LifeStyle Report NOVEMBER 2015
We’re all of this and More! FASHION • HOME & DESIGN • ART DINING • GOLF • HEALTH
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“If you build it, they will come.” —Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), Field of Dreams
THE • VIEW
Divorce Law
The Meeting Place
B
ack when flappers and jazz clubs were “all the rage,” Atlantic City was a convention town. Businessmen flocked here, as much for the backdrop of beach and Boardwalk as for the town’s more colorful side. Conventions were so popular in the 1920s the city spent $15 million to construct a proper venue. Dedicated on May 31, 1929, Boardwalk Hall was an architectural and engineering marvel of the time. It had the largest auditorium in the world constructed without roof posts or pillars. Some things never change. Here it is, nearly a century later, and we’re looking to attract meetings and conventions with bigger, better facilities. Welcome to Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center; 100,000 square feet of brand new meeting space that overlooks the Marina district and Atlantic Ocean. If its picture-perfect views aren’t enticing enough, its state-of-the-art facilities surely will be. You can sleep, meet, eat, and play without leaving the premises. Everything is under one roof, and it’s a big one. Have a need to host a gathering for 5,000 of your “closest” friends? This space can accommodate it. At a cost of $125.8 million, Harrah’s is making a significant investment in conventions — and one we hope will pay off for the region. But they are not alone. Resorts Casino Hotel recently unveiled a $5 million conference center; encompassing 15,000 square feet along the Boardwalk. It’s already doing a brisk business. In addition to both of the new facilities, there’s the Atlantic City Convention Center and historic Boardwalk Hall. The latter underwent a $90 million restoration completed in 2001, making it a vibrant destination once again. Then there’s the new initiative, Meet AC. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s the nonprofit funded by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Meet AC’s mission is to aggressively pursue convention business. But you and I know that Meet AC is selling more than conventions. They’re promoting the beautiful beaches and Boardwalk and all there is to do in South Jersey. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of living here, even for just the summer, knows the magic of the Jersey Shore. It’s a great place to meet — whether you’re meeting old or new friends or business partners. I invite you to join me in my new mantra, “Meet me at the Jersey Shore.” Show your pride for a region that’s only going to improve as more people get a chance to experience it.
South Jersey 2015
Michael Gill
“One of the Atlantic City area’s best known ... and most accomplished ... divorce lawyers.” Goldenberg, Mackler, Sayegh, Mintz, Pfeffer, Bonchi & Gill 660 New Road, Northfield • gmslaw.com
(609) 646-0222
Charles Matison
“High-energy, personable and tenacious ... some of the strongest courtroom skills in the state.” Law Offices of Charles A. Matison, Esq., P.C.
1640 Tilton Road, Northfield • cmatison.com
(609) 407-1100
Mark Biel
“Renowned for his experience, skill and personality ... Universally regarded as one of the region’s premier matrimonial attorneys.”
Biel, Zlotnick & Stiles, P.A.
450 Tilton Road, Northfield • bzs-law.com
(609) 344-1173
how to reach us
See all Members of Ten Leaders of Matrimonial & Divorce Law of Southern New Jersey at
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"NJ Lifestyle Magazine" is mailed to select households in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, and parts of South Jersey. We can be found at select retail locations, golf clubs, restaurants, doctor offices and more.
The Ten Leaders of Matrimonial & Divorce Law of Southern New Jersey is based on interviews and peer referrals originating in first quarter 2003 and continuing through 2015. Attorneys listed here were referred by at least three of their out-of-firm peers. Ten Leaders is a consensus presentation of experienced, accomplished professionals, based on independent surveys and peer referrals; it is administered by The Ten Leaders Cooperative, Reston, Va., and Fort Lee, NJ. This announcement complies with advertising guidelines set forth by The Supreme Court of The State of New Jersey. Ten Leaders professionals underwrite the distribution of their lists. To read Ten Leaders profiles in the law, medicine and finance, and for more information visit www.tenleaders.org. Copyright 2015, The Ten Leaders Cooperative, All Rights Reserved.
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LIFESTYLE REPORT | November Issue 2015
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CONTENTS FEATURES Architecture One-of-a-kind style in Ocean City.
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14
Entertainment Enjoyment, Sinatra style.
D EPA RTME NTS
12 Living Make your bath the ideal place for relaxation. 18 Legends Loving memories of a bygone era are cherished. Report 28 Restaurant Reserve your table at one of the Top Italian Restaurants in AC.
32 Wine How to properly care for your coveted bottles. Gallery 35 Dining All the details on the area’s great dining venues.
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November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
20 Travel
The siren song of Puerto Vallarta.
On Wheels Two sleek offerings.
24
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Furnishing the Jersey Shore for over 20 Years BARSTOOLS • DINING SETS • BARS • LIVING ROOMS BEDROOMS • INTERIOR DESIGN • UPHOLSTERY SHOP Commercial Accounts and Designers Welcome See our commercial on Shark Tank (CNBC) M-W-Th, 8-10pm n The largest selection of American and Amish Furniture on the East Coast n n
LifeStyle Report Publisher / Creative Director
Darla Hendricks darlabh2@gmail.com Associate Publisher
Barbara Scarduzzio barbaras1@comcast.net Editor
Bill Henry Copy Editor
Alyson Boxman Levine Contributing Writers
331 Tilton Road • Northfield, NJ • 609-646-6464 • atlanticcitybarstoolbrothers.com
Barbara’s A Fashion Experience
14 Central Square Linwood • 609.601.0035 johnny was n nydj n comfy n elliott lauren n white & warren n nally & millie n alison sheri n cartise n ag jeans n allen allen n equestrian n zoe couture n 525 america n lisa todd n 360 sweater n lilla p n annabel ingall n lyssé n luc fontaine n elena wang n hanky panky n TEES by TINA n
Image is important. This is ours. 6
November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Candice Adler Sherry Hoffman Alyson Boxman Levine Phillip Silverstone Marjorie Preston Elaine Rose David Spatz Travel Editor
Dan Schlossberg Photographers
Nick Valinote Eric Weeks Online Media Info.
www.njlifestyleonline.com Accounting
Michael I. Mann, CPA Zelnick, Mann and Winikur, P.C.
New Jersey Lifestyle is published by New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC. The entire contents of New Jersey Lifestyle are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse editorial material and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. All correspondence should be sent to:
New Jersey Lifestyle Magazine, LLC P.O. Box 787, 174 S. New York Road Oceanville, NJ 08231 Telephone: 609-404-4611
Life Aglow
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One of a Kind Style L
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ARCHITECTURE Great Room
By Marjorie Preston Photos by Jim Meehan and Aerial Media Productions
Y
ou may never see another home like this Ocean City stunner. It’s one-of-a-kind, created to take advantage of its bayfront locale, wetland views and a comfortably oversized lot. This commodius house blends opulence with extraordinary comfort; beautiful bones with a laid-back, fresh-from-the-beach feel. At almost 4,000 square feet, this address on Waterway Road is majestically appointed, with rich furnishings and gleaming top-grade finishes. But, as befits a shore place, it was built to stand up to steady traffic, sandy feet, and occasional roughhousing. That kind of endurance really matters in a house with its own private beach. “This was a clean, ground-up new design,” 8
November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Custom kitchen
The cigar porch
Living room with fireplace
Rounded master bedroom
To create this extravagant bayfront home in Ocean City, they built a new mold, and promptly broke it. says custom builder Dean Adams, of the home created in 2006 by Hyland Design Group of Ocean City. “It has a bit of Nantucket style with the cedar-shake style, maintenance-free vinyl siding and copper roof accents, and the railings, columns and porches on the outside are also nods to the Nantucket design. “But the architecture is a hybrid of styles — the window grill patterns are in keeping with Craftsman style, for example. The big roundhouse out back has different gables coming out of the roof system that are unique.” The house also has elements of the shingle style, which first gained favor among the wealthy of Newport, Cape Cod, and the Hamptons in the 1880s, as an alternative to Victorian gimcrackery. Shingle-style homes have been described as “deliberately rustic on a grand scale.” That certainly applies to this home, with wraparound porches upstairs and down, and a big, beautiful landscaped yard with lots of native grasses.
