A town with a world-class culinary reputation continues to create new concepts at every turn.
Cake Boss Buddy Valastro will launch the brand-new restaurant Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire at Harrah’s this summer
LIKE A BOSS
The latest celeb chef/reality TV star to announce the opening of a new restaurant in Atlantic City is Buddy Valastro. Known to many simply as the “Cake Boss,” Valastro will launch Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City (caesars.com) early this summer. While no exact date has been given for the opening, future guests can look forward to a menu of innovative pastas, Jersey-style sandwiches and an impressive variety of pizzas, all finished off with Valastro’s signature lineup of desserts, which include things like cannoli and lobster tail pastries.
ONE DOOR CLOSES, TWO MORE OPEN
After the closing of his longtime Japanese restaurant Izakaya at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, restaurateur Michael Schulson has packed his bags to head across town to Ocean Casino (theoceanac.com), where he will open not one, but two restaurant concepts, Pearl & Mary oyster bar and Samuel’s at Ocean. “Having opened my first restaurant in Atlantic City more than 15 years ago, it’s apropos to be returning to the shore to work with Ocean, starting with these two incredible projects,” says Shulson. Neither Pearl & Mary oyster bar nor Samuel’s at Ocean have confirmed opening dates as of yet, but each are set to debut this year. Ocean’s version of Pearl & Mary will feature fabulous selections of oysters, coastal classics and a raw bar to die for, with a menu of craft cocktails. And if you’re the type who begins to salivate over the mere suggestion of a pastrami sandwich on rye, you’ll surely be pleased with the American-Jewish menu at Samuel’s of Ocean, which will also feature classic pastries, salads and signature sandwiches on fresh-baked breads.
BRUNCH IS BACK
Brunches are slowly coming back into fashion in Atlantic City, and the latest spot to offer one is Council Oak Steaks & Seafood at Hard Rock Atlantic City (hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com), which brings back its weekly Champagne Brunch on Sunday, May 12, which is perfectly timed, as it also happens to be Mother’s Day. “We are thrilled to welcome guests back to our Sunday Champagne Brunch at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood restaurant this summer,” says Peter Brattander, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “From the chef’s delicious breakfast offerings, carving stations and decadent desserts to the stunning ice sculpture housing the freshest and finest seafood, our signature brunch is a unique and elevated experience for all.”
The selection of mouthwatering pizzas is just one of the components of the “Italian American Psychedelic” menu at Superfrico
GET YOUR ‘FRIC’ ON
If you love the show at The Hook at Caesars, a meal at its sister restaurant Superfrico (spiegelworld.com) is a must-do. Labeling itself with the unique tag of “Italian American Psychedelic,” the endless visuals and impromptu performances make for a good time. Come for dinner or Sunday brunch and prepare for a dining experience that will likely never be replicated. Performers from The Hook regularly pop into Superfrico, adding an element of fun and surprise that goes hand in hand with The Hook’s brand of colorful mayhem.
Gnocci with creamy stracciatella, basil and heirloom cherry tomato is one of the standout items on the new lounge menu at Girasole
SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
Easily one of the top Italian restaurants in Atlantic City, a trip to Girasole (mygirasole.com) is always an unforgettable experience. A great reason to return this summer is the new La Nuove Dolce Vita Bar and Lounge menu, a melding of elegant Mediterranean cuisine and classic Italian cocktails, the essence of which owner Gino Iovino sums up, saying, “The new La Nuova Dolce Vita Bar and Lounge menu blends Italian sophistication with the lively essence of the season. It’s not just about the flavors or the ambiance, it’s about creating a space where every sip and every bite tells a story of joy, warmth and the true spirit of summer.” The menu is available 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays and can be enjoyed on their newly expanded Garden of Eden patio.
if you need a good excuse to go to Amada, their latest “Sangria Sundays” promo will get you there.
SUMMER SPECIAL
The addition of summer specials at two of Ocean’s (theoceanac.com) best fine dining locations is cause for summer celebration. On Sundays from 5-7 p.m. Amada offers $5 wines by the glass and $7 margarita and paloma cocktails as part of their “Sangria Sundays” promotion, which also includes a fun new menu of bar bites and snacks. And over at Ocean Steak, “Ocean Steak Hour” takes place from 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and boasts a mouthwatering lineup of noteworthy munchies. Clams on the half shell can be had for two bucks a piece and East and West Coast oysters are $3 each, which may just be the two best deals on the whole menu.
Photography by: Courtesy of brands
