Archives for May 2020

Symon Says…Cocktails! Manhattan Figura Recipe

May 28, 2020 by Becky Grimm Leave a Comment

During this time, we invite you to enjoy Symon Says Thursday at home! What’s a virtual happy hour without cocktails? Bring Angeline by Michael Symon’s fun Thursday happy hour to your home with this recipe of his Manhattan Figura, offered at the Iron Chef’s Italian-inspired restaurant at Borgata.

Symon’s long time cocktail collaborator, Dr. David Earle, has created a series of memorable drinks that pair excellently with the restaurant’s classic menu. The Manhattan Figura is a classic Manhattan with subtle hints of fig, spice, and basil. This bourbon and vermouth forward cocktail is the perfect way to relax.

Check out the recipe and video below to try making the Manhattan Figura cocktail at home.

MANHATTAN FIGURA
– Woodford’s Reserve Bourbon 1.5 OZ
– Allesia Chinato Vermouth 1.5 OZ
– Balsamic Fig Tincture .25 OZ
– Chocolate Bitters 3 dashes
– Basil 1 leaf, popped and floated

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Best Ingredients and Treatments for Different Skin Types from Borgata Spas

May 27, 2020 by Jen Jones Leave a Comment

Everyone’s skin is unique and different—no two people have the same type or concerns! At Immersion Spa and Spa Toccare at Borgata, our estheticians know how to infuse a variety of ingredients and products for each individual’s skin needs. If you’re shopping for at-home skincare, there’s certain products and ingredients that can be used to treat and care for your own unique skin type. Take a look at our suggestions below!

For Aging: Look for products that include plant-based stem cell technology. These will help with reducing fine lines and wrinkles to reveal smoother, youthful skin without the need for cosmetic surgery.

For Dull Skin: Try a safe at-home glycolic peel. This will be effective on fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, and dry patches while brightening skin tone.

For Skin that Needs Balancing: Look for products that contain both glycolic and lactic acids, both which will refine the appearance of pores and remove dull skin. Also, incorporate products that have oxygen complexes.

For Acne: Incorporate products with vitamin A, which has been proven to promote smother, younger looking skin and help with hyper-pigmentation.

To Boost Elasticity: There are several ingredients to look for: try products with marine complexes and phytostems. Also, hyaluronic acid adds moisture, leaving your skin firm and fit.

For Purification: Bamboo charcoal products are perfect for tired, well-travels skin. It has has a unique ability to capture and eliminate micro pollutants to improve your skin’s texture.

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Go “All In” at Borgata For a Great Cause

May 26, 2020 by Carie York Leave a Comment

Borgata has proudly accepted the All In Challenge with two incredible opportunities to experience the resort. The best part is that 100% of the money raised will go directly to Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen, and No Kid Hungry.

The first opportunity to win is the Go ALL IN at Borgata package. The winner will enjoy a three-night getaway to Borgata, including accommodations in a luxurious Residence Suite with butler service and dinners at Borgata’s celebrity chef restaurants. The winner will also enjoy an all-day private cabana at the Borgata Outdoor Pool, relaxing treatments at Spa Toccare, and bottle service in a deejay-adjacent booth at Premier Nightclub. Tickets for this raffle are $10 for 10 entries and can be purchased here.

There’s also an exclusive online auction for the Epicurean’s Dream. The winner and three guests will experience all that makes Borgata an epicurean’s dream, including accommodations in an exclusive 5,000-square-foot penthouse Residence Suite with butler service, in-suite dinner party catered by the resort’s award-winning culinary team, private Chef Table experience at the iconic Old Homestead Steak House, and dinner at any Borgata celebrity chef restaurant. The winner will also enjoy a private cabana at the Borgata Outdoor Pool throughout their stay, rejuvenating treatments at Spa Toccare, front row tickets to a Borgata Entertainment event, and bottle service in a deejay-adjacent booth at Premier Nightclub. This once in a life time auction can be found here.

The ALL IN Challenge aims to be the world’s largest digital fundraiser in history by raising tens of millions of dollars to feed those in need. Food insecurity is a mounting issue but never more important than during COVID-19 and the unprecedented shortage of food resources the nation is facing. Among those most in need: students who rely on currently closed schools for several of their meals each week; the newly unemployed who are facing uncertain circumstances; and a vulnerable elderly population sequestered in their homes without access to food. More information here.

MUST BE 21 OR OLDER. BET WITH YOUR HEAD. NOT OVER IT. CALL 1.800.GAMBLER

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with Bobby Flay’s Grilling Tips

May 24, 2020 by Bryan Buttler Leave a Comment

Chef/Partner Bobby Flay’s culinary versatility is evident in the multiple talents he brings to the field. Bobby opened his first steakhouse, Bobby Flay Steak, at Borgata in 2006. Now, the “Boy Meets Grill” star and Food Network personality is sharing his best tips, tricks and techniques for a perfect grilling season, along with his favorite recipes for the at-home chef to recreate, just in time for Memorial Day weekend!

DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY THE GRILL: A grill is just a source of heat. Just like a stove, it is very user-friendly.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT GRILL FOR YOU: Charcoal, wood, or gas? All give execellent results, so choose the one that best suits your style of cooking.

GIVE YOURSELF ROOM: Don’t underestimate the importance of having enough room to work. Grilling is much more relaxing when you are not trying to juggle a whole collection of plates and bowls as you do it. If your grill doesn’t have enough workspace – and they almost never do – set up a table right next to your grill.

ORGANIZE & PRIORITIZE: When it’s time to hit the grill, get everything out in front of you: food, spices and tools. Everything you are going to need should be within easy reach.

MAKE SURE IT’S HOT: Most of the time, Bobby grills over high heat because he likes things to move fast and he loves the sound and smell of a very hot fire. With that said, Bobby gravitates towards dishes that you can get on and off the grill as quickly as possible. He suggests using the time-tested method of holding your hand 4 inches above the grate and seeing how long you can keep it there. It may sound a little dangerous, but he says you’ll pull your hand back at just the right moment. Check out this handy chart of how “hot” your grill is given your hand’s reactions:

◦ High: 2 counts

◦ Medium-high: 4 counts

◦ Medium: 6 counts

◦ Medium-low: 8 counts

◦ Low: 10 counts

KEEP THE LID CLOSED WHEN COOKING ITEMS THAT TAKE LONGER THAN 10 MINUTES: Ribs, whole chicken, bone-in chicken breasts, etc.

DON’T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD: The more you touch the food on the grill, the more it will stick and begin to fall apart. Brush your burgers, fish, vegetables with oil and season with salt and pepper and place on a hot grill. Don’t touch it for at least 2 minutes! It needs to form a crust so that it can naturally pull away from the grill. If you begin to turn it before the crust has formed, it will stick.

DON’T FLATTEN BURGERS, STEAKS & CHOPS WITH THE SPATULA: It will only press out flavorful juices and cause flare-ups. Flip the food only once if possible.

GRILLING MEAT: WHEN IN DOUBT, IT’S BETTER TO UNDERCOOK THAN OVERCOOK: You can always put food back on the fire if you need to.

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Old Homestead Steak House Team Teaches How to Cook an Artichoke

May 23, 2020 by Jen Jones Leave a Comment

Artichokes can be a little intimidating if you see them fresh in the grocery store. However, there’s an easy method behind cleaning and peeling them. Instead of buying canned artichokes, we challenge you to try them fresh! The team at Old Homestead explains, step by step, how to clean and prepare an artichoke below, plus, they include a bonus recipe for stuffed artichokes!

HOW TO CLEAN, PEEL, AND EAT AN ARTICHOKE

What you’ll need: artichoke, chef’s knife, paring knife, teaspoon, and lemon water.

1. Using the chef’s knife, cut artichoke down 1/3 to the base of the heart.

2. Trim outside of artichoke of all green leaves and skin.

3. Using the paring knife, trim remainder of green skin from the top of the heart to the bottom of the stem.

4. Using the teaspoon, scoop out the thistle in the middle of the heart.

5. Place cleaned artichoke in lemon water and submerge until you’re ready to cook. Do not leave overnight or lemon will permeate the heart. Artichokes should be cooked right after cleaning.

6. Cut artichoke heart into four equal parts, sauté with olive oil and garlic. Enjoy!

Bonus Recipe: Stuffed Artichokes

Cut artichoke a little more than half from the top and discard the stem.
With a spoon, clean out center of leaves and thistle.
Using your preferred bread stuffing (mixed with your favorite herbs and spices), pack the stuffing in between the leaves and center.
Steam until tender and enjoy!

RECIPE: Bring Home a Taste of Izakaya’s Bar With This Vieux Carre Cocktail

May 20, 2020 by Brian Burke Leave a Comment

Izakaya by Michael Schulson is known for bringing a taste of the Far East without having to venture far from the casino floor. One of the highlights of the restaurant is the bar, serving up unique libations with a Japanese flair.

General Manager Zach Davis has created a special at-home cocktail that’s an intense and spirt-forward drink that features whiskey, contract, and sweet vermouth. Taking a trip to the liquor store? Pick up some of these ingredients to spice up your collection and for a taste of Izakaya at home.

