Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboard⛄ Beach house in winter | Down the ShorePlus there is only me and my neighbor talking to one another while parked in the middle of the street Have ideas or news tips about the Shore or this newsletter? Send them here If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here 🫐 Thousands of undocumented farmworkers in South Jersey are fearing ICE actions. 🎸 The city of Cape May, which became Newport, R.I., in the Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, went uncredited, annoying locals. 🇨🇦 Will Canadians take out their annoyance with the U.S. on the Jersey Shore? 🐠 Fish story: The Atlantic City Aquarium will (finally) reopen March 24, or so they say. 5️⃣ The five Jersey-est Jersey Shore stories of 2024. 🏖️ Sandbox: Wildwood and Wildwood Crest don’t want to share with North Wildwood. 🗳️ Political operative Craig Callaway pleads guilty to running a vote-fraud scheme. 🌊 Ocean wind farms are in trouble. ⚽ How Atlantic City is attracting international visitors with sports tourism (like futsal). 🖼️ Go see: the Jersey Gents exhibit of work by Black men from South Jersey at A.C.’s African American Heritage Museum. Which of Cape May County’s five toll bridges no longer needs a bridge tender to open the bridge for marine traffic? Favorite summer breakfast: DeMarco’s a little cream cheese spread on the croissant I go to the beach on Sundays with the family Perfect night: Walking the Boardwalk, hitting casinos up. Life in A.C. is pretty cool, do a couple concerts, get a nice cheesesteak at Pizza King Best sandwich: Spanky’s. I’m getting Italian When summer approaches: … I feel like the grand opening of AC Leef on Valentine’s Day People thought all dispensaries will lose a lot of money That’s a dogfight on Atlantic and Pacific Avenues It wouldn’t be the Jersey Shore without: The Steel Pier Best things for kids: The Showboat: the indoor waterpark Skate AC is right around the corner at Sovereign Avenue on the inlet side There’s a great sunset in Chelsea Heights going toward Ventnor Shore pet peeves: My pet peeve is there’s a stigma around A.C People outside of Atlantic City have so much to say about Atlantic City There’s something about this place if you look at it Randi Hand wrote: My family has owned a South end beach house since 1954 Ocean City retained its charm for many years but now feels like an overpriced I think it is one that is friendly and affordable It is certainly not the mobbed boardwalk and beaches obscenely high rental prices and overabundance of wealthy snobs and vendors who cater to them Les 1414 wrote a poem: Goodbye Ocean City/It is such a pity/No longer can we stay/It’s become too much to pay/We will vaca in another city By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use including the grant of rights in Section 10 The Best New Restaurants in Philly, May 2025 The Best Restaurants in Fishtown The Best Tacos in Philly This Jersey Shore destination is home to historic eateries But regardless of whether the tides are bringing in a spike of new development or a round of casino closures there’s never been a shortage of good food on and off the boardwalk in this Jersey Shore destination The best places to eat in Atlantic City range from a no-frills taco shop and a low-key diner to a historic chop house and a modern Italian American restaurant from a celebrity chef Ventnor City is a short drive away and has some fantastic restaurants of its own And stay tuned for the summertime arrivals of two new Stephen Starr restaurants in Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort In our latest map refresh, we add: Kelsey’s, Cardinal, Angeloni’s Club Madrid, Tennessee Ave Beer Hall, and Setaara — and say goodbye to Angeline, Old Homestead Steak House, Il Mulino, Custard’s Last Stand, and Santucci’s. —Additional reporting by Ernest Owens For all the latest Philly dining intel, subscribe to Eater Philly’s newsletter. Atlantic City’s reputation for excess doesn’t only apply to its nightlife which originated here before expanding regionally is home to the Instagram-famous Taco Taco Taco Pizza as well as all sorts of other unorthodox pies covered in burnt-end brisket A post shared by Tony Boloney's (@tonyboloneys) the Council Oak is a go-to for an upscale dinner of steaks and seafood The seafood tower is as deluxe and over-the-top as Atlantic City but don’t miss out on the wood-fired options You’ll feel glamorous no matter what hits the table A post shared by Hard Rock Atlantic City (@hardrockhcac) One of the early innovators of the Orange Loop rejuvenation you’ll find a constantly changing menu and substantial burgers on offer at this gastropub plus its cult-favorite Boardwalk Clam Chowder prepared the New England way with Applewood bacon and this has become the place to be on weekends in Atlantic City There’s always a line around the corner to get into this AC jazz bar Besides amazing vocalists and three-piece bands is so warm and welcoming that you are guaranteed to become family with the tables around you before you finish your Sex at the Seawall drink try to grab a seat at the bar or visit sister location Kelsey & Kim’s a few minutes away A post shared by Kelsey's Atlantic City (@kelseysac) This no-frills taco shop is a favorite for pregaming a night of gaming Pancho’s fresh tortillas are filled with carnitas and al pastor Order fresh juices and beers to wash it all down This iconic Jersey Shore spot serves some of the biggest and most satisfying hoagies anywhere Thanks to a heavy hand with cold cuts and a signature hot pepper relish the retro sandwich specialist is packed with locals and tourists from open until close A post shared by bmorebri (@bmorebri) The Jersey Shore’s 26 Essential Restaurants Contemporary Japanese cuisine comes alive at this remarkable restaurant