Fall 2019

EXIT ZERO
FALL 2019 « $7.95

Specializing in Sales and Rentals
Our team of 40 Agents is ready to
assist with all of your real estate needs.
609.884.1300
Todd H. deSatnick / Broker of Record
www.deSatnickRealEstate.com
Located at 1001 Lafayette Street “The First Light in Town” Cape May

“Best Pizza” Cape May County 2019 trenton times

about us
editor, publisher & designer
Jack Wright
jack@exitzero.us
general manager
Cathrine O’Brien
cathrine@exitzero.us
retail manager
Katie Dowe
contributing editor
Diane Stopyra
diane@exitzero.us
historical editor
Ben Miller
contributing photographers
Suzanne Kulperger, Aleksey Moryakov,
Jessica Orlowicz, Charles Riter
Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily
contributing writers
Bill Barlow, Catherine Dugan, David Gray,
Terry O’Brien, Tom Sims, Susan Tischler
exit zero color magazine is published four times a year.
Annual subscription is $32.50. To subscribe, call 609-770-8479
or visit ezstore.us
Published by Exit Zero
110 Sunset Boulevard
Cape May, NJ 08204
Telephone: 609-770-8479
Fax: 609-770-8481
E-mail: info@exitzero.us
Website: exitzero.us / Online store: ezstore.us
printed in the usa
(609) 884-9119
322 Washington Street Mall
Cape May
www.tishasfinedining.com
exit zero 2 fall

GOOD PUB FOOD IN COOL CAPE MAY!
A classic since 1926
Est. 2014
A new Irish
classic!
ON THE MALL
(609) 884-3459
“Best clam chowder and
lobster roll in New Jersey.”
- TripAdvisor
ON THE MALL
(609) 770-8559
“Everything we sampled was right on -
from wings to onion rings.
Exactly what we were
looking for!”
- TripAdvisor
Check our Facebook pages
for live entertainment!
exit zero 3 fall

inside this issue
editor’s letter 8
Welcome to the dance.
quick chat: bill macclemmy 10
Bienvenidos to Exit Zero’s new executive chef!
the ultimate food & drink chart 16
Four-page guide... eat your way through Cape May!
events around town 26
All the happenings you need to know about.
honoring hero harriet 32
A new museum will pay tribute to an American icon.
raise a glass 38
How Cape May’s drinking water tastes so good!
the ultimate cape may bargain 46
How to spend $20 and save $400 while having an absolute blast!
the dancing queen 52
Celebrating Joanne Reagan’s 50 years in the business.
small but mighty 56
Stina Smith’s Jersey Cape Dance studio is making big steps.
the ghosts of cape may 62
Psychic medium Craig McManus investigates Delaney’s.
how cape may got her groove back 78
The magic (and the man) behind Exit Zero Jazz Festival.
the definitive cape may trolley guide 92
From ghosts to mansions... it’s all here!
call it edible art 96
Meet the master behind the food at Peter Shields Inn.
property of the month 102
A coastal-style beauty near the beach.
picture of the month 104
Bald eagle nest, by Marian McSherry.
COVER PHOTOGRAPH SUZANNE KULPERGER
Fabulous Food & Cool Cocktails in a Casual Pub Atmosphere!
HAPPY HOUR
Daily from 3-6pm and
All Day Sunday!
3729 BAYSHORE ROAD, NORTH CAPE MAY | (609) 889-7000 | 5WESTPUB.COM
exit zero 4 fall
LUNCH & DINNER DAILY
Kitchen Hours:
11:30am-10pm

WINTER PACKAGES
Breakfast With Santa
/GrandCapeMay
GrandHotelCapeMay.com • 609.884.5611 • Oceanfront @ 1045 Beach Ave • Cape May NJ
exit zero 5 fall

Jazzing Up The Island
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival will be held from November 8-10. See story on pages 78-86.
Photograph by Suzanne Kulperger

editor’s letter
Given that it’s 85 degrees on this second day
of October, it’s difficult to feel in an autumnal
state of mind. But hopefully normal
service will soon be resumed and we can
put those flip-flops and shorts away for the
year and wear proper clothes again. I love it when the sun
is shining and it’s a 50-degree day. And the sunsets at this
time of year (especially later in the season) beat the summer
version all ends up.
For this issue, I’m once again indebted to the wickedly
talented photographer Suzanne Kulperger, whose brilliant
work is all over these pages. I was especially impressed
by a portfolio of local dancers that Suzanne sent me a few
months ago. I have to be honest and say that a feature on
local dancers wasn’t at the TOP of my mind, though it probably
should have been — got to start thinking outside of the
box, old man! Those dancers were from Jersey Cape Dance
and Gymnastics Academy, run by Stina Smith. When I
later got an email from a friend suggesting we run a story
on Joanne Reagan, who has been running a dance studio
in Cape May for 50 years (Stina is a former student), the
stars aligned and there you have it... a big dance feature in
this magazine! The photographs are wonderful and when
you add in interviews by the über-talented writer Diane
Stopyra ( yes, she’s my wife, too, but I’m not being biased),
then you have a wonderful package — see pages 52-61.
Suzanne also contributed photography for a feature
on a museum being planned for Cape May that will chiefly
honor the life and works of Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist
who we remember for her work with the Underground
Railroad (and the subject of a movie released this fall). I
hope you enjoy the story and I hope you consider donating
To illustrate Craig
McManus’ story on a
local haunting (page 62),
photographer Suzanne
Kulperger shot some
spooky images from
around town, including
this shot of me in the
kitchen at Exit Zero
Filling Station.
exit zero 8 fall
to this wonderful project. See pages 32-37.
Fall is a time when I am always in the mood for great
food. (No, that’s a lie. I’m always in the mood for great food,
from the moment I wake to the moment I fall asleep.) In
this issue we feature an interview with Carl Messick, who
runs the kitchen at Peter Shields Inn, one of the best restaurants
not just in this city, but in the region. Thanks again to
Suzanne for the photography there AND for the story on
another chef I’m fond of, Bill MacClemmy. You likely won’t
know Bill, but you will (I hope!) be enjoying his work soon.
That’s because he’s the new executive chef at our Exit Zero
Filling Station. Hey, it’s okay for me to plug my own restaurant
given that I promote everyone else’s, right?
Just to prove that photographer Suzanne is as busy as
she is talented, she also shot a beautiful portfolio of jazz
musicians who appeared at the spring version of Exit Zero
Jazz Festival. Her photographs accompany an interview I
did with Michael Kline, the festival founder and organizer,
who has done such a great job of giving this little city by the
sea a world-class musical jamboree (November 8-10 is the
next one) that is seriously good for business.
And, yep, Suzanne also shot the spooky portfolio of
photos used to illustrate a story by psychic medium Craig
McManus on the haunting of Delaney’s Irish Bar and Grill.
Craig made his writing debut in Exit Zero 15 years ago and
I’m always happy to have his work in this magazine. Wait...
she also got to work for writer Bill Barlow’s story on Cape
May’s little-known but super-important desalination
plant. There’s a lot of science that goes into making sure
your glass of drinking water tastes so fresh on this island.
Enjoy this issue and enjoy the fall!
JACK WRIGHT Editor/Publisher

LUNCH • DINNER • LATE NIGHT • KIDS MENU
BURGERS • FLATBREADS • SEAFOOD • FRESH SALADS
COCKTAILS • BEER • WINE
20 BEERS ON TAP
4 WINES ON TAP
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
FISH TANKS
exit zero 9 fall

A QUICK CHAT
After two decades running
restaurants in Mexico, Bill
MacClemmy headed back to his
homeland. After a couple stops
at acclaimed shore eateries, he’s
taken over the kitchen at
Exit Zero. Bienvenidos, Chef Bill!
interview jack wright
photography suzanne kulperger
Bill, what made you want to take over
the kitchen at Exit Zero Filling Station? I
loved the concept, which is fun and casual for
the guests. I also love the fact that the menu is
a fusion of Indian/Asian with some American
classics. It leaves a lot of room for creativity.
How has your first couple of weeks
been? I feel like I am fitting right in. The staff
has been great in welcoming me, and we are
now working together to make a strong team.
Any big surprises? Yes, the demand for
healthier food options and vegetarian and
gluten-free dishes is really off the charts! We
are planning to offer more of these kind of
options in the near future.
There’s a good bit of curry on the menu.
Had you tasted this Indian classic before? I
have eaten curry before. I am by no means an
expert on curries, but I look forward to learning
more about this style of cuisine. There
are so many styles and differences between
Indian curries and the curries from Southeast
Asia — it’s gonna be a lot of fun! I love the flavors
and all of the variations that are possible.
These are complex styles of cooking that
are rooted in thousands of years of cooking
and culture. I look forward to putting our own
twist on it.
What’s your favorite dish on the menu
right now? The Thai Lobster curry.
What will you be changing or tweaking
about the menu? I really like the current
menu and the seasoning of the curries, but I
will be looking to bring a fresh, modern take
with the plating and presentation, and making
small changes here and there. I am very
excited about creating a vegetarian curry
that vegans can enjoy and include some noodle
dishes, plus more vegan and gluten-free
options in general.
Tell us about your last couple of jobs The
last job I had was at Jay’s on Third in Stone
Harbor. I was there for the summer as the
sous chef. I learned so much from Jay and his
team — they’re a very talented bunch. Before
Jay’s, I was the kitchen manager at Steve &
Cookies in Margate for nearly two years. That
was an amazing experience with regards to
logistics. They do such a high volume of good
quality food — the place is run like a well-oiled
machine. I’m looking to do that here, too.
And before that? I was in Mexico for 18
years after meeting my now ex-wife at the
Culinary Institute of America in New York.
We were married a year after finishing school
and we decided to stay in Mexico and work
for her father in his restaurant business.
Tell us about the restaurants you ran.
They ranged from casual Mexican fare to seafood,
Spanish fine dining, steakhouse, tapas,
exit zero 10 fall
plus breakfast and bakery. The whole gamut.
What’s your thoughts on Mexican food?
Is it much more diverse than people in the
States realize? It will always hold a special
place in my heart. It is so diverse and complex
that most Mexican restaurants here in
the USA fail to capture that. I admire chefs
like Rick Bayless and Enrique Olvera, who run
Mexican restaurants here and have shown
that it’s so much more than tacos, nachos and
guacamole!
How did you find the life there? How different
was it from the States? Life there can
be great, though it is also very hard for many
people due to the poverty. There are many
differences between life here and in Mexico
— too many to list here! One major difference
is the attitude of service you will find in many

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Open nightly at 5pm
$40 Early Seating Prix Fixe
Available Sunday - Friday
*Excluding Holiday Weekends*
1301 Beach Avenue ǀ Cape May
609.884.9090
www.petershieldsinn.com
exit zero 11 fall

estaurants — the service is incredible and
people are very eager to please.
Is there anything you miss about that
life? Of course, I miss the great friends I have
made, plus the food and the culture.
Where were some of your favorite
places to visit in Mexico? Oaxaca for the
moles, Riviera Maya for the beach.
Where did you grow up? Here in Cape
May County.
How has this area changed since you left
here? Honestly, not that much!
What do you think of Cape May? I love it
— the beaches and the wildlife make it such a
nice place to live. I also like that it has become
more of a year-round town than just a summer
beach destination. That’s good for business!
What are you looking forward to doing in
Cape May when you get some time off? I like
to explore nearby towns and find new restaurants
— I need to see what is being offered out
there. It usually inspires new and fresh ideas.
Which places in the States are you really
keen on visiting? I would really love to travel
the Pacific Northwest.
And finally, what’s the one restaurant
that’s at the top of your bucket list? That’s
a tough one, but I would probably say Alinea
in Chicago.
Preparing curries at Exit Zero Filling Station, above, and, opposite page, Chef Bill flanked by
executive sous chef Garrett Thompson and our skateboarding-to-work cook Eric Gerlacher.
7 DAYS A WEEK
4:30PM-10PM
Reservations
609-884-0200
Free Parking
Bringing you the fresh, unique flavors of
Italy in a charming, welcoming atmosphere.
Laugh • Dine • Enjoy
311 MANSION STREET, CAPE MAY
ICCARACAPEMAY.COM
exit zero 12 fall

exit zero 13 fall

a cape may moment
A farewell party for Hannah Faulkner at Iron Pier on September 18. Aleksey Moryakov
Breakfast at The Rio
Delicious! Everyday of the Week
7:30 a.m.~1 p.m. Monday~Saturday • Sunday Brunch 7:30 a.m.~3 p.m.
• $2.22 Breakfast ~ 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 bacon 7:30-9:30 Everyday
• Mimosas in the Morning ~ Have a Mimosa or Bloody Mary with your breakfast.
Featuring build your own omelettes & frittatas, specialty pancakes, Egg Bennys plus
housemade chipped beef & corned beef hash
Join us for dinner...
Traditional steaks, prime rib, local seafood, award-winning wings plus
a selection of vegetarian & gluten-free dishes
Fresh locally-grown garden salads & vegetables are on our tables again. Vegetarian options join the traditional
steaks & local seafood that round out our summer menu. Enjoy a selection from our award-winning wine list or 14 beers on tap
including a large selection of New Jersey Crafts. Reservations suggested.
SUNDAY
BRUNCH
Every Week
7:30 am - 3 pm
www.riostation.com
AMERICAN STEAK & SEAFOOD HOUSE
Grande Center Mall • Routes 9 & 47 • Rio Grande, NJ 08242 • 609.889.2000
EVERY
THURSDAY
in the Bar
50c WINGS
exit zero 14 fall

We use
freshest
local
produce.
Served
in a
beautiful
Victorian
mansion.
FINE DINING
Open for dinner daily from 4pm
416 S BROADWAY, WEST CAPE MAY
609-600-1422 • @saporeitalianous
exit zero 15 fall

THE ULTIMATE CAPE MAY FOOD & DRINK CHART
What you
need to
know about
the food
and vibe
Meals
served
Bar or
BYOB?
Should I
book?
Food for
kids?
Other
details
ALEATHEA’S
7 Ocean Street, Cape May
(609) 884-5555, extension 226
www.innofcapemay.com
Excellent food at the glorious old Inn of Cape May.
There’s a cozy-but-elegant bar with access to the
oceanfront patio, which is pet-friendly. Check out the
antique-filled lobby first.
B, L, D
FULL
BAR
YES YES
u b
H U
AVALON COFFEE
7 Gurney, Cape May, 898-8088,
3823 Bayshore, North Cape May
(609) 846-0040
BEACH PLUM BAKERY & CAFÉ
484 West Perry Street, Cape May
(609) 770-8261
www.thewestendgarage.com
BEACH PLUM FARM KITCHEN
140 Stevens, West Cape May
(609) 602-0128
www.beachplumfarmcapemay.com
Superior coffee and healthy food that’s perfect for
breakfast and lunch. First-class wraps, sandwiches and
bagels, along with a good range of smoothies and cold
drinks.
This cozy-industrial café features some of the
most exciting doughnuts you’ve tasted, made with
ingredients from Beach Plum Farm. Add La Colombe
draft latte, and you’ve got a coffee lover’s dream.
Enjoy the quiet beauty of this 62-acre farm in West
Cape May and then indulge in the farm-to-table treats
for breakfast or lunch. The soups, salads, sandwiches
and juices are superb.
B, L N/A NO YES
b H
B, L N/A NO YES
b
H
B, L BYOB NO YES
u b
H U
BLUE PIG TAVERN
251 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-8422
www.caperesorts.com
Many of its menu items are coming from the local
Beach Plum Farm. The Pig serves classic tavern food
with quite a a twist or two along the way.
B, L, D
FULL
BAR
YES YES
u b
H
BOILER ROOM
251 Beach Avenue,
(609) 884-8422
www.caperesorts.com
Congress Hall’s chic basement nightclub — all bare
metal and brickwork — now has a brick oven serving
thin-crust pizza, and has added a line of draft beers.
D
FULL
BAR
NO NO
u
H
THE BROWN ROOM
251 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-8422
www.caperesorts.com
Congress Hall’s lounge was recently given a very cool
renovation, with a larger, circular bar. The decor is
elegant, the drinks are great, the staff attentive, and
the place just says “classy.”
Bar
Menu
FULL
BAR
NO NO
u
CABANAS
429 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-4800
www.cabanasonthebeach.com
The party is here — always warm and friendly in this
lively beachfront bar, featuring great food and some of
the best live bands around.
B, L, D
FULL
BAR
YES YES
b
H
CAPE MAY FISH MARKET
408 Washington Street, Cape May
(609) 770-3790
www.capemayfishmarket.com
THE CARRIAGE HOUSE
1048 Washington Street
At the Emlen Physick Estate
(609) 884-5111
DELANEY’S IRISH BAR & GRILL
400 Washington Mall, Cape May
(609) 770-8559
www.delaneyscapemay.com
Comfy joint in the middle of the mall, featuring a raw
bar, surf-n-turf entrées, sandwiches and burgers, plus
outside tables for some great people-watching!
The Carriage House offers everything from hearty
wraps, salads, quiche and paninis to classic teas. Best
of all is the location — the gorgeous Emlen Physick
Estate.
Irish comfort food is just a small part of the huge
menu at this Irish-style bar and restaurant occupying
a prime corner spot on the mall. Naturally, there’s
Guinness on tap, too.
L, D BYOB NO YES
b
H
L BYOB YES YES
u
b
L, D BAR NO YES b
H
THE EBBITT ROOM
25 Jackson Street,
(609) 884-5700
www. virginiahotel.com
Enjoy your meal on the Ebbitt Room porch,
overlooking tree-lined Jackson Street, or enjoy the
simple beauty of this dining room, one of the finest in
South Jersey.
D BAR YES NO
u
SYMBOLS KEY u Onsite parking b Handicap accessible
H Takeout available U Dog-friendly patio
exit zero 16 fall

