Making Weekend Waves at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Heads up for one imposing casino resort. You’ll find an entire playground in that “Ocean.”
“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart.” – Erma Bombeck
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden
Happy first anniversary to Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort! You’ve done good. Matter of fact, better than good. You are, in this writer’s opinion (and as reviewed by many others), a smashing success. I know my casinos, empirically speaking, that is.
Back in the day and thanks to an accumulated bounty of comps from her favorite Atlantic City casino, my mom and me would hop a Bieber bus from Coopersburg to overnight it in AC. While she enjoyed playing the slot machines during solo day trips, even better were those sleepover bonding excursions with her daughters. Birthdays were especially coveted times for overnighters, for they included celebratory dinners at upscale restaurants along with a show.
I had little interest in gambling and would take the $20 in quarters she gifted me and do my best to lose them to said machines as quickly as possible. I wanted to be near the ocean, digging my toes in the sand, collecting pretty seashells and walking along the shore. But those damn slots with their incessant clanging and frenzied coin-spitting often had me grabbing a plastic container to collect cash rather than seashells. Fast forward to 2019 and my birthday weekend in Atlantic City, where not much had changed and yet everything was different.
Gambling still has zero appeal for me, although I’d be remiss being in AC and not tossing off a few coins as homage to those times with my mother as well as for “when in Rome …” reasons. This time around, my gracious hosts were the fine folks at Ocean Casino Resort (the former Revel Casino), who put me up in a gorgeous, spacious room with an ocean view (on the 48th of 48 floors, no less!), wined and dined me with dinners at two exceptional upscale restaurants, treated me to late-night cocktails, light bites, high-quality entertainment and a spa facial. Did I omit anything? To say that my birthday weekend at Ocean Casino Resort was memorable is an understatement.
Weather-wise, both days were fine-no precipitation, some sun, some clouds … all good … with one exception. It was so windy that, the few times I attempted to exit the resort, I was pretty much forced back inside. Fine by me. A two-night stay can pass rather quickly, particularly in the largest casino resort I’ve ever had the fun of discovering … a veritable grown-ups’ playground with an abundance of entertainment options and diversions with which to engage the senses. Celebrating another year of I, myself meant upping my game plan to include activities and indulgences I may not otherwise have considered. Clubbing at 2:00 a.m.? While it may be out of character, I was very much feeling the sleep-when-dead and only-live-once feels. It’s my party, and I’ll slay if I want to. Care to join the experience and learn more about Ocean Casino Resort? Read on …
I’d arrived! Check-in was a breeze, and my room was perfect in every way. The bed even passed my long-standing habit of test-by-jump … a gesture that emphatically declares, “I’m here and I approve of this comfort zone; now let’s get this party started.” Hunger pangs dictated my next move, which meant a nip into Topgolf Swing Suite, a state-of-the-art entertainment venue, where one can have it all: eats, drinks, playtime and tunes. Since I care about golf about as much as I enjoy gambling, some trepidation tremors were felt, but the wonder of this trendy lounge environment (featuring massive simulators that employ the same technology used by PGA Tour pros and gigantic HDTV’s) is that one can still max out on fun without even swinging a club. Is it just me, or is there more sensory overload out there? I opted to wing it a view, which meant dawgin’ a plate of plump, moist and buffalo-sauce dunked chicken wings accompanied by a margarita at a seating area with a spectacular ocean view. Topgolf Swing also sells some cleverly named and entertainingly packaged brews from Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. out of Croydon, PA.
Belly-sated, I left the lounge and wandered without agenda toward anything that caught my eye, which just happened to be Renee, a charming luxury boutique for ladies that is bursting with color, unique charm and seemingly one-of-a-kind items from all over the world. Renee Boutique, located in the shopping ‘district’ of the resort (“Shops at the Row”) bills itself as having “everything you need and more.” There really is a Renee, and she is just as charming and adorbs as is her shoppe! I peeked in the resort’s gift shop as well and found it stocked aplenty with all manner of items you may need during your stay or gifts to take home for friends and family. Who doesn’t need a hanging iridescent and mermaid-colored faux jellyfish?
