Bally’s Atlantic City will be hosting the 32nd annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala on March 26. A night of local cuisine, music, raffles and games, the event will highlight seasonal menus from over 40 of the area’s best restaurants with a special opening from the students at the Academy of Culinary Arts. As a kick off to the event, guests will enjoy thousands of hors d’oeuvres created and prepared by the students, many with an Under the Sea theme, a nod to the local fare of the city. “Cape May County is one of the busiest ports in the country,” Kelly McClay, dean of the Academy of Culinary Arts, told Atlantic City Weekly. “Hence the theme—several local food spots feature quality seafood.”
The evening also serves as a fundraiser for student scholarships to the college’s culinary arts program as well as an opportunity for students to get their feet wet with real life experience, alongside renowned local chefs. In the last 31 years the event has raised $3 million for scholarships to the school. “All students must work at least one Restaurant Gala before finishing the program,” Jean McCalister, assistant dean, added. “Serving almost 1,000 guests in one night is pretty impressive on a resume.”
In addition to the student’s offerings, chefs from around the city will be showcasing their signature recipes—from the most exotic international foods to the most delectable of rarities. Participating restaurants include Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Assaggio, The Princeton, Morton's Steakhouse and many more. But the legendary Dessert Extravaganza is one of the biggest draws, with over 800 people attending last year to try cakes, chocolates, cookies and sweets overseen by Deborah Pellegrino, the Executive Pastry Chef of Caesars Entertainment.
Tickets are available online and are priced at $225. Tables are also available for $2,700 and seat up to 12 guests.
