Foodsday Tuesday: Dining Down the Shore

The recent onslaught of celebrity chef- and restaurateur-helmed dining establishments in casinos could run the risk of turning Atlantic City into a Vegas-style cheese-fest (next stop: Celine Dion!), or it could help turn the town into a dining mecca. Here pulling for the latter situation are our pals at the Atlantic City Harrah's Casino Hotels, who this weekend bring us the awesomely star-full (if your stars are on the Food Network) Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival.

From Louisiana master of "Bam!" Emeril Lagasse to Queer Eyes-are-bigger-than-his-stomach Ted Allen to the Simply Delicioso Ingrid Hoffman, there's something for every kind of foodie in the weekend line-up. (Cakes! Wine! Crabs! More wine!) Tickets aren't cheap (they run from $30 to $1,000, or you can get a multi-event package to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure for $3,000) but with names like Tom Colicchio and Duff Goldman (whose Charm City Cakes start at $1,000 and go up from there) on the bill, it goes without saying that there ain't no such thing as a free lunch.

Phillyist will be at several of the Food and Wine Fest events, and we'll be Tweeting about our experiences all weekend. But because words and pictures will never fully be able to capture the experience of fine dining, we suggest that you come meet up with us down the shore and taste the goods for yourself.

TD Bank Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival
July 30-August 2 (schedule)
Atlantic City Harrah's Casinos
Tickets

Quick Nosh:

• University City Dining Days, which we mentioned last week, continues through Thursday. A couple Phillyists checked out the Distrito deal, and all we can say is "Yum!"
• Like trying out new wines? Of course you do! And if you're in the mood for something Spanish, the Ribera del Duero would like to encourage you to "Drink Ribera. Drink Spain." as part of a national campaign they'll be kicking off next month—a national campaign that will even hit PLCB-controlled stores!
• Eric Ripert's 10 Arts in the Ritz Carlton today announced their "Summer Suppers" $35 prix fixe menu. Wine pairings may be added for $15. Just don't forget to leave a tip!
• Mémé has long been on our must-try list, and now there's even more reason to head over: expanded hours and three courses for $35.
• Hungry for beef? Heading to a working lunch in Center City? You can get Butcher and Singer's burger for $5.95 For serious.