R.I.P. Revel in Atlantic City, NJ But Not for Long!

Story, photos by Cassie Hepler

I spent this past year umm… reveling in Atlantic City, N.J. and enjoying one its finest fruits it had to offer, Revel. It all started with Azure by Allegretti, transporting “the allure and high style of the Mediterranean to a new coast” with a new appreciation for fine dining. After a 5 hour meal, too much French champagne (as if there is such a thing), our crew went on to experience Ivan Kane’s Royal Jelly, a throwback to real, decadent burlesque performance with some amazing talent in a posh setting.

The next night was followed by Club HQ, a lavish beach front and nighttime club with futuristic dancers, great talent and a guest appearance by a cracked-out looking Big Bird who got molested trying to find the birthday party he was hired for. The next time I was at Revel, my best friend The Pastry Prophet and I stayed the weekend and experienced the amazing Robert Wiedmaier’s Mussel Bar with the truly addicting Antigoon beer. Breakfast took us to the 24-hour cafe Relish and of course that steak and eggs breakfast ended with a thick, greasy chocolate croissant (as all meals should!).

The indoor/outdoor pool was fun to experience as well (we opted for lime in our Coronas instead of the $25 college style fishbowls) – even by the beach you could hear the DJ dropping beats.

It’s a sad state of affairs to say goodbye to Revel as we once knew it. But a house built on sand is bound to crumble. Rumor has it, there are some private investors nosing around and a certain restaurant mogul was not too torn up as the staff was all smiles the week of the closing. Maybe Revel will rise once again!