"The Wisdom of Elevationism"

The game-changing, recently opened Atlantic City resort, Revel, has a few words of wisdom for its guests. They are as follows:
1. Jump into the Deep End of Everything.
2. 24 Hours is a Night Well Spent.
3. Bonfires & Bellinis: Mix Responsibly.
4. Manners Apply Only After You Finish Licking The Plate.
5. Sleep On Monday. 

Revel Resorts, a 20-acre beachfront destination, is changing AC. Rather than luring mainstream gamblers on an overnight jaunt, the resort is targeting the "beautiful crowd" through its innovative luxury, relaxing waterfront environment, varied entertainment... and yes, its spectacular casino. Revel was clearly developed through a unique and very un-AC concept. The main attraction is NOT the casino, though it does not at all lack in that department. It is more of a beach resort, highlighted by its 1,800 ocean view rooms, cabanas, fire pits, floor to ceiling windows, InOut pool, SkyGarden, and much more. The building's design was inspired by and resembles the curves of the ocean. It crosses boundaries and distinguishes itself from the other "resorts" (AKA casinos) on the boardwalk. Did I happen to mention that the casino has windows? Yes, windows, which is unheard of in traditional casino design and layout. They're not trying to lock gamblers in by disorienting their sense of time, but rather let them enjoy the casino while still reminding them of the resort's other offerings. 

Scéno Plus, the Montreal firm responsible for Cirque du Soleil's sets, designed the Casino.

The resort rocks options for everyone, with over a dozen restaurants, two nightclubs, a beach club, retail shops, a spa, two theaters, and various other amenities, some of which I mentioned above. Revel's three signature restaurants, Amada, Azure by Allegretti, and American Cut by Forgiorne, look onto the Atlantic Ocean, while the other foodie-attracting hot spots surround the casino. Two of these, the James Beard Award-winning Central from Michel Richard and Belgian gastro-pub Mussel Bar from Robert Wiedmaier, deserve mention... they look delicious.

Ivan Kane's Royal Jelly Burlesque Nightclub--a Revel spin on traditional burlesque.
Offers burlesque lessons for the adventurous guest--WOO!

InOut Pool

Bask Spa, developed by Exhale Mind Body Spa
Integrated approach to wellbeing, blending spa, fitness, healing, relaxation, and fun. 

Tapas at Amada:
White Sangria, Charcuterie, Salad with blue cheese and spicy almonds, Tortilla 

Mussel Bar 

Garlic Fries at Mussel Bar -- drooling...

The idea behind Revel is exciting, innovative, and fresh. Atlantic City definitely needed an extra something to boost the atmosphere and drive business--many believe the resort will be AC's "savior". It just opened, so hopefully this dream will turn into a reality. Until then, the witty, quirky, and semi-knockoff of another advertisement (for the Las Vegas Cosmopolitan Hotel) should keep you all entertained. You'll totally see what I mean by knockoff if you check out my other blog post, "Just The Right Amount Of Wrong". 

I don't really understand why Revel's advertising team decided not to showcase anything the resort has to offer. It's visually appealing and has a lot of fun aspects. The building itself is a work of art! Cosmopolitan took the same path (and they did it first). I guess I've come to the conclusion that this ad sparked my interest and prompted me to research and blog about Revel... SO their marketing staff can pat themselves on the back. Weird and non-traditional gets the people talking!


POGS,
AKtually Ashley

Bacon and Eggs... cocktail, please!

Don't worry, you're not going crazy. The title reads: Bacon and Eggs COCKTAIL. Restaurants have been playing off the gourmet comfort food for... well, forever. In the past years, however, I've come across a lot of savory cocktails on restaurant menus. There also seems to be some sort of obsession with bacon. I've come across various bacon-flavored products that range from gum, to chips, to toothpaste! Yes, your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, or roommate can wake up to your smokey bacon breath! Woohoo! 


This specific Bacon and Eggs cocktail is offered at New York's Whiskey Blue. The cocktail, served "sunny side up" (get it?!), features whipped eggs mixed in with a shot of bourbon and smoked bacon. When I first read about this cocktail, I imagined that in the place of a celery stick or swizzle stick, there would be a crispy piece of bacon! Lo and behold, that's exactly what it has! 

