, its $3 Parrott Bay drinks (the Passionate Kiss is a winning combo of Captain Morgan Passionfruit Rum, pineapple, cranberry and soda).

Anchorage Inn
823 Bay Avenue, Somers Point
609-926-1776

Some Like It Somers. Ocean City’s blue laws mean one thing: big business for the bars and restaurants in Somers Point. Start where the locals hang, at two classic corner bars: Charlie’s and Gregory’s. Charlie’s has been part of the local landscape since 1944, and is run these days by the fourth generation of the Thomas family. The vibe here is gin-joint-and-jukebox, but in addition to shots, beers and burgers, Charlie’s also has a larger menu with steak, seafood and Italian specialties as well as breakfast.

Stouthearted drinkers may want to try one of the popular giant frozen coolers (the Bailey’s Blizzard includes ice cream, Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream and vodka).

Gregory’s has been a favorite of locals and shoobies since 1946, and unabashedly promotes its cheap eats and drinks. There are 11 beers on tap, and full-course meals for $7.99 from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

In Somers Point’s Historic Bay District, the famed Anchorage Inn is a can’t-miss. The original 1874 tavern, frequented by back-bay rumrunners during Prohibition, was leveled by fire in 2006, but the restoration is so authentic, you’d never guess this isn’t the original Victorian-era inn. Along with a quaint view of boats moored in the Great Egg Harbor Bay, the Anchorage has some of the best seafood in town—the Dungeness crab dip is to die for—and it’s always packed. Play a game of pool while you’re there, and have a bite on the wraparound veranda.

Deauville Inn
201 Willard Road, Strathmere
609-263-2080 • www.deauvilleinn.com

WHOVILLE? When you’re staying in Strathmere—that bleakly beautiful sliver of island tucked between Ocean City and Sea Isle—you’ve got to stop at the Deauville Inn, a rambling waterfront bar where patrons pull up in boats and kayaks to watch Phillies games in the big indoor sports bar, grab a burger and beer, then watch the sun set on the outside patio.

Located at the foot of the creaky Corson’s Inlet Bridge, the Deauville has a colorful history—in the ’20s and ’30s, it was a speakeasy, gambling hall and way station for bootleggers. And as the former Whelan Hotel, it hosted many notables of the day including President Teddy Roosevelt, crooner Eddie Cantor, comedian Jimmy Durante and singer Sophie Tucker.

With its no-frills vibe, the Deauville—locals call it the “Do-ville”—is also the best place to watch the  Nightmare in Strathmere Boat Parade in August (with crazily decorated  rowboats, it’s Strath’s offbeat answer to the yachts and pleasure cruisers of Ocean City’s Night in Venice).

As the latest stop on the Delaware Bayshore Birding and Wildlife Trail, the Deauville (which also has its own small beach) is also a prime place to see wild birds by the score.

The Ocean Drive
40th Street & Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City
609-263-1000 • www.theod.com

Drive Dive. To regulars, it’s just “the OD”—the epitome of a youthful, casual shore bar, and apparently a hotbed of romance as well (two owners and six bartenders met their spouses here, at the Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City). Whether you’re looking for love or just a fun night on the town, the OD is the place to be.

What began in the late 19th century as a genteel hotel and dining establishment has evolved into a jam-packed jam bar with great live bands including all the Jersey Shore favorites (Love Seed Mama Jump, Mr. Greengenes, Secret Service, Burnt Sienna).

Liquid refreshments are always plentiful, and the food (courtesy of O’Donnell’s Pour House right next door) is great, with an Irish flair. The crab cakes are some of the best around, and when you’re talking Jersey, that’s quite a tribute.

Lighthouse Pointe
5101 Shawcrest Road , Wildwood
609-522-SHIP

City Lights. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway at the foot of the George Redding Bridge, Lighthouse Pointe offers one of the best views of Wildwood after dark, dominated by the colorful lights from Morey’s Piers’ merry-go-rounds and rollercoasters. Like so many waterfront establishments, the expansive restaurant and bar is accessible by both car and boat.

The restaurant menu includes terrific local seafood including sautéed Shrimp and Crab Rosa over cheese tortellini; Seafood Alfredo with shrimp, scallops and crabmeat over pasta; and even escargot. But don’t be intimidated by those fancy French snails. Outside, it’s a laid-back atmosphere with party lanterns, line dancing and music—live or with a DJ—every weekend.

Drink specials at the LP include a way-cool Mojito Martini with Cointreau, cranberry, lime and mint vodka; the frozen Nutty Italian with cream, Frangelico and amaretto; and the monstrously good Bloody Caesar—a bloody Mary with Clamato juice, vodka and spicy secret ingredients in a salt-rimmed glass.

Lucky Bones Backwater Grille
1200 Route 109, Cape May
609-884-2663 • www.luckybonesgrille.com

Good to the Bone. Hailed as one of South Jersey’s best casual bars, the Lucky Bones Backwater Grille in Cape May manages to be both refined and relaxed, with a great atmosphere overlooking busy Cape May Harbor and a superior menu, all from scratch (with zero trans fats, if you care).

The Lucky Bones takes its name from superstitious whalers of yore, who never set sail without a horseshoe crab claw for good luck. The menu takes its cue from Cape May’s maritime past, with fish and chips, mussels in Gorgonzola-tomato-basil sauce, Cape May Vineyard clams and the flatfish of the day. Appetizers are awesome (Cuban-spiced shrimp cocktail, mojo-marinated pork morsels), the handmade pizza has a crunchy super-thin crust and the fries and tortillas are hand-cut.

Specialty martinis include the Key Wester with Meyers and Mt. Gay rums, Triple Sec, lime and cranberry; the Key Lime with Stoli vanilla, white cocoa, pineapple and lime; and the Back Bay Sunset, with Stoli O, Midori, Malibu rum and cranberry. Happy hour is Monday through Friday, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Cheers.

Sand in your toes

For party crashers who can’t get enough of the sand, Atlantic City offers what is quickly becoming a local tradition: beach bars. Here’s the rundown on these outdoor watering holes.

Hilton Beach Bar

Hours: Open Sundays through Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m. and noon to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Happenings: Daily happy hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Every Thursday: live 97.3-FM radio broadcast from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday nights starting at 8 p.m. is Service Industry Night with DJ Sinatra. • Fridays have Bob Pantano’s 10-piece band and live a DJ.

Bally’s Bikini Beach Bar

Hours: Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Happenings: Live music daily. • Monday: Latin night; Tuesday: karaoke; Wednesday: ’80s night; Thursday: tribute bands; Friday: Fashion Friday; Saturday: beach party; Sunday: Casino Industry Day.

Trump Plaza Beach Bar

Hours: Open 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays, and 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Happenings: Live music from 8 p.m. to midnight, DJ until 2 a.m. • Monday: locals night; Tuesday: Service Industry Night; Wednesday: Battle of the Bands; Thursday: karaoke, live band, drink specials; Saturday: $1off regular price, Bud specials; Sunday: Coors Lite day.

Trump Marina Deck

Hours: Open noon to 1 a.m. Mondays through Fridays; 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Happenings: Live bands every night in July and August. Happy hour 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Fridays with daily specials.

By   Fri, Sep 19, 2008

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By NBC 40 WMGM   Tue, Feb 02, 2010

Convention Center:  Feb 3-7 is the International Power Boat Show. Feb. 20 Spirit Unlimited Cheerleading Competition. February 26th to 28th is the Atlantic City Classic Car Show & Auction.

Boardwalk Hall: February 27 Show of Shows, featuring the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association, 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. in Boardwalk Halls arena. 

February 25 9th Annual Men R Cookin at Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club to benefit Boys & Girls Club

It's the Second Annual Atlantic City Restaurant Week from February 28th to March 6th.  70 restaurants with prefix menu's at prefix prices... mark your calendar NOW!

For more information go to http://www.acrestaurantweek.com/

January 30 2010 Casino Connection Magazine update with Lisa Johnson on NBC 40

By NBC 40 WMGM   Fri, Jan 29, 2010

By NBC 40 WMGM   Sat, Jan 23, 2010

By NBC 40 WMGM   Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Late last month the founder  of Beal Bank, who is also known as a high-stakes poker player, made a surprise move by joining billionaire Carl Icahn in a new bid for Trump Entertainment. Beal hopes to convert his multimillion-dollar loan into equity in the company.

“Trump jumped ship at the last minute,” Icahn attorney Edward Weisfelner said in court, “and left Mr. Beal standing at the altar.”

see entire article here:  http://casinoconnectionac.com/issue/january-2010/article/games-the-same-but-players-have-changed

By NBC 40 WMGM   Wed, Dec 02, 2009

http://casinoconnectionac.com/issue/november-2009/article/ac-outlets-the-walk-your-holiday-headquarters

By NBC 40 WMGM   Wed, Sep 30, 2009

By NBC 40 WMGM   Tue, Sep 22, 2009

FAREWELL TO A LEGEND

Atlantic City bids goodbye to a favorite adopted son, the late Arturo Gatti, September 19 at Bally’s. A professional card has been established, with fights being sandwiched around highlight presentations, speeches and tributes to the most prolific fighter in Atlantic City history.

Gatti, based first in Montreal and then in Jersey City, became the only sure thing in a town known for gambling. Twice a year, he’d fill up Boardwalk Hall against any opponent, and his loyal fan base substantially spiked the drop in nearby casinos. Gatti was responsible for nine consecutive sellouts here, including the second and third bout of his famed trilogy against Micky Ward, and a matchup with Floyd Mayweather that established a non-heavyweight record for gross sales receipts in Atlantic City.

Gatti’s appearance was the brainchild of Bally’s then-President Ken Condon.

