Local star chef opens new restaurant at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City
Opening night photos by Tom Briglia
When we last encountered Luke James Palladino, just after Labor Day in 2010, the dynamic chef seemed firmly ensconced in the cozy confines of his charming Northfield bistro near the intersection of Tilton Road and Route 9.
After a decade spent grinding out the grueling schedule of world-class casino/celebrity chef, the baby-faced 41-year-old finally appeared able to exhale, relax and just enjoy his craft once again.
What we didn’t know at that time, and Palladino explains now, was that only a few days prior to our meeting “Don Marrandino [Harrah’s Eastern Division president] came in to Northfield for dinner and wanted to do a concept with us.”
That extended process of courtship carried on through the final months of the year, with a deal being inked by December.
Fast forward to mid-May 2011. On a bright and sunny spring morning, entering Palladino’s sprawling new Marina environs inside Harrah’s Resort seems rather like flying into the entrance of a beehive.
Everywhere around, employees — front-house personnel, construction crew and kitchen staff — buzz busily, intent and focused.
There’s a grand atmosphere of joyful anticipation, all culminating with an official opening this past Tuesday, May 24.
Strikingly stark monochromatic design touches in the bar and lounge area, courtesy of Northfield’s Scott Eccard, are the first thing you’ll notice upon arrival.
Then, once within the first of multiple dining spaces, there’s an unexpected touch.
Stenciled two stories up on a wall, in four-foot tall cursive script, is the cryptic Italian phrase Il Bocca al Lupo.
Literally translated, Palladino tells us this means “In the mouth of the wolf.”
Seasonally-driven Italian-inspired restaurant offering savory Italian dishes using fresh, locally-sourced produce and sought-after gourmet ingredients from native Italian regions. Executive chef Luke Palladino is making his return to the Atlantic City culinary scene with this new venture. Open Mon.-Thurs., 5-9:30pm; Fri. 5-10pm; Sat. 5-10:30pm; Sun., 5-9pm. Reservations: 441-5576....
The southern New Jersey shore continues to be one of the most dynamic, relevant restaurant regions in the nation.
We are, without the slightest hint of hyperbole, like nowhere else in the country. Maybe the world. New Jersey is known as the Garden State with good reason and this is the epicenter of that garden.
After nearly a decade braving the high-wire act of celeb chef and casino restauranteur, Luke Palladino wanted something else...
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