There’s plenty of space for guests to stay and play, with five bedrooms and five and a half baths (grandparents, older adults, or anyone who doesn’t want to climb stairs can enjoy a full master suite on the first floor). There’s a lot to keep people entertained, too, including two boat slips, that private strip of beach, and a heated pool on a brick paver patio that can be illuminated for night swimming. Jet skiing, boating, and stand-up paddling are popular sports here. Fishing and crabbing are also common pastimes; one can conceivably drop a line or a crab trap right off the end of the private dock, and pull in the freshest dinner on the island. Adams’ favorite part of the spectacular home is a covered porch off the second-floor master suite. The porch has a complex vaulted ceiling, high-set porthole windows and a palmleaf ceiling fan. “We dubbed it the cigar porch. With the vinyl cedar shakes, real cedar siding on the floors and wood paneling, it ended up
being almost like a cigar box, fully wrapped in cedar,” says the builder. “It has this nice cedar aroma, and is just such a cozy room.” The breezy retreat is simply furnished with white wicker rockers and tables; a spiral staircase leads down from the second-story porch to the back yard. The custom doors are mahogany, the floors polished maple. A staircase of the same maple leads to an unusual mezzanine level, which lends itself to nooks and cubbyholes for sitting, reading, and resting. The two-story overlook “takes some square footage away from the floor area and is a technique used more in larger homes,” Adams observes. “It gives a nice impact,” and showcases the living area, kitchen and dining area, all of which are visible from the secondfloor level. Interior designer Susie DiGironimo of By the Sea Home Décor in Egg Harbor Township says her inspiration for the home was “the panoramic view, the incredible wildlife that
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LIFESTYLE REPORT | November Issue 2015
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One of the five bedrooms
Back of home with heated pool
Watch the drone video at vimeo.com/129320145
10 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
LIFEST YLE ARCHITECTURE
lives along the waterway, and of course, the architectural detail of the home. My ideas are always influenced by nature, and my goal was to bring nature into the home to create a wonderful energy. “All the natural elements — like the woven shades of reed and bamboo, granite counters and fireplace mantel, and wood and slate flooring — all are mother nature’s best,” says DiGironimo. Against this handsome backdrop, she added a custom “table” island in the kitchen; double dining servers; a wet bar with a mosaic tile backsplash; built-in bookcases on either side of the living room fireplace; and countless other fine touches. “We created a super space for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying all that’s grand about living by the water,” says DiGironimo. All the rooms have a “wow factor,” she adds, particularly the phenomenal bedrooms, each of which has a different bold or soothing palette, and headboards made of woven banana leaf, embossed crocodile leather, and other exotic materials. The rounded master bedroom on the back of the house is a true retreat, with its half-dome ceiling, fireplace, and a full wall of windows lightly draped in patterned sheers. Here is where to catch dazzling views from sunrise to sunset. The bedroom is adjoined by a rich master bath of marble and granite, and a spacious modern dressing room. The round radius of the water side of the house may also offer enhanced energy efficiency, as winds tend to diffuse around a curved structure. This turnkey lagoon property with a twocar garage, built in 2006 by developers Keith Portner and Dominic Di Pietrantoni, is currently on the market for $2.599 million, according to Jeff Quintin of Jeff Quintin Real Estate in Ocean City. It’s a significant investment, but offers a significant potential for return. Quintin says it's not only a one of a kind for Ocean City, but quite unique for all of Cape May County. The attractions are undeniable. “The setting is very private, quiet, and protected, but you get to look out on open water and the bay and beach,” he says. “You can go paddle boarding or kayaking or just sit and relax in a beach chair. It’s an awesome location and a one-of-a-kind home.” DiGironimo agrees, calling it an example of sophisticated coastal living. “This home,” she says, “gives an impression like no other at the Jersey Shore.” n
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Lifestyle Living By Candice Adler
Master The Bath Incorporate what you love into your bath to create the ideal place for relaxation
T
he most well-designed baths must always play several roles. Not only are they functional workstations at the busiest times, they are pretty places to relax in and retreat to after tiresome, long days. When designing a bath, there are numerous considerations to ponder. Is there enough storage space for towels and necessities, such as soap and cleaning supplies? The surface may look ideal, but one must make sure it’s easy to clean and its beauty will have longevity with so much use. Does it work for bathing and grooming oneself, but lack style? Who will be using the bath, just your partner or kids too? Depending on whether you’re doing a small redo to update your bath or a large full-blown makeover to create your dream spa, consideration and selection of specific materials will be a priority to achieve your goal. An easy and very affordable way to dress up the bathroom is a color transformation. Many bathrooms have white fixtures, making it easy to establish the palette you desire. A wall covering or paint selection will change the feel of the space dramatically. Bring in accents — such as a graphic rug, interesting wall art, and some unique lighting — to change your look quickly and easily. A bold stripe on a washable rug always adds a punch to a room. If appropriate, insert door panels with a fabric to add color, pattern, and texture. Many times a vanity can be painted to change the look without compromising the budget. If storage is an issue, a sisal basket and hooks placed properly can be very decorative and are a great place to store necessities. Towels are always ready for bath time when rolled and stuffed into an open basket. Use baskets in a variety of sizes for other bathroom supplies, such as toilet paper, hair dryers, and wrapped soap. For a traditional look, add beadboard wainscoting that extends about 38” above floor level. It’s easy to create style to make your bathroom special. Pull in furniture pieces that seem unique and clever for comfortable style. Simple changes, such as hardware, can turn an ordinary vanity cabinet into a stylish centerpiece. Add a footstool by the tub or perhaps a comfortable chair if there is enough space. Don’t be afraid to include warm textures in your design. I have used porcelain tile that simulates wood floors to add a soothing and natural vibe. It is beautiful and practical at the same time. There are many stone-look products on the market today. Laminate flooring and vinyl tiles are affordable alternatives to real stone without
compromising style. These look-alikes can offer the affordability, warmth, and traction when wet; and many times have an easy installation. Handmade tiles and organic textured rugs are available, and will embrace a calming effect and while adding character to a bath. Many times if the space is small, I opt for a pedestal sink rather than a closed vanity. To make the space seem larger, I choose to make my mirrors as grand as possible. When selecting the paint finish, be careful to choose a semi-gloss rather than a flat due to the damp conditions in the bathroom. Mildew resistant paints work the best in these high-moisture interior spaces. For woodwork and cabinets, stick to the semi-gloss as well. It will be easier to scrub and is considered the most durable. If you’re looking for drama in the bath, there are many resources available. Surround your spa tub from floor to ceiling with beautiful tile that catches your eye and draws you into the bathroom. Use the tile to introduce color and pattern into the space. Tile options are extremely diverse: cement tiles, fused glass tiles, mosaic tiles, and tumbled stone tiles all in a variety of color, size, shapes, and patterns are available. The abundance of tile makes a bath look luxurious and rich. For some incredible impact, use small tiles with tight grout to cover the entire floor in the bath. Penny rounds are always fun and usually work on a budget nicely. Create symmetry with matching vanities and possibly nickel finishes if you’re looking for a bit of glamour. Add a chandelier over a soaking tub if code allows for an amazing lighting effect. We all like a little sparkle sometimes. Color will make your basic white bathroom come to life. A colorful shower curtain can even be enough to have a dramatic effect on a space. Even better, you can change it the next day and have a brand new personality added. Colors and texture will be easier to combine and deliver that simple look if only one material is used on floors and walls. Always invest in the metal. Use quality faucets, polished nickel knobs, and other hardware. Think of it as investment decorating, as they absolutely make everything look that much richer in the bathroom. n Candice Adler is the owner and designer of Candice Adler Design in Cherry Hill, NJ, candiceadlerdesign.com, 856-216-8170, serving South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding area.
• Bathroom designed by Candice Adler • Cabinetry provided by Euro Line Designe • Plumbing fixtures provided by Artistic Hardware • Tiles provided by Coast Tile • Contracting provided by Bud Graves 12 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Lou Marchiano FOR MEN
CLOTHING • SPORTSWEAR • SHOES Terra Mar Plaza | Tilton Road | Northfield, NJ | 609-641-2088
Lifestyle Entertainment
Enjoyment, Sinatra Style A legend lovingly remembered
AS THE CALENDAR COUNTS DOWN TO THE DECEMBER 12
Frank Sinatra, Jr. during a performance
Although the 100th anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s birth is certainly cause for celebration, his son thinks his father is looking down from his heavenly perch with a bemused grin. 14 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
centennial anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s birth, tribute shows to the iconic 20th Century entertainer are springing up around the globe. But there’s really only one that comes closest to capturing Sinatra’s vocal magic, and it’s a program his 71-year-old son, Frank Sinatra Jr., has been performing since a couple of months after his father’s death on May 14, 1998. That’s because Sinatra is not only using the same arrangements he once conducted for his father, but also because his voice, and his physical appearance, is eerily — almost spookily — identical to his dad’s. If there’s a musical metaphor that summarizes the life of Frank Sinatra, it’s the opening line of his recording of “That’s Life,” which topped the easy listening charts in December 1966. “That’s life. That’s what all the people say. You’re riding high in April, shot down in May…” After spending two years researching his father’s life for an updated version of his show, “Sinatra Sings Sinatra,” Frank Sinatra Jr. agreed that the lyric is pretty much a concise and accurate description of his father, one of the most towering and figures of the 20th Century in or out of the entertainment business. Although he’s performed “Sinatra Sings Sinatra” in Atlantic City many times over the past 15 years, the production he brought to Borgata’s Music Box in September — complete with a 39-piece orchestra, including some musicians who once played behind his dad — was much more than just another musical tribute. “It is partially music, and partially theater,” Sinatra said during a lengthy chat. “The show, for the first time, has gone audio-visual. We’re not just doing the music. Now it’s time to learn about the man.” Naturally, there were songs in the program that Sinatra considers “evergreens,” tunes audiences have come to expect from someone named Sinatra — senior or junior — over the years. (Truth be told, Frank Sinatra Jr. really isn’t a “junior” at all. Although some sources claim his true name is Franklin Wayne Sinatra, his father’s will refers to his son as “Francis Wayne.” In either case, his father was Francis Albert Sinatra, which means junior really isn’t a junior.)
