AC Entertainment GuideGo. See. Do.

THE DINING YENTA

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The Palm Restaurant: Suitable for Any Special Occasion

Posted on August 12, 2011 by The Dining Yenta

So my hubby and I were coming up with ideas on where to spend our 48th wedding anniversary.  A few of our favorite places came to mind to start, and as we narrowed down the list to a handful of eateries we both kept repeating the same restaurant over and over again... The Palm at the Tropicana Casino & Resort.

After all those years of marriage, we tend to think alike, especially when it comes to eating. I guess our love of food and wine has probably been one of the main things that has kept us going strong all these years. To me, a good meal shared with others, especially your significant other, brings people together.

Not only did we agree on where we would eat, we also decided what we would eat, thanks to The Palm's terrific Summer Lobster Dinner for Two promotion.

Every so often The Palm offers a succulent Jumbo Nova Scotia Lobster Split for Two with melted butter and lemon. It comes with a starter salad, and sides for a pretty reasonable $95 price (not including tax and tip).

Before the gigantic bright red crustacean made its appearance at our table, I had a tasty Classic Caesar Salad made with garlic focaccia croutons and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese but substituted for the bleu cheese dressing instead since it's the best around (not that there is anything wrong with their Caesar dressing, mind you). My dining partner of 48 years had the Mixed Green Salad with romaine, iceberg, baby greens, cucumber, carrots, radish, scallions and cherry tomatoes tossed in a garlic vinaigrette which he enjoyed. A third option, which neither of us got, was the Watermelon Salad made with frisee, grilled fennel, pickled onions and feta cheese. Someone at a neighboring table got it and it looked very exotic, but the sound of watermelon and onions didn't sound appealing. Plus, you can never go wrong with The Palm's Caesar.

Fast forward to the main event. The lobster arrived steamed and prepared to perfection and was delectable, and then some. The choices on how it is prepared are steamed, broiled, or broiled and stuffed with crabmeat for an extra $16.

Our flavory sides were the 3 cheese potatoes and creamed spinach, both served family-style.

If for some reason a 4 pound lobster isn't enough for you and your companion, you can acquire an even bigger one for $15 more per additional pound.  For the two of us, the 4 pounder and accompanying dishes were plenty, and we left stuffed and indeed satisfied. We actually took the claws home for another meal.

Please note that dessert is not included with the special. We splurged, and shared a delicious slice of Key Lime Pie, which instantly reminded us of our many memorable visits to the Florida Keys.

The service, as it usually is at The Palm, was excellent. The waiter even offered to take the lobster out of the shell for us, but we like to do the work. After all, it's part of the fun of eating lobster.

The only downside was the place is extremely noisy.  Sometimes I couldn't hear myself think. However, we were able to carry on a conversation, even though there were moments  when we felt like we needed to speak into megaphones in order to be heard.  Believe me when I tell you it only takes one table of six loud mouths to raise the decibel level there.

Now, you don't need a special occasion to have a reason to dine at The Palm, but it certainly doesn't hurt, as it seems to be a the kind of establishment to celebrate something. If you happen to catch the Summer Lobster Special great! If not, don't fret because their usual lobster dinners are fantastic and if you can wait long enough, the promotional event will come around again, I am sure.

The Palm is located on the ground floor of The Quarter inside the Tropicana Casino & Resort. Their hours are Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Reservations are strongly suggested. To make them call 609.344.7256 or do it online here. Complimentary Valet Parking is offered.

Until my next article, go out, eat and enjoy.

Lisa's Restaurant: A Pleasant Casual Dining Spot

Posted on July 29, 2011 by The Dining Yenta

Nestled among the commercial properties along the 5000 Block of Atlantic Avenue in Ventnor is a cute little place called Lisa's. During the summer months the place does a heck of a business with people dining in and taking out. Even though the place is usually packed due to their small inside and outside dining areas (about 3 tables outside and 12 inside), the wait really isn't all that long to get a table.  I guess being a casual dining establishment, there is a lot of turnover and tables regularly become available. I've noticed that most of the "lingerers" here  and at most BYOB's I've eaten at are the ones who brought a bottle of wine with them.

