ATLANTIC CITY — The 43rd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala harkened back to the fun and vibrant era of the 1970’s when disco dance music pulsated through nightclubs, and bell bottoms and brightly-colorful attire were all the rage. This year’s Groovin’ at the Gala-themed event welcomed 850 guests to the Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City on March 12 and raised a record $312,130 for student scholarships while also honoring two deserving members of our community.
This year the Gala, held in memory of Tony Coppola Sr. and Charles Bushar, two restaurant icons from The Smithville Inn at the Historic Town of Smithville who recently passed, recognized Community Honoree Gary Musich, President and CEO, Visit Atlantic City and Academy of Culinary Arts (ACA) Honoree Chef Giancarlo Generosi ’99, Executive Chef, Bally’s Atlantic City. Gala sponsors included Platinum Sponsors Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City; Silver Sponsors Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Love, Tito’s.
The evening began with a one-hour lavish cocktail reception complete with hors d’oeuvres created by the students of the ACA. Guests were treated to funky live 70’s music, while they mingled with friends and colleagues, and enjoyed a litany of food options at four different food stations. Foodies couldn’t go wrong with finger foods, such as Foie Gras Sliders, Wagyu Pigs in a Blanket, Shrimp Cocktail, Clams, Oysters, Grilled Halloumi Skewers, Swedish Meatballs, Deviled Eggs and caviar.
Inside the funky-decorated second floor Avalon Ballroom, guests indulged on a deliciously-eclectic mix of some of the region’s most delectable fine foods, signature dishes, desserts and some of the tastiest libations. Nearly 40 restaurants offered sumptuous samples of some their tastiest creations. Nine dessert participants brought enough sweets to sooth any sweet tooth, while six beverage participants provided sample beverages from popular local wineries, breweries and distilleries with craft IPA beers, red and white wines, champagne and more.
Musich, this year’s Community Honoree, oversees the promotion of leisure tourism, conventions, sporting events, film production and group tourism throughout Atlantic City. He was promoted to his role as president and CEO last year. Musich has more than 25 years of experience in sales and hospitality, brings an extensive background in driving business growth and fostering key relationships across the tourism sector.
“I want to say thank you to so many different people. The people I know with Atlantic Cape — Dr. Gaba, Dr. Katz, Jean McAlister, thank you so much. David (Zuba), Chris (Mularz), all you guys. I came back to Atlantic City a couple of years ago and the warm welcome is overwhelming. I don't even sometimes know what to say about it. I love this city; I love what we are doing. We're changing things,” said Musich, who was originally the vice president of sales at the erstwhile Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority between 2005 – 2014. “I want to give a special shout out to this group of people who are screaming right now. Our staff at Visit Atlantic City. I am thrilled to be back. Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I love what we're doing. We're changing this city and I thank you for being here.”
Chef Generosi, this year’s ACA Honoree and a 1999 ACA alumnus, has more than 28 years in Atlantic City. He has become a cornerstone of the Bally’s culinary team and is renowned for crafting dishes that blend classic flavors with modern flair. Chef Generosi was part of the ACA apprenticeship program with the Claridge Casino and has worked in many culinary outlets. He rose through the ranks and honed his skills in various gourmet kitchens, buffets, commissary kitchens and coffee shops. Chef Generosi has led kitchen teams across Bally’s signature restaurants, while mentoring countless aspiring chefs along the way.
“I just want to thank everybody in attendance here for your continued support of the ACA and thank you especially for the nomination from the Academy of Culinary Arts. I'm very humbled and very honored to be this year's alum honoree. I would like to thank the Bally's food & beverage team and my staff because I couldn't do any of this without them. I'm really happy to have the guys that I have,” said Generosi. “I would like to thank the chef educators and the program that I went through when I went to the Academy. It’s a great school, I learned a lot and it paved the way for my career. I'd also like to thank my wife, my family for their support and my mom, who is here, and my late father, Giuseppe, for teaching me the foundation of work ethic, integrity and accountability.”
The always-popular 50/50 cash raffle raised $17,000, with the three winners splitting their share of $8,500 three ways. Congratulations go to the first-place winner, Tami Marks, who received 30%; the second-place winner, Maria Spagnoli, who received 15% and third-place winner, Bob Ardente, who received 5%.
New this year was a raffle drawing, which raised $9,650, for five exciting exclusive dining experiences. Each experience was good for up to eight guests and the winners were selected at random.
- #1: B. Prime Steakhouse at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa ($1,000 value) — Barbara Gomes
- #2: Chez Frites at Ocean Casino Resort ($1,000 value) — Dawn Cheeseman
- #3: Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse at Golden Nugget Atlantic City ($1,000 value) — Tom Eisele, Jr.
- #4: Kuro at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City ($1,000 value) — Barbara Gomes
- #5: 1906 at Longwood Gardens (donated by Restaurant Associates, includes admission for eight to Longwood Gardens and limousine transportation donated by Joe's AC Limo) ($3,000 value) — Steve Devlin
Raffle ticket proceeds support an emergency fund for students attending Atlantic Cape, regardless of program of study. This fund is crucial to supporting students that encounter unexpected financial emergencies so they may continue their studies.
Since its inception in 1984, the Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala has raised nearly $5 million for scholarships for incoming and returning students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program, an emergency fund, special projects and Atlantic Cape Foundation operations.
View an AC Photo image gallery of this event on Flickr here.
View an Atlantic Cape photo gallery of this event on Flickr here.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/gala for more information on the Restaurant Gala and the Academy of Culinary Arts.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