THE HEAT IS ON
NOW THROUGH DECEMBER
Feel the warmth of the Rusty Nail beyond summer. Kick back with
beach-inspired bites surrounded by the Nail’s classic surf scene; featuring a
sand bar, indoor-outdoor picnic dining and fire pit. As the weather starts to cool,
stay toasty warm with inside seating near the new fireplace - roaring all night long.
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER | DRINKS
Dogs Welcome | Live Music | Open through December
205 BEACH AVENUE 609.884.0017 RUSTYNAILCAPEMAY.COM #THERUSTYNAIL
exit zero 17 fall

THE ULTIMATE CAPE MAY FOOD & DRINK CHART
What you
need to
know about
the food
and vibe
Meals
served
Bar or
BYOB?
Should I
book?
Food for
kids?
Other
details
E. M. HEMINGWAY’S
1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-5611
www.hemingwayscapemay.com
Casual and family-friendly, E. M. Hemingway’s offers
great seafood, prime beef and nightly specials. Enjoy
their happy hours daily from 4-7pm and weekend
DJs.
B, L, D BAR YES YES u b
H
EXIT ZERO FILLING STATION
110 Sunset Boulevard, Cape May
(609) 770-8479
www.exitzero.us
Fill your car at the pumps, fill your shopping bag with
cool merchandise and fill up your belly with great
curries, some of the best burgers around, and two
bars offering cool cocktails and local draft beers.
B, L, D BAR NO YES
u b
H U
FINS BAR & GRILLE
142 Decatur Street, Cape May
(609) 884-3449
www.finscapemay.com
Really cool decor and exciting food make this newish
restaurant a welcome addition to the local landscape.
It’s located at the former Pilot House, just off the mall.
L, D BAR NO YES
b
H
5 WEST PUB
3729 Bayshore, N. Cape May
(609) 889-7000
www.5westpub.com
A gastropub from the owners of Tisha’s, a Cape May
favorite. Expect exciting dishes, good drinks, and a
scene that’s usually buzzing. A few minutes drive from
town.
L, D BAR YES YES
u b
H U
410 BANK STREET
410 Bank Street, Cape May
(609) 884-2127
www.410bankstreet.com
After four decades, 410 still one of Cape May’s
finest restaurants, serving food that’s as brilliant and
inventive as ever. Always a lively atmosphere. New this
year: brunch on Sundays!
D BYOB YES YES
u
HARBOR VIEW
954 Ocean Drive
(609) 884-5444
www.harborviewcapemay.com
A locals’ favorite for a reason. There’s a Key West
vibe, good food, regular entertainment, and the views
are spectacular. Spend the day — or night. Check out
their Burger Mania on Sundays.
B, L, D BAR NO YES u b
H
HARPOONS ON THE BAY
Beach Drive and Browning
(609) 886-5529
www.harpoonhenrys.net
It’s become famous for its sunsets. Sip on a cold beer
or a funky iced cocktail, listen to fun live music, and
watch a beautiful day slip away. And note that the
menu has a LOT of excellent new dishes.
L, D BAR NO YES
u
b
HARRY’S OCEAN BAR & GRILLE
Madison & Beach Avenue
(609) 884-2779
www.harryscapemay.com
The Montreal Inn’s restaurant successfully mixes a
friendly, family feel with a stylish oceanfront vibe. And
you’re going to love the renovation, with the indoor/
outdoor bar.
B, L, D BAR YES YES
u
b
ICCARA
311 Mansion Street, Cape May
(609) 884-0200
www.iccaracapemay.com
Just steps from the Washington Street Mall, Iccara
Italian Bistro & Seafood brings you the fresh flavors of
Italy in a charming, welcoming atmosphere.
D BYOB YES YES u b
IRON PIER CRAFT HOUSE
429 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-1925
www.ironpiercrafthouse.com
Remember Martini Beach, above Cabanas? Well, Iron
Pier is there now. Same owners, but a delicious new
menu, great new craft beer list, and the decor got a
nice spruce-up, too!
D
FULL
BAR YES YES
H
THE LOBSTER HOUSE
Fisherman’s Wharf, Cape May
(609) 884-8296
www.thelobsterhouse.com
Take-out, fish market, restaurant, raw bar... the
Lobster House has it all. Drinks on the Schooner
American, watching the boats before dinner, is a
lovely experience.
B, L, D BAR NO YES
u
b
LOUISA’S CAFÉ
104 Jackson Street
Cape May
(609) 884-5882
This tiny, loveable spot has been a favorite for four
decades. Expect fresh, simple, delicious food, using
produce from the local Beach Plum Farm.
exit zero 18 fall
D BYOB YES NO b
SYMBOLS KEY u Onsite parking b Handicap accessible
H Takeout available U Dog-friendly patio

Harbor View
RESTAURANT, MARINA & BAR
Open for Lunch & Dinner Daily
Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday
Mon-Fri 3-6
half-price apps
Voted the best
Happy Hour
in NJ!
Don’t Miss Our Famous Fall Dinner Specials!
Prime Rib Turkey Dinner & Burger Mania!
954 OCEAN DRIVE, CAPE MAY ¯ 609-884-5444 ¯ HARBORVIEWCAPEMAY.COM
exit zero 19 fall

THE ULTIMATE CAPE MAY FOOD & DRINK CHART
What you
need to
know about
the food
and vibe
Meals
served
Bar or
BYOB?
Should I
book?
Food for
kids?
Other
details
LUCKY BONES
1200 Route 109, Cape May
(609) 884-BONE
www.luckybonesgrill.com
A huge hit and locals’ favorite for a reason. Excellent
food, great bar vibe, superb service. Lucky Bones
gets it right every single time.
L, D BAR
For
tables of
eight or
more
YES
u b
H
MAD BATTER
19 Jackson Street
(609) 884-5970
www.madbatter.com
It’s the original fine dining restaurant in Cape May.
The food is always creative and the breakfasts and
brunches, hard to beat — hence the lines.
B, L, D BAR YES YES
b
H
MARIO’S PIZZA
Washington Commons
(609) 884-0085
www.mariosofcapemay.com
Homemade specialties and secret sauces, from
classic pizza (using homemade dough daily) to
paninis, garlic knots and pasta dishes.
L, D BYOB NO YES
u b
H
MAYER’S TAVERN
894 3rd Avenue, Cape May
(609) 435-5078
www.mayerstavern.com
The legendary harborfront dive bar reopened last
year, with a smart renovation undertaken by the
Laudeman family. But the character remains, along
with those fried scallops.
D
FULL
u b
BAR NO YES
H
MERION INN
106 Decatur Street, Cape May
(609) 884-8363
www.merioninn.com
The dim, amber lighting, classic wooden bar, period
fittings and classy staff deliver a special ambience.
Listen to live piano music as you eat, or linger over
expertly made cocktails at the bar.
D
FULL
BAR YES YES u b
H U
OCEAN VIEW
Beach & Grant Avenues
(609) 884-3772
www.oceanviewrestaurant.com
OUT THERE COFFEE
315 Ocean Street at
Washington Commons, Cape May
outtherecoffee@gmail.com
At this oceanfront staple, expect a large menu, full
of classic diner food that’s reasonably priced. Locals
frequent it, and you know that is always a good sign.
This brainchild of thirtysomething couple Nikki and
Craig is a little slice of Colorado in Cape May. Expect
gourmet, imaginative coffee AND teas, along with
ridiculously tasty scratch-made treats.
B, L, D BYOB NO YES u b
H
B, L N/A NO YES u b
H
OYSTER BAY
615 Lafayette Street
(609) 884-2111
www.oysterbayrestaurantnj.com
A lovely dining room, a buzzy separate bar, a new bar
menu, great martinis and classic, generous dishes.
Check out their happy hour from 4-6pm.
D BAR YES YES
u b
H
PETER SHIELDS INN
1301 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-9090
www.petershieldsinn.com
RIO STATION
3505 Route 9 South
Rio Grande
(609) 889-2000
RUSTY NAIL
205 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-0017
www.caperesorts.com/rusty-nail
SAPORE ITALIANO
416 South Broadway
West Cape May
(609) 600-1422
The Georgian Revival mansion on Cape May’s
beachfront is magnificent, and the creative modern
American menu matches it all the way. A classy
eating experience.
With a new menu, Rio Station offers steaks, local
seafood, creative salads, vegetarian options and
an award-winning wine list. Plus 14 beers on tap,
including local crafts.
Coldest beer and coolest vibe in town. The iconic
Rusty Nail is the place to be for a uniquely Cape May
experience. And they even have non-alcoholic brew
for dogs!
Located in a magnificent Victorian mansion, and
the food does it justice. Excellent Italian food and a
lovely family-style ambience.
D BYOB NO NO
H
B, L, D BAR YES YES
u b
H
B, L, D BAR NO YES u b
H U
D BYOB YES YES u b
H
SYMBOLS KEY u Onsite parking b Handicap accessible
H Takeout available U Dog-friendly patio
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THE ULTIMATE CAPE MAY FOOD & DRINK CHART
What you
need to
know about
the food
and vibe
Meals
served
Bar or
BYOB?
Should I
book?
Food for
kids?
Other
details
SALT WATER CAFE
1231 Route 109, Cape May
(609) 884-2403
www.saltwatercafecapemay.com
A fairly new addition to the Cape May food scene.
The harbor setting is mighty fine, and so is the food,
which is freshly prepared. The soups are simply
superb.
B, L, D BYOB N/A YES u b
H U
SEASALT
1035 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-7000
www.seasaltcapemay.com
Black wood and granite tables, mother-of-pearl
barfront, river rock decor... the vibe is as cool as the
food is delicious. Reserve the chef’s intimate private
table for up to 14.
B, L, D BAR YES YES
u b
H
SHAMONE
421 Washington Street
Cape May
(609) 884-6088
Looking for something different? The Karapanagiotis
brothers offer one 15-course tasting menu nightly. For
$35. It’s an adventure for your tastebuds.
D BYOB YES NO
TISHA’S
322 Washington Street Mall
Cape May
(609) 884-9119
TOMMY’S FOLLY CAFÉ
251 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-6522
www.caperesorts.com
UGLY MUG
426 Washington Street Mall
Cape May
(609) 884-3459
A hot spot on the Washington Street Mall, where
they serve up irresistible concoctions for lunch and
dinner. A great people-watching spot, too.
Situated in the lobby of Congress Hall, this shop has
great coffee and to-go breakfast goodies, as well as
healthy and tasty lunch wraps, plus soups, shakes and
more.
A Cape May legend, and a good place to stop while
shopping on the mall. Such a treat. It has a classic pub
vibe, and always a warm, friendly atmosphere.
L, D BYOB YES YES
b U
B, Café NO NO YES ub
H U
L, D BAR NO YES b
H
UNCLE BILL’S PANCAKE HOUSE
Beach Avenue and Perry Street,
Cape May
(609) 884-7199
Reliably good food for breakfast and lunch — there
is a reason why people wait in line here. You can sit
outside with ocean and beach views and dine with
your dog if the weather is nice.
B, L BYOB NO YES
ub
H U
UNION PARK
Beach Avenue & Howard
(609) 884-8811
www.unionparkdiningroom.com
Exquisite dining in a classic old hotel, where both the
decor and the food are inspired. Voted one of the
best restaurants in the state by New Jersey Monthly
magazine.
D BYOB YES YES
u b
H
VIGGIANO’S ON SUNSET
109 Sunset Blvd, West Cape May
484-344-5561
www.viggianosbyob.com
VINCENZO’S LITTLE ITALY II
3704 Bayshore Road
North Cape May
(609) 889-6610
WASHINGTON INN
801 Washington, Cape May
(609) 884-5697
www.washingtoninn.com
THE YB
314 Beach Avenue,
Cape May
(609) 898-2009
A new family-friendly Italian restaurant, from the
same owners as the popular Conshocken restaurant.
Expect classic Italian food done right and a welcome
as hearty as the pasta dishes.
If you want to bring the family for a fine and fun
Italian meal, look no further. The kids will love
it. Excellent pasta dishes, and they’ve recently
expanded their pizzeria.
Superb gourmet food, and a cool but cozy bar. Check
out an amazing wine list of over 10,000 bottles;
they’ve got the largest wine cellar in South Jersey.
The chef and manager just took over this popular
eatery. The food and service is as good as ever, and
the renovation is beautiful! Enjoy both brunch and
dinner time in this cozy beachfront eatery.
D BYOB NO YES
u b
H
L, D BYOB YES YES
u b
H
D BAR YES YES u b
H
B, D BYOB YES YES b
H
SYMBOLS KEY u Onsite parking b Handicap accessible
H Takeout available U Dog-friendly patio
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award-winning dining
BEST AMERICAN &
TOP 25 RESTAURANTS IN THE STATE
- new jersey monthly
Winner 2018 OpenTable
Diners’ Choice Award
3-course Prix Fixe $39
5pm-6pm
oceanfront porch dining available
Weddings l Rehearsals l Private Parties
BEACH AVENUE & HOWARD STREET
At the Hotel Macomber
609-884-8811
unionparkdiningroom.com
RECENT TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS...
“A dining experience that was perfect.”
“The service was wonderful, as was the
atmosphere. Highly recommended.”
“The food was delicious and the service was
superb. Much of the food is locally sourced,
and the chef is talented!”
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Cape May has never seen anything like it!
Gas station
with oldfashioned
service
Restaurant &
bar serving
fab burgers,
Indian & Thai
Coffee shop
& breakfast/
lunch to-go
specials
Exit Zero
merchandise
& souvenir
store
110 Sunset Boulevard 609-770-8479 exitzero.com

