By Harriet Diamond

One walking down the boardwalk on the afternoon of May 27 may have felt, in Yogi Berra’s words, “deja view all over again.“ Men in zoot suits and women in 1920’s garb leaned casually against gleaming roadsters parked on the boardwalk in front of Resorts Casino Hotel.  Flappers wowed the boardwalk crowd with their 1920’s costumes and dance routines as an introduction to the opening ceremonies and ribbon cutting hosted by Joe Piscopo.

Flappers welcome fans to Resorts.

Joe welcomed New Jerseyans and visitors to the new Resorts, praising Dennis Gomes, owner, president, and CEO, for his vision and creativity in recreating Resorts.  Mayor Lorenzo Langford presented a proclamation honoring Gomes for his contributions to Atlantic City’s rejuvenation.  The Mayor pointed out that Resorts is Atlantic City’s oldest and newest casino hotel, having been the first on the scene in 1978 and now launching its new prohibition era image.  Those in attendance were treated to a high-wire motorcycle act, complete with daring acrobats.

Joe Piscopo welcomes the crowd as Resorts CEO Dennis Gomes and Mayor Lorenzo Langford look on.

The excitement surrounding the 1920’s theme was palpable.  Gomes introduced representatives of varying staff roles in their authentic uniforms.  He sparked imaginations by announcing that employees won’t just look the part, they will also be “actors.”  The greatest cheer greeted the daringly outfitted cocktail servers, who are as gracious as they are easy on the eyes.  They served champagne to the lucky visitors positioned in the front of the throng.

Aaron Gomes, executive vice president of Operations, cut the lavish ribbon following a toast to the new Resorts’ era.  Dennis Gomes is enthusiastic about the future of Resorts and Atlantic City. Looking at the ocean, he stressed that no other casino venue could match that view.

Diverse entertainment venues and talent are the hallmark of the rebranding.  In addition to the 1,350-seat showroom and 300-seat theatre, are the Boogie Nights dance club; the Prohibition Room, Resorts luxurious LGBT night club; Torch, a cozy cabaret setting for torch singers, avant-garde performers, and independent singers and songwriters and, of course, those who appreciate them; and a new venue, named for Joe Piscopo, for comedians and perhaps some surprise performers opens July 4th weekend.

An array of restaurants welcomes visitors as well.  Newest on the scene is the East Wind Casino and Noodle Bar in the Asian gaming pit. The soft décor of murals and a magnificent wall-mounted waterfall contrasts with, yet complements, the glitz and glamour of the Roaring 20’s theme throughout the property.

All of this is available to residents and day-trippers; however, the full impact of this engaging ambiance awaits the overnight guest in large, luxurious yet understated rooms and suites.    (Check back  this weekend for photos.)

Anticipate fun, glamour, and the unexpected from the reinvented and reenergized Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.

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