Cool Cape May 2021-22

[138] food & drink
Washington Inn & The Wine Bar
Whether you’re dining in the beautiful dining rooms or on the alluring garden, this is an essential Cape May eating experience
WHERE IS IT? On beautiful, tree-lined
Washington Street in the middle of the Historic
District.
WHY SHOULD I GO? If you’re a regular, or even
sem-regular, visitor to Cape May, you’ve likely
eaten at (or heard of) the local legend that is the
Washington Inn. Now there are even more ways to
enjoy the remarkable food that put this familyowned
restaurant on the map.
What became a necessary adaptation because
of the pandemic quickly became a favorite choice
of guests — eating al fresco in the beautiful
gardens and on the patio. It’s a lovely change of
scenery, though we still recommend a cozy fireside
table in cooler weather.
Wherever you choose to eat, you will not
find a better selection of wine by the glass at the
shore. Why stick to the traditional appetizer-andentrée
method when you and your companions
can graze, tapas-style from the menu, while
perusing the extensive list, via an iPad supplied
for the purpose. Scroll at your leisure through 600
selections as you check out the details and the
labels.
If it sounds like the ultimate wine-tasting
experience, it is! And if you have trouble choosing,
ask the sommelier for direction. Or seek out the
Washington Inn’s experienced, friendly bartenders,
who are always happy to share their knowledge.
INSIDER TIP For unrivaled wine expertise, ask for
the Sommelier. The Inn has a Som on the floor who
can find hidden gems on the wine list. Request the
Al Fresco dining for the most romantic dining.
HIGHLIGHTS
Chipotle Shrimp
Miguel’s BEST guacamole,
Cotija cheese, tortillas.
Lamb & Cavatelli Pasta
Broccoli rabe, Spanish
Manchego, red pepper
flakes.
Spanish Octopus
Purple potatoes, roasted
grapes, green olives, lime
aioli.
Key West Oysters
Jicama, mango-lime crème
frâiche, wasabi tobiko.
Espresso-Rubbed Hudson
Valley Duck Breast
Shiitake-brioche bread
pudding, foie gras cream,
spinach, blackberry demi.
Local Seafood Cioppino
Clams, shrimp, scallops,
fish, spicy tomato broth,
garlic aioli, toasted
focaccia.
Charred Baby
Spanish Octopus
Broccolini, romesco,
toasted hazelnuts.
Mediterranean Bronzino
Caramelized fennel,
roasted potatoes, roasted
tomatoes, black olive
tapenade.
Chocolate Mousse Tower
Chocolate lattice filled
with chocolate mousse,
fresh berries and whipped
cream.
810 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5697 l washingtoninn.com