Sunday, April 27, 2025
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Tap And Tapas: An Old-World Tradition of Spain in Northport

By
Marc Piperno
-

487 Main Street, Northport
631-239-2488
www.tapandtapas.net

Tapas is an old-world tradition of Spain where patrons enjoy small plates of food, served in bars alongside drinks, often with an emphasis on the sharing of food while socializing with friends. It is so embedded into the culture of Spain that as you stroll down the narrow cobblestone streets of Seville, you’ll find one tapas bar after another. I’ve eaten in Spanish restaurants dozens of times. Upon learning of a restaurant in Northport that has immersed itself into just serving small plates, I couldn’t wait to go and check it out. 

Tap & Tapas of Northport is the brainchild of Chef and owner Ramón Martinez. After being in the restaurant biz for over 20 years, Ramón decided to take a leap of faith and follow his dream and is ready to share his dining concept with you. As Mr. Martinez explains, “Our staff and I are committed to ensure that every customer has a fantastic experience. In addition, we refuse to compromise quality by using only the freshest ingredients.”

With its warm lighting and rustic motif, Tap & Tapas displays a cool and casual vibe, offering the perfect setting for social gathering while enjoying delicious small bites with refreshing drinks. Over the years I’ve tried every Tapas dish imaginable. With that, I would like to share with you some of the highlights that I enjoyed at my recent visit to Tap & Tapas of Northport. 

To start, I recommend a refreshing Sangria, six in all to choose from. The Peach Sangria is my favorite. There is, of course, a generous selection of imported wines, beers, and crafted cocktails, all designed to elevate your Tapas experience. 

 By far, one of the most popular small plates is the Patatas Bravas – Crispy morsels of home fries, Pimentón de la Vera (spicy/smoky red pepper powder served with a garlic aioli for dipping. They are addictive. 

Chorizo Salteado – Savory morsels of a cured Spanish sausage sautéed with onions served with toast. With its unique salty and smokey characteristic, goes hand and hand with my sangria. Ensalada de Calabacín – Arugula, shaved green squash, pickled yellow squash, craisins, candied Marcona almonds and Galmesano cheese in a dill-labneh vinaigrette was artfully presented. Light and fresh, it was the perfect palate cleanser for what was to come.

Camaron Ajo – Plump Shrimp, slivers of garlic and infused olive oil. For those that prefer vegetarian options try Salteado de Otoño – Warm delicate squash, Brussel Sprouts, Marcona almonds, kale, miso, ñora pepper-honey. Love the crispiness of the sprouts and crunch of the almonds. Wonderful textures and flavors with a hint of heat.

 Opening only six months ago, the level of response from the Northport area and surrounding communities has been nothing short of amazing. Just go to their website and see all the 5-star reviews (4.9 average) and you’ll understand why they have become an overnight sensation. The perfect spot for the mid-week date night with a group of friends and family. Experience the old world feel and taste of a culture that dates back centuries at the all new Tap & Tapas, where you will find expertly crafted tapas and small plates, made with love and passion. 

The Ritz Cafe: From Classic Comfort Food to Unique Flavors, They Have Something for Everyone

By
Marc Piperno
-

42 Woodbine Ave., Northport
631-754-6348
www.ritzcafenorthport.com

The Ritz Cafe of Northport is a neighborhood restaurant whose appeal is grounded by a friendly staff that is proud of its town while serving food that is of the freshest of quality with a symphony of textures and flavors.

Led by resident Chef John Hatem, the menu offers a plethora of options that will satisfy the craving of even the fussiest of food enthusiasts. Saying that The Ritz menu is vast is an understatement. You could go to this place every week for a year and still not hit everything on the menu. From classic comfort food like their well-known bountiful burgers and Chicken Parmigiana, to their Crispy Peking Duck and Blackened Ribeye Steak, there is something for everyone.

