Cape May Chef Jason Hanin Named New Jersey’s Culinary King

Issue #509

November 08, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 📢 Local Merchant Spotlight

👨‍🍳Cape May Chef Jason Hanin Named New Jersey’s Culinary King

🎩 Holiday Favorite “Scrooge the Musical” Returns to Gateway with Expanded Showtimes

🎖️Veterans Day Tribute Set for Nov. 11 at North Wildwood’s Memorial Park

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Cape May Antiques

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 November 8

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Cape May Antique Center: A Treasure Trove of History and Charm

Tucked just over the bridge and across from the iconic Lobster House, Cape May Antique Center is a local gem that’s been a staple in the community for nearly three decades. Now under its third owner, Deb Brown, the store boasts an impressive lineup of around 70 unique vendors, each bringing their own flair to the space. What sets Cape May Antique Center apart from the many shops that line the area isn’t just its longevity—it’s the sheer variety of its offerings. Inside, visitors can find everything from rare coins and vintage jewelry to mid-century furniture, glassware, comic books, and World War II memorabilia. The shop covers a wide range of price points, making it just as easy to find a $20 keepsake as it is to invest in a $2,000 heirloom. Despite its modest exterior, the store is deceptively large. The layout reveals a labyrinth of booths that seem to go on forever, with many vendors changing their displays weekly or biweekly. This constant rotation means there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a seasonal holiday piece or a newly unearthed antique. Cape May Antique Center also caters to a diverse crowd. While antiquing is often thought of as a hobby for women, this store makes a point of offering a wealth of items that appeal to male collectors too, such as sports memorabilia, vintage toys, military collectibles, and political artifacts. The mix of merchandise spans multiple eras—from the 1800s through the mid-20th century—offering something for just about every taste and nostalgic itch. The store thrives during midday hours, typically between 11 AM and 3 PM, but those looking for a quieter shopping experience can stop by earlier or later in the day. Its convenient location and spacious parking lot make it an easy and accessible destination for locals and tourists alike. For those looking to deck the halls or find the perfect holiday gift, Cape May Antique Center doesn’t disappoint. Seasonal displays—especially Halloween and Christmas—are a major draw, with popular items like vintage Halloween décor and Christopher Radko ornaments flying off the shelves. Pottery is a personal favorite of Brown,  who makes a point to check in on newly stocked booths to stay familiar with the ever-changing inventory. This attentiveness pays off when shoppers ask for specific items—and it’s part of what keeps loyal customers coming back year after year. Interestingly, many of the vendors have been part of Cape May Antique Center since its opening in 1998. Several booths in the front room have been continuously occupied by the same dealers for nearly 30 years, adding a layer of consistency and legacy to the ever-evolving shop. Currently, all vendor spots are full, but interested sellers can join a waitlist and will be contacted as soon as a suitable space becomes available. For locals and tourists alike, Cape May Antique Center offers far more than just a place to shop—it’s a journey through time, a tribute to craftsmanship, and a haven for collectors of all kinds.

Victorian Gems: Why Fall is the Best Time to Stay in Cape May

 Jason Hanin, executive chef at The Ebbitt Room in Cape May, has been named New Jersey’s Chef of the Year by the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association (NJRHA). The prestigious recognition was announced during the organization’s 40th annual awards gala, held at the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station—the first such event since the pandemic paused the tradition five years ago. With a degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Hanin has carved out a reputation for his refined, ingredient-focused cuisine. At The Ebbitt Room, located in the Virginia Hotel, he champions a farm-to-table approach, sourcing fresh, seasonal produce from nearby Beach Plum Farm. His dishes marry global influences with a strong sense of local identity, a style that has earned the restaurant a place on NJM’s Classics list and made it a Cape May favorite. The evening celebrated the dedication and creativity that continues to define New Jersey’s culinary scene, with Hanin’s win highlighting Cape May’s growing influence on the state’s fine dining map.

 

Holiday Favorite “Scrooge the Musical” Returns to Gateway with Expanded Showtimes

 The Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point is ushering in the holiday season with a festive production of Scrooge the Musical, scheduled for two weekends: December 5–7 and December 12–14. Responding to overwhelming demand, the theater will, for the first time, include Saturday matinee performances, expanding the show’s run to eight performances. Based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this heartwarming musical adaptation features the cherished songs of Leslie Bricusse and brings the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge to life through humor, music, and festive spirit. Audiences can expect familiar tunes like “I Like Life,” “Thank You Very Much,” and “Christmas Morning,” alongside lively ensemble numbers and touching moments that highlight the redemptive power of the season. The production is directed by Chip Garrison, who also helmed the Playhouse’s previous holiday successes, White Christmas in 2024 and A New London Christmas Carol in 2023. Known for his passion for holiday storytelling, Garrison brings an uplifting tone to the show while maintaining the charm of the original 1970 film adaptation of Scrooge. The cast features returning local talents, including Nathan Moore as Scrooge and Scott Friedman as the ever-loyal Bob Cratchit. Both actors have appeared in past Gateway productions and bring experience and energy to their roles. Performances are set for 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (Dec. 5–6 and 12–13), with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays (Dec. 6–7 and 13–14). Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased online at GatewayByTheBay.org or at the Karen S. Sutherland Box Office. The Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point. Audiences are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as past holiday productions have sold out quickly

Veterans Day Tribute Set for Nov. 11 at North Wildwood’s Memorial Park

  Residents of North Wildwood are invited to attend the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony, set for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The event will be held at the VFW Monument in Veterans Memorial Park, located at Spruce and New York Avenues. Organized in partnership with VFW Post 5941, the ceremony serves as a public tribute to the men and women who have served — and continue to serve — in the United States Armed Forces. The observance will feature participation from local veterans and city officials, offering the community a moment of reflection, gratitude, and recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel.

 

Answer to the November 7th Trivia Question

What was the original name of Cape May when it was first incorporated in 1848?

A) Cape Island Borough
B) Cape Peninsula
C) Cape Harbor City
D) Cape Point

Answer: A) Cape Island Borough

Cape May was originally incorporated as Cape Island Borough on March 8, 1848, before being reincorporated and renamed several times, eventually becoming Cape May City in 1869.​

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