AC Weekly Blogs

Havana Slots

2008-05-08T16:24:45Z

The Tropicana is opening a new slot area. Havana Rooftop Slots debuts Thursday, May 15 with a VIP/media event and official ribbon cutting.
Havana Rooftop Slots is a 3,000 square-foot raised section of its casino that has been transformed into a Havana-themed experience. Visitors to the new slot area will be greeted by specially uniformed staff and surrounded with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Old Havana, Cuba. Authentic Cuban music, vivid artwork, specialty drinks and coffees, festive lighting, and the faintest aromas of citrus and coffee will entice the senses while players enjoy the latest in slot technology. The slots available include 12 “Havana Gold™” progressive-link slots, which have been custom-themed by International Game Technology (IGT) specifically for the project. The Havana Rooftop Slots project was developed by slot manufacturer and casino supply company, AC Coin & Slot.

Lighthouse View

2008-05-08T16:10:13Z

The Absecon Lighthouse is posting weekly photographs of the Revel Entertainment construction site on its Web site . If you’re not up for climbing to the top of the lighthouse to check out the view, you can take this virtual trip to the top. When you get to the web site, just click on pictures. Located in Atlantic City in the Southeast Inlet section, Absecon Lighthouse was first lit in 1857 and still stands as a sentinel watching over the many changes in Atlantic City over the decades. Hours of operation are Thursday through Monday, 11am-4pm, and daily in July and August, 10am-5pm.

Borgata's Clean Air

2008-05-01T15:30:06Z

In an effort to best accommodate their customers — smokers and non-smokers — the Borgata has submitted plans to the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) that will make the resort the first 100% smoke-free casino in Atlantic City. To accommodate smoking guests, Borgata will offer several outdoor lounges that will be designated smoking areas. These outdoor spaces will offer guests a comfortable, climate-controlled environment. Subject to NJ DCA approval, the plans will take effect in compliance with the Atlantic City smoke free ordinance.
Besides being fair for customers, it is the best solution for Borgata's employees. When the casinos went for a partial ban, the smoke was concentrated in a smaller gaming space, making the pollution even worse in those areas.

Dredlocks Must Go

2008-04-30T21:34:55Z

We are down to the Final Five. After last night's performances of Neil Diamond songs, I have to say it is time for Dreadlocks Dude to go. Jason Castro has hit a musical rut and doesn't seem all that interested in getting out of it. His versions of "Forever In Blue Jeans" and "September Morn" were bland and boring. Of course it's a shame we can't vote off Paula after that ridiculous mistake when she talked about Jason't two songs and he had only sung one at that point in the show.
Syesha Mercado has been improving weekly. Her "Hello Again'' was one of her best performances to date and her fun-filled ''Thank the Lord for the Night Time'' wasn't bad either. Brooke White recovered from her weak "I'm A Believer" with a fabulous take on "I Am ... I Said." Brooke finds her zone when she is barefoot at the piano. David A. was in his comfort zone with the all-American appeal of "Sweet Caroline" and "America." David Cook is still the front-runner in my book and he earned props from Simon for taking songs that weren't that well known ("All I Really Need Is You,'' "I'm Alive") and making them his own.

My top five:
1) David Cook
2) Brooke White
3) David A
4) Syesha Mercado
5) Jason Castro

Johnny Rockets opens 2nd area location at Hamilton Mall

2008-04-28T04:02:28Z

Sunday night, we stopped by the Hamilton Mall for a sneak preview of the newest location of Johnny Rockets restaurant. Their first area location is on the Boardwalk near the entrance to Bally’s Casino.
General manager, Allen Truhan, said that they were having a lot of fun at the Atlantic City location so they decided to open a second Johnny Rockets at the Hamilton Mall, which is located on the ground floor near the center entrance. Tables surround the perimeter of the restaurant. You can travel back to the '60s and select your favorite oldies but goodies with a working nickel jukebox at every table.
If you happen to be there at the right time, you might catch the young waiters and waitresses dancing to the oldies.
Reminiscent of feel-good America, Johnny Rockets, offers burgers, shakes, malts, floats, fries, chicken, salads, chili, BLT’s, Philly cheesesteaks and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. They also have kid’s meals.
We sampled the Rocket Cheese Burger, the Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich, and fries, topped off with tasty Root Beer Floats.
(Photo by Lew Steiner)

