As parents, we feel very lucky that Clay and Syd have both chosen mates who are fabulous people and we enjoy their company.
We are off to Wildwood which is on the New Jersey shore.
It's raining with lots of low clouds as we pass through the Pennsylvania Mountains.
Lowlands approaching Wildwood.
The French Bistro where Clay and Tiff worked for the summer.
Clay, Tiff and another chef - Rob.
We are greeted at Claude’s Restaurant in Wildwood like long, lost friends by the staff when we tell them that we are Clay’s parents. Tiff and Clay come out of the kitchen and greet us and introduce us to the owner, Claude, and we instantly understand why the kids have liked working with him so much this summer. What a wonderful man, so sincere and warm and has nothing but fabulous things to say about how Clay and Tiff have been so amazing to work with. He insists that we join in for a staff going away dinner party that night which we graciously accept. Clay then sends out a lobster appetizer to tide us over until dinner....delicious. What a greeting!
We head to Clay and Tiffs apartment and get another great greeting from the Grand Dog, Shredder.
Clay and Tiff's apartment on the top floor!
Who Dat???
We take Shred... or rather he takes us for a walk to the beach. It is an enormously wide beach with wild surf crashing in and goes on for at least 5 miles, three of which house a board walk flanked with stores, restaurants and amusement parks on both sides. The water is surprisingly warm for the Atlantic Ocean.
Crabs for sale with painted shells!
Devil sticks...you still have it Clay!
The next few days are spent eating, walking, talking and catching up on each other’s lives and how they are about to change so drastically in the coming weeks. Wildwood is Philadelphia’s summer playground so we try all kinds of Philly food. South Philly has taken Italian cuisine and developed many of its own dishes. There is scrapple, cheese steak, ham roll, chipped beef, red gravy, and many more. We enjoyed them.
"Shuddup" as Tiff would say.
Chipped beef
We meet friends of theirs, another Clayton, and his girlfriend Colleen and have dinner at The Beach restaurant where Colleen works. We are served the most amazing oysters that I think I have ever eaten along with other appetizers, too many to mention...all were amazing!
Thursday, Tiff took us to Cape May ...what a town! Somewhat elitist, with summer homes that rival those in Newport, RH. Some, I swear must be at least 10,000 sq ft. HUGE!
Holy gingerbread batman!
Harbor
We had a really fun time. Clay and Tiff are very happy and our looking forward to their own adventure.
They have bought a Mini Winnie (small Winnibago) and are going to travel in the South Eastern USA. The plan is to "stage" restaurants with a chef who they like. You apply to the chef for a " stage" and if you are accepted you work for a few days to learn how the chef works and you receive food to taste as your pay. It is a wonderful education.
For our readers: Be sure to check out "Chef Clayton Purchase" on Facebook to see what he is cooking up these days and while you are there CLICK LIKE!
Sadly, we leave the kids about noon on Friday making them promise to consider Mexico on their destination agenda!
We wish you much luck with your new adventure! Have a blast! Love ya lots!