Lisa's prides itself on offering fresh ingredients on their small but diverse menu.  The place to me is like a tiny diner/cafeteria, offering everything from Italian to Mexican food. Its hours are like a diner too, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

I go to Lisa's every so often and tonight I had a delicious cup of Sweet Potato Soup (one of their specialties), followed by a Nick Salad. The Nick salad, named after someone who works there I guess, had chicken, shrimp, grilled vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette.  Overall it was tasty, although I prefer to have my salad ingredients come out cold like the lettuce.  But hey, that's just me.

My one dining partner had one of the specials of the night, a chicken and broccoli rabe sub with herb mayo and roasted peppers with a tiny (and I mean tiny) side of pasta salad, while the other person in our party had a Smokey Shrimp Salad comprised of romaine lettuce, shrimp, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, cheddar, and avocado smothered in a chipotle ranch dressing.

Many people seem to visit Lisa's for their fourteen fresh salads offered, and looking around the room validated that notion. They range from a $7.50 for a Caesar (add chicken for $2.75) to the Nick Salad I enjoyed for $14.00. The Crunchy Asian Chicken, Tuna Siciliano, Mediterranean and Chop't Buffalo Chicken are just a few of the other enticing salads.

People also frequent Lisa's for their pizza. Honestly, the plan pizza I noticed looked like a humdrum pie, but the detailed pizzas that came out of the kitchen, such as the Artichoke and Sausage & Mushroom, looked much more interesting and appealing. I've been told by many that their whole wheat pizza is a must-try so I am putting that on my list for the future. No guilt eating, right? They have nine white and eight red pies available and of course you can also create your own if desired.

Speaking of interesting, Lisa's has some small plate items on the menu that I never tried but sound really enticing, such as Pan Roasted Clams, Hand-Stretched Mozzarella with Roasted Peppers, Chickpea Fries with Tahini Dipping Sauce, and Zucchini Chips. More food I must try in the future.

Now, I was surprised to see the check amount when it got to the table.  I mean, $48.00 for just the three of us in a casual environment seemed a bit high. But, I guess once you add in the soups and beverages we had along with that wonderful 7% New Jersey tax I guess it was about right. They also have a rule there that credit cards aren't accepted for checks under $20.00 so bring cash just in case.

For an unassuming dining experience in a cozy atmosphere check out Lisa's Restaurant at 5210 Atlantic Avenue in Ventnor. They're open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sundays thru Fridays and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays. For take-out or delivery call 609.823.2117. Like I mentioned it's a BYOB, so bring along a bottle if you'd like.

Until my next article, go out, eat and enjoy.

Imperial Asian Restaurant: Pekings of the Castle

Posted on April 17, 2011 by The Dining Yenta

Finding a really good Chinese restaurant in the Atlantic City Area outside of the casinos has never been easy.  At least until now. This is because there is a corner restaurant amidst the shadows of the casino strip that has recently became a favorite of mine.

That eatery is the Imperial Asian Restaurant at 3124 Atlantic Avenue at Montpelier Avenue, just down the street from the Atlantic City Hilton and Ocean Club Condominiums.

On my most recent visit, I dined with a couple of dear friends of who also fancy Asian cuisine. We started off with a large bowl of Wonton Soup that we shared.  It was filled with delicate pork dumpling "purses," delicious broth and the freshest choy vegetables. Simple, yet very effective.

We also got an order of spare ribs which were cooked to perfection and not smothered in barbecue sauce. No mess and very tasty... a great combination.

My main course was a Sizzling Wor Ba for $14.95, consisting of scallops, shrimp, chicken, barbecued pork and an assortment of Chinese vegetables in a phenomenal house sauce.  If you want some "sizzle" in your life this is it!

Now, Imperial is known for their Peking Duck and Roasted Pig. I tried the Peking Duck before and I must say they have it down to a science.  If you like Duck, t's something you must try at some point.

One of my dining partners had a combination of Roasted Duck and Pig on a bed of white rice with choy vegetables for $10.50.  I tried the Pig for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by its taste and texture.

The other member of our crew had the Kung Po Chicken, $11.95.  It was a little too spicy for my taste, but  the chicken was tender and the roasted cashew topping over the savory Szechuan sauce was a nice touch.

