Best Local Eats for Summer 2018

While summer is coming to an end, I'm thinking about the best local eats I had this summer. NJ summer food is so good!

I am sad that summer is just about over. Summer is about  lazy mornings, the shore air and summer food.  I frequently visit farmers markets and I love eating outside if it's not too hot. There are also the cool fruity drinks and summer rose. And plenty of good summer bites.

My son had a soccer injury this past June so our summer was not as action packed as usual. We didn't got on any long vacations or do our week long Ocean City, NJ trip but we did explore some of the local areas. My husband and I was able to enjoy some weekend and overnight trips to Bucks County and a nice adventure at Morey's Piers . We  also enjoyed some great local eats at the NJ shore as well as celebrate National Ice Cream month.

Local Eats from the Jersey Shore

Whenever I travel to one of NJ's boardwalks, I must get a bag of zeppole. These are from the Wildwood boardwalk. They are hot and coated with sticky powdered sugar. My tradition is too eat them right out of the bag while I am walking. Who cares if you get a little powdered sugar on your face or clothes. A bite of these zeppole and you know any powdered sugar stains are well worth it.

 

And speaking of sweets, a trip to Mallon's Stick Buns is always in order when visiting Ocean City, NJ. We like the good, old fashioned cinnamon buns even though their sticky buns are great too.

Another boardwalk treat that I have to have is Curley's fries and lemonade. They have been around longer than I have and it reminds me of childhood. Click on the link and see how they are made.

While driving down to the NJ shore, on one of our trips we stopped for lunch at the Anchorage Tavern in Somers Point. If you are ever in the area, make sure to get their mozzarella sticks. They are handmade and beer battered. Definitely the best mozzarella sticks I've ever had!

The Silver Diner

This past summer, I dined at the Silver Diner in Cherry Hill, NJ. This is not your typical diner but one where the food is farm to table and the menu is so creative. The avocado toast is so delicious. It was topped with smoked salmon and microgreens. I believe it is the best avocado toast around!

My friend, Kristin and I tried several other dishes. We had the Ancient Grain Shrimp Bowl and the Mediterranean Fattoush Bowl with lamb meatballs. The bowls were healthy and full of flavor.  We just loved the lamb meatballs. All of the dishes were from the diner's seasonal meu. I'm excited to go back next month to see what fall seasonal ingredients they will be using.

Another local place that I tried this summer was El Mariachi San Lucas in Voorhees, NJ. It is great Mexican food but there was an extra bonus in visiting. They make many flavors of Agua Fresca which is a fresh fruit drink blended with sugar and water. We tried the mango one then ordered another pitcher of cantaloupe because it was so good and refreshing on a hot day. Be sure to check back soon as I will be making my own version.

Cake Stand Bakery

Both my husband and I have August birthdays so some birthday treats were in order. Instead of a cake, I bought several cupcakes and bars from the Cake Stand Bakery. There sweets are so good! Included in our sweet feast were cupcakes, a buckeye brownie bar and a raspberry crumb bar. They also have fresh made cinnamon rolls on the weekends. We ate them before I could even get a photograph.

Farmers Markets and Produce

Of course I must mention, the farmers markets and summer fresh produce. I belong to Fernbrook Farms CSA and have been loving the tomatoes, peppers and eggplant the last few weeks. It's also great to go into the fields and picking fresh flowers.

I have been frequenting the Collingswood farmers market on Saturdays when I can. If you are in south jersey, you must visit. They have great local eats from fresh food vendors but also great music and you can get some coffee or a bite to eat and relax at one of their  seating areas. There is always something fun going on at the market. Lately, I am on a peach kick so you'll see a fresh peach recipe soon.

If you need any produce recipe inspiration, be sure to get a copy of my new book, Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners. It's a great cookbook for a busy mom, beginner cook or to send off to your college student. My girl was moved in several weeks ago and I made sure she had one.

Make sure to take in the last days of summer and enjoy them with your friends and family. Have some good local eats and have a happy Labor Day weekend!