It’s official. Sort of. There is no recession in Atlantic City.

Don’t tell the bean counters in the corporate offices that. They know all too well that their revenues are going down, down, down.

But Joe Corbo, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, said in his monthly column in the Casino Connection trade magazine, that talk of hard times at the gaming tables is a big no-no. In his column, Corbo tells casino employees that if a customer talks about the recession at the tables, they are to politely change the subject. And they are never, ever to talk about their own personal struggles in these times. People come to the casinos to escape, Corbo says, and should not be reminded of their shrinking IRAs and rising property taxes when they come in to play. Corbo’s word isn’t law in the gaming halls, but it’s an indicator of how the industry is feeling the pinch.

The story was picked up by the wire services, so we’ll see what the larger world thinks of Corbo’s remarks.

Meanwhile, people who still have money in their pockets can take good advantage of the non-recession  in Atlantic City. As I’ve mentioned before, room rates are quite reasonable for this time of year, so it’s a good time for a mini-getaway to AC.

You can also treat yourself to a gourmet meal at casual restaurant prices. Perhaps encouraged by the great success of last month’s Restaurant Week, many fine-dining establishments are continuing to offer specials. I was in Bally’s the other day with my nephew and his girlfriend, and we saw that the Italian room, Arturo’s, is offering two three-course meals for $70, including a glass of wine. The choices are limited, but if you like what you see, it’s a great deal. They said they might try it for a romantic dinner.

The two gourmet rooms at the Tropicana offer $35 prix-fixe menus on weeknights. But my favorite is still at Trump Plaza. It’s Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at Max’s Steakhouse and Wednesday and Thursday nights at Roberto’s. For $35 a person, you get an appetizer, soup or salad and an entree. An additional $5 buys coffee and dessert. The wine specials vary, but it can be selected bottles for $15 or selected wines for $5 a glass. Both rooms offer impeccable service and a wonderful atmosphere, and the food is definitely first-rate.

Bon appetit!

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