Atlantic City Weekly

Don't Forget to Eat!

Take a holiday shopping break and reenergize

By Sandy Posnak

CAP: Carmine's at The Quarter has caught the Christmas spirit. ABOVE: Hostess Jessica Osvai. --> HOLIDAY GIFT SHOPPING can be a wonderful experience if wisely approached. Experts suggest that you check area publications for the best bargains, spend only what you can afford, and always, always take time out for a restful, energizing meal. Seek a restaurant where you can sit down and relax at a comfortable table or booth so that you'll be recharged and eager to move on to the next round of the day's shopping. Below are just a few of the area's eateries to consider, each within walking distance or just a short drive from popular shopping districts. Try to eat in moderation so that you won't feel sluggish, and also keep in mind that the only thing that should be plumped up at the Christmas dinner table is the holiday turkey.

Pete and Antonio Ballias, owners of Cavo Crepe Cafe at The Walk.

The Boardwalk

Rainforest Café, Boardwalk at Trump Plaza (345-5757)

The Boardwalk has become a viable shopping area, with stores selling items ranging from clothing, home furnishings and giftware, to stocking stuffers. If you're shopping on the "boards" (or at the nearby outlets at The Walk) with the kids, the rainforest-themed Rainforest Café is the perfect stop to feed and entertain a hungry brood. The young ones can select from a children's menu, while others can choose from a menu offering sandwiches, pizza, pasta, chicken tenders, steaks, and humongous salads. Chest-pounding gorillas, trumpeting elephants, colorful aquariums and an indoor thunderstorm will keep everyone amused.

Among other Boardwalk tummy-refueling stops to consider: Johnny Rockets (Park Place & Boardwalk at Bally's Casino; 340-0099) is an old-fashioned soda shop with a menu featuring burgers, shakes, fries and hot dogs. Dancing servers and tabletop jukeboxes add to the '50s aura. Opa Bar & Grille (1743 Boardwalk; 344-0094) is a chic venue serving lunch, dinner, late night snacks, and fabulous drinks. It's the flagship of Siganos Plaza, a Boardwalk strip mall of about a dozen shops featuring gifts for candy lovers, surfers and the fashionable.

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The Quarter at the Tropicana, Brighton Avenue & The Boardwalk

Carmine's (572-9300)

Since opening a little more than a year ago, the trendy Quarter has attracted shoppers to stores specializing in men's and women's attire, magic gifts, Americana, shoes, sexy lingerie and much more. Between hitting the stores, a home-style meal at Carmine's will enable you to boost your energy level with pasta, seafood, meats and salad, all served on extremely large platters designed for sharing. The homemade bread pudding is worth the caloric intake.

Among many other Quarter restaurants to consider: Ri Ra (348-8600) with its Irish potato cakes and other goodies, almost feels like you're spending "Christmas in Killarney." Wish the folks there a "Nollaig Shona Duit!" Planet Rose (344-6565) now has a sushi bar and serves Japanese beers and sake to complement the sushi. If you can spare the time, stick around for karaoke.

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The Walk: Atlantic City Outlets, Michigan Avenue between Arctic & Baltic avenues.

Cavo Crepe Café, 122 N. Michigan Avenue (340-1300)

The Walk embraces blocks and blocks of well-known retail fashion outlets, specialty shops, entertainment venues and casual and upscale restaurants. It draws visitors who like to shop for quality, outlet-priced items in a bright, friendly atmosphere. Cavo Crepe Café is the newest kid at The Walk. The family-run restaurant is already receiving compliments for its classic chicken and turkey crepes, panini sandwiches, dessert crepes, and crepe sundaes. Early morning shoppers stop in for bacon, egg and cheese breakfast crepes.