These dishes we had are just  a smidgen of their gigantic menu that contains over 160 items (mostly Chinese and Vietnamese), ranging from a plethora of noodle soups to classics like General Tao's Chicken and Shrimp with Lobster Sauce.

Served at your table with your meal are the standard crispy Wontons with sweet & sour and hot mustard sauce and soothing Oolong Tea which goes great with anything you order.

This may sound a bit odd and totally not meant to be derogatory towards my Asian friends, but I always thought that the best Asian restaurants are ones frequented by, yes, Asians. If you think about it, who knows Asian cuisine better than Asians, right?  In my many years of dining out, I have come to the conclusion that the best Asian restaurants are those that have a large Asian clientele. That said, Imperial is no exception, because on any given day, you will see Asian customers come in and dine or pick up their take-out orders.

Another really "Authentic" thing I really like about Imperial is that in one corner of their dining room is a glass enclosure with all kinds of cooked meats strung up and displayed. I find this a nice touch to the whole Asian dining experience, and this is actually something quite common among the Chinatown restaurants in New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

Overall prices are decent for an Asian restaurant outside of the casinos. The most expensive dish on the menu is their famous Peking Duck for two, at $35.95.

Service is top notch there, with two men usually waiting and sharing server duties at the approximate 10 tables inside. They are courteous, pleasant and very fast. Suk, who runs the restaurant and is usually there to greet you and send you off with a smile, is a very nice, organized and accommodating woman who is there at your beck and call.

A handful of parking spaces are available alongside their building and if they're full, there are nearby metered spaces on the adjacent streets if needed.

The next time you're headed to the casinos, are in the mood for Asian cuisine and are up for trying a great  restaurant outside of the casino doors, head to Imperial Asian Restaurant. For take-out, call 609.347.8810.

Until my next article, go out, eat and enjoy.

Downbeach Deli: Consistently Deli-icious

Posted on April 9, 2011 by The Dining Yenta

As a Jewish woman, every so often I get a hankering for a good Jewish and/or Kosher meal. When that happens, there are only a handful of places I frequent for my deli fix in the Atlantic City Area.

One such place is the Downbeach Deli, at 8 South Essex Avenue in Margate.

On the menu, as most delis have, is a laundry list of items for you to choose from.  Hot Brisket, Smoked Fish Platters, Omelettes, Homemade Knishes and Bagelwiches are just a few of your usual choices.

Tonight I had the fabulously flaky Chicken Pot Pie, with a side of Kasha and Bowties and a salad to start.  This "winning combination" is what I order almost every time I dine there, and I must say every time it comes out delicious. Consistency counts in my book when it comes to dining, friends.

Of course there are other "winners" on the menu besides my usual order. I sometimes get the Corn Beef Special or Turkey Special. In general, their meats are very fresh and nicely sliced.  At times I will even stop in to pick some meats and cheeses up at the counter for noshing at home.

Another deli staple Downbeach Deli seems to get right is their Matzo Ball Soup. Let me say for the record their Matzo Balls, broth and other standard ingredients are very good, but not as good as mine of course (one thing a Jewish woman takes pride in is her Matzo Ball Soup). It is also worth noting that I rarely send any of the soups back there, which is unusual, since I am notorious (as my mother was) for sending less than steaming hot soup back to the kitchen.

Their Reubens are not piled high like they are in Manhattan, but are quite tasty nonetheless, and come open-faced with your choice of corned beef, pastrami and a few other meats. $10.25 will get you one, but expect to pay more if you want chips or fries, as the dish just comes with the sandwich.  Not too generous for that price I must say, but you do get a nice assortment of fresh peppers, pickles and rye bread at the table.

Going back to the fries for a moment, $3.45 will get you a nice portion of largely cut potato wedges cooked with the skin on. They're not greasy and definitely delish!

Now, when the check arrives, don't be alarmed if you've got an automatic 18% gratuity tacked on to the bill if you have a large group of 6 or more people. That seems to be standard practice there if you have several people in your party. That said, the service is usually very attentive and congenial, so the fixed tip is usually well deserved.

