1. An offshoot of the long-standing New York restaurant, Robert’s Steakhouse opened at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Hotel in November. The 8,000-square-foot venue has curved banquettes, a glass-enclosed fireplace, and a long marble bar. There is a 25-seat private dining room, and the venue is available for buyouts for as many as 200.
2. The 24/7, retro-themed Sammy D’s opened at Harrah’s Resort in January 2012, serving hearty diner updates like Philly cheesesteak dumplings and s’mores pancakes. The dining room can be bought out for 350; a variety of seating options are available for parties of 15 or more.
3. Philadelphia-based celebrity chef Jose Garces expanded into A.C. with Amada, a Spanish tapas restaurant in Revel. The bright, oceanfront dining room has curved banquettes and blond wood tables, plus live flamenco dancing. Menu offerings range from manchego cheese plates to slow-roasted suckling pig. Buyouts hold 150. The private Valencia dining room seats 24; the semiprivate Malaga room seats eight.
4. In May 2013, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville franchise is set to open with a casino, restaurant, bar, grill, and retail shops within the Resorts Casino Hotel complex.