When we sat down to eat, our server was proud to tell us that the Lobster Bisque was an award-winning soup and that it was the best in town. Chunks of lobster and crab bathing in a savory creamy texture was nothing short of luxurious. Following suit was the Maryland Crab Cake, served over a bed of greens with three different kinds of aioli drizzle. Crispy on the outside and delicate within, it was minimally seasoned, allowing the fresh taste of this seafood classic to shine through.

Well-known for their burgers, I ordered mine medium rare with sautéed onions and mushrooms. It had to be at least 1/2 pound, beautifully cooked to temp. You know it’s good when you take that bite and a little bit of juice from the burger runs down your chin. Umm, comfort food status! My associate had the Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Broccoli in garlic and oil. Far more delicate than spaghetti, the angel hair pasta was tossed with sautéed shrimp and steamed broccoli with just enough garlic to make the dish fresh and light.

The Ritz has a wonderful lunch special offered Monday through Friday. For only $18 you get a choice of soup or salad with over a dozen entrees to select. Plenty of burgers, club sandwiches and wraps too, all served with French Fries. In these times, when dining out has become expensive, it’s a great value worth exploring.

For a good time, enjoy some live entertainment every Wednesday from 6-9pm. Reservations are recommended as it can get crowded. The Ritz Cafe has been a staple in Northport Village since 1986, which should reveal to you that once you step through the door, you’ll want to come back for more.

April New Customer of the Month: Patio Doctor

By
Art Department
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Baking Coach: Delicious Hamburger Cupcakes and French Fry Cookies

By
Lisa Basini
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French Fry Cookies

Prep Time: 20 min Servings: approximately 2 dozen

YOU WILL NEED :

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

*Additional granulated sugar is needed for garnish

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract mix with a rubber spatula until combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until well-blended.
  3. Wrap dough in plastic wrap . Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or place in the freezer for 20 minutes until the dough is firm enough to handle.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the cookie dough out into a large rectangle keeping the dough 1/4th inch thick.
  6. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into strips to look like French fries and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, covered with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the bottoms are lightly browned.
  8. Remove the cookies from the sheet and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cooled, glaze the tops of the strips with the sugar glaze, then immediately sprinkle with additional granulated sugar for a slightly salted effect.

For the Glaze:
(Reserve 2 tablespoons for topping your hamburger buns with sprinkles)

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons water (to reach a honey consistency) 

Mix together until smooth.

Hamburger Cupcakes

YOU WILL NEED :

  • 1 can vanilla frosting
  • 1 vanilla cake mix
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • Green and red food dye
  • Freezer-grade storage bag or a pastry bag
  • 2 tablespoons sugar glaze
  • 2 tablespoons white sprinkles or granulated sugar.

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :

  1. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the cupcakes, making 16 vanilla cupcakes by filling the cupcake liner ½ way with batter. reserving the remaining batter.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the remaining batter. If the batter is too thick, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water to thin it out.
  3. Pour the chocolate batter into the remaining 8 cupcake liners.You will need half of a chocolate cupcake for each vanilla cupcake.
  4. Fill 2 pastry bags(freezer grade plastic bag) one with green and the other with red frosting. 
  5. Slice a vanilla cupcake in half to make a bun, then slice a chocolate cupcake for the patty. Starting with the vanilla cupcake bottom, squeeze a small amount of green frosting
    on top, then top the green frosting with a slice of the chocolate cupcake. Top that with a squeeze of red butter cream and then place the top of the vanilla cupcake on top to make the Hamburger. Finish it off by cover the top of the Hamburger with a tiny amount of sugar glaze and white sprinkles or granulated sugar. 

Watch the video for assembly instructions:

April New Customer of the Month: PieZano’s of Northport

By
Art Department
-

Thermography: Save Your Cells with Radiation-Free Testing

By
Dr. Dawn Siglain
-

Toxins are a major health crisis that are on the rise.  Where are these toxins lurking?  I try my best to understand and provide awareness about toxic exposure.  They are tricky as most of them are invisible toxins.  Either they are invisible to the naked eye or they are mixed into our food, water or environment which includes radiation exposure.  Toxins are terrible and detrimental to our health.