events around the cape
October 13
Victorian Weekend Crafts and
Collectibles Show
Dealers from throughout the region display
and sell their wares on the lawn of the Emlen
Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street,
from 10am to 4pm. Free admission. Free
parking available. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
capemaymac.org.
October 13
Cape May Wine School
At the Washington Inn, 801 Washington
Street, this class will refine your palate. 1pm.
Admission $40. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
capemaymac.org.
October 13
Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
Let the light of the full moon guide you up the
199 stairs to the starry top. Don’t miss a rare
opportunity to see the light of the moon at
the top, weather permitting. The Cape May
Lighthouse is located in Cape May Point
State Park, Lower Township. 8-10pm. $15 for
adults, $8 for children (ages 3-12). Call 609-
884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
October 13
Eighth Annual Lessons of History
Distinguished Lecture Series
Features a distinguished speaker on topics
of historical interest and importance at
4pm. A Meet the Lecturer reception to follow
at 5:30pm. Admission $30 lecture only, $50
lecture and reception. Call 609-884-5404 or
visit www.capemaymac.org.
October 14
Show Us Your Undies
Fashion Show and Brunch
Living history presenters from Grand
Oak Plantation show an overview (or under-view!)
of ladies and men’s Victorian
clothing and foundations via live models, accompanied
by a delicious brunch at the Carriage
House Café & Tearoom, Emlen Physick
Estate, 1048 Washington Street at 10am. Admission
is $30. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
capemaymac.org.
October 18
Mad Batter Beer Dinner
Celebrate Oktoberfest with a four-course
comfort food menu paired with craft beers,
at the famous Mad Batter restaurant, 19
Jackson Street at 7:30pm. $65 per person.
Limited seating. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
www.capemaymac.org.
October 18-20
NJ Audubon Cape May
Autumn Festival/The Bird Show
This island is the birding capital of the
universe, and we have the show to prove it.
Convention Hall. 10am-5pm. Call 609-884-
2736, or visit birdcapemay.org.
October 19
Historic Cold Spring Village
Pumpkin Festival
Families can enjoy pumpkin painting and
games throughout the day. A variety of crafters
will sell their wares along the Village’s
shell-paved lanes. Vendors will be selling
hot dogs, funnel cake, and other snacks. Visit
a haunted house at the Village Barn and hop
on a fall hayride through the farm. Call 609-
898-2300.
October 19-20
Lighthouse Challenge of
New Jersey Weekend
New Jersey Lighthouses, museums and life
OPEN YEAR ROUND
.
A SHORT DRIVE FROM HISTORIC CAPE MAY
. .
CAPEMAYBREWERY.COM @CAPEMAYBREWCO #CRAFTEDONTHECAPE
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at Congress Hall
Cape May’s
Living Room
Cocktails & Small Plates | Live Entertainment
brownroomcapemay.com
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saving stations will host this “Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey”
weekend. The public is invited (and challenged) to visit all participating
lighthouses over the weekend and help raise funds for continued
lighthouse preservation. YOU can support and preserve the maritime
history of our state. Begin the Challenge at any of the participating
lighthouses, and purchase a tri-fold souvenir pamphlet ($1) to be
stamped at each lighthouse as proof of visit. Hours of operation for
each participating lighthouse can be found on the lighthouse and
museum websites, and at lighthousechallengenj.org, njlhs.org and
visitnj.org.
October 20
Halloween Parade
Have you always wanted to be an astronaut? A doctor? Freddie
Krueger? Mayor Lear? Here is your chance. Dress in costume or
just spectate; Perry Street at Congress Hall is a clutch watching
spot. The parade kicks off at Rotary Park. Registration begins at
1:30pm at Perry and Washington Streets, Judging at 2pm, parade
at 3pm. Party to follow at 4pm at the Physick Estate. Call 609-884-
9565, or visit discovercapemaynj.
October 20
Trick or Treat on the Mall
Get your sweets from local merchants. Washington Street Mall.
From 12-2pm. See washingtonstreetmall.com.
open seven days year round
Uncle Bill’s
& FAMILY RESTAURANT
Pancakes, perfected!
October 25-26
East Lynne Theater presents Sherlock Holmes Adventure
of the Blue Carbuncle
It’s a race against time for Holmes and Watson to stop murders in
a country manor. Performed “radio-style” with live sound effects
and commercials. 8pm. First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500
Hughes Street. Adult admission $28; $20 students and military, children
under 12 free. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
October 25-27
Sherlock Holmes Weekend
New mystery, new dates for 2019! Join Sherlock Holmes and his
partner, Dr. Watson, for a weekend of solving clues in the new
mystery “Sherlock Holmes and The Wake at the Wedding.” Stalk the
gaslit streets in search of clues and compete for the $250 grand prize.
Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
October 26
Sherlock Holmes Search for Clues Tour
Travel from inn to inn in Victorian Cape May while you try to solve
the new Sherlock Holmes murder mystery for 2019, “Sherlock
Holmes and The Wake at the Wedding.” 1- 3pm. $15 for adults, $10
for children (ages 3-12). Tour begins and tickets are available at the
Washington Street Mall Information Booth. Call 609-884-5404 or
visit capemaymac.org.
BEACH AVENUE & PERRY STREET
609-884-7199 « Pet-Friendly Outdoor Seating!
October 26
Crafts & Collectibles By the Sea Show
Crafters and collectibles dealers from throughout the region display
and sell their wares at Cape May Convention Hall from 10am-4pm.
Admission is $2. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
October 26
Lucky Bones Lunch & Learn: Ghostly Tales and Music
Hear talks on popular topics of history, culture and the arts over
lunch at Lucky Bones Restaurant. Featuring a creepy slideshow
and chilling ghost stories from the past two centuries. Doors open
at 11:30 am. Admission is $20 and includes a buffet luncheon and
lecture. Beverages may be purchased separately. Limited event. Call
609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.October 31
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HARRY’S OCEAN BAR & GRILLE
“Best Appetizers; Best Cocktails; Best Happy Hour” - CapeMay.CoM
open ‘til the end of november! *
*oCtober hours: thursday through sunday, 8aM - 10pM. noveMber hours: Friday dinner serviCe through sunday breakFast.
FOOD • FAMILY • TRADITION
BEACH AT MADISON AVENUE • CAPE MAY, NJ • 609.884.2779 • HARRYSCAPEMAY.COM
photos by JessiCa orlowiCz
CAPE MAY’S ONLY BEACHFRONT LIQUOR STORE
BEACH AT MADISON AVENUE, CAPE MAY, NJ • (609) 884-6114 • MONTREALBEACHRESORT.COM
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Adored by Visitors
Loved by Locals!
Trick or Treat at the Physick Estate
Some spooky characters are waiting with treats for good little ghosts
and goblins and pirates and princesses. From 5-7pm.
November 1-2
East Lynne Theater presents Sherlock
Holmes Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
It’s a race against time for Holmes and Watson to stop murders in
a country manor. Performed “radio-style” with live sound effects
and commercials. 8pm. First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500
Hughes Street. Adult admission $28; $20 students and military, children
under 12 free. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
November 1-3
Sherlock Holmes Weekend
Join Sherlock Holmes and his partner, Dr. Watson for a weekend of
mystery and intrigue. Get into the spirit of things by donning Victorian
attire. Stalk the gaslit streets in search of clues and compete
for the $250 grand prize and a variety of other valuable gifts as you
attempt to solve the mystery. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
Beach & Grant, Cape May
609-884-3772
November 2
Sherlock Holmes Search for Clues Tour
Travel from inn to inn in Victorian Cape May while you try to solve
the new Sherlock Holmes murder mystery for 2019, “Sherlock
Holmes and The Wake at the Wedding.” 1- 3pm. $15 for adults, $10
for children (ages 3-12). Tour begins and tickets are available at the
Washington Street Mall Information Booth. Call 609-884-5404 or
visit capemaymac.org.
November 2
Fall Crafts And Collectibles Show
Dozens of vendors come to Cape May to sell handmade novelties and
crafts including seasonal decorations, gift items and more. 10am-
4pm. Cape May Convention Hall, Beach Avenue at Stockton Place.
Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
American Cuisine
Freshest Seafood
Sizzling Steaks
Great Bar Menu
HAPPY HOUR 4-6
615 LAFAYETTE STREET, CAPE MAY
609-884-2111 • oysterbayrestaurant.com
November 7-10
Exit Zero Jazz Festival
Venues throughout Cape May are taken over by other superb
musicians from various genres. An absolute can’t-miss event. For
ticket information, see exit0jazzfest.com.
November 11
Veterans Day Ceremony
Honor those who have served with this special commemorative
event. Columbia Avenue All Wars Monument. 11am. Call 609-884-
9565.
November 15
Mad Batter Wine Dinner: Autumn Flavors
Savor the flavors and colors of autumn during this five-course
seasonal menu paired with wine, presented at The Mad Batter
Restaurant at 7:30pm. $75 per person. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
capemaymac.org.
November 22-January 1
Cape May’s Holiday Season
Six weeks of special holidays tours and events including Holiday Preview
Weekend (November 22-24), 46th Annual Christmas Candlelight
House Tours (December 7, 14 and 28), plus Lamplighter Christmas
Tours, Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides, Emlen Physick
Estate Christmas Tours, Holiday Inns Tours, Evening Holiday Lights
Trolley Rides, Evening Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides, Santa’s
Trolley Rides, and more. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemay-
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Savor Summer
Fine Food & Craft Cocktails
From the relaxing front porch, to the classically comfortable bar and
lounge with live piano music on weekends, The Ebbitt Room is strongly
rooted in a farm-to-table, farm-to-glass dining philosophy featuring the
freshest ingredients from our very own Beach Plum Farm.
Edible Jersey Local Heroes 2019
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2018
• Dining Room and Lounge Open Nightly
• Live Piano Music
• Complimentary Valet Parking
• Happy Hour Monday - Friday 4pm - 6pm
• Early Dining Menu Sunday - Friday $35 +
Reservations 609.884.5700 | EbbittRoom.com | 25 Jackson Street
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Harriet, Our Hero
How the community is united behind a new museum honoring American icon
Harriet Tubman, along with the island’s African American heritage.
photography suzanne kulperger
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On September 6, a group of Cape May luminaries
gathered at the home of Dave and Chris
Clemans on Sea Grove Avenue, Cape May
Point, where they enjoyed wine, gourmet hors
d’oeuvres, and a riveting lesson on Harriet
Tubman and her connections to Cape May. The point? Raising
funds for a Harriet Tubman museum that will pay tribute to an
important — and long-buried — piece of island history.
Before you roll your eyes with skepticism, Harriet Tubman,
escaped slave and chief conductor on the Underground Railroad,
really DID stay in Cape May. At one point, in her own
words to the Auburn Daily Advertiser newspaper in New York,
it also served as her “headquarters.” So, this is not just something
the tourism commission made up to help quench visitors’
thirst for historical drama. Although, until recent research
clarified some things, it HAD been difficult for visitors to separate
fact from fiction.
“The things I’ve been telling people are finally true!” joked
Bob Mullock, owner of The Chalfonte hotel and a driving force
behind the museum initiative. “This may have started out as a
Mullock family project, but those days are long gone. This is a
community project now.”
Judging by a slew of outside media attention (and at least
one family which flew in to see the museum’s progress from
Texas), it’s a campaign which has indeed reached far beyond
this seaside hamlet.
“There is so much excitement,” said Revered Harold Harris
of the Macedonia Baptist Church, which owns the museum
property. “I was called to say prayer with a sick person in
Atlantic City recently. She asked me which church I am from,
and when I told her, she said, ‘Oh, you’re the ones doing the
museum!’ It’s been wonderful to see it all coming together.”
But what, exactly, is everyone so stoked about? We sat
down with the major players to fill you in on some frequently
asked questions about the island’s newest (and worthiest?)
endeavor.
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The Mullock family and friends are behind the renovation of a former Macedonia Baptist Church property into a new museum honoring the
legacy of Harriet Tubman, along with the African American traditions on Cape May and the memory of the late Reverend Robert Davis.
Was Harriet Tubman ACTUALLY in Cape May? Yes! In the
summer of 1852, she worked here to raise money for her work on
the Underground Railroad, a system of loose, secret routes by
which she led more than 300 people out of slavery. What did she
do? We can’t know for sure.
“It’s possible she worked at the Banneker House Hotel,” said
Barbara Dreyfuss, whose research for the Center for Community
Arts has inspired Cape May’s Underground Railroad Tour and
informed the museum’s work. “This was certainly the only resort
hotel for blacks in Cape May, maybe in the country, and it’s where
all the black abolitionists and Underground Railroad leaders from
Philadelphia came to regroup in the summer.” And also, possibly,
where they conducted operations.
One New York newspaper clipping from 1909, for which Tubman
was interviewed, maintains she established a settlement in
Cape May for a number of slaves she led to freedom. Translation:
If Tubman was the Moses of her people, this town may have been
her Mount Sinai.
Why would slaves have come here? Moving north, those
escaping bondage would not have been safe even in Delaware,
which was a slave state. New Jersey, however, became free in
1804, meaning if you could make it 18 miles across the Delaware
Bay, you had a chance. Often, fugitives attempting the journey did
so on small rowboats, evading slave catchers and using the Cape
May Lighthouse as a guide. At least 20 slaves that we know of fled
across the bay to freedom.
How do we know this? Some of these accounts we’ve learned
from William Still, aka the Father of the Underground Railroad.
He spent time in Cape May, and he interviewed men and women
escaping bondage in the mid-1800s for his book The Underground
Rail Road: A Record. This book will be one of the pieces showcased
at the museum, thanks to a loan from Emily Dempsey, who
discovered the work at an estate sale in West Cape May. Owner
of the Attic Treasures antique store on Sunset Boulevard, she represents
the fourth generation of her family on the island. “Black
history has been suppressed every day,” she said. “I’m amazed by
what I’m learning. This project has been an adventure through history.”
Whose idea was the museum, anyway? That would be Bob
Mullock. In November of 2018, his family signed an 18-month lease
agreement with the Macedonia Baptist Church, who own the
museum property. (The church is located next door.) Then they
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formed a nonprofit to raise funds and support. Bob’s son Zack, city
councilmember, is working (for free) as construction manager on
the project.
Where will the museum be? On Lafayette Street. The home,
currently being restored, once housed the Revered Robert Davis,
pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church, and his wife Carolyn. Until
his death in 2015, Reverend Davis was a beloved member of the
community. He was also a strong advocate for the preservation of
African American history, and his collection of African American
artifacts will be showcased in the museum.
The museum project is also being called a preservation project.
What does that mean? Parts of Reverend Davis’ house were
built in 1799, which means this house is among the oldest on the
island. Because it’s fallen into disrepair, it may have been demolished
if not for Bob Mullock’s suggestion to turn it into a museum.
Does the house have any other connections to African
American history? It’s possible this space, originally owned by a
Quaker, was also used as a safe house for fugitive slaves. “We’re
still investigating,” Dreyfuss said.
Okay, that’s pretty cool. But what’s so special about the
area? Remember that Banneker House Hotel we told you about?
That used to be on the same corner. And a house formerly owned
by Stephen Smith still IS on this corner. Smith was a freed slave,
and the wealthiest black man in America at one point. The owner
of a coal and lumber business, he used his money to ferry slaves
to freedom in the 22 cars of his railroad. (No metaphor here…
we’re talking about an actual, aboveground railroad.) Across
the street was the white Baptist church where the editor of a
local newspaper often preached anti-slavery rhetoric. In other
words, this area was a hotspot of abolition discussion, and possibly
more. It’s a big part of the reason Cape May is now included
on the Network to Freedom, a nationwide program from the
National Parks Service that recognizes locations with verifiable
connections to the Underground Railroad. But beyond that, this
area was also home to a thriving black community, long after slavery
was abolished. (For more on that, see below.)
What is the mission of the museum? That’s three-fold,
according to Lynda Anderson-Towns, trustee chairperson at the
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Bob Mullock with a portrait of American abolitionist Harriet
Tubman, painted by local artist Sydnei Smith Jordan. It will be among
the exhibits at the new museum, being planned for completion
on Lafayette Street next year. Above: A still from the new movie
Harriet, released November 1, which tells the story of the famed
Underground Railroad activist.
Macedonia Baptist Church. Mission one: Honoring Tubman. Mission
two: Honoring the Revered Davis. Mission three: Honoring
the contributions of the wider black community on the island, of
which there are many.
“There’s always been a great push to bring tourists to Cape
May for its Victorian history, forgetting the role of the African
American community,” Anderson-Towns said. “There’s so much
more to this story, and so much of it has yet to be shared.”
In the 1920s, African Americans made up approximately a
third of Cape May’s population, and its members established
restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses frequented by
both whites and blacks. With Urban Renewal money in the 1960s,
after much of Cape May had fallen into disrepair, many of these
buildings were demolished, and this began the decline of the
African American population on the island. Hopefully, Anderson-Towns
says, staffing the museum may provide an opportunity
to bring at least one or two of these African American families
back.
But isn’t there a Victorian connection, too? There IS. Queen
Victoria once gifted Harriet Tubman a shawl as a token of her
respect.
How much will this museum project cost? Approximately
$500,000.
How is this being funded? Through donations. And we’re
about halfway there. So far, approximately $150,000 has been
raised in cash (shout-out to that fundraiser at the home of Dave
and Chris Clemans). Another $100,000 is coming in the form of
in-kind donations or pro-bono work. Among the generous members
of the community who have offered or discounted their services?
Swain’s Hardware, Mohr Masonry, the law firm of Barry,
Corrado, Grassi and Gillin-Schwartz, Fulcrum Design Group and
others. “I am taken aback by it, but then I ask myself why,” said
Mullock. “People are naturally good. This community is naturally
good. We want to do the right thing, and sometimes we just need
the opportunity.”
When will it be done? Hopefully in 2020.
How can I help? Donations can be made at harriettubmanmuseum.org.
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Call him Agua Man... Carl Behrens,
superintendent of water and sewer,
at Cape May’s desalination plant.
Raise A Glass
Of water, that is! Thanks to an under-the-radar desalination plant,
that water in your glass is seriously fresh. Here’s how it stays that way.
article bill barlow
photography suzanne kulperger
Typically, when visitors to Cape
May evangelize about our
beautiful water, they’re gushing
about the ocean. Pretty, clean
and frequented by leaping dolphins,
it’s an understandably big reason this
little resort is regularly ranked among the
best in the nation.
But it’s not the only newsworthy H20 in
town.
Cape May’s drinking water has won multiple
awards, including the title of fifth best
in the nation, according to the National Rural
Water Association. Most recently, in 2014, it
took first in a contest run by the South Jersey
Water Professionals Association, which
judged appearance, odor, flavor, mouthfeel,
aftertaste and overall impression. (Yes, those
words DO apply outside of the Washington
Inn’s Wine Bar.)
But it’s not just the quality that sets apart
potable water on the Cape. It’s the fact that
potable water exists here at all.
If it weren’t for an inauspicious, underthe-radar
desalination plant on Canning
House Lane, just off Broadway, which transforms
saltwater into fresh, Cape May would
have been thrust into a water-scarcity crisis
long ago.
Unlike the almost-submerged Concrete
Ship at Sunset Beach or our storied lighthouse
in Cape May Point State Park, this plant isn’t
covered in town brochures. But, while our
famed beaches and historic sites command
all the attention, this marvel of modern technology
is, perhaps, the most essential feather
in Cape May’s cap.
Since its storied launch in 1998, the desal
plant has kept Cool Cape May from going
dry… one pure, fresh, sustainable glass at a
time.
Cape May’s Water Emergency
For more than a century, Cape May obtained
its water like much of South Jersey — from
wells dug in the early 1900s. These wells tap
into Jersey Cape aquifers which, contrary to
popular belief, are not underground lakes.
“Everybody thinks that,” says Glen Carleton,
a New Jersey-based hydrologist with
the US Geological Survey. “It’s absolutely
nothing like that.”
Instead, under the earth for the hundreds
of feet between, say, Madison Avenue
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and the bedrock of the continental shelf, sit
layers of clay alternating with layers of sand
and gravel. When rain is absorbed into the
ground, it becomes suspended within this
sand. These wet sections are the areas from
which freshwater can be extracted.
The good news is that such aquifers are,
for the most part, plenty full in South Jersey.
Thanks to eons of rain in the New Jersey
Pinelands, many hold a healthy freshwater
reserve. Stone Harborites, for instance, will
likely draw as much uncontaminated water
as they want for hundreds of years to come.
In Atlantic City, that time period is likely
closer to thousands of years.
But, the farther south you travel in the
state, the more vulnerable these freshwater
reserves are to saltwater intrusion. As Glen
puts it, “Cape May is between a rock and a
hard place.” Or, more literally, we’re between
a bay and an ocean.
The infiltration of saltwater is exactly
what began happening in Cape May in the
1960s, when the city’s first two wells — one
near Madison Avenue, the other across from
Cape May City Elementary School — were
contaminated. More were dug, but those

