For the first time since 2019, Philadelphia magazine will be able to celebrate its Best of Philly winners in style and in-person. Lively entertainment is a nightly happening at the Montreal Inn.. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. On July 13, 2022, all proceeds from one-dollar Crabfries sales will be given to the Fund to Assist Families of Fallen Police Officers. Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille located at 1025 Beach Avenue in Cape May, NJ, is firing up exciting changes in and out of the kitchen for the summer of 2022. The atmosphere is sublime, overlooking the ocean with lovely breezes and beach sounds. That was very difficult for my father, says Joe, to retrace steps, to see the big picture of what happened there when he was very confined to specific spaces during the war. The property sold to Madison Resorts LLC, a new company apparently named for the cross street of the Montreal. On any day or night, a constant is the sight of third generation Jonathan Hirsch checking out the scene, making sure the service, the drinks, the food, the music, and the atmosphere meets the familys expectations. There were people living in it. Radio preacher Carl McIntire bought Congress Hall in 1967, and to make a show of alcohol abstinence for his flock he moved the hotels bar onto the lawn and put the liquor license up for sale. Historic preservation has given us some of the best lodging, he said. They purchased a vacant property at Madison and Beach avenues. Cape Island was a fishing and whaling center in the 17th century, and in the 1800s and early 1900s, it began to attract visitors, including presidents and prominent Philadelphians. As people struggle to make ends meet more than ever due to the ever-changing economy, seafood boil chain Crab Du Jour has initiated a program to ease the pain of going out to dinner, by offering $5 off per check, up to $20, every night during July for every guest who dines at the restaurant from July 1st through July 31st. The Hirsch men, survivors that they are, made the best of a tragedy and decided to continue investing their energies and resources in the family business, a proper testament, they felt, to Sophies vision and hard work. accounts, the history behind an article. An emotional, important part of the golden year is honoring founders Harry and Sophie Hirsch. We are honored by the Hirsch family for placing their trust in Madison Resorts. All of the new decorating features were coordinated by Susan Davidson in earthy sand and sea colors, fabrics highlighted with nautical lighting, and wood and metal accents for a casual, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Heated swimming pool. For more about The Montreal, visit. He described their family stories as both unbelievable and awe-inspiring. Middle Twp, Pool Patio.. For decades, at least for a couple of weeks a year, Cape May County has had a bit of a Frenc. Avalon, Some new faces will be joining the team to continue providing optimal service. The Hirsch family, now four generations strong and proud of continued ownership, launched a year-long celebration of the Montreal Beach Resorts 50th anniversary, sharing its good fortune with newcomers and the many families who have become perennial vacationers. CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE After two years of closed borders, Cape May County wants its French-speaking Canadian visitors back this summer. The brothers, miraculously still traveling together, again defeated death and returned to Kucow, their village, to find no trace of their family. Text by Karen Fox Photographs by Michelle Giorla /. Many of the bed and breakfast inns that were synonymous with Cape May in the 1980s and 1990s have reverted to single-family homes or short-term rentals. Business owners say theres demand for more hotel rooms in Cape May. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Cardi Party brings a different vibe to Atlantic City, Atlantic City's homeless seek more than advocates say they're providing, Man shot himself on Wildwood beach, police say, Castellanos boils over after Cubs beat Phillies 6-2 in 10, Preparations underway for Phish, TidalWave Music Festival on Atlantic City beach, Sarkos named acting chief of the Atlantic City Police Department. The key thing is ensuring business owners continually reinvest into their product, Alicea said. Free Ice. The Hirsch family has owned the property for 55 years, since Harry and Sophie Hirsch went from chicken farmers in Vineland and Corbin City to the hospitality industry in Cape May. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. At our intimate Bar and Cocktail Lounge, tangy drinks are created by congenial mixologists. Wells Fargo Center, Aramark Sports + Entertainment, and Starr Restaurants, led by entrepreneur and James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr will open a new sit-down restaurant concept at Wells Fargo Center, home of the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and Philadelphia 76ers (NBA). They saw the potential in Cape May, which in 1966 was a quiet beach town while Wildwood drew the big summer crowds. Its been a really fun project, Hirsch said of the Boarding House. Culinary experiences for Harrys Ocean Bar & Grille will be getting a lift as they plan new updates to the menu and the addition of room service for hotel guests. The Hirsches contracted with one of the East Coasts top hospitality firms, DAS Architects of Philadelphia, to redesign the spaces. Plans also are in the works to renovate hotel rooms and the Cape May resort's lobby, according to its new owner, Madison Resorts. The award winning hotel features 69 rooms, a two story bar and restaurant with outdoor seating and a large heated pool. Immediate changes to The Montreal Beach Resort will be modest while retaining the identity of the beloved property. Stay tuned for more about events, updates and other news for The Montreal as the nice weather approaches and summer season comes into view. If all goes well, our hope would be to break ground sometime in the fall, said Eustace Mita, founder, chairman, and chief executive. Eustace Mita, poses for a photo in front of a former theater along Beach Ave. in Cape May, N.J. Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. And to be sure, our Cape May story doesnt end here. Half a century later, Memorial Day 2016, the success of the Montreal is legendary. Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille will add new food and beverages to its existing menu and offer room service under new ownership. Stone Harbor, Otherwise, youre going to be left behind., Alicea sees Madison becoming a luxury brand, but he said the hotel will keep the Cape May feel.. Culinary experiences for Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille will be getting a lift as they plan new updates to the menu and the addition of room service for hotel guests. Mayor Zack Mullock says he shares the concerns of those who have worked to preserve Cape Mays character. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Food news: phillygrub@gmail.com. The restaurant will replace The Grille at Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia and is expected to open in October at the start of the 2022-23 NHL and NBA seasons. This city is part of us, and we are part of this city, the statement reads. The Hirsch family continues to operate its other businesses in town, including The Boarding House, a pet-friendly, surf-themed hotel on Lafayette Street. There was a problem saving your notification. Travel tips: phillygrubtrips@gmail.com. As part of the birthday celebration, honeygrow will be gifting customers a free honeybar and launching a limited-time menu that pays homage to its roots. He was like a faucet that could not be turned off, says Larry. High expectations for a major boost in future tourism were generated by the opening of the Garden State Parkway along the length of New Jersey in 1964, making the cape more accessible from the north. Couples looking to tie the knot are invited to visit Old City bridal and suit shops, venues, restaurants, and wedding services. The three-story Montreal with 27 roomsfeaturing oceanfront sliding glass doors and balconieswas sturdy, built of steel, brick and concrete, to resist hurricanes and noreasters. Cape May bills itself as the nations oldest seashore resort, and its hotels have long attracted visitors looking for Victorian charm rather than the latest amenities. As with any project, he said, we would be taking a hard look at how it would mix with the streetscapes.. The Montreal Beach Resort in Cape May recently sold for an undisclosed purchase price. Over 30 of the regions most beloved restaurants and Montco Makers (craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries) will participate in the 2022 event, with businesses offering exclusive discount promotions throughout the month to visiting patrons. Ocean City, Change is coming as bed-and-breakfasts continue to disappear, and longtime beachfront hotel owners are retiring and selling out. Free Parking. A Rittenhouse sports viewing hotspot is on the move! Harry agreed, but did not tell Sophie until settlement day. Cape May, The roof deck is especially pleasant as the summer sun fades into sunsets and the town lights up. Chef Jose Garces welcomes Chef Dane DeMarco (they/them) as the next Chef in Residency at Volvr on Kimmel Cultural Campus. Welcome to the exciting world of the MONTREAL RESORT MOTEL, exclaimed the advertising. honeygrow, the Philadelphia born-and-bred fast casual restaurant thats widely known for fresh stir-frys, salads, and honeybars will celebrate its 10th Birthday with an epic day-long event on Tuesday, June 14. Now 37, Hirsch said the Canadian visitors were a big part of his familys history. Just 28 B&Bs are operating in Cape May, down from more than 70 at the height of the boom, said Doreen Talley, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May. Hersik, by now 21, and his brother Josef both evaded death during eight months of imprisonment at Auschwitz. Though wary, she did not stop the purchase. Another dream of theirs come true: home-style cooking served on white linen tablecloths, as advertised. In January 1945, Warsaw and Krakow fell to advancing Russian troops. In a Philadelphia neighborhood that has experienced tremendous expansion and development, Vanessa Wong founded Fishtown Social in 2016, a natural wine shop and bar that has enjoyed considerable success. The sale price has not been disclosed. Hotel owners said theyve seen more diverse visitors since the pandemic put a crimp in air travel. Joe joined his father for a trip to the home village Kucow in the 1970s when the country was still under Soviet Union communist rule. People love sitting outside, but to have a spot under cover if the weather takes a turn. The roof deck is like an open air living room with couches and chairs and picnic tables with umbrellas. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, To understand the scope of the death there, to see the railroad tracks where the boxcars filled with Jewish prisoners came in, the high barbed wire, the gas chambers, the smokestacks still standing. What most locals did not know is that soon after the 62 Noreaster, Harry Hirschs friend Sid Hess approached him with a proposition. Television. The camera light came on and Harry Hirsch, in fragile health, talked for two hours straight, telling in detail his experiences during Hitlers reign of terror. Among the decisions was to pay tribute to the patriarch, renaming the restaurant Harrys, with his face on the logo. Some still come, although it is not as significant a portion as it once was. Canadian vacationers were a considerable percentage of the summer visitors for years. To do that, we opened up the restaurant area, maximizing spectacular water views with a new bar offering easy access to the terrace and outdoor dining area. We'd love to hear eyewitness When we opened our first B&B, quaint and charming was all that we needed, said Carroll, who owned and operated the Mainstay Inn on Columbia Avenue for 33 years. Dignified Dining is the hallmark of our splendid Restaurant and Dining Room. Returning for the first time in three years, the spectacular Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square celebrates light and culture with magnificent steel-framed, and silk-wrapped giant lighted sculptures. Upper Twp & Lower Twp, More than 45 locations will open their doors and offer consultations, demos, tastings, and tours. that is degrading to another person.Be Proactive. 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We are humbled that you kept joining us year after year, generation after generation, the statement reads. READ MORE: Threatened by demolition, beloved Jersey Shore Victorian gets a second chance in Cape May. person will not be tolerated.Be Truthful. My father assured them, No, no. But Harry didnt fuss, wore a t-shirt bearing his name and face, and enjoyed a big party in his honor in 2010 when the restaurant and hotel reopened after extensive renovations. Preservation groups want to save a mid-century motel lobby in Wildwood Crest, Cape May County tries to lure back Canadian visitors, Local Holocaust survivor to speak at virtual Stockton event, Renault Winery owner buys former Sea Oaks Golf Resort in Little Egg, #10623_011622_Press of AC-Montreal Beach Resort map.pdf, Final weather forecast before another winter storm begins in NJ, Hawaii couple with possible KGB ties charged with stealing ID's of dead babies, Michigan woman had bullet lodged in head for nearly a week: 'I have no recollection', Oregon wildfire suspect tied to tree by citizens who caught him, sheriff says, This incredible 3D dogs is leaping across screens in Tokyo. The recent decision to delay reopening the U.S.-Canadian border has ended Cape May Countys , They really had a hell of an upbringing, he said this week. This will include a fully upgraded lobby and hotel rooms. or anything.Be Nice. He was, after all, a humble man, says Joe. One of the longest family-owned and operated businesses in Cape May, the Montreal Beach Resort and Harrys Ocean Bar and Grille have finally changed hands after 56 years in business. The Dragon is back! The Transformation of 1069: The Demolition. He still feels a deep connection to the place. Please subscribe to keep reading. He was transported to the Lodz Jewish ghetto where, a few days later, he happilyand luckilyfound his older brother Josef. The Nazis blew up crematoriums, shot prisoners and released thousands on a death march for hundreds of miles in wintry weather. In-Room Music. Things to See and Do in Cape May, New Jersey, The NJ Bucket List - Must-See Places In New Jersey, Best Boardwalk Drinks Margaritaville in Atlantic City, NJ, America's Oldest Boardwalk Holds Le Dner en Blanc in Atlantic City. Check-ins are done by mobile app, and in-room iPads help guests learn about the hotel and the city. The sale includes Harrys, a bar and grille with rooftop dining and ocean views, and The Wine Cellar. Our father had never dwelled on the past. GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP Holocaust survivor and Ventnor resident Betty Grebenschikoff will share her memories of Kristallnacht, a night of violence, LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP The company that owns Renault Winery on Tuesday said it has acquired the former Sea Oaks Golf Resort in a transac, Meteorologist Joe Martucci has the final forecast before