at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and premium A5 Japanese wagyu beef are served alongside Japanese whiskeys A post shared by Hard Rock Atlantic City (@hardrockhcac) Critics are right about this hidden Ducktown gem Located a few minutes from the boardwalk and casinos you’ll find an absolutely gorgeous Afghan and French dining experience with menu items like an Uzbeki palau and a little bit of New Jersey flair via Kabul alfredo pasta with chicken kebab the tasting menu offers a choice of appetizer A post shared by Setaara Fusion Cuisine (@setaara) It’s always 1981 at Angeloni’s in the best way possible This recently reopened Ducktown bar and restaurant has kept the ambiance of its golden days and added a sexy dinner and drinks service Jersey Shore staples like clams casino and short rib pappardelle are a great start but go for full Angeloni’s vibes with brunch at the bar; the pancake special goes great with a Garibaldi or Girl Dinner — a dirty martini with a playful side of gummy worms A post shared by Angeloni’s Club Madrid (@angelonisclubmadrid) While it’s a relative newcomer to the off-boardwalk restaurant scene Cardinal brings experimentation to Atlantic City’s hip Orange Loop with a creative menu and events all year round Whether dining indoors or across its gorgeous outdoor patio Ordering a Your Princess Is At Another Castle cocktail (Champagne and vodka with peach and orgeat) at the bar is a great way to end a night A post shared by Visit Atlantic City (@visit_atlanticcity) Fast and classic defines this local favorite diner on Atlantic Avenue You’ll occasionally face a wait to get a table but the line moves fast and it’s worth it for simple all-day old-school breakfasts like French toast platters A post shared by Maria's Luncheonette (@mariasluncheonette_ac) Dock’s has been shucking East Coast oysters and frying up seafood samplers to serve with classic cocktails and tartar sauces also owns Atlantic City’s historic Knife & Fork Inn and Dougherty’s Steak House & Raw Bar inside Resorts Casino Hotel A post shared by Keo-rady (@keorady) The Essential Seafood Restaurants of the Jersey Shore as it’s called by fans who don tattoos and shirts is a 1927 original with 1970s decor right down to the booths sit at the 24-hour bar and order a classic pasta dish Expect a heavy pour of your drink and conversation with locals bands who just played nearby Anchor Rock Club A post shared by Tony's Baltimore Grill (@tonysbaltimoregrill) Reservations are hard to come by at this off-boardwalk legend Chef Vola’s runs out of a residential home and in that fashion you can expect Italian American red sauce classics like chicken cutlet it’s BYOB; always call ahead and prepare to wine and dine with the locals Knife and Fork Inn’s iconic Tudor facade has been welcoming visitors to Atlantic City since the seafood and chop house opened in 1912 The retro lineup includes the likes of lobster thermidor and steaks served Oscar-style with lump crab A post shared by Knife & Fork Inn (@knifeandforkinn) on Jun 2 Nobody can argue that losing a pet isn't a devastating experience When she hops the fence to go galivanting in the woods behind my house I can't help but think what would happen if I can't find her I've learned I have to keep a close eye on that one All of South Jersey is hoping for the safe return of yet another pet that seems to have gotten lost Atlantic County has been alerted of a 1-year-old baby parrot on the loose in Ventnor City Seraphina is a Jardine's Parrot and has brought her family so much joy since finding her forever home People have taken to Facebook to express their concern It's not hard to figure out why so many people are praying for Seraphina's safe return before nightfall Since Jardine's Parrots are susceptible to respiratory issues, their ideal climate is anywhere between 70-80 degrees It's not unheard of for these kinds of birds to catch something as a result of being exposed to fluctuating temperatures fluctuating temperatures basically define our weather here in the southernmost parts of the state from late March through mid-May Atlantic County has been experiencing temperatures dipping into the 40s at nighttime if enough people get their eyes on some of Seraphina's pictures she can be reunited with her owner before coming down with anything Gallery Credit: Heather DeLuca Atlantic County is on the lookout for a baby parrot that flew away from home in Ventnor.\nRead More Since Jardine's Parrots are susceptible to respiratory issues, their ideal climate is anywhere between 70-80 degrees - Sites visited Feb 18-Mar 3: 1%- Average group size: 1.27- States with the highest percent of sites visited--- #1 when tourists are only dreaming about spending the summer down the shore police officers are still busy keeping the streets of South Jersey safe officers with the Ventnor Police Department were on their toes answering 1,250 calls for service in the two-square-mile town there were two vehicle burglaries (800 block of Dorset Avenue and the unit block of Hillside Avenue) two other burglaries (6200 and 6600 blocks of Ventnor Avenue) 30 people also found themselves wearing handcuffs for various crimes Here are some of the arrests made in Ventnor last month The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman During March, officers with the Ventnor Police Department answered 1,250 calls for service and arrested 30 people.