Many of South Jersey’s finest chefs are preparing their secret recipes and strategies in hopes of claiming first place at the Jersey Gumbo Cookoff & Louisiana Music Festival, beginning at 3 p.m. Monday, July 13, at the The Point Tiki Bar, 998 Bay Ave., on Somers Point’s historic bayfront.
The free festival features free parking and more than six hours of outstanding live entertainment, including traditional New Orleans music, rock ‘n’ roll, Americana from Dead Reckoning and the uptown funk of New Orleans favorite Soul Project NOLA, a band that once performed with the legendary Walter “Wolfman” Washington.
Dead Reckoning will also be joined by Margate’s Malcolm Tent on accordion.
For fans of traditional New Orleans music, R&B and spirited second-line celebrations, the Plaid Salmon Horns will join Soul Project NOLA for an unforgettable parade-style party.
Returning to defend his 2025 People’s Choice title is Executive Chef Philip Gormley of Smithville Inn, whose luxurious lobster gumbo has been described as tasting like lobster bisque transformed into a rich, creamy gumbo with just the right amount of Cajun spice.
Tony Mart Cares is also honored to welcome Executive Chef David Goldstein of the American Culinary Federation Chefs Association of South Jersey, who will prepare a traditional chicken and sausage gumbo featuring a closely guarded secret spice blend.
Chef Mohammad of The Golden Pyramid will once again showcase his signature Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Known for exceptionally fresh, hand-selected ingredients, his distinctive take on gumbo promises to be one of the festival’s most unique offerings.
Somers Point favorite Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar also returns to the competition. A previous People’s Choice winner, Gregory’s has long been recognized as one of the Jersey Shore’s premier family restaurants.
Making its Gumbo Cookoff debut this year is Northend Grill. James House and Angelo Di Bartolo, known for outstanding barbecue, hearty breakfasts and bold smoky flavors, are expected to bring a distinctive barbecue-inspired twist to the competition.
Traveling from Wildwood Crest is newcomer Dr. Raymond Talucci, a retired surgeon and devoted culinary enthusiast. The good doctor has been hard at work developing a recipe filled with surprises that could challenge this year’s all-star field.
Additional competitors will be announced as they are confirmed. Follow updates on Facebook, tune in to Tony Mart Presents Music, Food, Fun & Travel Saturdays at noon on 1450 AM and 95.5 FM, or visit TonyMart.com for the latest news.
The Point Tiki Bar, one of the Jersey Shore’s largest waterfront tiki destinations, offers private cabana rentals, tropical cocktails, frozen drinks and plenty of cold beer. Guests can sample unlimited gumbo from 3 to 6 p.m., watch the judging beginning at 6:30 p.m., then stay for an evening of world-class music on the bay.
The festivities continue until at least 10 p.m.
This is what July at the Jersey Shore is all about.
Laissez les bons temps rouler — let the good times roll!
