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Review by Suzin Odlen Looking for something new and different? Do not pass go - go directly to the Tun Tavern at the Sheraton Hotel by the Convention Center. Atlantic City's newest dining spot will please you on many levels, from their gorgeous ultra-modern facility to the quality of food and unique brewpub where guided tours are available upon request by Brew Master Mark Cohen. Montgomery Dahm, president of the Tun Tavern Brewing Company, is excited about his future in Atlantic City and based on our observations, he's guaranteed a successful enterprise, here. The menu features a dozen Tun Teasers to whet your appetite. How about a Sizzling Skillet of Aged Provolone ($4.99)? The cheese is pan seared with garlic, lager and crushed red pepper flakes and garnished with fresh fruit and crostini. Or the TunOnion Loaf ($4.99), a tavern specialty served with sweet n' sour mustard? Other great choices included Crab & Corn Stuffed Portabellos ($6.99), Atlantic City Fried Calamari ($6.99), Hickory Glazed Ale Shrimp ($6.99) and Wurst & Rarebit ($5.99), a platter of chilled, sliced brewery sausages, cheddar caraway pate, Pan-Asian slaw and garlic toasts. Don't skip the salads - they're sensational. I chose the Field of Greens tossed with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. In addition to a good mix of chilled fresh vegetables, this salad features toasted cracked corn and dried cranberries for a sweet touch. My dining partner enjoyed their famous Caesar Salad which is also served with interesting variations. The portions are large and refills are offered at no charge. The soups are special, too: Seashore Seafood Bisque, Colonial Onion and Ale Crock and Brewery White Bean made with Bavarian hops, tarragon and pancetta. Their bread is outrageous and it's made from spent grains from the brewing process. The list of entrees is short, sweet and well-conceived, featuring meat, seafood, pasta and chicken. I opted for the Bronzed Salmon Filet ($14.99) and enjoyed every bite. The fish was fresh and flavorful - brushed with golden honey and served in an attractive presentation with tri-colored sonoma peppers and vidalia onions on a bed of sesame, garlic, ginger vermicelli. Other seafood selections included Tuna Wasabi, Boardwalk Crab Cakes and Drunken Shrimp, all priced at $14.99. My dining partner chose "Philly" Mignon ($16.99) which was cooked as requested and delicious. It was served with mushrooms, onion rings and Brew Pub potatoes. Other good choices included Choice Chicago Sirloin Strip ($15.99), Franklin's Filet Mignon Tips ($12.99), Homemade Meatloaf ($11.99), Weiner Schnitzel($13.99), The Best of the Wurst ($12.99) and Peggy Mullen's Sizzling Rib Steak ($14.99). The pasta platters sounded fabulous, such as Penne Havana ($11.99) prepared with spiced chicken tenders, Cuban onions, Crimini mushrooms and garlic and peppers in a tangy Caribbean jerked tomato sauce. The poultry selections were just as exciting. The menu also includes burgers, sandwiches and Gung-Ho Award Winning Chili. We passed on dessert but they all sounded wonderful and are freshly made at the tavern. You'll find Tiramisu, Strawberry Cheesecake, Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Mousse. The Tun Tavern seats 175 people in a room filled with great architectural detail. The service was friendly and professional and we enjoyed chatting with our waitress, Marie. The Tun Tavern Brewing Company was established in 1994 and their lager is made from all natural ingredients. The Atlantic City Brewpub is the first in what will be a chain of brewpubs. Rave reviews for the Tun Tavern and a hearty welcome to our island. Located at the New Sheraton Convention Center Hotel, 2000 Kirkman Boulevard · 609-347-7800 Free Validated Parking Across the Street on Michigan Avenue |
