Vol. 4, No. 9, September 2007
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Providence
The Quarter at Tropicana 609-345-7800
With its red velvet curtains and faux mink-lined booths, the newest nightclub at Tropicana’s Quarter is a far cry from a New York City church. However, the new club faithfully replicates the vibe of its New York namesake, a popular nightspot in a converted mid-1900s Baptist church on New York’s West Side.
The original Providence was transformed in the late 1960s into a recording studio frequented by the likes of the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel and Guns n Roses before its reincarnation as a nightclub. The Metronome Hospitality Group, the owner of the popular Manhattan nightspot, has incorporated several details of the original into its new Atlantic City location. With signature rafters, a raised ceiling and pointed archways, the nightclub is reminiscent of its beginnings, but the atmosphere is pure late-night excitement.
Providence’s standout features are twin suspended DJ booths in 20-foot-high towers overlooking the large wooden dance floor. Mere feet apart, two DJs spin hip-hop, classic rock, top 40 and R&B in an attempt to outdo each other in a twisted disc jockey battle. Focusing the club mainly on the musical entertainment, Providence hosts famous DJs as well as their own house DJ Jason Smith—aka “Boogie”—every Saturday. Friday nights, the ladies step up to the turntables, a feature proving to be a crowd-pleaser at the club.
“People who love to dance and know the value of a good DJ get a true taste of a Providence night,” said James Blackman, Providence beverage manager. “Monday and Thursday are more local nights, but we bring in a young, hip, well-dressed crowd all the time.”
With all the style put into the club, like crystals hanging from scaffolding, granite bar countertops and suede platforms, Providence prides itself on bringing in a stylish crowd as well. Dress code is always upscale casual for both the ladies and men. Jeans are permitted, but patrons are asked to leave hats, flip-flops and shorts in the closet at home.
“Everything, from metallic granite-like wallpaper to the suede, leather, moleskin and faux mink used in the VIP booths, gives of a feeling of luxury and elegance,” said Blackman. “We have a series of elegantly appointed rooms, top-level bottle and bar service with an all-premium beverage selection, and the biggest names in DJing from New York to Miami and Las Vegas, on a nightly basis. There is nothing else close to us.”
The space, formerly occupied by TSOP, features two main bars surrounding the dance floor and one upper-level bar for those overlooking the more than 600-capacity club. An oversized disco ball rotates above the center of the nightclub while more than $100,000 in lighting and 12 dancers keep the partying going until 4 a.m. four nights a week.
Providence is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m, but plans to add a food menu. Catering and extended hours are in the development phase. An a-la-carte menu featuring Mediterranean and Asian cuisine is expected to begin as early as this month. Cover charge is $20 for men and $15 for women on Friday and Saturday and $15 (men) and $10 (women) Monday and Thursday.
Cantaloupe Zyr Martini
(Can be ordered as a shot, martini or bottle)
Take four ounces of Zyr vodka and marinate it for 48 hours in a ripe cantaloupe with a little sugar to sweeten. Take mixture and shake with ice and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a fresh cantaloupe ball.
