Remembering Frank Sinatra, Jr. 1944 - 2016

We saw Frank Sinatra Jr. last autumn in The Music Box at The Borgata in Atlantic City.
He performed with a full orchestra and delivered a sight and sound tribute on his dad's centenary. It was an incredible show. There were moments or eerie similarity as Frank Jr. performed his father's songs. And it was almost as if his dad was right up there on the stage -- right alongside him.
Above all, Frank obviously enjoyed performing the music his father made so famous -- the soundtrack of our lives, as it was called. He enjoyed every moment of it.
And so did we. We didn't want the evening to end.
But eventually, every song must come to an end. Little did we know this would be one of Frank Jr's last performances.
Sleep warm, Frankie.

Bad Atlantic City Getaway

Freinds of ours have reported a harrowing story about their recent trip to Atlantic City.
It seems they wanted to get away for a few days and cheked into the Hilton, well . . . . here's how they explain it:
We thought it would be nice to go down to A.C. for a couple of days this week.
So we called the Hilton and asked if they had a beach bar and if there were umbrellas/chairs rented on their beach.
The answer to both questions was yes.
We got there Tues. about 2 pm, and it was beautiful there.
Went to eat lunch at the beach bar. Closed until this weekend, or maybe today, or maybe Friday.
No one seemed to know. All we do know is that it was closed Tues and Wed.
Went to rent chairs/umbrellas. That too was closed.
Again, no one knew when it would open. Just not open Tues. and Wed.
Sat around the pool Wednesday (indoors). It was full of kids, but that goes with the territory, so we blocked out their noise and read books.
At 6 pm the "spa" staff walks out, announces that the pool is closing and everyone has to leave. Now it's raining cats and dogs right then, so what were these parents supposed to do with their kids?
Oh, but I need to regress: Tues., after seeing the Hilton beach bar was closed, we walked 12 blocks down to the one at Caesars. I ordered one of their "specialty" drinks--a mojito. The waitress returns: no mint. I order a pinot grigio. The waitress returns: no pinot. I order a chardoney. It tastes like beer.
Now fast forward to Wed. After being thrown out of the pool, we returned to our room (filthy carpet, but the bathroom was clean--I'll let you know how I know that later). Decided to eat at one of the restaurants in the hotel because it was pouring rain.
Guess what? Only the coffee shop and a burger bar were open. NO BARS!!!
Only the bar at the Burger Bar. (Which I"m guessing specialized in beer, but we didn't try it). No honestly. I asked a manager where a bar was, and he said they were all closed, until, are you ready? -- The Weekend!
Back to our room. On Wednesday night/ Thursday morning at about 2 a. m. a party starts in the room next to us. We tried putting pillows over our heads. No point. So, at 2:30, we got up, packed our suitcases, and left. We got home a little before 4 a.m. Thursday.
We told the manager on duty when we were checking out, that he and all the staff had better start looking for jobs a.s.a.p, because if PA opens table gaming, why would anyone go to Atlantic City anymore?
Now I must say that all the people working at the Hilton were very nice and quite unhappy with what the hotel did not offer. My theory is that the owners of the Hilton want it to close, and then they can turn it into condos.
There was no one on the casino floor. Why would there be? Without liquor, what's the point?
So now our friends are really down on Atlantic City.
Their experience also invluded a very bad meal at P. F. Chang's. They say they'll never go back to Atlantic City.
I feel sorry for them and hope they'll reconsider.
My prescription: Next time, try The Borgata. You won't be disappointed.
BTW: An entirely different set of friends also reported a dreadful experience at Patsy's restaurant (the famous pasta place from New York) inside The Atlantic City Hilton.

Rickles Still Crackles

It had been 42 years since I last saw Don Rickles.

You heard me right: forty-two years!

That was at The Sands in Las Vegas where I managed to convince the keepers of the gate that I was actually old enough to be in a casino let alone at a Don Rickles performance.

Well, The Sands is gone now and it's been decades since anyone has carded me.

Still, when Rickles' show began last night at The Borgata's Music Box in Atlantic City I almost expected Mr. Warmth to glare into the audience, settle his gaze on me and bellow: "What the hell took you so long. If I relied on guys like you I'd be on the bread line by now!"

But I wasn't that close to the stage and, at 82, Rickles' vision and memory are not that sharp.

I wish I could tell you that Don Rickles is as good in 2009 as he was in 1967. But I can't.

Because Rickles is actually better today that he was then.

Time has been kind to Rickles' brand of humor. Though his rapid-fire insult fest was still controversial when I first saw him, today he's almost lovable - almost. And Rckles himself is the first to admit this. "In the beginning, there was a lot of rejection," Rickles says. "Somehow, even being politically incorrect, it somehow caught on."

Rickles appeared last night with a full 18-piece orchestra, a Sinatra sound-alike named Michael Martocci as an opener and all the bells and whistles that only The Borgata can summon in what is a jewel of a theatre just off the casino floor.

