CasiNotes: Bally's best summer offer: Free rock concerts
IF THE current economic crisis is keeping you from availing yourself of Atlantic City's entertainment offerings this weekend, Bally's Atlantic City has an offer you can't refuse.
Sunday, the midtown gaming hall inaugurates a summer-long series of free classic-rock concerts with a performance by Jefferson Starship at the recently refurbished Dennis Courtyard.
The space, which lies between the Boardwalk and the Dennis Hotel part of the sprawling Bally's complex, had been cut off from the Great Wood Way by a high fence for decades.
Last year, the casino finally removed the barrier, thus affording pedestrians a great view of a piece of AyCee's storied past.
During the town's pre-casino heyday, the courtyard, which boasted immaculately manicured grass and fancy landscaping, served as a swank al fresco cocktail lounge during the summer.
Besides the Starship, Bally's has announced two other free shows: Chuck Negron (former lead singer of Three Dog Night) on June 20 and Blue Oyster Cult (Aug. 29).
A casino spokesman said more shows should be announced shortly.
Actually, the Dennis Courtyard fun begins at 2 p.m. today, when Penn & Teller will perform what's described as a "classic stunt." Admission is free.
Bally's Atlantic City, Boardwalk at Park Place, 5 p.m. Sunday, free, 609- 340-2000, www.ballysac.com.
Eats beat
There's lots happening on the culinary front as casino eateries gear up for the summer:
_ At Resorts Atlantic City, the BeachBall Deli & Seafood House has dropped the "deli" aspect of the operation.
Today, it reopens as the BeachBall Seafood House.
The Boardwalk-side spot will offer selections from the sea for low-end prices, including such appetizers as fried calamari, clams steamed in herb butter and Old Bay-seasoned shrimp, for $10 or less. There is also a raw bar.
Other offerings include crab cakes, fish and chips and a fried seafood combo.
_ At Izakaya, the fabulous Japanese pub at Borgata, Mondays now feature $7 sushi and robatayaki (grilled meat, chicken and seafood).
There's also a two-Kirin-beers-for-$7 special.
_ June 1, The Palm at The Quarter inside Tropicana will institute a Summer Lobster Festival for two.
