Bocca Coal Fired Bistro at last year’s Restaurant Gala.
MAYS LANDING — The 40th annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala is swiftly approaching and dozens of local restaurants, wineries, bakeries and distilleries are making their final preparations for the Thursday, March 9 Ruby Gala to be held at the Harrah’s Atlantic City Waterfront Conference Center on the second floor in the Avalon Ballroom from 6-9:30 p.m.
This year the gala will recognize the many individuals and sponsors who have supported this annual event and played a vital role in making it a resounding success over the past 40 years. Sustaining Committee Members Ed Blake, Joseph Massaglia, Also, Dock’s Oyster House, Renault Winery and Resort, Bally’s Atlantic City, Tropicana Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel, Caesars Atlantic City, Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and The Historic Smithville Inn will be honored for their 40 years of continuous commitment to the gala and the students of the Academy of Culinary Arts program.
“We are excited to be celebrating 40 years of the Restaurant Gala with our guests once again as we highlight many of the area’s finest restaurants, delicious desserts from many acclaimed award winning pastry chefs, and exceptional wines and spirits,” Atlantic Cape Foundation Executive Director Jean McAlister said.
Now is the time to purchase a ticket before they are sold out. Tickets are available individually for $250 and in tables of 10 for $2,300. Sponsorships and advertising opportunities are still available.
Raffle tickets may be purchased for $100 each online and during the event. Half of the proceeds from the raffle go towards emergency funds, and Atlantic Cape faculty and student initiatives, while three lucky winners will share the other 50%. Winners need not be present to win.
The formal attire evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a lavish, one hour cocktail reception complete with hors d’oeuvres prepared by Atlantic Cape’s Academy of Culinary Arts students and the highly anticipated return of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol surf boat featuring an array of fresh seafood.
A formal dinner will follow at 7 p.m. in the Avalon ballroom with signature dishes and desserts presented by some of the area’s finest establishments and sample beverages from popular local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Live entertainment will be provided by “Plaid Salmon,” while an open bar, photo booth and 50/50 raffle will add to the evening’s festivities.
Since its inception in 1984, the Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala has raised more than $3.8 million for scholarships for students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program, an emergency fund, special projects and Atlantic Cape Foundation operations. In 2022, $240,775 was raised to provide much needed funds for culinary students and emergency relief.
Ventnor Commissioner Lance Landgraf and his wife Kathy attended the 2019 event.
Visit atlantic.edu/gala to purchase tickets, sponsorship and advertising opportunities, and raffle tickets, and to view this year’s sponsors, participating restaurants, and dessert and beverage providers. For more information on this year’s Ruby Restaurant Gala, please contact Kristin Jackson at kjackson@atlantic.edu or at 609-463-3621.
