Jantiques, Upper Deerfield, New Jersey

“Oh the things you can find, if you don’t stay behind!”

Dr. Seuss

Holy cow! I have never seen anything like this place before. My senses are overload by this paradise of entertaining things to see. As we pulled into the parking area, many zoo and farm animals, King Kong, and a huge dragon greeted us. I had seen places with statuary before but never to this degree and surely, never so large.

We got out and walked around their 3.5 acres of land that is stocked full of interesting lawn art, garden furniture, and statuary. They seem to have everything from chandeliers, life size horses statues to beautiful iron antique gates. I would have loved to bought one of the iron gates for our property but it but it was too huge and heavy to bring home with us. We saw a statue of a huge moose we named Bruce and even there was even a Zeus. They had waiters and gators, mountains of fountains, dragons and wagons, wishing wells and cement shells, dogs, frogs, hogs, dragons and wagons and so much more. I could go on and on. The more we walked around, the more interesting things there were to be found.

We enjoyed the mermaids and Michelin guy brigade, cement and iron benches, a large blue crab, lawn jockeys, planters, and Goddesses. You name it and I’m pretty sure, they have it. I’m sure if they didn’t have it, the could get it. They specialize in hard to find items. We even met a nice live cat that came up to us for some attention. She stayed with us, seemingly showing us around, as we explored this extraordinary place.

This store was opened in 1993 and is a family owned business. The business has been in operation for three generations. They specialize in quality antique reproductions, home furnishings, garden decor, and statuary which they sell at very low prices. They claim to have the widest selection of imported furniture and garden decor in the state.

When we were done walking through the statuary garden, we walked up on the porch to go in the store. We were disappointed as it was closed so we couldn’t go inside this huge incredible three story store chock full of amazing items and deals. The stores is open seven days a week form 9 am to 5 pm. We will just have to go there another time when it is open to check out the inside.

We really enjoyed just looking at all the unique items and found it both nostalgic, and entertaining. The decor changes all the time so there is always something new to see. They will sell wholesale if you ask them about it, and will ship anywhere in the US and Canada and even free if the item is small enough. Here is the link to their site: www.jantiques.myshopify.com or you can just call them at 856-451-2143. Why not check them out and do a little shopping?

We loved this place and will be back when the store is open next time. This is not just shopping but an experience. I’m glad this place is here. They are located at 1530 Route 77, Upper Deerfield, New Jersey. Bye for now.

The Crab Trap, Somers Point, New Jersey

“A restaurant is a fantasy – a kind of living fantasy in which diners are the most important members of the cast.”

Warner LeRoy

While visiting New Jersey, we wanted to take Joe’s mom out to dinner which is a tradition we do every time we are back home. We asked her what restaurant she would like to go to and she replied, “The Crab Trap, of course”. We knew she would say that since it has been her favorite restaurant for years and where she always wishes to go so we would take her. After all, mom’s wishes must be satisfied and we were glad to be able to do just that. We invited her neighbor and good friend, Darlene also to go on our lunch date.

Great menu

It was a foggy rainy day so we took our time getting there. It is a one hour drive through the back roads of South Jersey from Paulsboro towards the coast and today was not an easy drive with the weather. When we arrived at the restaurant, it was too foggy to see any views of the Great Egg Harbor Bay.

Mom 

The Crab Trap Restaurant has been here for over fifty years. Jack Wallace was the original owner and opened the restaurant in 1967. He had it built on the site that was once the Somerset Plantation which was owned by Richard Somers, one of the original settlers of Somers Point. When Jack originally opened the restaurant, it was named “The Maenner’s Cafe” which only served sandwiches and tap beer. It was known by the locals for the dirt floors, horseshoe shaped bar, and laid back atmosphere. The restaurant has since changed owners but kept in the family and is now owned by Jack’s son, Kenneth.

Darlene, Mom, and Joe

Mom and her son, Joe

When we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the hostess and given a table not far from the main entrance. The waitress came as soon as we sat down and got our drink order. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and sweet. She brought us a basket full of different kinds of bread to try while waiting for our meal. They were warm and tasty.

Live Lobsters

We placed our order and our food came out shortly after. I ordered the fried shrimp platter and it was excellent. Mom got the crab cakes meal and said it was great as well. We all loved our meals. If you are not a seafood fan, they do serve other food beside seafood and I heard the steak was very good. They served generous portions and we were very satisfied. We had a lovely relaxing meal.

Lovely room with a beautiful fireplace. 