By David J. Spatz
So when Frank Sinatra Jr. sang chestnuts like the Cole Porter’s finger-snapping “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” the Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer saloon ballad “One For My Baby” and Bart Howard’s up-tempo “Fly Me To the Moon,” he was performing songs he’d heard his father sing hundreds of times standing just three feet away. The reason he intimately knows every nook, cranny, and nuance of every arrangement is because he was not only singing his father’s arrangements, but also because he was once one of his dad’s employees. During the last seven years of Sinatra’s performing career — which ended in November 1994 with shows in the Copa Room of Atlantic City’s now long-gone Sands Hotel & Casino — Sinatra Jr. served as his father’s conductor and musical director. But between the music charts emerged the story of the skinny and scrappy kid from Hoboken who never took no for an answer, got expelled from high school for his rowdy behavior, never learned to read music or received any formal vocal training, and yet became one of the world’s most legendary entertainers. Sinatra takes his audience through the peaks and valleys of his father’s life. “We show the light side, the touching side, the endearing side, even the cute side,” Sinatra explains. “There are some moments in the show which are very funny.” But there are moments that are depressing, too. Sinatra seemed determined to show the audience that his father’s fame and fortune didn’t immunize him from human frailties. “At one point near the end of the show, there is one section which is almost terrifying,” he continued. “Life deals mountain peaks and chasms at the same time,” he adds in carefully measured tones. “The terrifying part has to do with the fact that there were so many years in his life when — largely because of his attitudes — he was ruthlessly attacked either by individuals or by life itself, which dealt some pretty nasty hands to him. There were things that happened in Sinatra’s life that were tragic as in your life, my life, everyone’s life. But this is life. Life is impartial to what kind of emotional stress it puts on us. You can be high as a kite one day and the next day you’re ready
to jump off a bridge somewhere.” Spending two years digging deep into his father’s life was a learning experience. “I learned a lot of things I had only heard peripherally, and then I got into the actual substance of some of these things,” he explained. “It wasn’t so much research as it was coalescence of facts and what I could do to make the story interesting.” One of the crucial turning points in his father’s life came on March 25, 1954 during the 25th Academy Awards, when he won the supporting actor Oscar for his dramatic performance in the motion picture From Here to Eternity. Prior to the film, Sinatra’s career was in a slump. The man who could once fill New York City’s Paramount Theater five times a day for 10 straight days was so forgotten he could walk through the middle of Times Square and not even draw a second look. Desperate, Sinatra lobbied hard to win the role of Maggio. Suddenly, with the Oscar in his hands, people saw the skinny kid they knew as “Frankie” in an entirely different light. “From that moment on, it was like his entire attitude and the attitude of the audience had changed,” his son said. “From that point on, they were not looking at some young boy who was a matinee idol during World War II. The bobbysoxers were now grown and mature
women who were married with children, and they kept their loyalty to that young boy that they had loved so much when they were all young girls.” Sinatra said he surprised his audience when the new show debuted in California in May, because it was both familiar and radically different at the same time. “The audience came away not having received what they thought they were going to receive,” he recalled, “which is exactly what I was trying to accomplish.” Although he’s been performing various iterations of “Sinatra Sings Sinatra” for 17 years, the real genesis of the show can be traced back to one of his father’s last Atlantic City appearances. On closing night at the Sands, Sinatra was feeling a little under the weather as show time approached. Comedian Tom Dreesen was already waiting in the wings preparing to take the stage to warm up the sold-out house when word came down that Sinatra was canceling the show. That’s when his son stepped out of the long shadow cast by his legendary father. The curtain opened to reveal the massive, string-rich orchestra that always accompanied Sinatra. With no introduction, Frank Sinatra Jr. walked on stage, which instantly triggered a buzz in the room. He explained the situation
Frank Sinatra, Jr. (left) and Frank Sinatra, Sr. circa 1960s njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | November Issue 2015
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L I F E ST Y L E E N T E R TA I N M E N T
and apologized on behalf of his father. Those who had paid for their tickets — the highrollers had been comped — would be receiving refunds, Sinatra explained. But then he made the crowd an offer. Since the orchestra was already in place, and the stage crew was ready to go, Sinatra Jr. told the audience that if they were willing to stick around for about 75 minutes, he’d perform the show that his dad was going to do. A handful of people got up and left. But the rest, no doubt out of curiosity, remained in their seats as if to say, “Okay, kid, we’ll give you a chance. Show us what you’ve got.” What happened next was one of those moments that couldn’t have been scripted. It just had to happen organically, naturally. The orchestra began to play, and Frank Sinatra Jr. began to sing. And while he’d always been a singer, this time it was different. People finally realized that Sinatra was more than just his father’s son — he was an artist in his own right, and a gifted one at that. Perhaps the one moment that brought the crowd to pin-drop silence was when Sinatra walked off stage and the room fell dark for a few seconds. It wasn’t easy to see, but it was obvious that whoever had been playing piano had been replaced by another musician. Suddenly, the new pianist began playing the familiar introductory notes of one of Frank Sinatra’s signature saloon songs — Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer’s “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road).” Frank Sinatra Jr. entered from stage left, and a pair of blue pin spots faded up to reveal him — in profile, without his glasses, the spitting image of his dad — and also pianist Bill Miller, who had retired after spending decades playing piano for Ol’ Blue Eyes. Frank Sinatra Jr. had coaxed Miller out of retirement to reunite with his father, never expecting that he and Miller would be performing that timeless classic together. “And when (the song) was over,” Sinatra Jr. remembered, “there was total silence. It took the audience some time to get over what they had just seen and heard.” Although the 100th anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s birth is certainly cause for celebration, his son thinks his father is looking down from his heavenly perch with a bemused grin. “He’s laughing his ass off at us and wondering what the hell are we thinking,” Sinatra said with a chuckle. “He always said we shouldn’t make a big fuss about him. He said if you want to do something for me, then go to the bar and lift a glass for me and enjoy.” n 16 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
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Lifestyle Legends By Sherry Hoffman
We
AC
Loving memories of a bygone era are easily remembered and forever cherished ATLANTIC CITY ISN’T JUST ANY OLD hometown or place to visit. It’s a rollercoaster through time that has an explosive and unique history that’s consistently inconsistent. Yet somehow our memories are consistently beautiful and we love sharing them. There are TV shows, Facebook pages, websites, blogs, and books devoted in large part to times gone by and filled with picture postcards, old family photos, and all that was Atlantic City. There are collectors with shelves and sometimes rooms filled with AC memorabilia. The Atlantic City Heritage Collection at the Atlantic City Free Library and the Atlantic City Museum at Garden Pier are filled with memories that are kept alive for us. What are your favorite AC memories? The
question was asked and the answers poured in. The verdict? It was a perfect playground no matter what the era. The following are just some of the responses. Atlantic City historian, Vicki Gold Levi — whose father was the city’s official photographer — became an AC “child star” as she walked down the runway as a five-year-old Miss America Pageant page. Vicki is a noted author and lives in Manhattan. “In 1946 when Bess Myerson reigned as Miss America and gave up her crown in Convention Hall, I was her five-year-old page. Every night I ventured out on the runway in Cuban heels, white satin jodhpurs and waistcoat, and a three cornered hat with a giant white plume. Miss America sported a red velvet robe and tiara.
18 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
She also carried a scepter and roses. On the last night the newsreels were there and I was admonished, “don't trip.” But I did stumble from five-year-old nerves. Bess looked back, asked, “Are you ok?” And we continued what seemed like a never-ending walk up and down the giant runway. How do I know this? Because I eventually saw the newsreel! Audrey Fischer, a Miss America Pageant hostess for many years, also remembers 1946. “I was on the Boardwalk with my grandmother watching the Miss America Parade when Bess Meyerson rode by and my grandmother was so proud that a Jewish girl was in Miss America and said, ‘If a Jewish girl could be Miss America, anything can happen in this country.’”
