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Celeb chefs on tap for festival See Sanchez, Irvine, Burrell and more An A-list of celebrity foodies will grace the fourth annual Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival, which runs the weekend of July 26. The lineup to date includes Anne Burrell, Nadia G, Robert Irvine, Aaron Sanchez, Buddy Valastro and Andrew Zimmern.

The event, sponsored by Caesars Entertainment, is the largest food and wine festival of its kind in the market, and takes place across all four of the company’s Atlantic City casinos and resorts — Caesars, Harrah’s, Showboat and Bally’s.

Anne Burrell is one of the celeb chefs participating in the Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival this summer. She hosts two shows on Food Network. PHOTO PROVIDED

“Caesars Entertainment is committed to continually offering Atlantic City’s residents and visitors the top entertainment programming in the region and there is nothing more exciting than the return of the Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival,” said Jennifer Weissman, regional vice president of marketing for Caesars Entertainment. “We are proud of this year’s outstanding lineup of high-profile celebrity chefs and experts, as well as our own family of talented chefs honorably representing our casinos and resorts.”

The 2012 festival, with more than 30 events such as cooking demonstrations, wine and spirits seminars, and casual tasting events, will showcase wine, beer and spirits experts such as Gary Monterosso and Michael Green and Caesars Entertainment’s top in-house culinary talents.

IF YOU GO The Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival runs from July 26 to 29 at Harrah’s, Caesars, Showboat and Bally’s. Times vary. Tickets range from $30 to $90 an event and can be purchased at www.acfood andwine.com, www.ticket master.com or by calling (800) 736-1420.

Some of the highlights

Andrew Zimmern likes to eat weird stuff, as you can see on his Travel Channel show ‘Bizarre Foods.’ He’ll be in A.C. for this summer’s foodie festival.

TRAVEL CHANNEL, LLC

» The Grand Market: Eat and drink through this tasting village. A four-hour journey showcases more than 100 stations featuring food, wine, spirits, ales and more from world-renowned restaurants. » Mia Seminar Series: America’s premier wine-tasting seminars return to the shore with hands-on seminar designed to educate oenophiles with exemplary wines from around the world. » Book Store & Signings: Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can shop for

their favorite cookbooks from the festival personalities and meet their culinary idols. » Define “Cheese-Steak”: Get schooled on a who’s-who of cheesesteaks while local sub shops battle it out for votes in the contest to find the “Best of” this Philadelphia classic. » Sunset Sliders, Sushi & Saki: A chic, rooftop party with sushi and saki, atop the Pool Deck at Caesars. » Sweet & Stylish: Blending designer

fashion and sensual desserts, this one-of-akind showcase of style and decadence will feature specialty cocktails and sweets.

This year, Caesars Entertainment has partnered with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey to be the official charity sponsor of The Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival. The food bank acts as the central food distribution center for other nonprofits in New Jersey that serve individuals including local soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters.

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Russell Brand unfiltered Quirky comedian lets loose May 4, 5 Russell Brand has achieved success in movies, radio, books, as a stand-up and as an awards host. And even an ordained minister, so he Tweeted last year. Come June 28, he enters another realm as host of his own weekly half-hour talk show on FX. Maybe calling “Brand X with Russell Brand” a talk show in the traditional sense is misleading. The show – to air at 11 p.m. – will have no guests, just Brand ranting to the audience about life, entertainment and the news each week. And involving the audience in those rants.

It’s not that different from what he’ll do for two nights at Borgata May 4 and 5.

As FX said in a release, the series will feature Brand's “unvarnished, unfiltered take on current events, politics and pop culture.”

FX has ordered six episodes and will see how the ratings bounce, said John Solberg, senior vice president of media relations for FX Networks. “We’ll shoot in front of a live audience,” he said.

This marks the first television deal for Brand’s Branded Films. The series was to debut this month, but was pushed back to accommodate production of a new Brand film.

Brand stars in a number of films, including “Arthur,” “Hop” and the upcoming big screen version of the Broadway hit “Rock of Ages” opposite Tom Cruise.

During a winter gathering of television critics, Brand said of his goals: “I don’t see myself or my role as a malevolent jester attacking people who are already disenfranchised. All I want is to make people feel better than they do now. All I want is to make people laugh. My goal is to acknowledge that within each of us is a divine and beautiful light.”

IF YOU GO Russell Brand appears May 4 and 5 in The Music Box at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, One Borgata Way. Show time is 9 p.m. Tickets are $65 and $75 and can be purchased at (866) 900-4849, www.theborgata.com or the Borgata’s Box Office.

