Rumors

Does Vetri Have His Sights Set on Atlantic City?

Marc Vetri
Marc Vetri Photo: Courtesy uwishunu

Last week brought word of Marc Vetri’s intentions to extend the boundaries of his growing empire to the Jersey suburbs. But could the chef and restaurateur behind Vetri, Osteria, Amis and the forthcoming Alla Spina also be eying a move to Atlantic City? It wouldn’t be the first time that the idea has been floated. As the East Coast’s gambling destination struggles to find footing in an shaky economy and with gambling dollars being siphoned off by a growing number of casinos and gaming halls in surrounding states, the city’s resorts and hotels have been leveraging dining and other amenities to lure guests.

Starr’s been there for years with Buddakan and Continental at the Pier at Caesars. More recently Chris Scarduzio’s self-titled effort at Showboat, BR Guest’s Dos Caminos at Harrah’s Resort, and the group’s forthcoming partnership with Sam DeMarco on the diner Sammy D’s (also at Harrah’s), as well as persistent rumors of Jose Garces recreating Amada, Distrito and Village Whiskey at the still yet unopened Revel Casino continue to raise the bar for the city’s dining options.

Borgata announced that Vetri will participate in its annual culinary tour de force, Savor Borgata on November 12, where he will fall in ranks right along side the likes of Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Geoffrey Zakarian and Michael Schulson. There’s just one thing. Unlike the other big names participating, Vetri is the only one who doesn’t have a restaurant in the hotel and resort. And bringing in an outside chef is a first for Savor Borgata, which only serves to stoke rumors of an Atlantic City expansion for Vetri.

Or perhaps not. In addition to Vetri, also on hand for Borgata’s festivities will be Claire Robinson of Food Network’s 5 Ingredient Fix and Food Network Challenge. She’s coming aboard to lead cooking demos with many of the participating chefs.

Does Vetri Have His Sights Set on Atlantic City?