cape may, nj

My husband recently said to me towards the end of a week, “Let’s go to Cape May overnight.” With such short notice I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to locate a room. We previously stayed at The Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast located on Ocean Street. It’s conveniently located a block away from Beach Avenue and a short walk to the Washington Street Mall. We enjoy staying here because of the off-street parking adjacent to our room, afternoon tea and a lovely buffet breakfast, but more on this later.
 
There are three buildings that make up the inn, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and  House of Royals. Our favorite room is in the Prince Albert building, which is a ground floor room located at the back of the property. The room has a queen size bed, two sitting areas and a generous bathroom with step-in shower. There’s also a gas fireplace across from the bed making the room quite cozy. The front of the Queen Victoria also has a wonderful front porch with rockers and chairs to enjoy the weather. ​

​Breakfast on the morning of our departure was quite lovely at the inn. They offer fresh squeezed orange juice, homemade granola and cereals. There’s always a seasonal fruit salad and yogurt. The weekend we were there they had a delicious lemon seed poppy loaf and homemade muffins. Breakfast casserole with a meat side is also offered. Coffee and tea is also offered with breakfast.
 
From 3 to 4:30 PM each day the inn offers afternoon tea. Offerings include a sweet, savory and “treat.” During our stay there was a tuna spread, biscotti and cookie on the sideboard.
 
My husband and I took a ride out to Beach Plum Farm which is a short car ride away from the inn. The farm practices regenerative agricultural, which is “conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems.” They grow over 100 kinds of fruits and vegetables, eggs and raise chickens and Berkshire hogs. Besides there  is a small retail store selling fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs  and meats sourced from their fields. While we were there we struck up a conversation with one of the farm associates as were interested as to what they will be planting in the spring. She mentioned that they had French radishes and watermelon radishes in the market. As we weren’t familiar with this variety, she walked us into the store and talked about the radishes. She mentioned that raw French radishes dragged through softened goat butter was a delicious snack. She also explained how the kitchen uses the watermelon radishes in their cooking. Before we left we picked up a bunch of French radishes, goat butter and a watermelon radish to try at home.
 
French radishes aren’t as bitter as regular radishes. We tried the radishes in softened butter and were delightfully surprised how tasty this combination was. I used my mandoline to slice the watermelon radishes and we spread some butter on them too.
 
There is also a kitchen on the premises that offers breakfast and lunch. The kitchen also offers a seasonal “Harvest Dinner Series.” Dinner is suggested for guests 21 and up and  is BYOB. The meal is served family style on long communal tables. Currently the spring dinner is served Fridays and Saturdays through April 19th. You must be a bit adventurous for this as the menu is revealed when you are seated. This is truly a farm to table experience based on what the chef has available to him on the farm. You’re also able to stay at the farm in either a guest cottage or a room in the Plum barn.
 
Following the farm, we did a little retail therapy at the Washington Street Mall. There are a wide variety of shops from food, clothing and gift shops. I recommend the Whale’s Tale for nature themed toys, jewelry and greeting cards. If you’re a Cape May aficionado, my brother has a Cape May calendar that is sold at the Whale’s Tale. We also purchased some soap at Bath Time, a candle and a great bath brush.
 
When we arrived on midmorning on Sunday, we had breakfast at the Mad Batter located at the Carroll Villa Hotel on Jackson Street. For a sunny morning in late March, this was a busy place for breakfast. The breakfast and service were good. My husband and I both had Mad Batter Benedict (two poached eggs, Canadian bacon, hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin).
 
Dinner on the other hand was exceptional. This was the second time we visited Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant. The restaurant is located at the northern end of Beach Avenue. Our table was in the corner, against the front porch windows offering a slip of a view of the ocean. While they offer an à la carte menu, my husband and I opted for the prix fixe menu.   
 
Here’s what we had:
First Course: Baby kale & frisée Caesar salad with crispy chickpeas, parmesan, croutons and roasted garlic dressing and Tuna Tartar Crudo
 
Second Course:
Short rib over polenta with baby carrots and Ora King salmon, pea, potato & prosciutto ragout, confit cherry tomatoes and cream
 
Dessert: warm apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream and classic crème brûlée
 
The meal and service were outstanding. The food presentation was simple, yet elegant and with the main courses served hot. Our first course was lovely. As it was a multi-course meal, I chose the tuna crudo which was light, moist and had a lovely dressing. My husband enjoyed his salad with the baby kale, something we don’t eat very often. The short rib could be cut with a fork and was as tender and moist as can be. I haven’t had salmon in a while and this dish did not disappoint. I asked for the salmon to be cooked the way the chef thought best; it came out moist and cooked to a perfect medium. As for dessert, I love a luscious and rich crème brûlée with a top that shatters. My husband devoured the warm cobbler. Overall, another wonderful dining experience at Peter Shields.
 
If you’re looking for a unique experience in a beautiful Victorian town, visit Cape May. The Queen Victoria Bed and Breakfast is currently running a 20% off weekends special (must stay two nights Thursday-Sunday) through April 30th.