If you plan to share a dish with someone, expect to pay a $3.50 sharing charge. That entitles you to a cup of soup, side of potato salad, coleslaw or health slaw.

As far as prices go, I think they are about what they should be for being a deli in Margate, if you know what I mean.

For the past 25 years the place has been doing very well both in the dining room and at their deli counter. Tables are usually full during the lunch and dinner hours, so you may have to wait a bit to be seated. Call ahead for their early bird specials (609.823.7310).

So, the next time you have a yearning for salted cured meats or an overall solid delicatessen experience, consider the Downbeach Deli in Margate. They're open Sunday to Thursday 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  Summer hours may vary.

Until my next article, go out, eat and enjoy.

Maurizio's Pizzeria: Great Gourmet Pizza Offshore

Posted on March 15, 2011 by The Dining Yenta

I don't venture off the island much when it comes to dining out, but Maurizio's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant is worth the relatively short drive from Atlantic City to May's Landing.  In fact, I'll go just about anywhere in South Jersey when it comes to great pizza.

But Maurizio's pizza just isn't great... it's out of this world.

This small eatery at 4215 Black Horse Pike in the Hamilton Commons Shopping Center next to Five Below and in front of the Regal Cinemas 14 movie complex has a long list of regular and gourmet pizzas, and many of them are on display for your inspection in a large glass case at their counter.  I'll take one of each, please.

After marveling over their line of pizzas, you can either take out or have a seat in their relatively small dining space that is usually filled up with hungry patrons who seem to know their pizza.  Even though they're usually busy (a very good sign), their wait staff is quick, courteous, friendly and efficient.

My favorite pizzas at Maurizio's are Grandma's Pizza, which comes in thin crust square slices; Broccoli Rabe & Sausage Pizza loaded with sautéed broccoli rabe, fresh sausage and garlic; and Margarita Pizza with marinara sauce, fresh homemade mozzarella, fresh basil and their signature extra virgin olive oil.  All gourmet pizzas are available in thin crust, deep dish or stuffed crust to suit your preference.  An extra large pie is also available if you have many hungry mouths to feed.

Putting the pizza aside (which isn't easy to do), their pasta dishes are also delicious and can literally feed a small army.  With meatballs the size of softballs on pasta piled high to the ceiling, you'll most likely be taking some of it home.

Regardless of what you order, you'll get some heavenly fresh Italian rolls baked on the premises that come with a pleasing garlic, seasoning and olive oil mix.  If you want to start off with an appetizer, I recommend the large antipasto, plenty for 3-4 people.

Well, this is one pizzeria I believe is worth visiting from wherever you are.  In case you want to call ahead for pick up or have them deliver, they are at 609.645.0028.

Until my next article, go out, eat and enjoy.

Atlantic City Restaurant Week: Mia is Tops

Posted on March 11, 2011 by The Dining Yenta

Atlantic City Restaurant Week wraps up on Saturday, March 12 after being extended an extra week.  I am so glad another week was added, because there are too many great places to dine in just seven days.

During the event, I ate at several eateries in the area, including the Knife & Fork Inn, Dock's Oyster House and Palm Restaurant.

All dining experiences were pleasurable ones, and I had some great meals and service along the way.  But in the end, Georges Perrier & Chris Scarduzio's Mia at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino proved to be the best.

Everything about my time at Mia was absolutely perfect.  The wait staff, host, food, presentation and ambiance were the tops.  I am known for being a tough cookie when it comes to eating out, but let me tell you they made this discerning diner a happy one.

Along with a Champagne Cocktail, my marvelous meal at Mia consisted of a Wild Mushroom Pasta appetizer, followed by a Barramundi Fish (also known as Asian Seabass) entrée with a side of vegetables. I ended the night with a Butterscotch Crumble Pudding that was to die for.

Well, I am sorry Atlantic City Restaurant Week is coming to a close.  I mean, how can you go wrong with such great prices at so many fabulous restaurants?  But hey, there's always next year, right? And if we're lucky enough, they'll extend it again.

Speaking of next year, the dates have already been set.  Atlantic City Restaurant Week will be held March 4-10 in 2012, so be sure to mark your calendars.

Until then, go out, eat and enjoy.