The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City hosted a star-studded lineup of celebrity chefs for its annual Savor Borgata food and wine festival. The two-day event presented 22 curated experiences, from cooking demonstrations to intimate meals with renowned chefs, drawing food lovers and wine aficionados alike.
Photo: Katie Skrzek
Celebrity chefs on the roster included Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, Michael Schulson, Geoffrey Zakarian, brothers Greg and Marc Sherry, and special guest Alex Guarnaschelli. Several of these chefs maintain restaurants at the Borgata, and many used the festival as an opportunity to showcase the menus and techniques that define their kitchens.
On Friday evening, attendees enjoyed a culinary showcase from Michael Schulson at his Izakaya by Michael Schulson, featuring signature flavors and modern takes on Japanese-inspired dishes. Saturday’s schedule offered a variety of hands-on and seated experiences: Bobby Flay prepared a three-course lunch with expertly paired wines and hosted a signing of his cookbook Bobby at Home; Michael Symon led an interactive pasta class at Angeline that combined technique with approachable recipes; and Alex Guarnaschelli presented a festive “lunch and learn,” sharing favorite holiday recipes and entertaining tips.
The festival also highlighted the Borgata’s own culinary leadership. Guests took part in a behind-the-scenes lunch with executive chef Tom Biglan, gaining insight into kitchen operations and menu development. Pastry enthusiasts attended a hands-on marzipan workshop led by executive pastry chef Thaddeus DuBois, where they learned shaping and decorating techniques. In addition, a special Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve tasting took place at the new Level One Cocktail Bar & Lounge, pairing premium spirits with complementary flavors.
Saturday night’s finale, The Ultimate Food Experience, brought the festival to a celebratory close. Staged in the Event Center, the tasting experience showcased the Borgata’s broad culinary offerings through numerous food, wine and beer stations. Attendees sampled signature dishes prepared by the guest chefs and the resort’s culinary team, mingled with chefs and sommeliers, and discovered new pairings and menu ideas. The event combined tasting stations, plated demonstrations and interactive moments that highlighted both creative cuisine and approachable dishes for home cooks.
Savor Borgata’s format — a mix of demonstrations, intimate classes, tastings and large-scale tasting events — offered something for every interest and skill level. From technique-driven classes to relaxed social tastings, the festival placed emphasis on quality ingredients, thoughtful pairings and engaging chef interactions. For the Borgata, the event reinforced the resort’s reputation as a destination for culinary discovery and elevated dining experiences in Atlantic City.