Atlantic City Casino Revenues up for first time in 40 months

Finally - Atlantic City casino revenue is NOT sliding down. For the first time in 40 months, those numbers have turned up.

Is it enough? PA is still outpacing AC in gambling revenues.

Chat with the CEO of Caesars

Got some listening time? Check out this fascinating podcast with Gary Loveman CEO of Caesars (as in ALL of Caesars, not just the Atlantic City location). Pre-casino life, he was an economics professor at the Harvard Business School. Really interesting stuff.

How do we feel about Revel?

So...a new casino is coming to Atlantic City this spring. My boyfriend asked me at lunch today what I knew about Revel, and I admitted the truth: not much.

This is bad on my part. I should know more about it. I should be trying to write about it.

But I have casino/Atlantic City/tourism district/falling casino revenue/bankruptcy/foreclosure fatigue. I don't agree with what the state of New Jersey is doing in Atlantic City. I think it will lead to a net sum zero, and it does absolutely nothing to better the living situation of the residents of Atlantic City. If you want to hear a beautiful song and dance of PR spin, listen to what new CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri has to say when asked about what he plans to do for the people who LIVE in Atlantic City in this radio report.

And now I'm supposed to believe that Revel is some kind of savior? They already axed one tower off the plans (though they say that the second tower will be added eventually). And the events leading up to the construction themselves are a tragedy (construction execs died in a plan crash in 2008).

So right now, I'm one big meh. The boyfriend, for the record, would like to know about the poker rooms. I don't gamble, so I don't know.

I have seen some excitement, though, mostly among young 20 and 30-something Philadelphians who go to Atlantic City often. I'm kind of interested to see what the amenities will be (spas, mostly, since the only place I seem to take the time for stuff like that is when I'm in AC). So maybe I'm looking in the wrong place.

What do you think?

Also, if you're looking for a job, they have plenty of openings.

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

Quick note: I'm working on getting my ebook ready to publish in November, so excuse the less frequent posting. But here's the news:

The Borgata is saying it lost $10 million because of Hurricane Irene.

At the same time, this is being considered for Atlantic City. Casinos and the actual city different much? Ugh.

So now Sea Isle is using those dumb parking kiosks, too? Boo.

Almost time for Ocean City's Quiet Festival.

Just combine! Stop being four towns and be one instead! That's the best way to save money, not stop gap measures like this.

Not the first place I'd pick for a shore wedding, but, hey, looks like it worked.

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

WHY?! (also - love the name of the media outlet I linked to)

More on the new guy running the CRDA.

New casino-to-be-this-spring Revel is bringing in a Vegas person to run entertainment.

Cape May might be creating a new park.

And: Cape May as seen through the eyes of a Pittsburgh newspaper.

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

Hey I'm back! I'm sorting through a TON of emails, so let's put up some news in the process.

Check out these Shore made duck decoys.

The Ocean City bike path is riding ahead.

This is bad. And so, of course, is this.

The Beach Theatre was demolished today. BAD MOVE CAPE MAY.

The West Cape May Lima Bean Festival is on October 8. I'm NEVER in New Jersey for it. Bah.

North Wildwood plans on removing the seawall.

A sit in in Sea Isle.

Boardwalk Empire's second season premiered last night. Here's more about AC from the 1920s.

The Ocean City Half Marathon is on Sunday - and yes I'll be there, probably wearing purple.

I will NOT be at the Asbury Park Relay Marathon this year, but if you are, please note that the start time has been moved from 10am to 7am. Early birds will like that one. If I could run the race, I would.

This is awful - and I will have much more to say about this at another time this week.

My trip was fun. I was underwhelmed by OBX, but that's not a big shocker, is it?

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

NEWS! And lots of it.

If you're in New York, this could be your subway train:

On Saturday, Boardwalk Empire/1920s themed trains hit the tracks in New York City as a promotion for the start of the new season. Cool, right?

Bizarre note from over the weekend: Game On and Trinity at the Pier Shops at Caesars closed. Given that the complex is going to be auctioned, I wasn't surprised that some restaurants might close. But I'd at least expect them to tell their employees on Sunday they were about to lose their jobs on Monday.

And stepping into this mess is John Palmieri, the new head of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. Palmieri held a similar post in Boston.

Hey, how we doing on Revel? They have a website up and running, with a countdown.

I wish I had met this woman.

This is just a press release, but it has good numbers in it: more people traveled to Atlantic City this Labor Day weekend early than Labor Day weekend last year, though overall toll trips were slightly down.