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were eventually contaminated, too. A growing
population meant the city needed to
increase its pumping of these wells, which
only compounded the problem — at the tip
of the peninsula, the more freshwater you
take out, the less time Mother Nature has to
replenish it before saltwater pours in to fill
the gap.
In other words, Glen says, “The situation
became dire for Cape May.”
The Salt Solution
In the mid-90s, with a dwindling supply of
available freshwater, city leaders adopted a
new approach: Instead of trying so hard to
avoid the briny, brackish water of the Cape,
how about embracing it? Led by then-mayor
Ed Mahaney, Cape May turned to what was
then still a newfangled idea in the northeast:
making saltwater drinkable via desalination.
Typically, water moves through a semipermeable
membrane from an area of low
salt concentration to an area of high salt
concentration. But, in order for this desalination
— or reverse osmosis — process to
work, water must be pumped in the opposite
direction through a very fine synthetic filter.
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BATCH
IS WHAT WE DO.
Come see us in the store or connect with us online
for great offers all year long.
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In the end, all the brine is left behind, and the
resulting water is pure and consumption safe.
In short order, building a $5 million facility
capable of this work became the city’s
main focus. With state and federal grant
money, and with overwhelming public support,
construction of the plant — then the
largest capital improvement endeavor in city
history — began in 1997 and completed the
following year.
The finished product was cutting edge
but, fitting for Cape May, it was partly historic,
too, housed inside a brick waterworks
building constructed more than 90 years ago
and previously used as storage for the public
works department.
Today, this plant looks much the same as
it did 21 years ago — like a set from the kind of
sci-fi movie mocked in Mystery Science Theater
300 — but it sounds just like a waterfall.
Inside, an imposing system of 10-inch-wide,
20-foot-long PVC-looking pipes called pressure
vessels are arranged into two compact
skids that stretch from the floor to well overhead.
From two wells drilled into a brackish,
800-foot deep aquifer near the plant, 1,300
gallons of water per minute during peak summer
season are pumped through these pipes,
where the filtering process takes place. With
salt and other minerals removed, the liquid
becomes what Carl Behrens, superintendent
of water and sewer for Cape May, describes
as “aggressive.” This is why the desal facility
stabilizes its product with carbon dioxide
combined with a lime slurry before it leaves
the plant. Otherwise, the remaining water
molecules might try to bond with whatever
minerals they can find — including copper or
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GRAB
& GO
GRAB & GO
AT CONGRESS HALL | OPEN DAILY
Start the day with a healthy breakfast treat l Grab a wrap or sandwich for lunch
Refuel with a cup of La Colombe coffee
And if you’re in the mood for rewarding yourself, we have pastries, cupcakes and cookies, too.
200 Congress Place | tommysfollycapemay.com | 609.884.6522

lead from within the facility’s pipes or, even,
the minerals inside your mouth, potentially
leading to a parched feeling.
It’s a system that requires a huge amount
of energy to run but, at the other end, the
resulting water is about as pristine as you’ll
find anywhere — approximately 99.998 percent
pure.
“I always forget how many digits it is past
the decimal point,” says Carl.
This potable liquid then fills the water
towers of Cape May — including the pale blue
landmark painted with “Cape May” in dark
letters on Madison, as well as a standpipe
near the desal plant and the red-and-white
checkered tower at the Coast Guard Training
Center — before flowing through faucets all
over the city.
Fish Approved
This all begs the question: What do we do with
all that leftover salt? The more than 18,000
desalination plants in operation worldwide
produce an overwhelming amount of brine
waste. Late-night host Bill Maher has publicly
joked that we should save this supply for
“seasoning fucking almonds,” because what
typically happens is that it’s dumped into the
sea. At a salinity level twice that of normal
ocean water, it can be deadly for marine life.
It can also mess with ocean circulation and,
therefore, our climate. In other words, on a
macro scale, desalination could potentially
lead to more droughts, worsening the very
problem its intended to assuage.
But the Cape May plant utilizes brackish
— not ocean — water, which is much less
salty to begin with. For every four gallons that
enter the facility, the result is three gallons of
purified H20 and one gallon containing those
filtered-out, dissolved salts. This gallon is
not discharged into the sea, but from an outfall
pipe near the bridge at Elmira Street into
Cape Island Creek, where it lands at the midpoint
on the salinity spectrum. From here,
it merely flows out with the tide, doing no
detectable harm.
“You’re not killing any fish; you’re not killing
any crabs,” says Glen. “That’s a big deal.”
Time For An Upgrade
The Cape May Desalination Plant is a beast
that requires constant taming. Fighting rust
— a frustrating problem due to that “aggressive”
water — is almost a full-time job.
“You wire brush, you sand, you scrape
and you paint,” Carl explains, adding that
most of this work falls to Joseph Mendo, a
decades-long employee of the city who takes
care of the day-to-day maintenance. “We
could really use another body down there.”
Carl believes it’s time for an infrastructure
expansion, which would double the amount
of water Cape May can process from about
two million gallons per day to four million per
day. In other words, enough to see Cape May
— as well as the Coast Guard base, Cape May
Point and West Cape May, which all currently
buy Cape May water — well into the future.
Carl has convinced city council to include
this new, $4 million system in its upcoming
capital plan. While details are still being formulated,
the vision is to increase capacity in
phases, starting with another skid of reverse
osmosis pressure vessels — similar to the
ones already in use but more up-to-date.
A new well, drilled into the brackish aquifer
near the plant, is already in place, ready
and waiting to feed this new capacity.
It’s only a matter of time before it starts
pumping.
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WOOD-FIRED BRICK OVEN PIZZA
Start your night underground at the Boiler Room, where locals
dine on made-to-order pizza, cold beers, and more, featuring
fresh ingredients from our very own Beach Plum Farm.
BEER & COCKTAILS • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • 12 HDTVS FEATURING SPORTS
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2020 edition

SPECIAL PROMOTION
HOW TO
HAVE
FUN IN
COOL
CAPE
MAY &
SAVE
$400!
Presenting the greatest
collection of money-saving
offers you’ve ever seen...
elegantly packaged as a
designer deck of cards.
perfect gift for
the holidays!
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THE EXIT ZERO DISCOUNT DECK 2020
USUALLY, something that seems too good to
be true is just that. Well, here’s the exception
to that rule! The Exit Zero Discount Deck,
from Exit Zero magazine, really IS everything
it appears to be... which is THE best way
to enjoy Cape May while saving a lot of money. To be
precise, you will save more than $400 if you use all the
cards in the elegantly designed pack of cards. And all you
pay is $20. MAKES THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT!
Go for dinner at The Ebbitt Room, followed by breakfast
at SeaSalt the next morning and you already got your
money back! And unlike many other special offers, there
are no exceptions or blackout days. These cards are good
for every single day this year, through December 31, 2020.
You can buy the Exit Zero Discount Deck from the Exit
Zero Filling Station, 110 Sunset Boulevard, at Collier’s
Liquor Store or Tommy’s Folly at Congress Hall. Or call us
on 609-770-8479 and pay by credit card. You can also buy
it online at ezstore.us.
Savings you can taste!
There are no hidden catches with your Discount Deck. For example,
you can save $10 off the cost of lunch or dinner at the Ugly Mug, with
a minimum spend of just $40! You can go any day of the week, even a
Saturday in sunny August. So get out there and use your deck to enjoy the
tantalizing Cape May eating experience!
} participating restaurants
Aleathea’s
Save $5 on breakfast/lunch — minimum spend $20.
Backstreet
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $75.
barefoot bar & Grill
Save $10 on minimum spend $35.
Blue Pig TAVERN
Save $5 on breakfast — minimum spend of $30.
CAPE MAY Brewing Company
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
CAPE MAY Fish Market
Save $10 on lunch/dinner — minimum spend of $50.
cold spring brewery
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
delaney’s irish bar & grill
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $50.
THE Ebbitt Room
Save $15 on dinner — minimum spend $100.
exit zero filling station
Save $10 on breakfast/lunch/dinner — minimum of $30.
fins bar & grille
Save $10 on lunch/dinner — minimum spend of $50.
5 West Pub
Save $10 on lunch/dinner — minimum spend $30.
Harpoons ON THE BAY
Save $10 on lunch/dinner — minimum spend $50.
Harry’s OCEAN BAR & GRILLE
Save $5 on B/L, beach service — minimum spend $20.
hawk haven vineyard
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $50.
Mad Batter
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $50.
magic brain cafÉ
Save $5 on minimum spend $15.
Merion Inn
Save $15 on dinner — minimum spend $75.
Oyster Bay
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $50.
quincy’s original lobster rolls
Save $10 on minimum spend $50.
RUSTY NAIL
Save $5 on breakfast — minimum spend $25.
SeaSalt
Save $5 on breakfast — minimum spend $20.
SeaSalt
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $40.
Tisha’s
Save $10 on lunch — minimum spend $30.
Ugly Mug
Save $10 on lunch, dinner — minimum spend $50.
washington inn
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $50.
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WE’RE NOT JUST FARM TO TABLE,
WE’RE THE TABLE ON THE FARM.
FALL FARM-TO TABLE DINNERS FEATURING
OUR OWN EGGS, MEATS, & HAND-HARVESTED PRODUCE
visit bpfcapemay.com to reserve
140 Stevens Street, West Cape May | 833.327.6268
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THE EXIT ZERO DISCOUNT DECK 2020
} participating stores
Savings that will inspire you
THE best thing about The Exit Zero Discount Deck?
It’s packed with the kind of establishments you
already frequent, like Collier’s Liquor Store. Enjoy
$10 off a minimum spend of $60 at the iconic Cape
May liquor store! Or wander down the mall to Bath
Time, home of fine bath products. Or sample the goods at A
Place on Earth, where you could save another $5 in minutes!
Wherever you choose to go, it won’t take long to get a return
on your $20 investment. Spoil yourself with a signature
treatment at Accent on Beauty or Sea Spa at Congress Hall.
If you’re feeling a little bit adventurous and in need of some
activity during your vacation, go see the good folks at Cape Sea
Excursons for some whale and dolphin watching. And for some
quality theater, Cape May Stage and East Lynne are offering
$10 off their regular ticket prices. That’s a pretty dramatic
saving! (Get it? Drama?) Let the fun, and the savings, begin.
A Place on Earth
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
Bath Time
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
CAPE MAY HONEY FARM
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $25.
Cape may Olive Oil Company
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $35.
Cape may peanut butter company
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $25.
Collier’s liquor store
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $60.
exit zero filling station
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $50.
Flying Fish studio
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $40.
Good Scents
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $50.
ORIGINAL FUDGE KITCHEn
Save $3 on a minimum spend of $20.
red oak trading
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $50.
seaside Cheese
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
Trinkets
Save $15 on a minimum spend of $75.
} participating salons & spas
accent on Beauty
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $25.
Sea Spa at congress hall
Save $15 on a minimum spend of $100.
} participating activities
Cape may bird observatory
Save $10 on any two-hour walk.
Cape May Stage
Save $10 on a show ticket. (Regular $40)
Cape may trolley tours
Save $3 on a $15 trolley tour
Cape sea excursions
Save $10 on a trip. Minimum spend of $30.
East Coast parasail, Jet ski & jet Boat
Save $10 on some fun. Minimum spend of $40.
East Lynne Theater company
Save $10 on a show ticket. (Regular $35)
historic cold spring village
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $24.
STEGER STANDUP PADDLEBOARD
Save $5 on paddleboard rental — minimum $30.
sunset beach
Save $3 on a round of mini-golf.
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It Happens Around The Hearth
THE PIG’S OUT OF THE BLANKET
Hop out of bed and into the Blue Pig Tavern for a hearty breakfast. Enjoy signature
menu items to start your day like our Eggs Blackstone, featuring two poached eggs, freshly
made cheddar scallion biscuit, crispy bacon, tomato, wilted greens, black pepper hollandaise
and home-fried potatoes. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl,
rising and shining is no challenge when there’s breakfast at the Blue Pig.
BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER
RESERVATIONS 609.884.8422 • THEBLUEPIGTAVERN.COM
Located in Congress Hall 200 Congress Place
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The Dancing Queen
Joanne Reagan celebrates 50 years of creating movers and shakers
INTERVIEW DIANE STOPYRA
PHOTOGRAPHY SUZANNE KULPERGER
Joanne Reagan still dances about four hours a day, four days a
week. “It’s not as easy to pull it out of myself as it used to be,”
admits the 70-year-old owner of Joanne Reagan Dance Studios,
celebrating its 50th year in business. But age is just a number at
JRD, where Joanne’s student roster includes a 72-year-old tapand-ballet
enthusiast and an 18-month-old child who’s “working
on her creative movement.” These are just two of the 5,000
people who’ve benefited from Joanne’s tutelage over the last five
decades, some of them making it all the way to The Great White
Way (or Broadway, for those not in the biz).
Joanne, a Cape May native, has performed with the likes of
dance legends Gregory Hines and Luigi, and she’s honed her craft
in Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Chicago. We chatted with
her about what she’s learned, what she’s looking forward to, and
what still gets her toes tapping…
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Does it feel like 50 years? Not usually. We
live in the moment. But then I see a photo or
other memory from when we first started and
I’m reminded: Oh yeah… it HAS been a long
time.
Was teaching always the dream? I started
dancing when I was eight with a wonderful
instructor named Gerry Barber, whose Uncle
Ludy wrote “On the Way to Cape May.” She
was my inspiration. We trained in her little
garage on Winona Avenue. Have you heard of
the variety TV show, Arthur Godfrey’s Talent
Scouts? I used to think if I put on shows in my
garage, a talent scout might drive down Pittsburgh
Avenue and see me.
You’ve trained a lot of places, including
University of the Arts in Philadelphia and
Northwestern in Chicago. And you could
teach dance anywhere. Why did you ultimately
decide to return to your roots and
open a studio in Cape May? Ms Gerry was
fabulous, and I wanted to carry that on. I also
wanted to develop more of a cultural awareness
through dance and the performing arts
here in Cape May County, because I felt as a
youngster there needed to be more of that. I