In addition to the Bacon and Eggs cocktail, they serve a Blueberry Scone cocktail, as well as a Waffle and Maple Syrup cocktail. As you might have assumed, the liquid comfort foods run for about the same price as the actual comfort foods -- $16. 


So, instead of ordering a Bloody Mary or Mimosa at brunch, why not just go all out and get a Bacon and Egg cocktail to go with your... bacon and eggs?


POGS,
AKtually Ashley

Lolita & Tequila

We rarely hear about the groups responsible for the restaurants we love and frequent. Over Thanksgiving break I went to dinner with a few friends to Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar in Greenwich, CT. I've been to some amazing restaurants, but I find Lolita to be extremely impressive. I should say that I rate restaurants almost entirely on their atmosphere, vibe, and website. I also love menus... so even if the food itself isn't superb (Lolita's food is incredible) I still can be impressed with the way they describe their actual menu items. cb5 Restaurant Group is responsible for this restaurant gem and has brought it to Boston as well. 

The group has created the ultimate branded restaurant, and has woven that identity through every detail and space. Lolita's brand identity compliments its upscale mexican cuisine. Both restaurants feature lavash red and black decor, sexy music, and extremely dim lighting. 

A "Lolita" is a spanish word referring to a young promiscuous woman. The restaurant definitely incorporates this reference into the overall vibe the diners experience. It is an elegant version of a Mexican speakeasy... sortof. You almost feel like a rebel being there, almost like you don't belong, but at the same time it lures you in. The restaurant somehow bonds with you with its intimate style.

Lolita gradually transforms into a chic night club scene with a DJ and dancing as the night progresses. It becomes quite the scene after 10pm. Visitors can choose from over 150 different brands of tequila and various signature margaritas, sangrias, and other cocktails. There is something for everyone... including non-alcoholic tropical house juices -- The Lime Coco sounds incredible and is made from fresh lime, coconut, citrus fruits, and garnished with mint and a blackberry... YUM.

When you sit at the table your seductive server brings a "palate cleanser". It's a fresh grapefruit granita splashed with an optional shot of tequila. The presentation is the most exciting part, as it is delivered to the table with dry ice smoke brimming over the silver bowl. With various delicious menu options, including guacamole with crap and lobster, bbq spare ribs, various tacos, quesadillas, and creative entrees, a second or third visit is absolutely necessary. As you receive your check you also get a sweet surprise! No, the bill will still be pretty steep BUT you get a complementary cotton candy for the table! So, even if you don't have room for a full desert, you get the sugary finale anyway.

And to top it off, you and your fellow diners are also given temporary Lolita tattoos and a damp towel for application. Unique and extremely fitting with the restaurant's theme. I love it!

The websites are branded the exact same way and are super fun and interactive with music and great page transitions. See for yourself! Greenwich Website & Boston Website.

If you get a chance to visit the Greenwich location of the elegant and seductive restaurant, don't forget to take a look at the bathroom... it is completely covered with blackboard wallpaper and chalk. Leave your mark on Lolita, because it will definitely leave one on you.

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

Just The Right Amount of Wrong

Hotel advertisements and commercials are usually pretty generic. They highlight the hotel's amenities, its beautiful architecture and decor, the creatively prepared food, and its smiling employees. Most do not truly differentiate themselves from their competitors.

This is what I thought until I came across this article about the Las Vegas Cosmopolitan Hotel. We've all seen the ridiculous, yet beautiful, myriad of Las Vegas hotels on TV, in movies, and for the lucky ones, in person. I've never been but would absolutely love to jet over there for a weekend with friends to experience the crazy city for myself. When that time comes, however, how on earth am I supposed to choose my hotel?! The Hangover's Ceasars Palace? The Bellagio from Ocean's Eleven? I'm just throwing out some memorable names. But in all seriousness, I would love to step inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel. It has 15 restaurants. That's right, 15 restaurants!!! Or see the Mirage Volcano. 

