From Carmine’s to the Phillies
When I had the opportunity to return to Carmine’s in Atlantic City I just couldn’t resist. It wasn’t the first time I’ve been there, so I knew now good the food is. And how much you get. It was just the two of us at the table, but I could have used two more to consume all the food.
The food is basically southern Italian and up until 3 p.m. you can indeed order smaller portions, half portions, at the bar. Which is equipped with TV’s. This time of year there’s usually a ballgame on, probably Phillies. More on them later.
The staff will ask if you have food allergies. A most important question. Better to know before you start eating. I don’t recall this in any other restaurant. There is carry-out, off site catering and delivery from Longport to Brigantine.
Each day of the week different specialties are offered. For example, Sunday it’s a four pasta special, Wednesday is veal chop and Saturday prime rib.
Carmine’s is located in The Quarter in the Tropicana Hotel & Casino. There is valet at the front door. Call 609-572-9300 for reservations.
From Atlantic City it’s just 45 miles or so to Philadelphia. We made the trip to see the Phillies play the Orioles. I must say Citizens Bank Park, which opened in 2004, is quite the ballpark. Trust me, you don’t have to be a Phillies fan to enjoy a game. You simply have to like the game.
It is so convenient to reach from Baltimore. Hop on 95 and stay on it until you get to Philadelphia. Then just follow the signs to the Citizens Bank Park. I am sure you’ll be very glad you made the trip.
There’s seating for about 43,500 and there are no tunnels or ramps to get to your seats. The entire park is open. You can stroll around the entire inside and always be able to see the game live. And while you’re walking you’ll pass many a food outlet, including Ashburn Alley, named after Ritchie, and featuring lots of food choices. One of the more popular spots is Harry the K’s, named after Harry Kalas, famed Philly broadcaster.
I was lucky enough that day to be a guest of Philly marketing so they took me into the Diamond Club for lunch, located behind home plate. There are 300 seats inside serving outstanding food. A total of 1,000 counting outside. I had the pasta and salmon, yes salmon. You buy a ticket to eat here and you can also see the game via inside TV’s or seating outside. Be advised, tickets are higher here than other places in the park. But it is a real treat to be part of the excitement.
The Diamond Club comes with their very own chef. I mentioned I had pasta and salmon, but standard ballpark fare in also offered. You can get food service at your outside seat. Does it sound as if I liked the Diamond Club experience? While writing this I’m trying to figure out how to get another invitation.
One other thing before I head out, when an inning is in progress, the ushers will generally ask folks to wait to go to their seats until that batter is done. Why? Let me ask you, how many times have you been disturbed during an inning with people trying to get back to their seats.
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.