Tom Sherwood Sr.

ATLANTIC CITY — Real-estate developer Tom Sherwood Sr., principal of TWS Enterprises, Ltd., announced during a May 16 press conference tentative plans to construct a 183-roon hotel adjoining an indoor, year-round water park at a vacant seven-acre tract he owns at Huron Avenue and Marina Boulevard in Atlantic City’s marina district. Architectural plans are in place, and the project is pending presentation/approval by the Atlantic City Planning Board at an unspecified date.

The property is located across Huron Avenue from the Borgata. Sherwood and his business associates purchased the land for $4.4 million in 2007 — roughly two years after purchasing the 55,000-square foot Club Tru complex across town, and turning it into what is now the Diving Horse Cabaret and Steakhouse following a year-long, multi-million-dollar renovation.

The initial plan was to construct what would have become the fourth marina-district casino-hotel (joining the Borgata, Harrah’s and the Golden Nugget) on the empty tract, but the economic downturn halted plans and the land remained vacant. Revised plans to construct the water park and hotel would be more in keeping with Atlantic City’s long-term goal of becoming a more diversified, year-round destination, it was revealed at the press event.

Architectural renderings show the proposed development to be 31 stories and 350-feet tall, and designed to resemble a ship’s sail. The total cost of the project is in the realm of $123 million. If approved, the development would be called the Diving Horse Resort and Water Park. More information will be forthcoming as details are revealed.

Rants and raves about burning topics that have caught my attention midweek, be it greedy corporate shenanigans, frustration or joy in regards to the Philly sports teams, a movie, show or DVD that has fired up my imagination, an intriguing personality, or what’s happening in the region. — Lori Hoffman, Associate Editor, Atlantic City Weekly.

As a person who covers the casino entertainment industry, it is in my best interest that the industry stays healthy and survives the current economic downturn. That is why I’m delighted that Believe. Divas in a Man’s World just celebrated its one year anniversary at Resorts. This is a terrific show and deserves all the acclaim. Here’s hoping it sells out nightly during the summer and beyond.

Other uplifting casino news this week includes the announcement that the Tropicana is putting $25 million into renovation projects that will include major improvements to its guest rooms, restaurants and casino floor, as well as considerable changes to its nightlife offerings.  Construction will begin in the Fall 2012 and will be completed by the end of the year.

Revel kicks it up a notch this weekend with its first major dining event, A Taste of Revel, and the first official performances in Ovation Hall with Maroon 5 on Friday and The Black Keys on Saturday. The official opening of the casino arrives next weekend with four performances by Beyonce.

On top of that The Golden Nugget recently had a Grand Opening to show off its  $150 million renovations and they are spectacular.

Now that’s the casino side, the side that helps me earn a paycheck. One of my other major passions is my devotion to my Philadelphia sports teams. Despite injuries and a terrible bullpen leading to a flashback 18-19 record for the Phillies, I’m still figuring that Charlie and the boys right the ship and make it to the playoffs again this year. I left my pessimistic mindset behind after five straight years of playoff appearances and a precious 2008 World Series title and I’m not ready to return to the dark side yet.

Maybe Chase Utley will have to retire and perhaps Ryan Howard will not be his old self when he returns, but the starting pitching still looks pretty good.

'Dre drives.

Then there are my beloved Philadelphia 76ers. I love basketball and it has been such a pleasure watching coach Doug Collins give his young team a confident mindset. Sure, we had help due to key injuries to beat the Bulls and make it to the second round, but reading the Celtics posters who have no respect for this team and I’m feeling that fun hatred of the C’s once again.

It is a hatred forged in my youngest sports fan days by the Wilt vs. Russell battles, followed by Doc vs. Bird (with a stinkin’ side order of Danny Ainge), and now by Kevin Garnett’s followers crying foul because the refs had the audacity to call an obvious moving pick foul in the final seconds of a game at the TD Garden against KG. I’ll give him credit though, he didn’t bitch about it.

Yo, Celtic fans, your team is old and slow except for Rajon Rondo, and he will not be enough to carry your team to a series victory. Go Sixers!

The schedule for the 2012 Atlantic City Marathon and its accompanying Sports and Fitness Expo has been released.

The marathon boasts a host of events on the weekend of Oct. 20 and 21.

Race day is Sunday Oct. 21 at 8am, the start of the marathon and also a half marathon.

Here’s the schedule.