“We should have a special day for Arturo,” Condon said while Gatti was still alive. “I’d be the first to put that together.”

The tribute is appropriate. While earning about $20 million for himself, Gatti performed some other memorable deeds. He stayed with one promoter, Main Events, for his entire 16-year career. That’s now unheard of. He waged several Fights of the Year in boxing and created high paydays for Ward, Ivan Robinson, Mayweather, the gaming industry and HBO.

Gatti died under mysterious circumstances July 11 in Brazil (authorities first believed he was murdered by his wife, then changed the determination to suicide, which the boxing community does not believe).

He is sorely missed, not only for the exciting boxing, but for his effervescent, approachable personality. Gatti could laugh at himself, display respect for his opponent and make good copy for the media. He reminded those around him why they loved boxing.

Casino Connection salutes the athlete who symbolized the boxing-gaming marriage and carried a presence we may never see again.

By NBC 40 WMGM   Tue, Sep 22, 2009

By NBC 40 WMGM   Mon, Sep 21, 2009

Here is a link to the written article "Colony's Atlantic City Headache" on casinoconnectionac.com.

By NBC 40 WMGM   Sat, Sep 12, 2009

Don Marrandino named president of Harrah's Eastern Division Tides Story

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

At 60 years of age, with more than 35 years in music, 17 hit records, a new CD and a world tour this summer, singer/songwriter Jackson Browne is still going strong.

German-born (his dad was a serviceman) and California-bred, Browne started his career way back in 1966, with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. His gift for songwriting led to covers of his work by rock headliners of the time including Tom Rush, the Eagles, the Byrds and close friend Linda Ronstadt. Browne launched his solo career with a self-titled release in 1971, a record that produced the hit singles “Doctor My Eyes” and “Rock Me on the Water,” which became staples in his live shows.

Considered one of the pioneers of the elegiac, laid-back California sound, Browne has dominated the charts with hits like “The Pretender,” “Running on Empty,” “These Days” and handfuls more. Now a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, he is promoting his newest CD, Time the Conqueror. Despite the title, the eternally boyish Browne is the one who has conquered—and he’s still rolling, after all these years.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

It’s been a while since the husky vocals and commanding pop/rock melodies of the Wallflowers have dominated the airwaves. But with the release of the CD Collected: 1996-2005, and a three-month tour, the lyrics of “One Headlight” and “Three Marlenas” will once again be running through the collective unconscious (hopefully on repeat).

America was first introduced to the Wallflowers in the late ’80s, but the band didn’t really take off until the release of its second album, 1996’s Bringing Down the Horse. Since the band’s inception as the Apples, frontman Jakob Dylan has been the rock—or perennial flower—of the L.A.-based ensemble. Now the only original member left, Dylan’s distinctive chords have become a staple of the Wallflower sound. No surprise there—he’s the son of music legend Bob Dylan.

Band members Greg Richling and Fred Eltringham, along with longtime add-on guitarist Stuart Mathis and keyboardist Bill Appleberry, will join Dylan onstage to perform songs from (Breach), Red Letter Days and the recent Rebel, Sweetheart. It promises to be an evening of soulful sing-along for all.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Reggae and rap will collide at the House of Blues this month for what’s sure to be a combustible performance.

Three-time Grammy winner Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, has been performing since his teens. Though his sound is rooted in reggae, Marley practices a talent called “toasting”—an African-based musical tradition of chanting over a heavy beat—that makes his collaboration with rapper Nas a seamless fit.

Nas, whose impressive lyricism has won him recognition on MTV’s Top 10 Greatest Emcees, was also born to a musical father, jazz artist Olu Dara. His nine studio albums, beginning with the critically acclaimed Illmatic, have often featured collaborations with talented hip hop artists. Though his subject matter has been diverse, Nas’ music has remained strongly autobiographical.

On the heels of their new album Distant Relatives, the duo is embarking on a global tour that includes a stop here. The rhythmic melodies of “Jr. Gong” accentuated with the powerful rapping of Nas are the perfect ingredients for inspiring hits.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Glittering pop starlet Katy Perry makes her Atlantic City debut July 30 at the Borgata. Perry is best known for her catchy breakout song “I Kissed A Girl,” which was released as a single in 2008 and spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, selling over 6 million tracks. The song wound up on Perry’s second album, One of the Boys, which went platinum and garnered the big-eyed chanteuse a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

With her pin-up good looks and her penchant for colorful outfits, Perry has a flamboyant quality that elevates her above the usual pop diva. Her comedic side is evident on her follow-up singles, “Hot N Cold,” and “Waking Up In Vegas”—the videos for each song are immensely popular on MTV and YouTube. But Perry also knows her way around an emotional ballad, as evident on the chart-climbing “Thinking of You.”

Now headlining her first international tour, Perry’s live shows are a dazzling affair, with choreography and costume changes.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

In lieu of Jerry Garcia and company, here’s the next best thing.

RatDog comes to the Taj Mahal this month under the direction of Bob Weir, former Grateful Dead guitarist and vocalist.

The jam-band, a pet project of Weir and bassist Rob Wasserman, took center stage after Garcia’s untimely death, offering followers of the hippie phenomenon another outlet to “shake their bones.” With a diverse lineup of talented musicians, RatDog evolved into a patchwork of music styles that’s part blues and part folk, with a soulful rock core.

With drummer Jay Lane, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, guitarist Mark Karan, saxophonist Kenny Brooks and bassist Robin Sylvester, Weir will perform original tunes folded in with covers of the Beatles and Bob Dylan, and, of course, a generous amount from the Grateful Dead archives.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

July 3
Il Divo, Borgata
The Wallflowers, Borgata
Clutch, Monster Magnet, House of Blues
The Doobie Brothers, Tropicana
Monsters of Classic Rock, Hilton

July 4
Bad Company, Resorts
Joe Cocker, Hilton

July 10
Reel Big Fish, English Beat, House of Blues
Dark Star Orchestra, Hilton
Two Funny Philly Guys: Big Daddy Graham, Joe Conklin, Borgata

July 10-11
An Evening with Tony Bennett, Caesars

July 11
The Cult, House of Blues
Bob Weir and RatDog, Taj Mahal
Bill Squire, Hilton
Andrew Dice Clay, Tropicana
J Geils Band, Borgata
Jet, Borgata

July 16
Nas and Damian Marley, House of Blues

July 17
Les Claypool, House of Blues
Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia, Borgata
Paul Potts, Borgata
Spread Eagle, Hilton

July 18
Drake Bell, Tropicana
Stone Temple Pilots, Borgata
Dave Attell, Borgata
Loverboy, Hilton
Robin Thicke, Borgata
Luis Fonsi, Bally’s

July 24
Mike Epps, House of Blues
Maxwell, Borgata
Hell’s Belles, Hilton
The Roots, Borgata

July 25
Jackson Browne, Borgata
Daniel Tosh, Borgata
The Kardashians: Up Close and Personal, Hilton

July 30
Katy Perry, Borgata

July 31
Foreigner, Tropicana
Pink Floyd Laser Show, Hilton
Hall and Oates, Borgata
Drew Hastings, Bob Zany, Craig Shoemaker, Borgata

Revues
Ongoing
Yesterday—A Tribute to the Beatles, Tropicana

To September 6
Carnival of Wonders, Trump Plaza

To September 6
Cirque Dreams Pandemonia, Taj Mahal

To September 9
Fame the Musical, Tropicana

July 1-August 9
A Bronx Tale with Chazz Palminteri, Harrah’s

July 2-September 5
Hypno-Sterical, Trump Marina

By Frank Legato   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Can you imagine an old man clenching his teeth and saying “Get off my lawn!” and really presenting a menacing presence?

Only Clint Eastwood can do that. Call this one “Dirty Harry on Social Security.”

Gran Torino gives Eastwood the opportunity to roll out his tough-guy shtick one more time as Walt Kowalski, an elderly Korean War veteran whose wife recently died, and who is battling all the things his world has become.

Kowalski’s kids want him to move into a rest home; his parish priest (Carley) wants him to go to Mass. All Walt wants is to be left alone to drink his beers, smoke his cigarettes and polish his most cherished possession, a 1970 Gran Torino sedan that he’s kept in mint condition.

That plot line alone, of course, would be way too calm for Eastwood’s signature character. Vietnamese immigrants move in next door and try to befriend Kowalski, who’s steeped in the bigotry of his generation. After local gangsters recruit the young son of the Vietnamese family (Vang), then have him try to steal Kowalski’s Gran Torino as an initiation rite, Kowalski gets involved in the kid’s life, becoming an unlikely mentor to the youth.

Kowalski gets the kid a job and tries to steer him away from gang life, but the local gangsters don’t give up that easy, ratcheting up the violence trying to enlist the kid.

You know what’s going to happen from here—the inevitable showdown between Eastwood’s tough guy and the ruthless band of young Vietnamese gangsters.

Without giving too much more of the plot away, suffice it to say that Gran Torino is about a flawed man fighting for what’s right, and at the same time fighting to keep his dignity in old age.

If you’re a fan of Clint Eastwood’s tough-guy pictures, you’ll love this film. Eastwood turns in a fantastic performance as the set-in-his-ways Kowalski, and he proves that even at 78, he can still kick some serious butt.

By Joe Legato   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

There’s something strange…in the gaming world. Yup, that’s right, it’s the Ghostbusters. Terminal Reality and Red Fly Studio bring fans a next-generation gaming version of one of the most popular and long-lasting franchises around with Ghostbusters: The Video Game.

