News Summary
Atlantic City is undergoing a culinary transformation with the debut of two new restaurants by renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr at the Ocean Casino Resort. Sunny’s, which opened on July 11, offers a diverse and innovative brunch menu, while Chez Frites serves classic French dishes in a friendly bistro atmosphere. These new establishments mark Starr’s return to the boardwalk and are part of a broader effort to revive Atlantic City’s dining scene following past challenges. As the resort invests in upgrades, the future of Atlantic City’s culinary landscape looks promising.
Atlantic City Welcomes Stephen Starr’s New Dining Ventures
Atlantic City is experiencing a culinary renaissance with the opening of two new restaurants by acclaimed restaurateur Stephen Starr at the Ocean Casino Resort. These establishments, Sunny’s and Chez Frites, mark Starr’s return to the boardwalk where he began his career as a teenager. Sunny’s opened its doors on July 11, 2023, followed closely by Chez Frites, which debuted a week later.
A Flavorful Experience at Sunny’s
Sunny’s offers a diverse menu featuring brunch staples and innovative dishes, including a standout item—the Elvis French toast. This restaurant aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors, catering to a variety of tastes while emphasizing quality ingredients and comfort food.
Chez Frites: A Taste of France
Chez Frites presents a classic French bistro experience, boasting a prix-fixe menu that includes options such as steak, salmon, and lobster, complemented by unlimited fries. The restaurant adopts a down-to-earth approach, distinguishing itself from other celebrity chef culinary offerings in Atlantic City, such as those from Gordon Ramsay and Guy Fieri.
Stephen Starr’s Culinary Journey
Stephen Starr, the owner of the STARR Restaurants group, has made a significant impact on the dining landscape across various cities, including Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C. With a portfolio of 43 restaurants, he has been instrumental in revolutionizing Philadelphia’s culinary scene during the 1990s to early 2010s. His earlier ventures in Atlantic City, including popular restaurants like the Continental and Buddakan, were forced to close in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on tourism and restaurant operations.
A Vision for Atlantic City
The opening of Starr’s new restaurants comes as the Ocean Casino Resort invests $270 million in upgrades, aiming to reposition Atlantic City as a culinary destination. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance guest experiences through diverse dining and entertainment options, appealing to a wide array of visitors ranging from food enthusiasts to high-stakes gamblers.
Challenges and Aspirations
While Starr’s return to Atlantic City signifies a full-circle moment, he acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. He notes the importance of a comprehensive development plan for Atlantic City to realize significant and lasting change in its dining and entertainment sectors. The region aims to elevate its profile by offering a mix of traditional comfort foods and modern culinary interpretations, particularly by incorporating regional influences such as seafood.
Future Outlook
Starr’s new ventures are expected to draw in both locals and tourists, fostering a renewed interest in Atlantic City’s dining scene. With an emphasis on quality and an inviting atmosphere, Sunny’s and Chez Frites seek to become integral parts of the city’s culinary landscape. The growth of culinary options at Ocean Casino Resort is indicative of Atlantic City’s commitment to diversifying its offerings beyond traditional gaming, paving the way for a vibrant and eclectic dining culture.
As Atlantic City continues to revitalize its image, the addition of Stephen Starr’s restaurants represents a significant step forward, reinforcing the notion that the city’s culinary future is bright and promising.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Business Insider
- Forbes
- New Jersey Monthly
- Philadelphia Magazine
- ROI NJ
- Wikipedia: Atlantic City
- Google Search: Stephen Starr Atlantic City
- Google Scholar: Stephen Starr restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stephen Starr
- Google News: Atlantic City cuisine
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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