My Favorite Jersey Shore Food Traditions | Classic Chicago Magazine

By Bob Glaze

From great seafood, fruits and vegetables to boardwalk sweets and treats, New Jersey has some wonderful food traditions. I am just back from two weeks at my cottage on the beach in Manasquan, NJ where I felt very normal during this time of great stress in all of our lives right now.

I have been going to the Jersey Shore every year since I was nine months old. When I go, it always brings back vivid memories of my grandparents, parents and other friends and family. Food is and always will be a big part of these memories!

Crumb Cake for breakfast

Lobster Roll at Red’s Lobster Pot in Point Pleasant Beach

I love having crumb cake with its dark brown sugar topping that was a staple at our family breakfasts; eating bluefish, lobster rolls and scallops; enjoying tasty crab cakes, lobster bisque or Manhattan clam chowder from my favorite fish market and of course, eating saltwater taffy and a creamy frozen custard as a special treat. My top recommendations that you must try include:

Taylor Ham: The proper name according to the manufacturer, Taylor Provisions of Trenton NJ, is John Taylor’s “Original Taylor Pork Roll” Dating from 1856, it was originally called “Taylor Ham” and although the name was changed in 1906 many of those in North Jersey still call it simply, “Taylor Ham.” I always call it Pork Roll! It is a staple today in many homes and restaurants. Packaged in a cotton bag or case, the seasoned pork product is similar to sausage in texture.

Taylor Ham or Pork Roll

One of the favorite uses is for a breakfast sandwich where it is served on roll or bagel along with a fried egg and American cheese. You have to try it! I just had it again a week ago and loved it as always. I love the saltiness of the meat, the sweetness of the cheese, and the texture of the egg altogether.

The Pork Roll and Cheese Sandwich

Bluefish: This is a local fish found off the waters of NJ, that sometimes gets a bad rap. The meat is dark and a little stronger in taste than many fish, but if prepared properly can be a wonderful dish. The fresher the better. I remember going deep sea fishing with my family as a child where we caught 81 fish on the day trip!

Shore Fresh Seafood Market Point Pleasant

New Jersey is truly The Garden State. In the summer make sure to stop at a local farm stand to buy their famous blueberries, the official state fruit. Starting about 1911, this popular fruit was domesticated and became an important crop for the state. Also, don’t miss trying the fresh Jersey corn, tomatoes and peaches during the summer.

Atlantic Farm Market in Manasquan

Fralinger’s Original Salt Water Taffy: The first saltwater taffy was attributed to the boardwalk in Atlantic City. Supposedly the name came when during a storm a candy shop’s taffy was drenched in saltwater after the waves came into the store. Joseph Fralinger was asked to run the taffy stand at the Applegate Pier in Atlantic City in 1884. He did and made delicious taffy. Today it is still made by the James Candy Company under the Fralinger brand. They also make macaroons and fudge. I love going into the store and picking out my favorite flavors from chocolate and mint to peach and banana!

Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy

Ice Cream and Frozen Custard is a big tradition on the shore. Day’s Ice Cream has been a fixture in Ocean Grove since 1876. I try to go every time I am in town.

Days in Ocean Grove

The Kohr Brothers started selling their frozen desserts in Coney Island in 1919 which they called frozen custard. The descendants of the three brothers started three separate companies which still operate today. Kohr’s The Original operates in Seaside Heights, Kohr’s Frozen Custard Inc. operates in Point Pleasant Beach and the third, The Original Kohr Bros. operates in Cape May, Wildwood and Ocean City. I have been to all three operations!