The game takes place in 1991, shortly after the second film, and you play as the newest member of the Ghostbusters team. You don’t have much time to get accustomed to the job, though, as ghosts and ghouls are sprouting up all over Manhattan. You must now join the rest of the Ghostbusters as they battle their way through the city and investigate the cause of the new phenomena, encountering loads of specters along the way.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game should be a blast for fans and non-fans alike. For one thing, you get to see familiar old characters like Slimer while fighting a plethora of new spirits. You also get to choose from a few different weapons. In addition to the classic proton pack, there’s the “shock blast,” which shoots out a scattered mist of energy.

Another cool feature of this game is the selection of gadgets. Ghostbuster technology is always interesting, like a device that lets you find hidden ghosts and ectoplasm.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game tells a new story in the Ghostbusters saga while preserving the stuff that made the original films great. As a matter of fact, all four members of the original Ghostbusters cast lent their voices to the game, and a couple even helped write the script.

Who knows what’s next for the franchise? A new movie is said to be in the works, but so far, the Ghostbusters revival is only in this new game. You shouldn’t worry about running into any New York City phantoms any time soon, but if you happen to run into a 100-foot marshmallow man, you know who to call.

By Robert Rossiello   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

It’s been almost five years since Green Day released an album and the expectations have been high. In 2004 the band brought out their masterwork, American Idiot, an ambitious pop punk concept album that captured the politically charged Bush era and became Green Day’s biggest success.

21st Century Breakdown, the band’s eighth studio album, finds the trio working in a similar mode with satisfying results. The record is divided into three acts: “Heroes and Cons,” “Charlatans and Saints,” and “Horseshoes and Handgrenades,” and follows the exploits of a young modern couple, Christian and Gloria. This loose narrative line doesn’t really work—Christian and Gloria are only occasionally referenced—but most of the songs are strong and catchy and can stand on their own.

Though the album doesn’t break new ground, it does showcase the variety of musical styles Green Day has incorporated into their sound. There are some smooth, radio-friendly harmonies on the title track and “Last of the American Girls,” and “Restless Heart Syndrome.” Lead singer and songwriter Billie Armstrong taps his softer side on the ballads “Last Night on Earth” and “Before the Lobotomy.”

But it’s the angry, adrenaline-fueled anthems that are Green Day’s signature, and 21st Century Breakdown has plenty. The album’s first single, “Know Your Enemy,” has some blistering stop-and-start guitar licks. Both “Christian Inferno” and “East Jesus Nowhere” are speedy, fist-pumping rants. Influences like The Who, Elvis Costello and even John Lennon can be heard, but Green Day have successfully folded these musicians into their sound.

Armstrong’s lyrics—touching on politics, religion and mass media—don’t always make sense, but the enjoyment is in the delivery and 21st Century Breakdown more than delivers.

By   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

"You’ve heard the story of Jesse James, of how he lived and died; If you’re still in need of something to read, here’s the story of Bonnie and Clyde.”

The verse was penned in 1932 by notorious gun moll Bonnie Parker, shortly before she and partner-in-crime Clyde Barrow died in a Louisiana ambush. It sums up this engrossing new biography by Jeff Guinn, who traces the duo’s ardent affair, their love of fame, and the two-year crime spree that spanned the American Dust Bowl during the Depression.

Thanks to the press, which linked them to countless crimes they did not commit, Bonnie and Clyde became the stuff of outlaw legend. But unlike other gangsters of the period—Ma Barker, John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, Pretty Boy Floyd—the Barrow Gang bumbled their way through a series of bank robberies, car thefts, shootouts and prison breaks that were almost comically inept, though they resulted in half a dozen senseless deaths.

Romanticized in the 1967 film with Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, the real small-time crooks are far more compelling than their Hollywood alter egos. Mere kids when they launched their life of crime—they were in their early 20s when they died—the luckless lovers lived on the run, slept in roadside gullies and motor courts, suffered crippling injuries on the lam, taunted the “laws” with jeering letters and photos, and relished their infamy, even as it inched them closer to the bloody shootout foretold by Bonnie, who wrote in her poem that they would “go down together.” They also became folk heroes to Depression-era Americans resentful of the rich and powerful.

Through exhaustive research and interviews with surviving members of the Barrow and Parker families, as well as the lawmakers who finally brought them down, Guinn presents Bonnie and Clyde as young rebels whose fatal flaws were a fierce defiance of authority and the refusal to accept the grinding poverty that was their lot. Go Down Together is a portrait not just of Bonnie and Clyde, but of America at its most down and out.

By David Schwartz   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

One of the best-established charities in South Jersey was created out of  despair. Nearly a half-century after its founding, the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer and Heart Fund has done more to help those in need than anyone at the time could have predicted.

Ruth Newman Shapiro, the daughter of Rose Newman, was born in Atlantic City and attended Atlantic City High School, where she was a top student involved in many after-school activities. After attending college, she married her high school sweetheart, Matthew Shapiro. Together, they adopted several children and had one of their own. A devoted mother and wife, Ruth had a busy, productive life that was cut tragically short when she died of cancer at 32.

Her mother found meaning in her loss. In 1961, cancer patients had to drive to New York or Philadelphia to get cobalt radiation treatments. With her daughter, Doritt Linsk, and six others, Ruth raised $20,000—enough for the down payment for a cobalt machine for Atlantic City Hospital. It was the start of the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer Memorial Fund.

At first, Rose thought her group would disperse after the cobalt machine was paid for. But she found that local cancer patients had needs that were unfulfilled, and the RNS Fund continued its work. In 1965, Atlantic City Hospital dedicated the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cobalt Unit and, three years later, unveiled a mammography unit and a suite of diagnostic tools the group had also donated.

As the hospital grew, so did RNS. In 1988, the fund pledged $1 million to build the Ruth Newman Shapiro Regional Cancer Center at what was then called the Atlantic City Medical Center, City Division. The fund supported treatment for cancer patients at other local institutions including Shore Memorial Hospital, the Bacharach Institute for Rehabilita-tion and Cape Regional Medical Center. While RNS continued to assist South Jersey cancer patients, the fund’s directors (all of whom were volunteers) learned there was a similar need for support of the region’s cardiac care facilities. So RNS began to raise money to create better facilities for people with heart disease.

In 1997, members announced a five-year mission to upgrade cardiac care at Shore Memorial. Two years later, the new Ruth Newman Shapiro Cardiac Care Unit opened. In late 2001, the fund delivered the last installment of a $750,000 gift.

In 1998, the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center opened at the Bacharach Institute Rehabilitation Center’s Pomona campus, and in 2001 the Heart Institute-Rose Newman Pavilion at Atlantic City Medical Center’s City Division began providing cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology.

In the area of cancer diagnoses and treatment, RNS was just as active, with a mobile mammography van hitting the streets in 1995, as well as ongoing programs to support patient care at Atlantic City Medical Center (renamed the Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in 2005), as well as Shore Memorial and Burdette Tomlin.

Over 48 years, the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer and Heart Fund has assembled an impressive track record because of the passion and determination of its volunteer staff and the success of its fundraising events. These include an annual golf tournament, several luncheons and events, and the Show House at the Shore, a summer tradition that started in 1992.

Each year, the Show House takes over an area home and turns loose an army of designers and artists, transforming it into a showcase of the latest in home design and fashion.

This summer, the Show House is living “La Dolce Vita” at one of Ventnor’s most storied domiciles, at 12 South Suffolk Avenue. The 1920s Dutch Colonial was most famously the home of Paul “Skinny” D’Amato, owner of the legendary 500 Club. From July 11 to August 16, visitors can see this celebrated house, enjoying lectures and conversations about interior design.

It’s fitting that the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer and Heart Fund, a stalwart charity for nearly a half-century, has crossed paths with another towering figure in Atlantic City history.

2009 Show House at the Shore:
12 South Suffolk Ave., Ventnor

Gala Designer Open House & Preview Party: Friday, July 10, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. includes wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts from Atlantic City casino hotels, regional restaurants and country clubs.
   
Show House Hours:
July 11 to August 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday
and Thursday. Boutique open daily.

Seashore Conversations Lecture Series: Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. featuring nationally renowned designers

Meet the Designer Night:
Every Thursday, 6-8 p.m.

RNS Digital Mobile Mammography Van:
Wednesdays from July 15 through August 12, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Women who have their mammograms at the van will receive complimentary tickets to the exhibition. Call 800-246-2404 to schedule an appointment.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

David Polizzi’s 25-year casino career was spurred by his father, a Bally’s employee who first recognized his son’s knack for fixing things.

“He knew I was good at it, so he asked if I was interested in getting into slots, which I was,” says Polizzi. “He introduced me to the casino industry way back when, and I haven’t turned back since.”

As one of about 350 Day One employees still at Trump Plaza—Polizzi started in 1984 as a slot attendant, and is now vice president of casino

“None of us would ever have thought we’d be in the positions we currently are,” Polizzi says. “It was a lot of luck, being in the right place at the right time. But it was also a lot of hard work.”

Hard work indeed. Polizzi was part of the original crew that set up the slot machines before the casino’s grand opening. Next came four years as a slot tech. He remembers lugging huge pieces of equipment on his shoulder as a technician, and once nearly colliding with heavyweight champion Michael Spinks.

“I was turning the corner with this big mechanism on my shoulder. Spinks was there and I almost ran right into the guy,” Polizzi says. “He said, ‘You almost knocked me out!’ I’ll never forget that—the guy stood six feet taller than I was.”

Next, Polizzi switched to the operational side as a supervisor and rose quickly through the ranks to upper management. His experience on both the technical and operational ends of the industry enables him to relate to other Plaza workers. Because he’s been there, he can appreciate the talents of those he oversees.

“To really walk in the footsteps of each position has been very rewarding—it helps me understand what everyone goes through,” Polizzi says. “Over the years I’ve been fortunate to work with so many talented individuals.”

