A Winter Wonderland of ice sculptures at Bally's Atlantic City (Photos) (Photos) Bally's Atlantic City
December 20, 2012
By: Carla Ives
Bally's Atlantic City
ice sculptures
Showboat
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Bally's Atlantic City Executive Chef David Utley loves many things about working in Atlantic City and, in particular, at Bally's. One of the things he loves best, though, is turning Bally's into a Winter Wonderland of exquisite ice sculptures. On Dec. 20, Chef David took time out of his busy schedule to talk to Examiner.com about how these masterpieces are created.
Chef David carves as a team with Assistant Gard Manger Chef Viengsamay Khounphilom, Chef "Vinny" for short. Together, they create beautiful ice carvings for Bally's, Caesars and Showboat for special occasions and holidays.
View slideshow: Bally's Atlantic City Winter Wonderland of Ice
I asked Chef David how he got started carving ice, a somewhat unusual occupation. He's been carving for 25 years. He originally learned his craft at Hyatt Hotels carving for banquets, receptions, parties and holiday buffets. Chef David is certified by the National Ice Carving Association, one of only 45 certified ice carvers in the U.S.
Executive Chef David Utley, Bally's Atlantic City, chef extraordinaire and certified ice carver
Executive Chef David Utley, Bally's Atlantic City, chef extraordinaire and certified ice carver
Photo credit:
Chef David Utley
We talked a little bit about what it takes to become a certified ice carver. First you have to obtain points in competition. Then you have to go in front of a panel of judges who test you on different skills. You have to prove you can carve all different forms, such as anatomy, faces, animals and sea life. You are graded on those carvings and you must achieve a certain score before certification is granted.
When you visit Bally's this weekend and see the fabulous ice carvings of reindeer, sleighs, Christmas trees, angels and Santa Claus himself, and think, "You know, I can do that for my own holiday party," think again. Ice carving is hard, cold work.
First off, you carve in a 38-degree refrigerator. You use serious tools like chain saws, grinders, drills, smoothers and chisels. The ice blocks themselves weigh 300 pounds and they are 40" high by 20" wide by 10" deep. And you just can't go raid your home freezer for the ice. This is special ice without impurities. And just that cute little angel that you think would look great by your sweet table takes 45 minutes to an hour in the hands of an experienced carver.
Luckily, though, you don't have to do it yourself. You can visit Bally's Atlantic City on Friday, Dec. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. to see the art form at its finest in the hands of Chef David and Chef Vinny. You'll find the ice carvings at Bally's port cochere, between the hotel check-in and the casino floor.
And if you fall in love with these sculptures, don't despair once the weekend is over. You'll be able to see more of Chef David's and Chef Vinny's creations for New Year's at both Bally's and Showboat.
http://www.examiner.com/article/a-winter-wonderland-of-ice-sculptures-at-bally-s-atlantic-city