Stephen Starr Is Opening Two New Concepts In Atlantic City This Summer
There's no shortage of buzzy developments and events in the pipeline for Atlantic City this summer—from the return of the Atlantic City Airshow to the debut of Steel Pier's new roller coaster Sky Rocket II—but the biggest news is the just-announced partnership between the visionary James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr and Ocean Casino Resort for two new dining concepts.
'I formed some of my finest childhood memories in Atlantic City, both at the beach and on America's most popular boardwalk, where I worked as a teenager,' Starr shares exclusively with Forbes. 'When the team at Ocean first approached me, it felt like a full circle moment. I admire how Ocean is constantly improving and enhancing their offerings, while keeping the guest experience front and center.'
While the restaurants are still in the development phase, one thing's for certain: in true Starr style, they'll deliver exceptional crowd-pleasing cuisine, detail-oriented design, and polished service from start to finish. 'The 'Americana' concept will be open for breakfast and lunch, and will offer a nostalgic menu of comfort foods that are familiar and beloved by all,' says Starr. 'The menu will feature dishes such as Pigs in a Blanket, Tuna Tacos, Pierogies, Home-Style Meatloaf, and Thanksgiving Dinner served year-round.'
One of Stephen Starr's new concepts at Atlantic City's Ocean Casino Resort will focus on the classic French bistro favorite, Steak frites.
As for the second concept, Starr is drawing inspiration from Paris' iconic Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecot—'it combines old-school charm with a new-school twist'—and its cult favorite steak frites smothered in herbaceous butter sauce. Starr shares, 'The menu will be a prix-fixe of Steak, Salmon and Lobster with frites—in addition to a few à la carte offerings.'
Starr's partnership with Ocean Casino Resort couldn't have come at a better time. Atlantic City has been on a steady upswing since the pandemic, and this news will give all kinds of travelers, from gourmands to high rollers, another reason to visit. 'We are excited to add to this historic culinary fabric with our own interpretation of classic dining that will be a draw for locals and out-of-towners alike,' says Starr, who hopes to recreate some of the magic he experienced in Atlantic City as a kid.
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