The writer was invited to Savor Borgata and the experience was complimentary.
If you live in New Jersey, you probably know Atlantic City for its boardwalk, beaches, concerts, and of course, casinos. But here’s a chef-insider tip: the Borgata has a seriously creative and fun culinary program, called Savor Borgata.
Located in a quiet off-the-boardwalk area of AC, the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is an MGM Resorts Luxury Destination. When you visit, you’ll find posh guest rooms, an award-winning spa, concerts featuring major artists, fun and varied nightlife, and over 15 dining options including restaurants run by acclaimed chefs.
Jersey Bites was recently invited to take part in Savor Borgata, including two creative events: a high-end wine pairing dinner at Old Homestead and a fun and informative Lunch & Learn at American Bar & Grille.
Neil Diamond Night at Old Homestead
Dinner and music is certainly something you’ve enjoyed before. But the Savor Borgata series takes it to the next level. Instead of the standard dinner out, this private event featured a memorable Neil Diamond theme, complete with rhinestones, decor, dancing, and a Neil Diamond cover band. Throughout the night, the band serenaded guests right at their tables.
Even the menu Old Homestead designed for the event was on them. Options included perfectly executed dishes paired with wines from DAOU vineyards.
Here’s a look at what we enjoyed:
- Love on the Rocks: Wellfleet Harbor baked clams with rock shrimp and tender crabmeat
- You Don’t Bring Me Flowers: A lovely red romaine Caesar salad with frizzled onion croutons, shiitake mushrooms, shaved Grana Padano
- Hello Again: A gorgeous and perfectly cooked 16oz, bone-in filet mignon with vitelotte potatoes, grilled pencil asparagus, and an addictively delicious pan sauce
- Sweet Caroline: A beautifully decorated salted caramel chocolate cheesecake
As the night went on, everyone at the communal, party-vibed tables got to know each other. The entire event turned into a true singalong, with everyone up on their feet dancing and enjoying the Neil Diamond tunes. That includes the Old Homestead proprietors, Greg and Marc Sherry, who were there to greet guests personally.
A Bit of History
One of the country’s oldest steakhouses, Old Homestead has been a New York City institution since 1868. It’s known for serving the finest steaks in the Big Apple, as it has done for nearly 150 years. The Borgata location is the second location. It opened in 2003, and continues to offer its trademarked, domestically raised, local, hand-massaged Wagyu beef. All right here in the Garden State.
Looking for a unique date night or girls’ night out? Definitely put the music-themed dining events at Savor Borgata on your list. And the excitement doesn’t end there.
Seasonal Lunch & Learn
The next day we were treated to a fun, delicious, informative, and relaxed cooking class experience as part of Savor Borgata’s quarterly Lunch & Learn.
Chef Aram Madigan of the Borgata’s American Bar & Grille hosts the seasonal events. At the sessions, he shares how to prepare an entire themed menu. And all you have to do is sit back, learn some new cooking tips, and enjoy an amazing seasonal meal!
The theme of this Lunch & Learn was Spring Produce and Flavors. We were greeted with delicious strawberry fizz cocktails as we arrived. Our table offered a full view of Chef Aram’s cooking demonstration.
As we relaxed in our seats, Chef Aram prepared each dish up front. He shared helpful, hands-on tips on everything from how to prep a fresh artichoke, seasoning and pureeing soups, braising tips, using pastina in a risotto style dish, cooking with saffron, and more.
The results:
- Artichoke soup with crab and goat cheese
- Slow-braised lamb shoulder with olives and prosciutto, paired with a creative creamy saffron pastina with spring peas and pecorino cheese
- Spring strawberry cobbler
American Bar & Grille
As the meal progressed, American Bar & Grille General Manager Daniel Anderson presented hand-selected to pair with each course of Chef Aram’s menu. The Borgata’s American Bar & Grille combines modern and classic recipes, grill favorites, and seasonal cooking.
The selections offer a nod to the special flavors of the Northeast, and more specifically, the Garden State. Several menu items include New Jersey tomatoes, corn, and a local selection of fresh seafood. The contemporary grill concept offers a sophisticated yet casual dining experience in a warm and welcoming environment.
Running the Show
Borgata Executive Chef Deborah Pellegrino stopped by to say hi too. The first female executive chef for the Borgata, Chef Deborah is responsible for running all of the Borgata hotel dining outlets, including room service.
So next time you head to AC, be sure to put Savor Borgata on your must-do list. You’ll be guaranteeing yourself an experience to remember.
More About Savor Borgata
The Borgata hosts exclusive tasting events as part of its signature Savor Borgata Culinary Series. Each chef-driven, interactive, gastronomic experience is thoughtfully curated by Borgata’s acclaimed chefs and revered culinary team. They create with food and drink enthusiasts in mind, providing unique opportunities for guests to sip, savor, and learn cooking techniques to try at home.
The Savor Borgata brand has expanded to encompass everything from individual celebrity chef cooking demonstrations to a food festival weekend. And it’s all under one roof. Learn more here.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
1 Borgata Way
Atlantic City, NJ