Allan Segal, a former radio broadcaster on WFPG on the Steel Pier has experienced 74 years of AC. “For me Atlantic City was just one big playground. In the late 1940s to the mid '50s every place we lived we felt part of the community. I loved growing up in Atlantic City. So did many of my friends. Witness that even in 2015 we are having yet another reunion of the Atlantic City High School graduating class of 1959.” Many submissions were about Boardwalk food. Rebecca Simpson, a transplant from Mckeesport, PA talks about a choice. “I loved to watch the cooks through the window of the Ranch House at Central Pier. They were a study in perpetual motion. And then the family would go inside. Omelet or burger? It was a difficult decision. They had that delicious sweet/hot pepper relish for the burgers, but who can resist a jelly omelet? We were summer folks back then but three out of four of my siblings live in AC full time now.” Allan Bilofsky of Philadelphia spent many years working on the Boardwalk with his father Ed. “At the Soda Mat at Delaware Avenue you could get strange flavored sodas for a dime. For a kid, champagne was a strange flavor. We would go to the arcades and put a penny in the
machine and get a sepia picture of a movie star. Sepia? It was the 1940s.” For a lot of us AC means family. Scott Neustadter’s family was one of the first to dive into the casino era. Scott is a screenwriter in Los Angeles. “Some of my best memories are spending long afternoons with my parents and grandparents in their offices at Caesars Atlantic City. Eating lunch at Milt and Sonny's, dessert at CW Sweets, then spending countless hours playing arcade games in the game room. Always loved being together.” Ilene Winokur Matthews of Ocean City remembers, “On the weekends my dad would wake me up at 6 AM to ride our bikes to the Inlet. We were the luckiest kids in America! No one had a better childhood.” The Steel Pier and the Boardwalk were on most of the lists. Janice Sperber, who now lives in Henderson, NV, says, “I used to go to the Steel Pier in the 50s & 60s. You paid one admission and could spend the whole day there and see stars like Frankie Avalon and Paul Anka. Then see the Tony Grants Stars of Tomorrow, then another show, two movies, Ed Hurst Dance Show, the High Diving Horse, and diving bell. It was the best place to spend a day and you always felt safe.” Artist Maria Biebel of Ventnor recalls, “When I was a kid in the 1960s I would ride my bike down to Captain Starn's and on the return trip I would look in the Madame Tussand's Wax Museum window to see if the lady that fell asleep on the chaise lounge was still there. She was. The boardwalk was like a fun house back then.” Sense memories are magic carpets to the past. Margate’s Ellen Levy Lichtenstein shared hers. “The hearty elixir of fresh roasted peanuts, the call of the auctioneer, the splash of water created by the clown show before the diving horse, mixed with the sound of kids on rides — all the while experienced while on horseback on the beach. You just can't duplicate that freedom and excitement.” Atlantic City had and still has many unique and tight-knit neighborhoods. Patricia Harrington-Robel says, “My parents moved from Philadelphia to Atlantic City in 1947. After our chores, we joined the ”Ocean Avenue” gang of children on the beach. When I talk to friends I grew up with, every conversation includes ‘wasn't Ocean Avenue a fun street and weren't we lucky to live there.’ I still live in AC.” Rosalind Norrell-Nance, is happily retired and lives in Egg Harbor Township. “I lived on the Northside. The Pennsylvania
Avenue schoolyard was known as a breeding ground for basketball players. Not only would everyone who wanted to play on the high school team go there to play, but also true basketball stars like Wilt Chamberlain. I also remember being a member of the NAACP Youth Council. It was the largest NAACP youth group in the country.” James Comey of Haverford, PA sent an excerpt from his blog. He is also the author of Uncommon Glory in which a key section is set on the boardwalk in 1959. “I was not a tourist. That was an important distinction to me. My grandfather moved to Atlantic City from West Philadelphia before I was born. He lived on St. James Place in a cooperative apartment house. It was just a stone's throw from the boardwalk. Just down on the right was Feeley's, an Irish bar that enjoyed melancholy singing in the wee hours of the morning that we could hear when its door opened and closed. Just up Pacific Avenue was St. Nicholas Tolentine Church, where my grandfather was an usher. There was history embedded in the sand in Atlantic City, and I considered myself part of it.” Rhonda Hodge of Philadelphia, PA had an interesting job in 1967 and it wasn’t on the Boardwalk! “I was an usher at the Virginia Theatre. People would give me the ticket and I would escort them to their seats with a flashlight. Can you imagine any movie theatre doing that now!” Herb Stern of Longport is a longtime AC cheerleader and past president of the AC Museum. His memories are palpable. “Ahh … there are so many great memories of carefree days on the beach, jumping the waves, shopping the stores on the Boardwalk, Woolworth 5 & 10, frozen custard, and people watching from seats on hotel porches. Steeplechase Pier with rides, Heinz Pier with food samples and the Million Dollar Pier with the giant slide and listening to Glen Miller and other famous Big Bands, Saturday afternoon movies and serials and the beginning of sub sandwiches. And most important was making friends many lasting a lifetime and especially meeting and dating my wife Faith for “the beginning of a beautiful marriage” lasting 68 years so far. Only in Atlantic City.” Atlantic City. Its past was a blast. Its present is news. Its future is golden. I’m the third generation Hoffman to be born in Atlantic City so trust me — you can bet on AC. n Sherry Hoffman is the owner of Sherry Hoffman Public Relations. She is proud to have been part of the Lifestyle family since its first issue.
njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | November Issue 2015
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Lifestyle Travel By Dan Schlossberg
The Siren Song of Puerto Vallarta Travel to this Mexican paradise and be captivated by its beauty and charm
Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico PUERTO VALLARTA PRESENTS A POWERFUL PULL ON THE SENSES. The waves of the Pacific lap on golden shores, flowers of many colors sprout amid sun-splashed structures steeped in history, and tame iguanas the size of small cats consume pizza and other people food when not begging to have their tummies rubbed. By day, white sails strike photogenic poses against azure blue skies, which blend into fiery sunsets in the shank of the Mexican evening. Even after dark, the seaside air is heavy with humidity and the constant chirping of tropical birds and tree frogs. Puerto Vallarta may not be paradise on earth but it’s pretty darn close. 20 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
A small fishing village where people made a living diving for pearls, Puerto Vallarta evolved into a port for commercial vessels and cruise ships, attracted by the benign climate and diverse culture. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton not only made Night of the Iguana there in 1964 but ignited their own romance in the mountain-shrouded seascape. Many others have followed suit, enjoying the lagoons, coves, and bays that beckon lovers of water sports. There are 174 miles of Pacific beaches, stretching like a natural welcome-mat to a town both steeped in history and blessed by natural attractions. Founded in 1851, Puerto Vallarta is the primary tourism destination
Photo by Dan Schlossberg
View of Puerto Vallarta
Photo by Dan Schlossberg
in the State of Jalisco. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006, the state is the birthplace of Tequila, Mariachi music, and a Mexican rodeo called the Charro. The photogenic Hacienda El Divisadero, hidden among mountain trails and rural roads, features a drink called racilla — a Tequila derivative — that is reputed to be the ancient drink of the gods. It’s best to imbibe after completing the horseback ride to the site’s 1,200-year-old petroglyphs. Hacienda Dona Engracia also has horses; it’s a working ranch that takes guests on a river swim with their equines. Visitors can also swim with mammals at Dolphin Discovery; take a cooking class at a local Mexican place called El Arrayan Puerto Vallarta; ride a replica of the Santa Maria for snorkeling and volleyball at Majahuitas Beach; or zip-line between mountains at Canopy River, where the adventure concludes with a foot-crossing of two suspension bridges and a return to civilization after rappelling down the side of a mountain. Equally enjoyable but much less rigorous is a tour of the Botanical Garden and El Salado Estuary. The former features Mexico’s most-visited collection of orchids, while the latter has mangrove, marsh, and underwater vegetation plus a thorn forest (try not to get stuck!). Among the myriad of daytime tours are an art walk and a food walk. Nine galleries in the Centro Historico show works by Mexican artists while nine venues in the Pitillal community offer such local favorites as churros, tamales, and freshly-made atole. Cuisine varies as widely as the countryside. Michel Trattoria blends Italian and local flavors, River Café parlays gourmet and traditional fare with a quiet location along the Cuale River, and Trio is a multi-level downtown restaurant with an open garden, water fountain, plants,
Lazy river at Velas Vallarta Puerto Vallarta beach
flowers, and frescoes. The view’s the thing at Vista Grill, a four-diamond restaurant built on a terrace high above Banderas Bay. It’s an idyllic spot for a sunset cocktail. The bay — not named for actor Antonio Banderas — is the best way to reach Las Caletas, an isolated cove where guests sit on log benches to watch “Rhythms of the Night,” a surprisingly elaborate re-telling of local legends. The outdoor dinner buffet that follows is also well-worth the long boat ride (more than 30 minutes each way via motorized craft with bars on board). By day, the place to be is the Beach Clubs of Puerto Vallarta at njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | November Issue 2015
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LIFEST YLE TRAVEL
Mantamar. The adults-only club has a pool, hot tub, and a beach scene that deserves its international acclaim. Patrons cool off at the beachfront bar. Other recreational options range from golf on the twin courses at Vista Vallarta, designed by pro golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, to massages at Secrets Spa by Pevonia or CasaMagna Marriott’s Ohtli Spa in Puerto Vallarta. The latter mixes contemporary concepts with ancient healing traditions and treatments handed down by the Huichol Indians. Puerto Vallarta is well-equipped to handle its annual influx of 1.5 million tourists per year. More than 70% of its workforce serves the visitors who arrive at the thriving international airport. There are daily direct flights to both Newark and JFK, more than 2,000 taxi drivers, and
a growing number of luxury hotels, along with inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and boutique properties. Americans who worry that food, water, language, and money might preclude a visit to Puerto Vallarta should think again. Drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes, and eat fruit with peels, like oranges and bananas. Restaurants offer multiple ways around tacos, tortillas, burritos, or the hot spices most Mexicans crave. And visitors are more likely to see tree frogs than Mexican jumping beans. Although it helps to speak Spanish, most hotel and restaurant workers cater to an English-speaking clientele since many Puerto Vallarta visitors come from the U.S. In fact, there’s an expat community of more than 40,000 transplanted Americans. As for the money issues, most Mexican hotels, restaurants, and merchants take credit cards, saving the chore of translating peso-to-dollar exchange rates that change daily. In cases where cards won’t work, locals are happy to bargain for their wares and to accept dollars in payment. That’s especially true at the Velas Vallarta, the area’s leading convention hotel. People seeking proximity to the Pacific plus a property that embraces the natural beauty of Jalisco shouldn’t look any further. The North American Travel Journalists Association held its national conference there in May and produced dozens of articles praising the property and the surrounding resort fashion town. WHAT’S CHIC ON THE STREETS AND The handsome U-shaped hotel, which has 345 TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS SEASON. rooms and a convention center, is perched on a We offer fashion advice on highstreet and crescent beach 15 minutes from both the airport designer trends and buys. View the latest and the century-old downtown where a wide fashion trends for the current season, and variety of vendors display their wares in open highlights brought to you by NJ Lifestyle. stalls next to art galleries, bistros, churches, and historical structures whitewashed by the constant tropical sun. The busy beachfront boardwalk, dining called El Malecon, has been expanded to four miles long in recent years. Puerto Vallarta is located on the west coast of Mexico, 404.5 miles northwest of Mexico City. Some visitors may need to change planes (and go through customs and immigration) in the bustling capital but won’t find transferring too taxing. For further information, contact Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, 134 W. 29th St., Suite 904, New FABULOUS FOOD IN SOUTH JERSEY’S EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANTS York, NY 10001, visitpuertovallarta.com, Tel. Find all of the details on the area’s great dining venues. 212-633-2047 or Velas Vallarta, Paseo de la Marina Norte 585, Franc Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, social scene Jalisco, Mexico 48354, velasvallarta.com, Tel. +52 GET THE PICTURE ON AREA EVENTS 01 322-226-9500. n
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Former AP newsman Dan Schlossberg of Fair Lawn, NJ is travel editor of New Jersey Lifestyle and Sirius XM Radio’s Maggie Linton Show. He is also host and executive producer of the weekly Travel Itch Radio Show and president emeritus of the North American Travel Journalists Association.
