Recently, I was invited on behalf of Jersey Bites to an intimate evening in Atlantic City to sample some exquisite dishes prepared by the Borgata’s lineup of award-winning chefs.
My husband and I were encouraged by our hosts to eat and drink to our hearts’ content and who were we to disappoint? We began our trip with a stop in France (as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I am half French and have a brother who is a Chef in Paris, so France was a natural first). At the French table was an elaborate set up of fine wines and champagne, so I began with a glass of ‘bubbly’. My husband (as well as the other 600+ men in the room) really favored the stop over in France. It might have had something to do with the four French Maids greeting guests at the door. In France, we were treated not only to exquisite cuisine, wine and champagne, but some amazing Cirque de Soleil style entertainment. Ah, the French – to have it all! Bon Appétit!
Our trip continued around the room which also included ‘The Green Beast’ (fresh cucumbers with anisette), espresso topped with chocolate gelato and biscotti, mushroom filled cannelloni, multi-national brewed beers (is my husband still there?), lemon cello, (which tasted exactly as it did when I was in Italy) mouth-watering steak with horseradish sauce, succulent shrimp with mango and Rice Krispies, slowly simmered sauces and gravy, home- made pasta, and desserts such as flaky cookies topped with a fluffy lemon cream, chocolate and more chocolate and yes, my beloved crepes Suzette!
Although the food and drink pairings were magnificent, even more-so was seeing, speaking and being served by these renowned chefs. Hours later, over 1100 servings and probably twice as many pictures later, the most outstanding part of the night, was meeting the chefs behind the menu.
What an evening and surely a “Jersey Bite” moment to remember the cuisine of Michael Chiarlanza (Bobby Flay Steak), Romeo DiBona (Old Homestead Steak House), Thaddeus DuBois(Borgata Executive Pastry Chef), Stephen Kalt (FORNELLETTO Cucina & Wine Bar), Michael Mina (SEABLUE), Ron Ross (Borgata Executive Chef), Michael Schulson (Izakaya – A Modern Japanese Pub), Geoffrey Zakarian (The Water Club at Borgata), and last but not least, Wolfgang Puck (Wolfgang Puck American Grille) of whom I saved for last as his 1,100 and 1st diner! He was still serving – and yes still smiling. I introduced myself and Jersey Bites to him and his team and he, in turn, introduced me to his dish of fr
esh pasta filled with ricotta in a simmered red sauce.
After our conversation and some pictures, I joined Bob at a cozy table where he was already enjoying dessert – and had waited for me much of the evening while I ‘traveled’ the Mediterranean. As I approached the table, I noticed a grin on my husband’s face and quickly realized why. He had scored my FAVORITE dessert, Crepes Suzette, along with a glass of champagne just for me. What a husband!
Beverly A. Beveridge is our Monmouth County Regional Editor. Bev resides in Eatontown with her husband, Bob, daughters, Melissa and Brittany, son, Glenn, dog, Bailey and cats, Kitty and Slodki (polish for honey/sweet). Beverly’s ‘culinary curiosity’ was sparked by her brother who is a chef in Paris and author of many cookbooks. She enjoys dining out, piano, tennis, traveling, designing her JERSEY GIRL swimsuits and Calendar, music (especially Rock Concerts) and meeting new people. Enjoy her ‘fun’ reviews! Passport to Peru – Home of the Jersey Girls Swimsuit models and ‘Calendar’ Girls! ‘Passport Swimsuits – A Swimsuit to fit ‘every body’. www.passporttoperu.net