With a demanding career, Polizzi relies on the support of his family.

“Their whole life has been Trump Plaza,” he says. “It means a lot to go through this and to know that you have people to support you when you’re working holidays and off-hours. You really need the family to stand behind you to be successful in this.”

As a Day One employee, Polizzi has witnessed firsthand the growth of Atlantic City, the massive change in gaming technology, and the global expansion of the industry.

He says one of the most important qualities in the competitive industry is the willingness to work with the team.

“Yeah, I have a title, I’m a VP, but I’m still hands-on,” he says. “I’m still somebody who will help them lift the slot machine and not just point my finger. It is absolutely a team effort, and I’ve had a fantastic time.”

By Dave Bontempo   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Many things have changed in Atlantic City since the gaming era began, but one time-honored summer activity remains: lifeguard racing. An area staple since 1924, the races this year will include 15 beach patrols from Brigantine to Cape May in competitions throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties. Some of the races determine a champion of one beach. Others decide bragging rights for the entire region.

For the patrols, lifeguard events help develop the kind of quick thinking, hefty muscle and mastery of the ocean required for their real job: rescue missions. The events create mini-competitions within the patrols. Hundreds of spectators line the beaches, cheering for friends, spouses and significant others.

“It’s a big party,” says Margate Beach Patrol Lieutenant Chris Graves, who helped his patrol claim the South Jersey championship last year. “It appeals to the casual spectator and the diehards who were here in the 1950s and 1960s. It’s a real cool tradition from one generation to the next.”

Atlantic City had the nation’s first beach patrol starting in the 1890s. Lifeguard events began in 1924 and have delivered some notable athletes including New Jersey Senator Jim Whelan, a former Atlantic City lifeguard who revived the Around-the-Island Swim by navigating Absecon Island. Current athletes include Margate’s Graves and teammates Greg Smallwood and Ashton Funk, who as the reigning titleholders will host the 2009 championships August 14.

Most lifeguard teams compete in singles and doubles rowing competitions sandwiched around a swimming sprint.

Brigantine Beach, however, which is moving its event to the ocean after 42 years in the bay, opens the campaign with a novel idea. Its Rescue Races borrow a page from Central Jersey beaches like Lavallette with at least four events including a swim relay with four members completing two out-and-back legs. A six-member boat relay requires three out-and-back trips, including turning a flag on the outbound trip and making the boat “exchange” on the beach, like a NASCAR pit stop. A paddleboard relay works on the same principle. The races will be more spectator-friendly than most because the athletes won’t disappear into the sunset.

“Most of your rescues are just outside the surf,” says Brigantine captain Kip Emig. “It’s a kind of showcase regarding the skills needed to get out of the rescue point and to bring a person in. Spectators will like it. You can watch the race easily; you don’t need binoculars. It gets more people involved and shows the depth of your beach patrol.

“In many of these lifeguard events, three or four stud guys can win you a championship. Now you will need 10 or 12 people to do that.”

Lifeguard races become more interesting depending on the weather.

“You’ve got to contend with the current, the wind and the waves,” Graves says. “You also have to be sharp about checking your course. You can get blown off pretty easily.”

True aficionados can find a race practically every weekend in July. Brigantine kicks off the unofficial campaign July 6. The “majors,” including the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, the Dutch Hoffman’s, Margate Memorials and South Jersey Champion-ships, take place on successive Fridays beginning July 24. Most races begin around 6:30 p.m., and they’re all free.

Lifeguard Races

Races take place on the beach unless otherwise noted

July 6 Brigantine Lifeguard Races, 6 p.m.
Ocean, Brigantine

July 7 Longport Women’s Lifeguard Invitational, 6:30 p.m.
33rd Street, Longport

July 10 Cape May County Lifeguard Championships, 6 p.m.
Rambler Rd., Wildwood Crest

July 10 Longport Memorial Lifeguard Races, 6:30 p.m.
33rd Street, Longport

July 11 Swim for the Dolphins, 6:30 p.m.
Rambler Road, Wildwood Crest

July 13 Superathalon, 6:30 p.m.
Grant Street, Cape May
July 17 Beschen-Callahan Memorial Lifeguard Races,
5:45 p.m. 15th Street, North Wildwood

July 18 John Carey Master’s Swim, 6 p.m.
34th Street, Ocean City

July 20 Upper Township 6 Mile Bay Row, 6 p.m.
Willard Road and the Bay, Strathmere

July 22 Ocean City Women’s Invitational, 6 p.m.
34th Street, Ocean City

July 24 Atlantic City Lifeguard Classic, 6:30 p.m.
Albany Avenue, Atlantic City

July 27 Tri-Resorts Championship, 6 p.m.
44th Street, Sea Isle City

July 31 Dutch Hoffman Memorial Lifeguard Championships, 6:30 p.m. Lincoln Avenue, Wildwood

August 7 Margate Memorial Lifeguard Races, 6:30 p.m.
Decatur Avenue, Margate

August 9 David James Kerr, Jr. Memorial Lifeguard Races,
6:15 p.m. 32nd Street, Avalon

August 12 Cape Atlantic Women’s Lifeguard Invitational, 6 p.m.
Suffolk Avenue, Ventnor

August 14 South Jersey Lifeguard Championships, 6:30 p.m.
Decatur Avenue, Margate

August 16 South Jersey Pool Competition, 6:30 p.m.
Rambler Rd., Wildwood Crest

August 21 John T. Goudy Memorial Races, 6:30 p.m.
Suffolk Avenue, Ventnor

August 22 Harry Yates Memorial Swim, 6:45 p.m.
Gardners Basin, Atlantic City

By Robert Rossiello   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Born and raised in New York, actor and writer Chazz Palminteri is best known for his work in A Bronx Tale, a one-man stage play that was turned into a successful movie by first-time director (and co-star) Robert DeNiro. Palminteri appeared in small parts in TV shows such as Wiseguy, Matlock and Hill Street Blues. Looking to broaden his range, he drew on his tough upbringing to pen a powerful and funny drama that became a New York sensation. His critically acclaimed performance as the mob boss Sonny in the movie version of A Bronx Tale brought him overnight successs and a wider audience.

Palminteri recieved an Academy Award nomination for his work in Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Boradway. He has appeared in many films, including The Usual Suspects, The Perez Family and Analyze This. After 20 years he brought A Bronx Tale to Broadway for a successful run and is currently touring the country. This month he brings the play to Harrah’s Atlantic City for a month of engagements. Casino Connection’s Art Director Robert Rossiello caught up with Palminteri to talk about his master work and his career.

Chazz Palminteri will appear in A Bronx Tale at Harrah’s from July 1 to August 9. Tickets are $40, $55 and $65.

You’ve taken A Bronx Tale to 25 cities now. How is the tour going?

Great. It’s been a big hit. My voice is a little scratchy right now. I do eight shows a week, and talk for an hour and a half straight, so I’ve got to protect my voice.

Do you enjoy the demands of working on the stage?

Oh, yes, I love it. I’m an actor. I started on the stage and that’s why I like to go back there. I like performing in film as well, but it’s a different set of muscles. I like to work out both sets sometimes.

Have you ever played Atlantic City before?

No I haven’t, but I’m really looking forward to it. I’m just so excited to do the show. It was such a huge hit when I first did it. For the past 20 years all I’ve been hearing is people talk about A Bronx Tale, how much they loved the movie. And I thought, you know, there’s a whole new generation of people who never saw the original play. The original was such a phenomenon when I did it, it became like Rocky. So when I brought it back to Broadway, it was a hot property. We’ve gone over well in every city.

Do you have any problems keeping the material fresh?

Not at all. Every time I get up there I get a surge of energy and feeling. I get a chance to talk about my mom and dad and my wife. It’s like a whole new audience has never heard this tale before, or the way I’m about to tell it. It took me almost a year to write it and perfect it. So when it was finished and I performed it in front of a live audience at my theater group, I knew I had 90 minutes of really tight, unstoppable material.

You play 18 different characters in the show. Do you have a favorite character?

Of course, Sonny is one of my favorite characters, but I love doing the father as well. And the young boys—a 17-year-old and a nine-year-old. I think those four parts I like doing the best.

How much of your real life is in the play?

I would say a good 75 percent. It all stems from the killing I saw when I was nine years old. That’s where it all started. I wanted to talk about my father and the wise guys and the boy in the middle, and how the boy became a man between these two people.

Do you ever get a chance to visit your old Bronx neighborhood?

All the time. I go shopping there, and I go to the restaurants: Roberto’s, Rigaletto’s, Gino’s Pastry. And Casa Mozzarella. They have the best mozzarella in the world. When I go there, I see my old friends. A lot of people who owned stores there, now their sons own the stores, and I knew their sons when I was a kid.

You wrote the movie screenplay to a A Bronx Tale. Were you pleased with Robert DeNiro’s interpretation of the material?

Absolutely. Bobby and I are very good friends; we’ve done four movies together. He’s a wonderful man and a great artist.

I always tell people if you love the movie you’ll love the play even more because it has a different feeling. It’s funnier than the movie, because I was able to put all the characters in that I couldn’t in the movie. You know, some of the dialogue of the show has become part of the American culture, like the door test and “Now you’se can’t leave,” and “Is it better to be loved or feared.”

If you have kids, 13 or 14, I think they’ll enjoy A Bronx Tale. It’s got a great message: “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.” It’s an important message, and in some cases it can be life-changing.
   
You also worked with Woody Allen. What was it like working with him?

Anyone who can write and make a movie every year—I mean, if you want to throw the word genius around, throw it at him. He’s a great artist and I was fortunate enough to be in one of his great movies. I got an Academy Award nomination out of it, so it was better than I expected.

You’ve done some directing yourself. Is that something you want to pursue?