On Wheels By Elaine Rose
Two Sleek Offerings
2016 Corvette Stingray and Z06 Jet Black Suede Design Package
A look at the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette and upcoming Alfa Romeo SUV 24 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
AT SIXTY-TWO YEARS OLD, THE CHEVROLET CORVETTE is still one hot babe. Sleek and angular, colorful, and more powerful than ever, the Corvette sits on the car lot and begs you to take her for a spin. If speed, handling, and all the latest gadgets are what you’re looking for, head to the nearest Chevy dealer and test-drive the 2016 models that are hitting the showrooms just about now. You probably won’t leave without taking out your checkbook, as reviewers say the Corvette offers a lot more bang for your hard-earned bucks than European sports cars with equivalent performance. Chevrolet introduced the Corvette in 1953, with only three hundred cars built in that initial year. It came in one color — white with a red interior. But the Corvette soon became an iconic American road machine, and is now in its seventh generation, with
features the designers of the 1950s couldn’t even imagine. The 2016 Corvette comes in two models, the classic Stingray with a base price of $56,500, and the ramped-up Z06, which starts at $79,400. Both come standard with a removable hard roof and seven-speed manual transmission. A convertible model and eight-speed automatic transmission are available for a few thousand dollars extra. And, if you’re really lucky, you might get your hands on the C7.R Edition of the Z06, a tribute to Corvette race cars. Only five hundred of these puppies will be produced, and each comes with a plaque bearing the serial number. All the new Corvettes have rear-wheel drive, and are manufactured at the plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Stingray comes in a choice of nine colors, including bright yellow, two different shades of blue, and of course, red. “Every element serves a purpose, from functional exterior vents to intelligent driver controls,” touts an online promotion. The Stingray has a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. New features for 2016 include a flat-bottomed steering wheel for better control and powerassisted latches to make removal of the targa top easier — a nice amenity for aging baby boomers. “The Corvette accelerates like a rocket (duh), has razorsharp steering, zero body roll, and looks damned fine,” wrote Auto Week editor Wes Raynal. “The controls are effortless, the gearbox is delightful around town … and the ride quality is fine for a car with this much performance.” Auto Week road tester Jake Lingeman complained that the clutch weight is somewhat light, but added a driver can readily get used to it. The Z06 model has the most powerful engine that General Motors has ever produced, according to Chevrolet promotional materials. The 6.2 liter, LT1V8 engine has up to 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, and goes from zero to sixty in 3.7 seconds. To better grip the road with its higher level of performance, the front tires on the Z06 are 1.5 inches wider than those of the Stingray, and the rear tires have an extra two inches of width. Kelley Blue Book test driver Micah Muzio called the car a “hyperbole generator,” as he needed a list of superlatives to describe the Corvette Z06. But the Z06 is frustrating, in that “every single drive requires either enormous restraint or the willingness to risk your driving privileges,” Muzio said in an online video. “The Z06 demands to be driven on the race track.” Whether on the raceway, the Interstate, or in town, Muzio was impressed with the driver control knob, that with a twist of the hand, can change the firmness of the suspension, the throttle, stability control, and other elements to fit the road conditions.
2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
2016 Corvette Stingray and Z06 interior with Spice Red Design Package Stingray and Z06 wheel with Spice Red Design Package
ON WHEELS
2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition
2016 Corvette Stingray and Z06 Jet Black Suede Design Package
2016 Corvette Stingray and Z06 Twilight Blue Design Package 26 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Unlike earlier Corvettes, where drivers sacrificed interior comfort for performance, the 2016 models are equipped with everything needed for an enjoyable ride. Both the Stingray and Z06 have two options for seats in the cockpit, as Chevrolet prefers to call the interior. The GT seat offers all-around comfort, and the Competition Sport seat has extra side bolsters that help support the driver for racing conditions. There’s eightway seat adjustment, and enough leg and head room to keep even a six-foot-plus rider from feeling cramped. And then there’s the tech. The 2016 Corvettes come equipped with an eight-inch diagonal touch screen with two USB ports that can be operated with controls on the steering wheel. For your listening pleasure, the car comes with a nine-speaker Bose audio system and a Sirius XM Satellite radio, with one year of service included in the purchase price. An optional 4G LTE wi-fi system connects through Onstar, and gives the driver and passengers the capability to connect up to seven devices to the Internet. (Don’t ask us how occupants of a two-seat car can use all those connections.) This option includes a Performance Data Recorder, which can take video of your driving experience and enter data onto a memory card so you can review it to improve your performance behind the wheel — or check the driving habits of a second user, such as your teenager. But no car is perfect, and there are a couple of minuses if you decide to purchase a Corvette. First, there’s the fuel economy. The estimated 17 mpg city and 29 mpg highway is not bad for such a high-performance sports car, but it’s still somewhat of a gas guzzler. However, an 18.5-gallon fuel tank means fewer trips to the gas station. Second, this is definitely not a family car, as it accommodates only the driver and one passenger. The fifteen-cubic-foot trunk can hold enough luggage for a weekend getaway, or maybe a little longer if you pack light. The Corvette is not an ideal vehicle for your child-rearing years, but rather for singles with a good job or for empty-nesters as a reward for a lifetime of hard work. If you’re still traveling with offspring, you might not want to rush to the dealer to buy an SUV just yet. Alfa Romeo is rumored to have a vehicle in its pipeline that will combine performance and capacity. It’s part of Alfa Romeo’s (a division of Fiat Chrysler) plan to launch eight new vehicles in the coming years to enhance the brand’s appeal worldwide. The automotive press was abuzz in August with speculations as to what the Alfa Romeo SUV will look like. Some reports say it will be based on the recently released Giulia chassis, and may be available in the United States in early 2017. Top Speed says the Alfa SUV will have a base price of about $55,000, and come equipped with a V6 turbocharged engine with about 500 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph. But at this point, everything is pure speculation, as Fiat Chrysler is remaining tight-lipped about this vehicle. Company spokesman Rick Deneau told New Jersey Lifestyle an Alfa Romeo SUV is indeed in the planning stages, but no details about design, price, or timing are currently available. If you’re interested, watch for news from the European auto shows this winter. That’s when a lot of automakers tend to make their big announcements. n
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RESERVE YOUR TABLE AT ONE OF THE TOP 10 ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN ATLANTIC CITY 28 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
“I’ll meet you anytime you want in our Italian restaurant.” —Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Billy Joel
H
ome to a bevy of world-class restaurants, Atlantic City is a food aficionado’s dream. From Japanese to Mexican and everything in-between, the choices for delicious meals are as endless as the views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In this city by the sea, Italian restaurants can be found generously peppered around the area, but quantity does not always mean quality. Below is our list of the Top 10 Italian restaurants in Atlantic City; all are extremely passionate about their food. 1. No passport is needed for a delicious epicurean Italian experience at Capriccio’s. Located in Resorts, their awardwinning menu, service, and breathtaking views will delight you, and your appetite, in every way. Capriccio’s menu features gourmet cuisine in an exquisitely-comfortable atmosphere, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Delectable antipasto and fresh pasta complement the exciting array of seafood and veal entrees. An extensive selection of wines and desserts make the dining experience at Capriccio truly unique. Whether you’re winding down after work or having a night out with friends, Capriccio’s has something for everyone and every taste bud. Try the Osso Buco alla Milanese. You won’t be disappointed. 2. Finding the elusive Chef Vola's, located around the corner from the Tropicana, on S. Albion Place, can be a daunting task. But once you sample their old-school Italian dishes, you will be immediately hooked for life. This longtime, cash-only hideaway features home-style Italian fare with an old-school vibe. The owners, the Esposito family, have created a general air of secrecy around their basement restaurant, and foodies across the country have lined up to experience their delectable dishes. A winner of a prestigious James Beard award, the word is out on Chef Vola’s and all are welcome. Serving generous portions of amazing Italian-American fare makes this Atlantic City landmark an experience not to be missed.