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“Dancing develops your mind and your soul. Those endorphins and
that serotonin kick in when you move, and when you marry that with
music and a concept... it is just such a glorification of life.”
ventured out of the area to get it, and I wanted
to afford that to other people.
How has your business changed in 50
years? Dance hasn’t changed. People have
changed. One of the challenging things today
is instilling the need to have to work for something.
In dance, there’s no such thing as instant
gratification. Sometimes, students are like, “I
want to be able to do that.” Well, you’re not
going to be able to do that until you master
this. As an upside, the dance world has continued
to proliferate. I remember so many years
ago, people said tap dancing was a dying art.
And there was a point in time when it felt in
remission, so to speak. But now? We’re not in
remission at all. Any of it.
What does dance do for a kid, besides
the exercise component? It develops your
mind and your soul. Those endorphins and that
serotonin kick in when you move, and when
you marry that with music and a concept… it is
just such a glorification of life. It adds the color.
It develops that creativity. That’s what life is —
it’s a creation. And so having dance in your life
adds to that creation, so you’re never stagnant.
Who’s your most famous student? There
have probably been 150 kids over the years
who’ve done some professional work. DeAndre
Wolf was on Broadway in Riverdance, and
he toured 21 countries. He started with me at
three years old, and for his first solo, I had to
bribe him onto stage with candy. Hans Crown
was in Peter Pan with Sandy Duncan. Michelle
Nigalin was in Miss Saigon. Several have been
in Annie on Broadway. We’ve had Disney dancers,
Radio City Rockettes and Nickelodeon
performers.
Your daughter, Anne Reagan, is a very
accomplished dancer in her own right. How
long have you worked together, and what’s
that like? About 18 years. Sometimes it’s very
good! Sometimes, it’s probably frustrating on
both sides of the fence. But she was born and
raised in this studio. She’s worked one-on-one
with Debbie Reynolds in That’s Entertainment
Live; she was one of the last Copa Girls at the
Sands, home of the original Rat Pack; and she
was line captain for Legends in Concert in Las
Vegas. She’s been on Oprah and E Entertainment.
She’s done much more than I could say
here.
Tell me about the movie you worked on
together. In 2008 they shot a film in Cape
May County called Standing Ovation that
was in theaters in 2010, and Anne and I were
choreographers. James Brolin was the executive
producer, so he was there the day we
shot this one big scene. The piece was 10 minutes,
but we were there nine hours. That’s the
thing about film — you can shoot, and shoot
and shoot until it’s right, and if there’s a problem
on set, it’s not like the audience is sitting
there waiting for you. I was an extra once in
the movie Blow Out in Philadelphia with John
Travolta. I had to wear a fur coat in July and be
a bystander as he came barreling out of City
Hall down Market Street.
Give me your best “the show must go on”
moment. Well, it must. There’s no two ways
about it. I remember once there was an electrical
problem between act one and act two,
and the theater had been evacuated. I was
like, “You cannot do this.” It did end up getting
fixed. That’s the great thing about live theater.
You have to deal with the situation right then
and there.
When dance becomes the way you make
your living, is it difficult to maintain passion
for it? You have to separate it. Something
that’s difficult sometimes as an artist is to be an
administrator and a business person. it doesn’t
always mix. You have to make the division. My
daughter is pretty good at helping me with
that.
Is dance something everyone can learn to
do if they work hard enough, or is it an innate
skill? We all have it innately. If you’re going to
take it — raw and bare — we’re all born with
it. It’s the beat of life. But as far as being able
to stay with the training to become a professional,
you have to have that drive.
Are you training your dancers to compete?
We don’t do competitions, but I have
a performance company. This allows students
with a desire or a need to perform to do so
for a live audience at something other than a
spring dance recital. We’ve performed in the
local Christmas and Halloween parades, the
Mummer’s Parade in Philadelphia, at Disney
World, and at two pre-season openers in the
Phillies stadium. The astroturf was so hot at
that last one, it burned through our shoes.
So what do you hope the next 50 years
will bring? That’s kind of hard to say! Right
now, I’m hoping to continue to inspire kids to
feel good about themselves. I want them to
leave the studio saying, “Wow, that was great.”
That will make for sunshine every day.
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Small But Mighty
Stina Smith’s Jersey Cape studio became the little dance engine that could
INTERVIEW DIANE STOPYRA
PHOTOGRAPHY SUZANNE KULPERGER
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Jersey Cape Dance owner Stina Smith (in red) with her fellow instructor (and daughter) Kendra Heminway and some of their students, opposite.
There are 250 students enrolled at Jersey Cape Dance and
Gymnastics Academy. But that doesn’t stop them from going
up against dance schools across the country — from California
to Vegas — who boast 1,000 kids on their competition teams.
“We don’t do rinky-dink competitions,” says owner Stina
Smith. “We take kids who would be back row on other national teams, and
we put them front and center.”
It’s paid off.
Jersey Cape has been named among 50 dance schools in the
nation to watch by Dance Teacher Now magazine, and they’ve produced
professional performers who’ve gone on to grace some of the country’s
biggest stages.
The students here haven’t had the advantage of growing up in a
cultural mecca like Manhattan, where the power and beauty of the New
York City Ballet or the American Ballet Theater seep into one’s psyche
through osmosis. Many of them arrive never having seen a Broadway
show. And that’s something to which Stina can relate.
“When I was young, the closest dance studio was in Cape May Court
House,” she says. “There were five kids in my family and only one car. We
couldn’t afford the drive. We were poor, though we didn’t know it.”
It wasn’t until Stina became a teenager and Joanne Reagan (profiled
on the previous pages) opened a dance studio on the island that Stina was
able to begin her training, an education she then continued as a student
at Glassboro State (now Rowan University). From there, she moved onto
a professional modeling and performing career in Manhattan and Atlantic
City. But she soon felt tugged back to her roots in Cape May. (A string of
casino shows that let out at 2am will do that to a person.)
Here, in 1985, Stina opened her own studio with a major goal in mind:
“I wanted a special school that focused on technique, one that would
show kids what it’s like to dance outside of Cape May County.”
It’s a mission statement that requires setting standards so high they’ve
put off some potential students. But these standards have also resulted in
what Stina calls a “small but mighty studio,” one that’s brought acclaim to
this little corner of the earth.
We recently chatted with Stina for a look at Jersey Cape by the
numbers. No, she wouldn’t tell us how many crazed dance parents she’s
had to deal with over the years (“Most are great,” she says), but we did get
some other interesting trivia. And... five... six... seven... eight...
Approximate number of students who have trained
6,600 with Jersey Cape over the years.
22
15
Number of years Jersey Cape dancers have competed in national
competitions. Stina and the gang have taken home at least two
national awards a year since then.
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Number of cities 12-year-old Jersey Cape student Cameron Smith
will travel to between October and April as a teacher with the

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“I wanted a special school that focused on technique, one that would show kids what it’s like to dance outside of Cape May County,” says Smith.
Artists Simply Human (or ASH) Convention.
She’ll be working with the likes of Mandy Moore,
choreographer for the multi-Oscar-winning
musical La La Land and the TV hit Dancing with
the Stars.
4Approximate number of conventions Stina
and her team of Jersey Cape instructors
will travel to every year in order to further their
own dance education.
3
Number
of national television shows
on which Jersey Cape Dancers have
performed, including America’s Got Talent
(seasons four and nine) and Paula Abdul’s Live
to Dance. Nineteen kids performed in the latter,
becoming one of only 18 acts selected from
across the country.
20
Number of states, and counting, in
which Jersey Cape dancers have
competed.
Approximate number of pop stars for
30 whom Carrie Locklyn, Jersey Cape
alum, has served as backup dancer, including
Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey and Janet
Jackson.
13
Number of award shows at which Jersey
Cape alum have performed, including
the Oscars, Emmys, Tonys and MTV Music
Awards.
3
Number
of teachers at Jersey Cape, out
of 10, who are related, including Stina, her
daughter Kendra Heminway (whose pedigree
includes performing at Walt Disney World
and appearing in the Leo Di Caprio hit movie
Catch Me if You Can) and niece Bryce Sol Yerk
(former member of the US Dance and Acrobatic
Team). Stina’s sister, Annika Nash, was also an
instructor at one point. You’ll also find Stina’s
three-year-old granddaughter frequently in
the studio, getting a jumpstart on her training.
“All my teachers are either former students or
have had children who are former students,”
Stina says. “They want to give back what they
received from us. It’s not about the money.
They’re not just coming to work and punching
a clock.”
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14
Number of times Stina performed
“Singing in the Rain” with the legendary
Gene Kelly when she worked at Resorts
International, Atlantic City’s first casino.
1
Number
of weeks Stina spent as a dancer
opening up for Bill Cosby at Resorts
International. “He wasn’t creepy at all, at least
not to us,” she says. “He was funny, and we did
thoroughly enjoy the laughter.”
25,000
Number of costumes
that have been worn
by Jersey Cape performers over the years. The
studio comes up with 40 new styles per year,
and does all the design work themselves. Then,
these costumes are sewn by Katie Newman, a
Jersey Cape alum who decided, after tearing
her ACL, to attend the Fashion Institute of
Technology in New York City. Now, she works as
a top wardrobe mistress on Broadway’s Frozen.
Another alum, Kevin Garcia, works as head wig
master on Broadway’s Hadestown.
The age of Jersey Cape’s youngest-ever
18 student, in months.

The
Ghosts
of Cape May
Famed psychic medium Craig McManus visits a popular attraction on the mall,
and begins to unravel the mystery of a cold, unfriendly presence named “John”
photography suzanne kulperger
What would you do if you were sitting in a bathroom
stall, heard the person next to you moving around,
then heard that person flush the toilet, walk to
the sink and turn on the water, but never see them
leave? What if you left your stall and realized no
one was in the room with you, but the sink water was still
running and the door had never opened or closed? Welcome
to a place that must have the most hygienic ghosts in town!
Before there were automatic flushing toilets and sinks,
people would visit the men’s or ladies’ rooms on the second
floor at Delaney’s Irish Pub and Grill on the Washington Street
Mall and report hearing someone washing their hands and
flushing toilets in the bathroom when no one else was present
in the bathroom. Sink faucets would turn on and toilets would
flush for no reason. This happened to me on several occasions,
but I was never inclined to start up a ghost investigation in the
middle of a bathroom, at a busy restaurant. I knew there were
ghosts, but tracking them down was the challenge.
Delaney’s was always bustling when I visited. Rarely
did I have a chance to investigate for ghosts without having
a million people interrupting me. Staff members over the
years reported strange occurrences to me, but it took a few
years until the opportunity finally arose to investigate the
restaurant after I met general manager/owner Paula Geserick.
I met Paula early one October morning prior to the
restaurant opening. With the exception of a few staff
members, I had the entire place to my psychic senses. Sitting
in the middle of the dining room, I scouted the room with my
mind. The room was void of diners and ghosts alike. There
was nothing. Just an empty feeling. This is what a place that is
not haunted feels like to a psychic medium. This is how I begin
an investigation of a larger space. If nothing is present, I begin
to walk around. As I moved closer to the wall at the back of
the restaurant, I felt a tingling. A rush of cold air was moving
past me. I studied the area and decided at one point there must
have been a door where there is now a solid wall. Something
was moving to and fro, going right through the physical
barrier that divided the dining room from the kitchen. Paula
said it was amazing that I picked that area as they had recently
captured a white, filmy figure on the security camera hovering
around the very spot and then it disappeared.
We followed the energy (using the current hallway and
exit zero 62 fall

exit zero 63 fall

doors) back into the large kitchen. The
room’s psychic energy went quiet as we
entered the room, as if we had walked in on
a private conversation. As the exhaust fans
and kitchen equipment whined and buzzed
around us, I refocused my thoughts on one
strong, sentient energy. It was the spirit
of an older male, annoyed that we were
bothering him. He could see us and sense
what we were doing. I was watching him and
he was watching me. I probed with my mind
for information. It was a psychic standoff.
He was not giving up the information.
I localized the spirit’s energy. He was
near the stove. I offered him a chance to speak
on the tape I was running. Faint whispers
are heard on the tape. It’s a man’s voice,
but his words are inaudible. I asked him if
he worked in the building in the past. I also
asked if he knew Paula. The answers, while
terse, were, yes, he did work in the building,
and no, he did not recognize Paula. This was
a ghost who did not want to be bothered.
The stove near where we were standing was
hot, but the air around us suddenly became
icy. Several of my group got chills. Then the
coldness rushed past us and vanished. The
man did not want to be bothered anymore.
He left.
The odd thing was, I did not have a sense
of him cooking or prepping. If he worked
in the building, what was he doing in the
kitchen? My encounter with the ghost must
have opened a door. Now I felt the energy
radiating above us. Not his — others. I
grabbed my equipment and moved the group
upstairs.
What a difference one floor makes in a
haunted building! Now, there were multiple
disembodied personalities coming at me
from all directions. We went from a phantom
famine to feast by moving up a level. They
were in back, in front, all over the place.
Completely different energy from the first
floor. The main room was set apart from
the restaurant, but closing my eyes I saw
nothing related to a restaurant at all. The
ghosts here go back even further than its
previous incarnation, Jackson Mountain
Café, Harvey’s or the Victorian Lounge
before it. They felt like they had been here
for a very long time. The upstairs rear of the
building was now an office, and the entire
upstairs had been apartments at one time,
exit zero 64 fall
but the energy I sensed predated all of that.
I wasn’t being told that by the ghosts. On
some level, I just felt it.
There were now two distinct presences
in all of the psychic babble coming into my
head — a man and a woman. The man’s
presence was much stronger. On the tape,
a man is heard laughing and joking, “Don’t
arrest me!” I had the feeling I was being
mocked, but was not sure what the ghost was
doing that would merit a warrant.
I thought this was strange coming from
a ghost haunting a restaurant. The woman’s
spirit moved away from us, heading in the
direction of the offices in the rear of the
building. The man headed for the men’s
room, and I followed. Standing in the
bathroom, the epicenter of many ghost
encounters over the years, I had the feeling
the ghost was not seeing what the rest of us
were seeing. In this man’s time, the space
was not occupied by a bathroom.
The presence was in the bathroom with
us for a few moments, then it was gone. On
the tape, a rather electronic-sounding voice
says, “They’re thinking we can walk.” I have
no idea if they were referring to something

exit zero 65 fall

we said or if it was responding to another
spirit on something completely unrelated.
The only thing I could equate this response
to was I had just said to the group with me,
“I think we just followed the ghost in here.”
Maybe the ghost did go into the space, but
not by way of walking. If ghosts are fields of
energy with a consciousness, they may just
drift or float from place to place. Once the
room cleared, I followed the psychic trail
back to where the office space is now.
In the offices, in back, I started getting
the same feelings I did upstairs at a previous
visit to Cape May Fish Market, further down
the mall. Whatever building used to be here
still had some sort of psychic imprint on the
space. Can physical matter leave a residual
imprint? Is the former building still standing
on some ethereal plane of reality? Do the
ghosts see it? There was a ton of residual
energy in the office. Leftover imprints
from another time and place. I saw flashes
of imagery in my mind that related to the
previous building.
Paula related a story about Ed, one of
the managers, who upon entering the office
one day heard a man talking, but no one was
anywhere nearby. There was a strong male
presence on the second floor, but it wasn’t on
my psychic radar in the office. I kept getting
flooded with feelings of the past. I decided
to leave the office and return to the upstairs
dining room. There, the dead man’s ghost
was very much front and center. The image
now was of him standing next to an old brass
bed. Everything I saw in my mind made me
think of a hotel room. Paula thought the
upstairs may have been apartments at one
time, so this would make sense. Did this man
die in his sleep?
At various times when I have been eating
at Delaney’s, I have asked the servers if they
have experienced anything paranormal.
Several have reported seeing someone at the
bar, when no one else is in the building. A
few described him as an older man. When I
tried to put my mind toward any male spirit
energies in the building, the name “John”
popped into my head. John is such a common
name it gave me little to go on. Still, the man I
experienced in the kitchen and whom others
have seen in the restaurant, always seemed
centered around the bar or where the food
was being prepared. That gave me a pretty
exit zero 66 fall
clear idea that the ghost worked here, rather
than dined or stayed as a guest.
One of the most interesting experiences
I had was when a group of friends and I ate
at the restaurant right after it had changed
ownership from Jackson Mountain and
became Delaney’s. We were sitting upstairs
and I ordered the corned beef and cabbage. It
was not like the corned beef I make at home
and I was commenting about the difference
in taste. I started a conversation about Irish
cooking and visiting my cousins in Ireland. I
suddenly felt a buzzing around my head, like
a heaviness. Thinking someone was standing
behind me, I turned and found no one. With
that, I could have sworn I heard someone
humming the song “Danny Boy.” Well, it
was an Irish pub and I assumed someone
somewhere, living, was responsible for the
humming. It was a man doing the humming,
but no one saw anyone dining in the room
with us and our server had gone downstairs.
The feeling disappeared as quickly as it
came.
On previous visits, the ghosts have
always had a light, distant feel. They moved
away as I tried to get closer. The restaurant

