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While I adore Cape May, NJ for it's impressive collection of Victorian homes as well as a prime migratory stopover for avians, what draws me most are the restaurants, as bountiful and variable as the tide. When I arrive in town the first thing I do is make a reservation at the Black Duck restaurant.

Black Duck on Sunset
Ensconced in a renovated historic house in West Cape May, the Black Duck is an understated BYOB with clean white interiors. The understatement does not extend to the menu which showcases local ingredients such as fish and vegetables. It was the menu that first attracted me with its fusion of eastern elements paired with a western flair. Impeccable appetizers set the tone with lobster dumplings, panko-crusted goat cheese or the Stilton salad dotted with walnuts and apples in a port wine vinaigrette. Entrees include Flat Iron Sirloin, Seafood Risotto or Grouper in a potato crust. You can order ala carte or, if you get there early, select the price fixe special that comes with a appetizer, main course and dessert for $20.95. Since West Cape May is a dry town, you'll have to bring your own wine or beer. Which is certainly not a deterrent as this saves money and allows you to focus on the cuisine. This is a place you will come back to again and again, as my fiance and I discovered. Matter of fact, it ranks as our favorite Cape May restaurant.

Lobster House
A beach town wouldn't be one without the ubiquitous family-style seafood megalith. The Lobster House plays that role to the hilt. The location on Fisherman's Wharf offers diners the freshest seafood around. Matter of fact, sit outside and watch the boats and schooners sail into the harbor to unload their bounty. While indoor dining is an option, I much rather prefer the outdoor scene, raucous with stealthy seagulls and patrons trolling for a seat at the spool tables. Order by number stone crab claws, soft-shelled crab sandwiches, steamers, clam and turtle chowders, seafood lasagna. Or order seafood at the bustling fish market to cook at home. Don't forget to try the homemade horseradish creamy and pungent on everything from raw oysters to overstuffed sandwiches.

Martini Beach
Located on the second floor of a Beach Avenue building, Martini Beach offers the party crowd a primo vista of the Cape May Beach. Order tapas from the sea-inspired menu like seared tuna or specialties such as lobster Mac and Cheese. Sip the ubiquitous martinis while watching dolphins cavort at sunset in the surf. My friend Charlie

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