I love directing, but the hard thing is that it takes so much time. You have to find and develop a piece that you like. But I would love to direct more.

How about writing? Are you working on any projects now?

I’m writing another play right now. I’m very excited about it. Not a one-man show. I’ve written other plays and I’m very proud about that. But I don’t want to go into detail while I’m in the process.

Are you looking forward to spending the summer in Atlantic City?

I’m over the top to come to Atlantic City.  Harrah’s is just a beautiful hotel. They’ve done a great job with the pool area. I think it will be a fun time.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

LIVE MUSIC & FESTIVALS

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (every Wednesday)

• International Nights, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City, 609-345-2269, ext. 3112

• Live Music at Gazebo by the Sea, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Rambler Rd. and Ocean Ave., Wildwood, 609-523-0202

• Stringband Performances, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Wildwoods Convention Center, 16th Street, Wildwood
609-523-1602, www.dowildwood.com

July 2, 9, 16 Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Concerts
7 p.m.-10 p.m. Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City, 609-441-9064

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Bubba Mac Blues Band, 6 p.m.
Atlantic City Country Club, One Leo Fraser Dr., Northfield

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (every Friday)
• Somers Point Beach Concerts, 7 p.m.
Bay Avenue Beach, Somers Point, 609-927-2053 x-3101

• Veterans Plaza Concert, 7 p.m.
Veterans Plaza, Avalon, 609-967-3066

July 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 Beach Concerts
12 noon-3 p.m., 30th St. Beach, Avalon, www.avalonfreelibrary.org

July 5 The Philadelphia Organ Quartet, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., Ocean City

July 6, 13, 20, 27 (every Monday)
• Stockton Goes to the Beach Summer Series, 8 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 609-525-9300

• Irish Pipe & Drum Brigades, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Wildwood Boardwalk, 609-523-1602

July 9, 16, 23, 30 Thursdays in the Park, 10 a.m.
(music & farmers market) Center City Park, N. Carolina Ave., Atlantic City • (Market also every Saturday)

July 10-12 Anglesea Blues Festival, 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
2nd and Olde New Jersey Ave., Wildwood, 609-523-6565

July 10, 17, 24, 31 Fridays in the Plaza, 12 noon-2 p.m.
Main Library and City Hall, Atlantic City, 609-345-2269 ext. 3115
July 11 Red Wine & Blues Festival, 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
Tuckerton Seaport, Route 9, Tuckerton, 609-296-8868

July 11
• Beachfest, 12 noon, Decatur Ave. Beach, Margate

• SummerFest 2009, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Riverfront Park, Buck St., Millville, 800-887-4957

July 18
• Music in the Greene Elvis Concert, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Village Greene, Rt. 9 Historic Smithville, 609-748-6160

• Bay-Atlantic Symphony Concert, 7 p.m.
Elementary School Gymnasium, Avalon

July 25-26 MAPS Foundation: Music from the Magic Kingdom, 7:30 p.m., 7804 Amherst Ave., Margate, 609- 822-9093
 
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

July 3-5  Freedom Festival and Craft Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rambler Rd. and Ocean Ave., Wildwood, 609-523-0202

July 4 
• Fireworks, Borgata & Harrah's casinos, Atlantic City, 9:15 p.m.

• Fireworks, beach at Granville Ave., Margate, 9:30 p.m.

• Celebration & Fireworks, Carey Stadium, 6th Street off Boardwalk, Ocean City, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., 609-525-9300 / Ocean City Bike Parades (Northend-Longport Bridge parking lot, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. / Southend-40th & Asbury Ave., 10 a.m.-12 noon)

• Fireworks, beach at Seaside Heights, 9:30 p.m., 800-732-7467

• Parade & Festivities, Village Greene, Smithville
www.smithvillenj.com

• Parade & Fireworks, Congress Hall, Cape May
(Parade, 1 p.m./ Fireworks, 9 p.m.)

• Parade, 15th and Atlantic Ave., 9 a.m. / Fireworks, Pine Ave. & Boardwalk, Wildwood, 10 p.m., 609-522-2955

FAMILY EVENTS & FIREWORKS

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (every Wednesday)
Fireworks, 9:30 p.m., beach between amusement piers
Seaside Heights, 800-732-7467
July 1-3, 6, 8-10, 13, 15-17, 20, 22-24, 27, 29-31 Wildwood Talent Showcase, 7 p.m.
Schellenger Ave. Boardwalk, Wildwood, 413-454-4523

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (every Thursday)
• Family Fun Nights, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Ocean City Boardwalk
• Family Film Night, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Cornerstone Auditorium
810 Asbury Ave., Ocean City

• Boardwalk Family Fun Nights, 7 p.m.-9p.m.
Wildwood Boardwalk, 609-523-1602

July 7, 14, 21, 28 (every Tuesday) Funtastic Tuesdays
10 a.m.-1 p.m., Asbury Avenue, Ocean City

July 6-11 Cumberland County Fair, 11 a.m.
County Fairgrounds, Carmel Road, Millville, 856-825-3820

July 8 Kids Day at the Emlen Physick Estate, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
1048 Washington St., Cape May, 609-884-5404

July 10, 17, 24, 31 (Fridays) Fireworks on the Beach
10:30 p.m., Pine Avenue, Wildwood, 609-523-1602

July 18 New Jersey Ice Cream Festival, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Washington Street, Toms River, 732-341-8738

July 23-26 Gloucester County 4-H Fair & Peach Festival
4-H Fairgrounds, Route 77 South, Mullica Hill, 856-307-6450

WILD, WACKY & ARTSY

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (every Wednesday) 
Downtown By Night, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., downtown Ocean City
Farmer’s Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Tabernacle Grounds, Ocean City

July 2 Freckle Contest, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk, Ocean City, 609-525-9304

July 3-5 Boogie Nights Classic Rock Art Show, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Resorts, Atlantic City, www.rockartshow.com

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Fashion Fridays, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Bally’s Bikini Beach Bar, Atlantic City

July 5 Kiwanis Pancake Day, 12:30 p.m.
Cape May, 609-884-8888

July 8 Sand Sculpting Contest, 9 a.m.-12 noon
6th St. Beach, Ocean City, 609.525.9300

July 11 Jersey Cape Antique Auto Show, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rotary Park, Cape May

July 11-Aug. 16 Show House at the Shore, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (until 8 p.m. Wed. & Thurs.) 12 South Suffolk Avenue, Ventnor 

July 15-16 Miss North Wildwood Competition, 12 noon
Sunset Bay Restaurant, Wildwood, 609-374-0562

July 18 Huge Summer Arts & Crafts Spectacular, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Carey Stadium, 6th St., Ocean City, 1-800-822-4112

July 18-19 Greater Wildwoods Christmas in July
• July 18 Boat parade from North Wildwood to Sunset Lake,
Wildwood Crest  • July 18-19 Craft Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wildwood Convention Center

July 22 & 29 Wacky Wednesday at Absecon Lighthouse,
11 a.m.-3 p.m., 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City

July 24-25 Ocean City Night in Venice Weekend
• July 24 Merchants in Venice Seafood Festival, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., 6th-9th Streets, Asbury Ave.
• July 25 Night in Venice Boat Parade, 7:30 p.m., Longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave., 609-399-2269

July 25-26 Wildwood Beach Run and Frisbee Tournament
• July 25 14th Annual Sandblast Beach Run, 6 :45 p.m.
beach at 15th Ave., 609-522-8581
• July 25-26 Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., beach at Oak and Poplar Ave., Wildwood, 856-696-9705

July 30-Aug. 2 Inaugural TD Bank Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival, Atlantic City, www.acfoodandwine.com

By Michael Bruckler   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

By   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Chef Joel Dincher has collected his share of hosannas. He’s the guy who turned the Brighton Steak House at the old Sands into Zagat’s 2006 Top Jersey Steakhouse, and presided over the Palm Restaurant at the Quarter. Most recently, he ran the Moonfish Grill in Cape May.

Topping off his trophy case, Dincher is also a two-time Iron Chef title-holder.

Lucky for us, he’s now back in Atlantic City at the city’s first “gastropub,” Megan’s Good Grub & Pub, at Indiana and the Boardwalk. Under Dincher’s artful direction, the dining is second to none.

The gastropub phenomenon began in Great Britain. Though the Brits are hardly known for their cuisine (haggis, anyone?), pub life in the soggy isles is legendary. In 1991, a London public house decided to put the emphasis on fine food.

“The idea is to keep the social atmosphere, the pub feeling, and add great food,” says Dincher. “The trend is sweeping big cities—D.C., New York, Philadelphia—so I took it and ran with it.”

Pinnacle Entertainment owns the storefront, once the site of Opa restaurant; the opening of Megan’s Good Grub & Pub is seen as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to Atlantic City.

But let’s get down to the food. Megan’s is all about “comfort-food favorites—meat loaf and mashed potatoes, pork chops, burgers—but with surprising gourmet twists,” says Pinnacle Director of Communications Carmen Gonzales.

Instead of the classic BLT, Dincher came up with the DLT—a duck confit livened with a smoky raspberry mayo and topped with butter lettuce, Roma tomato and baby brioche. Think bar patrons don’t eat duck? Think again. The unorthodox sandwich has become a top seller.

Instead of the same-old chicken wings, Dincher offers crispy shank-cut pork wings, juicy and plump, with celery and a piquant Buffalo-Roquefort fondue.

Megan’s “Small Grub” menu offers tapas-sized servings of, among other items, country potato pancakes, Maine lobster roll, Sloppy Joes, and a zingy Hawaiian poke-style tartare of both tuna and salmon, served with creamy avocado slices and grilled pineapple in a brown sugar soy vinaigrette. At $6 to $17, some of these dishes are big enough to share, so order a few and pass them around.