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Eccentric English comedian – and Katy Perry ex – Russell Brand brings his take on pop culture, politics and current events to the Borgata May 4 and 5. His role in 2008’s ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ got him noticed in the U.S. PHOTO PROVIDED

Feast on divine dinner from Borgata chefs Zakarian, Kalt create special menu for Friday

Chefs Stephen Kalt and Geoffrey Zakarian go back to the 1980s when they both worked in the kitchen of the famous Le Cirque in New York. With both now part of Borgata’s food and beverage team, they still get the chance to talk food in the kitchen.

“We always say we’ll do something together,” Kalt said.

That something is happening Friday when Chef Kalt and Iron Chef Zakarian present dinner at Fornelletto. Zakarian, lifestyle culinary consultant for The Water Club hotel, will prepare hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for guests, while Kalt follows with a four-course dinner at his restaurant. Each course will be paired with a particular wine.

“This is the type of dinner we do not want to go all night, but to represent what we do,” Kalt said. “Three savory courses and a dessert work out correctly.”

Each course will be about half what the restaurant normally serves. The goal is to finish and not be overly full, Kalt said.

“We do not want people to gorge themselves. We want each course to excite the palate. But if we give too much food, they can’t have the last course,” he said.

Kalt’s gourmet menu begins with Sicilian salad, a mix of endive, blackberries, blood orange, avocado and mint, paired with Ocone Falaghina, from Campania. The second course features gnocchi with black mission figs, brown butter, parmesan cream and sage served with Ca Viola Dolcetto, from Piedmont.

The third course highlights lamb chops with roasted artichokes and sunchokes, sheep's milk, ricotta angelotti and fava bean pesto, coupled with Tenuta Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino, from Tuscany. And the final course provides guests with lemon panna cotta with marinated strawberries and passion fruit foam. Enjoy La Spinetta ‘Bianco Spino’ Moscato d’Asti, from Piedmont.

Chef Stephen Kalt will make a four-course dinner at his restaurant for a special dinner and wine pairing Friday.

Tickets are still available. PHOTO PROVIDED

Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian prepares hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for guests at Friday’s special dinner at Fornelletto.

PHOTO PROVIDED

IF YOU GO A dinner by Chef Stephen Kalt and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian will take place Friday at Fornelletto at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, One Borgata Way. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $149 a person and can be purchased at www.theborgata.com or (609) 317-1000.

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Beethoven rocks Ready to party all night? Check out the eight-hour After Hours party at the Foundation Room. It lasts until the sun comes up. PHOTO PROVIDED

After Hours party gets revamped Atlantic City has plenty of clubs to party the night away. But the Foundation Room offers a unique perspective in its eclectic multi-room venue, its world art and its ambiance. To capitalize on the setting, the Foundation Room launched After Hours last October. Partygoers can wander from room to room, choosing seclusion if they so desired.

The idea was to provide a late late gathering as Saturday night gave way to Sunday morning, with guest DJs. The action began at10 p.m., but a new cast of DJs took root at 2 a.m. and lasted until the sun came up. This month, the room dissolved the early morning separation, blending it into one eight-hour party.

While the overall approach stays the same, part of the emphasis is now on attracting locals, said Howard Weiss, regional director of nightlife operations, strategy and development for the Eastern Division of Caesars Entertainment.

“We want a destination after the other night clubs close. We think of this as a place for people in the business to hang out when they get off work Saturday night,” he said.

For the working stiff, After Hours promises no real long lines and at $10 to start, doesn’t cost much to get in.

While the new slant may do away with major celebrity DJs, the crew of music spinners and hosts — most famil-

iar to the local club scene — still have a following, and in many cases a name.

Briella Calafiore from the reality show “Jerseylicious” hosted a party two weeks ago. The evenings may include a few surprises like a fashion show.

Weiss is taking advantage of the celebrity entertainment at Harrah’s Pool After Dark by bringing DJs and hosts across town to the Foundation Room.

“The strategy for summer, every couple weeks the Pool host will go to the after party afterward,” Weiss said.

Earlier this month, Dennis Haskins, known to “Saved by the Bell” fans as Mr. Belding, hosted a Schools Out party at Foundation Room after partying at The Pool. This Saturday, DJ Konflikt, a a Pool After Dark resident DJ, will make the trek from Harrah’s to Showboat to spin the music until 6 a.m.

The DJs will still play top 40.

“But once the hours reach around four, we translate over to house music, but not too overpowering,” Weiss said.