Race Day Events
Saturday, October 20, 2012
The 2012 Shore Medical Center 10K and 5K Races have moved to Saturday!
Race Day Packet Pick Up for ALL 10K and 5K runners!
8:50 a.m. National Anthem
9:00 a.m. 10K and 5K Start
11:00 a.m. Kids Fit Final Mile and One Mile Run Start
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Finish Line Finishers Village, Dennis Courtyard
Sports & Fitness Expo
Saturday, October 20, 2012

9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sports & Fitness Expo
Kids Fit Final Mile Activities
Post Race Award Ceremony 10K and 5K
Pre Race Fundraising Dinner (open to 10K and 5K runners!)
* Tickets Required for all runners and guests
* 2 Seatings: 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 pm. – 9:00 p.m.
Marathon & Half Marathon Race Day Events
Sunday, October 21, 2012

7:45 a.m. National Anthem
7:50 a.m. Walker and Hand Cycle Start
8:00 a.m. Marathon and Half Marathon Start
11:30 a.m. Marathon and Half Marathon Awards Ceremony
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Finish Line Finishers Village, Dennis Courtyard
Line Live Entertainment ALONG THE ENTIRE COURSE!
The course will be open for 6.5 hours. These races provide a distance for every ability level. Our event is walker-friendly.

For more info go to acmarathon.org.

ATLANTIC CITY — The newly named CEO of Tropicana, Tony Rodio, said earlier today that his Atlantic City property, which opened in 1981, is slated for some big changes this year.

The plans in the announced $25 million renovation project, according to Rodio, include 16 floors of the casino-hotel’s north tower, encompassing 437 rooms and suites. New furniture, carpeting, textured wall coverings and modernized bathrooms are planned.

According to the Associated Press, the renovation work will begin after the summer season and is  expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The addition of 150 new slot machines, a new Italian restaurant, and the expansion of Tango’s Lounge (with 30 additional seats and a bigger dance floor) are also part of the project.

These improvements are close to the Tropicana’s new Boogie Nights dance club, which debuted two weeks ago, and also includes a Boogie Nights-themed party pit for gamblers outside its doors.

Between 25 to 30 permanent jobs, as well as more than 100 temporary construction jobs, are expected to be created in relation to the project.

“It’s a testament to our commitment to Atlantic City and to this property,” says Rodio. “We think this place has a lot of upside.”

RELATED: Borgata’s $50 million redesigned rooms

RELATED: Golden Nugget grand opening kick-off weekend

RELATED: Revel, Atlantic City’s much anticipated new resort opens for preview through Memorial Day weekend.

Comedian John Pinette, scheduled to appear at Borgata Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, has been rescheduled for Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1.

Tickets from the original performances will be honored. Ticket holders who are unable to attend the rescheduled date may request a refund at the point of purchase until November 15.

Thunder Over the Boardwalk 2010.

You can be part of the action when the Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder over the Boardwalk” roars into Atlantic City on Friday, Aug. 17, from 10am-3pm.

A variety of volunteer positions are available the day the airshow takes place. If you are a fan, veteran, or just have a passion for the show and want to volunteer your time, e-mail acjaycees@yahoo.com,  or contact Elisa Monroe, director of Member Events for the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, at 345-4524 extension 12 or e-mail emonroe@acchamber.com.

The Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder Over The Boardwalk” is a community partnership between the Greater Atlantic City Chamber; the 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard; South Jersey Transportation Authority; FAA William J. Hughes Tech Center; The Atlantic City International Airport; Caesars Entertainment, David Schultz Airshows, LLC; the City of Atlantic City; and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.

Caesars Entertainment is the Host Hotel Sponsor for this year’s airshow and the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is the host airport for the Atlantic City Airshow. The majority of airshow performers take off and land via ACY, while the Atlantic City Airshow takes place over the beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

For more information on the Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder over the Boardwalk,” visit the Web Site. Go here to see video from the 2011 show.

There is more jazz on the horizon in Atlantic City.

The Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc. and Tropicana Casino and Resort are continuing their partnership presenting Spring Jazz concerts at the Top of the Trop.  The concerts will continue every Thursday through June 28, 2012.

The musical acts are currently being booked and will be announced at a later date.  According to organizer Henrietta Shelton,

“We’re going to continue to bring regional artists to this beautiful venue,” Shelton says.  “I can’t think of a more amazing view to accompany the music.”

The Top of the Trop, in Tropicana’s North Tower, features panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, back bays and the Atlantic City skyline.

Tickets will be sold at the door, Tropicana Box Office and Ticketmaster by calling 1-800-745-3000.  Tickets are $10 and all proceeds benefit the CBBHFI Youth Jazz Camp.