Carmine's
Il Mulino
3. Located on Atlantic Avenue, one block from the Tropicana, Café 2825 is family-owned and operated, where everything tastes homemade, only better. In 2014, this beloved Atlantic City restaurant was honored as one of the Best 100 Restaurants in the Country, according to OpenTable.com, a restaurant review and reservation website. Since arriving from Brooklyn in 1986, the Lautato family has been serving simple ItalianAmerican cuisine in an upscale, casual style. Owner Joe Lautato is the gracious host of this intimate, white tablecloth restaurant. His warmth and friendliness make 2825 a favorite with locals and visitors alike as everyone is greeted like family. He travels to Brooklyn each week for the necessary ingredients for Momma Rose’s recipes, keeping his beloved hotspot as authentic as you would find in any New York neighborhood.
Girasole Ristorante and Lounge
RESTAURANT REPORT By Bill Scarduzzio
njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | November Issue 2015
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R E STAU R A N T REPORT
Martorano's
4. Opening in AC to rave reviews in 2004, Carmine’s is a unique family-style restaurant offering exceptional value to its guests through their Southern Italian cuisine. Restaurateur Artie Cutler crafted the Carmine's concept with a singular vision; bringing his guests “wowfactor”-sized portions and making any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast. Platters of home-style antipasto, pasta, decadent seafood or meat entrees — and of course homemade desserts — are all staples at Carmine's, meant for sharing with friends and family. When great food and wine are supported by friendly and knowledgeable service, the results are magic, with every day feeling like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's. Located at the Quarter at the Tropicana, Carmine’s has become a favorite of the boardwalk's frequent visitors and residents of Southern New Jersey alike. 5. Prepare yourself for luxury as you feast on traditional Italian fare amid soaring ceilings, dark wooden floors, and crisp white linen. Il Mulino New York, at the Trump Taj Mahal, brings the big taste and extravagant feel of Manhattan to Atlantic City. Located on the first floor, close to the boardwalk entrance, Il Mulino New York is a luxurious complement to a night out on the town. The award-winning menu offers only the best ingredients, beautifully prepared and presented by tuxedo-clad waiters. Choose from a wide range of Italian restaurant classics — including everyone’s favorite, Piccata di Vitello al Limone, veal sautéed in lemon and butter — along with an extensive list of chef’s specials. Top-notch service with a luxe setting puts this elegant location permanently on the must-visit list. 6. From happy hour to fine dining, Girasole Ristorante and Lounge is the perfect place for those craving the delicious tastes that can only be found at an authentic Italian restaurant. Located on the ground floor of the Ocean Club condominiums, this high-end eatery has built a reputation on providing guests with the delectable tastes and signature ambiance they are seeking. From brick oven pizza to antipasti, house-made pasta, salad, risotto, carpaccio, and more, this welcoming restaurant is sure to have something to satisfy every palate. The restaurant offers al fresco dining in their garden patio when the weather permits; a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Their flavorful Mediterranean dishes are prepared with the freshest imported ingredients and, along with top-notch customer service, Girasole will quickly become one of your favorite Atlantic City restaurants. 7. While you usually don’t see a steakhouse listed on a Top 10 Italian Restaurant list, Robert's Steakhouse of New York in Trump Taj Mahal is truly an exception. With an air of sophistication and an unparalleled fine-dining experience, Robert’s effortlessly makes the cut. Their delicious Italian fare includes Rigatoni with Spicy Sausage and the best Wild Mushroom Risotto I’ve ever tasted. The high-end location distinguishes itself from other Atlantic City steakhouses as an owner-operated business, not a corporatized chain. Robert’s menu is studded with locally-grown produce, fresh seafood, and sinful desserts as executive Chef Will Savarese 30 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
brings his more than 20 years of experience to the table. An extensive wine list featuring award-winning selections, a luxe-brand cocktail menu, and expert service all complement the Robert’s fine dining experience. 8. Steve Martorano, the “Godfather of Italian-American cooking” has taken the craft of cooking to new levels through a dream, persistence, and hard work. Martorano's in Harrah's combines the perfect balance of exceptional food, music, and movie entertainment to create a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Growing up in South Philly, Mastorano’s sandwiches became such a hit that he outgrew his space and began his climb up the culinary ladder. Now with five locations, Martorano’s has become a worldwide sensation, serving mouth-watering homemade meatballs, bucatini carbonara, and rigatoni with Sunday gravy. Martorano’s offers a unique ambiance that attracts clientele — ranging from locals to the hip crowd, to some of entertainment’s hottest celebrities — and has even been featured on television shows such as The Real Housewives of Miami and Jimmy Kimmel Live. This rags-to-riches business is one of the only restaurants in Atlantic City that has managed to create a modern and cool atmosphere while maintaining that welcome-to-the-family vibe. 9. Located inside the Golden Nugget, Vic & Anthony's boasts an elegant, yet intimate, atmosphere. With incredible vision and an undeniable eye for detail, Tilman Fertitta, national restaurateur, chairman, president, and CEO of Landry’s, Inc., created the most spectacular dining environment you'll find anywhere. Vic & Anthony's features a blend of distinguished cuisine and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that is timeless, yet modern. Their awardwinning menu, from acclaimed Concept Chef Carlos Rodriguez, boasts only the finest ingredients. As a steakhouse, their prime beef is magnificent, but their other menu items, especially their Italian selections — including mouth-watering Shrimp Scampi served with Bucatini Pasta — are one-of-akind. They also offer Lamb Rack, Veal Chop, Live Maine Lobster, Australian Rock Lobster Tail, and local fresh seafood fare. To top the evening off, enjoy a selection from their celebrated wine list. 10. Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Il Verdi at the Tropicana serves meticulously-prepared gourmet dishes in an elegant, yet relaxed, atmosphere. Loyal patrons dine on a choice of mouth-watering hot and cold antipasti, soups, salads, pastas, fish and meat entrees, and desserts. Il Verdi’s award-winning wine list features Italian wines selected to complement the food. Have a truly unique dining experience at the Chef’s Table — set amidst the action of the Il Verdi kitchen — where you can enjoy a customized menu of six or seven courses with wine pairings. The kitchen is expertly run by Chef Jack Flanigan, who has working in the industry for over 25 years. Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Chef Flanigan trained under many notable executive chefs where he developed his skills and cooking philosophy, which counts using only the freshest sourced and finest ingredients available as its chief principle. Buon Appetito! n
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Bottle Handling 101 How to properly care for your coveted bottles
32 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Lifestyle Wine By Phillip Silverstone
B
efore you turn the page of this magazine or peruse another page on your iPad, print, or tear out this column and stick it on your fridge. It really is quite brilliant (modesty is so passé, don’t you think?). My wife has learned to master some of my more complex corkscrews. She does a very acceptable swirl if she’s in the mood, and, thankfully, she quaffs and never gargles at the table. But my wife isn’t the creature of perfection I’m perhaps suggesting she might be. She does something that infuriates me — she removes the cork and lets it sit attached to the corkscrew while the wine bottle remains cork-less, attracting oxygen to its formerly corked aperture. This is tantamount to blasphemy. It’s going to the mall in your bathrobe. It’s sitting in a Bentley in curlers. It’s buying a McCartney album from his Wings period. It’s bad form. As soon as the cork is removed from a bottle of wine, it’s just like driving a new car out of the dealership. It loses value instantly, or in the case of wine, the quality begins to deteriorate as soon as that cork or screw cap is removed. And just like the car’s value, it then tends to tool along quite nicely retaining its depreciated value, as long as you take care of it. In the car’s case, keep it shiny and do some routine maintenance. In the wine’s case, seal the bottle either with the original cork, or a plastic stopper, or by shoving in some aluminum foil. Then put the bottle — regardless of color — into your fridge, where it will stay relatively healthy for up to 3 or 4 days. The original quality will have faded, but it will remain a pleasant drink. Port and sherry are different animals because they are fortified and have been blended with some alcohol in their formative years during production. This protects them against the elements so they can simply be re-corked and left on the table seemingly forever. I always keep dry sherry in the fridge, mainly because it’s more of an acquired taste than sweet
