Cape May Food and Wine Festival

Cape May 8th Annual Food and Wine Festival 2004

Cape May's Food and Wine Festival, September 18 to 23, is a much anticipated event each year.

You can take classes from famous Cape May chefs and take tours through the kitchens of Cape May’s critically acclaimed restaurants.

See the entire list of cooking classes and demonstrations.

It's a foodie's heaven. Try gourmet tastings or an entire dinner, sip fine wines, watch restaurant staffs race to the finish literally.

And of course, you can cast your vote for the best chowder, while you're browsing through the Gourmet Marketplace.

The event is sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC). For more information or to order tickets call (609) 884-5404.

Saturday, September 18

FESTIVAL LOBSTER BAKE: The Craig Brothers Lobster Bake Co. presents lobsters, clams, mussels, corn on the cob, Cape May barbeque beans, watermelon and more at the Festival Lobster Bake 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 in the Savannah Key Ballroom, Marquis de Lafayette, 501 Beach Drive. $45 per person. Cash bar available. Reserve early, limited to 125.

VINES TO WINES SCHOOL: Learn the winemaker’s art and craft in this series at the award-winning Cape May Winery. Each class includes information about what’s currently happening in the vineyard as well as in the winery. Learn about planting, pruning, harvesting, blending and taste the wine as it’s evolving. Classes are held at the Cape May Winery and may be taken as a series or individually. Noon, Saturday, Sept. 18. Admission is $25 per class or $125 for the six-class series.

WINERY CELLAR TOUR AND TASTING: Spend an afternoon at the awarding-winning Cape May Winery. Tour the vineyard to see how the grapes are grown and then visit the winery where you'll be introduced to the winemaker's art. Enjoy a barrel tasting accompanied by cheese and fruit. Each guest receives a complimentary tasting glass. 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. $20 per person.

Sunday, September 19

GOURMET MARKETPLACE: Eat, drink, learn and be merry at Cape May Convention Hall during this culinary celebration. Samplings and product information will be provided by some of Cape May’s finest restaurants, shops and other sponsors. The Gourmet Marketplace also features the People’s Choice Chowder Contest—sample and vote for your favorite clam chowders. The Marketplace is open from 3 to
6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door.

GOURMET TASTING AND RESTAURANT TOUR: Learn the ins and outs of fine dining Cape May–style on this three-hour self-guided tour. Get a taste of Cape May cuisine by sampling house specialties. Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Admission is $20 per person. Reserve early, space is limited to 300.

RESTAURANT RELAY RACE: Teams from Cape May’s great restaurants race against the clock and each other in a relay race of restaurant games at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. See who can set the fastest table, fold the fanciest napkin, cook the tastiest dish, or race through an obstacle course and deliver a cocktail without spilling a drop. Free.

Monday, September 20

GOURMET LUNCH: Choose between the Pelican Club, atop the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel, 501
Beach Drive and the Twinings Tearoom, located on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048
Washington St. and attend a special Cape May Food and Wine Festival luncheon. Noon on Monday,
Sept. 20. $20 per person.

FOOD AND WINE SEMINARS, TASTINGS AND COOKING CLASSES: Sessions are at
9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20 and feature a wide, varied list of offerings. $25 per person.

Tuesday, September 21

GOURMET LUNCH: Choose between the Blue Pig Tavern, in Congress Hall Hotel, 251 Beach Drive
and Gecko’s, Carpenter Square Mall and attend a special Cape May Food and Wine Festival luncheon.
Noon on Tuesday, Sept. 21. $20 per person.

FOOD AND WINE SEMINARS, TASTINGS AND COOKING CLASSES: Sessions are at
9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21 and feature a wide, varied list of offerings. $25 per person.

Wednesday, September 22

GOURMET LUNCH: Choose between the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St. and Martini Beach, 429 Beach Drive and attend a special Cape May Food and Wine Festival luncheon. Noon on Wednesday, Sept. 22. $20 per person.

FOOD AND WINE SEMINARS, TASTINGS AND COOKING CLASSES: Sessions are at
9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22 and feature a wide, varied list of offerings. $25 per person.

Thursday, September 23

MICROBREW DINNER: New to the festival is the Microbrew Dinner at Aleathea’s Restaurant,
7 Ocean St. This five-course gourmet dinner will feature a different microbrew with each course. Beer
guru Gary Monterosso will be on hand to talk about pairing different brews with food. The beer dinner
is 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23 and costs $75.