Epic Menu Tasting at FIN Seafood Restaurant @TropicanaAC in #AtlanticCity #DOAC #FoodieFriday

Lobster Bisque Shooter, FIN, Seafood Restaurant, Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City

Atlantic City Restaurant Week is in full swing, earlier this week I shared photo highlights from the Exclusive Preview Kick Off Event that was hosted at the Borgata, if you missed that post, check it out HERE. The photo above is actually from the Restaurant Week event, but it was just too good to pass up using it here since I will be taking you through my epic menu tasting at FIN.

One of the Restaurants we featured who was at the Kick off event was FIN Seafood Restaurant. FIN is located within Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I had the opportunity to try a tasting menu that was prepared personally for me by Chef Danny, and it was EPIC! I just had to share about it!

Our Maitre D' was a very familiar face and it took me awhile to realize he used to work at a fine dining establishment in Hilton Atlantic City (which sadly the Hilton AC Casino is closed now), it was great to see a familiar face! 

A great start to an epic meal.

Above: An assortment of breads with butter and cheese with horseradish

Our table was in expert hands with Maurice and Jesus, and Chef Danny led strong with Bluepoint Oysters which is one of my faves!

Blue Point Oysters, FIN Restaurant, Tropicana Casino

I am a shellfish lover and there is a particular spot in Atlantic City where I go specifically for Blue Point Oysters, so I was excited that the chef opted to open with these, they were super fresh and just bursting with flavor. I have this habit of trying the first one sans condiments, then I 'fix' the next ones to my liking with horseradish, hot sauce, and cocktail sauce.

Here is the view out the window from table/eye level:



See the reflection of the chandelier on the glass?

For me it doesn't get better than eating seafood, seaside.

I was stoked that I got a chance to take a photo with Chef Danny, it was great to meet him in person and thank him for the incredible opportunity to taste our way through so much of the Menu!

At the Restaurant Week Event the night before I nabbed a shot of FIN's Head Chef, Demetrios Haronis. There are some 'off menu' specialty items that Chef Demetrios has added to the menu, so don't forget to ask about those as well if you are looking for something unique and fun, some are dishes - like the Dancing Shrimp or Grilled Block Island Swordfish as well as a specialty cocktail called 'mermaid's mary' that is a Tropicana Twist on a Bloody Mary!

Above: Crispy Point Judith Calamari cooked to perfection and served with a delicious Sweet Chili Indian Tamarind Dipping Sauce and Cajun Remoulade!

I love Calamari but won't eat it everywhere, these were just right not over or under cooked and the dipping sauces were perfect!

Above: Spicy Tuna Rolls (front) and the rolls behind them are the Crunchy King Crab (King Crab, Tempura Flakes, Cucumber, Masago, Scallions, and Japanese Mayo)

I am a sushi fanatic and much like Calamari and Oysters I am picky about where I will eat them, these were FANTASTIC! FIN also has a sushi bar with it's own specials on certain nights (like 'Wasabi Wednesdays' - 1/2 price sushi and 1/2 price Sake and Saketinis, Prohibition Thursdays, Fin Fridays and R & R Sundays with 1/2 price Raw Bar and 1/2 price Rose Wine), so if you don't have time for a full sit down at the Restaurant you can enjoy some time off the gaming floor at the bar - honestly you can't go wrong either way!

These three starters - oysters, calamari and sushi were a grand slam tri-fecta of perfection for me as these are my faves. At this point my tummy was about to burst, but then the entrees came out:

Above: Seafood Au Gratin - Sauteed Shrimp, Lobster, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Hand Cut Fettucine, Parmesan Cream

This is literally Seafood 'Comfort Food' at it's absolute finest! Creamy, Cheesy, Delicious, Goodness!