My opinions are entirely based upon what I have seen and read about these various hotels' decor, atmosphere, and amenities. For some reason, I am still intrigued by the Cosmopolitan Hotel. I know nothing about its services or decor... well, except for the elevator. 

I hope the elderly dancing couple is there when I visit. I think they would be fun.

The commercial is eery. It's definitely unique and grabs my attention. It provoked thought. It made me smile in disbelief and wonder. You know that smile that spreads across your face when you don't know how to respond or what to think? The feeling is almost indescribable. I think they're crazy, but I love it -- which is a success, I guess, right? I mean, I'm blogging about them, aren't I? 

If you liked the elevator commercial, check out this one too. Again, extremely different and unexpectedly influential. It makes you want to go to the hotel just to see if these things actually happen. When (if) I ever find out I'll need to keep my findings a secret -- What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! I guess you will have to see for yourself!

I agree with them, both commercials are definitely "Just The Right Amount of Wrong."

  

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

Burgers and... Nick Lachey?

What does a big, juicy, multi-patty cheese burger have to do with Nick Lachey? Everything, according to Eagle's Deli. 

The famous Eagle's Deli of Cleveland Circle, is a favorite to locals and Boston College students. If you have never heard of Eagle's Deli, it is a standard burger joint featuring an array of burgers and menu options. It is absolutely delicious -- especially The Zoo (yum)! It is also known for its Challenge Burgers, which range in size from 1 1/2 pounds of meat to the notorious Eagle's Challenge burger with 5 pounds of meat, 20 pieces of bacon, 20 pieces of american cheese, 5 pounds of fries, 1 deli pickle, and 1 fountain soda... all for around $60. Many, and I mean many, brave (and hungry) people have attempted to tackle the Eagle's Challenge burger within the allotted 1 hour, in hopes to get a $60 refund, $100 gift certificate and to have the burger named after them. Apparently only one guy has succeeded (I'm still skeptical)... but the courage (or embarrassment) of the rest of the other challengers' failed attempts are always flaunted on the Wall of Shame in the restaurant.

Eagle's Challenge Burger

Nick Lachey visited Eagle's Deli in 2010 and supposedly took a crack at the Eagle's Challenge burger. Nick Lachey is not just an ordinary customer for Eagle's Deli, he's famous... or was famous. I guess that because Nick Lachey was once a "big-time celeb", the owners of Eagle's Deli believe he still deserves to have a burger named after him (even if he didn't come close to conquering the real challenge.) The Nick Lachey Burger has 1 1/2 pounds of beef, 6 pieces of swiss cheese, 6 pieces of bacon, 1/2 a pound of fries, and a fountain soda. 

I laughed when I saw the Nick Lachey Burger on the menu. I though to myself, what guy would ever have the courage or self-esteem to mumble out 'I'll have the Nick Lachey Burger, please.' If I ordered it, I don't think I could manage to get the full order out before giggles took over. It is also a burger that deserves to be at the end of every joke because it is not even close to matching up to any of the real Challenge Burgers. I am sure it was not the intention of Eagle's Deli, people are more scared of ordering the Nick Lachey burger than the much larger Paul Jones Burger!

On another note, where did Nick Lachey even come from? I do not intend this to be mean, but he completely fell off of the face of the Earth after he and Jessica Simpson broke up. Was this was a publicity ploy set up by Eagle's Deli or by Nick Lachey's agent? When patrons walk into Eagle's Deli, the first thing they see is a picture of Nick Lachey on the Wall of Shame. 


My peers and I are the main target consumers of Eagle's Deli, and Nick Lachey is not an appropriate celebrity to promote Eagle's Deli burgers. Also, consider the fact that Eagle's Deli agreed to create a smaller burger to add to their impressive Challenge Burger menu... what does that say about Nick Lachey? This makes both parties seem pretty desperate... but as they say, "all publicity is good publicity?"

PS. Something that DOES make a TON of sense is Eagle's Deli and Man v. Food... Check it out.

POGS,

AKtually Ashley