January can be given the title of the “worst of the months” if you ask me. The best holidays have just passed, and we’re as far from them as we are going to be in the year. The cold is really setting in in NYC and the summer months seem just as far away as the holidays. Then we all decide to make it a dry month challenge, what?! On the upside, the memories of the holidays are still fresh and worthy of discussing when great. That brings me to Christmas Eve dinner at The Lookout in Cape May, NJ, a highly underrated gem. Underrated because Google shows a 3.8 but this is certainly in the 4’s. It features a nice view, generous cocktails, and some tasty dishes that could warm even the Grinches heart.
Speaking of, the drink I ordered (pictured above) was created just for the season- a Christmas Cocktail. Not currently listed under the Libations portion of the menu, I cannot tell you what was in it. All I know is it was festive, merry, and bright. I typically stick to wine but had to have a couple of these to set the holiday mood. It tasted like Christmas in a glass and has me thinking the rest of their speciality cocktails are just as good. Pictured next to the Christmas Cocktail was my main selection, the Thai Fish Curry.
OK this picture is terrible. We all know it, but I was trying in a dimly lit room to get how saucy this dish is. Writing it even now I’m thinking perhaps that also sounds terrible- Sauced up Thai and fish and curry. But I cannot pass up a curry. If it is on the menu, chances are no matter the kind, I want to try it. And despite my terrible picture, or the odd combination the name indicates, this is a mouthful of flavors you do not want to pass up on!
The fish is pan-seared red drum. Red drum is a white fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways with a mild and sweet flavor, and a more firm texture. This makes it a good choice for everything going on in the dish. Chickpeas, zucchini, potatoes and corn are then added to the pan and covered in a red curry broth. From earthy to sweet, these vegetables are a lovely combination to add different flavors across the spectrum. Not to mention the vitamin and minerals going on here- mom would be proud. Red curry gives the real punch here. Made with several red chilies, coriander, cumin and a few other staple spices, it is only moderately spicy and incredibly versatile. Often it is used as a soup, that’s where the sauciness I tried to capture comes from. I could have spooned bowlfuls of this Thai curry just the same. Well-seared fish, and vegetables added in, and you have a lovely meal worth trying. Highly recommend for a dinner overlooking the water.
But alas, it was Christmas Eve so something a bit more traditional for the occasion was ordered. Steak frites with sweet potato fries and pesto. Hanger steak is tender and great for cooking as it is more flavorful thanks to coming from a part of the muscle cut that is not as used as other muscles. The pepper-crusted steak was ordered medium rare but it came medium (I think you can see in the picture, a bit too pink). Not one to eat meat not prepared how requested, I would have actually asked for a longer cook time but as I was sharing with someone who would like the steak rare, this turned out to be a happy accident. Anyways, nothing would be worse than overcooking and having a chewy, tough piece of meat. All in all, an enjoyable steak that is paired brilliantly with the pesto.
I’ve mentioned before my love for sweet potato fries so they were more or less the selling point. I did not expect what you see pictured above- 6 large slices of sweet potato fried with a garnish. Disappointed at first sight, all confusion at the serving size disappeared when I tried one fry. What on earth is on these? They are seasoned so well and crisped to fry perfection. Crunchy on the outside and melting on the inside, the flavor of sweet potato, herbs and the best “fry” you have ever had comes through. I keep it singular because I’ll leave the idea of receiving a plate or side of fries to something a bit more generous. Regardless, it is excellent. My only other comment is that this should be offered as a side to order on its own, it needs to come with every meal.
Both of these dishes were around the 4.2 to 4.5 stars mark. I am confused how the average review is 3.8 for The Lookout as the food was not only good; but, the location was enjoyable and the staff as friendly as can be. I’ve noticed a few of the negative reviews reference the cost and the cold weather. It won’t take you long to realize this is a restaurant on the water in an area that experiences all four seasons, including winter. It is bound to get cold, opt to sit inside if the weather app says it is below your comfort level. As far as the cost, I completely understand. Living in NYC has jaded my perception of cost reality so I haven’t let that alter the experience our server and the dishes of The Lookout provided. Worth a visit for those looking for a nicer dining experience in Cape May.