Weiss acknowledges that the opening of Revel factored into the change.

Showboat wants to attract Revel’s partygoers and employees. This is a perfect alternative to wind down, he said.

“A lot of people like to go out later and stay out to the wee hours. They like to eat breakfast at 7 or 8 and then go to bed.”

See rock theater at its finest when Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings ‘Beethoven’s Last Night’ to Caesars on May 5. PHOTO PROVIDED

Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings theatrics to Caesars Hear the name 24,” which appeared Trans-Siberian Orfirst on “Dead Winter IF YOU GO chestra and thoughts Dead,” an album by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra plays May 5 of snow, tinsel and heavy metal-turned-orat the Circus Maximus Theater in Christmas magic come chestral band, SavatCaesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific to mind. Sort of like a age. The brains behind Ave. Show time is 3 and 8 p.m. rock version of “The that group – Jon Oliva, Tickets are $56-$66 and can be purNutcracker.” And for Pitrelli and producer chased at Ticketmaster locations, good reason – the enPaul O’Neill – also (800) 736-1420, ticketmaster.com or semble made its mark served as the creative the Caesars Box Office. with three Christmasforces for TSO, along based albums since the with Robert Kinkel. mid-1990s.

“It lit up the airBut hear this: TSO wants you to know it waves.” said Pitrelli. “You could not get is more than a holiday ornament. The away from the song or video after it came group put out two pieces of non-Christmas out in 1995.” rock theater: “Beethoven’s Last Night” After the success of the record, the and later “Night Castle” and have toured in band changed names and identities, “We the warmer months in support of these pop changed the name so it sounds more winopuses. The former gives Beethoven the tery,” Pitrelli said. rock treatment; the latter serves up genreThe holiday single led to the bestselling blending epics and an affecting story that album, “Christmas Eve and Other Stotakes place around the world. ries.” More platinum certifications folThe orchestra brings Beethoven to Cae- lowed with 1998’s “The Christmas Attic” sars Atlantic City on May 5. and “The Lost Christmas Eve” in 2004.

TSO has 17 pieces in its stage ensemble According to the band’s website, and picks up a local string section to aug- O’Neill’s vision of creating a new type of ment the sound. It’s a large undertaking, band that would do anything to allow its said Al Pitrelli, guitarist and founding music to have the maximum impact on the member of TSO. “The music is amazing. listener led to the formation of Trans-SibeBut when you hear Beethoven’s Fifth and rian Orchestra. the pyrotechnics go off, it gets to the point.

The group donned tuxedos and incorpoOur job is to light the building and move on rated orchestral and symphonic sound, to the next town,” he said by phone. leaning on the influence of Andrew Lloyd The origin and evolution of TSO owes Webber as much as The Who and Pink much to the success of the socially-con- Floyd. “Webber was a big influence on us,” scious single “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/ Pitrelli said.

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COURIER-POST, Thursday, April 26, 2012 5S

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ON SALE TRAIN Sept. 1 at Borgata. Tickets, $55, on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

PAMELA LITTKY/GANNETT

BECK June 23 at Borgata. Tickets, $95 and $125, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

CHARLIE GROSS/DGC RECORDS/GANNETT

BIG AND RICH with COWBOY TROY May 26 at House of Blues. Tickets, $45-$105.

LARRY MCCORMACK/GANNETT

EVENTS CALENDAR Thursday, April 26

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand. $32.50 GYPSY BAR 10 PM Borgata >> Please Please Me plays in this eclectic setting noted for its tequila selections.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s >> DJ Ed Smooth provides the musical entertainment EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Little Deuce Coupe: A Beach Boys Tribute rocks the house.

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

RUSH LOUNGE 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with Drew Stevyens Juicy plays at 6 PM and Karma at 10 PM LIVE BAR 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with DJ Mike James. Don't Call Me Francis plays at 9 PM. LUKE PALLADINO’S 8 PM Harrah’s >> Love and Branca play.

Friday, April 27

MIKE MARINO 9 PM, Borgata >> Sitcom star returns with his stand-up routine in the Comedy Club presentation in The Music Box. $25 THIRD EYE BLIND 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> San Francisco rockers ride on with three best selling albums. $45.20-$62.15.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

DUSK Caesars >> Global Fridays.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> featuring DJ Toro and DJ Vito G provide the music. Admission starts at $10.

GYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> The Loop and Split Decision rock the house throughout the night.

TOGA BAR 10 PM Caesars >> VJ Kontrol plays the music with the Toga Dancers providing the visuals.

