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Taste of the Quarter Gains $24K for United Way

Photos, story by Lou Perri

The United Way fundraiser, Taste of the Quarter, held on Monday, August 24th, attracted many who support the United Way, and others who enjoy tasting some of the Tropicana’s signature restaurants and eateries. In a report, some 926 patrons purchased tickets to the event, and United Way gained $24,635.

Howard Rush, the Classic Cake owner, with staffers, Mac, Robert Bennett, executive chef, Terry , Wargo, Izza Montenez, and Cawley, United Way president and CEO.
Howard Rush, the Classic Cake owner, with staffers, Mac, Robert Bennett, executive chef, Terry, Wargo, Izza Montenez, and Cawley, United Way president and CEO.

It’s also time to meet and greet some of the local celebrities and executives in the region. For example, the United Way’s president and CEO, Jim Cawley served guests at Classic Cakes, a Philadelphia-based company that owner Howard Bush includes many Atlantic City hotel casinos as customers. Classic Cake offered guests an assortment of freshly baked desserts.

At Perry’s Pizza, an old friend and public relations guy, Brian Cahill, served up portions of Sicilian pizza to hungry guests. Cahill is now public relations director at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, N.J.

At Starbucks, a future star might be born as Miss New Jersey Senior America contestant Sherri McGhie assisted Frank Protopappa and Yana Smoradina in serving samples of brewed coffee and baked pastries including a pumpkin cake.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar served up Rapa Vieja, a Cuban shredded beef brisket stewed with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and red wine. Food critic Scott Cronick assisted in serving up this delicacy. And Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian was guardian at Rira’s Irish Pub, a favorite of this old guy’s, where miniature potato cakes were drizzled with a sour cream and balsamic reduction. A tasty treat, indeed!.

The hundreds of area residents who donated to the United Way cause were a happy lot, enjoying small plates of delicious foods from Tropicana’s finest dining places. Also, the All-New Tropicana Atlantic City opened its newest venue on Taste of the Quarter night.

As part of Tropicana’s recent $50 million renovation, the resort debuted its 10 North Lounge, an innovative venue bringing together exceptional wines, local microbrews and handcrafted artisan cocktails. 10 North is now open and located in the newly renovated North Tower casino.
“10 North is not your average lounge,” said Tropicana General Manager Steve Callender. “With bar-top slots, you never have to leave the action of the casino. We have hand-selected the menu items from the high-end wines on tap to the unique ingredients and garnishes. We are very proud of the final product.”

The new 10 North Lounge is also a great spot to sample Tropicana’s exclusive blend of aged Patrón tequila,  Callender told Explore NJ.  Through an agreement with renowned tequila brand Patrón Spirits and their Patrón Barrel Select program, Tropicana selected a limited-edition Patron Repasado aged in Jalisco, Mexico for Tropicana guests. With flavors of agave, lemon tea, vanilla, wood, and some citrus, it is an ideal summer blend that will never be exactly duplicated again. Tropicana’s tequila was aged in a barrel made of American Oak and French Limousine Oak, and that barrel is on display at 10 North. ”

