Despite the infamous history of gambling in Atlantic City, its first legal casino opened the month I was due to be born (May 1978) a mere two states away. My perception has always been that such gaming has always been a thing…surely because it’s been there throughout the entirety of my aware existence. That industry is relatively young and I’m getting old, but the health of an entire region cannot be based on gambling. There’s so much potential in Atlantic City—much of it glimpsed in previous decades—as seen now with Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center and the drive to embolden the meeting and event industry there.

Much has been said about Hurricane Sandy, which damaged parts of the Jersey Shore and countless other coastal communities along the Atlantic Seaboard. Growing up in Florida and always transfixed with nature’s violence, I’ve noted a post-storm trend: People mourn the devastation caused by hurricanes, but there’s a human attraction to rebuilding a community. Take a look at some of the costliest Atlantic hurricanes ever. Following Hurricane Andrew (1992), Southern Florida experienced a renaissance that dovetailed into an economic boon; Hurricane Katrina (2005) reminded people of their love for and the historic importance of New Orleans, which has created a city arguably healthier than prior to the storm; and Atlantic City—even though the erroneous media coverage damaged it more than Hurricane Sandy (2012)—is now getting the love it’s needed for years.

While you’re here…

A homegrown Tony Baloney’s sub in the South Inlet/north Boardwalk area hits the spot. Following a long day of exploration, I gorged on the Tikka sub listed on the menu’s “Crazy S#it” section alongside fusion options such as the Big Prick (grilled cactus), Pigface Killer Pie (homemade pulled pork), Royal Balls (roasted Brussels sprouts) and other curious creations. For your hungry attendee needs, try Tony Baloney’s Mustache Mobile food truck.

“When you’ve had your fun, and your work is done…pass me the pork roll egg and cheese, if you please, on a Kaiser bun.” Those lyrics from alternative band Ween (whose members grew up in the region) were the extent of my knowledge about this “grease truck” sandwich. I was hooked from the very first bite and subsequently started two days with the cardiologist-favorite Train Wreck (pork roll, fried egg, provolone and long hot peppers…of course, on a Kaiser roll) at Harrah’s Atlantic City.

“Phenomenally good” is how a friend described White House Subs while in Atlantic City for a conference. The one afternoon I could swing by this small joint at the corner of Arctic and Mississippi avenues, dozens of other people had the same lunch idea and the queue stretching past the doors and onto the sidewalk. Unable to hang around, I sought other adventures, but I’m determined to nosh on one of these famous sandwiches during MPI’s World Education Congress in June.