MIXX 10 PM Borgata >> The bi-level lounge provides an intimate experience. mur mur 10 PM Borgata >> Eli Escobar OKs the music for a club that may keep you up all night.

FRIDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB 6-9 PM Foundation Room, House of Blues >> Choose from four seatings, a four-course dinner, wine and admission to a live music show at 10 p.m. $50.

EDEN LOUNGE 8:15 PM Harrah’s >> Sensational Soul Cruisers open the night with Bobby Lynch Band coming on at midnight.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s >> Music provided till 5 AM by DJ Licious and DJ April LOBBY BAR 10 PM Bally’s >> Erika Schiff Duo entertains.

HOUSE OF BLUES PARTY PIT 10 PM >> The Next rocks with DJ B. Lee on deck from 9 p.m. with dancers as an added attraction.

MOUNTAIN BAR 9 PM, Wild Wild West, Bally's >> DJ Nicky D spins the records. Shorty the Sheriff and Vixens entertain from 10 PM BLUE MARTINI 9 PM Bally’s >> Reservoir Doggs rocks the house with DJ Sonatra joining in at 10 p.m.

RUSH LOUNGE 6 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with Evolution followed at 10 PM. by Second To None LIVE BAR 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with DJ Mike James. Star 69 rocks at 10 PM MIA 10 PM, Caesars >> DJ Lu'AP spins the music.

Saturday, April 28

WHOOPI GOLDBERG 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> Whoopi brings her eclectic stand-up to The Grand. $66.67-$89.27 COUNTING CROWS 8 PM, Borgata >> Alt-rockers play "Mr. Jones" and other hits in The Event Center. Sold out.

KIX BROOKS, House of Blues >> One half of Brooks & Dunn shows he can make it on his own at the Music Hall. $27.50-$37.50 CHICAGO 9 PM, Caesars >> Legendary jazz rock band plays the Circus Maximus Theater $56-$86 THE MACHINE 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> Pink Floyd tribute show, $22.55-$30.46 CAKE BOSS BUDDY VALASTRO 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Enjoy an evening of cakes, stories, and a live, interactive demonstration on making cakes In The Grand. $39.50-$62.10 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 7:30, 10 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 EPIC SATURDAY AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> Half-way to Halloween Party featuring DJ Pauly D, DJ Hollywood and DJ Konfli-

The Counting Crows are at Borgata on Saturday. The show is listed as sold out, but you may want to call in advance and see if seats become available. NEW JERSEY PRESS MEDIA ky. Admission starts at $20.

RUSH LOUNGE 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with Richie Balin. Jagged comes on at 10 p.m.

LIVE BAR 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with DJ Mike James. Seven Stone plays at 10 PM

Sunday, April 29

OAK RIDGE BOYS 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Country harmonizers run through their four decades of hits, included "Elvira." $32.77-$55.37 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns rock the room.

GYPSY BAR 8:30 PM Borgata >> Slamm perform in this eclectic setting with all types of tequila.

MIXX SUNDAYS 10 PM Borgata >> DJ Scene with Paul Castro provide music.

RUSH LOUNGE 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Doug Jennings performs as part of the final day of the Grand Opening celebration, with Karma coming in at 6 p.m. in this intimate lounge.

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

Monday, April 30

mur.mur 10 PM Borgata >> DJ Sam Young spins the music with PS-1, $20 RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Beth Tinnon performs in this intimate lounge.

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

EDEN LOUNGE 7 PM Harrah’s >> Quizzo entertains.

Tuesday, May 1

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 DUSK TUESDAYS Caesars >> An adult playground awaits. DJ Tony Tone provides the music.

RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Lisa Bochelle provides music in this intimate lounge.

Wednesday, May 2

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 3 and 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 BLUE MARTINI 10 PM, Bally's >> Latin Night with DJ Mauro and DJ Sorpresa EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Rock Star Karaoke with Big Ragu SINDUSTRY WEDNESDAY 10 PM Harrah’s >> The

Pool After Dark features featuring DJ Vito G with Scooter.

RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Judi & Lisa play in this intimate lounge.

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

Thursday, May 3

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 GYPSY BAR 10 PM Borgata >> Live music in this eclectic setting noted for its tequila selections.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s >> DJ Ed Smooth provides the musical entertainment.

EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Countdown to Ecstasy: a Motown Tribute and a Steely Dan Tribute.

RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Karma performs in this intimate lounge.

LIVE BAR 8:30 PM, Golden Nugget >> Scream rocks the room.

