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This is a restaurant review
written weekly by veteran restaurant critic Suzin Odlen. Be sure to check back often to
find some of the culinary delights in the Atlantic City area. Also check out our archive
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Graciani's Restaurant opened three months ago in the former home of the Great Josh's, across the street from the old Atlantic City High School. Chef/owner Bill Graciani is no stranger to the restaurant business. He has years of casino restaurant experience as well as serving as chef at the Surfside and other local eateries. In fact, you might know Bill from his pizza concession at Deja Vu, which he still operates. Graciani's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and if you don't see something you'd like on the menu, just ask Chef Bill and he'll prepare it for you. On the day of our review meal the specials were Fried Flounder ($5.50) with fries and cole slaw, Pork Roll on a Bun ($4.50) with fries and Shrimp and Crab Bisque. Chef Bill is known for his soups and he told us that he just made the bisque and suggested that we sample it. It was absolutely delicious and filled with big pieces of fresh crabmeat. Graciani's serves breakfast all day and my dining partner and I made two great selections. I had the pleasure of breakfasting with my mother, Bea Odlen, who just returned from Florida for the summer. She chose Eggs Benedict ($5.00) and enjoyed it very much. This featured two poached eggs on toast topped with Canadian Bacon and a wonderful Hollandaise Sauce. I chose the Western Omelette ($5.25) which was also very good. I requested light on the green peppers which was easily accommodated. Both orders were served with a large portion of home fries. The breakfast menu is all inclusive offering a good variety of omelettes, pancakes, cereals and breakfast sandwiches. Their Breakfast Special is hard to beat. For $4.85 you'll receive two eggs, two strips of bacon, two sausages, two pancakes, home fries and toast. The lunch menu is reasonably priced and offers a nice selection of food. In addition to an extensive list of hot and cold sandwiches, you'll find salads, side orders, appetizers and hot sandwich platters. Dinner may be ordered at 6:00 AM and there are a host of regular customers who frequent Graciani's after work. The poultry entrees are priced from $7.50 to $10.50 and include soup or salad, spaghetti, or a vegetable and potato. Graciani's Grilled Chicken Breast sounded especially appealing, marinated in a garlic vinaigrette dressing. Fried Chicken, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Francese and Chicken Picante were also available. The veal entrees are priced from $9.50 to $10.75 and also include soup or salad, a side of spaghetti or vegetable and potato. They offer Veal Parmesan, Francese or Picante but Chef Bill will prepare the veal in any style you desire. In the pasta department you'll find Stuffed Shells, Cheese Ravioli, Spaghetti with Meatballs or Sausage and Shrimp Scampi. Crab Cakes, Steaks, Pork Chops and Breaded Shrimp are also available. The service at Graciani's is fast and friendly and our server, Jeanine, made us feel right at home. This is a comfortable restaurant where dinner may be eaten first thing in the morning and special requests are invited. 3709 Ventnor Ave., Atlantic City |
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