Alright, enough of Atlantic City. Cape May's going to start offering free parking for the handicapped.

I don't think this has anything to do with our Wildwood, but worth a link. Weird.

Flyers GM was in a bike accident in Avalon. Be careful, folks.

Anybody want to live in Sea Isle this winter? Seems a reasonable price. If anyone knows of something similar in Asbury Park, let me know. Might be doing a project up there this winter.

This one caught my eye but got pushed aside because of Irene: Wildwood is trying to shut down "rowdy" houses. I've long said that Wildwood will not completely revitalize its image until homes stop renting to high school kids for senior weeks and prom weeks. This is a step in the right direction.

Post-Irene Deals

Based on the traffic jams yesterday, looks like a lot of people were headed back to the shore.

If you want to be one of them but didn't have a rental or hotel room, now might be your chance to get a good deal. Yup, it's post-Irene special time.

Here's the few I know:

Cape Resorts - which runs Congress Hall, the Virginia, Star Inn, and Beach Shack in Cape May - is offering discounts if you book this week at one of their properties. Call and ask for details.

Avalon Campground - the place where I spent all my summers as a kid - is accepting walk ins. Just give them a little time to clear off your site. Call first, though. They announced this yesterday and may have filled back up.

Bally's, Caesars, the Golden Nugget, Resorts and Harrah's are all have post-Irene specials on room rates, meals, entertainment and special package deals. Call for details.

The Annual Stone Harbor Sidewalk Sale has been pushed back to this Saturday at 9am. It's always a zoo, and for a good reason. Lots of deals.

That's just what I'm seeing. Anyone else have something to add?

UPDATE: The Scarborough Inn in Ocean City is running a 20% off deal. Call for details.

Don't forget - signed books for $15 through September 6.

P.S. I ended the Jersey Shore Fact of the Day series a week early because of the storm. Doesn't feel like a good fit right now.

Jersey Shore Fact of the Day 88: New Beer Festival Coming to Atlantic City

The Golden Nugget (a.k.a. what was Trump Marina) is hosting a Craft Beer Festival on September 17 and 18.

September 17 is being billed the "All American Craft Beer Tasting," while September 18 will be Oktoberfest. The Saturday event is indoors; Sunday event is outside.

Sounds cool. The brewery lineup is pretty good, too: Flying Fish, Left Hand Brewing, Yards, Long Tail, Allagash, Hofbrau and Leinenkugel are just a few. Tickets are $49 a person.

I'd go if I were in the area - September 17 kicks off a week plus long vacation that is not in New Jersey. I love the shore, but I can't help but work when I'm there. So this will get around that, and I'll be visiting parts of the country I've never seen before. Should be a fun time.

Jersey Shore Fact of the Day 87: Miss America was in Atlantic City

So maybe it's not the greatest Fact of the Day, but I really just wanted to post that picture.

On July 28, current Miss America Teresa Scanlan toured the Trop's new Cielo Suites - the same one I stayed in for my birthday. I did not, however, have a pool table.

I'm writing an article about high roller suites and will get to tour a few more next week. I'm fascinated by this stuff - who gets to stay there? What's the value of them? And, as you know, I'm also oddly interested in the whole Miss America concept.

Hence why you get a picture of Miss America in a high roller suite on the blog. Voila.

I apologize for the lateness of this post today, too. I have a big piece coming out tomorrow on a major new outlet that I had 24 hours to write (they asked me). I'm wrapping it up this morning. It'll be a doozy.

High Roller at the Tropicana

The second part of my birthday treat last week was a stayover at the Tropicana. I was lucky enough to be booked into one of the brand new Cielo Suites - so new that the tag was still on the ironing board.

Pretty swanky. Our room had a living room, two bathrooms, and two separate rooms with king sized beds. TV in the bathroom, huge walk in shower in one. I was heavenly.

The suites also have a 24 hour concierge service and butler service. I have to say: it was pretty cool to call my parents and tell them I was staying in a high roller suite.

Tropicana added 26 of these suites, and they're part of the recent $5 million in improvements to the property.

This is a step in the right direction. Most people who have told me they've stayed at the Trop did so because they were there on a bachelor/bachelorette party and tried to cram 8 people in the cheapest room the Trop offer. That has lead to a not great reputation (and the place did go bankrupt, so there were obviously problems).

But if they keep moving in the "Cielo" direction, I think the Trop has a good chance of wiping that away. It was packed for the entire time we were there - and we stopped in a few times on nights we weren't staying there, too.

