It was time for the 30th Annual Belmar Seafood Festival! Usually held in June, the very popular festival was moved a month earlier this year in hopes of avoiding shutting down the town due to way too many people. I made sure to do it right this year. I rented a lovely apartment a block away and stayed overnight. The festival started at 11am and we made sure to get there early both days.
30th Annual Seafood Festival
Saturday called for some rain and clouds, but it turned out to be a gorgeous day. It was nice and sunny, and the rain held off until after 6pm.
Silver Lake Park
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to the seafood fest. One particular food I remember enjoying was the blackened scallop kabobs.
Blackened Kabobs
These were not as good as I remembered. They didn’t have that nice seasoned sear and should have been on the flat top a bit longer. I later found out that there was another kabob stand! Oops.
Scallop Kabobs
We had to get some whole lobsters, clams, and lots of butter.
Lobster and Clams
Boiling Pots Everywhere
Shellfish
I had to have some oysters. I headed to Tony’s for a dozen.
Tony’s
The oysters were extremely fresh and oh so good. I really liked the red pepper vinegar they offered too.
Fresh Oysters
Live Music
Captain Dave’s
Fried Foods Galore
Butterfly Shrimp
Calamari and Clam Strips
Beer Tent
Summer Ale
Chips and Cheese
Dessert
Fried Oreos
Day 2
As much as I wanted to go to Ike’s the day before, the line was just too long. I made sure not to miss it this time and headed there first thing in the morning.
Ike’s Famous Crab Cakes
They were still getting ready, but took orders and started cooking everything.
Looks Good
The crab cakes looked good, but I could not pass on the soft shell crab sandwich. At only $10 each, this was one of the best values of the festival.
Soft Shell Crab Sandwich
The soft shell crab was nice and crispy, straight out of the fryer. I chose to get them royale style topped with coleslaw and sriracha sauce. Yum!
Royal Style
Sriracha and Coleslaw
Peel and Eat Shrimp
Ah there’s the other blackened kabobs stand! I had to have another blackened scallop kabob.
(Better) Seafood Kabobs
These scallops seemed to be a bit bigger and they had the seasoned crust that the other one was lacking.
Blackened Scallops
Red Snapper
Lobster
Tables
The Bahamian food stand caught my eye. I was looking for something different and they were offering some tasty looking food.
Bahamian Food
Conch Fritters
Chipstix
Salt & Vinegar
Ice Cream Waffles
Funnel Cake
I really enjoyed the seafood festival this year and made the most of it. You can’t avoid the crowds, but I’m so glad we rented a place nearby and stayed overnight, it definitely made things easier. There are plenty of tasty seafood offerings to try. Everything we had was very good and there was so much more we would have liked to try. We’re gonna have to return next year!
What was your Favorite Dish at the festival?
Belmar Seafood Festival
Silver Lake Park
5th and Ocean Ave
Belmar, NJ 07719
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