Jersey Shore Food History: Victorian Feasts to Boardwalk Treats

by Karen L. Schnitzspahn, Margaret Buchholz (Foreword)

No trip to the Jersey Shore would be complete without indulging in the cuisine that helps make it famous. These foods we enjoy today are part of a long tradition beginning in the Victorian era, when big oceanfront hotels served elaborate meals. Diverse dishes and restaurants emerged during prohibition and the Great Depression, when fast food appeared and iconic boardwalk treats developed. Predating the farm to table movement, fancy and fast eateries have been supplied by local fishermen and farmers for decades. So whether you indulge in a tomato pie, pork roll or salt water taffy, take a mouthwatering historical tour and discover timeless treats from Sandy Hook to Cape May.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Travel

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2012

About the author

"Jersey girl" Karen L. Schnitzspahn, a New Jersey writer and historian, is the author or coauthor of numerous books and articles about the New Jersey Shore. She has won awards for her writing and efforts to preserve the history of Monmouth County. With a background of studies in art and theater, she takes a special interest in theatrical history and in the art of puppetry."

Reviews

[Janelle Metzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a foodie like me and enjoy the Jersey Shore for all of its boardwalk treats this is a book for you. It was so interesting to learn the history of so many New Jersey businesses which have been around since the late 1880’s-early 1900’s.

Some of my favorites were Kohr Brother’s ice cream, history of salt water taffy, history of fudge, and of course Max’s Hot Dogs in Long Branch.

The author has chapters on prohibition era, Victorian era, and the history of produce and farming in New Jersey too.

There are recipes throughout the book of so many favorite treats, seafood dishes, etc.

The black and white photos of the many places I have visited on the Jersey shore were the best part. My favorite was the horse drawn ice cream cart delivering ice cream to beach goers in Atlantic City in the early 1900’s.

A walk back in time and perfect to read as I head into summer.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other than minor editorial errors ('William' Hershey founded a chocolate empire??)an enjoyable read with a few neat recipes.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book. The perfect narrative of New Jersey Shore food history, combined with vintage photos, postcards, and recipes, as well as information on a few of today's "finds". I am not from New Jersey (I'm west coast), but so many of these eateries have some level of fame in movies and entertainment history that I believe anyone interested in these old establishments will find it interesting.

[Jenn Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this book that explains the back stories of the Jersey shore's most famous foods.-JW

[Shant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the division by historical period and food type (seafood, farming, alcohol, and snacks). I realized I took the Jersey Shore's size for granted while reading this book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote down the names of several seafood restaurants that have existed for many, many years and hope we can visit some of them when we head to the Jersey shore.

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun and easy to read.

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting food history book about New Jersey. Old pictures were great throughout!

For the rest of my review, visit my Vlog at:

https://youtube.com/shorts/JjdA1vRL-O...

Enjoy!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great Christmas gift. From the earliest Shore tourism - duck-hunting, berrying, and bathing parties - to today, the food has been one of the major draws of the region. The author, who clearly knows and loves the Shore, describes the food culture of Shore vacationers in changing eras, listing plenty of favorites and giving their origin stories or family genealogies. I found several "to-do list" items to visit the next time I'm there, and enjoyed the celebration of my personal favorites as well as some intriguing tales of places sadly no longer standing.