There is a nautical theme throughout the restaurant. One of the rooms had a large open fireplace right in the middle of the room which must be great to sit near on a cold day. They have a large bar that was well attended with anything you could possibly want to drink. Even on a Tuesday afternoon, the restaurant was packed. They have room to seat 400 people and I would say, most of the tables were full while we were there.

The bar

They have live music in the summertime every night and in the off season, they have live music from Wednesday through Saturday. This restaurant has an outside more casual dinning in their restaurant called Crabby Jacks that overlooks the water. That would be nice to come and eat outside when the weather is nice.

This is a great restaurant and has been for over fifty years. If you are looking for an informal place to eat with best, freshest seafood, and great prices, this is the place for you. They have outstanding service and they have a very friendly staff. They will pamper you and make you comfortable. They are open 11 am – 3 pm for lunch, 3 pm -5 pm for twilight dinning, and 3 pm – 10 pm for dinner. They are located at 2 Broadway, Somers Point, New Jersey. There phone number is 609-927-7377. Check them out at: www.thecrabpot.com.

We would highly recommend this restaurant. This is one restaurant that is on our list to visit every time we are in town. Give them a try. You will be glad you did. Till next time. Bye for now.

Alebrijes Restaurant, Vineland, New Jersey

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

Virginia Woolf

On our adventures around South Jersey, we met up with my brother, Howard and his wife, Linda to have lunch together. They told us about a great place they had found to eat not far from their home. They said they had a lovely breakfast there and were raving about the food and service. They said how good it was so we jumped in the car and headed to Vineland.

When we pulled into their parking lot, we couldn’t help but notice the small building painted with bright yellow paint with colorful looking surreal creatures hand painted on the walls. The paintings were full of color and just gorgeous. We stood there an admired the art work which made us all smile.

 

Linda, Howard, and Joe 

As we walked in, we were met by Manuel Paguay, the restaurants owner. He greeted us warmly and sat us at a nice table adorned with a white linen tablecloth. He introduced himself and we found him a very gracious and friendly host. Alebrijes had it’s grand opening celebration on July 26, 2019.

Just one of many Alebrijes.

Beautiful.

The inside of the restaurant was also full of color and was painted with bright yellow walls and orange ceiling with lovely rainbow colored sheer curtains. The atmosphere in the restaurant was bright and uplifting. It felt very cozy. There were quirky shaped display boxes with colorful sculptures of unusual creatures in them on the accenting the walls. When Manuel came to the table, we asked him about them and he gave us the back story.

Back in the 1930’s, Pedro Linares Lopez fell ill with a very high fever. It was high enough that he was delirious and had crazy dreams or hallucinations. When he woke up he spoke of what he had seen when he was ill. He said he was walking in a strange forest when he saw strange animals that he had never seen before. He saw donkeys with wings, roosters with horns, and many other interesting blended creatures that were all shouting “Alebrijes”.

When Pedro recovered, he began recreating these fantasy mythical creatures in cardboard and paper mache. In later years, they were made of wood and it is said that no two of these colorful animals are alike. We were fascinated at the story and loved the figurines displayed all around his restaurant. They were all so colorful and fun. All I can say, it that must have been interesting dreams Pedro was having.

After looking through the very unusual menu that includes both unique Mexican and Italian dishes, we each choose our meal. I ordered the Molcajete because the meal included chicken, fried cheese, and cactus. I never tried eating cactus and was willing to try after seeing the Mexican ladies at our local flea market scrapping and preparing them for cooking. It sounded very different so I figured I would give it a try. Joe ordered Paella and Howard and Linda ordered a Mexican chicken dish. We also ordered their guacamole with the colored tortilla chips for an appetizer.

Manuel Paguay

The best Guacamole ever. 

Mexican chicken dish.  Love the flower.  

Paella.  Yummy

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My amazing meal.   

Manuel got our drinks and came back and made the Guacamole at our table. It was amazing watching him make it. It was quite the work of art. When our meals came out, both Joe’s and mine where brought out in a lava bowl and they were well presented with a flower in the middle. What a sweet touch. The servings were very generous and after tasting it, we were all very impressed. Everything looked and tasted amazing.

In the nice weather, there is an outside patio if you want to eat your meal outside. He is open from 7 am for breakfast till 9 pm and is closed on Wednesdays. This restaurant is located at 305 N. Mill Road, Vineland, NJ and Manuel can be reached by calling 856-839-2750.

This was a total change of pace from the typical fare that we’d been eating and it was just perfect. We had great food and great company. What more could you ask for. We all left well satiated. If you are looking for a restaurant with great unique food, fun atmosphere, and friendly staff, this is the place. Stop by and sit a spell. You will not regret it. Till next time. Bye for now.