I was told to look out for the eats place Distrito (“district”) by Jose Garces but couldn’t seem to find it, as I was searching for an actual sit-down restaurant. But Garces had other ideas for his foodie installation at the resort. He planted a taco truck on the scene, added a nearby “encampment” with a row of brightly colored stools, where passers by could simply show up, claim a stool and enjoy some tacos or nachos along with their choice of tequilas and cocktails. Additionally and with an Ocean Rewards Card, folks can score two-dollar tacos and margaritas Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mexico City meets Atlantic city and serves up its “culture and cuisine.” With dinner in the near-offing, I wasn’t about to spoil my appetite, so I snapped a photo of another’s two-dollar taco (see below), then returned to the room to primp in time for a dinner reservation at Dolce Mare.
Dolce Mare was the first of two upscale restaurants at which I dined. Since having set a culinary goal of focusing on seafood during my stay, I was a bit concerned that its modern Italian cuisine would clash with my stated desire to indulge primarily in shellfish and sea fish. Said concern was absolutely unwarranted as not a single plate set before me was absent any coveted mollusk or crustacean. I opted for two starters, the first of which was a gorgeous mix of oysters … buttery Blue Points from Maryland and the more briny delicacies from Washington state. A lobster cocktail bursting with sweet, plump meat followed. My entrée was a perfect blend of pasta and … sit for this … seafood in Dolce Mare’s Lobster Ravioli, a divine dish that included shitake mushrooms, asparagus, shrimp and lobster bisque. Clearly, my seafood fetish was more than satisfied during one exceptional-on-all-levels dining experience. A slice of artfully presented ricotta cheesecake provided meal closure.
Because I’m an early riser intent on discovering the following morning both gym and spa, I might have made an early night of it by retiring to my room for some downtime, particularly after a day loaded with activity and discovery. And yet … it was, after all, a weekend to make memorable in carpe-diem, sleep-when-dead fashion. “C’mon, Sharon … live it up,” whispered my little voice. Very well. I hung out at Villain & Saint, which the resort website describes as “a cultural gathering spot that serves as a rock n’ roll music hall and gastropub with a carefully curated menu including KFC-Korean Fried Chicken Wings, a wagyu Chef’s Burger as well as seasonal, local shellfish …” I wasn’t going to piggy any more food … until the fun couple I met at the bar offered to buy me a birthday drink and a light bite. Because I adore Brussels sprouts, I not-so-bashfully accepted their kind gesture and chose what became the best plate of said sprouts I’ve yet to taste… or at least in my top three favs. And no, I don’t say that in all of my reviews.
The live music that evening was spectacular. I hit the dance area that was smack dab in front of the band, who honored my request for a Tom Petty tune as well as gave me a cheery birthday shout-out.
And just like that, it was the next morning… not just any random morning but the occasion of my actual birth date. It was my time to shine and make that an understatement. Boing: I was up and at ’em with a schedule designed to make the most of the day, including a sweat-inducing run that supports both my physical and mental health. Four to five days a week, I’m “taking sport” (read: working out) because to not do so means I’m presenting at less than my best. Exercise matters. Ocean Casino Resort must share my motto, as its gym area is designed to create the best environment in which to engage in a fitness regime. It’s spacious, sleek and modern, energizing and fully functional, the epitome of a “clean, well-lighted place.” Adjacent to the gym is Exhale Spa, as conducive to rest, relaxation and revving down as the gym is to revving up.
Arriving at Exhale for my treatment, I was greeted warmly by Spa Director Stacy Meyers, who then introduced me to esthetician Natalie Lott … the woman who would be performing my selected anti-aging facial known as “Cool Beam.” Not one to surrender my skin care to a stranger, I was assured by Natalie that my “home” esthetician would approve of this facial treatment, touted as “an incredibly relaxing facial therapy to help repair years of skin damage, pain-free. In each Cool Beam session, a healing light is applied to the face, with particular focus on fine lines, sun spots, breakouts, and irritation. The antibacterial light sparks the production of collagen, softening fine lines as it gently reduces inflammation, diminishes acne, and hydrates. Suitable for any age and every skin type.” I approved of this message and took the plunge as Natalie photographed my face surrounded by an illuminated halo of light beams that resembled swizzle sticks and rivaled any bling on the casino floor. To add further futuristic flair, my protective eyewear turned my visage bug-like.