But it was Rickles and his lines, his wit, his jabs and his timing that held sway. And all of that was not only intact but fresh and plentiful as well. The lines come so fast that you almost have to see the show twice. On top of all that Rickles even sings a few songs ("I'm A Nice Guy" and "I Am What I Am" among others) and does an admirable octogenarian soft shoe.

And yes, be forewarned: If you are sitting in the first five or six rows you are fair game. But there's sentiment in the show too and all's well that ends well.

Now, here's the best part: These days Rickles is actually attracting audience members who are closer to my age 42 years ago then they are to my age now. In fact, I went to see the show at the behest of Adam Cirucci who's a Big Time Don Rickles Fan. Twentysomethings like Don Rickles.

It's great to see a legendary entertainer endure - to watch him grow and adapt and still delight in his talent and his craft. Rickles' love of comedy and show business is palpable; it's contagious.

Really great live entertainers are rare.

Don Rickles is in the pantheon and he and his legion of followers are enjoying every moment of it. Good for them - and us!

Delicious Izakaya

We were out late last night celebrating the opening of the spectacular new Izakaya Japanese Pub at the beautiful Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City. In Japan izakaya describes is a type of Japanese drinking establishment which also serves food to accompany the drinks.

The name "izakaya" is a compound word consisting of "i " (to remain) and "sakaya" (sake shop), showing that izakaya originate from sake shops which allowed customers to remain on the premises to drink.

At Borgata Izakaya describes a modern Japanese pub that defies comparison and serves extraordinary sushi, sake and robotayaki served in a sensual, yet contemporary atmosphere. Izakaya's tempting cocktails and sharable plates make it the premier spot for after-hours nosh and drinks, or a delicious late night meal.

We were mesmerized as we watched chef/owner Michael Schulson (pictured) and his fine staff at work as they produced dazzling treats such as cubed kobe beef, king crab, seared scallops, salmon, spicy tuna cracker and sushi made of cucumber, tuna, eel, shrimp, yellowtail and avocado. Schulson is the acclaimed chef and star of "Pantry Raid" on the Food Network and his new eatery is inspired by his time living in Japan and his global travels.

Izakaya is dreamy inside - tranquilizing in shades of brown, gold, grey and black. With an airy spaciousness Izakaya invites you to linger and taste a variety of dishes while enjoying drinks such as its signature sake sidecar. Last night we sampled all of the treats including the refreshing sidecar and topped it all off with mini ice cream sandwiches made of green tea, chocolate or vanilla tofu "ice cream."

We also met many members of the Borgata staff including Signe Huff who works in human resources. Signe told us that Borgata employs more than 8,000 people and that its human resources department alone employees more than 20 people. Signe started working in Atlantic City at Resorts when gambling first arrived 30 years ago. Signe was a pleasure to chat with as she described how the town has grown and thrived and how Borgata has redefined hospitality at the shore.

BTW: In Philadelphia magazine's "Best of Philly" (just out) Borgata garners a record FIVE "best of" winners in five different categories. Is anybody surprised?

Kudos once again to Cashman and Associates for producing a top-drawer party!

Dolly, Wolfgang, Borgata!

We journeyed to the beautiful Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City last night to enjoy the legendary Dolly Parton in concert at the Borgata's spacious and comfortable Event Center.
Before the show we dined at Wolgang Puck's American Grille. Offering contemporary American cuisine in an upscale setting designed by preeminent hospitality designer Tony Chi, the restaurant is Chef Puck’s first east coast venture. Wolfgang Puck American Grille offers two distinctive dining experiences ranging from casual and relaxed to elegant and upscale, each with a different menu and price point. Guests enter the restaurant upon an elevated terrace that overlooks Borgata’s pedestrian walkway creating a great place to people-watch. We chose the informal Tavern and enjoyed perfect martinis and burgers. If you can find a better burger platter than the one served here please let us know. It's truly outstanding.
As for the show, Dolly is the kind of bigger-than-life entertainer and vivid personality who delivers on every level. She knows what you want to see and what you want to hear and it's all there. Magnificently done out and backed by eight musicians and three vocalists Dolly performed all her giant hits and then some. These included Nine to Five, Jolene, Here You Come Again and the poignant Coat of Many Colors. She also delivered songs from her new album, Backwoods Barbie.
Dolly is a well-grounded entertainer and consummate musician who has actually written thousands of songs (including I Will Always Love You, which she also performed) and she is a real person who is proud of her country roots as well. She is an incandescent talent.
Thanks goodness there was no warm up act. The show started promptly and ran more than two hours with a brief intermission. Dolly Parton is the Real Deal.
And this too: The Borgata remains a personal favorite of ours. Everyone at the Borgata is friendly and courteous. It's a joy to visit this spectacular property because it is so well managed and the staff is so accommodating. Bravo!