\nRead More Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardVentnor City native B.J Callaghan is ready for his first full year as a MLS managerAfter 20 years as a college and pro assistant Callaghan took a long time to reach the top level of American professional soccer spent two decades as an assistant coach: at his alma mater Ursinus then a fourth-place finish at the Gold Cup with a mostly domestic B-squad When Berhalter got his job back after the Gold Cup then left to become Nashville SC’s manager in a move that was in the works well before the U.S “From 2003 to 2023 is 20 years [where] probably no one knew my name,” Callaghan said on a panel at last week’s United Soccer Coaches convention everybody knew my name in the soccer world.” » READ MORE: B.J. Callaghan’s rise to leading the U.S. men’s soccer team has roots at Villanova Callaghan was in charge last year for 11 games in Nashville As he prepares for his first full season at the helm he’s had time to build and to look back on his remarkable rise but that’s what I want to do,” he told The Inquirer But you wouldn’t trade spots with anybody to get to continue to do it.” Callaghan hopes Nashville SC will be a destination for a city that didn’t need sports to become famous Johnny Cash and the Grand Ole Opry took care of that decades ago Nashville made the playoffs in its first four MLS seasons before missing last year and GEODIS Park has quickly become one of the nation’s elite soccer stadiums since the only other major pro sports teams in town play football and hockey there’s room to boost the spotlight on soccer “There’s a lot of talent that’s homegrown there that goes on to become big stars there’s a lot of people that move into Nashville pursuing a dream that become big stars and then there’s a lot of big stars that leave and they come back to Nashville,” Callaghan said “We feel like we can build a club that can become a destination for any type of player » READ MORE: Gregg Berhalter draws cheers from his fellow coaches in his return to the public spotlight Callaghan’s squad has a definite star in playmaker Hany Mukhtar and Callaghan also wants a strong youth pipeline — with an obvious model we were provided confidence from ownership and through [academy bankroller] Richie Graham to do that and there were big investments made at Philadelphia to do that But when your personal value is aligned with the values of a club and you have that support behind you to make maybe what we would call a risky decision you feel supported to do it — and then you want to give that to the player.” Callaghan naturally had plenty to say about Jim Curtin his boss at the Union and a longtime friend was a legendary coach of the Wildcats’ men’s basketball team “Jim gave you a ton of opportunity to take a lot of ownership in things,” Callaghan told the convention direct feedback but never took the project away from you … You really felt like you were contributing And he also had a high level of accountability because you knew that you owned it and it was a reflection of you.” » READ MORE: Here’s how the Philly region became home to America’s ever-growing pro soccer pipeline Callaghan started his Nashville tenure one game after the club visited the Union so he narrowly missed a chance to debut against Curtin And with Curtin seemingly set to take this year off from coaching it might be a while before they cross paths on a field But Callaghan will be back at Subaru Park this year when Nashville visits the Union on March 16 The teams will meet again in the Music City on July 5 “I think it’s a dangerous precedent to set that if you have one season that doesn’t meet expectations … It still is a choice — we chose this profession and these are the things that happen — but my reaction is immediately to Jim and his family I don’t think that decision is indicative of who the man is and who the coach is.” 37 points) wasn’t the only reason why Curtin was fired Callaghan is now one of a few coaches around MLS who are part of Curtin’s coaching tree and can show the sport the influence that their former boss had “I look forward to finding out where his next opportunity will be » READ MORE: Emma Hayes used rival countries’ criticism of the USWNT to fuel winning Olympic gold We have reached the spring season in South Jersey, and pretty soon every weekend will be filled with visitors you generally see friends and family that you haven't seen or talked to in a while things that bring back good memories from your past you start to throw around places you missed Here is a list of the places in Margate in Ventnor we talked about and miss the most Is there a place you miss the most that we forgot about?  Let us know in the comments Here are a bunch of places in Margate and Ventnor we miss the most.\nRead More I flew from Atlantic City to Tampa and had one of the best airport experiences I have ever had but I am writing this to give credit and praise for my experience at ACY. My girlfriend and I were making are annual excursion to Clearwater to see some friends and watch the Phillies play a few games neither Spirit nor ACY asked me to write this—I just believe positive experiences deserve recognition We pulled in and parked the car at 11:56 a.m checked our bags with one of the friendliest gentlemen We walked to the counter and handed off our checked bag before we went to the TSA checkpoint area we were up the escalator and enjoying a quick drink at the bar before our 1:37 p.m the flight arrived well before the advertised landing time our bags were waiting for us when we arrived on the belt and the staff and crew couldn't have been nicer.  In a time where everyone seems to complain and let you know when someone doesn't do a good job I felt I should give both ACY and Spirit Airlines a positive review that wasn't the case; it was quite a pleasant experience The only thing I would ask moving forward is for ACY to attract more airlines and add more routes allowing more people to enjoy this great local asset I often hear complaints about air travel, but my recent experience at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) was nothing short of exceptional.