Friday, May 4

RUSSELL BRAND 9 PM, Borgata >> Brit wit and the ex of Katy Perry performs in The Music Box. $65-$75 MARILYN MANSON 9 PM, House of Blues >> Gothic rockers play the Music Hall. $40-$70 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 DUSK Caesars >> Global Fridays.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> Beat Clan Takeover featuring DJ Hollywood and the Beatclans DJs, hosted by Sammi Sweetheart.

GYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> Two bands rock the house throughout the night.

TOGA BAR 10 PM Caesars >> DJ Kyle plays the music with the Toga Dancers providing the visuals.

MIXX 10 PM Borgata >> The bi-level lounge provides an intimate experience with plush seating and private table service areas. mur mur 10 PM Borgata >> Eli Escobar OKs the music for a club that may keep you up all night.

FRIDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB 6-9 PM, Foundation Room, House of Blues >> Choose from four seatings, a four-course dinner, wine and admission to a live music show at 10 p.m. $50.

EDEN LOUNGE 8:15 PM Harrah’s >> FM Band open the night with Gypsy Wisdom coming on at midnight.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s >> Music provided till 5 AM by DJ Vida Ventura and DJ Freezie.

LOBBY BAR 10 PM Bally’s >> Girls Next Door entertain.

HOUSE OF BLUES PARTY PIT 10 PM >> Star 69 rocks with DJ B. Lee on deck from 9 p.m.

MOUNTAIN BAR 9 PM, Wild Wild West, Bally's >> DJ Nicky D spins the records. Shorty the Sheriff and Vixens entertain from 10 PM BLUE MARTINI 9 PM Bally’s >> Garden State Radio rocks the house with DJ Bryan B. joining in at 10 PM.

Saturday, May 5

RUSSELL BRAND 9 PM, Borgata >> Brit wit and the ex of Katy Perry performs in The Music Box. $65-$75 GEORGE LOPEZ 8 PM, Borgata >> Late-night comedian works The Event Center. $55 to $85.

THE POINTER SISTERS, Golden Nugget >> Soul sisters rock the Showroom stage. $39.50-$56.45.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, 3 PM, 8 PM, Caesars >> The classical rock ensemble perform in the Circus Maximus Theater. $56-$66 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 7:30, 10 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 EPIC SATURDAY AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> Beat Clan Takeover featuring DJ Hollywood and the Beatclans DJs, hosted by Holly Madison AFTER HOURS FOUNDATION ROOM 10 PM, Showboat >> Cinco De Mayo Party with DJ Freezie and DJ Freddie Z with Ocean Terrace DJ: DJ Yan late night to 6 AM.

Friday, May 11

‘WEIRD AL’ YANKOVIC 9 PM, House of Blues >> The king of parodies shows he still has it. $25-$45 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> DJ Suss One, DJ Girl 6 and Milky Mike all entertain.

Saturday, May 12

GO GO'S, Golden Nugget >> 1980s girl group brings its cheeky hits to The Grand. $42.50-$79.10 FLORENCE & THE MACHINE 8 PM, Borgata >> Ethereal British Band rocks the Event Center. $75 MOTHERS DAY FEST 7:30 PM, Boardwalk Hall >> Charlie Wilson, Patti LaBelle and Johnny Gill $44$93 EPIC SATURDAY AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> DJ Konflikt and Patrice McBride.

Hosted by Scott Disick

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A Golden Grand Opening

The Nugget celebrates its new look with weekend of big-name entertainment, fireworks, fun

GRAND OPENING EVENTS Today

At night time, yellow bursts of neon bathe the once drab exterior of the former Trump Marina. The bright lights outside mark just one element in the transformation of the hotel casino in the wake of the $38 million acquisition last spring by Golden Nugget.

The interior underwent a rebirth as well, not just with physical changes but with a complete overhaul of offerings. Every hotel room got a makeover.

The $150 million renovations and face lift that restored a tired property concluded this month, and to celebrate, Golden Nugget has four days of grand opening events planned beginning today with entertainment throughout the building.

“This is a brand new Golden Nugget. There is no more association with Trump Marina,” said Tom Pohlman, executive vice president and general manager of Golden Nugget. “We have a fully functional property. This is a celebration for our loyal customers. A statement that says Golden Nugget is here and we are ready for summer.”

Golden Nugget swept away the Trump Marina restaurants in favor of brands popularized by parent company, Landry’s, including The Chart House and Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse. The latest is the recently opened Asian restaurant Lilly’s. Also enhanced: the nightlife opportunities, from The Rush Lounge to Live, and the creation of a retail row adjacent to the casino floor.

