When you think of Atlantic City, most people think of gambling and casinos, the boardwalk, the beach, and nightlife. When I think of any place, I think about one thing: the food. So it was with great pleasure that I set sail on a three day foodie trip this past weekend to AC, with food on my mind.

I stayed at Harrah's, away from the boardwalk, but with enough amenities (restaurants, an amazing pool and sundeck, clothing stores, gambling, etc), to keep everyone happy. It is a one stop shop, for sure.

My first meal took place at The Steakhouse. An expansive restaurant with ample room between each table, giving diners plenty of space to enjoy juicy and great steaks. As you ponder which cut of meat you desire, nibble on some complimentary nice onion or pretzel rolls, and spread some English mustard cheese on them to give a nice kick. Then dive into the raw bar sampler ($65 for two), filled with a medley of jumbo shrimp, clams, oysters, lump crabmeat,, and crab legs. Seafoodlicious!

If you prefer your meat slow roasted, do what I did, and order the Black Angus Prime Rib Roast ($38 for King Cut 22oz) with natural juices and creamed horseradish. This juicy hunk of meat would make Fred Flinstone jealous. Be prepared for doggy bags. It was succulent and flavorful.

If you prefer your meat grilled with a char (I actually prefer this), then do what my dining cohorts did, and order the Prime Sirloin ($50 for 16oz) or a special Kobe Sirloin, both were fantastic!

For sides, skip the overly, way-too-sweet, inedible, sweet potato steak fries ($7), instead, order the perfect sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil ($8).

End with a splendid and wonderful crème brulee ($9), bruléd tableside. It is a festive ending to a fabulous meal. Welcome to Atlantic City.

The Steakhouse
At Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
777 Harrah’s Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-441-5575
http://www.harrahsresort.com/casinos/ha ... etail.html

For my second dinner on my foodie trip to Atlantic City, my dining cohorts and I ate at The Foundation Room, located at The House of Blues, inside the hip and cool Showboat Casino (also owned by Harrah's).

This semi-private lounge has a unique, gypsy-like, Asian-Indian-Zen-like vibe to it, with many hidden alcoves for dining and imbibing. Take a seat at a corner booth in the back dining room, and nibble on some tasty contemporary American fare influenced by the American South and Pacific-Rim.

Before you sit down though, grab a drink overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the AC Amusement Park, it is a truly magical view!

Start with the Foundation "Pupu" Platter ($21), a mix of kobe beef satays, Vietnamese Spring Rolls, and Lobster hoe cakes. Fun and tasty!

The Shrimp "BLT" ($15), bacon wrapped shrimp, tomato salad, micro greens, on a grilled brioche, with Creole dijonaise, was delectable. Bacon and shrimp? Yes, please!

A memorable Salt and Pepper Calamari ($15), with sweet chili sauce, and Meyer lemon aioli, is a must order. Sweet and spicy perfection.

If you are a cheese fan, and the NYC Foodie loves cheese, try the Regional Artisan cheeses ($15 for 5). They are served with some fantastic homemade jams!

Also, the complimentary cornbread is unbelievable, unreal, and one of the best I have ever had! Served with a honey walnut butter, it is truly addictive.

Save room for your entree though. My grilled veal chop ($42) with wild mushroom risotto, bolognese, and Truffle oil dust, surely hit the spot. Juicy, tender, and a really nice hunk of meat. The risotto was excellent. (The one thing I would tell the chef though, is to please get rid of that hard, inedible, potato nest on top of the dish. It is inedible, and thus, pointless!)

The Foundation Room
At The House Of Blues Atlantic City
801 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-343-4523
http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/club ... onroom.php