Sunday, June 12, 2011

Johnny Rockets at Bally's in Atlantic City, NJ

Johnny Rockets at Bally's in Atlantic City, NJ

Johnny Rockets at Bally's in Atlantic City
When we visit Atlantic City, NJ we try to go to Johnny Rockets at Bally's as often as possible. This was my graduation weekend celebration and we hit up Atlantic City for a few days (June 4-6, 2011) for some fun, sun and great food. Recently, I won a free shake from Johnny Rockets Facebook page and I was looking forward to having lunch there on this trip.

Johnny Rockets employees doing their thing!
We always sit at the counter so we can watch the employees make their burgers, fries, and shakes and do their thing in a very busy but upbeat atmosphere. A number of employees danced to the Bee Gees song, "Staying Alive" so that was fun to watch. The atmosphere was very lively with the great tunes from the jukebox and it was packed with people of all ages. I like taking pictures in here every time we come and adore the cute jukebox and 50s retro diner decor.

Jukebox at the counter in front of me.
We went to Johhny Rockets for lunch Sunday, June 5, 2011. I ordered the Rocket Double Burger and American Fries. My burger was huge and divine! The fries were so yummy too... For my free shake, I ordered the recommended shake by our wonderful server the Orange Dreamsicle and it was a dream. Yum!

My Orange Dreamsicle Shake!
My Rocket Double and American Fries. Ketchup anyone?
Allen ordered a BBQ Chicken Patty Melt with bacon and American Fries. For his drink, he chose a Root Beer Float. I forgot to taste it but he assured me everything he ordered was sublime.


Allen's Root Beer Float

Allen's BBQ Chicken Patty Melt and American Fries
It's so fun coming to Johnny Rockets. They serve delicious burgers and have many options including soy, turkey, and veggie burgers for those wanting healthier choices. Johnny Rockets also offer wheat buns and salads too in case you want to skip the beef burgers, fries or onion rings.

Allen holding up the menu

Me
-Sophia/Two Frys

Friday, June 10, 2011

Phillips Clambake Party at Caesars, Atlantic City

Phillips Clambake Party - Saturday, June 4, 2011 - Caesars Palladium Ballroom

Phillips Seafood Clambake Party
We arrived to Atlantic City Saturday, June 4, 2011 looking forward to the Phillips Clambake Party at Caesars Palladium Ballroom. The event was lots of fun, with a delicious traditional Maryland Clambake, and featured a live band performing hits from Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and usual oldies party favorites.

Phillips Executive Chef Paul Drew adding beer
Phillips Seafood Executive Chef Paul Drew did a live cooking demonstration for making a Clambake. Chef Drew was charismatic and it was interesting to watch him prepare the Clambake.
 
Phillips Executive Chef Paul Drew
Each table had either a large plastic lobster or crab with a pretty flower vase arrangement. The servers wore Hawaiian t-shirts and the décor followed a beach-like party theme.  
Decor at each table
The first course served was crab fritters with delicious Jersey tomatoes and crab vegetable soup. The soup was amazing and the broth had a great taste. Allen pointed out that even though the crab fritters were fried they were not greasy and complimented the tomatoes and soup. Agreed.

Crab fritters, Jersey tomatoes, crab vegetable soup
For the main course, three clambakes arrived to our table of six. It was such an enormous amount of food and plenty was sadly leftover. The men at the table ate as much of it as they could. The contents of the Clambake featured lobster, shrimp, crab legs, mussels, clams, corn on the cob, and potatoes. It was delicious. I forgot to photograph it but you can see exactly what was served on Chef Drew’s demonstration table. I am not a lobster fan but Allen had it and loved the Phillips Seafood Seasoning used. I take his word for it since he has tried other boil spices he did not like. The Phillips Seafood Seasoning was on all the seafood and veggies, and the corn on the cob never tasted better. Allen felt the clams were some of the best he has ever had. The mussels and crab legs were great as well.

Allen's plate
For dessert, we had a berry-licious treat with white chocolate, vanilla ice cream, caramel and fresh berries. 
Berry dessert with caramel, white chocolate, vanilla ice cream
We stayed at the Clambake party for over 2 ½ hours and it was winding down by then. It was a very entertaining evening featuring Phillips seafood at its best. The music kept everything lively, people hit the dance floor, and we really enjoyed ourselves. The two other couples we shared our table with were really nice and fun to be with as well. Some lucky individuals won gift certificates and other prizes but not us. We did not care. We were there for the Clambake and it was worth the trip.

Me with Allen/Two Fry's
 -Sophia and Allen/Two Frys

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Festive Summer Pasta Salad©

Festive Summer Pasta Salad©

In the sweltering heat of summer, eating light is the way to go. This Festive Summer Pasta Salad© is so easy to put together and you can use your favorite veggies. Here is my recipe. The beautiful colors of the veggies and the tri-color rotini makes it look festive hence the name, and is the perfect summer salad to enjoy at your next BBQ or party. I hope you try it. It is really delicious and good for you too...

Festive Summer Pasta Salad©
In a large pot boil water, add coarse salt and Tri-Color Rotini Pasta (I use Barilla).

Cook until 1 minute shy of al dente (check your package for cooking time directions).

Drain and put aside to cool or soak in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.

Cooked Tri-Color Rotini
Rinse veggies in cold water and dry with a paper towel.

Thinly slice 1/2 red onion if it's a huge one or 1 medium size.

Thinly slice 1 yellow pepper.

Thinly slice 1 orange pepper.

Take 1 bunch of broccoli florets and slice each in half.

Stir the veggies together and season them with coarse salt and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.

In a large pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and when it is hot add the veggies and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Put aside until they cool.

Sautéed Veggies
Take 1 large tomato and chop it in chunks.

Take a large bowl and toss the sautéed veggies with the tri-color pasta.

Add the tomato chunks and stir again.

Measure 1/2 cup of Light Italian Dressing and add to veggies and pasta.

Stir until combined.

You can add a little more dressing if needed. Start with this amount and taste it first. This was the perfect amount for me.

Remember adding too much dressing will overpower and make the pasta salad a soggy mess.

Chill for 2-3 hours, serve and enjoy!

-Sophia/Two Frys