Dinner was at the Knife & Fork, which I love more than I could possibly say. You've got to read the history if you haven't.

Old Atlantic City and new. Perfect way to spend my getting older day.

Jersey Shore Fact of the day 43: Resorts is Being Sued

I mentioned this flap a while back, but things just got real: Nine former cocktail servers have filed a discrimination lawsuit against Resorts, claiming they were fired because they didn't have the right look for the new skimpy costumes Resorts required them to wear. And their lawyer? Gloria Allred. You might know her as the attorney who represented Rachel Uchitel, Tiger Woods' alleged mistress.

Allred is the attorney equation of bringing in the big guns. Yesterday, they held a press conference on the boardwalk up against Resorts billboards showing off the new costume. Criticize Allred if you want, but she can get the job done, and the showmanship of yesterday's press conference shows that (click on the link to the Press of AC story for photos).

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. You have to wonder what Resorts was thinking in the way they handled this, especially since the Borgata case of 2005, where cocktail waitresses were allegedly fired for gaining weight, was settled out of court WITHOUT a heavy hitter like Allred involved.

Jersey Shore Fact of the Day 39: Two Atlantic City Classics Team Up with Casinos

I've started doing media interviews in connection to the book, and the first question every asks is: What's new down the shore this year?

The most interesting thing to me has been traditional Atlantic City restaurants joining up with casinos. As far as I know, this hasn't really happened before.

First up: White House Sub Shop. I have waxed poetic about this hoagie place many times on the blog, and in print. As of yesterday, they opened up a spot inside Trump Taj Mahal. That's a boon to people who don't want to drive out to the original spot (though I HIGHLY recommend it).

Second: Harry's Oyster & Seafood Bar is opening up at Bally's in June. This is from Frank Dougherty of Dock's Oyster House and, as he told me while interviewing him for Edible Jersey magazine, he sees this was what seafood places in Atlantic City used to be, which was good, fresh and not over the top expensive.

Frank also talked at length about how the dining scene has changed in Atlantic City, especially post-casino era. That article will be out shortly in the summer issue of Edible Jersey Magazine. I'll put up a link when that article's available online.

Jersey Shore Fact of the Day 38: Revel is Scheduled to Open May 15

The CEO of Revel Entertainment announced yesterday that the new casino will be open on May 15, 2012.

Can I file this under "see it when I believe it?"

Jersey Shore Fact of the Day 35: The Hoff will be at the Pool at Harrah's on Saturday

Yes, really. Thank you, Harrah's, for the opportunity to post that clip.

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

New Jersey shore towns are shrinking.

This is horrifying. It's not hard to guess what shady stuff can happen at casinos, but this...this is just awful.

Trump name removed from Trump Marina. I must have just missed this since my room at the Water Club gave me a view of Trump Marina.

Oh no! Ted Prior, the Elvis impersonator who was usually at Ocean City events, has died.

Wildwood is once again trying to jump start the downtown district.

Allegedly, the casinos are not enforcing smoking laws (I still think it should be banned entirely. Gross).

Cape May, Atlantic City, and all the places in between

Just before I left for Cape May on Friday, my publisher's publicist emailed me to say that he was holding a copy of my book in his hand. My reaction? "GIVE IT TO MEEEEEEE" (we get along, if you can't tell). I should have a copy today (?) or tomorrow.

So it was fitting, then, that I hit most of the towns in the book this weekend.

The trip didn't start out on the best foot - literally. On Friday morning, the dude broke his toe. This meant, we thought, no running for him, and no real walking around. So instead of driving right down to Cape May, we stopped first in Sea Isle, and I took him on a short bar tour (where I did not drink, of course, since I drove).

First stop: Dead Dog Saloon. This is one of those old, worn in bars that's packed in season but a cozy place before the summer madness begins. The second floor was closed. The Phillies game was on. I think everyone at the bar were Sea Isle friends, most reuniting for the first time since they shut down their shore homes last year. Two of those groups asked us where our Phillies gear was from (Spring Training). Very chill and relaxed crowd, which will change soon as people pack both floors of the place. If you do eat there, get the nachos. I am sad to report, though, that the women's bathrooms no longer have ash trays in the stalls. No one smokes in there, and I don't support smoking (duh, I run), but it was one of those old throwback details I liked. Ah well.

Then we hit the OD, simply because the dude had never seen the place. It was pretty empty with a younger crowd around the bar. The bartender and I tried to explain what the place looked like during the weekly No Shower Happy Hour parties. A bit hard to do without jamming a couple hundred more people in there.