Trump Taj Mahal previews the Il Mulino Restaurant

2008-04-26T19:59:27Z

Twenty years ago, Mark Juliano (at right) discovered the Il Mulino Restaurant in New York. When Juliano came to the Trump Taj Mahal
in 2005, he encouraged the Il Mulino Restaurant to open a location there. Last night this became a reality when Juliano, the CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts and Jerry Katzoff (left), Chairman of the Il Mulino, USA, invited guests for a preview of the foods that Il Mulino will offer when the restaurant opens at the Taj Mahal this summer.
Juliano said, "We are very excited that we will soon offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy one of America's finest Italian restaurants.”.
Katzoff noted, "It's recognized that Il Mulino New York is the crown of Italian dining in New York and reservations are always at a premium."
Katzoff explained that there will be two separate dining concepts located at the Taj Mahal: Il Mulino New York and Trattoria Il Mulino. Il Mulino New York will offer the traditional white table cloth experience with tuxedo-clad waiters and an extensive list of daily specials with wine recommendations.
The Trattoria will offer a more casual dining experience featuring many of the creative fares of Il Mulino New York, along with more traditional pizzas, pastas and lighter dishes.
The foods were prepared in the Taj kitchens by the chefs of Il Mulino, New York. Executive Chef Michele Mazza (bottom photo - left) and Corporate Kitchen Manager, Michael Greco (bottom photo-right) made sure that everything was perfect. Chef Mazza trains the chefs at all of the Il Mulino restaurants.
(photos by Lew Steiner)

John Marzano 1963-2008

2008-04-25T16:14:09Z

Until he became a baseball commentator on Comcast’s Phillies Post-Game Live show a few years back, I didn’t know who John Marzano was. As a career back-up catcher in the American League (for Seattle, Texas and Boston), he might as well have played on Mars since I’m a diehard Phillies fan. However, when this South Philly-bred baseball veteran started talking about the
Phillies for Comcast, I became an instant Marzano fan. He had that South Philly attitude. When the team made a bonehead play, he said so. When a player stunk up the joint, he didn’t try to make excuses. His post-game analysis was entertaining and informative. From all accounts, he was a great guy as well as a great baseball man. His shocking death at age 45 from an apparent heart attack has taken one of the good guys away long before his time.

Smoking Ban Passed

2008-04-24T16:29:11Z

As the Associated Press reported last night after Atlantic City's city council unanimously passed a bill to curb smoking inside the casinos - effective Oct. 15 - this is an important time in the history of the casinos, which celebrate their 30th anniversary in Atlantic City this year.

A Few Developments

2008-04-22T19:12:58Z

First, if you're gearing up for a summer stay at Borgata's new Water Club, reservations are now being taken for stays starting July 1. The Water Club, which will feature 800 rooms and suites, a two-story spa on the 32nd Floor, five pools, six retail shops and more is set to open to in June.

Second, a recent AP story details some of Curtis Bashaw's plans for a new casino in in Atlantic City.

Lastly, NJN reports today that a criminal investigation is underway in Atlantic City.