Let’s discuss options we use for screening our body and electronics we use in daily life that may have harmful radiation.  There are two different forms of radiation:  ionizing and non-ionizing.  Ionizing radiation can damage DNA, cause cellular mutations and is considered dangerous to living organisms.  Ionizing radiation is high energy radiation that can ionize matter and knock electrons out of atoms.  Non-ionizing radiation has lower energy, only causes atoms to vibrate or rotate and can heat up substances.  Ionizing radiation includes x-rays while non-ionizing radiation includes visible light, radiowaves, cellphones, and microwaves.

Mammograms use x-ray beams which are a form of ionizing radiation.  Good news though -there is another option for radiation-free imaging of your breast and your entire body.  Avoid exposure to an invisible toxin in the first place with THERMOGRAPHY.

Thermography is a non-invasive body screening method that uses a medical infrared camera which detects and analyzes all of the thermal patterns in one’s body.  It is 100% safe, radiation free and painless.  Ultrasound and mammography test anatomy to detect structure while thermography tests physiology.  Thermography is FDA cleared as an adjunctive screening method to aid in breast cancer.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, preventative care is key.  Thermography is a safe way to screen for areas of inflammation, early detection of pathologies and monitor abnormal physiology.  It is safe for all ages, pregnant women and males too.  By capturing the infrared heat emitted by the body’s surface, thermography shows abnormal heat patterns which is a crucial piece of early detection.  With this knowledge, patients can seek early intervention for various health conditions such as cancer risk factors, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disease, neuropathy, digestive issues, vascular disorders, and much more.

Testing allows us to know where the body needs support.  Natural treatments are effective when used as indicated.  Zero in on supporting your detox pathways including the liver, kidney and skin.  Lymphatic drainage may be indicated which supports your immune and cardiovascular systems.  Castor oil can be therapeutic by helping specific tissues with moving and strengthening.  Maybe you need a new bra with non-toxic material.  The information with proper testing is invaluable.

Remember that long standing inflammation is the root cause for most chronic diseases – including cancer.  Thermography is that option to help you identify inflammation at the cellular level in your tissues.  Take action naturally to give your body what your body needs.  You will get specific answers about your health.  Get a handle on your wellness years before illness travels deeper and may show up on labs.

Take a pro-active approach to your wellness with thermography.  Gain deeper insights into your body’s physiology and stay ahead of potential health concerns.  If you are interested in scheduling your appointment for thermography, it is offered at my clinic, Wellness Matters.  More information and booking is available at www.wellnessmatters.care

In Good Health,
Dr. Dawn Siglain ND, LAc

The Dirty Cheesecake: Sweet Chaos with Cheesecake on a Stick!

By
Jackie Holzmaier
-

102 West Main Street, Smithtown – 631-780-5320
1160 Deer Park Ave. North Babylon – 631-392-1500

Website – Order online!

It’s official—”The Dirty Cheesecake” is taking Long Island by storm, having opened a second sweet spot in Suffolk County! After the smash success of their Times Square and North Babylon locations, owner Tarek Hassanin has expanded his family-run bakery to Smithtown, bringing his irresistible treats and heartwarming story to more dessert lovers. The big question on everyone’s mind: What’s a “Dirty Cheesecake?”  Well, that’s where the fun begins!

Tarek never set out to be the cheesecake king of New York, but when his daughter Layan (aka “Lili”) was just four years old, they started baking together every Sunday night. What began as a tender family ritual quickly blossomed into something much sweeter. “Layan always loved baking, and we started coming up with new recipes together,” Tarek recalls. What’s the result of all this fun? A full-fledged bakery business, of course.

