 John
Hoover is the Executive Chef at the Tun Tavern. Chef John studied the
culinary arts at Atlantic Community College and worked in the Cape May area
before heading to Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, where he worked as Executive
Chef for 3 years, and opened Stumpo's Italian Restaurant in Margate. Chef
John describes his style as "experiencing flavors, pairing foods with
different cultural traditions and blending my own spice of culinary
explosion." He has an appreciation for comfort foods, having adapted
family traits and recipes passed down through generations.
How long have you lived in Atlantic City?
I actually never lived in Atlantic City, but I have worked here for a few
years.
Are you married or single, do you have any children?
I am a few days from being married, and currently engaged. No, I do not have
any children, hat hopefully twill raise a little Chef sooner or later.
What do like most about Atlantic City?
I think that I like the restaurants featured in Atlantic City and the
business around the city is what I like most. There is always something
going on in this town. You also hove plenty of opportunity and plenty of
activity; at the same time you have competition.
Describe your perfect day in Atlantic City.
The perfect day in the city is 84 degrees and sunny, no seagulls, clean
streets and a busy restaurant.
What originally brought you to AC?
One reason why I came to Atlantic City in the first place was the diversity
and second was the money. There is always opportunity here. Also, like I had
mentioned is the competition. The idea is to capture the crowd!
Where do you see the city in 10 years?
I see the city as a mix between Chicago and Las Vegas, clean and fall of
potential.
What is your part in getting there?
My part is to grow to be one of the city's best chefs and provide people
with a fantastic meal at a reasonable cost. Second is to sponsor anything I
can offer to the area.
Tell us about your favorite AC memory.
Every day here is a memory.
You've got two hours to kill on the boardwalk, what do you do?
If had 2 hours to kill on the boardwalk, I would find a little pub or café
and have lunch or I would take a stroll.
What separates the food at the Tun Tavern from other places?
What is unique about the Tun Tavern is that we're a brewery that makes some
genuine brews. We also serve the best steaks in the city for a great price,
also known for our very large salads and deserts around town. But we are
also low key, and you can come be comfortable and explore some very unique
flavors.
What's your favorite casino? Hotel? Bar? Restaurant? - and why?
My favorite Hotel is the Borgata Spa and Casino because of the atmosphere
and entertainment. It is very hip and modern with some very cool
restaurants. One of my favorite restaurants is Café Lobionco located at the
end of the city in Margate. This is very romantic, and the food is
impressive! This café is also b.y.o.b.
Dealer shows 17 you've got a pair of 8s - how do you play them?
I would split them.
What's your favorite part of the Tun Tavern?
My favorite thing about the Tun Tavern is the beer, food and location.
What's your favorite dish to prepare or to have yourself?
My most favorite dishes to prepare and consume is fresh seafood and steaks.
I prefer scallops and other shellfish as well as sushi. My 3 favorite
cuisines are Thai and Spanish foods and of course, French dishes.
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