Since Main Liners make up a decent portion of the Jersey Shore’s most devoted visitors, it makes sense that some of your favorite restaurateurs and retailers have been smart enough to open seaside outposts. So where can you get your taste of home by the ocean this summer?
Eat
Izakaya at the Borgata
How St. James Place will fare at Suburban Square is yet to be determined. But while you’re waiting for that to open in July, you can always try Izakaya, Michael Schulson’s already-established restaurant at the Borgata in Atlantic City. It’s a modern, upscale Japanese pub. Sample standards like the edamame and Kobe beef, or go for a modern twist on old favorites, like the cheesesteak dumplings and tempura calamari salad. Make sure to include sushi in your meal and, if you care to indulge, a drink from their extensive sake menu. It isn’t a trip to Izakaya without them. Also, ask to try new items that are routinely added to the menu. Last year’s new dessert, corn ice cream, was a surprising and tasty treat.
1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City; (609) 317-1000, theborgata.com.
Peace A Pizza
The pizza that you couldn’t live without started as one eatery in Rosemont, and has since spread to 13 spots all over the region, including locations in Wayne and West Chester—even extending all the way to Florida. And there’s a Peace A Pizza in Stone Harbor, too. Enjoy the same slices you already know and love: Sicilian, chicken Parmesan, the Philly cheesesteak (yes, on a pizza—it’s delish). Or, if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, try one of their gourmet salads. And you can’t miss the location, with its colorful signature peace sign.
9709 Third Ave., Stone Harbor; (609) 368-3990, peaceapizza.com.
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Drink
Cape May Brewing Company
Chadds Ford’s Ryan Krill has been going to Cape May for almost his entire life. One of his hobbies was brewing beer, and he was convinced that his home brew wasn’t half-bad. So he asked the folks at Cabana’s, a popular Cape May bar, to give it a try. They liked what they tasted, asking Krill, his father and colleague Chris Henke to make a few kegs. That’s how Cape May Brewing Company was born.
The trio got its license to brew in June 2010, and opened the brewery a month later. Business has been good. It’s so good—and the weekly tours so popular—that they’ve already expanded. For a taste, stop in at Cabana’s, Lucky Bones, or Sea Salt at the Ocean Club Hotel (all in Cape May), or Goodnight Irene’s in North Wildwood.
For a look at how the beer is made, and a chance to meet the owners, visit the brewery noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays for a brewery tour and tastings. Tours are free.
If you want samples during the tour (New Jersey law allows four), it’s $5—or $11 with a commemorative glass. As part of the brewery tour, you can buy growlers of your favorite Cape May Brewing Company beer to bring back to your Shore house.
1288 Hornet Road, Cape May, capemaybrewery.com.
Shop
McKenna’s Irish Shop
McKenna’s long-standing presence in Havertown now extends to the Jersey Shore. The original spot opened in 1980. In 2005, the families that make the store so worth visiting—Anne McKenna, and her daughter, Nancy, and son-in-law Pat Durnin—decided to add a seasonal location in Sea Isle City to complement their year-round flagship operation. Irish eyes have been smiling ever since.
11 43rd St., Sea Isle City, (609) 263-0166.
Bay Springs Alpaca Farm
When Warren and Barbara Nuessle bought the land that became the Bay Springs Alpaca Farm in 2001, they were still living in Bryn Mawr. What will you find today? Alpacas, of course. The Nuessles have more than two dozen animals in their herd. You can also buy alpaca fleece, alpaca yarn or products made from said alpaca fleece or yarn, like scarves, bags, gloves, blankets and sweaters.
The farm and store are open to the public on weekends only, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours are available by appointment.
542 New England Road, Cape May; (609) 884-0563, bayspringsalpacas.com.