“Big Grub” entrees include something to please everyone. The pan-roasted Atlantic salmon was a hit with my companions, the fish tender and just right alongside a bacon and white bean ragout in dilled lemon-garlic butter ($19). Another favorite was pork chops in a miso and hard cider glaze ($22). Instead of applesauce, Dincher adds a side of apple-ginger slaw made with both Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples.

“It’s the same flavor profile, but a different execution,” Dincher says. “It’s one part math, one part chemistry… I don’t do anything normal.” The pork chops are paired with a seriously yummy mac and cheese made with parmesan, asiago and cheddar.

The hands-down Small Grub favorite at our table was Shrimp and Grits ($13), a delectable Southern-inspired plate piled high with roasted corn, grilled shrimp and crayfish with Creole chili oil on a bed of sharp cheddar grits (just try to find grits anywhere else in town). We also enjoyed the American Kobe meatloaf ($21) with mashed potatoes, braised baby carrots and a rich, dark Amish stout gravy.

Starters include house-roasted cashews (made with aromatic sea salt) and crunchy, super-skinny pub fries (you’ll grab them by the handful). As a lifelong connoisseur of pickles, I was impressed by Megan’s own dills, which are made and cured in-house. Who does that anymore?

The atmosphere at Megan’s is comfy and welcoming, with deep cranberry walls, hatbox lamp shades and retro accents—Barbie dolls, ’60s-era LPs, an autographed folk guitar, vintage Life magazines, collectible salt and pepper shakers, and black and white photos of the namesake “Megan” and her kin. Upholstered armchairs are grouped around tables covered both with white tablecloths and lengths of butcher-block paper. (Hint: It’s probably OK to be a little messy at Megan’s house.)

An upstairs lounge is being refurbished for meetings and private parties. Of course, the view is breathtaking.

“Outside the casinos,” Dincher says, “I have the hottest room in Atlantic City.” Not to mention one of the most entertaining, innovative and affordable menus. Welcome back, Chef Joel.

Chef's Corner

Chef Joel Dincher’s Southern Shrimp & Grits with Chili Oil

2 cups instant grits
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/2 cup diced jumbo shrimp
1/4 crawfish tail meat
2 ears Jersey corn on the cob
1 red bell pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp. crushed chili flakes
shredded sharp cheddar
Salt & crushed pepper to taste
Roast corn in 400-degree oven until golden brown (about 10-12 minutes). Let cool and cut off cob. In a medium-sized pot bring butter, 4 cups water and a pinch of salt and pepper to boil. Cut bell pepper into 1/4 inch cubes. Simmer chili flakes in olive oil for 6 minutes on medium heat. Strain, let cool and place into a squeeze bottle.

Add grits to boiling water, simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Fold in cheddar and roasted corn with rubber spatula, spoon into large pasta bowl.

Heat sautè pan on high for 30 seconds and add 1 tbsp. olive oil. Sautè shrimp, crawfish and red pepper until shrimp are fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes). Place over grits and drizzle entire dish with chili oil. Garnish with sprig of corn shoots or snow pea shoots.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Recent announcements from MGM Mirage show that despite a $14 billion debt load, the company remains committed to expanding its global reach. Just weeks after reaching an agreement with Dubai World to finish construction of the $9 billion CityCenter in Las Vegas, the company announced plans to build a non-gaming hotel in Egypt, and an investment in the company from Malaysia-based Genting.

Genting purchased 14.3 million shares of MGM Mirage—3.2 percent of the company—for $100 million. Genting also bought $100 million in MGM Mirage corporate bonds.

“We are constantly looking to broaden our portfolio of strategic investments and strengthen partnerships around the world,” Justin Leong, who oversees strategic investments and corporate affairs for Genting, told the Financial Times.

The investment could set up Genting as a possible partner for MGM Mirage to operate its MGM Grand Macau. The company might be forced to break off its partnership with Pansy Ho if New Jersey’s Casino Control Commission agrees with the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, which found Ho an unsuitable partner. Ho is reportedly dissatisfied with MGM’s response to the DGE report.

A hearing is scheduled for later this year on the issue. Depending on the ruling, MGM Mirage could be forced to either dissolve the partnership with Ho or relinquish its 50 percent ownership of the Borgata in Atlantic City. The CCC has rarely disagreed with the DGE when it comes to the suitability of an applicant or an applicant’s partner.

MGM Mirage also announced plans to build an MGM Grand hotel in Egypt through a partnership with New Giza for Real Estate Development. The project will be called the MGM Grand New Giza. The 550-room hotel is scheduled to open in 2013. All equity funding for the development will be provided by New Giza for Real Estate Development. MGM Mirage will provide management services.

The relationship is similar to a project in Ho Tran, Vietnam, where the company provides the branding and management services for a Canadian company that will put up all the funding.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Leis, grass skirts and maybe even coconut bras will be the preferred attire at the popular Island Luau, a Polynesian party returning to Harrah’s Resort every Monday, July 6 through September 7.

Set among the cabanas, foliage and swaying palms of Harrah’s Pool, the luau authentically recreates an island celebration and feast with hula dancers, musicians, fire twirlers and island “warriors.” Performers will present dances from several Pacific islands including Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa and New Zealand, all set to live music and native instruments. Hula lessons are included.

Harrah’s Island Luau takes place every Monday starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $49.99 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 800-736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com. They are also available from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays at a kiosk across from the Waterfront Buffet at Harrah’s Resort. Children are welcome.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

On Saturday, July 4, two Atlantic City casinos will salute Independence Day with a fireworks demonstration like no other in the area.

Harrah’s Resort and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa have joined forces for the second year to sponsor a freedom celebration fireworks display above Atlantic City’s Marina District. It’s one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast.

The casinos promise more than 20 minutes of eye-popping, jaw-dropping pyrotechnics orchestrated by Fireworks by Grucci of New York. This “First Family of Fireworks” has produced state-of-the-art programs for New Year’s Eve in Times Square and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company will spend more than five days setting up for the big show.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the Fourth than this,” says Jay Snowden, senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Resort and Showboat Atlantic City. “It truly has become one of the ‘must-see’ events of the summer season. We’re very proud to be a part of it again in 2009.”

“We’re pleased to once again partner with our friends at Harrah’s to bring such a wonderful 4th of July celebration to the city,” said Joe Lupo, senior vice president of Borgata. “Each year, our fireworks display has gotten better and better, becoming a favorite holiday attraction among locals and tourists from all over the tri-state area.”

The show is open to the public with viewing areas opening at 6 p.m. at both properties. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9 p.m. Weather and wind conditions may affect the timing of the fireworks show. The show will be set to music, which will be broadcast on 95.1 WAYV FM radio.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Following a three-month renovation, Bally’s Atlantic City has reopened its Day One steakhouse, the former Prime Place, as a steak and seafood restaurant called the Reserve.

With contemporary décor, designed by WESTAR Architects, and striking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the restaurant includes a new bar that can serve as a pre-function space for private parties and after-conference happy hours, and can also host breakfast and lunch crowds. The Reserve has become a popular meeting place for diners and conventioneers.

At 4,500 square feet, the Reserve takes its color cues from its waterfront locale, with deep blues and shimmering aquamarines against a sand-beige backdrop. It overlooks the gardens that front the historic Dennis Hotel, owned by Harrah’s Entertainment, on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Of course, the window seats are the most coveted in the house.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

With the onset of summer, the hiring freeze at Atlantic City’s 11 casinos has begun to thaw. Gaming added more than 600 jobs in May as the city revved up for the busy tourist season.

The surge in new hires followed nine straight months of job cuts, which followed the double whammy of recession and competition from slot parlors in Pennsylvania. Atlantic City’s leading industry saw a drop of 15.4 percent in gross operating profits for May, down to $351.3 million.

Despite the addition of more than 600 jobs, casino employment remains lower overall compared to 2008. Casino workers in the city number fewer than 38,000, down from a peak of 51,560 in July 1997.

The CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts says fresh opportunities for employment in the city “in one respect does signal somewhat of a bottom.” But, added Mark Juliano, “I wouldn’t say that the industry is in a recovery.”

All three Trump properties added to their work force in the month of May. The Trump Taj Mahal added 133 jobs—more than any other casino in town—largely to staff its new 40-story hotel tower.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Pennsylvania state Rep. William DeWeese introduced a bill last month to add table games to Pennsylvania’s casinos. Under the measure, operators of the currently slot-only casinos would pay a $10 million up-front fee to add blackjack, craps and other table games.

A response to the introduction of table games in the adjacent state of Delaware and expansion of table operations in West Virginia, another bordering state, the measure is expected to receive serious consideration because of a $3.2 billion budget deficit. State Senator Tommy Tomlinson says he will introduce a similar bill in the Senate.

Convincing Governor Ed Rendell may not be easy. Rendell last month reiterated his longstanding position that all the 14 authorized slot venues should be up and running before the state considers table games. However, he did say that if the bill passes both chambers, he will “take a look at it.”

Opponents in the House are less conciliatory. Rep. Paul Clymer, a longtime opponent of expanded gambling in the state, said table games are “not a legitimate way to balance the budget.”

It’s estimated that table games could generate as much as $300 million in additional revenue for the state. Casino owners say they could have tables up and running within six months after approval.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Fontainebleau Las Vegas and two of its affiliates filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Florida last month.

The move ends almost two months of speculation. The $3 billion project has more than $1 billion in assets against more than $1 billion in liabilities. The decision to file was primarily motivated by a number of large lenders backing out of the project.