Made by Lili’s Bakery in Times Square opened in 2016 to pay homage to his daughter, whose playful spirit and love for baking are at the heart of everything they do. Made by Lili’s became a hit with its scrumptious cheesecakes, cupcakes, cannolis, and cookies.  The best part?  They didn’t have any fancy baking degrees—just trial and error, a little help from YouTube, and a lot of heart. “We just Google it or watch YouTube and try it,” Tarek laughs. “Then we perfect it.”

Like many small businesses, the pandemic hit Made by Lili’s hard. Foot traffic dwindled and Tarek and Lili had to get creative. Enter the “Cheesecake on a Stick,” a genius invention that saved the day. Picture this: a wedge of creamy cheesecake, dipped in milk chocolate, and topped with everything from Nutella to Oreos to peanut butter. It was an instant sensation. At one point, they were cranking out up to 840 of these delicious sticks a day from their tiny 500-square-foot space. Instead of worrying, Tarek and his family leaned into the success, knowing they had something truly special on their hands. That’s when the idea to expand really started to take shape.

Tarek & Layan Hassanin

Now, “The Dirty Cheesecake” is bringing even more of their mouthwatering creations to Long Island. In addition to the famous cheesecake on a stick, their menu also includes edible cookie dough, jumbo stuffed cookies, creamy crème brûlée, mason jar cakes, and decadent layered brownie bars. But if you really want to try something that will make your taste buds dance, go for Lili’s Cheesecake—a gooey masterpiece of chocolate chip brownie, cheesecake, cookie dough, and Oreos, all drizzled in chocolate. Tarek confesses, “We can’t keep them in stock. That’s how popular they are.”

The decision to expand to North Babylon and Smithtown was deeply personal for Tarek. “I realized there was no place around town for great desserts and I wanted to change that,” Tarek explains. As a Long Island native, he wanted to offer the community a place to get high-quality treats that are both indulgent and fun. It’s also a safe place to come, hang out and grab a late-night snack within the community.

At the heart of “The Dirty Cheesecake” is, well, family. Layan, now a teenager, is Tarek’s right-hand baker, helping him out five days a week, especially in the summer and alongside her brothers. “She’s going to run this place long after I’m gone,” Tarek says proudly. It’s clear that the bakery’s success isn’t just about the delicious desserts—it’s about the love, creativity, and family teamwork that’s baked into every treat.

Looking to the future, Tarek has big dreams. “My goal is to open a new store every year.  We want to keep growing, but we’ll always be rooted in our family values and community spirit,” he says.

“The Dirty Cheesecake” is more than just a bakery—it’s a sweet, family-driven success story that shows how a little creativity, some hard work, and a whole lot of love can turn a family tradition into a thriving business. Whether you’re a Long Island local or just passing through, you won’t want to miss out on these irresistible desserts.

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to “The Dirty Cheesecake” at 102 W Main St, Smithtown, and treat yourself to a slice of this family’s sweet legacy.

Spring Fashion Accessories: Adding Flare to Your Wardrobe

By
Rachael Severino
-

Fashion trends each season give you a guideline of what to anticipate seeing in the stores and in what new styles you may expect to see people while out and about. The beauty of accessory trends, in my opinion, is the ability to take the current trends and make them a little more your own. Trends are fun and a great guide for updating your wardrobe each season, but my rule of thumb is to always choose styles that fit your body best.

New accessories for the season allow you to add a little pow to a simple outfit or take a nice ensemble and make it truly special. This spring’s accessories are often the star of the show, feature a statement piece [or two], and should offer you ample options to personalize your individual fashion style.

Gold…it is the color for the spring and summer this year. Whether you’ve chosen a metallic pair of shoes or a large, matte piece of jewelry, gold is having a true moment in 2025. Pair gold accessories with virtually any color to add some pop to your ensemble. For those hesitant to wear solid gold accessories, mixed metal options are also popular this season. Blended silver and gold bangles, rings, earrings and more will allow you to add a touch of gold without going all-in on the trend.

Many design finds fall in line with words that begin with the letter ‘B’…big, bold, and beachy.