With DJ Tony Steff
exit zero 67 fall

was always busy, so I couldn’t go chasing dead people thought the
dining room and up into the bathroom, without looking really
strange. Those light feelings changed completely when we visited
when the place was closed and empty. It was me and the ghosts (and
a few living friends). As I moved, the male ghost countered. This time
he wasn’t moving away from me, he was moving right at me.
This one-on-one psychic bombardment was most intense in the
kitchen. Less so upstairs. That energy was all over the place and a
lot of it was residual, not actual spirits. The ghost in the kitchen and
surrounding areas had an imposing personality. People or things just
don’t seem to get in his way. Each time I attempted to communicate
with “John,” I have been brushed aside, ignored. Several people have
reported feeling blasts of frigid air go right through them. Paula
and I had experienced this in the kitchen, in front of a hot stove. It
happened again on the main staircase. Like a sudden cold burst from
a car air conditioner on a hot summer day. I would not be surprised if
this icy feeling was being generated by the resident ghost — the one
I call John.
During the investigation in October, I also sensed a female. She
was also fleeting, but not as ill-mannered as her male counterpart.
She was watching from afar, but not speaking to me. She respected
the fact that I was a visitor. I am convinced this ghostly woman is
also attached to the previous building, but at the time of the last
investigation, I could not determine in what way she was connected.
Her movements seemed confined to the upper floor. Was she a guest,
or a possibly a housekeeper? Was she the wife of a previous owner?
I finally had some sense of the ghosts who are haunting the
restaurant. The next thing to do would be to identify them if
possible. Audio tapes yielded very few EVPs. Some places I get tons
of EVPs, other place, close to nothing. Delaney’s was awash with
disembodied voices. Without any physical evidence pointing to the
ghosts’ identities, I would have to backtrack through the history of
the location. I had learned more than I ever wanted to know about the
American House hotel. The problem was, while the American House
almost covered the entire block from Decatur to Jackson, it ended at
the Delaney’s property. Koenig’s Saloon was at the end of American
Row, and that was the building between Cape May Fish Market and
Delaney’s.
I had heard over the years that a fire had destroyed the building
around 1960. A clothing store called Frymire’s had occupied the corner
lot where Delaney’s is now for many years before fire took down
the previous structure. My theory about the mysterious bathroom
activity (of the paranormal kind) was always that the ghosts must
have been associated with the apartments that were above Frymire’s.
After doing a full investigation with the restaurant closed, allowing
me to spread out psychically, I wasn’t so sure anymore if the ghosts
belong to Frymire’s time. I sensed food and drinks being served, and
heard old piano music. These were things that would connect with
the current building and the restaurants that occupied the retail
space. What I was seeing and sensing and the actions of the ghosts
had little or nothing to do with a clothing store. They may have been
associated with the apartments upstairs, but no one I spoke with who
exit zero 68 fall

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exit zero 69 fall

had been in town since Frymire’s burned had
heard anything about people dying upstairs
in the new building. A dead end.
I once again turned to history sleuth
extraordinaire, Laurie Thomas. As luck
would have it, Laurie had already done
some research on the property. Digging up
old deeds and newspaper articles, Laurie
helped me understand the back history of the
buildings that predated the current structure.
The corner lot where Delaney’s stands
today was, according to an article in the
August 31, 1869 Evening Telegraph, occupied
by “a double three-story French roof
building owned by Anspach and Stanton
of Philadelphia… one of these (halves) was
occupied by J. P. Sloan, clothing store… the
other by Mr Huffnall, druggist.” This corner
building had only been erected in March
of 1869 and was barely a year old when it
burned. No one was killed in the 1869 fire.
It is unclear exactly Anspach and Stanton
rebuilt, but it must have been soon after the
fire as the 1872 F. W. Beers map of Cape May
shows a building on the lot. As with the
previous building, Anspach and Hall leased
out retail space in the new building as well.
The 1877 Swain and Woolman map of Cape
May City lists “S. Ware, Anspach & Co’s Drug
Store” as the tenant. Samuel Fithian Ware
was a local druggist who also operated a
drug store where the House of Royals is now.
When the Great Fire of 1878 wiped out over
30 acres of prime real estate in downtown
Cape May, the firefighters achieved one
important goal — they stopped the fire from
reaching the main business district along
Washington Street. The inferno left all the
buildings here untouched.
Now that I had the history in place, it was
time to start eliminating suspects. The first
building housed Huffnall’s Drug Store and
Sloan’s Clothing Store. Experiencing John’s
pushy ghostly personality, I doubt he was
selling ladies silk stockings or dispensing
prescriptions. He was much more the salt
of the earth type. The fact that he has been
seen at the bar was a huge clue and the more I
learned of the location history, the clearer my
assessment of this ghost became.
As I mentioned, Laurie had already been
researching the property when I contacted
her. She was focused on an Irishman named
John Joseph Ratty who ran a hotel and saloon
called the Homestead. When Laurie wrote
me that the information may be interesting
filler, my first thought was, “Where the hell
was the Homestead?” I thought I knew all the
old hotels in town, but I was wrong.
John J. Ratty had been in the liquor
business in Philadelphia and, like many
others, was drawn to Cape May’s lucrative
summer retail market. He was born in
Ireland around 1851 and came to America
as a young man in 1865. As a young adult
living in Philadelphia, Ratty was a bartender
by trade. In 1875, he married Chicago-born
Teresa “Bridget” Loftus, who had also moved
to Philadelphia. While the Rattys are listed
as living in Philadelphia in 1880, John must
have started working summer in Cape May
around that time. People left Philadelphia in
droves in the summer, and business would
surely be more lively (and prosperous) at the
famous seaside resort.
An 1885 newspaper advertisement lists
John J. Ratty as the proprietor of Dillon’s
Capital Hotel and Saloon (the building that
is now Fralingers — and is also haunted.)
John Ratty was managing the Capital Hotel
and bar when an opportunity arose that he
exit zero 70 fall

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could not resist. The large new building right
across Jackson Street was in foreclosure. On
the 1890 Sanborn map, half the building is
listed as vacant. The Cape May Fish Market
building is also listed as vacant. Times must
have been tough as the country had been
recovering from a long depression. It was
a business opportunity for Ratty and he
jumped at it.
Ratty got the property (now Delaney’s) as
part of a final judgement from Clara Elizabeth
Stanton in 1892. Stanton’s father William
Anspach and husband M. Hall Stanton had
purchased the original lot in 1868. They
lost their first building nine months after it
was built in the 1869 fire. William Anspach
died in March 1890 and M. Hall Stanton in
November 1890. Clara Stanton assumed the
position of administrator of her late father
and husband’s estates, but for some reason
lost the Cape May property. According to
Laurie’s research, John Ratty was awarded
the property by the Master of Chancery
Court on April 27, 1892. Ratty acquired the
two and a half story building across the way
while managing the Capital Hotel and bar
next door.
At the time Ratty purchased the property
where Delaney’s is now, the Temperance
Movement in the United States was in
full swing. Liquor licenses were granted
to Ratty and others in Cape May in 1888,
then the town suddenly went dry. In 1892,
licenses were once again granted and the
headlines exclaimed, “Cape May No Longer
Dry.” Ladies temperance groups kept trying
to pressure liquor establishments in Cape
May to give up the booze. Famed teetotaler
(and axe wielder) Carrie Nation on her antialcohol
crusade throughout United States
wanted to come to Cape May to speak. Alone
or accompanied by hymn-singing women
Nation would march into a tavern, sing and
pray, while smashing bar fixtures and stock
with a hatchet and telling the bartenders
they were evil. Her request was apparently
(luckily) refused by the town fathers in Cape
May who felt business was booming and
they needed liquor to keep it that way. Carrie
Nation had her eyes (and axe) set on Cape
May’s saloons. John Ratty was not worried.
When asked by a reported about Nation
coming to Cape May, Ratty replied, “Mrs.
Nation will not dare to do anything at Cape
May. There is no better, cleaner place on all
the coast than Cape May. This resort is in
greater danger from corrupt politicians than
Carrie Nation.”
Ratty leased out the building next door
while managing the Capital Hotel and
bar. There is a strange changing of titles
on the deeds in the next couple years for
his new property. In March of 1895, Ratty
and his wife Bridget sold the property to
Bridget’s sister Katherine Loftus. Katherine
immediately flipped the property back to
Bridget Ratty only, not to her husband John.
For some reason, he needed his name off the
title of the property and could not just sign it
over to his wife.
The turn of the new century seems to
be when all the fun really started for John
Ratty. In October of 1900 he was fined for
exit zero 72 fall
“illegal sales of liquor” at the Capital. After
appearing in court and paying a fine for
this criminal act, Ratty must have quit or
had his lease terminated by the owner of
the Capital building. In May 1901, he was
granted a license for his new hotel and bar
across the street called the Homestead. It
didn’t take long for Ratty and the law to meet
once again. During the summer of 1901, his
saloon was raided and illegal slot machines
were found and seized. In September 1901,
Ratty and eight other hotel proprietors were
indicted for keeping illegal gaming activities.
Suddenly, the ghost laughing and saying
“Don’t arrest me!” started to make lots of
sense. If it is John Ratty haunting Delaney’s,
he probably knew someone would eventually
uncover his ghostly identity.

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exit zero 73 fall

The 1910 census shows both John J. Ratty and his son John “Joseph”
Ratty as proprietors of the Homestead. In 1911, for some unknown
reason, Ratty sold the property to Alex Mears. The property went
into foreclosure shortly after. Maybe this was done to avoid Ratty
having a foreclosure on his record. Charles T. Campbell (Saltwood
House story) and his wife Katherine (Saltwood House future ghost)
bought the property from the Sheriff. I am speculating that Katherine
Campbell (nee Loftus) was the same Kate Loftus who flipped the
property with the Rattys earlier. She was most like Bridget Ratty’s
sister. It’s interesting how the living — and the dead — all intertwine
in Cape May’s history, isn’t it?
In 1915, the Campbells sold the property back to the Rattys, to
Katherine Ratty, John junior’s wife. Apparently, beginning in the
late 19th century, the Married Woman’s Property Acts that entitled
women to own property also afforded men a special benefit. By
having properties put in their wives’ names only, husbands protected
their other assets as these could not be touched should a wife’s
property go into foreclosure. Ratty was a smart businessman. No
wonder he makes such a good ghost.
John J. Ratty passed away (but didn’t leave) in 1916. His wife
Bridget and son John continued to run the hotel, with Bridget
listed as the proprietress of the hotel in 1920. When the Eighteenth
Amendment was passed in January 1920, the Rattys (and everyone
else in Cape May) were out of the liquor business. In 1930, Bridget
Ratty is listed as the proprietress of a “rooming house.” The Great
Depression had begun and the days of glorious seaside hotels were
numbered. Business in Cape May, like the rest of the country, took a
nose dive.
John Ratty Jr passed in December of 1939. Earlier that year,
in February, the Homestead was sold by his wife Katherine to the
Homeowner’s Loan Corporation. Homeowners flipped the property
to Mark and LuLu Frymire, and the rest is history.
John Joseph Ratty was a tenacious businessman in his day.
When he died at the age of 67, he probably felt his life was cut short.
The Homestead was back in his hands and business was probably
starting to pick up. His wife Bridget did not sell the hotel and bar. She
held onto the dream, faithfully running the hotel for years after her
husband’s death. How many loving husbands could leave for heaven
knowing a wife was struggling back at home, trying to maintain a
business and provide for the family? Probably not many. Whether we
choose to come back in spirit from the other side to visit and guide,
or stay with a loved one as an earthbound ghost, love is stronger
than death. If a soul knows it is needed by another soul, some way,
somehow it will find a way to be there, in the flesh or in spirit.
John Joseph Ratty is probably thrilled the Slaweks renamed the
Jackson Mountain Café as an Irish pub. Until now, the Rattys were
long forgotten in Cape May. I am glad I was able to pull their names,
and their story, out of the dusty Cape May archives — a shadowy
place where dusty old records and ghosts are one in the same, and
where many hauntings can finally be solved.
It’s actually a very cool coincidence that the Delaney’s brand
favors one of the original owners — or is it a coincidence? Maybe old
John Ratty has been whispering in the Slaweks’ ears! The ghost of an
Irish bartender haunting an Irish pub. It’s a match made in heaven or
(in this case) Cape May — where heaven and the seaside meet.
exit zero 74 fall