VIEUX CARRE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS:

.75 oz whiskey
.75 oz cognac
.75 oz sweet vermouth
1 bar spoon Benedictine (close substitute: yellow chartreuse)
2 dashes of bitters
Zest of any citrus fruit (lemon, lime, orange)

DIRECTIONS:

Add ingredients over ice and stir
Strain into a coupe glass
Garnish with citrus zest

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RECIPE: Prepare The Sunroom’s Greek Salad at Home

May 19, 2020 by Carie York Leave a Comment

Part of The Water Club’s lobby, The Sunroom is a sun-filled breakfast and tapas bar complete with cascading water and elegant live gardens. It’s the perfect escape at Borgata when you want to take a break from all of the action. One of the favorite menu items is its Greek Salad, a fresh and flavorful combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and olives. It’s easy to create the delicious vinaigrette that tops the salad using basic ingredients. Check out the recipe below for The Sunroom Greek Salad!

PREPARING THE SALAD

On a plate, place sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, onion, olives, and feta cheese.

GREEK SALAD VINAIGRETTE

Ingredients

· 1 large clove garlic, finely minced

· 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

· 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

· 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice

· 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

· 1 teaspoon dried oregano

· 1/2 teaspoon salt

· Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Measure all ingredients into a bowl. Whisk vigorously until well-blended and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

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Kid-Friendly Recipes from Borgata’s Vice President of Hospitality (and Mom) Becky Schultz

May 18, 2020 by Brian Burke Leave a Comment

Becky Schultz is Borgata’s Vice President of Hospitality; she oversees food and beverage as well as hotel operations for the resort. She’s also a mom to three kids. During her time at home with her family, Becky has created a series of tips and recipes that are perfect for even the pickiest eater at home. Check out her kid-approved meal ideas below and try some of these pantry-friendly recipes yourself.

Make Vegetables Part of a Menu From Early Ages

I always try to find a way to work something fresh into the meal, especially when it’s something my kids are excited about. My kids have been eating spinach salad since they were little, so they don’t really know what spinach is other than as prepared in this dish. It’s a great way to get kids to eat a very healthy vegetable without them even knowing it.

Use Leftover Fruit in a Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to use up bananas and fruit that might not look nice on a fruit plate. Today, my household used bananas, strawberries, raspberries, low-fat vanilla yogurt, almond milk, vanilla extract, and ice cubes. I would normally add honey, but we had leftover brownies and my daughter wanted to throw it in so we left out the honey. You can use any kind of yogurt or milk you like.

Spicy Asian-style Noodles are an Easy Pantry Meal

Prepare your favorite spaghetti noodles. Then combine ginger, garlic, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a little bit of water together. Whisk together, then toss the noodles and garnish with sesame seeds. This is an ideal, easy meal.

Compound Butter is an Easy Way to Add Flavor

Tonight’s dinner is steaks on the grill, chive garlic compound butter, and sautéed balsamic mushrooms and grilled onions. Whenever I use a compound butter the kids say it feels like they’re eating in a real restaurants. It’s such an easy upgrade. Compound butter is an excellent way to add flavor and moisture to any grilled steak or seafood and it’s so easy to make. It’s just a mixture of butter, herbs, and spices.

For this meal, I simply use a great quality softened salted butter and mix in finely minced chives and garlic, but you can use whatever you have available – any herb or spice, citrus zest, pepper, onion, or shallots. Sometimes I add acid like lemon juice or vinegar to balance the flavors, or, I even make it sweet with honey, agave, or maple syrup.

RECIPE: Easy Four Ingredient Espresso Martini From Borgata

May 15, 2020 by Becky Grimm Leave a Comment

There’s a lot of speculations surrounding the origin of the espresso martini, but most can agree it was first crafted in the early 80’s when a Hollywood celebrity asked a bartender for a drink with espresso. Now, it’s a popular after-meal drink that’s the perfect pick me up.

Making an espresso martini at home is so easy that most beginner bartenders have everything they need in their liquor cabinet! The actual espresso can either be made at home, or, picked up from your favorite coffeehouse earlier in the day. Enjoy this easy, delicious coffee-filled cocktail from anywhere!

Espresso Martini

2 parts vodka
1 part freshly brewed espresso (preferably hot, but cold is fine)
1/2 part coffee liquor (such as Kahlua)
1/2 part simple syrup (either store-bought or make your own by boiling equal parts sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved)

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and enjoy.

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Send a Borgata Postcard To Your Friends

May 13, 2020 by Ryan Ross Leave a Comment

Keep in touch with your friends the Borgata way!

We’re excited to share postcards that you can customize and send to your favorite Borgata buddies. Download the Borgata postcard image and print out, or download the images/animations to send via email or text message! Connect with your friends by sending them a little reminder of your happy place.

Click the photos below to select and download your favorite postcards.

Symon Says…Cocktails! Manhattan Figura Recipe

Best Ingredients and Treatments for Different Skin Types from Borgata Spas

Go “All In” at Borgata For a Great Cause

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with Bobby Flay’s Grilling Tips