Cape May-what's hot?

[scarlet knight]

we're going to Cape May shortly. So far, Black Duck, Washington Inn and Gecko's are on our radar screen. We were disappointed in 410 Bank and Daniel's on Broadway in recent years. Any other recommendations for good food?

[Rosie]

Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel

[Jeff L]

Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel

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Must second this choice and also Peter Shields Inn if it's still open.

[gossamer]

The Peter Shield's on Beach Drive is very good. I believe its BYO.

[richl2214]

410 Bank Street is fantastic but make a res. BYO too.

[markabauman]

410 and Peter Shields both good. For simpler, but excellent- Louisa's is always a favorite. Cash only-need a reservation, but this time of year should be easier. Also- Tisha's- good food, ocean view; Lobster House (we usually only do the raw bar, the fish market or for takeout-not the restaurant itself); Copper Fish (same people as the former Water's Edge; also- new place Island Grill- casual "Key West" style place-same chef/owner as Daniel's on Broadway. A great place to check out a bit north of Cape May is a place called Crabby's- a Maryland style crab house without the drive to the Chesapeake. A little tricky to find- route 50 in Belcoville- worth a internet search.

[markabauman]

Correction- Restaurant 1919 is run by the former chef/owner of Water's Edge- not Copper Fish- although that's a pretty decent place as well.

[KatieLoeb]

Definitely don't miss Gecko's. My recent post details the wonderful meal I had there recently.

Louisa's also comes highly recommended to me by my friends that live in CM. A Ca Mia for Italian, the Mad Batter for brunch and the Pier House at Beach Drive & Pittsburgh Ave. on the site of the former Water's Edge are all good bets as well.

[pnapoli]

- Louisa's (byo)

- Copper Fish (also byo but offers some Cape May wines) (best crab cakes in CM, imo)

- Black Duck (byo) (try the "pu pu" app platter)

- the Lobster House raw bar (not byo)

- Sea Salt (byo) (located about 15 min north in Stone Harbor). there's a recent thread on Sea Salt around here somewhere...

nice for lunch: Freda's Cafe, the Blue Pig (at Congress Hall)

nice for drinks and tapas: Martini Beach

fun for drinks and music: the Boiler Room (at Congress Hall)

speaking of tapas, the Ebbitt Room recently began offering a small plates menu (seating is on the Virginia Hotel's front porch).

have a great time!

Edited September 7, 2005 by pnapoli (log)

[philadining]

I've had a few very good meals at the Black Duck, although the most recent one was about a year ago, so I don't know if that counts as advice on "what's hot".

I have always liked the food at 410 Bank Street, but am always shocked at how high the bill gets...

[Jeff L]

I forgot to include Louisa's in my prior post. This is far and away Cape May's best place for fish. Simple menu of fish just out of the ocean and fresh local produce.

A few caveats though, reservations during season must be made on Tuesday when they get around to answering the phone. Keep trying, it stays busy constantly.

Also, the space is so small, you need to like the people next to you cause you'll be part of their experience too. Finally, it's really quirky in a good sort of way. While you wait for your table (and you always will) stroll down the pedestrian mall and spend some time.

Here is an old review: http://www.artfuldiner.com/louisascafe.html

[Wiener]

Have been spending most weekends in Cape May . Try something different, go to The Blue Claw, less of a tourist trap than The Lobster Hut and even The Washington Inn. I am not saying that these restaurants are bad in any way but they are crowded with tourists. I have also been going to Marie Nicole's a lot and am enjoying their wine list. September is the best month of the year down here. Water is still very warm, traffic is lighter but will pick up in mid October again.

Martini Beach has excellent service and decent tapas. Great staff. Ciao

[gossamer]

The Black Duck blows away 410 Bank Street in service and food.

[markabauman]

Agreed. We've been going to 410 for the last 15 or 16 years on our annual summer visit to Cape May. I used to dream about 410's crawfish bisque, etc. on cold winter nights. Last time there, we found the food to be overly complicated, too fussy and the service a bit overbearing. Black Duck much better. Went to Louisa's twice that week- half the price, simple, clean and fresh. Homey, friendly, caring.

[Nancy HM]

The best time to visit Cape May is in autumn. Avoid the tourists and crowds!

I agree, 410 Bank is overrated and overpriced. For a lovely meal, I highly recommend Peter Shields Inn. The service is impeccable, the food, altho not too exciting, is always delicious, and the restaurant is just so darn pretty!

We tried Martini Beach last week and were very disappointed. Maybe they were having an off night.

And I always recommend the Chalfonte for a nice family experience if you have young children. We take our two little boys there every summer for a civilized, albeit pedestrian, meal - most Cape May restaurants frown on youngsters, even angelic ones like mine!

[Rosie]

This is a report from our visit there last year.

Click Here: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showto...558&hl=Cape+May

[monavano]

Just got back from Cape May yesterday. We stayed 3 nights at the Carroll Villa. With room, you get free breakfast at the Mad Batter as well as 30 percent off dinner, which we took advantage of. I had rack of lamb over polenta and a fresh and tasty pear and gorgonzola salad. It was very enjoyable and I'd recommend the restaurant even without the discount.

We also visited Martini Beach, which had modestly priced tapas. too bad nothing was tasty. We tried the cheese and olive balls and crab cakes. Again, bland, bland, bland. Don't waste stomach space.

We had dinner afterwards at the Island Grill (byob) where I had a creamy gumbo-linguini dish which I enjoyed. Not haute cuisine, but good overall and not as pricey as most.

Best dinner was the Gecko Grill. Had PEI mussels in a broth of garlic, onions, diced tomatoes, olives and capers. At 8 bucks it was a deal and delicious too. Dinner includes a southwest inspired salad. I had enchiladas stuffes with crab and cream cheese and my hubby had the duck. The food was great and the service was strained due to over burdend wait staff.

There was not enough time to try the Black Duck and Louisa's , but they are next on my list for sure.

edited to add that of course we went to the Lobster House for the raw bar. I like the cream of crab soup. We shared some steamed shrimp and clams casino. I just love sitting on the dock. I highly recommend it, as well as a cocktail on the schooner. I wouldn't do a full dinner as it is nothing more than diner food inside. A seafood diner, that is!!

Edited September 12, 2005 by monavano (log)

[Nancy HM]

Heard on the news this morning that The Lobster House suffered a major fire last night. No word yet on how extensive the damage or cause of fire. No injuries, tho.