Atlantic City’s culinary scene is heating up with innovative eats.
Il Verdi’s oceanfront oasis was designed by renowned interior designer Olivia Jane.
LA DOLCE VITA
A shore staple for more than 40 years, Il Verdi (caesars.com/tropicana-ac) is finally back and ready to transport guests to the vibrant Amalfi Coast. The renowned Italian eatery is reopening this summer at Tropicana Atlantic City, serving up Northern Italian cuisine, an award-winning wine list and oceanfront views with Italian coastal textures and colors. “The deep turquoise of the lounge sweeps you away to the rugged cliffs of Positano looking down on the blue ocean under a canopy of woven fixtures,” says Senior Vice President and general manager Joseph Giunta. Savor their rigatoni Bolognese or the salmon Susanna. Buon cibo, buon vino, buoni amici.Il Verdi’s oceanfront oasis was designed by renowned interior designer Olivia Jane.
FLAVOR TRIP
Chances are you’ve never tried Italian American psychedelic cuisine—and no, that’s not Bolognese sprinkled with hallucinogens. The fare reimagines old-world Italian classics with a contemporary, global twist, like chicken Parm that’s marinated in ponzu and features a spicier sauce than traditionally used. On June 30, Caesars Atlantic City (caesars.com/caesars-ac) is bringing bites like OG square pizza, tableside mozzarella and tiramisu to the Shore through Las Vegas-originated eatery Superfrico. “Your nonna’s family dinner favorites are all there and recognizable, but they are reinterpreted in unexpected ways,” says founder Ross Mollison. “The actual ingredients, if not the techniques, are alarmingly simple, but they will blow the guest’s mind.” Located backstage at The Hook theater, the art-filled restaurant is perfect for pre-show cocktails and bites that will wow the senses.
Treat yourself this summer to delectable wine and sinfully sweet chocolate at Bar32.
PERFECT PAIR
Celebrate life’s greatest indulgences at Bar32’s (bar32chocolate.com) new Wine & Chocolate Pairing experience. Available all summer, the sweet offering from America’s only bean-to-bar (chocolate made on-site) restaurant comes from chocolatier Nicole Callazzo and sommelier Chris Assay of Frederick Wildman & Sons. Allow the decadent dessert bar to whisk you into a confectionary coma with pairings like Assay’s favorite Bar 32 60% dark Luxardo cherries with a Marchesi di Barolo Barolo del Commune di Barolo 2014. Assay shares, “While Barolo is typically a very acidic wine, this bottle has nine years of age and has mellowed out the acid and the tannins, so you are left with a ripe fruit flavor on the palate, which accentuates the flavor of the chocolate.”
Girasole’s yellowfin tuna tartare
SUMMER ITALIANO
An Amalfi Coast evening is calling, and Girasole’s (mygirasole.com) new Fashionably Late Lounge is here to answer. Th is summer, the award-winning modern Italian eatery’s Versace-designed lounge is offering a special menu on Th ursdays and Sundays from 9 to 11PM. Inspired by owner Gino Iovino’s Mediterranean travels, the menu will feature bites like porchetta and branzino tacos, lobster risotto and spaghetti alla Nerano with craft cocktails. “I want to bring guests on a culinary journey that celebrates the spirit and timeless sophistication of the Italian Coast,” he shares. Sip The Girasole Martini, made with Level vodka, amaretto, and fresh pineapple and orange juice, while live and in-house music, along with DJs, whisk you away to paradise.
Good Dog Bar AC’s menu includes local inspirations like Manila clams.
SIT, STAY, SIP
Summers at the Shore just got a dose of Philly, thanks to Good Dog Bar AC (gooddogbar.com)—previously featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Situated a block off the boardwalk, the new location will feature its well-known rotating beer selection, delectable food and dog photos that adorn the walls, with a dash of coastal flavor. “The beach vibes inspired us to make the AC location more open and airy than the Philly location,” says Heather Gleason, who co-owns the spot with husband Dave Garry. “We added accordion windows to both floors that open completely, allowing for natural light, fresh air and spectacular views of the sunset.” In addition to daily seafood specials and the AC SmashBurger (its first new burger in 20 years), beachgoers can look forward to local art, like a custom tile wall by AC nonprofit Mud Girls Studio that features the owners’ pups.
Photography by: COURTESY OF IL VERDI; COURTESY OF IL VERDI; PAPERBOY MEDIA GROUP; COURTESY OF GIRASOLE; COURTESY OF STEVE LEGATO