\nRead More I just had the most efficient airport experience of all-time at ACY.Parked at 11:56Friendly FastEfficient Checked bags A Ventnor man is headed to prison for a stabbing at a youth baseball park in 2021 24-year-old William Clanton was sentenced to three years in state prison on a third-degree aggravated assault charge According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, during the pre-dawn hours of New Year's Day 2021 officers with the Absecon Police Department responded to the Field of Dreams Park after receiving a call about a stabbing cops found a victim with four stab wounds to the head Officers performed lifesaving treatment and the victim was rushed to the hospital where he survived Clanton was found in the park with two knives and admitted to stabbing the victim during a fight The investigation was led by the Absecon Police Department in conjunction with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman A Ventnor man is headed to prison for a stabbing at the Field of Dreams in Absecon in 2021.\nRead More According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, during the pre-dawn hours of New Year's Day 2021 A letter is circulating throughout Atlantic City and the sending districts of Ventnor City along with various local elected officials We have also been sent a copy of the letter We are publishing the letter in its entirety at the bottom of this article The letter is directed to the Atlantic City Board of Education members and it is titled: Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Governance and Accountability in Atlantic City Public Schools The main theme of the letter alleges that La’Quetta Small Atlantic City Superintendent of Public Schoolswields total control over the Board of Education that she is supposed to report to I have also made this point over the past few years How else can you explain that the Atlantic City Board of Education has taken no action whatsoever regarding the criminal indictment of their subordinate La’Quetta Small has been allowed to continue to have direct pupil and faculty contact The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office previously released the following criminal allegations against Marty and La’Quetta Small NJ were both indicted for second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child was also indicted for third-degree Terroristic Threats It is alleged that during the months of December 2023 and January 2024 the defendants physically and emotionally abused their 15/16-year-old-daughter on multiple occasions is alleged to have hit his daughter multiple times in the head with a broom causing her to lose consciousness said the Atlantic City Prosecutor’s Office Marty Small was separately indicted for witness tampering by a second Atlantic County jury Here is the letter about La’Quetta Small We have been trying to shine the light on the deplorable conditions of the Chelsea Little League stadium located at Sovereign Avenue and The Bay in Atlantic City Letter Says Atlantic City Superintendent Controls Board of Education\nRead More An NJ Transit train struck an unoccupied vehicle in Galloway Township on Tuesday evening Members of the Galloway Township Police Department responded to a report of a train strike at the railroad intersection on Pomona Road at approximately 8:20 p.m. More: TD Bank closing South Jersey branch, laying off 52 workers; other cutbacks planned as well The department said that motorist Minh Vu of Ventnor was traveling northbound on Pomona Road before making a wrong turn onto the railroad tracks Vu exited the vehicle after it became stuck on the tracks but the eastbound NJ Transit train struck his vehicle before he contacted police A spokesperson for NJ Transit said the crash impacted an Atlantic City Rail Line train that had departed Philadelphia's 30th Street Station at 7:03 p.m and was to arrive in Atlantic City at 8:37 p.m There were no injuries among the approximate 33 passengers and crew on board the train noting that the investigation is being led by NJ Transit Police Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need A popular Ventnor art studio and craft store, Makt Arts, closed its doors at the end of 2024, with the owner, Brenda Dowd, announcing she was moving out west Her studio store showcased local artists' work and was an art consignment store allowing local artist to showcase their work in the store and get paid for their work The store is set to open with a new name and new owners, and will continue to support local artists Coastal Collective Arts will open on May 2 at 5112 Ventnor Ave in Ventnor and says it will be a new local shop and gallery filled with local artists from the community My girlfriend Heidi is one of many talented local artists who have their work is in Makt Arts One of the pieces you may have seen in the store is this Ventnor life-size beach badge which you may have seen around at different establishments or even at a friend's house around town and we're wishing good luck to the new owners and the new store Exciting news for art lovers! The Coastal Collective Arts is set to open in Ventnor bringing a fresh creative hub to the shore. Check out the dates for their grand opening and experience a vibrant space showcasing local artists, workshops, and more!