Afterwards, I was given a swag bag of various and sundry skin-care samples and more. Post-treatment treats! Natalie is a wonderful esthetician, caring, professional and easy-going with the warmest of spa-table manners. The entire spa staff was welcoming and accommodating; I would happily submit my face and body to their wellness ministrations again.
At some point after having left Exhale, I attempted again to venture outdoors; however and just as it did the prior day, the wind whipped me back inside, where my shutterbug self captured more snaps before heading back to the room to doll up for yet another dinner … this one at American Cut, described as a “swanky chophouse offering gourmet fillets and fare with a creative spin in a stylish venue.” Sorry-not-sorry and, while I do enjoy a nice steak, I’d decreed this weekend the 24-7 seafood channel, so-to-speak. But then … there’s meat. MEAT, I said! I would find a way to marry two of my favorites!
Upscale restaurant-history repeated itself at American Cut where, and as was the case at Dolce Mare, I was greeted warmly and promptly seated at a lovely, cozy table in the main dining area. Within minutes, I was enjoying a glass of chardonnay from Napa Valley‘s the Hess Collection while nibbling on a hearty hunk of multigrain bread topped with a flavorful spread. Everything about the bread opener passed muster, which is important if care and attention are not paid to a meal’s carbohydrate introduction, things do not bode well for what follows. First impressions and such. My culinary opening gambit was a chili lobster with Texas toast that had nothing in common with the thick, hamburger and bean laden sort. This version was more soupy and dense with chunks of claw as well as tail meat. I sopped the remaining flavorful chili sauce with my leftover bits of bread.
An unexpected surprise arrived at my table in between starter and entrée. Chef Eric Schlicht had sent to my table an artfully prepared medley of greens and a colorful blend of veggie-fruity chunks. He’d even showed himself tableside to greet me. Now that’s just sweeter than “lobstah” meat! Chef Eric’s gift was akin to a palette-cleansing sorbet, preparing me for my starter-the Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail with Florida mustard sauce-yet another winner on all counts that contained massive hunks of sweet and tender white crabmeat. I’d figured out a way to actually stick to my seafood guns while still managing to enjoy American Cut’s bread-and-butter (so-to-speak)-a thick, juicy steak. Garcon, s’il vous plait … bring on the six-ounce filet mignon done medium rare along with a shell-bursting cold-water Australian lobster tail. If there’s such a place as shellfish heaven, I had ascended to it during a celebratory dinner fit for the princess I play in my head. What could top- or even come close to following the two best-ever back-to-back oceanic meals I’d ever had the luxury of dining on? Not much, but mayhap an evening of music and dancing? It was time to hit Ocean Casino Resort’s club scene.
A walk through the casino was necessary in order to arrive at H2Q Nightclub and Beachclub, which and by the way, was awarded Atlantic City Weekly’s “Nightclub of the Year” award. The casino itself is one impressive and expansive gambling mecca. The bounty of slot machines and card tables are spaced just so to allow for easy traffic flow, while still maintaining a degree of personal space for gamblers intently feeding coinage to the machines and/or concentrating on a next Blackjack move or roll of the die. And of course, there’s the carpeting. So much depends on a casino’s carpeting choice … for me, at least. It can and will be busy, but it must be the an esthetically pleasing sort of busy. Patterns matter. Ocean Casino Resort hit the flooring jackpot with interlocking floral-like rosettes redolent in de rigueur bright colors. Actually, the floor’s appearance favors a field of neuronal connections, which was immediately clocked by my neuroscience-geek self. Onward to H2Q …
Even when I was in my twenties, I rarely set foot in a nightclub, so my arrival on the scene was no doubt (and to any casual observer) quite an amusing scene. I had no idea what to do with myself, let alone my hands. A gaggle of women sensed my clubbing insecurity and, as strangers-turned-friends in a hot minute will do, they dragged me onto the dance floor, where I gave myself and my body over to the throbbing bass and hypnotic pulsing sounds courtesy of some excellent deejay. So this was what the fuss was all about. I loved it all … Darkness! Scantily-clad drinks’ servers roaming the room! Flashing light spectrum! Speaking of neuronal activity, my brain cells were decidedly ping- and ponging with a sense of joyous abandonment, membership in the “wild women sisterhood.” I never saw a one of those ladies after that night, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten either them or those moments in time they gifted me. I can still hear ’em laughing with … not at me … as my booty shook it into a new year of what, maker-willing, will be filled with more such liberating and carefree times.
