Atlantic City is an underheralded culinary destination.

There’s fantastic steakhouses, such as Hard Rock’s Council Oak Steak & Seafood, Bally’s Park Place Prime and The Borgata’s Olde Homestead.

There’s terrific Italian restaurants, like Resorts’ Capriccio and Hard Rock’s Il Verdi.

But there are holes in Atlantic City, and one has been filled with the addition of Sitar, which recently opened in the Hard Rock.

The upscale restaurant features elevated Indian cuisine. Tender grilled meats, delicious curry dishes and tandoor-fired breads are worth experiencing. 

It’s a comfortable and cool vibe throughout the restaurant, but it’s about the cuisine.

The coal-fired butter chicken and the Allepay Fish Curry, are standouts. There’s plenty of options for vegetarians, such as Bhojpuri Kofta Handi — vegetable croquettes — and Dum Ka Kathal, comprised of fruit, methi, chillies and coriander. 

It’s a bold move for the Hard Rock since it’s easier to offer basic meat-and -potatoes fare but there are those frequenting casinos who have adventurous palettes. It’s going to be fascinating to see how far the Hard Rock goes with its menu.

Why not be bold and bet on yourself? The Hard Rock is doing just that.

One of the most inspired events of the summer was Ocean’s first-ever Water Ice Festival.

The air quality was poor last Saturday but it didn’t matter since the event was moved inside and it was crammed with those who enjoyed a variety of water ice.

The area delicasy is very different throughout the region. The New York-style shave ice is quite a contrast to Philadelphia’s style, which is looser and well, more watery. 

It was no surprise that the coconut from Philadelphia’s The Yummy Place won best traditional.

It’s not easy beating the traditional cherry, which is a staple at most water ice venues. However, the smooth and flavorful coconut is in a league of its own.

Best non-traditional winner also hails from Philly.

Siddiq’s Water Ice scored big for its lime mojito. John’s Water Ice, The Ice Factory and Primo Wate Ice also impressed.

Wawa pretzels were also featured along with the unlimited tastings. What goes better with water ice than a pretzel? Hopefully there will be a second annual Water Ice Festival.

Shakira comes to Boardwalk Hall

Iconic Columbian-born singer Shakira will perform Saturday at Boardwalk Hall.

The charismatic Shakira is one of Latin America’s biggest crossover artists and it’s easy to see why she’s so popular. 

The stunning singer is fantastic live but it’s not just about style. She has considerable substance.

Shakira writes her own material. She crafts moving and poetic songs. The icon is adept at engaging the audience

Music and laughs

Young comic Matt Rife returns Friday and Saturday to Ocean to deliver his observational comedy.

On the other end of the age spectrum is a show headlined by octogenarians Frankie Avalon and Fabian on Saturday at the Hard Rock.

The old school singers from South Philadelphia joined by Tommy Cono will get nostalgic while belting out hits from yesteryear.

It’s a shame fellow South Philly “Golden Boy” Bobby Rydell has passed away but the show must go on for those who are still with us.

Comic Michael Blaustein will crack wise Saturday at the Borgata. Blaustein is at his best when delivering relationship humor.