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How Cape May Got
Her Groove Back
A world-class jazz festival rocks this island twice a year, thanks to a New
Orleans transplant who headed north after Hurricane Katrina. We talk to
Michael Kline about what’s in store for the fall festival. Answer, a lot!
photography portfolio suzanne kulperger
Twice a year, every spring and fall, sensory experiences go
on overload in Cape May when the Exit Zero Jazz Festival
stages its world-class music fest in our little town. Music,
sweet music, can be heard everywhere in Cape May, on
the streets in the form of New Orleans-style second line
parades, in the clubs and restaurants bursting at the seams with music
and energy and on the Convention Hall stage with international touring
artists throwing down at what has become one of the most respected
and creative jazz festivals in the country.
Exit Zero Jazz takes its cue from European festival models, which
puts the city of Cape May center stage. Festival-goers stroll from club to
club along the streets of Cape May soaking up the exhilarating sounds —
proving that the magic of the festival is not so much who you know, but
the discovery of bands and music performing on the concert stages and
in the intimate clubs. Put simply, it’s a blast.
The fall festival hits town from November 8-10 at various venues,
and to whet your appetite, we chatted with festival founder and organizer
Michael Kline.
Michael, what excites you most about this year’s fall festival?
Opening the doors! There are so many moments — I call them bright
moments — where it’s so cool seeing each festival come to life. I get a
kick out of planning each one, solving the puzzle of the bands on the
stages, the musical flow of each stage each day — but what I find really
exciting is seeing people react and respond to what we’ve created.
Those are the bright moments. I’m really lucky because I get to see that
interaction from the krewe, the audience, the musicians — I get to see
people breathing life into it, that’s exciting. There is this thing that happens
around a festival, people interacting with musicians, it’s hard to
put into words. You get the greatest artists you can find, work to get
the people who are open to this creativity in the rooms, create the right
environments for the music and the musicians, and watch the energy
crackle from the interaction. That is really some great stuff.
What feedback did you get from the spring festival, and what
were the highlights? Watching Chick Corea interacting with students
after his show. He wouldn’t let anyone hide — asked each one a question
and didn’t lose eye contact with each student while he waited for their
answer. Krewe member Dan Barry shuttling The Lucky Chops to the
second line parade and the band playing live on the golf cart as they
zoomed around town. Preservation Hall Jazz Band digging deep into the
New Orleans musical canon on their second set. José James leading a
dance party in Convention Hall… those are a few bright moments from
the spring fest. That shit gets deep when I think about it... I love the
krewe!
The sky’s the limit, and you could get any performers you would
like, so who would be your headliners at a fantasy Exit Zero Jazz Festival?
(They have to be alive…) Don’t mean to sound corny, but that’s
what we do every festival! I love this music and being able to produce
the festival and bring these non-commercial forms of music — jazz, blues,
R&B — the real roots music with the artists who are performing at the
very highest of their art form is a fantasy played out every time. But if
you asked my partner Wendy, she would say Amos Lee would make her
fantasy festival.
Thinking back to the first festival in 2012, Hurricane Sandy really
did a number on you. Given you had come to Cape May after leaving
New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina, what was going through
your head as the hurricane approached right in time for the festival? I
was thinking, well ain’t this a bitch. Just acceptance. Not like we have any
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control of the weather or anything, so let’s see what happens. I remember
walking down to Convention Hall the day before the storm and
there was this mound of sand in front of the hall to protect it, I guess.
Went back the next day and the mound of sand was gone but Convention
Hall was untouched — so there you go... After the storm passed and
Cape May was still standing but the rest of Jersey wasn’t in good shape,
it was a question of, how can I get back in the black? I mean, really, how
the hell are we going to pay for this? We thought about cancelling but
that would have really sucked because Cape May needed the business.
And if you had been watching CNN, you were thinking Cape May was
no longer on the map. We couldn’t cancel. Sponsors stepped up big time
but it took a while to climb out of that hole.
In the years since, has the festival grown as you hoped it would?
Yep. Breaking even is a good thing. There are a lot of great ideas out
there, but ideas are a dime a dozen if you can’t execute the idea and
make it work. I’ve got a lot of respect for breaking even and moving on
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at Congress Hall
SIMPLE PLEASURES FROM THE SEA
seaspacapemay.com
Call (609) 884-6543 to schedule an appointment
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Clockwise from above, performers from the spring Exit Zero Jazz Festival: Lizz Wright, Veronica Swift and Branden Lewis.
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1-800-23-FUDGE
Send your holiday greetings
with our traditional favorites:
PLAIN CHOCOLATE, PLAIN VANILLA,
CHOCOLATE NUT & VANILLA NUT
in a beautiful gift box.
presents
A Holiday Offer to Our Special Friends
A 1 lb. box of Fudge shipped
anywhere in the USA .... $24.50
2 lb box ....$40.95
SHIPPING INCLUDED
Price includes pure whipped cream fudge, elegant holiday gift wrap,
sales tax, postage, packaging and handling. We do it all.
All you have to do is call us at: 1-800-23-FUDGE (1-800-233-8343).
or visit us at: www.FudgeKitchens.com
Let us help you spread a little holiday cheer!
All of our other chocolates and candies are available as well.
Corporate orders welcome.
www.FudgeKitchens.com
1-800-23-FUDGE
FOR GOODIES MADE BY THE SEA.
This offer not valid with any other discounts or specials. Orders must be placed by Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019
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Clockwise from above, performers from the spring Exit Zero Jazz Festival: Chick Corea, Ben Jaffe, José James and Clint Maedgen.
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2019
Merry
Fishmas
Collection
Adult and Kid Sizes,
we even have onesies!
Perfect for
Your Holiday
Family Photo!
Makes a
Great
Holiday
Gift!
Hats
Tees
Tanks
Sweatshirts
Art
Hoodies
Zip-Ups
Jewelry
Wholesale
Printing
130 Park Boulevard & at The West End Garage 609-884-2760 theflyingfishstudio.com
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Take The Chill
Challenge!
Take an active role in demonstrating
that you care about Cape May by making
some energetic energy choices!
• Buy locally and invest in and use your own reusable grocery bags
• Invest in and use a reusable water bottle and coffee mug
• Use cloth towels instead of paper
• Conserve water in many ways – turn off completely when not in use
like when cleaning your teeth
• Cut your shower time and use cooler water
• Rinse and Recycle all that you can
• When you can, ride a bike or walk
• Be respectful of our trees
• Find local farmers markets and shop there – it’s fresh and fun
• Carry litter from the beach and use containers provided
• Dry towels and clothing on a clothes line when possible
• STOP idling your car
• Turn off lights when not in use/needed
• Use LED light bulbs and unplug electronics when not in use
• Grow your flower or vegetable garden with plants that attract bees
and butterflies, and require less water
• Tread lightly – explore local nature centers and trails
• Build responsibly – Support Green Energy!
ACT PERSONALLY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE
CAPE MAY COMMUNITY WE ALL LOVE!
Environmental Commission meets fourth Tuesday each month at
11am in City Hall. All are welcome. Get involved! THANK YOU!
to the next festival.
For this fall’s event, tell us about the acts that will appeal to music
fans who are NOT jazz aficionados. You mean, who should YOU go
see?!
Ha-ha, you got me. Okay, who should I see? The War and Treaty
will absolutely blow people away. I’m so glad we got them on the way up.
And John Oates in Cape May Convention Hall — I have to grin at that
one. I like that. And if you can’t have fun at a brass band show or dancing
to Phillybloco or Cintron, you got to check your heart for a beat. You
are seriously miscombobulated if you can’t have fun at this fest. Yep,
miscombobulated. That’s a word.
If you say so. The thing about the fest is, there is enough jazz to
satisfy the palate of the jazzers, and there is enough of a blend of other
musics to bring the festive into the fest. I’ll never get tired of people
walking up to me and remarking that they didn’t think they were jazz
fans, but they sure did have fun. That’s cool. It’s why we do this.
What kind of feedback do you get from local business people
about how the festival has contributed to the economy and the vibe
of the town in spring and fall? Overwhelmingly positive. The hotels,
restaurants, bars, pizza shops, coffee shops, retail — they see not only
great business but the audience is so diverse in so many ways. The festival
brings a celebratory vibe to the town that is palpable.
Give us an example. You know, there is a business owner in town
who has been in the festival’s corner for a lot of years, and he said something
to me — more than once — that was so heartfelt and I hold close.
He said, “What you do puts Thanksgiving on the table and Christmas
under the tree for a lot of my staff. And I can’t thank you enough for that
because we would not be open this time of year if the festival weren’t
in town.” That’s deep.
Tell us a little more about the Havana Jazz Festival. How did that
work out last year and what can we tell people about the 2020 event?
Oh man, Havana is so heartbreakingly beautiful in its contradictions. As
soon as I stepped off the plane it felt like going back to New Orleans —
just some cities that have a vibe with the people, the food, the mystery
streets — that just wraps its arms around you and invites you in for a
drink. Old Havana is just beautiful and there is a rhythm to it that works
its way into everything. We had about 30 people who went last year and
everyone had the time of their lives. The Havana Jazz Festival is set up
a lot like Exit Zero Jazz — two main stages and music in really creative
spaces throughout the town. They go a lot later, though... people are
not sleeping in Havana at midnight. If you like food, if you like music,
(and the rum and cigars aren’t bad, either) Havana is a town you have to
visit. The group does not stay in government hotels or eat in government
restaurants. There is a subculture of incredibly creative people who are
making things work. The restaurant scene is incredible — had maybe the
best meal of my life at Ivan Chef Justo and can’t wait to go back! Dates
are January 14-20, 2020.
What’s your own favorite festival to attend in the world, or where
would you like to go hear music that you haven’t been yet? For lots
of different reasons, there are a few festivals always draw me in. New
Orleans cause it’s a festival of food, music, colors, rhythms. Montreal
for its incredible performance spaces. Havana Jazz Festival, North Sea
Jazz, London Jazz, Bonnaroo, Newport Jazz Festival for its beauty that
is not unlike Cape May, the TIM Jazz Festival in Rio de Janeiro and Sao
Paulo, Barcelona Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz… man, I’ve been to some
great festivals.
And finally, describe your perfect fall day in Cape May for us. Outside
on the deck with a glass of Havana Club and the Eagles and Saints
are winning and the 76’ers are just gearing up and Simmons’ jump shot
looks great. And I got Mingus on the radio and the world’s alright.
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more
than
just
honey
135 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST CAPE MAY
609-425-6434 « capemayhoneyfarm.com

Professional Equity Theatre
The Robert Shackleton
Playhouse
405 Lafayette St. Cape May
609-770-8311
capemaystage.org
MURDER FOR TWO:
THE HOLIDAY EDITION
NOV 6-DEC 29
THUR- SAT | 7:30 PM
SAT & SUN | 3:00 PM
BOOK & MUSIC BY JOE KINOSIAN
BOOK & LYRICS BY KELLEN BLAIR
DIRECTED BY HANS FRIEDRICHS
It's Christmas Eve... and while there
shouldn't be a creature stirring, a
mystery writer has been murdered.
With a bevy of suspects, an intrepid
police officer aims to identify the
killer. This musical features just two
actors-one playing the investigator,
one playing the variety of suspectsand
the only weapon at their
disposal is a piano. Can the officer
make his suspects spill their guts
and sing? "Murder For Two: The
Holiday Edition" puts the laughter in
manslaughter.
PRESENTS THE 2019
CAPE MAY STAGE
Broadway Series
After Party
Provided by The Washington Inn
WILL AND ANTHONY NUNZIATA:
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Saturday, november 30, 2019
$50.00
8 PM
Luxury Housing Provided by
Cape Resorts
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Thank You for a Spectacular Season!
Summer 2019 is a wrap and we look forward to seeing you on the boards again next year.
Now it’s time to wrap up some Summer 2020 fun! Save the date and save BIG on
season passes, water park passes, ticket cards and more during our holiday sale!
November 26 thru January 3 at moreyspiers.com.

ing
rt
...
The First Resort
Fun, Sun, Fire
& War in
Cape May,
America’s
Original
Seaside Town
BEN MILLER
«
FIRST RESORT
Fun, Sun, Fire & War in Cape May, America’s Original Seaside Town
BEN MILLER
• The best-selling Cape
May history book.
• Now in its third edition
with many NEW wonderful
historical photographs and
updated stories.
• More than 300 pages,
filled with fascinating
photographs and stories.
A MUST FOR EVERY
LOVER OF CAPE MAY!
For sale at Exit Zero Filling
Station, Cape Atlantic
Book Company, Whale’s
Tale, Congress Hall, Sunset
Beach Gift Shop
One of the best coffee table books of the year
— Philadelphia Inquirer
Autumn Events Schedule!
Saturday, October 19 th
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Friday & Saturday
October 25 th & 26 th
GHOUL SPRING VILLAGE
Saturday, December 7 th
WASSAIL DAY
For more information, visit hcsv.org
Supported in part by a grant from New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
720 Route 9 Cape May NJ 08204 • WWW.HCSV.ORG • 609 898-2300
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Ocean View
Veterinary Hospital
HEALTHY PET
HAPPY PET
General Practice & Emergency Care
Complete Surgical, Diagnostic, &
Pharmacy Facility On Site
Fair Pricing Policy: Same Price, 24/7
New Patients & Vacationers Welcome
—Please Call Ahead If Possible
DOCTOR ON
PREMISES
24/7
DR. IRA S. NIEDWESKE, MEDICAL DIRECTOR | OCEANVIEWVETNJ.COM
609-486-5025 | 2033 US 9 NORTH, CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ 08210
A spectacular harbor setting
CORINTHIAN
YACHT CLUB
of CAPE MAY
for your special event
Our traditional clubhouse,
gorgeous sunset views and
exceptional cuisine lend a
memorable, distinctive touch to
any gathering. Relax around our
firepit before and after!
1819 DELAWARE AVENUE, CAPE MAY
609-884-8000 • cyccm.com / capemaybeachwedding.com
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If you haven’t seen those cute trolleys rolling
through the streets of Cape May, there are one
of two explanations: You’re not paying attention,
or this is your first time visiting America’s
Original Seaside Resort. In any event, here is a
handy guide that tells you the what, when and
why of trolley tours. For more information, get in
touch with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts
and Humanities, who run the trolleys, as well as
other fun things. Visit them at capemaymac.org.
The Definitive Trolley Guide
NEW! Roots of Cape May
Where It Goes Begins and ends at the Washington
Street Mall Information Booth and travels
through West Cape May, with a stop at the
Whalers Cottages at Batt’s Lane, a historic,
freed black man’s antebellum family home.
How Long It Lasts Ninety minutes.
When It Runs Sunday, October 13 at 2:30pm.
What It Is West Cape May has a history of farming,
and much more. Learn about the roots of
this area, both literal and cultural. Hear about
those who farmed the mighty lima bean. Learn
about the Native American tribes who inhabited
this land. Hear about the area’s history,
farms, shops and vintage cottages, highlighting
stories of the vibrant African-American community
who live and work here.
Who It’s For You enjoy learning about your surroundings.
CAPE MAYHEM & VICTORIAN ODDITIES
Where It Goes Through Cape May’s historic
district.
How Long It Runs Thirty minutes.
When It Runs Fridays, October 18 through
November 1 at 7:15pm, 8:15pm and 9:15pm; Saturdays,
October 19 and 26 at 6:45pm, 7:45pm and
8:45pm.
What It Is Headless photography? Electric
corsets? Coffin torpedoes? You won’t believe
some of the strange beliefs, oddities, fads and
superstitions of the Victorians. This trolley tour
explores them. Hear stories from Cape May’s
history that are bizarre, unexplained or just
plain weird.
Who It’s For You’re drawn to the macabre. Philadelphia’s
Mutter Museum — it’s on your fave
list.
Behind the Walls Under the Crawls
Where It Goes Begins and ends at the Washington
Street Mall Information Booth and travels
throughout Cape May
How Long It Lasts An hour.
When It Runs Monday, October 14 at 1pm.
What It Is See Cape May from a builder’s perspective.
Sewage and drains, water supply and
heat, structure and foundations. Discover who
had indoor toilets and who didn’t! Learn how
things really worked on this one-hour, guided
trolley tour.
Who It’s For You like to tinker with things — your
workshop or local hardware sore are favorite
hangouts.
GHOSTS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
Where It Goes Begins and ends at Washington
Street Mall Information Booth, traveling through
parts of West Cape May to the lighthouse.
How Long It Runs One hour.
When It Runs Saturdays, October 19 to November
2 at 8pm.
What It Is The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse has
a frightfully lonely visage at night — the perfect
setting for the ghostly tales unearthed by psychic
medium and Cape May ghostwriter Craig
McManus. Your guide will share Craig’s findings
as you travel through West Cape May and end
at the lighthouse for a night climb to the top.
Hear about lonely maids who continue to wander
inns, ghostly pirates still desperately digging
for treasure, and more.
Who It’s For Those who enjoy a tantalizing tale.
Cape May’s Wild side
Where It Goes Throughout Cape Island to the
area’s natural “hotspots.”
How Long It Lasts About two hours.
When It Runs Wednesdays at 8:30am through
October 30.
What It Is Beyond the charming Victorian homes
and sandy beaches, Cape May is world famous
for its birdwatching, monarch migration and natural
history. Join Cape May Bird Observatory
GHOSTS OF CAPE MAY
Where It Goes Through the streets of Cape
May.
How Long It Runs Thirty minutes.
When It Runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays,
October 11 to November 2, hours vary.
Wednesdays, October 16-30 at 6:15pm; Fridays,
November 8-22, 7pm and 8pm; Saturexit
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naturalists on a trolley tour to local “hotspots”
with exits at several stops along the way, learning
about the diversity, abundance — millions of
birds pass through each year — geography and
extensive history of this amazing natural spectacle.
You’ll learn why Cape May has been called
the birding capital of North America. Co-sponsored
by New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird
Observatory.
Who It’s For Early birds and those who love
learning about Cape May’s natural wonders.
children’s ride
Where It Goes Through the streets of Cape
May, departing from Washington Street Mall
Info Booth.
How Long It Lasts Thirty minutes.
When It Runs Sundays through Thursdays, late
afternoon through August 29.
What It Is Board MAC’s red trolley for a guided
tour of Cape May’s Historic District created
especially for children. Funny, informational,
smart-alecky, just like your kids!
Who It’s For Kids 3-7, accompanied by a parent
or guardian. Parents or guardians accompanied
by kids aged 3-7. You missed the Historic District
Trolley Tour and you aren’t bothered by squeals
and such.

