Sutton Pakenham - Lattrello with AC Weekly publisher Lew Steiner. (Photo by Chris Steiner)

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.

New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno (Photo by Lew Steiner)

The Atlantic City Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association (MBCA) presented its Spring Scholarship Luncheon today, Wednesday, May 15, at the Tropicana’s Royal Swan Ballroom. The Foundation has given over $125,000 in Student Scholarships/Grants to area residents and teachers.

The keynote speaker was Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno (pictured right) and Atlantic City Weekly was directly involved in the proceedings, providing the Atlantic City Weekly Scholarship for a student in Communications. Atlantic City Weekly publisher Lew Steiner presented the scholarship to the recipient, Sutton Pakenham-Lattrello. She will be the communications intern working under the direction of Sharon Pearce at the Miss America Organization.

The MBCA’s keynote speaker, N.J. Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, and Dr. Izzy Posner, executive director of Stockton’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, at the MBCA spring luncheon. (Photo by Lew Steiner)

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Now that the weather is warming up a little bit casinos are revealing more of their summer entertainment plans. Caesars is brings back Donny and Marie Osmond for a 12-day gig beginning Monday, July 29 then skipping to Aug. 1-11. Prices have not yet been released.

Ne-Yo: July 5, House of Blues.

Ne-Yo has been tapped to be the July 4th weekend performer at Showboat/House of Blues with a performance on Friday, July 5. The Borgata just released a slew of new names for its stages, including Gladys Knight with the O’Jays (Aug. 25); Bob Saget (July 19); Jeffrey Ross (Sept. 7), Howie Mandel (Aug. 17) and Gabriel Iglesias (Aug. 31).

Boardwalk Hall has announced the return — for a fourth year — of the Atlantic City Comedy Festival Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The all-star line-up features D.L. Hughley, Sommore, Bruce Bruce, and Don ‘DC’ Curry.
Atlantic Club has announced Sheena Easton for the pre-July 4th weekend on June 28-29. Tickets are $20. The casino will also present B.J. Thomas July 19-20, also for $20.

These shows are in addition to such previously announced big name events as Beyonce July 26 at Boardwalk Hall; New Kids on the Block, also July 26, Trump Taj Mahal; the American Idol Tour Aug. 16 at the Taj; Depeche Mode Aug. 30 at Revel and John Mayer Sept. 1 at Borgata. Go here for the complete list of headliners

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.

When Revel opened in the spring of 2012, after a big boost from Gov. Christie in the form of tax breaks to complete the project, it was obvious that the template for this casino resort was the success of Borgata.

In 2003 Borgata debuted as a stand-alone casino resort that was looking for a younger, more affluent crowd and presented itself as a high-end destination. Eventually that included a vibrant nightlife and bringing in big name chefs like Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck to front its signature restaurants.

The big difference between the success of Borgata and as of now, the failure of Revel, currently in bankruptcy, is the timing. Borgata opened at the height of Atlantic City’s success as part of a thriving economy, while Revel opened in the middle of an ongoing, crippling recession.

When Borgata opened and established itself, there was no competition from Pennsylvania casinos. Shortly after Revel opened, Atlantic City lost its place as the second largest gambling destination in the US to Pennsylvania.

In that environment, attempting to pull off a high-end only destination has proven to be nearly impossible. Except for the success of its HQ Nightclub (which will be joined by the HQ Beach Club Memorial Day weekend), Revel has been sinking.

However, don’t think that Revel is a goner yet. The Revel brain trust is making adjustments based on the feedback from its guests.

For example, when Revel introduced a player’s card, gamblers weren’t happy that it didn’t have tiers that rewarded the players who spent the most money. Now the Revel card has tiers with a top-of-the-line Pearl Card.

The Atlantic City Weekly Web site fielded complaints from regular AC gamblers about Revel not having an exclusive playing area/lounge for its best customers. Just this week Revel announced Revel’s Pearl High Limit Lounge, which will open on May 10 with a grand opening party and ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests of the Pearl will have access to a complimentary bar and dining area that will be exclusive to Pearl cardholders on a daily basis and Beach cardholders on select days as a benefit of the Revel Card program.

