AC Weekly Blogs

The Tropicana Opens Havana Themed Rooftop Slots and a Rumba Lounge

Thu, 15 May 2008 23:29:08 -0500

Mac Seelig, (left) Founder and President of AC Coin and Slot and Mark Giannantonio, President and COO of the Tropicana Casino and Resort are shown at the ribbon cutting of the new Havana Rooftop Slots.
The Tropicana Casino and Resort officially opened the Havana Rooftop Slots Thursday. It is a 3,000 square-foot raised section of the Tropicana casino that has been completely transformed to help increase the slot revenue of the Casino.
The Havana Rooftop Slots was developed from slot manufacturer, AC Coin & Slot under the direction of Mac Seelig.
Visitors to the new slot area are greeted by specially uniformed staff and surrounded with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Cuba. Authentic Cuban music, vivid artwork, specialty drinks and coffees, festive lighting, and the faintest aromas of citrus and fine cigars will entice the senses while players enjoy the latest in slot technology and entertainment, further distinguishing the Tropicana as the destination of choice for gaming enthusiasts. Players will also be able to try their luck with a series of exclusive Havana Gold™ progressive-link slots, which have been custom-themed for the project.
Tropicana COO, Mark Giannantonio was very pleased with the opening of the new slot the area. “The attention to detail in creating Havana Rooftop Slots has exceeded my expectations. We are delighted to be the first in Atlantic City to offer something like this and it will definitely be a competitive advantage in slot merchandising within the marketplace.”
Boardwalk Parade Saturday:
At 1:00pm on Saturday, May 17, Tropicana Casino & Resort will celebrate its opening of Havana Rooftop Slots with a parade on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The parade will begin at 1:00 pm on New Jersey Avenue on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and will arrive at the Tropicana for a final celebration at approximately 1:45pm. Atlantic City Mayor Scott Evans, Grand Marshall, will lead the parade followed by the Edgardo Cintron and The Azura Band, a six-piece Latin Salsa band performing on a decorative float, Oakcrest High School marching band, 30 classic cars, string bands, dancers, entertainers, Mummers, Best of Broadway cast members and more!
Rumba Lounge:
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2008, alternative rock band Sister Hazel will cut the ribbon for the grand opening of a tempting new oasis right on the casino floor. The Rumba Lounge captures the essence of the islands with tropical cocktails and island music. Adding to the exciting are bar-top video poker slots, so gaming enthusiasts can keep the action going. The Rumba Lounge features a full panoramic view of the surrounding gaming floor along with Plasma TVs broadcasting the latest sporting events. This sultry new hot is open seven days a week and is home to live entertainment every weekend.
(Photo by Lew Steiner)

Sister Hazel at Rumba Lounge

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:30:57 -0500

On Saturday, May 24, at 2pm, alternative rock band Sister Hazel will cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Tropicana’s new Rumba Lounge on the casino floor. The Rumba Lounge will have an island theme with tropical cocktails and island music. The lounge will also offer bar-top video poker slots. The Rumba Lounge features a full panoramic view of the gaming floor along with plasma TVs broadcasting the latest sporting events. The Rumba Lounge is open daily and is home to live entertainment every weekend. Sister Hazel is appearing at the Trop Showroom that evening at 9pm.

David vs. David

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:49:33 -0500

Although there were some pretenders to the throne during the early weeks of American Idol (Michael Johns, for example until his shocking exit), we pretty much knew it would come down to David Archuleta vs. David Cook. It was rather remarkable that Syesha Mercado made it this far, but tonight will be the end of the road.
So who deserves the title? Whose record would you be willing to buy or download, David A. or David C? In my mind, David Cook wins that battle hands down. It would be nice to have a winner who actually breaks out as a major star. While Jordin Sparks will be appearing in A.C. May 31 on the bill with Alicia Keys and Ne-Yo, she hasn’t exactly skyrocketed to stardom since winning last May. She’s 18, which might be a bad omen for high-school student Archuleta. Taylor Hicks was a freak of nature to begin with, so his crash and burn wasn’t really that unexpected. The last winner who really mattered in the music biz was Carrie Underwood. Her ability to slip right onto the country charts was no surprise. Besides her fabulous voice, the American Idol fan base is right in the country music wheelhouse. Chris Daughtry used his fourth place finish to launch a major rock career.
But back to the Davids. The Disney Channel crowd would certainly buy his record. His handlers would be smart if they tried to parlay Archie’s Idol success into a deal for a Disney TV series. However, beyond the pre-teens, I don’t see him having any success in the recording industry until he grows up. He has a great voice but he needs more life experience.
David Cook should be the American Idol. But even it he winds up as the runner-up, expect him to actually have a successful music career. Visit the AI Web site here.

Madonna Arrives Nov. 22

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:09:18 -0500

Madonna brings her Sticky & Sweet Tour to Boardwalk Hall, sponsored by Harrah’s Entertainment on Saturday, Nov. 22. Tickets range from $55–$350 and go on sale Monday, June 2 via Ticketmaster.

Wellness Expo

Mon, 12 May 2008 17:49:51 -0500

The 7th Annual South Jersey Sports Extravaganza and Wellness Expo takes place this Friday and Saturday, May 23-24, at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel.
Free and open to the public, the wellness expo offers health and fitness information. You can get your body fat measured or get your teeth whitened while learning about how to get fit and stay fit. The South Jersey Expo will be filled with free medial screenings, health services and merchandise such as sports and fitness related clothing, supplements, as well as games and competitions.
The Sports Extravaganza component of the event will give audiences a taste of high caliber martial arts, weight lifting and physique competitions. The expo is free with a small fee for the separate competitions including the Arm Wrestling Tournament, a NAFMA kickboxing championship and the 7th Annual South Jersey NPC Natural Physique Championships. For complete info go here

Ace of Cakes

Mon, 12 May 2008 17:28:43 -0500

I didn’t expect to write a blog about my sister-in-law Jan’s 50th birthday party, but then I saw the seashore-themed cake. It pays to have friends in the casino industry. Bally’s sous-chef Cyndi Denton also does pastry work as a side business. Pictured at left, she puts the finishing touches on the beach castle cake she designed for Jan. The “castle” is made of Rice Krispy material and the fish and seashells are white chocolate. The cake was as delicious as it was beautiful.

Havana Slots

Thu, 08 May 2008 11:24:45 -0500

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

Thu, 08 May 2008 11:10:13 -0500

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

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:30:06 -0500

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

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:34:55 -0500

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

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:02:28 -0500

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

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:59:27 -0500

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

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:14:09 -0500

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

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:29:11 -0500

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

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:12:58 -0500

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.