Jersey’s seaside Shangri-la still an oasis of summertime delight

You’re bound to get lucky on a visit to Atlantic City — if you’re looking for hot restaurants, splashy spas and posh places to stay, that is. Odds are, you’ll have a terrific weekend getaway at this seaside playground.

Even if you’re a repeat visitor, you’ll find much that’s new this summer. For foodies, one big new addition is Michael Symon’s arrival at the sleek Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. The Iron Chef and James Beard Award winner just opened Angeline (theborgata.com), an homage to his mother’s Sicilian-accented cooking. Family recipes — arancini, roasted peppers, housemade pastas — include Mamma’s meaty, much-loved Sunday sauce.

Borgata’s mammoth outdoor pool and Beer Garden, which opened last July, have also become huge scenes. The 3,200-square-foot Roman-style pool — surrounded by cabanas, chaise lounges, and daybeds — is perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. And the Beer Garden’s lawn games — think cornhole and ping-pong — bring a smile no matter how you’ve done at the blackjack table.

A mile northeast, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City has also upped the stakes on dining with a slew of new restaurants. Over-the-top milkshakes at AC Burger Co. (caesars.com/ harrahs-ac) let you indulge without bringing on bankruptcy. I dare you to finish a chocolate-covered pretzel shake — chocolate-peanut butter ice cream topped with M&Ms, Snickers, chocolatecovered pretzels and caramel — after scarfing AC’s killer bacon-cheddar burger on a brioche bun.

A raw bar’s the highlight at another Harrah’s newcomer, Coastal Craft Kitchen + Bar.

Harrah’s other big reveal is the Pool After Dark (thepoolafterdark.com). The club’s not new, but feels fresher than ever after a multimillion-dollar overhaul this past spring. Eyepopping graphic displays on massive LED walls, along with a bone-rattling sound system, make it as immersive as jumping in the club’s namesake.