The transformation also brought on board a new $6.5 million spa and a poker room.

“Most places would have shut down during the renovations. But people were excited to take the journey with us.” Pohlman said.

The reward for that journey begins today when “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro unveils the cake he created for the occasion. Golden Nugget CEO and Chairman Tilman Fertitta will cut the ribbon to launch the grand opening.

The weekend includes rock band Third Eye Blind, comedian Whoopi Goldberg and country stars The Oak Ridge Boys. And Valastro does his own interactive stage show on baking and cake decorating.

“We wanted to provide entertainment that hit different demographics,” Pohlman said. “We wanted to attract all kinds of people to see what we’ve done and to experience the brand new Golden Nugget. We didn’t want to just have entertainers that cater to younger crowds.”

Other entertainment will be spread throughout the property including circus-type performances in the Atrium, live entertainment in Rush and motorcyclists on The Deck. Both Friday and Saturday also will feature fireworks.

Pohlman says Golden Nugget is not Revel nor Borgata, nor will it try to be. It is small and proud of it.

“We appeal to a certain niche. People feel comfortable here. They prefer that over larger properties,” he said.

» Ribbon cutting and red carpet media event with CEO Tilman Fertitta » Hand of Faith displayed — the world’s largest gold nugget » Golden Nugget grand opening cake presentation, created by ‘Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro Friday » Third Eye Blind » The Fearless Flores family — motorcycle stunt greats from ‘America’s Got Talent’ » Tino Ferreira, the Rolla Bolla balancing man » Red Bull presents Terry Adams, BMX stunt artist Saturday » Whoopi Goldberg » Cake Boss On Tour — Buddy Valastro performs live on stage » The Fearless Flores family » Tino Ferreira » Red Bull presents Aaron Colton, street bike demo » Belvedere Vodka: live ice transformation » Scotch and cigar tasting » Mini Moet spa makeovers » 97.5 The Fanatic/ESPN Radio, Philly will be broadcasting live with former Eagles Brian Westbrook, Jeremiah ‘The Axe Man’ Trotter and more. » Fireworks extravaganza Sunday » The Oak Ridge Boys

Legendary comedian Whoopi Goldberg helps celebrate the Grand Opening of the Golden Nugget with a show Saturday. The weekend is packed with special events and promotions. TIMOTHY WHITE

» Red Bull Presents Terry Adams, BMX stunt artist » The Fearless Flores family

“

I’m so excited to have finished the Golden Nugget Atlantic City renovation bringing you the best in dining, gaming and entertainment options.

Please join me in celebrating the completed transformation!”

- Tilman Fertitta,

Owner, Landry’s Inc.

GRAND OPENING

APRIL 26 - 29!

THIRD EYE BLIND 4.27

ALL WEEKEND LONG ENJOY RED CARPET EVENTS, CELEBRITY APPEARANCES AND MORE! THURSDAY, APRIL 26

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY & RED CARPET MEDIA EVENT with CEO, Tilman Fertitta

MAY 1-31

HAND OF FAITH DISPLAYED The world’s largest Gold Nugget GOLDEN NUGGET GRAND OPENING CAKE PRESENTATION Created By Cake Boss Buddy Valastro

FRIDAY, APRIL 27 THIRD EYE BLIND THE FEARLESS FLORES FAMILY, Motorcycle Stunt Greats from America’s Got Talent TINO FERREIRA, THE ROLLA BOLLA BALANCING MAN Red Bull Presents TERRY ADAMS, BMX STUNT ARTIST

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 WHOOPI GOLDBERG CAKE BOSS ON TOUR

WHOOPI 4.28

Buddy Valastro Performs Live on Stage

97.5 THE FANATIC /ESPN RADIO, PHILLY WILL BE BROADCASTING LIVE with Former Eagles - Brian Westbrook, Jeremiah “The Axe Man” Trotter and Former Flyers - John LeClair and Bernie Parent!