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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

Our region is making a major effort to provide events this month to bring tourists into town before the real warm weather arrives. I’ll like to tip my hat right now to the staff at the Atlantic City Alliance (the DO AC folks) for organizing an early season event that should get us in the mood for a glorious summer to come. The Alliance has joined forces with all 12 casinos to present the DO AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, along the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Ocean City is presenting its 30th Spring Block Party this Saturday featuring tons of tasty food and craft items for sale along a mile stretch of Asbury Ave.

Over in Sea Isle, the community is announcing its ready for the summer season with a “We’re Ready” Concert, also on May 4, at Kix McNutley’s, 63rd St. & Landis Ave, noon-6pm. The concert will feature the: Kenny Young Band, Alex Glover & Company, Real Diamond (Neil Diamond tribute) and more, and will take place under a giant festival tent. The cost is $10, available at the door.

Revel is honoring Cinco de Mayo with a weekend-long fun celebration of Mexico’s culture and traditions. The resort-wide fiesta will commence on the casino level and will feature authentic Mexican music, contests, giveaways and more.

Revel continues the culinary fun with its second Taste of Revel culinary weekend May 10-12. Revel’s chefs Alain Allegretti, Marc Forgione, Jose Garces, Luke Palladino and Robert Wiedmaier will host events, as well as Katie Lee, author of The Comfort Table, Recipes for Everyday Occasions, cookbook author and entertaining expert, who will serve as the weekend host.

Tropicana is changing the way you look at bacon with its first ever Bacon Week Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18. The casino is mixing bacon in your martini, wrapping your steak in it, dipping it in chocolate and even making a bouquet of roses with it.

Caesars Entertainment’s four properties – Bally’s, Caesars, Harrah’s Resort and Showboat — are also going down the foodie road with specials to celebrate National Hamburger Month, the Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, National Shrimp Day, National Wine Day, National Cherry Dessert Day and National Escargot Day.

Now that is a mouthful!

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

After a couple of warmer days a week ago, it is hard to tell it is April this week, since it sure feels like a particularly cold, windy and dreary March has just decided to repeat itself.

That said, what makes the winter less harsh in our area, the Atlantic Ocean, it also often at fault when our springs are less than ideal. The Rutgers climate Web site backs me up on this: “In autumn and early winter, when the ocean is warmer than the land surface, the Coastal Zone will experience warmer temperatures than interior regions of the state. In the spring months, ocean breezes keep temperatures along the coast cooler.”

Well, usually not quite this cool. Perhaps I’m just anxious for summer to arrive this year and with it the opening of local farmer’s markets, highway produce stands and the U-pick seasons at my favorite farms in the region. These “Jersey fresh” goodies are of course in addition to the beaches and Boardwalks filled with the sounds of life and the glorious smell of French fries, pizza, popcorn, funnel cakes and other Boardwalk eats.

Another favorite of mine is festivals that celebrate the bounty of the Garden State like the annual and fabulous Red, White and Blueberry Festival in Hammonton on June 30 this year.

I’ll like to tip my hat right now to the staff at the Atlantic City Alliance (the DO AC folks) for organizing an early season event that should get us in the mood for a glorious summer to come. The Alliance has joined forces with all 12 casinos to present the DO AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, along the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
This extensive outdoor wine festival will be featuring 150 wines presented at seven destinations along the Boardwalk. Each destination will highlight the history, pageantry and energy of Atlantic City plus plenty of wines to sample and tasty small plates. One-day tickets are $75 in advance and $85 on the day of the event and it starts at noon both days. Go here for the details.

And here are a two more festivals in May:

May 18 — Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival
Tuckerton Seaport, Tuckerton. General admission to venue applies. 296-8868. tuckertonseaport.org
May 18-19 — Mayfest
Smithville • Village Greene, Moss Mill Rd. at Rt. 9, Smithville. Free Admission and Parking. 100 plus Juried Crafters plus an International Food Court, live music and children’s activities. 748-8999; historicsmithvillenj.com

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

After a particularly dreary March, I am so happy that April has brought with it warmer temperature and not much rain so far — sorry May flowers, you will have to get by with less moisture.