\nRead More A popular Ventnor art studio and craft store, Makt Arts, closed its doors at the end of 2024, with the owner, Brenda Dowd, announcing she was moving out west and this year at the Jersey Shore my meals were more diverse than ever This was especially true across the southern stretch between Ventnor City and Cape May I also revisited a surging gastropub beside a commercial marina for the world’s best scallops and then landed at a new destination BYOB in Stone Harbor for a special occasion meal isn’t great pizza always a special occasion One of the region’s finest pizzaiolos has landed in Ocean City — where a fantastic gluten-free bakery has also opened its doors how about some exceptional Indian ice creams because I guarantee you’ll want the scoop on that Heading north? Follow my dining itinerary from LBI to Atlantic City in Part One of my annual Shore dining series with her vote of approval for the potatoes and ham she devoured beside us a former Velo Cafe chef who took over in October with partners Easton Reynolds and Michael Beau Ridge is cooking Italian-themed dishes with gusto transforming what might otherwise be a generic condo amenity into a destination and I was impressed not only by the uncommonly large entrees A meaty branzino fillet was topped with a brothy butter sauce of citrus and tomatoes and crunchy oreganata crumbs A half chicken came with the deliciously retro indulgence of rich cream sauce and crumbled bacon I can also see why the veal Giambrone — 10 ounces of tender cutlets and spicy cherry peppers — is the chef’s self-proclaimed favorite But the best sandwich might also be the healthiest: the Vex’ahlia a pile-it-on vegetarian fantasia of roasted peppers and marinated tomatoes inside a seeded Atlantic City roll with mashed avocado and a blend of Cooper Sharp and provolone The unusual name is a nod to Giambrone’s kids’ passion for Dungeons & Dragons may check yet another distinctive box in favor of the Queen Bean Bistro Change is part of the ritual of returning annually to the Jersey Shore, and that occasionally means saying farewell to a favorite restaurant. The news that Dim Some and Then Some! had moved from Ventnor City to a larger location in Galloway (much farther from our summer rental) was disappointing to my crew We valued this take-out spot as a reliable destination for excellent Cantonese cooking and gluten-free dumplings A bright new tenant like Two Sisters Vietnamese Eatery One brisk sip of the strong iced coffee with chicory sweetened with condensed milk and my mood instantly improved Then came fresh summer rolls so delicately wrapped that the lettuce inside glowed through the rice paper wrapper and ginger wafting from the pho pots simmering in the kitchen finished with a dose of molten fat shimmering like pearly beads Two Sisters is owned by Tara Bloch and her husband who cook the family recipes they grew up with in Ho Chi Minh City The Phans raised Tara in Brigantine while working in the casino industry where they launched an earlier version of Two Sisters in East Liberty they moved back to open the restaurant in Ventnor City with their daughter Two other side dishes from Trinh should not be bypassed: Goi ga is tossed to order in a lime vinaigrette with pho-poached chicken and Thai basil; it could well become the salad of the summer in Ventnor City You’ll also want to grab Trinh’s Vietnamese coffee flan from the fridge: It’s every bit as strong as the coffee that started my meal but the silky richness will stay with you long after the meal is over Two Sisters Vietnamese Eatery, 7317 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor City, N.J. 08406, 609-541-6133; twosisterseatery.com The idea for the Snackle Box was indeed born on a boat Vanessa Wong was out fishing and drinking wine with her friends one day and suddenly got the munchies The solution — a portable charcuterie board — was obvious because Wong and her husband happen to own a specialty foods market in Ventnor City called Fish & Whistle which is also attached to their excellent indie bottle shop A lightly effervescent $20 Txakolina from woman-owned and operated Basa Lore Getariako I suggest the light Greek red blend from the Georgas Family called Hoot which holds the equivalent of two bottles in a sealed “bagnum” pouch for $30 Fish & Whistle Market & Wahine Wine Co., 101 N. Dorset Ave., Ventnor City, N.J. 08406; on Instagram Few things can chasten a chef’s ego quite like making pizza who’s rightfully won a cult following at the Shore for his Detroit-style pies over the years can be reminded that the dough is his fickle boss When Fitzick revived Bakeria 1010 in Ocean City this past May the island’s microclimate was so different from what he had recently experienced on the nearby mainland town of Linwood — just five miles away — that the extra humidity wrecked an entire week’s worth of dough “It looked like pancake batter and had to be trashed and is once again making some of the best Detroit-style pizza in the region — not just the Jersey Shore crackling with a cheesy crunch around the edges I’m partial to the white pies topped with prosciutto and arugula or Esposito’s sausage with roasted peppers and olives But I also admire some of the novelty pizzas that began as “joke specials” before taking off in popularity I watched one diner across from me eat his entire piece in slow motion with his eyes closed Fitzick’s classic red pizzas are just as good as his gimmicks with a sweet and tangy blend of Italian and Jersey tomatoes that shines on his thin-crusted round pies which blends cup and char pepperoni with fistfuls of shaved jalapeños whose heat has been tempered with a cold bath (A glaze of Mike’s Hot Honey brings that heat right back up.) Fitzick has more than pizza going on in this little dining room in downtown Ocean City The fresh sourdough boules and baguettes are also popular picks while a flat top grill allows his crew to turn out high-quality cheesesteaks (rib eye or halal chicken) Fitzick concedes he’s still fixated on the pizza side “splitting atoms” to assure the consistency of his dough But he plans to focus on boosting the rest of the menu soon “I signed a five-year lease,” Fitzick says Bakeria 1010, 955 Asbury Ave., Ocean City, N.J. 08226, 609-600-7023; bakeria1010.com which was founded in Egg Harbor City in 2015 Take a bite of the blueberry or strawberry pop tarts whose centers burst with vivid reductions of real fruit or the decadently creamy blueberry cheesecake bar which is topped with three kinds of chocolate and crumbles with a satisfying richness You wouldn’t