Above: Fin's Stuffed Shrimp - Wild Pacific Shrimp Stuffed with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Lobster, Roasted Peppers, Artichokes, Grilled Zucchini, and Roasted Pepper Pesto

This one is actually deceptively dense and more filling than you might expect! (although in all fairness, by this point in the tasting menu I was slightly afraid I might bust a pants button! Someone certainly would have lost an eye! LOL)

Above: Front: Meyer Lemon Cheesecake (Lemon Curd and Fresh Berry Compote), Fin's Chocolate Jubilation Cake (Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Infused with Caramel)

Complete and Utter DECADENCE! 

MY TAKE:

You guys know how much I love 'GamingCations'. I am on the East Coast so I hit Atlantic City way more often than I do Las Vegas. The industry here has taken quite a few hits with the instability in the economy. Many Casinos on the infamous boardwalk have shut their doors for good. But the past few years visiting both as Media on Press Trips/Familiarization Visits and as someone who has frequented the City for two decades now on my own, what I can tell you is that the Casinos that survive the hit with so many dips in the economy are the ones that are not afraid to re-invent themselves. What I love about the Tropicana is exactly that, they are not afraid of change, they are always doing something new and you rarely will have the same experience there twice. During my recent visit I got the chance to stay in the newly renovated North Tower. It definitely needed an overhaul and I am glad to see the changes being made.

For some weird reason every time I hit Tropicana set out to go to FIN it was closed and I can now say without reservation that it was SO worth the wait and I will DEFINITELY be going back when I am back in Atlantic City. The meal and service were absolutely phenomenal. The next time you are in Atlantic City make a reservation for FIN, and tell them 'Ascending Butterfly' sent you!

Which of the dishes on this EPIC tasting menu appeal to you most? What is your favorite seafood?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, tasting menu offered for Editorial Consideration. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Photo Highlights from Official Taste of #AtlanticCity #RestaurantWeek Exclusive Preview Event @BorgataAC #DOAC

Above: Atlantic City Restaurant Week Ice Sculpture at Exclusive Preview Event held at Borgata Atlantic City

With things finally looking more like Spring in my neck of the woods I thought I would share a reco for those of you wanting to shed that 'cabin fever' and find something foodie and fun to do to lure yourself out the bat cave!

I had the chance to hit an Exclusive Preview Kickoff Event for Atlantic City Restaurant Week at the Borgata in Atlantic City and thought I would share the photo highlights from the event and give you the lo down because you are not going to want to miss this!

From March 6th - March 12th, participating restaurants from the best of Atlantic City's culinary scene will offer three-course lunches for $15.14 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and three-course dinners for only $33.14 person (plus tax and gratuity), check out the Atlantic City Restaurant Week Website for more info.

Here are my Photo Highlights:

Above: The Preview Event was held in the Event Center of The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

Above: I knew there would be an interesting backstory to these tables, and I was right, at the end of the evening the 'table decor' was donated to a local food pantry. I loved the clever way that they incorporated the donations into the table settings. 'Decor with a cause' gotta love that!

Restaurants (in the same order the room was set up from front to back):

Above: Il Verdi Restaurant, Tropicana Casino and Resort will be participating in Atlantic City Restaurant Week, you can check out their exclusive to Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: Cavatelli Bolognese prepared by Il Verdi Restaurant, Tropicana Casino and Resort

Above: This Lobster Bisque Shooter from Fin Restaurant, Tropicana Resort and Casino Atlantic City was creatively staged by me to nab this killer shot! Check out FIN's Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: Tropicana Resort and Casino Restaurant Chefs hamming it up for the press cameras! Far Left, FIN's Head Chef, Demetrios Haronis - read more about him HERE or HERE (press where it reads 'meet the chef')

Above: The Melting Pot offered Chocolate Covered Strawberries - their proximity to Tanger Outlets aka "The Walk" in Atlantic City make it the perfect place to pop in after a grueling afternoon of shopping while in Atlantic City! Check out their special Restaurant Week Only Menu HERE

Above: Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Golden Nugget Atlantic City served up Caesar Salad (gotta get those greens in!) And can I just add just how much smiling, happy chefs make me happy?  Check out the Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: Grotto Restaurant, Golden Nugget Atlantic City served us 'Arancini Balls' and I couldn't resist getting a close up of them, see below:

