MGM National Harbor
In the parlance of the casino realm, the MGM National Harbor doubles down on first impressions.
Visitors arriving at the lavish, six-month-old casino-hotel complex in Oxon Hill, Md. are greeted by a phalanx of valet parking attendants, security personnel and bellhops who seemingly fall over each other to offer assistance (this behavior is duplicated by the indoor staff, from housekeepers to spa workers to casino-floor personnel).
And once through the doors of the sprawling pleasure dome that sits along the Potomac River in sight of the Capitol Building and Washington Monument, guests immediately encounter The Conservatory, an impressive, multi-story space featuring a gently arching, curved glass ceiling that allows the natural light to illuminate the vivid artwork (changed according to season) that serves as the atrium’s visual focal points.
Beyond the reception area, the property hews to the same upscale blueprint. In addition to the 125,000-square-foot casino (not counting a separate, 85-table poker parlor), amenities include sleek, state-of-the-art guest rooms and suites (whose many features include bathroom mirrors with lighting controls), an opulent, 27,000-square-foot spa offering top-shelf facilities and services and a convenience-focused performance venue called The Theater at MGM National Harbor that holds 3,000-to-4,000 people, depending on seating configurations.
Much like the Event Center at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa (a corporate sibling of MGM National Harbor), the auditorium offers guests the chance to see arena-level attractions in a far more intimate setting (past headliners have included Cher, Sting and Bruno Mars).
Not surprisingly, dining is a key component of the National Harbor formula. Options range from fast-food outlets including Shake Shack and Pappas Crabcake (a regional favorite) to such celebrity-chef-headlined spots as all-day dining room Marcus (Marcus Samuelsson) and Voltaggio Brothers Steak House (“Top Chef” champs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio).
Another high-end eatery is uber-chef Jose Andres’ Fish, whose creative, seafood-centric menu is complimented by a dramatic, glass-ringed space that looks out over Potomac Plaza, one of the most exciting outdoor spaces boasted by any casino anywhere.
And, of course, there is a shopping element. “The District” is an eight-shop cluster whose centerpiece is the first “bricks-and-mortal” outlet of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, the popular actress’ high-end women’s accessories retailer. And if that’s not enough commerce for visitors, a quick walk to the neighboring Tanger Outlets at National Harbor provides more than 85 retailers.
If all of this sounds like something out of the Las Vegas playbook, it’s not a coincidence.
“We heard from our guests…they wanted a Vegas-like experience with the environment of being in our nation’s capital,” offered Patrick Fisher, National Harbor’s director of hotel operations. “I certainly think we delivered that with this property.”
Reflecting the Vegas philosophy that gambling is but one piece of the casino experience, National Harbor’s two signatures are its public gathering areas. “The Conservatory isn’t just the centerpiece, it’s the heartbeat of the property,” said Fisher. “It’s a destination in and of itself, where we see guests coming time and time again.”
Now that warm weather is here, that is also expected to be the case with Potomac Plaza, which fronts the Potomac River. The space is framed by two apostrophe-shaped canopies coming off the main building and dominated by an installation featuring choreographed fountains and a huge LED board on which are projected various visuals. It will be the upset of the year if Potomac Plaza doesn’t become one of D.C.’s hottest warm-weather hangouts for locals and visitors alike.
There are a couple of caveats: Hotel valet parking is a rather pricey $45 per day (the highest fee “R&G” has ever encountered), and with some 1.7 million square feet of public space, comfortable shoes are definitely suggested. But these hardly keep MGM National Harbor from being a must-see destination for those who ramble and gamble.
Garces back in AyCee
Philadelphia-based superstar chef/restauranteur Jose Garces was one of the culinary orphans created by the 2014 demise of Revel in Atlantic City. But the former “Iron Chef” champeen is back on the Boardwalk with three -- count ‘em -- three concepts at Tropicana Atlantic City.
“Each of the restaurants transports guests -- from a coastal town, to a Japanese streetscape and beachside beer bar,” explained Garces.
The keystone is the 143-capacity Olon, which replaced the long-running (and ocean-fronting) Fin. Like its predecessor, Olon is seafood- oriented, with lobster, steamed clams, crab cakes and fried shrimp on the bill of fare. Non-seafoodies can avail themselves of such items as roast chicken and Waygu skirt steak.
Bar at Olon is a 43-seat salon that emphasizes ceviche, a raw-fish concoction popular in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Completing the triad is Okatshe which, Garces noted, “is my playful take on a Japanese izakaya [diner] showcasing my favorite dishes from trips to Japan.
“The décor will transport guests to the gritty streets of Tokyo. I spent a great deal of time there when taping ‘Iron Chef,’ and fell in love with the ramen, sushi, sashimi, maki and yakitori [all of which are on the menu]. We also added some twists in the small plates section like okonomaki fries, chicken wings and ribs, all great for sharing.”
To wash it all down, Okatshe boasts a selection of 32 sakes and a variety of Japanese whiskeys.
Given Atlantic City’s recent less-than-high times, some may find Garces’ investment there somewhat surprising.
“We love Atlantic City and consider it to be an extension of our Philadelphia home,” he insisted. “We are truly thrilled to be here.”