know any of them are gluten-free unless I told you who discovered she could no longer eat gluten after being hospitalized with stomach issues in 2008 has spent the past decade honing her own blends of gluten-free flours to build a core menu of 40-plus items that are regularly available at her Egg Harbor City home base whose bakery is a regular at summer farm markets in Stone Harbor decided to commit to a storefront in Ocean City which will sell about 20-plus items daily to start whole ingredients that she has personally verified as gluten-free The rustic baguettes are among the crustiest gf loaves I’ve come across; the cinnamon buns whose puffy spirals are made from the house pastry flour including a killer mac and cheese and bacon-cheddar scones from banana chip loaves to cupcakes topped with strawberry-lemonade icing “We offer something different for people who need it Kizbee’s Kitchen, main bakery: 734 W. White Horse Pike, Egg Harbor City, N.J. 08215, 609-553-3383; Ocean City branch: 611 East Eighth St., Ocean City, kizbeeskitchen.com The Jersey Shore’s Mexican dining scene has grown rewardingly deep over the last couple decades One of my new favorites is Los Machetes in Ocean View where chef owner Claudia Vazquez-Altone is paying homage to her roots in Chiapas first honed the machete craft at her own restaurants in Chiapas and later at the Jersey Shore where she sold them as lunches to landscaping crews while saving money to open this restaurant in 2022 Vazquez-Altone and son Gadiel Ferrera have turned a former sandwich shop’s narrow dining room into a festive and colorful space with seating for 26 inside and 24 outside on the gravel patio facing US-9 Her menu goes well beyond machetes to include a wide range of homestyle specialties that capture the nuances passed down by her mother who still sends fresh-blended mole from Mexico The Chiapas-style mole tends to be slightly sweeter than the spicier Oaxacan-style which Los Machetes also offers for its enchiladas topped with a chorizo she makes in-house from beef — instead of the usual pork — were fantastic while the bistec a la Mexicana is a distinctive twist on a ubiquitous dish the shredded beef sautéed with vinegar-tanged tomatoes I may return to Los Machetes solely for Vazquez-Altone’s pozole rojo This soulful bowl of hominy stew with chicken has a deep red broth rife with cumin and an earthy blend of well-toasted guajillo “It tastes just like my grandmother makes it,” Ferrera says Los Machetes, 1222 US-9, Ocean View, N.J. 08230, 609-814-2942; on Facebook There are dozens of ice cream stands at the Jersey Shore that look just like the Ice Cream Station in Cape May Courthouse — at least at first glance The two Middle Township softball teams who’d arrived just before me were going for scoops of mint chocolate chip But if you order some of the more distinctive flavors here including several not noted on the chalk board menu the Ice Cream Station is not like any local dessert stand I’ve visited who took over ownership in 2021 after arriving from Gujarat in Western India has begun churning several fresh ice creams that remind them of home is one of the most magnetic ice cream flavors I’ve spooned into this year Then there are the refreshing tropical scoops of guava and mango the creamy floral sweetness of an Indian fruit known as custard apple and a mixed nut-blasted vanilla called “American dried fruits.” That’s so popular one customer had a shake made from it three days running who helps run the business with his sister Order them by the flight so you can taste and share them all at once — seven for now until flavors under development (chocolate almond and saffron-almond) graduate to the official roster Ice Cream Station, 809 US-9, Cape May Court House, N.J. 08210, 609-465-5090; icecreamstation.dine.online Jeremy Palumbo’s first restaurant has been more than 20 years in the making. And back in 2002, when he was slinging 900 cheesesteaks a night with his younger brother, Joshua, at Owen’s Pub in North Wildwood he never envisioned himself behind the line of a fine dining room like Chanterelle’s “I never really knew then if I was good enough,” Palumbo says finally took the plunge on ownership this spring They took over a 38-seat bi-level BYOB in Stone Harbor decorated it with mushroom-themed wallpaper to go along with the white linens I’m here to tell you that Palumbo is absolutely good enough He’s assembled a career’s worth of favorite dishes for his menu ranging from nods to his Italian family roots to the Asian fusion accents that helped shape much of modern American cooking over the last couple decades and mango-flavored “caviar.” A court bouillon scented with star anise lends the oishii shrimp cocktail an Asian profile while a roasted tomato bisque topped generously with sweet crab and an orechiette — also with crab and roasted cherry tomatoes — in lemony beurre blanc evoke a totally different but equally delicious mood but it’s coherent in that these are dishes Palumbo cares about and the flavors shine though with solid technique and his affinity for good ingredients like the pristine scallops he serves with sea beans My meal at Chanterelle nonetheless proved to be one of the Shore’s most reliable new bets for a special occasion meal A gorgeous hunk of halibut impressed with chanterelles while the roast duck was crisp and juicy over parsnip puree and a red wine reduction A perfectly roasted pork tenderloin over polenta with broccolini and chipotle aioli was another winning dish on a menu that is almost entirely gluten-free from the blackberry-vanilla scoop that accompanies the goat cheese panna cotta (“my play on a cheese plate,” he said) to an espresso-chocolate chip that kept me buzzing all the way back home Chanterelle. 