By Danielle Davies
We’re just a week out from Thanksgiving, and all the gluttony that comes with it. From turkey and gravy and mashed potatoes to stuffing and casseroles and pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving — even when you veer away from the traditional turkey — has a certain flavor. And while we’re big fans of the Thanksgiving Day feast and subsequent days of leftovers, consider this your annual reminder that there are other — non-turkey related — foods in the world. Here are five places to indulge your taste buds before you’re overwhelmed with the flavors of Thanksgiving.
- SeaPark
For the freshest of the fresh, visit one of Ocean City’s newest eateries. SeaPark features an array of standard sushi including things like dragon and shrimp tempura rolls and specialty rolls like Asbury Roll (made with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, king crab, regular cranberry mayo, crunch, eel sauce, spicy mayo, fish egg and scallion); bowls and bento boxes from a salmon teriyaki bowl to a shrimp bento box; a huge variety of lobster rolls; poke bowls and more. SeaPark is located at 803 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. See SeaParkUS.com.
- Sack O’Subs
Hungry? Consider an icon. Head to one of several Sack O’Subs locations for some of the best subs and pizza around. From the Italian Hot Sausage Parmigiana Sub and Pepper and Egg Sub to the plain old cheesesteak, Sack O’Subs nails the hand-held sandwich. But it’s also a great option for vegetarians (think vegetarian calzones made with ricotta, mozzarella and fresh veggies, and the portabella and roasted peppers sub) and those with a hankering for pasta and seafood dinners. Sack O’Subs is located at 926 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. See SackOSubs.com.
Ernest and Son Meat Market
Sure, you could go to Ernest and Son for some excellent cuts of meat. But if you’d rather save the cooking for Thanksgiving Day, let Ernest and Son do the work and indulge in one or more of their sandwiches. There are a bunch, including some clever ways to eat some leftover turkey, but we love the chicken cutlet sandwiches. From the “Pop Pop” chicken cutlet with roasted pepper, spinach and provolone to the “Talleyano” chicken cutlet with prosciutto, sharp provolone and long hots, these are sandwiches on another level. Ernest and Son is located at 3305 Brigantine Ave., Brigantine. See ErnestAndSon.com.
- Las Olas Taqueria
If tacos are on the mind, head to Las Olas Taqueria, where tacos are really just the tip of the iceberg. Loads of burritos — pulled pork, Mahi Mahi, shrimp, steak and more — plus quesadillas as varied as pork shoulder and short rib to tofu chorizo and chicken and nacho plates like tuna and pulled pork nachos make up a significant portion of the menu as well. And, of course, there are tacos galore, including a selection of vegan options. Las Olas Taqueria is located at 4 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Unit #4, Marmora. See LasOlasTaqueriaNJ.com.
- Ready’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant
We’ve all done it — eaten leftover cold turkey for breakfast — but why not go for a traditionally delicious breakfast at one of Ocean City’s oldest breakfast shops? Head to Ready’s for omelets and eggs, pancakes and bacon, chocolate milk, and thick and delicious milkshakes, or skip breakfast and go straight for lunch. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. Ready’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant is located at 415 E. 8th St., Ocean City.