Next it was south through Avalon to the Concord Cafe, which sits right on the Avalon/Stone Harbor border. I thought it would be busy but not as jammed as it was. We had to wait 20 minutes for a table, but it was worth it for those buffalo cheese fries. Our bill with alcohol came to just over $25. Another reason this place is so popular. A very high recommendation.

Then it was onto our final destination: The Beach Shack in Cape May. Friday was the first night they were open for the summer season, so let's consider some of the oops to be first night jitters. They put us in a room next to the Rusty Nail, which is a great bar, but not exactly what you want to sleep next to if you have a 10k in the morning (if you book here, make sure you ask to stay in the building away from the bar if this is a concern). They were great in moving us, but the room we moved into was very musty and dank. Again, I imagine it's because it was the first night and not everything was up and running yet. I still think it's a great property, and it needed to stretch a bit to be really ready. I zonked out as soon as we got into the new room, so it served its purpose.

Then the 10k, the Great Cape May Footrace. When I came back from Wawa getting pre-race food (hash browns) and fuel (coffee and gatorade), I opened the room door to see the dude lacing up his running shoes. He was just going to test how it felt.

Well, testing lead to actually running the race, and he swears he felt fine. The 10k course is flat with a lot of twists and turns through the more residential area of Cape May with a trip through Coast Guard housing. It doesn't go through the heart of Cape May, so if you're looking for a scenic run, this is not it. But after recent obscenely crowded races (Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, Broad Street Run), hilly races (Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon) and insanely windy races (Asbury Park Half Marathon), this course was a nice change. Kudos to John Cooke, president of the Cape May Chamber of Commerce, for asking for my feedback after the race (I do this now, so I guess I'm an expert). Next year, expect paper instead of plastic cups at the water stop.

I finished with a 49:45, which is not bad and inching closer to my pre-injury times. I finished 5th woman and 3rd in my age group - but that's out of 210 runners, so take that with a giant shaker of salt.

Post race food (burger and boardwalk fries) and drink (extra spicy bloody mary) was back at the Rusty Nail. I'm glad to see they got the bonfire issues figured out - last time I was there, the city had said they didn't want bonfires at the outdoor bar, but it was lit and running on Saturday. It was nice eating at outdoor picnic table, even if the weather wasn't exactly cooperating.

Then it was up to Atlantic City. Now, I hate shopping. Hate it with a passion that boils my soul, but we stopped at the Atlantic City outlets anyway to visit the Nike store. My haul:

Two pairs of short tights, two singlets, and eight pairs of socks.

I only do this once or twice a year. Last year, the woman working at the counter couldn't believe how much money I spend on socks. But they're running socks!

Well, if you're a runner, you'll get it. If you're not, consider them my version of a fancy purse, but actually practical.

We hit Adidas and Puma with less luck, though I'll be testing out new Adidas running shoes tonight (Mizuno, why did you make the Waverider heavier, huh?) - another running thing that most of you probably don't get.

ANYWAY.

Then it was to the Borgata, which was a zoo. I didn't know what I expected. It is, after all, a Saturday in May. People everywhere, including the New Yorker who cut us off in line to check out at 3pm.

The first night, we stayed in the original Borgata tower, which was nice, but didn't have a flat screen TV. I don't say that to sound like a snob. *I* don't have a flat screen TV, but it seemed like a bit of a disconnect.

We were there for the AtlantiCare Foundation Gala, which was, of course, lovely. Pre-event, I got a blow out at the Borgata salon. Despite the price ($75), I'd say it was worth it. Sue, the very nice woman who did my hair, took my head of tangles and made it into a smooth, bouncy sleek style.

Not the best picture, but it's all I've got.

For those who are curious, this was the dress, which I bought at Lord & Taylor. His tuxedo and tie/pocket square are from Boyds.

The next morning, we moved over to the Water Club, Borgata's new tower. If you can stay here, STAY HERE. The room was gorgeous, and the new tower wasn't as crowded or loud as the main one. There isn't a casino in this tower, and, yes, the rooms did have flat screen TVs. But you must book directly with the Water Club. We had to check out and check back in because they operate on two different systems.

It was pretty funny watching hung over bachelor and bachelorette parties scramble to check out by 11am. Their hangovers looked epic.

We did a whole lot of nothing on Sunday, most of it at the Water Club's pool. Now, there are two pools: the free one (to registered guests of course), and the spa pool, which you can get into for free if you're using the spa, or for $30 if not. The free one was more than fine, though I imagine it gets pretty crowded in season.