330 96th St., Stone Harbor, N.J. 08247, 640-207-3004; chanterellebyob.com Growing up in Cape May as the daughter of the owner of iconic Lobster House “The one rule my dad did give me was: ‘You do not go to Mayer’s!’” The tavern on Schellenger Landing in Cape May’s commercial marina had a rough reputation in the 1980s and ‘90s as a fisherman’s bar where there were frequently fights She succeeded in turning it into a gastropub-style haunt for craft cocktails and some of the best fried scallops on the planet there are live musicians strumming on Mayer’s splendid new outdoor patio for diners drinking glasses of natural wine alongside smoked bluefish spread and oysters broiled beneath dabs of pimento cheese which adds significantly more al fresco space to the 50 first-come seats in the dining room and bar Laudeman stepped back from the kitchen to run the dining room after giving birth to her second child in September a longtime Philly chef (Fitler Dining Room Sally) who moved to the Shore in 2021 to cook at Beach Plum Farms The fact that so much of the menu is unchanged is a tribute to Laudeman’s vision: The simply fried scallops plucked from the Lobster House’s own fishing fleet with some of the best house-made french fries you’ll ever experience “I’m just sort of a steward of what was already here,” says Marzinsky, whose steady touch has also been evident in specials featuring whole fish and seasonal vegetables from local farms like Terra Chimera The dish I can’t stop thinking about is the most perfect roast chicken a breast that gets marinated in seasoned yogurt before it’s cooked to a tawny crisp and served over arbol chile-braised collard greens and polenta or a rich and classic chocolate mousse to go with one of the refreshing cocktails (the coconut creamed tequila Cold Front is my choice) I’d like to coin a new rule about this wonderfully revived tavern: Definitely go to Mayer’s 894 Third Ave., Cape May, N.J. 08204, 609-435-5078; mayerstavern.com New Jersey Sheriff Joe O’Donoghue has announced the latest arrests (made by the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department) for March New Jersey was arrested in Atlantic City on a no bail municipal warrant issued by Atlantic City New Jersey was arrested in Atlantic City on a Superior Court warrant for Shoplifting New Jersey,  was arrested in Hamilton Township on a no bail municipal warrant issued by County Central was arrested on a municipal warrant issued by Atlantic City on 3 Superior Court warrants for Possession of CDS New Jersey was arrested in Atlantic City on 2 non support warrants New Jersey was arrested in Atlantic City on 3 non support warrants was arrested on a Superior Court warrant for Theft by Unlawful Taking was arrested in Atlantic City on a Superior Court warrant for Shoplifting and Obstruction was arrested on a Superior Court warrant for Robbery and 6 municipal warrants issued by Bellmawr Atlantic County Sheriff Joe O’Donoghue participated in the classroom during “Read Across America” Day 2025 at the Shaner Memorial Elementary School in Mays Landing SOURCE: Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department Atlantic County, NJ, Sheriff: Latest Arrests for March, 2025\nRead More While it's not often that we witness sharks swimming up and down the Jersey coastline with the naked eye Jersey's not exactly a stranger to an occasional shark sighting or two Shark sightings at the Jersey Shore are relatively rare compared to how many people swim there Most shark species are not interested in humans and don’t typically come close to the shore Sharks are more active during warmer months so you're more likely to see them in the summer and early fall (from around June to September) This is when the water is warmer and more conducive to their hunting habits The most common sharks detected along Jersey's coastline are sand tiger sharks They don't usually go out of their way to come into contact with humans That's why it's so unlikely to ever be bitten by one That doesn't mean the Jersey beach-goers don't ever experience it via GIPHY Most shark bites are due to the shark mistaking a person for its usual prey they might mistake swimmers or surfers for seals Sharks tend to be more active in areas where there’s plenty of food Swimming in murky water or where there’s a lot of bait fish can increase the likelihood of an encounter just because a shark wasn't seen doesn't mean it wasn't there The man was rushed to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery If you're headed to Ventnor beach this week officials say you are only allowed into the water up to your knees until they get all this figured out Shark bite reported just south of Atlantic City, NJ\nRead More via GIPHY whether to spend time with a student going to school at Stockton University or just people who may want to stay and gamble or head to the beach The Seahaus Hotel which is scheduled to open ahead of the summer is located right on the boardwalk at 110 Morris Avenue According to their website, the establishment will allow people to enjoy ocean views the newest boutique escape on Atlantic City's renowned boardwalk we blend the vibrant energy of boardwalk life with the serene allure of the Atlantic Ocean coastline Enjoy sweeping ocean views and relax in a waterfront pool Savor authentic Italian cuisine at our signature restaurant and explore the excitement of Atlantic City's famed nightlife just a short stroll away Every stay at The Seahaus Hotel is a unique fusion of coastal relaxation and urban sophistication." Experience the allure of the East Coast at The Seahaus Hotel As the first Tribute Portfolio lifestyle hotel in the area The Seahaus Hotel boasts 105 elegantly designed guest rooms Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Atlantic City and create unmatched moments that embrace the energy of Atlantic City The new boutique hotel will feature a swimming pool and an Italian restaurant, Cucina Del Mar A standard room will feature a living/sitting area,  265sqft/24sqm with a king bed or 347sqft/31sqm with two queen beds This summer, the Seahaus Hotel will enhance Atlantic City's hospitality scene, offering guests a refreshing pool and delectable dining options in a vibrant atmosphere.