It’s not every day that you get to dine in extravagance within the realm of a celebrity chef. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. Such was the case not too long ago when we spent a three-day wild weekend in Atlantic City, NJ.
The only thing that could have made this event even better is if Gordon Ramsay himself came over and cursed us out. Mr Hell’s Kitchen himself could not have made this extra special top-secret tasting event more exceptional, but having a seating as guests of the event organizers themselves sitting at their table sharing a fabulous off-the-hook dinner was pretty mega-star in itself! Yeah, we special!
Located where the old Mia restaurant was in Caesars AC the new Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is a breath of fresh air, and a must needed boost to the tired scene that was here. Loved the design and layout of the place. Think British pub type dark woods and flair. Big bar and plenty of seating all around. Wonderful decor and ambiance. We were escorted by a hostess to a private dining room where we were greeted, and about 20-25 or so other hand selected participants joined us. Little did we know what we were about to experience, but the culinary delight that followed blew away all expectations! We thought this was going to be a tasting, but in fact turned out to be a full sit down four course dinner! Including drinks, cocktails, beer, wine! OMG! Just being invited to this made traveling down early on a Friday to Atlantic City so even more worth it. We were in shock and awe as the full cocktail offerings and special dinner menu was placed before us.
The menu of food items were terrific. Started off with the Scotch Egg. I can’t remember ever eating one, but after this any other will be ruined for me. It was delicious! I will always compare any other to this crazy thing which I devoured fully and with no shame.
Next up was a Wedge Caesar Salad which was pretty tasty in itself, even if it was kind of basic. I like salad, then add in cheese and roasted garlic dressing and I’m a happy camper.
Main entrée for me was the Beef Wellington which I absolutely destroyed. Good Lawd this was so ridiculously delicious and filling. Meat coma! Perfectly prepared beef, wrapped in a pastry shell, on top of a bed of mashed potatoes, peas, and sauce. I was in Heaven! Can I have another? Like, right now? (see pic at the top and drool)
I had just enough room left for dessert. No way was I gonna pass up Sticky Toffee Chocolate Pudding. Warm chocolate cake, sea salt caramel, and vanilla ice cream. Get in my belly! Perfect way to finish off this British meal extravaganza! I almost felt like passing out after this, or going back to my room to take a nap, but we still had two more parties to attend this evening. Must press on……
Oh, and those Ramsay Gin & Tonics were outstanding! His version of this cocktail is a must, and packs a punch after a few. I lost count. Too good, and helped wash everything down with joyful relish. Oh, and I can’t forget the after meal snifter of Sambuca with three coffee beans in it. The three coffee beans are supposed to represent health, happiness and prosperity. A fitting end to a superb dining experience.
Even better was learning that the winner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 13 LaTasha McCutchen herself was the chef this night and cooked all of our meals. Whoa! Star power here folks. She did an outstanding job and showed why she won.
Just a wonderful and ridiculously awesome event. We were humbled to be invited to this. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to Yelp and crew!!! Also, a big thanks to Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill along with their staff for the great food and service. Next time when we are in AC we’ll definitely hit up Gordon’s place again. Nice job all around!
Gordon Ramsay AC – https://www.caesars.com/caesars-ac/restaurants/gordon-ramsay-pub-grill#.VVOOZo5VhHx
http://www.yelp.com/biz/private-tasting-at-gordon-ramsay-pub-and-grill-atlantic-city
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gordon-ramsay-pub-and-grill-atlantic-city
That is totally awesome! We haven’t watched a show of his in years, but we still take on his voice and accent when we taste bad restaurant food and start spewing F bombs, “Use FRESH FOOD. Simple! Rustic!” and other such things he yells. LOVE HIM. He’s about the only man I would let yell swear words at me, and like it. What were we talking about? Oh yeah, food. The food looks really good!
Hey Joy!
It was an awesome experience! He wasn’t there but having another celebrity chef prepare our meals was pretty cool. The food was so good. I went in the bathroom and yelled at myself in the mirror to get the full effect of Gordon!
I’m a big Gordon Ramsey fan (Maze in London is my favorite). I haven’t tried anyof his gastro pub style venues, but the Scotch eggs look delicious. I’m visiting Vegas in July and I’ve planned to check out his BurGR restaurant:)
Hey Mitzie!
This new location in Atlantic City was just what they needed. Great drinks and great food. Those Scotch Eggs were pretty damn delish!
I’ve always wanted to go to one of his restaurants and check out his cooking. I’ve LOVED his shows. Maybe one of these days. 😀
Hey Terrye!
I like his show too. I was lucky and honored to be invited to this. One of my best meals!
Aren’t Scotch eggs wonderful? I discovered them a few years ago at a local establishment, although the ones you had at Ramsay’s were definitely a higher quality. They look delish. What a fabulous dining experience for you and everyone else, with such yummy food and drink. One for the memory book, right Phil?
Hey Mary!