“Nothing gold can stay” (one of my favorite poetry lines) was certainly an applicable precept come Sunday morning a.k.a. the morning after. My weekend of decadence and debauchery was nearing its inevitable end. The party balloons slowly deflated; reality-reentry loomed. While check-out time was still hours away, a breakfast reservation time at Harper’s awaited. There would be no syrup-sodden French toast or artery-clogging fat when breaking this fast. Rather, I chose a protein-solid veggie omelet that was huge and expertly prepared. Berries on the side and a good cup of coffee completed the meal. Breakfast at Harper’s was a good way to end my stay. Good food with ample portions and efficient service met the sober light of a brand new day and was just what I needed in order to transition from vacay mindset to a more routine lifestyle.
Reminiscing about my Ocean Casino Resort stay during the drive back to my country home, I was amazed by the sheer volume of activity packed into a two-night stay. This is a testament to the resort itself for knowing exactly what visitors want and expertly fulfilling their desires with a seemingly endless array of good-time adventure and wish-fulfillment opportunities. Seize your own days and nights at Ocean soon!
For more information about Ocean Casino Resort, check the website at theoceanac.com.
On one extremely windy day, the boardwalk and beach scene as seen from on high.
Snake round this path to find pool area paradise.
Where are all the mermaids and mer-men? I wasn’t exaggerating about the day’s whipping wind!
My view from the 48th of 48 floors. Much earlier, the entire scene had been obscured by fog.
What a difference makes the passage of time. Gone is the fog, and night arrives like an incoming tide.
Behold the hotel’s front desk’s backdrop … a shimmery wave of oceanic bling.
A massive and mesmerizing display of tropical fish captures the attention of nearly all who pass it.
A threesome of silvery fish swim past onlookers.
Ka-ching slot machines call, but it’s hard to tear myself away from these exquisite creatures.
The aptly named Lobby Bar mirrors a mini rondel and is located just inside a large outdoor gathering area.
The bar area at Topgolf Swing Suite boasts a gorgeous ocean view (see ferris wheel in photo) and a fantastical grand-scale lighting fixture.
The is nothing par for the course about Topgolf Swing Suite’s libations or light bites. My cocktail and wings pre-dinner snack hit a hole in one.
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. out of Croydon, PA delivers its own brand of jawn to Atlantic City.
Word on the Distrito is that this Jose Garces jawn puts the Mexico City in Atlantic City.
Stage left is the actual parked Distrito food truck with the actual cantina seating area just a bar stool or few away.
Two-dollar ‘ritas. Whooties!
And two-dollar tacos with super-fresh ingredients. Yummers!
Time for the ultimate facial experience at Exhale Spa! A gal needs a primp session as a kid needs a bicycle.
This mannequin holds her tree pose so much longer than I do mine. Tee.
This sleek, spacious, well-lighted and well-designed gym area makes for a pleasurable workout (not an oxymoron!).
What yogic pose it this? No matter … she’s modeling it in perfect form.
Sharon Kozden submits to a facial (replete with Atlantic City bling … of sorts) at Exhale Spa.
Whoa … it’s my futuristic self from outer-face!
Check the swag-bag treats presented by Exhale Spa’s staff to the Birthday Girl.
Ocean Casino’s retail area is a crowd pleaser with its creative, energetic and colorful design elements.
Don’t miss the charming and unique shop named after its equally charming owner, Renee Esposito (pictured here).
Step right up and catch the window show at Renee Boutique, where you are guaranteed to find all things uniquely unique.
Quirky. Funky. Artsy. Creative. Bold color. A purchase from Renee pretty much ensures you’ll turn some heads.
A cardigan unlike any other from Renee. Sometimes its just fun to wear one’s Fruit Loops.