Atlantic City is desperate for a big summer season post-Sandy and if the weather cooperates it should come to pass. My gut feeling is that people who weren’t hurt by Sandy want to help out those who were by bringing their business to the entire Jersey shore including the Atlantic City-Ocean City-Wildwood-Cape May stretch.

And while it is still annoying that the Atlantic City Alliance has to spend a big chunk of its advertising budget to convince people that the Atlantic City Boardwalk didn’t float away post-Sandy, the campaign appears to be working.

May is the month when the pre-summer excitement begins. May 6-12 Revel presents this year’s second Taste of Revel culinary weekend that will be the finishing touch to a week long, resort-wide epicurean extravaganza from Monday, May 6 through Sunday, May 12.

Tropicana is presenting its first ever Bacon Week Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18. The casino is mixing bacon in your martini, wrapping your steak in it, dipping it in chocolate and even making a bouquet of roses with it.

The switching of the Atlantic City Airshow to June 26 is looking like a genius move right now since it will be the perfect way to kick off the summer, even if the military teams cannot perform this year because of budget cuts.

It should still be an amazing event and thanks to some clever work by the New Jersey Offshore Powerboat Racing Association, it will be part of a week long Festival of Speed. The return of offshore powerboat racing to town with the Atlantic City Grand Prix on Sunday, June 23, has been wisely piggybacked onto the early starting date of the airshow. The overall umbrella term of “Festival of Speed” is being used to market the two events together as a “DOAC” combo event for the week. Come the weekend before the air show and check out the Powerboat events before the AC Airshow.
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In closing I want to send my wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the horrific Boston Marathon bombings. My heart goes out to the families of the three victims of the blast: 8-year-old Martin Richard (whose mother Denise Richard and sister Jane Richard, 6, were badly injured); Chinese exchange student Lu Lingzi and Krystle Campbell, 29. As I was writing this ABC news announced that there is a suspect and an arrest is imminent, thanks to footage from a security camera at Lord & Taylor’s. I knew two people at the race who are thankfully okay.

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

Right now the Phillies only have one starting pitching delivering like an ace, Cliff Lee. During the 1948 pennant drive, thanks to a few off days and rainouts, ace pitchers Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain of the Boston Braves went 8-0 in just 12 days. This inspired a sportswriter to write a poem about the two which was condensed down to the catchphrase: “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain.”

Cliff Lee is 2-0 on a team with just three wins.

The Phillies need another pitcher being as effective as Lee to create a catchphrase. Since the only other staring pitcher who has thrown a decent game so far has been John Lannan, here’s the best I could come up with: “Lee and Johnny and pray for a tsunami.”

Okay, I admit that it is not very practical in this modern world where pitching staffs have five man starting rotations. So let’s let science do the rest and clone Mr. Lee several times over. Would that be awesome or what, five straight days of Mr. Cool taking the mound throwing strikes and challenging batters and not handing them walks.

Sorry, I was daydreaming. And, despite this daydream, I am not panicking about the 3-5 Phillies, but I am very concerned that Lannan is our second best starter because Cole Hamels has been awful locating his pitchers and Roy Halliday has been even worse. Halliday was a question mark coming into the season, but Cole was supposed to be the team’s number one stud and looks lost and frustrated.

Not that the hitting has been much better. Last night’s 8-3 win over the Mets was a nice change with the Phillies grabbing the lead and not blowing it, thanks to Lee making it easy to relax. That game showed us what we expected, that this team had enough offensive firepower to be doing better than they have so far.

I’m impressed with Michael Young who is obviously working at his craft with improvements in the field and at the plate. Chase Utley’s return to form has been a delightful development and Jimmy Rollins has been solid batting second, but now it is time for Ryan Howard and Ben Revere to join the party with more consistency. Oddly enough when the Phillies do get on they are doing a great job of stealing bases.

