Crab Cakes in the Spotlight at Monmouth Park

This past weekend, Aug. 20 and 21, Monmouth Park played host to the 5th Annual Shore Chef Crab Cake Cook-Off. While the Crab Cakes were the center of attention, typical fair snacks and refreshments such as fresh lemonade, ices and zeppoles were present as desserts or just to wash down the tasty seafood.

The Larry Stevens Band was on hand entertaining the crowd with their country-tinged rock. Having released a new CD (“Mercer Street”) a few months back, LSB have opened up for many headline acts including Shania Twain, Todd Rundgren and Kenny Loggins. They will be returning to perform at Monmouth Park on Sept. 4.

Daniel Bartkewicz, star of Warren F. Disbrow’s “Haunted Hayride” and “Hate’s Haunted Slay Ride,” was on hand getting crab cake lovers to sign up for Fordcast.com’s car giveaway. Both movies are available through www.warrenfdisbrow.com.

Many crafters and vendors were on hand, including Bill and Lek of Frog, Dolphin, Dragon & More. Sound-producing animal figurines and animal-shaped whistles had Lek just as happy to be playing with their large selection as she was to be selling them. While they have no website, they can be found at many fairs like these.

Sunday was judgment day for the fine eateries that participated in the cook-off, as everyone had their eyes on the sky hoping that the thunderstorms would hold off long enough to make this day a success.

All I have to say is that I am glad that I didn’t have to judge because each contestant brought something special to the table with their crab cakes. The poor souls who had the task of judging this contest included Deborah Smith of www.jerseybites.com, Gina Glazier of www.ahungryteacher.blogspot.com, Tom Brennan (station manager for 90.5 The Night), Pete Genovese (Munchmobile driver) and Michele McBride (morning host for 90.5 The Night).      

Lizzmonade walked away with Best Of The Rest honors for their gourmet fresh fruit lemonade. won Best Of The Rest in the food category with their Cajun Grouper Sandwich. Meanwhile, won Best Presentation for their pirate-themed booth.

The remainder of the awards was based solely on one’s crab cakes. The Best Crab Cake honor went to the Mud City Crab Cake Company. The American Hotel won for the second time this year by taking home the People’s Choice vote.

While the tallies proved to be very close, everyone who participated was a winner! The thunderstorm warnings for the final day didn’t seem to keep anyone away, especially with the opportunity of tasting some of the best seafood on the Jersey Shore.