Comical sign seen at Renee. Does your man understand the appeal of retail therapy?
These shoes on display at Renee Boutique call to mind 60’s Twiggy times with modern-era flair.
Bling someone’s eyes out with this clutch from Renee … a perfect ball-dropper with which to ring in a new year.
Make a statement in chock-a-block o’ clunky-chunky footwear from Renee.
Renee well knows her market. Take a walk on the Atlantic City wild side in these. When in Rome …
Erm … can I run a marathon wearing these?
The IRL (in real life) Renee points to an in-store print of herself sporting shoes with seriously feminine curves.
A Renee Boutique associate stands happily ready to release these beauties from her hands to your feet.
Patrons enjoy the pre-dining bar scene at Dolce Mare (one of Ocean Casino Resort’s upscale restaurants).
An expansive ocean view matched with a contemporary interior makes for a relaxing and chill dining experience at Dolce Mare.
Good libations straight up from Dolce Mare’s mixologist.
Oysters were starters for this Birthday Girl … a mix of buttery Blue Points from Maryland and the more briny delicacies from Washington state.
Dolce Mare’s lobster cocktail is pleasantly plump, meaty and fresh.
A glass of Conundrum White Blend from California perfectly accompanied my two seafood starters (oysters and a lobster cocktail).
Get the bread right, and I’m a repeat customer. Clearly, Dolce Mare knows that bread, indeed, matters.
My chosen entrée was Dolce Mare’s gorgeous Lobster Ravioli, prepared with shitake mushrooms, asparagus, shrimp and lobster bisque.
My dessert choice of Ricotta Cheesecake was an artfully presented “raspberry hooray.”
Casino slot machines are a works of art in their own right.
Some casino floor carpet pattern prints are downright ugly. This one, however, garners an A+++ and favors a brain’s brilliant color burst of neural connections and pathways.
Casino lighting fixtures mimic a captivating lantern festival.
Gamblers in serious pursuit of hoped-for big wins.
Sharon Kozden hangs with HQ2 Nightclub’s manager just before hitting the club scene.
The Birthday Girl just wanted to have fun!
Whatever you’re in search of, the Ocean Casino Resort gift shop is well-stocked with great options.
The casino resort logo graces this sturdy nautical and nature-hued tote bag.
Take home this iridescent- and mermaid-colored jellyfish for the friend or family member who didn’t even realize they needed one.
What more is there to say? This rustic block expresses the basic shore-life premise.
The entrance to yet another upscale restaurant is wide open and welcoming.
Inside American Cut, summertime skin-baring patrons gather for an evening of fab food, cocktails and camaraderie.
American Cut earns a thumbs up for their bread offering. Note the accompanying tempting spread. The chardonnay is from Napa Valley’s the Hess Collection.
While not the biggest chili fan, I couldn’t resist American Cut’s winning Chili Lobster with Texas Toast.
I love surprises! This unexpected but wholly appreciated birthday treat from Chef Eric Schlicht arrived at my table. Delish!
From left, Sharon Kozden poses with American Cut’s Chef Eric Schlicht and his tableside-delivered birthday gift. Thank you, Chef Eric!
The Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail with Florida mustard sauce delivered on its name and sated some of my seafood craving.
The Steak Knife Wedge salad with bacon, cherry tomato and bleu cheese dressing (I take mine on the side).
American Cut’s Surf & Turf consists of six ounces of filet mignon and cold water Australian lobster tail.
The Cold Water Australian Lobster Tail comes apart at the seam, bursting with succulent meat.
Drink, dine and music. Drank, dined and danced the night away at cozy Villain & Saint.
Villain & Saint serves one of the best Brussels sprout dishes known my sprouts-loving palette.
Sharon Kozden jams with the band at Ocean’s Villain & Saint.
Harper’s is the go-to brunch place at Ocean Casino Resort. This friendly duo wears such welcoming smiles.
The retro-looking chairs at Harper’s are soft and plush. Sink in and select from the expansive menu.
What lies within this fluffy omelet? Veggies, and more veggies! “Nothing gold can stay,” but this prodigious golden beauty with accompanying fresh fruit was a nutritious way to end my stay.