days, November 9-16 at 8:30pm.
What It Is What was that shadow? Was it the
undead of Cape May’s past wandering their
beloved haunts? You might scoff, you might
shudder, but rest assured: on board a trolley
with an experienced guide you will begin to
wonder what’s beyond when you hear the
tales of hauntings unearthed in Cape May
by famous psychic medium and author Craig
McManus.
Who It’s For You enjoy a tantalizing tale.
Mansions by the Sea
Where It Goes Along Beach Avenue, through
the early 20th century East Cape May development
areas
How Long It Lasts About 45 minutes.
When It Runs Monday, October 14 at 12:15pm,
Tuesday, October 15 at 1:30pm and Thursday,
October 17 at 1pm; Fridays and Saturdays,
October 18 to November 2 at 1:30pm.
What It Is You’ll be green with envy when you
see how the rich lived in the early 20th century.
When $1 million really meant something.
Also, see new, beachfront, second homes,
which run the gamut from the mere wealthy
to the fabulously rich.
Who It’s For Anyone who’s curious how the
one-quarter of one percent lives.
Psychic medium Craig McManus inspired the
Ghosts of Cape May tour
underground railroad
Where It Goes Throughout Cape May
How Long It Lasts About 45 minutes.
When It Runs Saturdays, October 12 to
November 9 at 10am.
What It Is Cape May was part of the Underground
Railroad and this new trolley tour
tells the stories of those dangerous days.
Hear how, fleeing their chains in Maryland,
Delaware and Virginia, African-American
slaves braved strong currents and stormy
seas, guided by the beacon at the Cape May
Lighthouse. Hear how legendary anti-slavery
fighter, Harriet Tubman, walked these streets,
as did businessman and former slave, Stephen
Smith, whose railroad cars carried hundreds
to freedom. Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic
Center for the Arts and Humanities and
the Center for Community Arts.
Who It’s For: Anyone who seeks to understand
our nation’s history.
Historic District
Where It Goes Through the historic district.
How Long It Lasts About 45 minutes.
When It Runs Daily (except Thanksgiving and
Christmas); hours vary.
What It Is It’s beautiful. It’s charming. Cape
May — one of the few places you can wander
through and feel that it’s more than 100 years
ago. Tour guides will explain how and why it
survived.
Who It’s For Anyone and everyone who finds
Cape May charming.
Insider Tip Combine with a tour of the Emlen
Physick Estate and save $5.
Cherishing Life’s Moments
Serving Cape May & Lower Township
609-884-3793
spilkerfuneralhome.com
DENNIS J. SPILKER Manager/Funeral Director NJ # 4038 • KEVIN J. BEARE Funeral Director NJ # 3806
exit zero 93 fall

Robert Panaccio, VMD
Robert Moffatt, VMD
Nancy Reilly, VMD
A healthy pet
has lots
to smile about.
694 Petticoat Creek Lane • 884-1729 • capemayvet.com
Welcome to Cape May
Where It Goes: Throughout Cape May
How Long It Lasts: About 45 minutes.
When It Runs: Monday, October 14 at 2:30pm; Wednesday, October
16 at 12:45pm; Fridays and Saturdays, October 18 to November 2 at
2:45pm; November 9 at 12:30pm.
What It Is: The best introduction to Cape May for first-timers. Find the
hidden gems and little-known treasures as well as natural and cultural
points of interest.
Who It’s For: You just arrived to Cape May and can’t wait to see the
town. You’ve been to Cape May before, but it’s been awhile. You’re a
local, but you’ve never taken this delightful tour that celebrates your
ever-so-charming hometown.
Ghosts of Christmas Past
Where It Goes Begins and ends at the Washington Street Mall Information
Booth and travels through Cape May’s historic district.
How Long It Lasts Thirty minutes.
When It Runs: Fridays, November 29 to December 27; Saturdays,
November 23-30 and December 21; Sundays, November 24 to December
29; Thursday, December 26; Monday, December 30; Tuesday,
December 31. Hours vary.
What It Is Listen to dramatic tales of Christmas woe featuring Victorian
ghosts, told by a member of the East Lynne Theater Company, on
this ride along the historic streets of Cape May. You’ll be happy you
live now, not then.
Who It’s For If you look for Jacob Marley’s ghost in door knockers,
you’ll appreciate this tour.
Strongly Suggested Advance reservations.
Spend your time making memories and let
The Beach Concierge take care of the rest!
Offering year-round professional concierge and
property management services in Cape May including...
• Accommodation recommendations • Linen delivery & bed-making services
• Stocking of refrigerators, pantries, coolers, beach bags & yachts
• Meal delivery, catering & party planning
• Reservations, appointments, experiences, events & excursions
• Arrangement of rentals & cleaning services • Reliable child & pet care
• Overseeing of seamless tenant transitions for home owners
f
Don’t see it on the list? Just ask!
locally owned and operated l fully licensed and insured
becky@thebeachconcierge.com
www.thebeachconcierge.com
i
Holiday Lights
Where It Goes Begins and ends at the Washington Street Mall Information
Booth and travels through Cape May’s historic district.
How Long It Lasts Thirty minutes.
When It Runs Offered nightly, November 23 to December 31 (except
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and December 7, 14 and 28).
Hours vary.
What It Is Who can resist the twinkle of Cape May’s beautiful Victorian
homes decorated for Christmas? This trolley ride through town is
a sparkly delight. Listen to Christmas music and sing carols along the
way and have a jolly time with friends and family.
Who It’s For Christmas makes you want to hold hands around a huge
Christmas tree — like in Whoville — and sing out loud.
Santa’s Trolley
Where It Goes Begins and ends at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington
Street and rides through town.
How Long It Lasts Thirty minutes.
When It Runs Saturday, November 23 in the evening; and Saturdays,
November 30 to December 21 and Sundays, November 24 to December
15 during the daytime. Hours vary.
What It Is Mrs Claus comes direct from the North Pole to lead this
tour! She tells stories and leads holiday songs on this jolly trolley ride
through town. Oh — and she brought her hubby. Santa is at the Carriage
House organizing lists with his iPad and eating cookies to carb
load before Christmas. Children will visit with Santa and get a sweet
treat!
Who It’s For You probably should believe in Santa Claus. If you don’t,
you just might after this ride.
Strongly Suggested Advance reservations.
exit zero 94 fall

exit zero 95 fall

Call it edible art
INTERVIEW JACK WRIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHY SUZANNE KULPERGER
Nestled in an imposing Georgian
mansion on the eastern end of the
beachfront is a restaurant serving
some of the finest, best-looking food
in the region. We asked Chef
Carl Messick to dish on the magic
being made at the Peter Shields Inn.
Carl, when did you first realize you
wanted to cook for a living? Since I was about
13 years old. My older brother Glenn, who’s
also a chef, is mainly the reason. At the time
he was in culinary school, and I started to think
that’s what I wanted to do, too.
What would be your dream job if the sky
was the limit? ​I’ve been asked this question
many times, along with, “What’s your favorite
thing to cook or eat.” I’m guessing that’s coming
later?! But my answer has always been the
same in the last eight years. It’s terribly clichéd,
but true. My dream job I already have... being
the chef at Peter Shields is as close to perfect
as I could ever dream of. Our ownership from
day one has trusted me to run PSI as I see fit.
They know I would only do what’s best for the
restaurant.
You’re right (wise guy). That other question
IS coming later! So, what’s the long-term
plan? I’ve always been honest with the owners...
I got into this profession with the dream
of owning my own restaurant one day. But I’m
super-happy with my current setup.
exit zero 96 fall
Where did you grow up? Swainton, just up
the road.
Did you study the culinary arts? I went to
New England Culinary Institute in Vermont.
When was the first time you came to
Cape May? ​I started cooking in Cape May in
2001 with an internship at The Ebbitt Room
under Andy Carthy. My brother went around
and found the places that were open (this
was during the offseason), and told me to mail
resumés to Union Park, Ebbitt Room, Washington
Inn, 410, Daniel’s on Broadway, Waters
Edge, all the high-end places. I remember only
getting a call from Andy. I knew nothing about
Chef Andy or The Ebbitt Room. All I knew is
I had a European accent on my voicemail and
I was slightly intimidated. I’m so happy I went
with Andy and The Ebbitt Room because to
this day I credit him for who I became as a chef.
I was there for about seven years. So the intern
worked his way up. To this day, we share a text
every once in a while.
So, what jobs did you end up doing at
The Ebbitt Room? ​I worked every position

exit zero 97 fall

Chef Carl plates a rare seared yellowfin tuna. “We don’t do too much to the main ingredient to the point where it gets lost.”
in the kitchen — became sous chef, executive
sous then chef de cuisine when Andy stepped
into the general manager job of the hotel as
well. I was his right-hand man for about four
years. When he moved on, I became the executive
chef. After that, I became co-sous chef
of Blackfish Stone Harbor with Chip Roman. I
learned a lot from Chip — he’s an amazing chef
and person. I credit Andy and Chip as well
as my brother for my cooking style and how
I operate in a kitchen. After Blackfish, there
was a falling-out between the owners so we
opened White Heron Grill in the spot where
Blackfish was — the old Henny’s in Stone Harbor.
I was executive chef. From there, I moved
to Peter Shields in the winter of 2011.
The PSI is famed for its beautifully presented
dishes. Where do you get inspiration
for this? ​I pull from all over. I like to make
sure that, regardless what we do, we don’t do
too much to the main ingredient to the point
where it gets lost. All of the flavors need to
blend as one or bounce off each other to help
the main ingredient be the showcase. Plating
ideas and trends come and go, but techniques
for the most part remain the same and produces
consistency, which is what I try to get
our team and myelf to strive for. Consistency
without complacency.
I’m sure you’ve taught a few young cooks
over the years. How much of it is natural
talent and how much of it can be taught?
Could a truly clumsy person be taught how
to function in a busy commercial kitchen?
Anyone can be taught how to cook, as long as
they want to learn. I often prefer people who
come in young and eager because we have a
better chance to mold them and teach them
our way — and when they leave they can take
what they learned and combine it with the next
kitchen’s ideas and philosophies. But you do
need to have the drive to want to learn, the
work ethic, and you need to be organized. And
the biggest thing is being punctual. If you can
be on time, be organized, have a strong work
ethic — because the hours are long — then you
can succeed in this industry with no formal
background.
Probably not many customers realize just
how much pressure there is working a busy
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line. Describe how it feels when it gets really
crazy back there. If you’re well prepared and
have a well-oiled machine (which we have
grown into), for the most part there is no real
pressure or stress. Things happen throughout
the night, but from our managers and host staff
to our servers and back servers, to our runners,
line cooks to our dish crew, we have built
a team that, for the most part, knows what is
expected, and all do their jobs very well.
That’s a beautiful thing, Carl. What are
your favorite cooking shows on TV? ​Now I get
to sound old. I would do anything to bring back
World Class Cuisine and Great Chefs on the
Discovery channel. My brother and I used to
watch these every day. These were real cooking
shows — before it was “cool” to be a chef,
before the Food Network was a thing. It was
raw in the sense that it wasn’t glammed up, but
they were really good shows. Netflix’s Chef’s
Table is my current favorite.
Me, too! What’s your opinion of the Gordon
Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen scenarios? Do you
get a guilty pleasure watching those disasters
​I enjoyed Chef Ramsay’s show on BBC,

29 Harbor Cove, Cape May
Cape May Harbor Village and Yacht Club is the site of this gracious
custom designed home built to capture spectacular Harbor and
Marina views from all three floors, rooms, decks and porches overlooking
an inground pool, firepit and professionally landscaped
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BROKER/OWNER
Featured
Sale Listing
902 Ocean Drive #1006
Canyon Club Resort
Lower Township
Listed by CHARITY R. CLARK
BROKER SALESPERSON GRI, ABR
609.408.2192 - charitycapemay@gmail.com
Advice. Experience. Results.
Christina P. Clemans Licensed Real Estate Broker
1159 Washington Street Cape May, NJ 08204 609-884-3332 www.chrisclemanssir.com
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The F Word. I enjoy him as a chef, not as a TV
personality. The screaming and such isn’t for
me. Some of it’s funny, but then again most
of it is most likely scripted. We have changed
as an industry and that behavior is no longer
accepted for the most part.
Which chefs do you most look up to in
the world? ​I look up to Thomas Keller, Jose
Andres, Massimo Bottura, Daniel Boulud, Eric
Ripert and Charlie Palmer.
Tell us about the best meal you’ve ever
had. This is really hard for me. I’d have to say
Per Se or Le Bernadin, both in New York. It’s
really hard to pick one.
And which restaurants would you love to
visit that you haven’t got to yet? ​French Laundry
[in Napa Valley] is on my list for sure.
What are your favorite dishes to make at
PSI? See, I knew this was coming! I don’t have
one. I enjoy cooking our menu as it changes
with the seasons. We change our menu more
than anyone probably realizes. Every season
brings new flavors, new ingredients, ways to
try new techniques. I enjoy learning and getting
better in that aspect.
Do you keep dishes on the menu that
are customer favorites even if you would
ideally like to move on from them? I’m laughing
because some of our servers and Jeff [an
owner of Peter Shields] will get a kick out of
this one. Our menu is limited — we have a simple
two-page format — so in order for us to create
new ideas and play around with new things,
we must move on from fan favorites from time
to time. We have a few items that come and
go, but will always come back when the timing
is right. Our jumbo lump crab salad — the
first thing I ever created for Chef Andy — will
come on the menu in spring and go away in fall.
Could it stay year-round? Sure, but we want
to change it up. I want our guests to know we
listen to them. But at the end of the day, as a
chef I want to keep changing things up and I
hope our guests trust in me that we will bring
something even better — or at least get them
to try something new.
Which leads to the question... how much
is the menu about what the chef and/or
owner wants to put out there versus what
you think will please the customers? ​Our
owners have given me full trust from day one
to create a dining scene where food and service
come first. They have entrusted in me to
create a menu that appeals to many people,
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not just myself. My philosophy is balance.
We are a tourist town, but with a year-round
draw. I think we do a pretty good job at putting
together a menu that anyone can come in and
find something they enjoy.
Everyone asks a chef what they cook at
home, and this is no exception. So... what do
you like to cook at home? Ugh, I tend to slack
in this department. When I’m at home, I want
things that were comfort foods to me growing
up. Sure, we love prime dry-aged steaks on
the grill, but there’s nothing wrong with a little
baked ziti or meatloaf.
And do you have anyone who cooks for
you? My girlfriend can cook a mean ziti!!
Favorite breakfast dish? ​Breakfast burrito,
or western omelette, or banana pancakes.
Too many options. I don’t do well with decision
making
Favorite cocktail? ​Rum and ginger and, for
beer, a Glasstown Lunch Pale Ale.
Finally, tell us what your perfect day in
Cape May would look like. ​Grabbing some
hoagies, a few fishing rods, some adult beverages,
go out on our boat, do a little fishing,
laughing, stopping at a few waterfront establishments
and just relaxing.

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Property of the Month 1401 New Jersey Ave, Cape May
This classic cedar-shake, five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom
Cape May coastal-style beach home is located in prestigious Admiral
Beach Estates and is designed to fully embrace the dramatic unobstructed
ocean views. Built in 1999, this home features approximately
3500 square feet and is the perfect platform for entertaining with luxury
accommodations.
Amenities include elevator access from the garage to levels one and
two, kitchen with granite counters and breakfast bar, great room with
vaulted ceilings and gas fireplace, master suite with private bath along
with walk-in closets and a private sitting area, entertainment room, twocar
garage with abundant storage, three oceanside decks, multiple sitting
rooms, two enclosed outdoor showers, generous beach-gear storage
areas and professionally landscaped gardens.
There is off-street parking for up to seven cars. Located only three
houses to the ocean, be on the beach for a fraction of the price!
Listed at $2,375,000
For more information, contact Todd DeSatnick of DeSatnick Real Estate on 609-884-1300
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Sol Needles Real Estate
Serving the Cape May area for 118 years
for all of your Sales & Rental needs!
« over 350 vacation rentals
« open 7 days a week
credit card & online payments accepted
Please visit our website at CBcapemay.com
for more details and all of our listings!
512 Washington Street Mall, Cape May - 609-884-8428
lynn gleeson/william bezaire, owners

picture of the month By Marian McSherry
A bald eagle feeding its chicks in a nest at Higbee Beach.
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WINTER
WONDERLAND
Our elves are hard at work getting ready for the holiday season.
If you love the winter holiday as much as we do, we hope you
come back with family and friends this December to celebrate
the most magical time of year in Cape May.
WINTER WONDERLAND OPEN
rd
st
November 23 - December 31a s
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
on Congress Hall’s Grand Lawn,
th
Friday, November 30
WEST CAPE MAY CHRISTMAS PARADE
st
Saturday, December 1s t
SANTALAND DIARIES
a production by Cape May Stage
Festive Holiday Decorations
Ride the Congress Hall Express and Carousel
Holiday Shopping Village with over 15 specialty vendors
Breakfast with Santa
Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Santa’s Workshop
Holiday Shopping Village with over 18 specialty vendors
Tasty Treats and Delicious Drinks
Holiday Ceramics
Winter Wonderland Concert Series
Gingerbread House Building