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Discover a Trumped Up Weekend at Atlantic City’s Taj Mahal

Photos and Story by Dana J. Prophet

Some people shy away from Atlantic City if they are not interested in gambling or that particular part of the Jersey Shore. You don’t have to be a high roller or spend more than a weekend to have an excellent time in America’s Favorite Playground.

In 24 hours, it’s possible to have a fun-filled, nostalgic weekend in Atlantic City without going bankrupt. Arriving on Saturday afternoon, you can avoid much of the AC shore traffic. If you are riding shotgun, it just may be your responsibility to keep your driver comfortable with coffee and snacks. Want to miss the drive completely? Take Greyhound, Amtrak or New Jersey Transit to the hotel casino of your choice and take a jitney for $2.25 between casinos.

Although on the Trump Taj Mahal’s FAQ the hotel’s parking said $5 what it does not mention is that you need to have a Trump One Card first. Otherwise the fee is $20, but it’s a onetime fee during the length of your stay with in-and-out privileges.

The booked room was a queen double on the top floor of the Taj Mahal Chairman’s Tower. On a clear beautiful day, you can see the entire city. There’s was no time to dilly dally however because there’s things to do and see before Sunday’s checkout!

Taj Mahal Entrance
The gateway to an exciting weekend is the Taj Mahal‘s marquee.
Taj Mahal Room - Chairman Tower
There’s no time to rest. Plenty of time for that way after midnight.
The bathroom gives guests ample space and amenities to get ready for your nighit out.
The bathroom gives guests ample space and amenities to get ready for your night out.
The Chairman’s Tower gives visitors an exquisite view on a clear day. As the sun sets you can dazzle over the afternoon beauty of Atlantic City.

Dressed to the nines, it was time to attend our reservation at Robert’s Steakhouse. The décor, music and the atmosphere would have made Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack proud. Seated in a leather upholstered booth and eager to dive into deliciousness, we were ready to eat in this notorious steakhouse.

Robert's Restaurant Dining Room
Classy comfort and atmosphere exudes from the decor and the friendliness of the staff.
Executive Chef Will Savarese
Executive Chef Will Savarese leads the kitchen like an maestro over a symphony of precious ingredients.
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Robert’s server Alphonso dazzled with his knowledge of wines and wit.
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A scrumptious concoction of potatoes, cheese, and bacon in this Potato Au Gratin side dish.
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Slightly sweet, but definitely savory were these slabs of bacon slices.
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What can can make potatoes even better? You haven’t had french fries until you try the Everything French Fries with smoked paprika aioli.
Raw Oysters
Mix and match the 4 West and East Coast raw oysters. Available to give a palate a sea worthy delight.
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A creamy and succulent lobster bisque was a perfect seafood touch on this summer evening.
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Include some fresh vegetables in your meal. The bacon and beets were a tasty plus.
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Seared scallops with a crispy topping and light, but tasty sauce.
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Are you ready to bite into the most perfect steak? Like all the steaks this Bone in New York Strip is USDA Prime, hand cut, and dry aged in house.
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If you are a steak sauce person, kick up the favor with Robert’s own Chef’s Reserve Steak Sauce. Bottles are available for purchase.
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The only correct way to end a meal is with a lush and magical dessert. Additional candle to celebrate a birthday, this dessert is a Robert’s Melt Down – chocolate chip cookie on top of a mudslide brownie with Maker’s Mark ice cream.
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Another classic desert executed superbly is the Vanilla Creme Brulee with biscotti.

After dinner it was time for 80s supergroup Culture Club. Boy George and the band brought the entire audience back in time when big hair, hoop earrings, and acid washed jeans ruled the land. All the favorites were performed “Do You Really Love Me,” “Karma Chameleon,” “The Crying Game,” just to name a few.

Not leaving their fans empty-handed, they came back to play a few more songs for their encore. It was the musical time travel that pop fans could reminiscence a not so simpler, but definitely a more colorful time.

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The crowd goes wild when Boy George and Culture Club takes the stage.
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When the concert ended, everyone missed him blind.
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It was not a miracle and more persistence to get this close to Boy George.
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Boy George and original Culture Club Bassist Mikey Craig jam the best and favorite tunes.
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Boy George’s voice is still wonderful since the first time it was heard over the airwaves.

The night did not have to end there. If you are indeed a gambler, you of course can try your luck at the casinos or dance the night into the morning at the in-house dance club Ego Bar & Lounge. Or take it to naked, crazy town with the pretty classy for a strip bar space, Scores.

If you need a little help recovering from your night of indulgence, make an appointment to visit Spa at the Taj to give you new life so you can plan your Do AC adventure again. And there’s always a Starbucks to bring you back if all else fails!