Let's start off with another bit from George Carlin, since he always something nice, well ok, funny, to say about New Jersey.
New Jersey must be the Toll Booth capitol of the world...
because I can't back out of my driveway without some schmuck in a hat asking me for 50 cents.
Anyway, yes we are in New Jersey, Wildwood to be exact, on vacation. Well, mostly vacation, the oldest is here for a dance competition at the end of the week, so we made a week long trip of it. This way we can all get more sunburned and do our part in reviving the local economy a dollar at a time along the boardwalk.
For those unfamiliar with the Jersey Shore (not beach, shore), and it's infamous boardwalks, it is essentially one big carnival, complete with arcades, rides, games and food. And I use the word food loosely, as if it isn't fried or contain grease, you can't find it on the boardwalk, ie "Fried Oreos' are very popular. Although, I am pretty sure I could survive the week on nothing but funnel cake and waffles and ice cream. Ok, maybe throw in the occasional cheese steak or slice of pizza.
For the uninitiated, 'waffles and ice cream' is more than just what it says. It has always been a staple over the years on the various Jersey boardwalks, but as with everything, it evolved, and not for the better. The originals consisted of fresh made waffles with a rectangle of napoleon ice cream (the strawberry, vanilla, chocolate combo) in the middle, but the last time we visited a few years ago, it seamed no one made it that way anymore. It had devolved into pre-made waffles and a scoop of Breyers! So this year we set out to find if anyone still made it the
right way. We found more than we ever bargained for.
We found
Pete's Pork Roll, owned by Pete, who also remembers the correct way of making waffles 'n' ice cream, and, as you can tell by the name, also knows the part of the pig you can only find in New Jersey, PORK ROLL, or Taylor Ham as some refer to the company that makes it. Pete is a long time boardwalk goer and wanted to bring back some tastes to the boardwalk that have been missing for many years. So we happily got our authentic waffles 'n' ice cream. My son, after having his first ever, asked when we are going back for more.
Which of course will be today so we can get our pork roll sandwich. Truly a New Jersey delicacy.
Can't believe the rides Kevin went on. The pink elephant with Mel was scary, and Deana's dancing was awesome.
Hope we can all do it again.