Let’s break that down, shall we?

Big – jewelry, tote bags, wide headbands and even wider belts. When in doubt, choose a large option to fit in with this season’s looks.

Bold – the statement piece is having a true renaissance this season. So, when looking for just the right item, consider a piece that will unquestionably take your outfit from drab to dramatic. Bold hosiery is a popular option for spring. Bright, intense colors, appliqued options andintricate designs are all a hit for spring. If you’re a fan of hosiery making a statement versus enhancing the smoothness of your legs, this season’s trend is for you.

Beachy – much of what you will find this season has a beachy/ocean vibe. Jewelry with shells, fish, waves, and more can be found in bright gold or shades of ocean blue. Summer totes ar available in summer straw materials or even as woven fisherman bags.

Fashion sunglasses were seen on nearly every fashion week runway. From alien-like shapes to styles that harken back to the ‘70s, to Audrey Hepburn-esque shades, the key is to opt for extra-large lenses – a complete about face from last year’s narrow and
skinny sunglasses.

Handbags are a ‘mixed bag’ this season [apologies for the unavoidable bad joke]. From large, boho shoulder bags to east-west designs (small, rectangular bags with a short shoulder strap), designs go with either the 70s or ultra-feminine clothing styles that came down the runway. You’ll find fringe, handbags clip-ons, and buckles, among other accoutrements for spring 2025.

For this spring, select the accessories that let you put your best, most confident self forward. Not every look will be for you, nor do they need to be. Choose the ones you like most and welcome them into your wardrobe as they welcome
you to spring.

ET Recipe Of The Month: Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie

By
Art Department
-

Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie

Servings: 4-6

While some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations call for green beer and large gatherings, you may instead opt for a cozy evening at home with comforting foods and close friends.

Whether your shamrock spirit leads you out for a local parade or you’re more of a stayat-home leprechaun, there is one tradition all can agree on: delicious Irish food.

If a quieter night cooking at home is up your alley, you are in luck. You can put a meal worthy of gold on the table with this festive Irish favorite.

A hearty home-cooked meal loaded with flavor and sure to fill you with cheer, Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie is made piping hot to warm up any
St. Patrick’s Day party. Full of hashbrowns, carrots, peas and beef, it’s a twist on tradition served with puff pastry topping the tasty stew. A cup of your favorite stout beer, of course, will come in handy for deglazing the skillet to ensure you enjoy every bit of beefy flavor.

Offering an easy way to participate in the festivities, it might just become a household favorite to be savored year-round.

Make your home a St. Patrick’s Day haven with this hearty recipe!

YOU WILL NEED :

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup stout beer
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 bag (28 ounces) hashbrowns with peppers and onions
  • 1 can (14 ounces) carrots, drained
  • 1 can (14 ounces) peas, drained
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :

  1. Heat oven to 400 F.

  2. In large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef; drain and set aside.

  3. Over medium heat, deglaze skillet with beer and whisk in flour. After thickening, whisk in tomato puree and add Worcestershire sauce. Mix in ground beef, garlic powder and beef broth. Add hashbrowns, carrots and peas. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

  4. Simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. Place puff pastry sheet on cookie sheet. Beat egg and brush over pastry. Bake 10 minutes.

  6. Place hot puff pastry on top of beef mixture and serve.

Health & Wellness: March Into Wellness

By
Dr. Dawn Siglain
-

Now is the time to take charge of your health. Keep in mind to do what is best for you. What your body needs is specific to you. Our bodies are always giving us clues for re-direction if we are off course and not feeling our best. Are you paying attention? Our bodies want to come back to balance and vibrate at a high level of functioning because that is where we feel good from the inside out.

Every little thing you do, either guides you towards or away from health. Your environment, the nutrition you consume, your thoughts, physical activity level, stress, support system or lack thereof…  Are you overwhelmed with where to start and then just give up? If so, you’re not alone. Change takes time and your intention will be your foundation.