“It is unfortunate that our lenders forced us to take this step,” said Howard Karawan, chief restructuring officer of Fontainebleau Las Vegas. “By reneging on the revolving credit facility, they effectively shut down the project and put thousands of people out of work. Our goal now is to secure funding to complete this world-class project and restructure our existing debt.”

Fontainebleau Las Vegas has reached a provisional agreement with some of its lenders, and it plans to look at negotiations to obtain financing to recommence construction on the project. As part of that move, it dropped a $3 billion lawsuit filed against lenders in Las Vegas and re-filed in bankruptcy court.

Fontainebleau’s attorneys filed the lawsuit April 23 against a group of banks led by Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase after they reneged on an agreement to provide $770 million in financing to complete the project. The banks said Fontainebleau had defaulted on a loan, a claim the developer denies.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

The battle between the rival components of labor union UNITE HERE gained intensity last month as Bruce Raynor, the union’s general president, resigned.

Raynor accused opponents of breaking into his office and trying to steal sensitive files. He claimed he was forced out of his position and said he would take a top spot with the rival Service Employees International Union.

“The situation at UNITE HERE has devolved from sporadic hostile actions to a sustained attack that represents a direct threat to the welfare of our members,” Raynor told the Associated Press. “Our union is in total chaos.”

UNITE HERE represents a number of hospitality workers and is the parent union of Local 54.

An internal memo that appears to have been taken from Raynor’s office in May said that Workers United is losing more than $300,000 a month. Raynor said John Wilhelm, president of hospitality at UNITE HERE, is trying to create a fight with SEIU.

“The actual fight is between two parts of UNITE HERE because there’s a failed merger,” Raynor said. “The fact is Andy Stern and SEIU play a very minor role in all this.”

Wilhelm issued a terse statement about Raynor’s departure: “While we recognize the good news of his resignation, we are under no illusion that SEIU and Raynor have given up their quest to steal UNITE HERE’s hotel, gaming, and food service jurisdictions,” he said.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

"If we have the opportunity to build an integrated resort, we’re going to do it. We think it will attract the customers
and the tax revenue to the state of Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley and the cities that are in it."—Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson, on the possible addition of table games in Pennsylvania.

"The numbers are still not terrific, but when I take a step back and look at the rest of the industry—Atlantic City was down 15 percent, Foxwoods is down 14 percent—it’s better news than we’ve had in a while."—CEO Mitchell Etess of Mohegan Sun, which saw a 7 percent decline in slot revenue for May

"Basically, we have been here for 10,000 years or more."—Shinnecock Nation Trustee Gordell Wright, on the slow pace of federal recognition for the New York state tribe

"We hope that the political powers in Trenton demonstrate some leadership before the state’s cash cow is ultimately milked dry."
—Gaming analyst Joel Simkins in a report on Atlantic City

By   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

They are three key members of a broad coalition working to bring more air service—and more customers—to Atlantic City.

Maureen Adams, regional vice president of casino marketing and sales for Harrah’s Entertainment, leads an alliance of casinos and other hospitality providers targeting new customers through better transportation, both in the air and on the ground.

Bart Mueller, executive director of the South Jersey Transportation Authority, is the force behind a plan to turn Atlantic City’s local airfield into a regional airport accommodating international flights.

Sharon Gordon, SJTA’s director of marketing and communications, has lobbied multiple carriers to add ACY to their routes. That effort is paying off with the recent addition of flights via Spirit and AirTran to Boston and Atlanta.

Adams, Mueller and Gordon spoke with Casino Connection Managing Editor Marjorie Preston about the importance of transportation options to the future of South Jersey.

Casino Connection: When you try to persuade a new airline to fly into ACY, what’s your pitch?

Gordon: Some airlines feel like they serve this market through Newark and Philadelphia, so the pitch is that the whole pie would grow with additional service here. The airlines are shifting service around, looking to maximize their route planning, and there are issues in the larger airports in terms of congestion. If all incoming service to ACY did was relieve congestion, travel would be simpler for everyone. 

Is it hard to get a commitment from a new carrier?  

Gordon: One consultant said they’re like happy hippos—to get them to move from their comfort zone, you really have to tell the story. And we have a great story to tell. There’s a market here, with community support and business support and investments of billions of dollars. That investment was not done willy-nilly. You have to sit at a table with these decision makers, look at an airline route planner and say, “It’s time you started bringing people to this destination, and here’s why.”

Mueller: They play follow the leader. As AirTran comes here and is successful, other airlines will come in behind them. As we fill those planes, hopefully they’ll add additional cities.

Although we’re talking about the inbound market, we also have a tremendous outbound market. We’re not going to be Philadelphia International, nor do we want to be, but we have the capacity to handle probably 3 million passengers. We’re doing about 1.2 million right now.

Once we put air service in place, once we add frequency and destinations, we will fill these planes. People do not want to go through the anxiety of dealing with Newark Liberty or Philadelphia to get down here.

Gordon: And we’re really maturing this airport. There probably has been over $100 million already invested in infrastructure improvements, upgrades to our electrical system on the runway and our tower; we have all new snow equipment, so the minute you start to see flurries, when Philadelphia and Newark close, we’re open and we can take their diversions. We can be Philadelphia’s third runway.

One of the things we sorely need now is a federal inspection station for international flights; it’s part of the capital plan this year. Meanwhile, we’ve been in discussions with a low-cost carrier for pre-cleared international service, and we’re high on their radar screen. And they never would have stepped it up if AirTran hadn’t come in the way they did.

Mueller: What’s significant about AirTran is that it’s already in Philly and Newark.

Gordon: Right, that was major. We’re finally starting to chip away at that old attitude of ‘We already serve your market.’

How do you bundle rooms and air travel, then market these deals?

Adams: With Spirit and with Air Tran, we’ve found that partnering with their marketing departments is the best way to go. They sell the seats and we sell the rooms. They do a lot of online advertising and we get banners on each other’s sites, doing some geo-targeting where customers who call into each system get a message back that the air service is there.

We also are very, very good marketers. The casino industry has perfected direct mail, so we send hundreds of thousands of pieces, I’m sure between us, each and every month, getting the message out.

With 2,700-plus new rooms in this market, this is so important for the convention business. In the past when we’ve gone to sales conferences, we were able to entice large meeting planners all the way up to the point where we had to tell them how to get here. Then we lost them. Not only was it unbelievably inconvenient to travel here, but it was costly to add ground transportation to what might be an hour flight from Boston.

Gordon: The most fabulous sales teams in town couldn’t overcome the barrier in terms of transportation. Now for the first time we’re in the Boston and Atlanta markets without that hurdle. We’re being received quite differently now, which is huge for us.

Adams: This is really the first time we’ve had enough room in this market to attract larger conventions from out of state, and finally we have the lift to get them here. Now it’s a matter of putting forth all the sales and marketing to keep people coming into the city.

We have folks that still think of Atlantic City as a summertime market or just a gaming market, but it’s grown secretly into a destination resort—only people don’t know about it!

I say all the time, “If you haven’t been here in the last year or two, you have not been to Atlantic City—you just have not been.”

Mueller: So we have to do, collectively, a better job of marketing the city as a destination. 

Now we’ve got connections to Boston and Atlanta. What are your other target cities?
 
Adams: When we first sat at the table together, the first question we asked was, ‘What cities does everybody want?’ It was a quick decision to line up Chicago, Atlanta and Boston. All of us had strategic interest in those markets for all the right business reasons.

Gordon: Before, we had no direct service to New England at all. Boston now gives us access there. We have no Midwest connection, other than what we can get through AirTran, but you have to go Southwest to go Midwest, so that’s a priority. Chicago is next.

How will changes in airline service change South Jersey?

Adams: We all firmly believe that the number of visitors in this area will grow. That’s vital to South Jersey, because South Jersey lives on tourism.

We’ve traditionally depended on the drive market to Atlantic City. But now, with convenience gaming in our biggest feeder markets, we cannot count on that long-term. Everybody knows if Atlantic City does not transition into a destination resort given the competition in Philadelphia, New York and Connecticut, we’ve got a real problem—not just the casino industry, but the hoteliers, tourism as a whole on the Jersey shore—everybody has a problem.

Out of economic times like these sometimes come good things. Everyone has a common goal now. The properties have made the investments to make the transition, and when you open three new towers with 900-plus rooms apiece, you have to get a return on that investment. You need to expand the market. You need to bring more people here. You need to become a regional destination.

Where do you see Atlantic City International in another 10 years?

Mueller: I don’t know how many carriers we’ll have, but our goal and objective now is to grow to about 5 million passengers. That’s in our master plan study, and we’re so mandated by the FAA.

Transportation drives economic development. It creates lasting jobs and overall vitality for the entire region. We’re looking at how we now grow the airport to serve the entire South Jersey region.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

The Tropicana Casino Resort finally has a new owner. A group of investors led by billionaire Carl Icahn will take over the property in exchange for a $200 million credit bid. The new owners already hold a $1.4 billion mortgage on the property; the sale essentially swaps $200 million in debt for ownership of the Trop. The transaction should be complete by the end of the year.

The third-largest casino resort in the city has been up for sale since December 2007, when former owner Columbia Sussex Corp. was kicked out by the Casino Control Commission for mismanagement. The property includes New Jersey’s largest hotel and the popular Havana-themed retail and entertainment center, the Quarter.

The Tropicana was originally valued in the $900 million to $1 billion range, until recession drove the price down. The new owners must now obtain an interim operating license from the Casino Control Commission.

Icahn is no stranger to Atlantic City. In 2000, he picked up the Sands Hotel Casino in a bankruptcy sale for the cut-rate price of $65 million, and sold it in 2006 to Pinnacle Entertainment for $270 million. He’s also used his Midas touch in Las Vegas. In 2007, his investment firm, American Real Estate Partners LP, sold the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and three other properties for $1.3 billion for a reported $1 billion profit.

