Cape May Restaurant Tips by rossandkelli

C-View: C-View

It's a local Bar...great fun and wonderful way to meet new people.

Favorite Dish: Shrimp and Chowder

Address: 1380 Washington St.

Rating: 0

Theme: Other

Southern Mansion

For an... Southern Mansion Review

Southern Mansion

For an elegant dinner!
In 1863, the Philadelphia industrialist George Allen built an American bracket, post and beam villa on the island of Cape May. Designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Samuel Sloan and constructed by Henri Phillipi, this seaside palace was used by Allen and his descendants as a country estate for the next 83 years.

In 1946, the last of Allen's direct relatives, Ester Mercur, passed away. Her husband, Ulysses, sold the estate with all its furnishings for the pittance of $8,000. Purchased as income-producing property (and before Cape May began its own renaissance), the building was converted into a boarding house, and immediately a different type of clientele began to occupy the home. The earth-tone exterior was painted white, while the interior was partitioned into many small rooms. Unfortunately, the conversion caused structural weaknesses. During the next half century, little maintenance was administered to the house or the grounds. By the 1980's, the boarding-house license was revoked, and no income allowed for no upkeep.

While vacationing in Cape May in early 1994, the Bray/Wilde's, also of Philadelphia, walked along the north side of the abandoned property in sheer disbelief. How could such a beautiful house with enormous grounds in Cape May be in such disrepair? Then they saw the for-sale sign. By August of 1994 the house had been purchased and the Bray/Wilde's began wading through 130 years of history. Having sorted all the important furnishings, artwork, family momentos and heirlooms into four tractor-trailers, they removed 25 dumpster loads of garbage! Over the next eighteen months the Mansion and grounds were restored.

The main beams were rotting with age, and new I-beams were installed to support the Mansion and straighten the rolling hallway floors. Electricity and plumbing were replaced, including the addition of a new HVAC and sprinkler system to conform with current codes. Outside, the entire house was ground down to the bare wood and repainted in the original earth-tones and all five chimneys were rebuilt using the original bricks. The slate and tin roofs, copper gutters, brackets, porches, soffits, trims, moldings and facia boards were replaced. Finally, the finial was re-gilded, the entire grounds were tamed and the Italian gardens were re-established. Inside, all of the original architectural elements, furnishings, including the gasolier fixtures, walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, doors and windows have been restored to their original splendor. The 30 inch granite basement walls were waterproofed and phase I of the project was complete.

Inspired by a Samuel Sloan lithograph of the house entitled 'The Southern Mansion' (which now hangs prominently in the entrance hallway), the house was re-opened with that name in the spring of 1996, and phase II of the renovation was begun. The new South Wing houses ten additional guest suites, twelve bathrooms, a second ballroom, a commercial kitchen, three balconies, a gallery, verandah, solarium and two magnificent circular staircases, all designed and built in the same style as the original Mansion.

By the summer of 1997 the project was complete, and genuine southern hospitality had returned to Cape May.

Directions: 720 Washington St.
Cape May NJ 08204
1-800-381-3888

Other Contact: http://www.southernmansion.net/

Rating: 0

Theme: Other

There is a little cafe about a... Freda’s Café Review

There is a little cafe about a block east of the promanade on the corner of Washington Street called Freda's. This is a tiny little restaurant and the menu changes daily depending on how the chef feels. It is non-smoking and is BYOB (bring your own bottle) so stop and pick up a bottle of your favorite wine and head on in...simply wonderful and romantic!!
Freda's is a delightful restaurant that has the feel of a taverna in Italy. The cusine is international and the service is excellent. If you are looking for a quiet spot for a delicious lunch or dinner, Freda's Cafe is the place. Once inside the door, you can relax and know that you will be taken care of and served a wonderful meal.

The restaurant is located on a quiet corner and shaded by large trees. The building was started life as the Cape May City Post Office complete with impressive stained glass windows. Freda's has been in this location since 1991.

Freda's is known for their wonderful appetizers which include: Stuffed Cherry Peppers, Crab & Spinach Wontons, Baked Brie Bisa in a puff pastry shell, and Stuffed Mushroom Caps Florentine.

The dinner menu changes often to reflect the local produce and seafood but you can always find Stuffed Breast of chicken en Croute, BBQ Spareribs, and Filet Mignon au provre & Valfraise Cheese on the menu. There are always several seafood dishes on the menu and Freda's will gladly accommodate the vegetarian with special dishes. All entrees include a salad, vegetable and choice of garlic mashed potatoes, coucous or chef's rice.

Hungry for a great sandwich or salad to take out, head to Freda's Deli, located behind the restaurant. They also have a great selection of cheeses, pates, etc. Many of which they use in their restaurant meals. If you love fresh feta cheese, you will thank us for letting you in on this secret.

Freda's is a wonderful find and you will enjoy both the food and the atmosphere. Don't forget to BYOB as they do not have a liquor license. Parking is on the street or you can walk here from many of the hotels and B & Bs.

Favorite Dish: We had a seafood combination dish, it came out in a bowl with linguine, shrimp, lobster, scallops, mussels and carb in a garlic wine sauce...yummmmm.

http://www.capemayrestaurantguide.com/fredascafe/fredacafe.html

Directions: Superb International Cuisine in a Romantic European Cafe Setting
Price Range
Lunch: $7.95 - $10.95
Dinner: $13.95 to $19.95

Attire: Casual- elegant

Hours
Lunch: 11:30 - 2:30
Dinner: 5:00 pm - 9:30

Other Contact: 210 Ocean Street Cape May 609-8

Rating: 0

Theme: Other