Another major problem is that with the bad starting pitching, our middle relief has been working too much and might be even worse than the starters. And to think I was glad when they got Chad Durbin back. He, Raul Valdes and Jeremy Horst have been horrid.

Well we have the Mets for another game and then three with mediocre Miami, so this should offer an opportunity to bounce back from a bad start.

Here are the Phillies pitchers for the next five games: Cliff Lee followed by Cliff Lee, then Cliff Lee, Cliff Lee and finally Cliff Lee …. Sorry I was daydreaming again.

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

Over the past five months since Hurricane Sandy hit, I concentrated on all the bad reporting about the fact that the Atlantic City Boardwalk was destroyed, which of course it was not, thanks to the dunes that helped protect it.

However, beyond the main stretch of Boardwalk, there was a lot of damage. The legendary White House Sub Shop was closed for a time and The Scales Grill & Deck Bar in Gardner’s Basin, formerly the Flying Cloud Cafe, will be demolished due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. The good news is the White House is back and Scales will be rebuilt.

Another landmark was also damaged. Until I received an email about the reopening of the Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge Wildlife Drive this Saturday (it will only be open weekends to start), I was not aware that the popular trail for birders was also closed due to Hurricane Sandy damage.

There were a lot of other businesses that sustained damage whose owners are working hard to be in good shape for the summer season. Here’s hoping we all enjoy the monster summer season I’m expecting as a major bounce back from Sandy.

Summer is coming but spring is here and that means the Phillies are back. The team will not be burdened by expectations of greatness after last year’s injury-filled season. However, that means the team can stay out of the National League East limelight that will be focused on the Washington Nationals, who are loaded with power and great hitting, and the Atlanta Braves, who looked sharp in beating Cole Hamels and the Phillies on opening day Monday.

While my expectations are not as upbeat as previous years during the 2007-2011 “Golden Era,” the team still has a strong pitching staff — don’t panic, Roy Halliday will be all right — and the return of the “real” Chase Utley has me expecting us to be in the thick of the race. And, while we can’t expect to see the 2008 prime of all three Phillies superstars — Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard — I’ll settle for 60-70 percent of their prime.

Add solid contributions from newcomers Michael Young, Mike Adams and Ben Revere and the coming-of-age of Dom Brown, who had a sensational Grapefruit League season, and the Phillies are still a pretty good ballclub.

From baseball let’s move onto National Library Week. Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts students in Chef Annmarie Chelius’ Centerpiece Artistry class showcased book cakes and edible bookmarks inspired by their favorite books April 1, to participate in the International Edible Book Festival and to celebrate National Library Week.

Some of the edible cakes were created based on the following books: The Art of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms and Beyond, Brave, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Clifford.

The cakes were showcased at the Atlantic County Library, Mays Landing Branch, and the Ocean City Free Public Library.

Sarah Nichols of Millville created a book cake inspired by the book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.

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.

Revel tried to give us a smoke-free resort and casino, but the pundits who said they had to give up on the smoke-free environment to make more money have won the argument.

The Associated Press is reporting that as part of the casino’s bankruptcy debt restructuring, allowing patrons to smoke will be one of the changes made. Revel also admitted that it needed to work on bringing in day-tripper/bus patrons, have lower cost dining options and create a player’s club for its high end gambling patrons.

My gut feeling tells me we are going to have a monster summer all around. People love the Jersey shore and after all the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, even more people will want to help by visiting our shores this summer to enjoy the sun, sand, beach bars, the one-armed bandits and a terrific slate of entertainers coming our way for spring and summer.

Speaking of beach bars, we now know that the beach bars will be back at Bally’s and Atlantic Club, respectively, and that depending on when the new ownership is in place, the “closed forever” Trump Plaza beach bar will be back as well as reported by our AC Weekly columnist David Spatz.

With Revel opening their HQ Beach Club this May, and Resorts welcoming Margaritaville Memorial Day Weekend with the LandShark Bar & Grill on the Boardwalk, the action on the beach will be a major component of what should be a sizzling summer season.

