This week I was able to attend a special media event: the re-opening of The Pier House in Cape May.
What made it special?
I’ve attended plenty of restaurant openings, and they usually follow the same ol’ format: complimentary drinks, some passed hors d’oeuvres, and a few kind words, and the media folk walk away some nice pics and such. And while this evening had those elements, there was so much more going on here. Much more.
The previous version of Pier House was a beloved local restaurant. The Andy family have been a part of the Cape May dining and hospitality scene for decades. When the restaurant was torn down some three years ago, people couldn’t wait to see what would come next. But wait they had to. And wait. And wait. And wait some more.
But the waiting is now done. And based on the attendance at the event (it felt like half the town of Cape May came out), people are ready to enjoy the Greek and Mediterranean delights that made The Pier House a local treasure. Honestly, I have never been to a restaurant opening where everyone was so genuinely happy to see an opening day come to fruition. The restaurant is now open for business, so if you are making your way down to Cape May please consider The Pier House at La Mer Beachfront Resort.
Event-Full
Last weekend, it was Whitesbog. This Sunday, it’s Hammonton’s turn to be a blueberry center of the universe. The annual Red White and Blueberry Festival is happening on Sunday, June 30th from 10AM to 4PM at Hammonton High School. Having attended this festival a few times, I can speak from experience that there will be plenty of unique blueberry eats, from blueberry salsa to blueberry pizza. Of course, there will be a blueberry pie eating contest. And Mannino’s Cannoli Express will be making the world’s largest blueberry muffin. I hope they have enough butter for spreading. 566 Old Forks Road, Hammonton.
The beginning of summer means that it’s time for Summerbrew at Island Heights. Now in its 21st year, Summerbrew now has more local brews from which to invite. Icarus Brewing and ManaFirkin Brewing will be on hand as well as Palaweno Beer Company and Lagunitas Brewing. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 on the day of the event, which starts at 5PM on Saturday, June 29th. 15 Lake Avenue, Island Heights.
The Cape May Salt Oyster Company is holding a tour of its farm this Saturday, June 29th. Folks who are interested need to meet up at Cape May Distillery around 11AM, and the tour will head out by 11:30. You will get a chance to not only see the farm itself but the nursery where new oysters begin. You will also get some history of oystering on the Delaware Bay. Make sure you bring bug spray, sunblock and footwear made for the mud. 371 Route 47 South, Cape May Court House.
The wine will be flowing this weekend at the South Jersey Wine and Music Festival at Unexpected Farm in Newfield. On Saturday and Sunday from 12PM to 5PM, sample local wineries as well as enjoy food from food trucks. This is a pet-friendly event as well as an RV-friendly event, so if you like camping with your dog, you can enjoy both and still come to the festival. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door for $30 per day of $45 for both days. 1394 Piney Hollow Road, Newfield.
It’s county fair season! And kicking things off is the Cumberland County Fair which begins on July 2nd and runs through July 6th. I love county fairs, and I love county fair food because there is nothing healthy about it. On Friday, July 5th it is the big chicken bbq from 4:30PM to 7PM. 3001 Carmel Road, Millville.
Follow the Food Trucks
It;s three days of food trucks at the Sea Isle City Food Truck Invitational starting this Friday, June 28th at noon. Over fifteen food trucks will be there serving up a wide variety, from Nick’s Roast Beef to Cow and the Curd to Baby Blues BBQ.
This Friday is the first of Oaklyn’s Final Fridays Food Truck Festivals for this summer on West Clinton Avenue. The lineup of food trucks is pretty exciting: Federal Donuts, Smoke BBQ, Mary Mobile Diner, The Square Meal, Not Your Mama’s Tacos, and more! The festival goes from 4:30PM to 9PM.
Need a Drink?
Cape May Brewing turns eight this year, and this Saturday there will be a party at the tasting room from 11AM to 9PM. Two new brews, Anniversary Ale 8 and The Shower (Sweet and Sour Cranberry Ale), will be served. And after this party, head down to Cabana’s from an after-party party.
Want to step back in time to when daiquiris became frozen indulgences? Well, Bird & Betty’s is bring them back with Daqs on the Deck every Saturday starting June 30th from 4PM to 9PM.
Going to Market
The Palmyra Farmer’s Market happens every Thursday from 4:30PM to 8PM at Chief Peyton Flournoy Park on the corner of Broad and Cinnaminson Avenue.
Check Please!
New Jersey Uncorked made a return visit to Blue Cork Winery in Williamstown.
Good Food New Jersey liked what he tasted at Guilli’s Pizza and Mexican Cuisine in Willingboro.
Want to know about Somers Point Brewing? South Jersey Beer Scene has an interview with head brewer Ed Siegel.
And please take a moment and read Marilyn Johnson’s recap of the Anthony Bourdain Dinner held at Denim American Bistro this week. My hope is that, like the Robert Burns suppers in January, Bourdain dinners in June 25th become an annual celebration. And they also become a regular reminder about those with depression that need our help and support.
Eating in South Jersey Blog 