Above: Arancini Balls prepared by Grotto Restaurant, Golden Nugget Atlantic City - this photo might just be 'award winning' just saying.....(and you know Golden Nugget has been featured on Ascending Butterfly often - they are always nice to us bloggers! Look for past coverage HERE and HERE and HERE) - You can check out their Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: Lillie's Restaurant, Golden Nugget Atlantic City offered a very simple but sweet dessert! I wish they had brought us the sushi they are so famous for though! I haven't had the chance to try Lillie's yet but would like too, this dessert was a fun start! You can see Lillie's Restaurant Week Menu HERE.

Above: Sammy D's Restaurant, Harrah's Atlantic City, you can check out various menus for the restaurant HERE

Above: Hell's Kitchen Season 14 Winner Chef Meghan Gill presents Mini Beef Wellington a specialty of Gordon Ramsey Pub & Grill at Caesar's Atlantic City. Check out their Menu HERE

Above: The Sashimi Tuna Tacos were FANTASTIC! I dug the laid back approachable vibe and now I really want to check out the restaurant the next time I visit AC! Like me, most of the folks we shared a table with went back up for more of these, they are totally addictive! I only wish I could have met Guy in person and thanked him for these! Check out the menu for Guy Fieri's ChopHouse, Bally's Atlantic City HERE

Above: Nizam's II is a second location that is a short distance away from Atlantic City right off the Garden State Parkway where you can enjoy Authentic Indian Cuisine check out their Restaurant Week Menu HERE we got to taste their Dahi Puri, Chicken Seekh Kebab Dish

Above: The Historic Smithville Inn of Smithville, New Jersey prepared a Braised Short Rib Quesadilla and served it with honey chipotle aioli, you can check out their Atlantic City Restaurant Menu for Lunch and Dinner HERE

Above: Breadsticks Restaurant at Resorts Atlantic City will also be offering a Restaurant Week Menu which you can peruse HERE (sorry I can't be more chatty but this is my least fave restaurant not only at Resorts but in Atlantic City as a whole, I am hoping that things there have drastically changed since my last visit)

Above: Prime Rib from Gallagher's Steak House at Resorts Casino, you can check out their Atlantic City Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: I love that Gallagher's Displayed the Prime Rib with an assortment of Wines ready for pairing!

Above: The team at Broadway Burger Bar from Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City served up Pan Seared Salmon Served with Mashed Potatoes, while only Il Verdi and FIN are doing something official for Restaurant Week you can check out Broadway Burger Bar's Menu HERE (you may remember them being featured on Ascending Butterfly in December of 2015 when I attended the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Tropicana, they hosted the Press for a bite to eat afterwards, if you missed that coverage see it HERE)

Above: The Twenties Restaurant at Claridge Hotel presented Meatball Al Forno, check out their full Atlantic City Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: The Academy of Culinary Arts, Atlantic Cape Community College served up Roasted Cornish Game Hen with Farro Pilaf and Dates, Fancy!

Above: Last and certainly not least, not to be outdone was the event venue host - Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa who prepared Smoked Duck with Fresh Vegetable Lumpia in the most adorable 'mini pails' - you can check out which of their restaurants are participating and their respective menus HERE

Above: There was an amazing Dessert Bar and you know I had to get creative with my cupcake staging!

Above: So many great sponsors were involved in bringing the event together, my tummy can't thank them all enough! :)

MY TAKE:

Not only is this is a great way to 'eat your way through Atlantic City', but it gives you the chance to experience fine dining at many popular venues well below cost! I can't say enough about the dishes I got to try and I got to experience a few other amazing things during this trip that I will share later this week. 

Tomorrow check out my post where I share a full tasting experience with the menu items offered from FIN Restaurant at Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City! (Many of the items are on the Restaurant Week Menu by the way!)

