Margate Shows Sign Of Hope This Holiday Season

Margate Kicks off the Holiday Season with Shop Small Weekend 11/29 through 12/1 and the American Sign Language Santa and Friends Parade!

According to a Press Release from the Margate Has More website, while milder temperatures might not say ‘holiday’ to most, there’s no denying the fact the season is quickly approaching and the Margate Business Association is all in and ready to celebrate the Shop Small Business extravaganza beginning Friday, November 29 through to Sunday, December 1, presented by Lexus.  Local businesses will offer great sales, discounts, and contests for shoppers, highlighted by a parade through town by America Sign Language (ASL) Santa and some friends.

On Saturday, November 30 at noon, ASL Santa will travel from Coolidge Avenue and be escorted down the length of Ventnor Avenue by the Margate City Fire Department and the Margate City Police Department to Bocca Coal Fired Bistro, at Essex Avenue. Santa will accompany his dedicated elf and unicorn in his beach patrol sleigh.

Heading up the event is Miss New Jersey 2024 Elizabeth Mendel; Leslie’s Dance Studio dancers, who will perform to holiday favorites in front of Bocca; characters Darth Vader and Snoopy will ride high above the streets in the Margate 5-ton Storm Truck.  Atlantic County Utilities Authority CNG pickup truck will deliver Superman, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Atlantic City Division, will march the parade route. Lucy the Elephant (the inflatable version) will slowly make her way down Ventnor Avenue.

Santa, his elves, a unicorn, Darth Vader, and Snoopy will also be available for pictures and visits both outside of Bocca and then inside the restaurant where children can enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza and beverage along with a wrapped Wawa cookie (while supplies last). Also, opening this December, Na'cho Taco (corner of Essex & Ventnor Avenues) will have their Taco character ready to pose for pictures. USADJ will be offering Holiday Music and their prize wheel, and pianist Shawn Quigley will be performing inside Bocca.  The Marjorie and Lewis Katz JCC will be offering a free holiday craft and there will be a cornhole contest on Essex Ave. to win great prizes!

Margate children can drop off their letters to Santa at the North Pole via his slotted mailbox in the foyer of Bocca from Friday, November 29 to Sunday December 8 at 6 pm.

On Saturday, a scavenger hunt for coupons hidden in small holiday boxes (1 per person) will be placed throughout the business districts (nothing will be hidden inside a business) for coupons to great Margate businesses. Sustainable Margate will have environmental displays and information on Saturday at Bocca and participants can spin the wheel or play a quiz game to win prizes.  New Jersey Fairy Hair will be on hand at Bocca ready to adorn your hair with sparkly strand extensions. 

Tomahawk Steaks used to be a delicacy you could find only at the highest-end steakhouses. Today, they are sold at great places all over the Shore.

Living in New Jersey I grew up hearing about the famous New York City Steakhouses that have been around for generations. Morton's, Old Homestead, Peter Luger, Delmonico's, and the late great Ben Benson's, just to name a few.

Unfortunately, for me, I was relegated to the basically just the famous chain steakhouses that have dotted the suburbs for decades. Yup, it was Sizzler, Ponderosa, then later Outback, and Longhorn. All good in their own right, but not the same experience as I imagined a New York City Steakhouse would be. And definitely not places to find Tomahawk Steaks! 

Boy, how times have changed. The Jersey Shore is now peppered with wonderful small business steakhouses that have taken their steak game up a notch. Grass-fed, Wagyu, Kobe, you name it. However, it's the Tomahawk Steaks that dazzle the eyes and the pallet here at the Jersey Shore! 

According to the website Crowdcow , a tomahawk steak is a bone-in ribeye steak that has been trimmed to resemble the shape of a tomahawk, cut from the beef rib. It's a cut that includes the eye of the ribeye, the ribeye cap, and the complexus.

The long bone that is left whole and trimmed for a “Frenched” look is what makes the cut look like it has a ‘handle’ like a tomahawk axe. A tomahawk steak without the handle is also known as the cowboy steak. A typical tomahawk steak weighs about 1.5 pounds and is about 3 inches thick, but can be as massive as 2 pounds. It is a very flavorful cut of meat that is best cooked over high heat to bring out its natural flavor.

When cooked properly, it has a rich flavor and a tender texture. This steak is not only great for grilling but also for pan-searing, broiling, or roasting. It should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.

In the end, it's as much about the show and the primal macho presentation as it is the beef. Just ask our Promotions Coordinator, Atomic Rob, who polished off one of our local Tomahawk Steaks this weekend with his cousin Jack. He said it was marvelous. 

Now let's see where you can grab some perfectly prepared Tomahawk Steaks of your own at the Jersey Shore!

According to their website, Berkeley Cut, who's owners are the folks behind Bum Rogers Crab House next door, is a local, family owned and operated steakhouse restaurant in Seaside Park, that serves amazing dishes you won't find anywhere else. The Tomahawk is a 36 ounce, 28 day aged beauty, that will set you back $130.

Some say this is the top dog in the Tomahawk game. The Wagyu Hawk sells for around $200. However there are many steaks to choose from on the eclectic menu. But I mean look at this work of art.

According to Prime 13's website, the atmosphere is always warm, and the steak is always sizzling. We’re not your ordinary dining establishment; we’re a family-owned and operated establishment that takes pride in treating our guests like family. At Prime 13, you’re not just another customer; you’re a guest and friend in our home. The Tomahawk, 48oz Cedar River Farms CAB, Wood Fire Grilled, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Charred Asparagus, & P13 Steak Sauce goes for $130 and is built for 2.

According to Char's website their Tomahawk for 2 is a 40oz ribeye chop. prime, and dry aged. While you dine on your $150 hawk, you will enjoy landscaped views revealed by towering windows. Mahogany wood walls and ceiling treatments create an authentic steakhouse environment rivaled by none in the New Jersey dining scene.

Salt Steakhouse is a fully Kosher Steakhouse, located adjacent to the Wave Resort in Long Branch. Thursday is Tomahawk day, when they serve their 60 Day USDA Prime Dry Aged
Tomahawk BIG BOY, with Vidalia Onion Rings,  Marrow “Butter”, and Red Wine Shallot Sauce. Price not listed.

The Iron Whale is another fantastic creation by Tim McLoone and his restaurant group. Their $130  40oz Prime Cut Tomahawk Ribeye For Two features Brie Gratin Potatoes, Asparagus, and Chimichurri. Plus fantastic ocean views!

Sinner's is located right across from the Manasquan Inlet, offering great water views to go with their delicious menu. The most inexpensive of the Tomahawk Steaks on our list, this Hawk Ribeye for 2 costs $120. Plus, according to the website, it's brushed with Imported Olive Oil & Served with House Made Sinner’s Steak Sauce. Yum!