bor·ga·ta
/bôrˈɡädə/
noun
an organized branch of the Mafia.
Well, if ever there was a name for a casino, Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa lives up to it! Bryan Buttler Media Relations, in tandem with the Borgata’s Marketing Team, invited a bunch of Philly bloggers, influencers, and media elite to the Borgata’s 15th Birthday Bash! After a weekend at the Borgata, there is no immediate need to ever visit Las Vegas.
An itinerary filled weekend of fun, food, and entertainment was kicked off with a gift box of homemade and intricately hand-decorated chocolates.
Night 1:
*Although not part of the planned itinerary, this was must for me and my guest, my sister Angelina. Since dinner wasn’t until 8:30, we stopped here for a cocktail and an appetizer. (Side note, a glass of red wine was accidentally spilled on my dress and Frank, the General Manager, was quick to cover my tab. He was kind and generous. Accidents happen!)
*This prefixed 4 course meal was OUT OF CONTROL! The entire restaurant was celebrating their 15th along with the Borgata. Old Homestead was a complete send-up to classic Hollywood with dim lights, grand staircase, sepia toned NY celebrities adorning every nook and cranny. A giant photo of Lady Gaga was staring at me during dinner, which I am not mad about! The menu does not do justice to the meal. At a table of 13, not a single person was able to complete a course. The servings were monstrous. 4 days later and I still have dessert leftover!
Premier Nightclub featuring TYGA
*After being stuffed like a pig, I literally couldn’t make it to the after party. However, several counterparts did attend and indicated they had a blast. Full bottle service, dancing, and TYGA made his grand entrance around 1:40am!
Day/Night 2:
Borgata Birthday Bash Festival hosted by Iron Chefs’ Michael Symone and Geoffrey Zakarian
*This outdoor festival featured a plethora of games, drink and food stations, and musical entertainment. Featuring a cover band from local suburb West Chester, PA, Lost in Paris, as well as the American Bombshells. The main event was a cook-off between Symone and Zakarian which ended with a Symon win. Mostly in part to Zakarian being distracted by his own tight white pants!
*A feast at the Chef’s Table featured nearly everything off the menu.
Here is just a few that I remember: Truffled Potato Chips, Chinese BBW Ribs, Chopped Vegetable Salad, Ribeye Steak, Five Cheese Pasta, Corn, Korean Chicken, Duck Sausage Pizza, Pan-Roasted Chicken.
Dessert was offered, but I did not indulge. If I had, I would have selected the Moscato Beignets. Wouldn’t you?
They also have an extensive Drink Specials menu!
Barry Manilow Live at The Event Center
*This concert is how I landed myself an invitation to this lush weekend. I’ve been a Barry Manilow since my time in the womb. NO JOKE! This marks my 5th concert, the last time having seen him front row, alone, at Paris Casino in Las Vegas. Well, this time, 9th row and completely unbelievable. He sung his greatest hits of all time. Repeated the same old stories as he does every concert and it felt like the first time. I was surrounded by Barry lovers (not to be called “Fanilows”) as well as many, many, many young people seeing him (and hearing his music) for the first time. He is absolutely incredible. Fun fact for the NON-ilows. He is responsible for several commercial jingles including Band-Aid Brand and State Farm Insurance!
*A wonderful after party in the reserved section with a full array of beverages and a personal server just for our party. Local Philly band Flip Like Wilson were stellar and commanded the room. Baby bottles of Prosecco kept me occupied during their entire first set!
I am pretty sure I just laid out the most amazing weekend. Save on airfare and spend your hard-earned money at the Borgata instead of Vegas. Britney Spears and Jerry Seinfeld will be there this summer too! As Barry sings, “I’ve got the New York City rhythm running through my life!” From the Old Homestead to the Fifth Avenue fashion to the deep dark tans and hair gel reminiscent of “da Bronx”, the Borgata is a destination for all us Philly folk. Just a quick drive over the bridge and you have your own getaway.
o In-room Dining: The Water Club’s IRD menu created by the hotel’s Culinary Lifestyle Consultant, Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian
o Immersion Spa: gourmet superfoods menu available at The Water Club’s spa
o The Sunroom: The Water Club hotel’s lobby lounge with menu created by Iron Chef Zakarian
o The Metropolitan: full café menu with oyster bar; Oyster Bar Happy Hour daily from 1 to 5pm
o Borgata Buffet: award-winning casino by Borgata Culinary
o Noodles of the World: Asian noodle bar
o Borgata Baking Company: signature sweets & eats with gelato bar
o Bread + Butter: breakfast and griddled sandwiches, pastries, gourmet drinks
o The Marketplace: Shop/taste European-style bazaar experience as well as quick-service options that include Chop & Toss salads and wraps; Burgers & Fries; Casa Taco Express; Asian Fusion; Pizata Pizza & Pasta; Philly Steaks & Subs; and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
o Borgata Indoor Pool & Gardens: access via Spa Toccare inside Borgata’s hotel tower
o Borgata Beer Garden & Outdoor Pool: access via North Entrance adjacent to Bobby Flay Steak
o The Water Club Indoor Pools: 2 heated indoor pools and 2 jacuzzis, access via entrance on ground floor
o The Water Club Outdoor Pools: 2 heated outdoor pools, access via entrance on ground floor
o Immersion Spa: 1 infinity-edge lap pool located on 32nd floor of The Water Club hotel
o Borgata Beach Shuttle Service: Running Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm, weather permitting. Catch a ride to the Brigantine Beach on Borgata’s Beach Shuttle. Departing from the Surface Parking Lot (adjacent to Bobby Flay Steak), leaving every 45 minutes. Towels and beach tags are complimentary for all hotel guests. Umbrella and chair rental available at the beach. Borgata’s beach is located in front of Laguna Grille & Rum Bar. Check out video here.
o The Fitness Center at Immersion Spa (The Water Club)
o The Pump Room at Spa Toccare (Borgata)
o The Shoppes at The Water Club: Capri, Hugo Boss, Fixation Shoes & Accessories, Cameo Gift Shop, and Vintage Wine Boutique
o The Retail Piazza at Borgata: Starbucks Coffee, Borgata Baking Company, Carina Women’s Boutique, Misura Men’s Boutique, Whim!, Tumi Luggage & Accessories, and Borgata Collections Gift Shop
o Vintage Wine Boutique: complimentary wine tastings from 4-7PM on Saturday
o Gypsy Bar: rock n’ roll tequila bar with live music nightly
o B Bar: centrally located bar/lounge on the casino floor
o Long Bar: with multiple flat screen tv’s
o Slot Machineso The Race & Sports Book
A special thank you to Bryan Buttler for introducing me to such wonderfully talented media personalities from Philadelphia.
Philly Life & Culture 