Winter is upon us…Aren’t we all ready to find a cozy spot to relax, have a delicious meal, and savor the flavors of the season? If so, you’re in for a treat as Victoria’s Restaurant announces a new addition to its growing family of employees,their new Executive Chef, Martin Holzberg, and the inception of their new winter dinner menu, to add to their romantic atmosphere and oceanfront view! Chef Martin Holzberg, a graduate of Johnson and Wales University, has been working his Mediterranean-inspired magic for over 30 years, most recently teaching at The New England Culinary Institute. High on Chef Holzberg’s priority list is reaping as much local bounty as possible. He has long espoused a dedication to all things organic, artisan and heirloom, with an ending goal of sustainability. Key to his style in the kitchen is a total absorption with ingredients. Chef has been warmly welcomed by many local customers of the restaurant, and looks forward to plying his trade at Victoria’s for many years to come.

With the arrival of Chef Holzberg, the culinary team at Victoria’s has turned their attention to a new winter dinner menu that is sure to wow you. Mouthwatering “beginnings” include pan-seared La Belle Farms foie gras, tempura-fried baby artichoke beignets, spicy tuna tartare and crispy duck confit arancini – savory duck confit-stuffed risotto croquettes with English field peas, truffle butter and micro greens. Entrée selections range from tender Certified Angus Culotte Steak with applewood-smoked bacon jus, to Day Boat Cod Paella, to an eye-widening Tuscan “brick style” lobster tail – a one pound lobster tail, butterflied and tempura battered, with Yukon gold shoestring fries and lemon caper beurre blanc. The Cedar Plank-Roasted Salmon and Duck “Two Ways” have also drawn raves.

The dessert menu, too, has been updated and upgraded, so be sure to save room for a seasonal favorite like Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake or indulge your sweet tooth with a Chocolate Pyramid Anglaise – dark chocolate mousse with a soft, liquid white chocolate center set upon a layer of dark chocolate cake.

If you can’t think of a drive home after such a delectable meal, we highly recommendreservations at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, where Victoria’s is located. Suites are great for families, and the adults-only concierge floor (with private access to the rooftop hot tub and sundeck) is a great getaway spot for couples.A “Cozy Winter Weekend” package, available for a limited time only at a price of $449 per couple, offers the additional treats of Sunday Brunch, room service delivery of dessert and hot chocolate, unlimited DVD selections and a cozy hotel fleece blanket as a souvenir!

Victoria’s Restaurant and Boardwalk Plaza Hotel information can be viewed at www.boardwalkplaza.com.  Reservations for either can be made by calling toll-free at (800)33-BEACH. Be sure to tell them the Atlantic County Woman sent you!