Michael

What a sad day---first Farrah---one of the first women (not girl) this nine-year old wanted to marry---and now, Michael.

Michael was an icon. Michael was a genius. Michael was a pure talent. Yes, Michael had issues---some silly, others to have been taken very seriously---but we have to let the courts write that chapter of history. Remember him as someone who broke the color barrier at MTV. Remember him for the music---four amazing debut # 1 singles for the Jackson Five ("I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", "I'll Be There"). Remember him as a great album artist ("Off the Wall", "Thriller" and my pick, "Dangerous"). Remember him as a great dancer and a great entertainer. Remember his compassion. Remember that he did change the world as its biggest star. Remember.

VACATION!

We just returned from a nice four-day getaway to Cape May, NJ. If you’ve never been to Cape May, it’s a bit like a coastal New England town which somehow lies at the bottom of New Jersey. There are hundreds of Victorian Homes, great restaurants and antique shopping. In other words, Cape May is a beach town for grown-ups.

My wife and her family have been going there since the 1980’s. I am not a beach person. After a few hours of lying in the sun, I am bored and usually thinking about all of the other things I’d rather be doing. That’s why I’ve really warmed to Cape May, especially in the off-season. There are plenty of other things to be doing! We antiqued, rode bikes, walked the beach and the town, visited the Cape May Lighthouse, did a little shopping, some great dining and just some hanging out with some really nice people at the inn---including a couple from Scranton!

Last week, Cape May was especially quiet. We were able to get in every restaurant we wanted without reservations and we had a much wider choice than usual for our bed and breakfast. Yes, it’s economy related---and family related---most school summer vacations have yet to begin. For the first time ever, we had a repeat stay at an inn---The Bacchus Inn on Columbia. We chose the Bacchus again because we really liked John and Lisa---attentive, down-to-earth, younger (30’s) innkeepers. We loved the amenities (free bike rentals, wireless, afternoon wine and cheese, great breakfasts). A repeat stay got us an extra 10% off and that made it the best option for us pricewise.

Cape May is filled with great restaurants---lots of fine dining---but this season, we did it on the cheap. As regulars (we usually make a trip or two each year---in or out-of-season), here are a few recommendations:

George’s Place (Known for their breakfasts, we’ve had our first meals free at the inns, but love their lunches and dinners. Great Greek Food! Bargain priced, but small with only ten tables. Make your reservations each night at 5pm).

Louisa’s (Another tiny place. Dinner Only. Fresh seafood and mostly healthy fare with a slight New American lean. Don’t miss the Chocolate Pie with Orange and Apricot Glaze. It’s one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten).

Hot Dog Tommy’s (A walk-up stand right across the street from the beach. I don’t care much for the bigger dogs, they take too much away from the inventive toppings, but the leaner wieners work well in the Black Russian---Russian Dressing/Black Pepper Rub/Pickle and Chippy Dog---Red Pepper Relish/Onions/Potato Chips. Tommy and his wife “Miss Mary” are both Pennsylvanians).

The best Special Occasion dining: 410 Bank Street (Cajun/Seafood) / Tisha’s (on the ocean) / Washington Inn and The Ebbitt Room (both are a bit more formal).

The Summer Vacation season has begun! I hope you can get away this season. Sometimes, getting a break is all you need.