First, take a step back and figure out how you got to where you are now. Be honest with yourself and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Reflection on how you got into your current health situation may give you clarity. Think about what worked or what did not work towards your health goals. What are your daily habits?

When it comes to needing more energy there are a few things to think about. Do you need more time to relax or are you emotionally stuck? Is sleep an issue? Are you leading a sedentary lifestyle? Is there stagnation or pain in your body? Is toxic load bringing you down? Are there stressful factors weighing you down? Identifying what you actually need for your health is important so that you don’t cause more harm. For example, if you’re not getting quality sleep then you don’t want to begin a daily regimen grinding out gym workouts when you’re already running on low. Perhaps, epsom salt baths at night may be more beneficial to get back on track.

Next, decide what your health goal may be and if there’s a time frame you would like to accomplish it by. Specificity can be motivating. You may be thinking I just want to feel better. That’s fine, but put some energy into what that means. Is it more energy, less pain, improved mood, clear thinking, increased motivation, weight loss or weight gain?

Then, make a simple and feasible step in the direction of health specific for you. Start small and try your best to be consistent. When it comes to eating habits, adding in the good may be more appealing than taking away certain foods. And that’s ok. The more you add in fiber and antioxidants your palate will change and I promise you that shifts in your body will take place and cravings will pivot. Once your palate changes, then maybe you can take the next step in removing offending foods from your diet. If you make any changes that create a feeling that you are missing out on something, then you are setting yourself up for resentment. When it comes to diet changes, it takes a shift in mindframe from the misconception that there is a lack of food to realizing that there are endless options of nutrient dense food available to you.

Believe in yourself that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Ask for help. Surround yourself with people who are supportive. If you’re stuck on taking the first step towards wellness, consider finding a Naturopathic Doctor who is trained from an accredited Naturopathic Medical School in creating health plans encompassing Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle Habits & Supplements that are specific for your health goals. Find your tribe to help you – they are out there! 

In Good Health,
Dr. Dawn Siglain ND, LAc

Foodie Vue: Chop Shop Bar & Grill

By
Marc Piperno
-

47 East Main Street, Smithtown
 (631) 360-3383
chopshopbarandgrill.com

Nestled on Main Street in the heart of Smithtown, Chop Shop is a concealed gem that, at times, goes unnoticed. Once you have visited Chop Shop, you will question why you have not discovered it sooner. The restaurant exudes a sophisticated ambiance, complemented by brick and hardwood flooring, with large retro lamp fixtures that evoke the feeling of entering a chic club in the city. Upon entering, you will be greeted by an enthusiastic host that will lead you, if you wish to a welcoming bar where you can begin your culinary experience with one of Chop Shop’s delectable cocktails including their exclusive martini menu.

The dinner menu offers a diverse range of dishes that cater to a wide spectrum of diners, all of which are artfully crafted. Featured are a variety of steaks, fresh locally sourced seafood, notable pasta dishes evening specials followed by an array of desserts, all of which are prepared in-house by their masterful pastry chef. Currently, Chop Shop Bar and Grill is promoting a prix fixe dinner menu on Tuesday and Wednesday featuring a nice selection of food from the land and sea. Included are appetizers and desserts all for just $55 a person. With dining out becoming more expensive these days, it’s great value to take advantage of mid-week.

Upon entering the restaurant on a Tuesday evening, it was nice to see the bar bustling with patrons, enjoying a relaxing cocktail before dinner. For appetizers, consider their Avocado Salad; Featuring a generous mound of mixed greens, accompanied by ample sliced avocado, ripe tomato, pickled red onion, and feta cheese, all brought together in a red wine vinaigrette. The perfect palate cleanser to get your appetite going. I opted for the Mussels, which were plump and succulent, immersed in a flavorful elixir infused with crispy applewood bacon, sliced jalapeño, and roasted garlic, devilishly spicy!

