Going “down the (Jersey) shore” is a rite of passage for many kids growing up in the Garden State. Whether you were dragged down by your parents as a kid or escaped for an overnight stay after prom, the shore, and its various points, is a popular destination.
Growing up, my parents had a house down in Cape May, and later, Cape May Point. Although we went down all the time with them, we were at the age where it wasn’t “cool” and didn’t fully appreciate it. After I started living on my own, highlights with my girlfriends over the summer would be scrounging up enough spare change to manage to pay the Parkway tolls and a tank full of gas … anything to spend the day on the beach. Back then, I drove a Suzuki Sidekick convertible, a perfect Jersey shore getaway car (oh how I loved that car!), and we’d pop in Seal’s “Crazy” (“But we’re never gonna survive, unless… We get a little crazy, No we’re never gonna survive, unless… We are a little… Cray…cray…cray… “) or an upbeat, 80s tune from Madonna, turn it up full blast and kick off the warm weather.
With this being Memorial Day weekend, early Saturday morning found us heading to the shore once again. This time though, the scenario, the house, the town and the car are a little different. Leaving the house at the ungodly hour of 6:15 am, though not by design, Nicholas in the back seat and the dogs assuming their position, we joined everyone else on the Parkway to head south. And, believe it or not, although there wasn’t traffic per se, there were a lot of others already on the road who were kicking off their holiday weekend the same way.
Absolutely perfect weather to eat outside and fire up the grill for the first inaugural full dinner of the season, we had quite a feast. We grilled up a batch of the Adobo-Citrus Grilled Chicken that I made earlier in the week, these delicious roasted oysters (still full of OMG buttery goodness) and one new recipe … Rachael Ray’s Korean Flank Steak. I let it marinate for about 5 hours or so, and it produced a flavorful, tender, juicy steak that will definitely be repeated. Rounding out the meal with grilled corn, chips and salsa, and broccoli rabe, it was the perfect kick-off to Summer. Hope yours was just as good.
A year ago today … ’twas a night off.
Two years ago today … another Memorial Day weekend.
Korean Flank Steak
Recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Get Real Meals
2 tablespoons grill seasoning blend (recommended brand McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning) 1/4 cup Tamari dark soy
1 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoons hot red pepper flakes
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
2 teaspoons toasted (dark) sesame oil, eyeball it
2 scallions, finely chopped
Vegetable oil, for drizzling plus, 2 tablespoons, twice around the pan
2 pounds flank steak
In a shallow dish, combine grill seasoning, dark soy, honey, hot pepper flakes, garlic, sesame oil, scallions and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Coat the flank steak in the mixture and let it stand 10 minutes.
Preheat indoor electric grill, stove top grill pan or outdoor grill to medium high. When the grill pan or grill is screaming hot, add meat and cook 5 minutes on each side for medium rare, 7 to 8 minutes on each side for medium well doneness.
To serve, let meat rest 5 minutes for juices to redistribute. Thinly slice the meat on a heavy angle against the grain (the lines in the meat).
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I have many fond memories of summers in Cape May. A childhood friend’s family was from the Philly area and would meet in Cape May every summer (it was a big family – 5 or so sisters). One of the sisters owned Mickey’s on the beach there and I would have these awesome asparagus omelettes for breakfast almost every day.
Oops. I looked it up. It’s McGlade’s on the Pier – Mickey is the owner, my childhood friend’s aunt. Coincidentally, in my research I discovered that her sister Theresa, whose wedding I attended many years ago, owns McGlade’s Backstreet.
Sounds like a fun time! I wish we lived close enough to any shore to enjoy a day like that.
I remember us sleeping in our swimsuits the night before heading to Seaside Heights. We didn’t want to miss a beat. Ah, those were the days. :)
The Sister In-Law
My best friend growing up had a house in Cape May also. We would hit the beach all day and then drive to Wild Wood at night(Late 80’s). I can remember eating out on the deck after a day of wiffle ball, body surfing and girl stalking. WHAT FUN
The neighbor husband
Sarah – I think I know which place you mean – it’s on the end of the section where it is, and a piece of it is over the water? Think we’ve only eaten there once. Our favorite growing up was George’s – delicious cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and fresh, homemade chicken salad for lunch. It was actually just written up in the recent issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray – there goes our secret spot!
Alisha – it was a fun time, and we were lucky to avoid traffic this time, surprisingly enough.
The Sister-in-Law – how cute! Wonder if he remembers.
The Neighbor Husband – girl stalking, huh?