Casino buffet or Buddakan?

A multimillion-dollar inn and restaurant with a cool beach look, Daddy O comes from Martin Grims, who also owns the Plantation (in Harvey Cedars) and the Moshulu (in Philly). It will be joined by another big project farther south this summer when Grims also opens The Inlet, a revamp of Somers Point's now-closed Sails.

Grims plans to transform the huge and upscale Sails marina into a slightly more casual venue, with an all-day New American menu sporting kobe burgers, lobster grilled cheese and short rib sliders, as well as some more classic Shore offerings.

The Inlet's 175-seat deck cocktail bar, with its marina slips and bayside view, is likely to be a major draw for revelers from bone-dry Ocean City. And Grims plans for it to stay open year-round.

That way, if you get the urge for a post-summer Shore fix once that tan is gone, you'll have other tasty options than the mall.

Shore Dining

Below is Laban's short list of restaurants that might be worth checking out. For more information on dining at the Shore, contact:

The Pier Shops at Caesars, 1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City:

Phillip's Seafood, 609-348-2273

Sonsie, 609-345-6300

Trinity Pub, 609-345-6900

Buddakan, 609-674-0100

The Continental, 609-674-8300

Atlantic City:

Finestra, Trump Marina Hotel Casino, Huron Ave. and Brigantine Blvd., 1-800-777-8477.

Margate:

Sofia, 9314 Amherst Ave., 609-822-9111.

Long Beach Island:

The Gables, 212 Centre St., Beach Haven, 609-492-3553

Daddy O, 4401 Long Beach Boulevard, Brant Beach, 609-494-1300

Somers Point

The Inlet, 998 Bay Ave., 609-926-9611

Thursday in Food, Craig LaBan will sing the praises of the region's best cheeseburgers. Literally.