Doors open at 7pm.; show time is 7:30-10pm.  A cash bar is available.

Tropicana’s corresponding room package as of May 17th  is $10 off of the current room rates on concert nights.  To reserve your room, call 1-800-345-8767 and mention the code TJAZZ.

For additional information, the final schedule and ticket prices, visit chickenbonebeach.org or call 841-6897 or 441-9064.

The fun sounds of Dr. Cheeko's Island Soul band will kick off summer at the Beach Bar at Atlantic Club on May 25.

ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City’s original bar on the beach, the Beach Bar at The Atlantic Club Casino Hotel, officially opens for the season Friday, May 25, at noon to kick off Memorial Day weekend.

The Beach Bar will be open Friday through Sunday from May 25-June 24,
then seven days-a-week from June 25 through Sept. 3. Hours of operation will be
Sundays through Thursdays, noon-10pm, and Fridays and Saturdays, noon-2am. And remember, there’s never a cover charge.

The Beach Bar will be the ultimate summer hotspot for live entertainment, tropical drinks, delicious summer snacks and waves of activities. A full menu of cocktails includes the Beach Bar’s signature 22-ounce concoction called the Shake & Take — sure to quench any summertime party thirst and allowing patrons to take home the glass. Other signature drinks include the Horny Margarita, the Summer Fling and the Man Overboard. Wine, beer, shooters, frozen drinks and island cocktails round out the selections.
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Introducing … The Atlantic City Coffee & Tea Festival

Atlantic City will soon welcome an array of international teas and coffees from around the world at its the first Annual Coffee and Tea Festival in November. Tourists and local residents will have the opportunity to sample unique flavors and aromas of their favorite hot beverages.

Regularly held in New York City and produced by Starfish Junction Productions, the festival is planned to impress with a large selection of vendors, entertainment, and educational seminars. As the Jersey shore readies for its normally cold winter, its visitors will be well prepared with lots of warm tea, delicious coffee, and the sounds of the soothing oceanfront. There will be an endless of amount of activities and excitement for visitors to experience.

Hosted by Bally’s Atlantic City, this event is sure to please avid tea and coffee drinkers. Its success in New York City has lead to the festival’s debut in Atlantic City. In fact, The 7th Annual Coffee and Tea Festival in New York City completely sold out at around 5,000 tickets this year in Manhattan.

“It is exactly this kind of event that will be of interest to those visiting and those who live near Atlantic City,” says Jon Henderson, director of marketing partnerships & business development for Caesars Entertainment.

The Atlantic City Coffee and Tea Festival will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov. 4,  at Bally’s. Tickets go on sale in June and are $20 per person. Each ticket will include the sampling of beverages and tasty treats. Classes, and seminars related to the industry will also be available. Some workshops will require early registration and material fees. Free gifts will be given to the first 1000 people on both days.

Pictured left to right, Fin executive chef Demetrios Haronis, new restaurant manager George Fleming and restaurant chef Al Hughes. Photo by Christine Steiner

ATLANTIC CITY — The newest face at FIN will be a recognizable one to many residents and visitors of the Jersey Shore. George Fleming will serve as gourmet restaurant manager for the popular seafood restaurant located at Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City.

“From Zaberer’s to The Oaks to Ono Pan Asian Bistro, George has managed some of the most well-known and well-respected dining destinations in the region. He possesses an incredible mixture of experience and foresight. Our customers are going to love him and the atmosphere that he creates at FIN,” said Tony Rodio, President and Chief Operating Officer for Tropicana Entertainment Inc.

Go here for a video interview with Fleming talking about the FIN menu.

“I’m looking forward to starting this next chapter in my career at FIN,” says Fleming. “I’m happy to put my skills to use in such a fine dining establishment. I am looking forward to meeting our guests and making their dining experience truly enjoyable.”

Overlooking the ocean, FIN is the only seafood restaurant in Atlantic City that offers outdoor, oceanfront seating and a heated outdoor cigar deck.

Daily weekday specials featured at FIN are Wasabi Wednesdays from 5pm-8pm, which includes half-priced sushi rolls and half-priced Saki and Saketini; Prohibition Thursdays from 5pm-closing, featuring half price cocktails, NJ Wine and NJ Beer; Fin Fridays from 5pm-9pm, which includes half-priced appetizers and NJ Wine; and R&R Sundays from 5pm-8pm, featuring a half-priced Raw Bar and half-priced rosé wine. — Julie Pipitone