Celebrating 48 Years

On Wednesday, my wife and I celebrated our 48th anniversary. It has been an amazing 48 years, though it’s hard to believe that it has been so long since we married and headed for our unique anniversary on a shoestring. It started with a couple of nights at a lovely Bed & Breakfast in New Hope (1740 House). Yes it’s still there. Next, my sister and brother-in-law swapped apartments, so we could spend a couple of nights in Manhattan (and see a Broadway show and catch a show at the Gaslight in Greenwich Village). From New York we drove to Newport, Rhode Island for a night, snagging a great room without a reservation. Finally, we began to run out of luck and money with our two nights in Cape Cod. Our honeymoon ended a bit abruptly when the money ran out, but our week created enough memories to write a book. Second thought, maybe not a good idea.

48 years later, we stayed closer to home and went with our New Jersey “Happy Place” in Cape May. With all of the great options of where to stay, where to eat, and where to kick back with a little vino, we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Today, I’ll share a few highlights during our 48 hours in Cape May, celebrating our 48 years of marriage. This celebration was not done on a shoestring and no, we are not the parasailers pictured above.

The Accommodations

My wife and I stayed at the Wilbraham Mansion in West Cape May. From here, we could walk to most of the attractions nearby, except for the beach and the Point. The Wilbraham was built in the 1840’s and enlarged in the 1890’s. We stayed in the newer suites, which have all the modern amenities you could ask for. The Wilbraham offers scrumptious breakfasts either in the dinning room of the old Victorian main house or delivered to your room. We chose the latter option. Combinations of quiche, scrambled eggs, pancakes, French Toast, muffins, fruit, juice, and coffee made for a very filling and delicious start to our day.

Our accommodations included our breakfasts, beach passes, use of an indoor pool, afternoon snacks, bottled water to go, ice, and parking. They also offer bikes to ride and beach chairs for those who did not bring them.

The Restaurants

Wednesday Lunch

We decided to kick off our 48 hours in Cape May at an old favorite-Harpoons on the Bay. We enjoyed fish and chips and a bottle of 16 Hands Chardonnay, while taking in the tranquil view of the bay. In the past, we have mostly dined here in the evening, with the beautiful sunsets over the bay as a lovely backdrop. However, they do not take reservations which means a long wait before being seated (not on our wish list for this trip). I wish we had a good photo from our dinner in our COVID best attire, but this one will have to do.

                                                               

 

Dinner at Tisha’s

Tisha’s is located in the Mini Mall (which can get quite crowded). However, I made reservations for Tisha’s weeks in advance, with their highly prized patio garden seating (behind the mall). We have never had a bad meal at Tisha’s, and thankfully, our dinner did not disappoint.

From the appetizer menu, I chose the Polenta Board (a creamy polenta house marinara Italian sausage and shaved asiago cheese). It was wonderful. My wife selected the House Specialty Salad: baby greens, candied pecans, dried cranberries, tomatoes, and goat cheese with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Both were wonderful!

For my entree, I chose their Pepper Shrimp and Crab Cake-a jumbo lump crab cake topped with shrimp and jumbo lump crab meat served over mashed potatoes and baby spinach, finished with a pepper cream sauce. My wife chose Halibut, with shrimp and jumbo lump crab with a beurre blanc sauce. Both are pictured below.

                                             

The Wine

• Unionville Vineyards Hunterdon Mistral Blanc-An amazing full-bodied white blend of Viognier, Marsanne, and Rousanne.
• Hawk Haven Vineyards 2019 Q-a wonderful Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec

Thursday

Lunch at The Rooftop at Harry’s

Harry’s is located across the street from the ocean. We were lucky that the rooftop was recommended to us, as the downstairs was packed. We were one of only three couples dining at this wonderful venue. My wife and I both ordered the fish tacos. They were blackened Mahi Mahi filled soft tacos, with lettuce, tomatoes, pineapples, and mangoes. They came with a spicy tomato-based, hot pepper sauce.

My wife had a glass of Chardonnay, while I enjoyed a pint of Cape May IPA. We nursed these while soaking in the view of the beach and the ocean across the street (as well as the frequent parasailers gliding in the wind).

Dinner at Viggiano’s at Sunset

Viggiano’s is located a mere two blocks from the Wilbraham Mansion-on Sunset (thus the name). We were determined to try at least one new venue during our stay and were happy with our choice. Viggiano’s is also a BYOB (of course). We were able to get reservations on their porch on a perfect evening.

We shared an appetizer of sausage stuffed mushrooms, which were great. For my entree, I chose the mushroom and truffle cannelloni, with a parmesan cream sauce. It was excellent. My wife went with the Rigatoni and Meatball (both are pictured below).

                                       

The Wines

• Beneduce Vineyards Mangione-A luscious full-bodied Super Tuscan-style blend
• Morgan 2019 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands-Not a NJ wine, but a wonderful full-bodied Chardonnay with lemon, apple, and caramel notes on the palate. Delish!

Friday Lunch

Cape May Winery

After a very filling breakfast, my wife and I chose a couple of lighter options to share for our lunch (and still couldn’t finish them). We shared the Chickpea Hummus and flatbreads.

                                         

We opted for a bottle of their Albarino. It was a very nice version with notes of apple and a crisp, clean finish. It was great with our tapas. I decided to add a glass of a new wine (for us)-their Stone White Field Blend (88% Chardonnay and 12% Sauvignon Blanc). It is a field blend (both varieties of grapes were harvested together and fermented together in cement vessels). This was an excellent wine with grapefruit on the palate.

I am so grateful for our terrific 48 hours in Cape May. Wonderful food, wine, accommodations, and incredible weather! I am especially grateful that I have my amazing wife to share life with me. Carol, you’re the best!!

Cheers!

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