Groups looking for venue options beyond the norm are in luck. New restaurants around town or those that recently upgraded now feature function space that can provide a unique experience. In addition, one A.C. hotel has added a cooking school, providing a host of options for events.
At Harrah’s Resort (855.633.8238; www.harrahsresort.com), several new places can cater—literally—to groups. Luke Palladino Seasonal Italian Cooking features a private dining room that can seat 20 diners. Dos Caminos, a popular spot in NYC that serves atypical Mexican cuisine and has come to Atlantic City, also has a private dining area. At the more casual Bill’s Bar and Burger, another emigre from the Big Apple, there is currently no function space, but the venue is working on ideas for group events, according to a spokeswoman.
Also on property, the Viking Cooking School can be used for receptions of up to 32 guests and can incorporate live chef demonstrations. The school also can be used for team building for up to 16 attendees.
From the same hotel company, Caesars Entertainment, Showboat Atlantic City (855.633.8238; www.showboatac.com) also features some new dining options for meetings and events.
The House of Blues (609.343.4000; www.houseofblues.com/atlanticcity) at Showboat recently opened “prayer rooms,” private spaces with funky decor that can host small meetings of about 15 people. The entertainment spot also opened the Foundation Room to the public. Previously a private club, it features a dining room as well as smaller areas for breakouts or more intimate events.
Jim Ziereis, vice president of conventions and sales at Caesars Entertainment, says the House of Blues venues and the cooking school are particularly striking options for groups.
“Just last week, a food service group had a trade show at Harrah’s Resort, and as part of their program, they had a chef competition at Viking Cooking School, which was a huge hit. The school is great for small corporate team building,” he says. “House of Blues Foundation Room is a huge home run for us. We have used the various prayer rooms for different vendors within a larger group, and the balcony has an unmatched view. I just hosted a dinner for some of our new sales people, and they were amazed.”
Meanwhile, the Golden Nugget (800.777.8477; www.goldennugget.com/atlanticcity) features two new venues that can host groups. Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse, where guests walking through the hotel’s foyer will be enticed to enter the restaurant by a display case boasting thick meats and oversized lobster tails, has a private dining room for up 76 guests. At the Chart House, known for fresh fish and award-winning prime rib, private dining is available for up to 24 guests.