7th Annual Patti McWalk helps Cancer in memory of Patti McDonnell

2008-04-21T04:08:47Z

Before the walk began, the McDonnell family, some of members of the Patti McWalk Committee and media partners, gathered for the Atlantic City Weekly cameras in front of Lucy. First Row: Jackson T. Chase (Kool 98.3), Lyndsey McDonnell, Ro McDonnell, Lisa Marinelli, Marlene Aqua (Kool) & Meg Perez. Second Row: Jim Craine (MC), Bob McDonnell, Joe Ricci (Kool) & Riana Milne (Kool), Scott Stevens (The Shark). Third Row: Bob Adams, John, Tara Adams, Kevin McDonnell, and Missy Adams.
(Photo by Lew Steiner).
Bob and Row McDonnell along with friends and relatives have been celebrating the memory of their sister Patti with this fundraiser which is the number one fundraiser for the South Jersey Cancer Fund.
Hundreds of participants met at Lucy the Elephant. Joe Ricci introduced Bob McDonnell who thanked all those in attendance. Joe MCNally of the S.J. Cancer Fund told how the organization helps people with Cancer in many ways. Also on stage was Dr. Larry Naame of Atlantic Care. Jim Craine sang the Star Spangled Banner and everyone hit the beach, dressed in green Patti McWalk shirts. Congressman Frank LoBiondo was there with his two dogs in support of this local event.
After taking a walk to the Margate Pier and back the group went to Maynard’s Café in Margate where they enjoyed food provided by Steve Troiano and Buddy McCabe. The late owner of Maynard’s Al Troiano helped the Patti McWalk when it began 7 years ago. He was a strong supporter of the South Jersey Cancer Fund and Patti’s smile was often seen at Maynard’s.

Patsy's Branching Out in AC

2008-04-17T19:24:37Z

Somewhere, Frank Sinatra is smiling.
For years, he begged his favorite New York restaurant, Patsy’s, to open up a branch in Vegas or Palm Springs, where he spent so much of his time in his final years. He could have added Atlantic City to that list, and now, finally, there will be a Patsy’s outside of Manhattan, at the Hilton.
Scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend, Sal Scognamillo, executive chef of Patsy’s and the grandson of the original owner, will supervise the creation of a new Patsy’s. (Pictured, above, is a rendering of the dining area). It was long time customer Nicholas Ribis, owner, vice chairman and partner of Resorts International LLC (parent company to Resorts and the Hilton) who suggested the expansion to Atlantic City. The fit seemed perfect to Scognamillo.
“I feel really comfortable about this. It’s a big undertaking — “I’m Italian, so I don’t trust anybody — But I don’t have any reason not to trust these people. If there weren’t so many lawyers in the world, I think this could have been done on a handshake deal.”

]]> Scognamillo is all about family and he feels confident that the Hilton branch of Patsy’s will continue that family feel. Scognamillo will be training the chefs and other staff at his restaurant for a nine-day boot camp, and will continue that supervision and training the first week in Atlantic City. Since Patsy’s already bottles and sells their master marinara sauce, it will be used at the new Patsy’s.
The Hilton put out a lunchtime spread of some of Pasty’s favorites April 17 to announce the restaurant that will replace Caruso’s. These included some incredible, tender meatballs (made only with veal, said Scognamillo), the restaurant’s hot and cold anti-pasta (the melt-in-your-mouth eggplant Rollatine was delicious), and Rigatoni Sorrentino. The desserts included mini cannolis and creamy Tiramisu.
Speaking of desserts, Patsy’s has a tradition on December 12, Frank Sinatra’s birthday, of serving his favorite desserts to everyone in the restaurant for free.
Here’s hoping that tradition will be passed down to the Atlantic City branch. To get your tastebuds prepped for the May opening check out Patsy's Web site.

Yes, We're Cooler than Vegas

2008-04-17T16:16:11Z

"[A]ccording to the latest Market Metrix Hospitality Index results, some things are changing [in Atlantic City]. Atlantic City is now challenging Las Vegas in fundamental measures [of hospitality] including guest satisfaction and certain emotional experiences." This according to new results released by Market Metrix.

Check out casino index results at left.