Dinner Sunday night was at Izakaya, which bills itself as a modern Japanese pub.

This is how I know it's good: the dude is Japanese-American and a former chef. He is critical of Japanese restaurants. He loved it. Absolutely loved it and wants to know when we can go back again. I loved it, too, but I'm not as picky as he is. We tested the sweet corn ice cream that will go on the menu this summer. It's divine. A high recommend.

For fun, we headed to mixx after. I didn't know what to expect on a Sunday night. At first, a group of 40 and 50 something women in what looked like a bachelorette party were tearing up the dance floor. They were having so much fun, and they were fun to watch. Later, though, it started to turn over into a more typical nightclub experience. We stayed off to the side (that toe was still broken) and watched mini dramas unfold: the young Catherine Zeta Jones look alike swat off potential suitors, the three guys in bottle service who looked like they didn't know what they were doing, the two girls who tried to crash and then got kicked out of bottle service, and then one of those girls immediately sucking face with one of the bottle service guys. The music was good, though at the start what I'd describe as "Bar Tampa 1999." Bar Tampa was "the" bar to go to when I was in college, and they played a lot of the same songs as mixx did that night. A lot of Biggie Smalls.

I'm guessing this was industry night when a lot of people who work in the area have off after a long weekend. We left just as the featured dancers started tearing up the bars. Hey, we're not 21 anymore, and - again - the broken toe.

Monday morning we headed down to Downbeach Deli for breakfast and then meet up with my girl. Her tail's getting fixed!

I haven't been in Lucy in a while, and the dude had never made the trip. It was informative, and just cool to be inside a 60 foot wooden elephant. Make sure you go up to her howdah if you make the trip. Even though it was very foggy on Monday, the view was still worth seeing.

If you REALLY like Lucy, you should come to my book launch party, which is a fundraiser for Lucy, too. Details here.

Then it was south to Ocean City to pick up some salt water taffy from Shriver's. I'm doing a book signing next Tuesday at Book Expo America, a major book publishing conference, and will be giving out salt water taffy, too. The conference is a jumbled, lovely mess of book people, so I need to do what I can to stand out. Salt water taffy usually helps.

Our final stop, of course, was Mack & Mancos. I wasn't really hungry, but how could I resist?

Despite the cruddy weather, I had a great time. Staying over on Sunday night was a great idea because we could relax all day without that Saturday crowd.

It's nice seeing almost everything open again. Oh, summer, can you please hurry up?

Jersey Shore Fact of the Day 7: AC Gaming Once Outpaced Las Vegas

Yes, you read that right: Atlantic City once beat the Las Vegas strip in gaming revenues.

This, according to David G. Schwartz, director of the Center for Gaming Research at the University of Las Vegas. Last week, he tweeted about preparing for a lecture on Atlantic City gaming, and shared the tidbit that "from 1982 to 1999, Atlantic City produced more gaming revenues than the LV Strip."

This is startling considering the 31 straight months of decline in AC gambling revenues - new numbers out yesterday.

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

The Borgata is renovating its rooms.

Check out the Wetlands Institute osprey camera!

Must be Windsday.

Oooo, Pinky's ticked (side note: I have been in this tunnel, but it's been a while).

Sure sign it's almost summer: meters are coming back.

Can I file this under "I'll believe it when I see it?"

Make a note if you drive the Ocean Drive - part of it is closed for construction.

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

Resorts allegedly fires older cocktail waitress who were deemed not good looking enough in new, skimpy 1920s themed uniforms. Yeah, THAT'LL end well.

The casinos are about to face compliance checks that they're ADA compliant. Really? The casinos rely on seniors in wheelchairs playing slots for money. When I first toured Resorts, the PR guy boasted that there are no stairs between their bus depot and the casino floor to accommodate older gamblers. Sheesh.

Big rodeo in Atlantic City this weekend. Of course people are protesting.

Cape May-Lewes Ferry is adding a fuel surcharge.

Firefighters deliver baby in Wildwood.

First, it was pizza boxes. Now coloring books. What's next? A beach ball?

Apparently I missed Sea Isle City Girl's Weekend. Who knew? Also, there's apparently a website called www.seaislerevitalization.com. Scratching my head over that one. In a slip of an island with many million dollar plus homes...what needs revitalizing?

Behold! The Colonial Mills Ridgevale Stone Harbor Chair Pad, available at Walmart. No, this isn't really shore related. But neither was this.