MudHen Brewing Wildwood NJ

Since we began this journey across America we have reconnected with family everywhere. So we were very excited to have a bit of a family reunion at Mudhen Brewing Wildwood NJ.

We had not seen Steve’s cousins Judy and Sharon for over 40 years. The last we saw them both was at an uncle’s funeral. Not long after that, we moved to south Florida and they remained in Wildwood NJ. Sadly we lost track of the two girls. Thanks to Facebook I had reconnected with Sharon, but not Judy. But knowing we’d have a few extra days in south Jersey I promised Sharon that we’d make sure to reunite.

MudHen Brewing Wildwood NJ

Steve and I, along with his brother Hal and his wife Marcy, drove to Mudhen Brewing Wildwood NJ. We were not even sure that we would recognize the cousins since it had been so many years since we’d last seen them. As it turned out we pulled into the parking lot at the same moment. And when they got out of the car we all knew exactly who they were! Sure they looked a bit older. Don’t we all after 40 plus years?

History of MudHen

In 1883, the West Jersey Railroad carried passengers from Cape May Court House to Anglesea over ramshackle, problematic tracks through marshlands that washed out so often the train was nicknamed, “The MudHen”.

Whether it was pleasure seekers coming to visit the Jersey Shore or the working class seeking a different living, Wildwood would not be what it is today without “The MudHen” bringing new curiosity seekers.

With an “I think I can” attitude, the train chugged through streets, marshlands and over bridges to where MudHen Brewing Company stands today. Like the hardworking class of people who traveled to Five Mile Island seeking a greater living, MudHen Brewing Company conducts a history lesson with every sip.

Our lunch feast

We sat under umbrellas on the beautiful patio are of Mudhen Brewing and immediately began chattering away. There were so many shared memories and lots and lots of laughter. Our server was gracious to just let us gab away and not rush us to order. Or to eat, for that matter.

Our ordering got a bit out of hand and we ended up with way more food than we could possibly consume. It was a lunch feast of epic proportions! And it was all delicious.

Starters

For our starters we ordered the Crispy Onion Rings that were battered and fried, very crunchy outside with cream, sweet onion inside. There was practically no residual frying oil to dirty our fingers. The accompanying pilsner beer cheese and Mudhen dip were awesome enhancements. Our Jalapeno Poppers were equally as well prepared with their spicy, crunchy exterior and velvety cream cheese filling. The creamy ranch dip served with the poppers was reminiscent of the sauce that’s served at Outback Steakhouse with their Bloomin’ Onion. But it was the Nachos that had the WOW factor. Instead of tortilla chips these nachos were made with hen potato chips topped with cheddar, pilsner beer cheese, chipotle crema, roasted veggie pico de gallo and shredded lettuce.

Lunch entrées

Honestly, our starters alone would have been enough for lunch. But the feasting did not stop there. It continued on with Seared rare ahi tuna on a bed of seaweed salad for Marcy. An Oyster Po’ Boy on Ciabatta, fully dressed of course, for me. Steve is a fun guy, and he had the Funguy Burger which was loaded with sautéd mushrooms and creamy goat cheese. Hal dug in to a great big portion of Classic Mac and Cheese. One of the girls had the fabulous Beer Battered Cod sandwich with a side of Caesar Salad. The cod was dusted with a citrus and herb blend before being battered and deep fried. Unfortunately I do not remember what the other cousin ordered, and sadly I have no photo to refresh my memory. Perhaps Sharon and Judy shared that sandwich and salad. I guess that would explain why I have no photo.

We sat for a good couple of hours catching up on the past 40 or so years. It was so wonderful. We vowed not to let life get in the way of seeing each other. It was sad to say goodbye.

Dinner at the Red Room Café 

And as if we hadn’t eaten a couple of days worth of food, we had 8pm dinner reservations with Marcy and Hal at Red Room Café in Ventnor NJ!

We have all been there before and love the little Italian restaurant on Dorset Avenue. Dining al fresco was perfect because the evening was balmy. For our salad we all chose the Milano which is similar to the salad we used to crave at, the now defunct, Jimmy’s Milan. It’s a simple salad with crisp Romaine, tomato, shrimp, egg, bacon and Russian Dressing. Click here for the recipe from Jimmy’s Milan!

Salad was followed by the ever so delicious Vongole Casino. Top neck clams are topped with bell pepper, onion, bacon and breadcrumbs. It’s an old time favorite starter that made us all reminisce about our life as newlyweds.

Since we were all still pretty full from our lunch feast at Mudhen Brewing Wildwood NJ, each couple shared an entrée. Steve and I had the Veal Piccata and it’s very possible that Marcy and Hal did as well. Again, no pix. So sorry!

The dining scene has changed dramatically since we were kids spending our summers at the Jersey Shore. Now there are many, many wonderful places to dine. Restaurants serving the cuisines of the world abound. Thankfully we enjoy discover these new places but also love returning to our old favorites!!!