The DO AC people at the Atlantic City Alliance have come up with a great event to kick start the summer season early with its DO AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade set for May 4-5, featuring participation by all 12 Atlantic City casinos. It’s going to be a massive outdoor wine festival featuring 150 wines presented at seven destinations along the Boardwalk.

Atlantic City Weekly will be doing our part by presenting Submania, a competition featuring area sub shops, to find out whose submarine sandwich reigns supreme. This event takes place Thursday, May 9, at the Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield.

And of course Miss America is back, parade and all, to extend the summer season in September with the pageant finale on September 15.

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.

While I was bummed out last weekend watching the Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament on TV rather than in person at Boardwalk Hall (the event moved from Atlantic City to Brooklyn this year), I’m still excited about the return of the frenzied hoops action that constitutes March Madness.

The Madness began last night with the play-in games, which were a nice warm-up for the real deal. Matter of fact, last night the hottest hoops action was in the NIT, the National Invitational Tournament, which grabs up all the excellent teams that didn’t make the NCAA field of 68.

That NIT field included the Kentucky Wildcats, the defending NCAA champions, who lost five of their players to the professional ranks and never fully recovered. They also didn’t recover from the slap of not being in the NCAA Tournament.

An inspired Robert Morris team took full advantage of having the game on their home court because the Wildcat court was to be used for NCAA action. So Kentucky, a number one seed playing a number eight seed on that team’s home court in the consolation tournament, let the disappointment get to them. But let’s give plenty of credit to Robert Morris, a good team from a much smaller program, backed by its frenzied fans, playing an inspired game in beating the Wildcats, 59-57. This is the kind of upset that makes post-season college basketball the best sport on the planet.

Of course sometimes that upset is against your team. Last night one of four Philly teams in the post-season, St. Joseph’s, a fourth seed in the NIT, lost by a buzzer-beater, 63-61, to fifth seed St John’s in a game St. Joe’s controlled most of the way.

Tonight La Salle, in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1992, plays Boise State for the privilege of taking on powerhouse Kansas St. in the next round. Temple takes on North Carolina State as a ninth seed vs. an eighth seed, Friday afternoon. Villanova is in the same boat, a ninth seed taking on an ACC team, eighth seeded North Carolina, Friday evening.

I’m having fun with my brackets since the tournament is so wide open with more parity than ever. That said, Louisville has to be the team to beat.

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.

With the weather warming up and Hurricane Sandy finally feeling like it is mostly in the rear view, I’m feeling optimistic about the impending summer season. Is there reason to feel optimistic? Perhaps.

Despite the continued downtrend in casino revenue, a few casinos, including Revel, managed to either tread water or gain a little in the February numbers. The passage of the Internet gaming bill brought a positive spin from gaming pundits who think its implementation will help Atlantic City, and the sooner the better.

The Atlantic City Restaurant Week continues to be a smash hit in its fifth year and was once again extended for another week. Go to the RW Web site for a complete list of restaurants that are continuing their special $33.13/$15/13 three-course menus through Saturday, March 16.

The Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is this Saturday, March 16, and that always puts me in a festive mood. I love the color green so St. Patrick’s Day in general cheers me up, and I love making corned beef and cabbage, even if is an American tradition more than an Irish one.

As for the summer, I’m optimistic because I’m guessing that tourists have figured out by now that the Atlantic City Boardwalk is still intact; so are the boardwalks in Ocean City and Wildwood. After a strange winter of rain and snow and rain again, people want the chance to stroll those boardwalks and see some great shows.

Atlantic City is hosting an impressive group of big name performers beginning in the spring with Alicia Keys and Diana Krall (April 13) and Rihanna (April 26). May headliners include ZZ Top (May 11), Trace Adkins (May 12) and Motley Crue (May 25). June features Sting (June 14-15), Willie Nelson on June 8 and Theresa Caputo (June 29-30), while Beyonce is coming July 26. More stars will be announced in the next few weeks as the casino showrooms finish filling out their schedules. For the complete list go here.

And then there is the opening of the Margaritaville themed Landshark Restaurant and Beach Bar at Resorts on Memorial Day Weekend.

There is reason to be optimistic after all.