THE FEARLESS FLORES FAMILY, Motorcycle Stunt Greats from America’s Got Talent TINO FERREIRA, THE ROLLA BOLLA BALANCING MAN SCOTCH & CIGAR TASTING Red Bull Presents AARON COLTON, STREET BIKE DEMO BELVEDERE VODKA: LIVE ICE TRANSFORMATION MINI MOET SPA MAKEOVERS

CAKE BOSS 4.28

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

DRAWINGS EVERY 30 MINUTES

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

Red Bull Presents TERRY ADAMS, BMX STUNT ARTIST THE FEARLESS FLORES FAMILY, Motorcycle Stunt Greats from America’s Got Talent

WIN 1 POUND OF GOLD EVERY DAY IN MAY

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS 4.29

see 24 karat CLub® for details.

g o l d e n n u g g e t . c o m | Everything Gold Is New Again

Huron Ave. & Brigantine Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | 800.777.1177 CP-0010472448

2S COURIER-POST, Thursday, April 26, 2012

courierpostonline.com

‘Hopkins vs. Dawson: Once And For All’ Main bout gets all the buzz Saturday

By WILLIAM SOKOLIC Courier-Post Staff

Boxing’s version of Jamie Moyer steps back in the ring Saturday night for a title bout at Boardwalk Hall. Philadelphia’s 47year-old Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins will meet former champ “Bad” Chad Dawson in a re-match of their October 2011 fight that the California State Athletic Commission ruled a no-decision.

“Hopkins vs. Dawson: Once And For All,” a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ WBC and Ring Magazine light heavyweight world championships, is presented sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, among others. The contest will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:15 p.m.

Also featured will be a 12-round heavyweight battle between Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell and “The Gentleman” Chazz Witherspoon.

But it’s the main bout that has created the buzz.

“Bernard Hopkins is a world champion athlete who grew up and trained in the greater Philadelphia area, just a short ride from Atlantic City, so this fight is going to

be a great draw,” said Don Marrandino, Eastern Division president for Caesars Entertainment. “Some of the greatest boxing matches and sporting events have been hosted in Atlantic City and on April 28, Boardwalk Hall will be the backdrop to what could be Hopkins’ most historic fights and likely one of the final bouts of his career.”

This fight has garnered a lot of vocal smackdowns between the two fighters.

“Chad Dawson can say whatever he wants, but I am not going to trash talk this one,” Hopkins said in a release. “Everyone knows what I am capable of in the ring.

They have seen it over 50 times before in the last 20-plus years. I will say that I am really happy that this is on HBO so that all of my fans from across the country can see me continue this unprecedented path.”

Dawson has his own take on the title fight. “Hopkins is going to have to face his fears. He tried to run away from me, but here we are again. I’m very excited to fight on the East Coast because a lot of my fans will be there to see me live.”

Between his 10-year title reign at middleweight and his victories over Antonio Tarver, Winky Wright, Kelly Pavlik and Roy Jones Jr., all after the age of 41, Hopkins reached the top of the boxing mountain once again last May with his victory over Jean Pascal, breaking the age record previously held by George Foreman.

Today, he is a few months away from

HOGANPHOTOS.COM

breaking another record and becoming the oldest reigning champion ever as he continues to follow the path of Archie Moore, who made his last title defense at 47 years and 7 months old.

Former WBC and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Dawson (30-1, 17 KOs) has long been considered one of the sport’s best pound for pound by boxing insiders. His victories over respected world champions such as Glen Johnson (twice),

“Hopkins vs. Dawson: Once And For All” unfolds on Saturday night at Boardwalk Hall, Mississippi Avenue and the Boardwalk. Doors open at 6 p.m. The title fight begins at 10:15 p.m.

Tickets are $25 to $300 and are available at the Boardwalk Hall box office, (800) 736-1420 or ticketmaster.com.

See parts of old Atlantic City

Courier-Post Staff

Pedal a bike Bikes are permitted along the fourplus mile stretch of boardwalk in Atlantic City from 6 a.m. to noon and 4 to 7 p.m. through May 14. Come May 15, the hours are restricted to 6 to 10 a.m. through Sept. 15.

If you don’t have your own, rent them at B & K bicycle rental, with locations at Iowa Avenue and at North Carolina Avenue. Call (609) 344-8008. Or pick up a rental at the AAAA Bike Shop, Little Rock and Ventnor avenues, in Ventnor.

The boardwalk extends a mile and a half from Atlantic City through Ventnor, so it’s an easy ride. Ventnor allows riding on the boardwalk all day until June 30.

From July 1 to Labor Day, cyclists are limited to 6 a.m. until noon on weekends and holidays, all day during the week.

Call AAAA at (609) 487-0808.

Take in a museum With funding from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and Revel Entertainment, Garden Pier was renovated and strengthened to withstand storms. The crumbling back end was removed. And best of all, the two museums on the pier will reopen.