I am also going to share about the Tropicana Winter Wine Festival this week as well so stay tuned my foodie and 'spirits' loving friends, there is much more in store!

Which of the above Restaurants is calling your name? Are you going to hit Atlantic City Restaurant Week this week? If so, please share your finds and picks! Do you love prix fixe menus too?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, passes to the Exclusive Preview Event were provided for Editorial Consideration. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WordlessWednesday} #SundayBrunch @Theos_NY Restaurant and Oyster Bar in #NYC with @955PLJ @toddandjayde

Free Time isn't exactly flowing, but every now and then when I have a spare moment online I like to enter a contest or two. I am born under the zodiac sign of Aries and we tend to be 'risk takers' at heart.

Well my gamble paid off with a local radio station contest win for Sunday Brunch at Theos Restaurant and Oyster Bar in the Trump Plaza in Manhattan!

Above: I couldn't resist nabbing a shot of the custom menu and place holders at the table!

Above: 'La Dolce Vita' Specialty Cocktail: Prosecco, Pom Juice and House Infused Dolce Mix and Pom Seed (Let's face it, what's Brunch without Bubbles?) A #Pomsecco (yes I am going to make a 'thing')

Above: There were sweet parting gifts too! Decisions, Decisions on the menu!

Above: Lobster Bisque one of the choices for Course One of this Three Course Prix-Fixe Tasting Menu

Above: Lobster Citrus Salad was my choice for Course One with bits of Avocado and lemongrass

Above: Maine Lobster Benedict was one of the choices for Course 2!

Above: My Choice for Course 2 was the Steak and Eggs!

Above: Sadly they were out of my dessert choice by the time they got to me, and didn't have any alternates so this is pretty much fruit and whip cream but I can't get mad at it.

Above: The chef came out to take a photo with the Radio Station Personalities Todd and Jayde and the WPLJ Blown Off Brunch Contest Winners! Can you spot the butterfly? :)

I am never totally Wordless on 'Wordless Wednesday' but it is photo heavy, that counts right?

Readers Sound Off: What Dish catches your eye and tempts your taste buds? Where do you 'Sunday Brunch'?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a sponsored/compensated Post I WON a Radio Station Contest and was under NO obligation to post my experience. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WordlessWednesday} The 'Wanna Sneak Peek of my boudoir"? Edition #Photos

I knew the subject would get ya! You dirty little butterfly! :-)

With the Groundhog predicting an early Spring, I have slowly but surely been re-decorating and doing some purging (I won't call it 'Spring Cleaning' as there aren't really signs of Spring yet in New York City!)

As promised a sneak peek of my boudoir!

Almost too pretty to sleep in!

I wanted my bedroom to feel more like a suite!

The Bedding Set is from Macy's - Oddly for some reason it photographs sort of 'brown' but the colors that actually run through this set are black, white, pink and purple (thankfully purchasers who reviewed it were kind enough to share this, which help solidify my decision as I ordered this set online not in store). The monogrammed pillowcases are from a Luxor Linens Valentino Sheet Set (press on the link to see my previous review of them) - and by the way the initials are 'T.A.I' not Taj (although I like to visit the Taj Mahal Casino when I go to Atlantic City!). The curtains are from Hayneedle and they are purple and grey (the purple in the curtains are picked up by the purple in the bedding set and dust ruffle) and the Buddha Wall Art is from Cost Plus World Market - I loved this piece so much I bought two of them and the other is in my Foyer so it's the first thing you see when you enter.

I love how cohesively it all comes together! Especially since all of the items were purchased very far apart from one another time wise and at different retailers.

The walls were freshly painted in Grey, A matte that has the lightest trace of blue in it and is making me all kinds of happy.

While there is way more to be done I have purged about 10 bags of stuff I no longer needed and I am loving my 'bedroom zen vibe'.

So there it is butterflies a peek at my boudoir!

Readers Sound Off: What Vibe are you trying to bring to your home for Spring?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a sponsored/compensated Post these items were purchased by me personally and NOT sent to me. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.