Atlantic City has evolved to become much more than a place to go for a wild weekend at the beach. It may even be entering its second golden age as it continues to draw foodie travelers\u2014and innovative star chefs like Bobby Flay, Michel Richard, Wolfgang Puck, and Marc Forgione\u2014as a desirable culinary destination. Here are five reasons to plan a trip to Atlantic City this spring and summer.<\/p>\n
Jimmy hasn\u2019t played himself off into the sunset just yet. In fact, he seems to be taking the concept of Margaritaville quite literally. The island crooner has built a new destination in Atlantic City featuring beachfront restaurants like the LandShark Bar & Grill and a tiki bar that is sure to make you dust off your favorite Tommy Bahama. I don\u2019t know the reason, but you just might stay all season. Right, Jimmy?<\/p>\n
At the AC Wine and Food Festival, celebrity chefs offer up a taste of some of their best-kept secrets with four days of cooking lessons and fine dining. But if\u00a0learning to cook like Rocco DiSpirito and swill wine like a sommelier aren’t enough, a\u00a0massive pool party at Harrah\u2019s Resort, a southern blues and brews fest, and an island-style beach party provide the hedonistic foodie in each of us a chance to go all in.<\/p>\n
From a wine dinner ($125) at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse to a grand tasting ($75) featuring over 140 wines, live jazz, a haute couture fashion show, and silent auction benefiting Wounded Warriors Project, to a wine reception under the stars ($39), this event brings the best of both California and Italian wines to the Jersey Shore. Tickets for all three events are $139.<\/p>\n
Had a tough night at the Craps table and just feel like drinking your way down the boardwalk? Well, do it with some class! With 150 wines offered at seven different locations, this outdoor festival is sure to put a bit of magic back in your hand.<\/p>\n
Revel luxury resort and casino puts it all on the table for a weekend of innovative dining events\u2014including a Mother’s Day Brunch ($75), Belgian Beer and Cheese Pairing ($65), One Sweet Party ($55) with models hand painted in chocolate, and Conquer the Steak ($85)\u2014featuring their award-winning chefs. If you have an adventurous palate and a taste for the finer things, you don’t want to miss this. No bluff.<\/p>\n
Pig out on your next trip to Atlantic City, where specials like bacon chocolate martinis and bacon bourbon burgers are sure to pair well with\u00a0blackjack and the beach.<\/p>\n