Though small, the Atlantic City Art Center and the Atlantic City Historical Museum offer a treasure trove of experiences. And until now, were a well-kept secret. But with the opening of Revel across the Boardwalk, look for larger crowds at the two museums.

Starting in the summer, the art cen-

The next time you’re at the boardwalk, take a stroll to check out some of the city’s past or go shopping. DENISE HENHOEFFER/COURIER-POST FILE

ter will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It has three galleries featuring painters, sculptors and photographers.

Admission is free.

Visit www.acartcenter.org or call (609) 347-5837.

The Atlantic City Historical Museum is committed to preserving the rich history of the resort. Like the art center, it will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this summer, and admission is free.

For more information, visit www.acmuseum.org or call (609) 3475839.

Ride a rolling chair These wickerlike baskets on wheels have been part of the Atlantic City landscape since the 1880s, with a few exceptions. They survived competition from trams and from the downfall of Atlantic City from the late 1960s to mid-’70s, only to be resurrected in the 1980s.

For details, call Royal Rolling Chairs at (609) 347-7148 or Ocean Rolling Chairs at (609) 344-1702

Antonio Tarver (twice), and Tomasz Adamek have proven that he has the talent and athleticism to stay atop his division.

Said Kery Davis, senior vice president of programming for HBO Sports: “Bernard’s credentials as a future Hall of Famer are firmly established and he captured the world’s attention last year when he won a world title. But Chad is an extremely talented fighter in his prime.”

IF YOU GO

5 things to do on the Boardwalk

By WILLIAM SOKOLIC

Bernard Hopkins, top left, who beat Jean Pascal last May breaking boxing’s age record, will take on Chad Dawson, left, on Saturday at Boardwalk Hall. The fight could be one of the final matches of Hopkins’ career. TOM HOGAN/

It’s called a Boardwalk. Simply put, it was designed for people to walk the boards. Walk for exercise. Walk to go from Point A to Point B without a car.

You can take your cue from “Boardwalk Empire,” the hit HBO series set in 1920s Atlantic City, and see some historic sites. See The Ritz, the home of Nucky Johnson, which stands at Iowa Avenue.

Historic Boardwalk Hall, built in 1929, is a can’t-miss at Mississippi Avenue. Not only is it one of the most prolific arenas of its size, it also houses the largest pipe organ in the world. The Dennis Hotel and the Claridge, both at Park Place, date back decades. Central Pier at Tennessee Avenue opened as Young’s Pier more than a century ago.

Resorts, dating back to the 1920s when it was Chafonte-Haddon Hall, is at North Carolina Avenue. Steel Pier, now an amusement park, is at Virginia Avenue, while Garden Pier, home to two museums, is at New Jersey Avenue.

Shop From its inception in the 1800s, the boardwalk took on the stature of a promenade for commerce. These days, retail ranges from low-cost T-shirt shops to high-end designer boutiques. The center point of retail is at The Pier Shops at Caesars, at Arkansas Avenue. Its four floors include two floors for shopping, with medium to high-end stores.

The other major shopping area is The Quarter at Tropicana, Iowa Avenue. The Quarter houses a variety of retail shops and restaurants.

See a classical concert Sunday

By WILLIAM SOKOLIC Courier-Post Staff

If Mozart and Dvorak get your juices flowing, the Bay-Atlantic Chamber Orchestra has a gig for you Sunday. The orchestra will perform two masterpieces for wind ensembles in a free concert at Richard Stockton College – Dante Hall Theater of the Arts.

The concert, conducted by music director Jed Gaylin, will feature Dvorak’s Serenade for Winds in D minor, Op. 44 and Mozart’s Serenade No. 10 in B-flat major, K. 361, “Gran Partita.”

The serenades that make up this “Maritime Mistral” concert represent some of the finest writing for wind instruments from the Romantic and Classical periods.

Dvorak’s is folksy and full of the dance rhythms, modal harmonies and sweeping melodies of the composer’s native Bohemia. Mozart’s “Gran Partita” contains intricate yet pure music, haunting yet fresh.

Now in its 28th season of providing classical music concerts, the Bay-Atlantic Symphony performs concerts and educational programs in Cumberland, Atlantic, Gloucester and Cape May counties.

IF YOU GO The Bay-Atlantic Chamber Orchestra performs Sunday at Richard Stockton College – Dante Hall Theater of the Arts, 12 N. Mississippi Ave. The concert, sponsored by Stockton College, is free but tickets are required. Call the Bay-Atlantic Symphony office at (856) 451-1169 or e-mail dantehall@stockton.edu for ticket information.