Coastal Cuisine at the Snowy Beach

Cape May Point, New Jersey

When it came time to visit New Jersey - State # 30, our friends, Nancy & Steve, recommended a seaside resort called Cape May - the southernmost point in NJ. After finding a travel guide to the Jersey Shore...(not the show) we decided to visit for Christmas 2009.

You see, Cape May is a historic "whaling" town that celebrates all things Victorian. So not only did we travel to NJ, we also traveled back in time!

We stayed in a beautiful inn that served wonderful breakfasts each morning. 

The Queen Victoria Inn is only one block from the Atlantic Ocean and # 8 on our Rise & Dine list.

http://www.queenvictoria.com/

Cape May was not a prized "Dining Destination" for us. However, we did enjoy some nice meals of Coastal Cuisine and one extraordinary evening of fine dining.  But you must skip The Blue Pig Tavern inside Congress Hall. In spite of glowing reviews, the food was bland and overpriced.  (But I love my "Blue Pig" napkins from their gift shop.)

http://usnasw.org/

Following is a list of restaurants (with a link) we recommend when you visit this lovely town:

The Queen Victoria Inn

Breakfast is divine. Apple Cinnamon Stuffed French Toast!

http://www.queenvictoria.com/tea.html

Lobster House Restaurant

Waterfront dining. Have the Lobster Tail Stuffed with Crab & Shrimp!

http://thelobsterhouse.com/

Peter Shields Inn

Oceanfront dining. You must bring your own wine!

http://www.petershieldsinn.com/

The Ebbitt Room

Inside the Virgina Hotel

http://www.virginiahotel.com/ebbitt.html

This elegant dining room is tucked inside the Virginia Hotel. We dined here on Christmas Eve. Executive Chef, Lucas Manteca, prepares superb, innovative food that is beautifully plated. Since the chef takes advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients your menu will be totally different from ours; but trust me, it will be delectable. Three courses and dessert are served.

When we enjoy an evening of fine dining like this, Guy and I like to choose a winner for each course. We always order something different so we can sample more things on the menu...don't you?

The Ebbitt Room winners:

First Course - Liz

Oysters and Pearls

American Caviar, Torrontes Wine Pearl and Horseradish Panna Cotta

Second Course - Guy

Braised Wild Boar Ravioli

Tomato Porcini Sauce, Roasted Fennel Puree, Raisins, Huckleberries and Grana Padana

Third Course - Guy

Pistachio & Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Caramelized Turnips, Roasted Butternut Squash, Riesling Poached Pears and Creamy Manchego Quinoa

Dessert Course - Liz

Peanut Butter Cup

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Mousse, Peanut Brittle and Chocolate Pool

So it was a tie...2 courses each...everybody wins at this restaurant!   Accordingly, The Ebbitt Room rates...

5 slaps of table = Extraordinary!

Yes...Yes...Yes...Yes...Yes!

In my next post, I'll give you the recipe for Apple Stuffed Cinnamon French Toast
from The Queen Victoria Inn!