Discover Jersey Shore’s Hidden Gourmet Gem: Farm-to-Table Dinners & Seasonal Markets

Farm-to-table cuisine straight from the source.

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift towards transparency and sustainability in the food industry, coinciding significantly with the farm-to-table movement. Diners can discover seasonal fare at restaurants worldwide, ranging from Michelin-starred fine dining in London to cozy lobster shacks by the water in a picturesque New England town. To truly savor the freshest produce, it’s advisable to head directly to the source: the farm.

Numerous pastoral estates have opened their barn doors to food enthusiasts with harvest-driven culinary concepts. While some of these pastoral epicurean spots are located in regions with established culinary histories, such as Napa Valley and the Hudson Valley, others are found in less expected areas, like the Jersey Shore.

2. Beach Plum Farm: A Hidden Gem

Those familiar with the Jersey Shore know Cape May, a historic seaside resort located at the southern tip of New Jersey. Most visitors usually take the well-trodden tourist path leading to beaches, boardwalks, and classic seaside dining. However, if you venture a bit inland, you’ll encounter a transformation, where grapevines and fields begin to replace the sandy landscape.

Nestled in West Cape May, just under two miles from Cape May’s historic downtown, Beach Plum Farm spans 62 acres and has emerged as a significant agritourism destination, elevating this overlooked corner of the area on the gourmet map.

“Everything comes back to our location. We strive to honor the farming roots of the Garden State,” expressed Ed Hackett, Beach Plum Farm’s general manager. The farm cultivates 100 varieties of vegetables, including crisp lettuces, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and vibrant bell peppers, in addition to raising chickens and Berkshire Hogs. Farm tours offer profound insights into the authentic workings of farm life.

“Fresh, organic produce cultivated onsite forms the foundation of our culinary offerings,” Hackett elaborated. “Our proximity to the source guarantees that all ingredients are of the highest quality and bursting with flavor, allowing us to create dishes that celebrate that bounty.”

3. Culinary Offerings and Experiences

The Amish barn at Beach Plum Farm, surrounded by flourishing garden beds and picnic tables, serves as both a café and a market. Between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., guests can indulge in delicious offerings, including greens and goat cheese frittatas, biscuits with sausage gravy and fried farm eggs, as well as heritage-pulled pork sandwiches. While waiting for your meal, take a moment to browse through housemade goods such as jams, honey, and artisanal soaps.

One of the standout initiatives at Beach Plum Farm is their acclaimed farm-to-table dinner series, which showcases a multi-course menu that varies with the seasons. Recent diners enjoyed a selection featuring fresh sourdough with green olive oil, spicy fennel salami, Jersey peaches, heirloom tomatoes, a garden kale Caesar salad, charcoal-grilled zucchini, first-harvest shishito peppers, alongside open fire-roasted pork complemented by herby bulgur salad, and ended with blueberry fig panna cotta with farm honey.

Additionally, the farm hosts special events like Sunday summer BBQs, offering house-smoked chicken and pork, baked beans, coleslaw, along with live music for an authentic dining experience.

4. Future at Beach Plum Farm

Looking forward, Hackett shared plans for introducing a farm-to-table lunch: “The future culinary vision includes innovative, new dishes and collaborations with chefs to create unique dining experiences,” he mentioned.