sherry and port, and the nicely-chilled bottle is always more palatable and refreshing, especially before dinner. In fact, a dry sherry straight out of the fridge and some honeyroasted peanuts always hits the spot for me. (Try Emilio Lustau ‘Solera Reserva’ Dry Oloroso Don Nuno Sherry, Andalucia, Spain — approximately $20). While on the subject of what not to do with wine, remember to avoid vinaigrette dressings and tomato sauces when wining and dining. Both flavors tend to be too acidic for vino and often kill it instantly when it hits your palate. I’m hoping my wife reads this week’s column and will realize her habit annoyed me enough to inspire a column. Thankfully she doesn’t have her own column, although being perfect, I’d be absolutely no inspiration to her whatsoever. Modesty is so … Oh right, I’ve already said that! Please don’t get your knickers in a twist when I remind you that the seasons have changed and the sweaters need to be removed from those plastic containers filled with moth balls. To ease our transition into Fall, I’d like to suggest a few wines which are quite suited to the reduced level of rising mercury on our outdoor thermometers. So listen up while I share some brilliant nectar for the cooler weather. Ruffino Modus Toscana 2012, (approximately $20): Ruffino, as noted in this column since I began writing it last century, is a nifty Italian wine purveyor who has never put a foot wrong as long as I’ve been enjoying the drinks in its stellar portfolio. The heavyweight wine in their catalog is Modus — the Latin word for “method” — made from a blend of three grape varieties. Since the wine is from Tuscany, 50% of the blend comes from that region’s mega star grape: Sangiovese; with equal amounts (25%) of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon added to give the wine its superlative structure and finesse. The color is incredibly deep ruby, with that sensuously enticing perfume of dark berries
one expects from Sangiovese. The flavor is clearly edged with the Cabernet, which always, in my mind and palate, overwhelms the Merlot and plays a significant role of smoothing the wine’s overall structure. But the harmony of Sangiovese and Cabernet in the mouth gives a soft, red berry taste that I can sit and sip until every single cow comes home. And even though the seasons have changed, it’s always seasonable for a Biutiful wine (yes that’s its name, not a typo), by Isaac Fernandez, a winemaker whose cellar magic takes place in Northern Spain. His philosophy is one that I have always admired in winemakers, to keep the essential character of the grapes intact and to respect the region in which they are grown so the finished product has as little tampering to its personality as possible. For the Biutiful Cava (sparkling) wine, Fernandez grows his grapes in Requena in the eastern part of Spain, in the famous province of Valencia. Biutiful Cava Brut Rose (approximately $14) is made from 100% Garnacha grapes, which is the yummiest grape I know, especially when it’s a spirited bubbly. The wine was aged for 15 months, which gives it firm structure and more complexity than I might normally expect from this type of fizz. If you listen to the wine feature on my show, you’ll know that Jill Weber, the owner of Jet Wine Bar in Philly, and I, always talk about the berry flavors of this grape, especially strawberries, and Jill has her stone fruit comparisons. Both are present in this soft, gentle, easy-to-quaff wine. Now, how’s your math? Did you know that 1+1=3? Well, another Spanish sparkling winemaker believes it does, and he can prove it. 1+1=3 Cava Brut Non-Vintage (approximately $16): This wine is produced from grapes grown in Cava, located in south Catalonia, just below Barcelona. The winery is called U Mes U Fan Tres (1+1=3), and was launched just over a decade ago.
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Who cares about the derivation of the winery’s name — it’s totally fun and the label is dead cool. The grape varieties used in this blend is as follows: 45% Xarel-lo; 30% Parellada and 25% Macabeo. The flavor is a nice confusion of flavors offering a taste of toast (which I’d expect from Chardonnay) with some fresh summer fruits. It is stunningly elegant and fresh, and ideal for sipping while reading this magazine on a Sunday For some unfathomable reason, there are still some among us who consider Prosecco, that wonderful Italian nectar with an abundance of “frizzante” — lovely, small, delicate bubbles that percolate to the top of your glass — a lightweight, easily-dismissed, frivolous wine. They obviously haven’t tasted the two wines easily enjoyed on an Autumnal afternoon. And let me just point out that Prosecco used to be the name of the grape used for this enormously refreshing wine. However, six years ago, the Valdobbiadene region of northern Italy was awarded the highest Italian wine appellation status (DOCG) and it was decreed that the wines in this area would be called Prosecco and the grape variety would be known by its true name: Glera. Bisol Cru Crede Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. (approximately $25): The Bisol family’s winery is located in Valdobbiadene, in the Veneto region of Italy. Bisol directly manages the entire wine-making process, and this wine is a marriage of three grapes: Glera, Verdiso, and Pinot Bianco all grown on the steep hills of the Bisol Vineyards. The area’s subsoil of marine sandstone is known as “crede” which is ideal for these varietals to thrive. The wine has an incredibly light color similar to dried grass, which has been in the sunlight far too long. The scent of the wine reminds me of an herbaceous border in a small English garden and the taste is full of my old friend Granny Smith with a hint of Bartlett pear. This is an exquisite example of Prosecco with its enticing stream of bubbles, nowhere near as intense as champagne and sparkling wine, but with the grace and finesse of an Italian sparkling mineral water; simply in a class of its own. Jeio Prosecco DOC (approximately $17) is another wine from the Bisol family. The current owners’ father, Desiderio Bisol, was called Jeio by his wife. And so the wine is a dedication to him. Not sure the names my wife calls me would ever appear on a bottle of wine … but I am digressing again. This wine is 100% Glera grapes grown on a pretty difficult terrain of 820 feet above sea level. The nectar we eventually find in our glass has the same dried grass, yellowy-green coloring of the Bisol, with a clean, summer fruit fragrance and the familiar crisp, apple taste that one expects from a well-made Prosecco wine. Many of us have a tendency to add some rich fruit juices to Prosecco, especially peach, so we can fantasize about being in Harry’s Bar in Venice drinking a Bellini where Giuseppe Cipriani did indeed invent the splendid drink. However, that said, I would never dream of insulting this pair of Proseccos by adding anything but a sigh of satisfaction after a glass or two has been emptied. Yet another superbly-crafted wine column with an incrediblybrilliant selection of wines for your delectation is complete. But you wouldn’t expect anything less from a modest bloke like me … now would you? Cheers! n “Time Out with Phillip Silverstone” is a weekly podcast heard exclusively on TuneIn radio either on the free TuneIn app or online at: http://bit.ly/1gY2Ht4. “Follow” the show for weekly updates. You can also LIKE Phillip on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Phillipsilverstone and follow him on Twitter: @wining.
dining gallery
Ram’s Head Inn
9 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway, NJ 609-652-1700 ramsheadinn.com The Ram’s Head Inn continues the long-standing tradition of superior quality food and service that the Knowles family brought to Southern New Jersey in 1979. This started at the Manor in the 1950s, and also continues at the Highlawn Pavilion and Pleasantdale Chateau (all located in West Orange, NJ). Traditional food and beverage is served with a contemporary flair at various venues within this one-of-a-kind restaurant. Executive chef Elio Gracia has provided outstanding culinary excellence for seventeen years, incorporating as many seasonal organic and locally-grown foods as possible. Walk-ins are always welcome.
Blue Water Grille
60 N. Maine Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-343-7447 fantasearesorts.com Located on the 7th floor of FantaSea’s Flagship Resort, the Blue Water Grille is reinventing itself under the direction of Yianni Papaspanos, Director, Food and Beverage, and Executive Chef A. Juliano Cannuscio. Amazing views abound as the well-trained servers offer American Mediterranean cuisine with Italian influences. Dine on their delicious selections as you enjoy the magnificent ambiance.
Crab Trap
2 Broadway, Somers Point, NJ 609-927-7377 thecrabtrap.com Overlooking the Great Egg Harbor Bay in Somers Point is the Crab Trap Restaurant. Flourishing as a 400-seat full service restaurant serving the finest seafood in South Jersey. As many businesses expand, they often lose touch with the quality and small personal touches that made them special. At the Crab Trap, they don’t believe that has happened, or ever will.
Joseph's Restaurant at Renault Winery A Touch of Italy Ventura's Offshore Cafe
2015 Shore Road, Northfield, NJ 609-641-5158 venturascafe.com Ventura's is a family restaurant and sportsman's bar with a cozy hometown atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again. From their famous mussels marinara to their award-winning filet mignon, to their simply delicious gourmet pan pizzas, they offer fresh homemade meals to please everyone's palate.
6629 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp. 609-641-1855 touchofitaly.net A Touch of Italy offers the finest quality of food and service. Each meal served is cooked to order. A friendly and pleasurable atmosphere will make your visit a memorable one. Established in 1981 with more than 31 years of experience, this restaurant, banquet facility, and lounge serves only the finest natural veal, steaks, poultry, pasta, seafood and brick-oven pizza.
72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 609-965-2111 renaultwinery.com Open since 2001, Joseph's Restaurant at Renault Winery has become a local favorite of the Atlantic County area. The continued patronage speaks volumes to the flavors that Chef Joe DeGennaro creates, which combines his unique flair and traditions. The food quality and atmosphere are surpassed by none. The Milza family commits themselves to the highest level of service and customer satisfaction. Whether you choose Italian, seafood, premium steaks or a burger, you are sure to be pleased. Try their diverse flavors and experience their amazing ambiance in a unique setting.
