"Spice" up your life at the Taj

September 2007

While the weather may be getting cooler, things at the Trump Taj Mahal are getting spicier. The gorgeous new Spice Road shopping and dining corridor has opened.

Gone are the standard eateries that were lined up in a row. In their place is a stunning curved corridor of several retail and food outlets, plus a new twenty four hour 300-seat restaurant called Plate American Cafe. There is a mix of interesting retailers selling unusual items with popular food options.

Designed by local company SOSH Architects of Atlantic City, the rust and earth tone colors create a rich, elegant mood. The shops include:

STEM - a flower shop featuring beautiful vases and glassware

CANDY - sweets galore for the chocolate and salt water taffy lover

BURGER - old-time burgers with fries and milkshakes

GO - sophisticated fast food in the 60-seat café.

STARBUCKS - the first name in coffee houses

ACCENTS - a perfect spot to find a favorite accessory

TRUMP EXCHANGE - branded apparel and other collectibles Enjoy Spice Road before heading downstairs to the casino. The entire casino floor, baccarat pit, and poker room are undergoing renovations, with a completion date scheduled for later this year.

Main Street Shopping...

If sitting in traffic and fighting for parking space at the region’s massive malls and retail centers turns you off, try shopping at specialty stores in a town’s commercial district.

Marlton comes to mind.

Starting at the intersection of Main and Maple, the two streets are filled with a variety of charming, personal boutique shops. From high-end fashion to handmade gift items, something will catch your eye. You will feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of Routes 70 and 73.

If you want to stop for a meal or a drink, try the Marlton Pub, a two story eatery with a Victorian ambiance.

The menu mixes casual bar food and more formal dining. Upstairs, there are a few quaint small dining alcoves for more private dining.

All Hands On deck...

As the summer fades into fall, those restaurants offering outside dining will soon shutter their decks.

However, most remain open through September or early October - check with them individually for their schedules - so here are some recommendations for that “farewell to summer” dinner or drink:

The Greenhouse - Located next to Lucy the Elephant, Margate’s most famous icon, the two decks offer a wide range of freshly prepared foods and drinks for customers walking in off the street or the beach. Sandwiches and salads look good, but don’t pass up a chance to enjoy their delicious pizzas. Lamberti’s - Another Margate venue, Lamberti’s overlooks the bay.

The vista of the sunset on a clear evening is gorgeous, and a new menu this summer included more casual, affordable options. Try the wonderful artichoke and crabmeat dip appetizer.

Back Bay Ale House - Situated at Gardner’s Basin in the northern end of Atlantic City, this pub has a great view of the marina area hotels plus the water. The food is fresh, portions are large, and the breeze on a pleasant day can’t be beat.

The Inlet - Somers Point’s most anticipated new restaurant, The Inlet has attracted huge crowds since its Memorial Day week opening. The beautiful interior rooms complement the two outside decks that have drawn thousands who want to sit outside while listening to live entertainment and viewing the Great Egg Harbor Bay.

Tuckahoe Inn - This upper Cape May County landmark is located just over the Egg Harbor Bridge of the Garden State Parkway at Beesley’s Point, The Tuckahoe Inn views the Great Egg Harbor Bay from the other opposite perspective. There is inside and outside dining.

Celina’s - Though Northfield’s Center Point Plaza technically does not qualify as deck dining, the outdoor patio is a great site to people watch as they patronize the various shops. The food at Celina’s is fresh, and they do a huge lunch business.

Finally, the casino beach bars and deck bars all offer entertainment, food and drinks with abundant specials and theme nights. Enjoy the sunshine and sunsets as the days get shorter and the sun sets earlier.

Beatles Extension...

Good news for Beatles fans.

The Tropicana in Atlantic City has extended Yesterday – A Tribute to The Beatles, which will continue performing "The British are Coming!" indefinitely in the Liverpool Club at Tropicana.

Performances are Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are $25, and may be purchased at the Tropicana box office, phone or via Ticketmaster.