Although Atlantic City has fewer casinos, it beat out its distant desert cousin in every category.
The Market Metrix Web site adds the following:

"Compared to the Las Vegas Strip, Atlantic City guests are more satisfied with their hotel and casino experience and, in turn, are more likely to recommend Atlantic City hotels and casinos to others. For example, Atlantic City guests are impressed with Harrah’s service and employee attitudes and love Borgata’s celebrity-chef-run restaurants."

According to the company's Web site: "Market Metrix was founded in 1996 by Jonathan Barsky, Ph.D. and Lenny Nash to provide hospitality companies with better customer and employee satisfaction measurement programs and management tools. Since then, Market Metrix has earned a reputation for industry leading research and effectiveness for clients of all sizes."

Idol Rewind

2008-04-16T22:14:35Z

Maybe it's just me, but I only thought David Cook was ok with his performance on MC night, yet there was Simon, giving him the most ebullient praise the Simonator has dished out all season. It's not that I'm down on David; he is still my favorite Idol, but I just wasn't blown away by his interpretation of Mariah's ''Always Be My Baby.''
David Archuleta led off the show with ''When You Believe,'' and he was back with a soaring vocal, although it had a few rough spots (the lower range notes as usual). Carly Smithson continues to falter. Her "Without You," a Mariah version of the Nielsson song, was screechy on the high notes. What has happened to her? She was great a month ago. Syesha Mercado's ''Vanishing'' was solid but not spectacular. I don't get why Simon bitched about her doing a song that isn't a big Mariah hit; that seems like a smart move to me.
Brooke White performed an unplugged version of ''Hero,'' which was excellent in spots but a bit rough in others, as Randy pointed out. Kristy Lee Cook's ''Forever'' gave Mariah Carey chills. It was one of KLC's best performances, which isn't saying much. Still, she might hold on one more week.
I'm with Paula on Jason Castro's take on ''I Don't Wanna Cry.'' After Randy's wacked "luau" reference, I agreed with Paula saying she'd want to hang out at that luau.

My Top Seven:
1) David Cook; 2) David A; 3) Jason Castro; 4) Brooke White; 5) Carly Smithson; 6) Syesha Mercado; 7) Kristy Lee Cook.

After last week's MJ shocker, I'll say Brooke White is leaving the building, although I'm hoping it's KLC.

Resorts 30th Anniversary Party

2008-04-16T16:19:52Z

Resorts Atlantic City is having a big time party Memorial Day Weekend to celebrate 30 years of gaming in AC with a four-day extravaganza. The celebration to commemorate when Resorts opened its doors as the first casino in New Jersey on May 26, 1978, will take place from Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26.
On Friday, May 23, the celebration kicks off with a spectacular fireworks display from the rooftop of Resorts. Following the grand display, the party will move inside to Boogie Nights with special guest host DJ Big Joe Henry. The music, décor and tribute artists will transform Boogie Nights into a 1970s lounge. On Saturday and Sunday, Natalie Cole appears in the Superstar Theater Tickets are $75.

]]> On Sunday, Resorts will give away 300 flat panel televisions. The promotion commemorates Resorts’ 30 years of gaming, with a give away of 30 televisions every hour from 2–11pm. To be eligible to win, players can earn points by playing their favorite casino games using their Resorts Destination Casino Club card between May 1 and May 24. On Monday, May 26, the celebration concludes with an aerial spectacular performed by Freefall Adventures, Inc. At 11:30am, thirty skydivers will form the number 30 in the air, followed by a reenactment of the first dice throw. This reenactment will take place on an over-sized craps table on the Boardwalk in front of Resorts.

Melissa Etheridge at Borgata

2008-04-15T17:46:04Z

The Borgata has announced a few more of their summer shows. Bill Maher headlines on May 31, Melissa Etheridge will be appearing July 4, Earth, Wind & Fire on Aug. 2 and Herbie Hancock on Aug. 16. Tickets for all these shows go on sale this Saturday on the Borgata Web site.