The Point, a tiki bar in Somers Point, turned into an extraordinary celebration of Mardi Gras in July on Monday, July 21 as the Jersey Gumbo Cook Off and Music Festival made its annual return. Hosted by Tony Mart Presents, the festivities were underway early as nearly a dozen local chefs and restaurants created their tastiest gumbo for all to try. This year’s award-winning gumbo was created by Chef David Goldstein and the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey crowned the 2025 Gumbo King. Executive Chef Phil Gormley and the Smithville Inn won the People’s Choice Award.
There was festive energy throughout the event as local and national musicians took to the stage. Headlining this year’s show included a Louisiana music showcase of Fiddles Guitar and Squeezebox by Heather “Lil Mama” Hardy, along with the amazing sounds of Denny Scheffler and the Twisted Livin’ Band, plus Billy Walton, “Old School” Jimmy Glenn and Waynard Scheller from Dead Zep and the Bob Weir Band.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
