If Atlantic City has a signature food, it is salt water taffy, sold in candy shops, casinos, and hotel lobbies. Mythology says that it was invented in 1880 by David Bradley, who ran a taffy stand. Extremely grumpy that strong winds and a high tide sent ocean foam all over his supply of just-made taffy, Bradley sarcastically corrected a little girl who stepped up and asked for taffy. ‘You mean salt water taffy!” he sneered. Candy vendor Joseph Fralinger, who started selling his own molasses taffy on the Boardwalk in 1885, was the first to pack it as the Atlantic City souvenir that every shoreline visitor took back home. But of course, there’s more to eat in Atlantic City — much more if you include casino and hotel restaurants. But for an eating experience never to be forgotten, get a sandwich at the White House Sub Shop. Made on brawny loaves of bread just hours from the oven, these torpedoes — hot or cold — are simply the best anywhere. King of the menu is the White House Special: Genoa salami, ham, capicola, and provolone cheese all tightly packed inside a long loaf, lubricated with olive oil, decorated with lettuce and bits of sweet pepper.
Thank the aquifer below the New Jersey Pinelands for the best submarine sandwich on earth. Its pure water—the pH lowered by the cedars growing above it—is what makes the...