According to reports, Icahn plans to acquire the whole Tropicana Entertainment LLC gaming empire, which includes the Tropicana in Las Vegas, casinos in Laughlin and Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and several midwest and southern riverboats.

Despite the turmoil of the past 18 months, it’s been business as usual at the Trop, which has operated without a hitch under a state-appointed conservator.

Mon, Jun 29, 2009

One of the thorniest problems facing Atlantic City these days is the constant threat of union organization on the casino floor. The industry understands that workers on the hotel and non-gaming side can appropriately request unionization. If the proper procedures are followed and management cannot satisfy employee demands without a union, casinos will eventually accept union representation.

It’s different on the casino side. With the integrity of gaming on the line, executives must be able to remove an employee from the floor whenever necessary. If there’s a hint of impropriety, they must be able to nip it in the bud. This means traditional union procedures like warnings, write-ups, discipline and eventual dismissal become problematic. A union becomes an alien third party on the casino floor, particularly if it has no experience in gaming.

That’s the case with the United Auto Workers. OK, the UAW represents dealers in Detroit, but that’s only because that city is the union’s power base. Casinos were forced to accept its involvement in order to “get along” in the heavily unionized state of Michigan.

The UAW, which has since signed up dealers at several casinos in Atlantic City, wants its members to believe they haven’t reached a contract because the casinos refuse to negotiate in good faith. In fact, the unions are dragging their feet, hoping to sign up workers at other casinos to gain a larger negotiating advantage and more power for the union, without regard for potential “members.” With falling memberships in a failing auto industry (see any connection here?), the UAW is clearly scrambling for new members. And casino workers are easy targets.

By posting billboards and placing advertising that encourages customers to avoid playing at Harrah’s and Bally’s casinos—which harms the very employees it hopes to represent—the UAW has proven it is only interested in its own welfare.

It’s disturbing that so many casino workers have signed up with these do-nothing unions. It shows a discontent at that level that the industry needs to address. Once dealers have signed up with a union, it becomes almost impossible to talk to them due to the rigid regulations that govern communication during this supposed “negotiation” period.

If dealers are going to unionize, why not negotiate with a trustworthy union, with leadership that truly understands the industry? Who might that be? The UNITE HERE international union that currently represents the largest number of non-gaming casino resort employees in the country.

Now, there’s something of a “gentlemen’s agreement” that the gaming industry won’t oppose non-gaming unions as long as they keep their hands off casino workers. Well, that horse has already left the barn. Why not allow UNITE HERE to organize gaming workers?

UNITE HERE’s leaders understand gaming like no other union. John Wilhelm, president of the union’s gaming division, is a staunch defender of gaming before Congress and in the media. Wilhelm is also a tireless worker for his members, and has raised wages, benefits and the standard of living steadily over the past 20 years. UNITE HERE’s Atlantic City leader, Bob McDevitt, is a brilliant and effective representative, and he understands how gaming works.

UNITE HERE also needs the industry’s help. It’s under attack by the UAW and other unions seeking to represent gaming workers, as well as a direct competitor, the Service Employees International Union. By encouraging UNITE HERE to represent casino workers, the industry can fend off these wanna-be gaming unions and create a true partnership that will protect the integrity of gaming, on and off the casino floor.

I know this is a radical idea, but it will take creative thinking to ensure the future of the industry and keep the relationship between workers and management healthy and good.

Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Our regional competition’s primary advantage over Atlantic City is convenience, so we must make it as convenient as possible for our customers to get to Atlantic City, then easily travel within it.

To that end, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, under the leadership of Executive Director Thomas D. Carver and Chairman James Kehoe, has assumed ownership of the Atlantic City Regional Transportation Plan.

The plan results from more than two years analyzing the region’s transportation infrastructure, studying how existing and planned development will impact transportation. Significantly, the plan proposes improvements that are linked to anticipated economic development in Atlantic City.

This phased approach has three key elements: 1) transportation and land use are tied together; 2) improvements will only be implemented if needed, and will be in place ahead of demand; and 3) a flexible “pay as you grow” financing approach invites creative approaches to funding capital-intensive transportation projects.

The plan recommends the formation of AC RIGHT (the Atlantic City Regional Implementation Group for Housing and Transportation). In May, Governor Corzine signed an executive order authorizing this inter-agency team, which will be comprised of commissioners and technical staff from the implementing agencies (such as DOT, SJTA, NJT) and non-transportation agencies (Pinelands, DEP and others).

With members of the governor’s cabinet, state agencies and planning organizations working together, AC RIGHT will coordinate these transportation projects with new housing for the casino workforce.

Two years ago, when the transportation study was first planned, five new casinos were proposed and 17,000 new hotels rooms were expected to be built, with 40,000 expected new casino employees.         While the economy has stalled many of those plans, Governor Corzine predicted the casino industry will recover once the recession is over, saying now is the time to begin  transportation projects that will ease traffic tie-ups and draw new tourists to Atlantic City in the next decade.

“We want to be ready to go, to take advantage of it,” the governor said. Carver added, “It will include incentives for communities that help the planning group to speed up projects in an effort to bring reality and a strong probability of completion on these things we think are important.”

Details of the transportation study were made public at the South Jersey Economic Development Forum in May. Projects range from a Boardwalk bike path to upgrades for the three entry highways into Atlantic City, the Atlantic City rail line and Atlantic City International Airport. Smaller projects would widen local streets and modernize the traffic signal system.

AC RIGHT will call public hearings, streamline the regulatory process, and work with business and community organizations to promote economic development. South Jersey Transportation Authority Executive Director Bart Mueller described the developments at the Atlantic City International Airport and also the key role the SJTA plays in providing the links that promote economic development and workforce housing.

The Casino Association supports this counter-cyclical investment strategy: Invest public funds in “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects when the economy is in a down cycle. This will spur the economy and let us hit the ground running when the economy improves.

We also endorse a prudent approach that prioritizes and implements projects in a manner that produces the quickest positive impact on the challenges currently facing Atlantic City and the region.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Three months after his dramatic walkout, real estate mogul and reality TV boss Donald Trump is trying to regain control of the Atlantic City casino empire that bears his name.

Billionaire Donald Trump—who recently balked at being called “only” a multimillionaire—has proposed a debt-restructuring plan that would return him as an owner of the three landmark casinos: Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza and
Trump Marina.

Trump exited the boardroom in February after a dispute with board members who would not entertain his plan to buy the company and take it private. At the time he said his share in the company was “worthless to me.”

His daughter and fellow board member Ivanka followed, and Atlantic City lost two of its most recognizable icons. But the Apprentice star still holds the largest individual share of Trump Entertainment stock, with a 31 percent stake.

In the months before his departure, Trump had tried to sell off all or part of his company; a plan to sell
Trump Marina to Coastal Development fell through in May. That casino was to have become a Margaritaville resort, inspired by the music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, but the recession and free-falling property values put an end to the deal.

Trump’s attempt to buy back into Atlantic City is being made in partnership with Dallas-based Beal Bank, run by Trump’s close friend, Andy Beal. Trump Entertainment CEO Mark Juliano says both the present and former owners want to trim the company’s debt to levels that can be supported by cash flow.

After a 2004 bankruptcy—the second of three his company has filed—Trump relinquished day-to-day control of his company, but maintained his title as chairman of the board. One news report hinted that he was feeling “separation anxiety” after leaving his Jersey Shore base.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Trump Entertainment Resorts has established a memorial fund in honor of the Trump Taj Mahal employee killed on the job in May.

Veteran shift manager Ray Kot of Egg Harbor Township had been with the casino since it opened in 1990. His shooting death at the hands of a patron sparked an outpouring of compassion and support from casino workers across Atlantic City. Thousands attended his memorial service at Boardwalk Hall June 2, and table gaming at the Taj was suspended for six hours that day in Kot’s honor.

A joint statement from Trump Entertainment CEO Mark Juliano and General Manager Rosalind Krause reflected the shock and loss experienced by the gaming community in Atlantic City.

“This has been a tragic human loss,” they said in the statement. “But Ray’s humility and dignified manner demonstrate that a person’s life is not measured merely by status or position. It is rather kindness, virtue and character that illustrate success and worth. Ray teaches us this important life lesson. His legacy provides us with the opportunity to become better people, more respectful of each other and appreciative of our blessings.”

“Ray was a incredible human being,” added Craig Keyser, executive vice president of human resources for the Trump properties. “He will be deeply missed.”

Donations to the Ray Kot Memorial Fund, which will provide financial support to Ray’s son, Drew, may be sent to the Ray Kot Memorial Fund in care of Tara Hill at TD Bank, 15 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ  08401.

By Casino Connection Staff   Mon, Jun 29, 2009

Ridership on the ACES express train from New York City to Atlantic City has finally begun to pick up steam.

When it launched in February, the Atlantic City Express Service often rode the rails with just a quarter of its 212 seats filled; its inaugural run from the Atlantic City Convention Center to Penn Station drew only about 45 paying customers.

But with a steep reduction in ticket prices through the “All Afford!” program, more convenient scheduling, and a blitz of clever advertising, the train is starting to draw healthier numbers. A deal with one-way coach tickets for just $29 (down from $50) almost packed the 212-seat deluxe line in recent weeks; that special continues until July 5.

The ACES train is the brainchild of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort, New Jersey Transit and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. It provides two four-car, multi-level trains with a choice of first class or coach seating. ACES also provides a complimentary shuttle from the Atlantic City terminal to Harrah’s, Caesars and Borgata.

The service runs Friday through Sunday; the trip, which makes one stop in Newark, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. For more information, visit www.acestrain.com.