Maplewood
470 White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 6126 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 609-561-9621, 609-625-1181 joesmaplewood.com For almost 70 years, Joe Italiano’s Maplewood has been known for its consistently great food! They believe that freshness and loving preparation are keys to satisfied customers. They have high standards for their food. Consistency can and should be expected. Food is fresh, salads are made to order, and pasta is boiled right before sauce is poured over it. “Gravy” or red sauce is made fresh daily and is loved by the locals in the area. They only use the finest ingredients at the Original Maplewood. Two locations — Same Great Food. Your Choice.
Sofia
9314 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ 609-822-9111 sofiaofmargate.com Exhibiting classical Greco-Mediterranean design, Sofia invites you to enjoy her dinner table and share in a celebration of a wholesome cuisine built on homestyle cooking expressed by exceptional chefs and recipes acquired from past generations. Thus, making Sofia a truly extraordinary South Jersey Greek restaurant.
The Melting Pot
2112 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-441-1100 meltingpot.com At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable four-course dining experience. Patrons can dip into something different — and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience, including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners.
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We’ll be the first to admit our name doesn’t tell the whole story.
Barista’s Coffee House
Bountiful Seafood. Succulent Steaks. Perfect Pastas.
199 New Road Ste. 10, Central Square, Linwood 609-904-2990 baristascoffeehouse.com Owners Mark and Debbie Becker have created the perfect “neighborhood” atmosphere coffee house. Brewing up more than just coffee, customers come back time and time again for Barista’s espresso, tea breakfast, Liege waffles, Brussels waffles, gourmet desserts, and Italian gelato. Once you walk through the doors, you instantly become part of the “Barista’s Family”. Open Mon. - Fri., 7 AM-6 PM and Sat., 8 AM-6 PM.
And yes, Award-Winning Crab Cakes. 2015 Best of Press Awards: “Best Seafood Restaurant”
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9300 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ 609-822-7535 tomatoesmargate.com A favorite of chefs and foodies who are impressed with the location, food, and view of the Margate Bay. The elegant and refined atmosphere includes a bar area, sushi bar, private meeting and dining rooms in addition to the main dining room. Trendy with a high-end, eclectic American fare and sushi, plus a happening bar scene. Excellent fresh fish, wonderful sauces and impressive desserts.
Somers Point 609-927-7737 www.thecrabtrap.com Serving from 11am Children’s Menu Available Lunch • Dinner • Cocktails Live Music • Deck Bar
“Home of The World’s Best Spaghetti for over 70 years, and so much More!”
Angeloni’s II
2400 Arctic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-344-7875 angelonis.com Offering the finest Italian-American cuisine in the Atlantic City area. This family owned and operated business has been preparing the finest ItalianAmerican entrees in the greater NJ area for over 40 years. Angeloni’s II surrounds you in a warm and elegant ambiance fitting the fine dining you will be sure to enjoy.
Joe Italiano
Jimmy Italiano
Roberta’s by Joe Muldoon
1205 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609-677-0470 robertasbyjoemuldoon.com A young Joseph Muldoon found his passion for food early on; while still at a tender age he began to work in the kitchen of New Jersey country club, Scotland Run. It was through this experience that Chef Joseph knew he wanted to pursue a career in the culinary field, but wasn’t sure what institution would allow his creativity to flourish. Almost in time to celebrate his 28th birthday, Muldoon opened his first independent restaurant, Roberta’s, at the intersection of Tilton and New roads in Northfield. Named for his mother, a home economics teacher whom he credits for instilling in him a love of cooking.
For almost 70 years Joe Italiano’s Maplewood has been known for its consistently Good, GOOD Food! We believe that freshness and loving preparation are keys to satisfied customers! We have high standards for our food. Consistency can and should be expected. Our food is fresh, salads are made to order, and pasta is boiled right before sauce is poured over it. Our “Gravy” or red sauce is made fresh daily and is loved by the people in the area. We only use the finest ingredients. The Original Maplewood. Two locations — Same Great Food. Your Choice.
36 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
470 White Horse Pike Hammonton, NJ 609-561-9621
6126 Black Horse Pike Mays Landing, NJ 609-625-1181
www.joesmaplewood.com
casino dining
TROPICANA (THE QUARTER) Broadway Burger Bar
Il Verdi
The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-4660 broadwayburgerbar.com Ark Restaurants introduces Broadway Burger Bar at the Quarter in Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City serving up fresh ground, grilled, prime beef burgers and a large selection of tapas style appetizers. Order from a full bar featuring 60 craft beers, specialty cocktails, adult milkshakes as well as your traditional favorites. Live Acoustic acts every Friday and Saturday add to the vibrant and unique atmosphere. Fun for families, a quick lunch or an intimate dinner. At Broadway Burger Bar, they make burgers great.
The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 800-345-8767 tropicana.net Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Il Verdi serves meticulously-prepared gourmet dishes in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Dine on your choice of hot and cold antipasti, soups, salads, pastas, fish and meat entrees, and desserts. Il Verdi’s award-winning wine list features Italian wines selected to complement the food. Have a truly unique dining experience at the Chef’s Table, set amidst the action of the Il Verdi kitchen, where you can enjoy a customized menu of six or seven courses with wine pairings.
Cuba Libre
The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-6700 cubalibrerestaurant.com Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is dedicated to a continued exploration of Cuban heritage, art, music, flavors and traditions. The open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor, upbeat Latin music and Concept Chef/Partner, Guillermo Pernot’s delectable menu of ‘Nuevo Cubano’ dishes and traditional favorites, make this restaurant a must-see, must-experience dining destination.
RESORTS Gallagher’s Steakhouse
N. Carolina & Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-6555 gallaghersresorts.com Gallaghers is located on the 2nd floor of Resorts Casino. A classic steakhouse serving hearty salads, dry-aged meats, wonderful fish and shellfish. Their glass-enclosed meat locker is in the front of the restaurant for all to view; and all of the beef is dry-aged for 21 days at a constant 36 degrees to insure tenderness. Offering the finest selections of seafood as well. An ambiance of warm woods and deep reds. Friendly, efficient and gracious service. Open for dinner Sunday thru Thursday 5-9:30 pm, Friday 5-10 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm.
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Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-2273 phillipsseafood.com Phillips Seafood brings guests a classical American seafood menu boasting an array of fresh seasonal fish and Phillips’ famous jumbo lump crab cakes. Renowned chef Robbin Haas has designed a menu that offers guests the freshest, finest seafood available, complete with a rolling oyster cart where regional varietals are shucked tableside and a double-decker live lobster tank stocked with 3-10 pound lobsters. Experience an upscale, interactive dining experience with their exhibition kitchen and sweeping ocean views.
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LIFESTYLE REPORT | November Issue 2015
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HARRAH'S Sammy D's Harrah's Resort, 777 Harrah's Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 609-441-5402 sammyds.com Sammy D’s is an all-you-could-ask-for eatery from culinary sensation Chef Sam DeMarco. At Sammy D’s, a retro restaurant, bar and lounge, Chef DeMarco takes East Coast favorites to the next level with his Philly Cheese Steak Dumplings, Lollipop Wings, SAM-'Whiches and Craft Drafts. Before hitting the boardwalk, or the jackpot, pull up a chair or grab a stool and relax at Sammy D's in Harrah's Resort.
Award-Winning Seafood
BORGATA Wolfgang Puck American Grille One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com The man who revolutionized the culinary industry carries an undeniable cachet, synonymous with bold, innovative cooking and an unmistakable panache and passion that redefined dining in America. Offering contemporary American cuisine, the restaurant offers two distinctive dining areas ranging from casual and relaxed to elegant and upscale.
Old Homestead Steak House
One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com Their domestically-raised, hand-massaged Kobe beef is not only the envy of the trade, it’s trademarked. But that isn’t the only reason the venerable Old Homestead has been a New York City landmark for 137 years. “It’s consistency on all fronts,” says Marc Sherry who, with brother Greg, opened their second location at Borgata. The menu nearly mirrors New York’s — and for good reason.
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Izakaya
One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com A modern Japanese pub that defies comparison. Extraordinary sushi, sake, and robatayaki served in a sensual, yet modern atmosphere. Izakaya’s tempting cocktails and sharable plates make it the premier spot for an after-hours nosh and drinks, or a delicious late-night meal. 38 November Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
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Players Association Financial Advisor.
We believe
in caring for your children like they’re our own. For preemies and newborns, children who require hospitalization, or a mom and dad’s much-needed peace of mind: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is at AtlantiCare. CHOP is one of the leading children’s hospitals in the entire country — and a symbol of hope and inspiration in our region. When your child needs hospital care, you’ll have peace of mind knowing he or she will be treated by CHOP pediatricians at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Atlantic City Campus or neonatologists at our Mainland Campus’s Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery, the only one in southeastern New Jersey. We’re here to care for each stage of a child’s life, so you’ll always have confidence bringing your child to AtlantiCare.
To learn more, call 1-888-569-1000 or visit www.atlanticare.org/chop