Going to a place called Chop Shop for the first time meant that a good steak was my only possibility. The Porterhouse: ordered medium rare is the only way I roll. A rich beefy flavor with contrasts of textures, offering the buttery tenderness of a filet alongside the robust chew of a strip steak, all perfectly cooked with pink center and a slightly caramelized crust is… well fantastic.

In contrast, my partner ordered the Swordfish; Laid atop a mound of creamy basil mashed potatoes was a beautifully executed sword steak with a cracked pepper sear and chopped tomato placed atop. A satisfyingly dense texture like a well-done steak, beautifully seared on the outside while staying moist and tender within was an excellent choice for my finicky sweetheart.

We completed our meal with cappuccinos accompanied by a Creme Brulé. You don’t see many restaurants featuring them, so it was a wonderful treat. A rich and creamy custard with a layer of hardened sugar was a delightful change of pace. The staff at the Chop Shop is eager to please and for me it is the first thing that I look for. If you haven’t found what you’ve been looking for, search no further. Pay a visit to Chop Shop Bar and Grill. You’ll be glad you did.

Travel: Cape May

By
Tammy Severino
-

Take a Drive to Go Back in Time

Sometimes you need a getaway that you can get to by car. If you can get there in between two and six hours, a car ride is the easiest way to step into a quick [or extended] break from everyday life.

When I want to go away while staying somewhat close to home, Cape May, New Jersey is one of my favorite places to go. Located at the very bottom of the state at Exit 0 of the Garden State Parkway, Cape May is a beautiful beach town with the historic Victorian charm of days gone by.

I was first introduced to America’s oldest seaside resort town several years ago during the fall shoulder season. Quieter than summertime, I was taken in by the quiet lure of the Victorian homes, bed & breakfasts, restaurants, and attractions. I partook of a nighttime walking ghost tour, walked along the beach – barefoot but otherwise bundled, and enjoyed the fudge shop and small boutiques that line its famous Washington Square Mall. 

Cape May is nestled at the very bottom of New Jersey and is accessible by car, public transportation (to Atlantic City roughly 35 minutes north) or, if coming from the south, the ferry from Lewes, Delaware. A beach town, it is also a popular spot for those choosing to boat to their destination. There are myriad places to stay while visiting, from tiny motels to cozy bed and breakfasts to elaborate hotels, including historic Congress Hall. Airbnb and Vrbo rentals abound, making it possible for your stay to feel like a home away from home. The city boasts numerous oceanfront beaches which do require passes for entry (daily, weekly or season), as well as the bayside beaches for those wanting a quieter, gentler waterside experience. Cape May sunsets are simply spectacular. I never visit the area without taking the time to see the sun go down over the horizon.

When not at the beach, there is a remarkable number of things to do in Cape May. The town is a foodie’s delight with fine dining, family friendly restaurants (Bella Vida is my family’s favorite), remarkably good takeout food (Key West Tacos is exceptional), and sweet shops galore (Kohr Bros ice cream, The Original Fudge Kitchen, and Peace Pie are ALL worth a visit). Coffee Tyme is a mut stop for me regardless of the season as I am a fan of both their coffee and hot apple cider. Vineyards abound in the area so stop in for a flight and some appetizers any one of them (I can’t choose one over the others). If you’re looking for fun with your children, we love the Cape May Zoo, a short trip from the center of town. There are putt-putt courses, a beautiful boardwalk, an aviation museum, fishing charters, and dolphin or whale watching day trips. We’ve done them all…and have enjoyed each one. 

And, of course, be sure to walk about and see the beautiful Victorians. Whether they are still residences or have been converted into restaurants, shops, or B&Bs, each one exhibits period charm. They are stately and stunning, making a stroll through town, the equivalent of a visit in a time machine. 

Cape May is the kind of place where you can do everything or nothing at all. Whatever you choose, create the perfect vacation or quick getaway. If you’re like me, your trip will likely be the first of many. Travel safe.

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