LUNCH, ANYONE?

September 2006

For most of the American workforce, the midday meal has become a quick ritual of gulping down average fast food. The alternative is takeout, often eaten at one’s desk.

Finding a lunch spot that serves great food quickly is a bonus. Anyone working near Northfield, or just seeking a lovely little spot for a pleasant lunch among friends, will enjoy Celina’s Café in the Center Point Plaza. The fabulous food highlights an interesting menu that combines traditional menu items with a vegetarian and international edge to it. The large portions are reasonably priced.

Celina’s also does a brisk breakfast and takeout business.

Weekend dinners are just as crowded, and the food is just as good. The quality and preparation of the dinner platters are comparable to those in the most expensive gourmet restaurant.

Customers may dine al fresco while the weather remains good.

If you finish early, check out some of the interesting stores in the shopping plaza. It is a nice variety of shops.

Further north, Celina’s recently opened their newest café in Galloway Township, near the Atlantic City Medical Center’s Mainland Campus.

LEGENDS WHO STILL DRAW A CROWD

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The new “Legends in Concert” revue at Resorts Atlantic City blends the talents of five musical “legends” for 90 minutes of memorable music, accompanied by several energetic dancers in beautiful costumes. Whatever your preferred musical era, you’ll find it at this show. From the early rock-n-roll icons, Jerry Lee Lewis and, of course, Elvis, to Aretha Franklin, the Blues Brothers and the Material Girl herself, Madonna, you will be entertained with a few of their popular songs.

“Aretha” was my favorite. Her voice was so good that when she belted out “Chain of Fools,” it was all I could do not to jump up and start dancing in the aisle. “Jerry Lee Lewis” had amazing talent on the piano…he could even pound the keyboards while facing the other way.

Legends in Concert will play through mid- September. Check the box office at Resorts or ticketmaster.com

AT BRULEE THE TREATS ARE SOOOOO SWEET...

If you have an insatiable sweet tooth and a waistline that can handle the extra calories, try Brulee, the Dessert Experience, at the Quarter in the Tropicana. The interesting décor features several booths with spotted faux cowhide fabric. An open kitchen allows patrons to watch the dessert preparation, enhanced by cameras detailing their work on television screens overhead.

The small café only serves desserts, but it is a classic threecourse French-style event. Everything is made on site, under the watchful eye of Pastry Chef Jemal Edwards.

He also oversees dessert preparation at Cuba Libre next door. First is the Amuse Sucree, which is an “appetizer” selection from the Chef’s imagination.

A customer then picks an “entrée” course, chosen from a menu of almost a dozen selections. The final course is the Petits Fours. Prices for the three courses range from $15 to $20.

I attended a media night that began with Brulee’s ice cream beer milkshake. Next came their new adult ice creams that combine liquors, including amaretto, grand marnier, bourbon, and merlot wine, with exotic ice cream flavors. Brulee’s version of a Banana Split, the Lickety Split, was our “main course.” Fresh whipped cream topped the caramelized bananas, three scoops of ice cream and crunchy peanut topping. The deliciously decadent evening ended with their final Petits Four course, a variety of cookies and confections.

Other menu treats include a “Drunken” Raspberry Cake, Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake, A “Peach” of a Tart and Summer Strawberry Fantasy.

Brulee is open daily from 7p.m. to 11p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Brulee is transformed into a nightclub, called 32 degrees, at 11p.m.