\nRead More The Seahaus Hotel According to their website, the establishment will allow people to enjoy ocean views Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardA man was injured in the ocean at the Jersey Shore but it was probably not a sharkThe injury is believed to more likely be from a skate A man injured his hand while swimming at the Jersey Shore on Sunday morning leading to speculation about a possible shark bite local officials believe the injury was more likely caused by a barbed fish known as a skate said that no sharks were sighted at the time of the incident “The cause is not confirmed to be a shark bite It’s more likely that the bather may have encountered a skate which has barbs on its tail,” Kriebel said “We’ve noticed an increase in marine activity of all kinds in the area which is normal for late summer warm water.” Ventnor restricted swimming in the ocean to ankle-deep water while officials monitored the situation on Sunday Beachgoers are advised to swim only at lifeguarded beaches between 10 a.m combined with “plentiful food” along the coast Humans, however, are not part of their diet. When the summer rolls around visitors have plenty of options of where to take to walk on the boardwalk but one local boardwalk has been named the best in the country TimeOut magazine listed its top 15 boardwalks in the county with the Atlantic City boardwalk ranking as the No a 300-year-old pier filled with nostalgic amusement rides No trip is complete without sampling saltwater taffy The magazine mentions that it's the first boardwalk and the saltwater taffy as reasons for taking the top spot while I have no real issues with the AC boards I can't really rank it above the Ocean City or Wildwood boardwalk.  Ocean City offers more shopping and eating options as does Wildwood.  Both Ocean City and Wildwood have a better variety of rides and water parks something Atlantic City doesn't offer which offer plenty of shopping and restaurant options Ocean City and Wildwood have some great pizza shops while I can't name a pizza shop on the Atlantic City boardwalk. AC has a mini-golf course but Ocean City and Wildwood have multiple options One thing I like about Atlantic City is places like the Biergarten where you can sit outside and have dinner and a drink.  They have some beach bars that offer fun and entertainment I think most of the attractions on the Atlantic City boardwalk are buildings that take you off the boardwalk.  Casinos but I still think it deserves a mention as one of the best not saying Atlantic City doesn't have some positive spots I think TimeOut got this one wrong.  They didn't even rank Ocean City or any other New Jersey boardwalk in their top 15 1.      Atlantic City Boardwalk Atlantic City2.      Kemah Boardwalk Texas3.      Myrtle Beach Boardwalk South Carolina4.      Navy Pier Illinois5.      Ocean Beach Park Connecticut6.      Ocean City Boardwalk Maryland7.      Old Orchard Beach Pier Maine8.     Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Delaware9.     Riegelmann Boardwalk New York10.  Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk California12.  Venice Beach Boardwalk A look at the top 15 boardwalks in the US has one local spot in the top spot on the list.\nRead More TimeOut magazine listed its top 15 boardwalks in the county The Atlantic City Steel Pier Diving Bell was truly iconic It was also divisive in that there has been a love - hate relationship with it from the beginning I’m in the “I loved it” crowd I didn’t care that no matter how many times you looked out of the porthole windows … the only thing you ever saw was dark or diving bell … and took a slow trip down to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean The reward for taking this trip was the return voyage The return was like blasting off in a rocket It was the exact opposite of the slow trip down to the bottom I also always enjoyed hearing the ride operator announce that … ”You’ve taken a trip to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and you didn’t even get wet.” The Facebook Page “I Grew Up Or Lived In Atlantic City NJ through a post by Joseph Laden recently tackled the love - hate aspect of the Steel Pier Diving Bell Submarine Diving Bell on Steel Pier— PS- Compared to most of the other attractions on the pier it was a lot of fun Being someplace that you wouldn't normally get to like 10-12 feet underwater gave a lot of us enough bang for the buck Here are a just few of the hundreds of likes and comments that Laden’s post generated: Judith Ewell Rogers - Probably went down in it 10 times... Karen Louise Couchoud - What a rip off the diving bell was Took you a few feet under to see seaweed floating by If there were something to see the bell scared it off Joseph Laden responded - Just going down off the pier into the ocean was worth it for everyone I knew Marc Wiser -  I was lucky enough to enjoy the ride Tina Brummett Bevilacqua - My favorite ride before and after I worked there Cathy Burgos - Wow...in the 70s when I was on the pier all the time either with dancing Grady and Hurst...performing Tony Grant Children's Theater...or just running with friends on the amusments...the Diving Bell always drew a huge crowd even if all you could see was green murky water! Cathy’s comment is the perfect way to end this story … except to say that you can still see the original Steel Pier Diving Bell at Historic Gardners Basin in Atlantic City This Don Hurley photo shows it in its final resting place Atlantic City Steel Pier Diving Bell: You Either Loved, or Hated It\nRead More