A Tribute To Boardwalk Foods

By now everyone knows what has happened to the famed Seaside Heights, NJ boardwalk.A terrible fire destroyed most of it and the many food stands on it. Thanks to this boardwalk and others up and down our coast an entire cuisine has sprung up. It's an interesting  and always fun mish mosh of savory and sweet.Anyone who has grow  up here can attest to that.

The boardwalk started in 1868 in the furthest southernmost  Garden State point, Cape May. It was first a place to stroll and take in the sea air. Other towns such as Atlantic City, in 1870 Point Pleasant and Asbury Park along with Wildwood followed suit. It was only a matter of time before food stands dotted them. The early ones were probably nothing elaborate with a few clam or oyster sellers or men who sold ears of boiled corn., The Great Depression of the 1930's brought burger and hot dog stands, Atlantic City was known for its' famed pork roll sandwiches instead. Pizza and fries were added later on and still are beach time faves.

Of course nothing beats Jersey Shore candy. Atlantic City was the first , making the tasty treat in the late 1800's.Fralinger's the famed candy store, often seen in the HBO hit "Boardwalk Empire" made it then and still makes it now in a variety of flavors. Of course they and their competitor, James' Candy  are known for their molasses paddles as well as those heavenly chews - haystacks. The boardwalk is also famous for those addictive candy and caramel apples as well as big puffs of cotton candy. There are also stands that feature frozen custard and chocolate covered bananas. Pennsylvania Dutch import  the funnel cake as well as those fried dough blobs zeppolis are another boardwalk standard.

There is nothing as good and decadent as boardwalk cuisine. Hopefully Seaside Heights will serve the same tasty bounty as they have done for decades.It's what they're all about .It's what the Jersey shore is all about too.