It was the first time I ever had them and they were wonderful! Definitely one for the foodie vault! I was lucky to be invited to this event. Great meal!
Phil says> “Gordon Ramsay himself came over and cursed us out”….
I bet he did!!!… o_O
I think he is awesome and after all this time I am still a fan …
The review is amazing as always… Great feature, dear Phil.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead. Best to you. Aquileana 😀
Hey Aquileana!
Glad you enjoyed! We loved every bit of this meal. Gordon didn’t yell at me but his food screamed out for me to eat it all!
I had no idea Gordon Ramsey had a new restaurant in Atlantic City. I went to Vegas for the first time last April and we were waiting for a table at his restaurant in Caesar’s (I think), and we gave up waiting and dined elsewhere. Since I don’t think I’ll be returning to Vegas anytime soon, I will have to make it a point of trying his new spot in AC. That beef wellington looks fantastic and the only time I’ve ever had it was at my wedding and I’m now a fan for life. You had me at pastry shell. So delicious.
Hey Corinna!
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!
Yes, it recently opened in Caesars. Great new spot. Beef Wellington with that pasty shell was so good. I’d make reservations next time you’re in AC. Worth every penny.
G&Ts, meat coma, and sticky toffee pud! I’d say you’re ready for the hard stuff: blood pudding, mushy peas, and spotted dick. (Sniff! I’m so proud)
Hey Barb!
Yes, I’m becoming more British each and every day!
I still laugh at the “spotted dick” though. I’m so immature…..
That was your first Scotch egg?? I’ve been crazy over these things since I had my first bite of one back in the mid 80’s. I finally learned how to make them, too. Soooo yummy. The rest of the food here looks amazing as well. That dessert is just wicked….
Hey Marcia!
Yup – first time I ever had a Scotch Egg and now I’m a fan!
The whole meal was wicked good! It was one of the few celebrity chef spots that really lived up to the hype.
Hi Phil, This dinner looks spectacular and I love the British Style theme. Definitely the loveliest Scotch egg I’ve seen and would willingly give it a try. I do love Beef Wellington, and really, topped on mashed potatoes and peas, these will never be a throw back in flavor too me, looks like a nice dining destination when near AC this summer. Thanks for the update.
Hey Peggy!
Thanks for reading! It was a meal I won’t soon forget as it was something I would normally not eat here in NYC. Still drooling over that beef wellington….
That’s so funny, I ate there last night, and I had many of the same dishes as you did!
I started off with the wings, which were AMAZING (and amazingly messy). Next up was a wedge salad (meh), followed by the beef wellington (yum), with lobster mac and cheese (OMG) as my side. And for dessert, I also went with the sticky toffee pudding, which was pretty decadent and yummy.
My wife got the sea bass on a bed of butternut squash risotto, and it was pretty incredible as well! She’s already wanting to go back for her birthday now. 🙂
Hey Sujeet!
Now I need to go back there and try their wings! OMG – lobster mac and cheese? I am definitely making reservations next time I’m in AC. Great new spot. Glad you also had a terrific dining experience there.
OMG that looks so good! Now I’m starved. I’m in Austin this week so I will satisfy myself with good eats at a trailer park. Now there is a place you should go!
Hey Cindy!
It tasted as good as it looks! Oh, in Austin? Just make sure you eat some great Texas BBQ!
I ate at Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant in Montreal, CAN a few years ago. It was good. I’ve never heard of a Scotch egg. The beef wellington looked amazing!
What a great event to be invited too! Congrats.
Hey Holli!
Yeah, we lucked out getting invited to this. Every course was wonderful. Need to go back soon! Just to also try a Scotch Egg again!
Absolutely delicious looking. And I have to admit I would have been very happy to have such an amazing meal knowing Gordon was not going to come out screaming. I’d end up with heartburn if he were in the house.
Hey Karen!
LOL! It was so good. Wish he was there but it was quieter without the screaming I’ll admit. That’s his tv gig persona, as I have heard he’s a cool guy normally. His food did rock!
Oooooh! I love Gordon! I haven’t tried any of his pubs but I have been to one of his London restaurants in Mayfair – MAZE. The only way we got in was after a 6 month reservation and basically ‘cos I told them that we lived in Germany LOL! At the time we went it had just opened so was packed with investment bankers and the odd “junior” politician. I even bought myself a new fancy dress and very sharp heels! It was really nice and they even showed us around the kitchen. Honestly, I was half expecting Gordon himself to come strolling out LOL!
Very nice indeed! 🙂
Hey Victoria!
Love him too. We were so excited to be invited to this as part of a media event weekend. The food and cocktails were fantastic! We can’t wait to go back and dine here again. It’s such a nice place. Not just a pub but also a full restaurant. Also, it’s a casino which we love! Gambling and great food.
I’d like to hit up one of Ramsay’s places one of these days. Looks like you had a kick-ass meal and time!
Hey PJ!
It was surely the highlight of this weekend trip we were on!