“Try Tropicana’s signature Patrón on its own or in a “Perfect Margarita” with Patrón Citronge Orange Liqueur and lime juice.’Callender suggests.
10 North Lounge will be open 24 hours with the exception of Wednesday morning, when it will close from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Chickie & Pete chef Christine Hazel, seen at the new 10 North cocktail lounge inside Tropicana. Mussels were served at the outlet.
Chickie & Pete chef Christine Hazel, seen at the new 10 North cocktail lounge inside Tropicana. Mussels were served at the outlet.
Point Pleasant residents Meri and Bob at 10 North, the Trop's newest cocktail lounge.
Point Pleasant residents Meri and Bob at 10 North, the Trop’s newest cocktail lounge.
A view of th10 North, tropicana's newsest cocktail lounge.
A view of th10 North, tropicana’s newsest cocktail lounge.
Wendy Bartlett, back to camera, Tim Leroy, assistant general manager, Tropicana, and A. Mento, former United Way board member.
Wendy Bartlett, back to camera, Tim Leroy, assistant general manager, Tropicana, and A. Mento, former United Way board member.
10 North signage.
10 North signage.
A view of10 North, Tropicana's newest cocktail lounge on the casino floor.
A view of 10 North, Tropicana’s newest cocktail lounge on the casino floor.
Lori, one of the bartender's inside 10 North.
Lori, one of the bartender’s inside 10 North.
Server Jamie prepares drinks for guests at the Grand Opening of 10 North.
Server Jamie prepares drinks for guests at the Grand Opening of 10 North.
At 10 North, Ms New Jersey Senior Americ contestant Sherri McGhie, will comppete in october for the title; her mother also Sherrie McGhie, is a former Ms New Jersey Senior America contestant, and Johanne Sanntori, right, is State Pageant executive Director.
At 10 North, Ms New Jersey Senior Americ contestant Sherri McGhie, will comppete in October for the title; her mother also Sherrie McGhie, is a former Ms New Jersey Senior America contestant, and Johanne Sanntori, right, is State Pageant executive Director.
Renee Fleifel, in yellow dress, Tropicana food & beverage director, with staff at the new 10 North cocktail lounge.
Renee Fleifel, in yellow dress, Tropicana food & beverage director, with staff at the new 10 North cocktail lounge.
Angela Irvin, of Fin restaurant, at the Taste of the Quarter table, serves a guest.
Angela Irvin, of Fin restaurant, at the Taste of the Quarter table, serves a guest.
Judy Wolfoson, left, a florida resident, Ralph Garrow, of Mrs. Fields cookis, and Nelease, serve chocolate chip cookies.
Judy Wolfoson, left, a florida resident, Ralph Garrow, of Mrs. Fields cookis, and Nelease, serve chocolate chip cookies.
Paul A. Sandler, general manager of The Palm, his daughter, Aysa, and Loraine Abbatiello, of Long Island, served Ahi tuna soshimi.
Paul A. Sandler, general manager of The Palm, his daughter, Aysa, and Loraine Abbatiello, of Long Island, served Ahi tuna soshimi.
Cheryl DiSimone and Tajuena, of Old Farmer's Almanac, served dips and assorted baked goods, to Georgia, of Cat Country.
Cheryl DiSimone and Tajuena, of Old Farmer’s Almanac, served dips and assorted baked goods, to Georgia, of Cat Country.
Frank Protopapas and Yana Smorodina, of Starbucks, served coffee and baked goods, seen with Ms New Jersey Senior America, Sherrie McGhie.
Frank Protopapas and Yana Smorodina, of Starbucks, served coffee and baked goods, seen with Ms New Jersey Senior America, Sherrie McGhie.
The Palm chef goes to work with his sampler.
The Palm chef goes to work with his sampler.

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R. True, assistant general manager, Carmine's serves up one of its famous meatballs.
R. True, assistant general manager, Carmine’s serves up one of its famous meatballs.

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A group of patrons smile for Explore NJ as they enjoy plates of food.
A group of patrons smile for Explore NJ as they enjoy plates of food.
Alyssa Camp and Melissa Tran, of PF Chang's, serve up Chang chicken and fried rice, to guests.
Alyssa Camp and Melissa Tran, of PF Chang’s, serve up Chang chicken and fried rice, to guests.
Debbie Chippienine and Dr. Carl Vaccaro, , serve up burgers at Broadway Burger Bar.
Debbie Chippienine and Dr. Carl Vaccaro, , serve up burgers at Broadway Burger Bar.
A scene from the third floor onto the second floor level.
A scene from the third floor onto the second floor level.
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian and chef Darrell Wooten serve up miniature potato cakes to RiRa Irish Pub guests.
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian and chef Darrell Wooten serve up miniature potato cakes to RiRa Irish Pub guests.
A scene of the line in front of Carmine's.
A scene of the line in front of Carmine’s.
Wet Willie s was filled with guests at the fundraiser.
Wet Willies was filled with guests at the fundraiser.
Ham and cheese bites were served at Zeytinia's.
Ham and cheese bites were served at Zeytinia’s.