Boat Rides, Block Parties, and GREAT Sushi
May Madness! To Margate and Ventnor Then Ginza EHT!
It is basically summer on the Jersey Shore. All the shore towns have thawed out and want to party! Earlier in the month, I went out on a boat in Margate for the opening day of flounder fishing. The plan was to enjoy a few hours on a boat then check out the Margate Block Party. Too bad mother nature wanted to party too. As soon as we dropped lines in the water the heavens opened up and the rain came thundering down.
Even though I had soaked through 3 sweatshirts, it was actually still a fun experience. You can almost always find me enjoying a good rainy day. We had to head back to Scott’s Dock early due to the weather. I walked back to the car since I don’t think I could’ve gotten any wetter. We got back so soon it wasn’t time for the block party and all the places I wanted to check out weren’t open yet. I spoke to some locals and got some recommendations for my next trip to Margate.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
I waited a week, but made it out to the Ventnor Block Party! Like everyone else on the shore line, I was praying there was a parking spot somewhere within a kind walking distance to the tents and food trucks. Thank goodness for the side streets! We found a great parking spot under a gorgeous blooming blossom tree.
After a 2 block walk my husband and I entered the area full of vendors. A lot of knick-knacks, homemade crafts, and pet goods, nothing really grabbed me. How many resin art shells and ocean posters can I buy? It was still a lovely walk and there were many people enjoying the live music and rows of vendors.
I was on a mission for the food truck section. We are mega fans of the local food truck Sip-a-Latte. Their signature coffees and creative creations are to die for! I first discovered them from the many social media posts that flooded my feed. What is so good about their coffee? I had to try it to believe the hype. Oh yea… They’re THAT good. They post their pop up schedule in the beginning of the week. If you can get there early, you will skip the insane lines that often flow from their order window. But the wait is worth it.
On our way we stumbled upon a frozen banana food vendor. The two ladies that helped us were extremely sweet. We both got frozen bananas. Mine was dipped in chocolate and topped with peanut butter and strawberry shortcake crumbles. My husband did the opposite, he dipped his banana in peanut butter and drizzled with peanut butter and some cookie crumbles. A wonderful treat for the warm day.
A couple trucks down, SIP-A-LATTE!
Even while being surrounded by food trucks also offering coffees, teas, alcoholic cocktails, bubble teas, and more the Sip-a-Latte truck still had a line, and you know we waited. Our peanut butter latte and a chocolate croissant specialty drink topped with a butter croissant hit the spot!
We walked past the many food trucks with people in line and waiting for food. After much deliberation, we decided to skip the $15 tacos and try a nice bar or restaurant. There were many choices in Ventnor, but maybe another time. We had a nice drive out of there and wanted to stick with one of our local favorites, Ginza Japanese Steak Seafood and Sushi Bar in Egg Harbor Twp.
Ginza doesn’t need my glowing review. Their food speaks for itself. In EHT for over 20 years, their rating on Google sits at 4.4 stars with 738 reviews. As a long time customer, I have enjoyed their sushi and hibachi meals over and over again. However, I’ve never sat at the bar. Why would I? I didn’t think there was anything there for me, and usually the bar is packed. Today was the day! We wanted to enjoy their Bar Only Happy Hour sushi and drinks. Maybe they have a secret mocktail menu I don’t know about?
The place wasn’t busy. We beat the dinner rush! The bar was empty so we chose the last 2 seats at the end of the bar since we know how often it gets full. The bartender was the sweetest, most enthusiastic and energetic person I have ever seen at work. She had a genuine smile and immediately connected with us. Her name was Star and after this encounter, I’d like to call her Super Star! I asked if they offered mocktails or had a menu. There wasn’t a menu, but she is a proud mixologist that can and will make you a drink you are sure to love. Well then dealer’s choice!
My husband also got a mocktail, but then decided to add a bit of sake to the drink. Ehh, we can’t all be sober party girls. Star gave me a fabulous lychee beverage made with her very own handmade juice with a couple lychee on a toothpick. LOVE!!! The hubby had a bright green goddess like beverage with the refreshing flavor of cucumber juice and ginger beer. For a place that sells many different alcoholic beverages and pretty much any cocktail, it is great to see a bartender offer a fantastic mocktail to make me feel at home at the bar.
The 30% off happy hour sushi choices were philly rolls, shumai, shrimp dumplings, and a side of hibachi noodles. The philly roll is a must. Who doesn’t love quality salmon with the smooth decadent cream cheese. Shumai and dumplings are a personal favorite and could probably live off of them. I had to have their butterfly roll, even though it wasn’t on “sale” it was still FANTASTIC. The perfect mix of crunchy and chewy with an extra burst of sweet flavor. The butterfly roll contains tempura salmon, mango, avocado, and shrimp. Star came by to ensure we were happy and had everything we needed. She told us about the yellowtail jalapeno dish. I am not usually adventurous with my food, but she insisted we give it a try. Uhmmmm, what doesn’t Star get right?! The yellowtail was SO GOOD.
The final Sober Party score: 10 out of 10. WOW!
Until next time,
South New Jersey’s Sober Party Girl
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