Memorial Day weekend is about two weeks away, and Atlantic City is gearing up for the summer season. There are a lot of changes going on in town, as gaming halls get ready to compete for the summer visitors’ dollars. Here are some of the highlights:

   – The “Trump” signs came down from Trump Marina this week, in preparation for Landry’s to close on it Monday and turn it into the Golden Nugget. Log on to http://www.goldennugget.com/specials/eblasts/trump_gn.html to see some of the changes and sign up for e-mailed updates.

   – In case you’ve never been to the Borgata, this is a good week to make that first trip. From now through May 27, the Borg is offering new members of the My Borgata club a choice of $100 in slot play or $100 in match play at the tables. Log on to www.theborgata.com to print out the coupon you need to collect.

   – Resorts is debuting the “new” propertyon May 27. I’m not sure what that entails, but they’ve already made a few changes. The Club 1133 for Elite and Ultra players has moved to the old Beachball restaurant. I’ve been there, and it’s a great improvement. There is an ocean view, a brighter atmosphere and the food is a bit better, too. The old Club 1133 is now Prohibition, a lounge and nightclub catering to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered crowd. They’ve even hired a GLBT director to draw in those with alternative lifestyles.

   – Bally’s will open Harry’s Oyster Bar & Seafood in the space previously occupied by the Sidewalk buffet. It has the same owners as Dock’s Oyster House and the Knife & Fork Inn, both Atlantic City icons. I was recently at the Knife & Fork for a social function, and can tell you that the food is positively banging. Harry’s will be a bit more casual, but the grub is bound to be good. No word yet on if they’ll take Total Rewards comps.

   – I mentioned a couple months ago that the Tropicana updated it’s buffet. I haven’t eaten there yet, but did take a look at it when I was there with a friend over the weekend. The food looks better than it has been in the past, and the people in there seemed to be enjoying it. The crab legs are a big plus for seafood lovers.

   – And here’s one outside the casinos. Atlantic City’s prime dive, Gilchrist Restaurant, is returning to the city, heading to Gardner’s Basin. The Maryland Avenue building was literally falling down, and they  moved to Galloway Township for a couple years. I absolutely love their breakfasts, and the AC location is unique, because you never know who you’ll meet when you go in there. I’ve run into politicians, cops, firefighters and some great ordinary folks. Gilchrist has been in business since 1945, and I, for one, am happy to see them back in the city.

Share