snow, wind and some rain strike New Jersey. Sids opened in 1963 and became a popular watering hole, with the Hirsches as part owners for a decade; it continued operating successfully for years after the Hirsches involvement ended. They married in May of 1947, but it was not until 1951 that they were able to gather the finances and clearances to sail to Philadelphia and where they became Harry and Sophie Hirsch. We dont want to create phony Victorian, but we really like things that pick up architectural features seen around historic Cape May, he said. The hotels been a part of my life since I was a little kid. The Montreal mirrored the new automobile-friendly motels popping up in Wildwood; in fact, the Montreal was designed by the very architect who used the same template for several Wildwood motels. Alicea paid $23 million, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. Oftentimes, we can fill up in the summer thats traditional, Bashaw said, but to fill up the rest of the year every weekend, youve got to have activities for your guests.. Cape May, according to Mita, is a five-star resort with only one five-star hotel the 200-plus-year-old Congress Hall, restored by Cape Resorts and its managing partner Curtis Bashaw 20 years ago. Many died along the way, while others broke into smaller groups, still under the surveillance of German soldiers, who at times resorted to firing squads, killing innocents at random. That same year of 2009, third generation Jonathan Hirsch returned home to the family business, having graduated from Boston University with a degree in hospitality management and working at establishments in New England and Atlantic City. Coincidentally, principals of the firm, David Schultz and his wife Susan Davidson, live part time in Cape May where they fell in love with each other, and the town, years ago when sailing Davids J-27 from the Corinthian Yacht Club. Instead of building new structures, Cape Resorts renovates, restores, and preserves existing properties.. It fell out of favor in the late 1900s, due in part to competition from Atlantic City and Newport, R.I. Except for January, February, and some of March, Cape May has become pretty year-round, with bird-watching in the spring and fall, and holiday events in December, said Tom Carroll, a former B&B owner and current vice president of the citys Historic Preservation Commission. The proposal will need the go-ahead from the Historic Preservation Commission, which works with the city to consider the appropriateness of new development and modifications to existing structures, according to its website. Sign up for a digital subscription to The Press of Atlantic City now and take advantage of a great offer. Keep it Clean. The familys statement wished Madison Resorts great success. They, too, visited Auschwitz. Although you will still find that atmosphere the entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark there are signs of change. Harry passed away the next year, on August 20, 2011. With their 8th Annual Crabfries for Heroes event, Chickie's & Pete's is once again honoring National French Fry Day and raising money for the Fraternal Order of Police Survivors Fund. He was remembered for being an unforgettable character who always drove pick-up trucks he named Betsy, and acknowledged as one of largest owners of Cape May properties on the Washington Street Mall and beach front. We watched your families grow, as you watched ours. He met Sofia Gross in 1947 in a line at a displaced persons camp. It worked, Hirsch said. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry crossing Delaware Bay also debuted in 1964, making possible vehicular traffic to and from neighboring Delaware and all points south. THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY Celebrates National Cheesecake Day With New Flavor, Its Ros Season-Two Wonderful Selections for Summertime, Marina P. Kennedy's writing career led her from freelancing opportunities in New Jersey and New York to writing forBroadwayworld.comwhere she covers entertainment, the culinary scene, (read more about this author), National Tequila Day on 7/24-Get Ready to Celebrate, Grand Carnivale: The Lehigh Valleys International Festival of 2022 at Dorney Park, Mayor Eric Adams and NYC & Company Kick Off 30th Anniversary of NYC RESTAURANT WEEK, "My wife was born and raised in Cape May County, now operating a piece of its history is a childhood dream coming true for both of us. Still under way were the vigorous clean-up and fix-up projects following the destructive Ash Wednesday Noreaster of 1962 that pummeled property for three days, tearing up Convention Hall and damaging the boardwalk, homes and businesses. He described operating a piece of Cape May history as a dream come true for himself and his family. WILDWOOD CREST With the local Zoning Board set to hear plans to transform a beachfront motel into condominiums, several people have organize, CORBIN CITY A long freight train blocked traffic along several intersections in the city last week, Mayor Robert Schulte said during Monday. They existed in the ghetto, laboring under Nazi control, until SS officers arrived one day and loaded the brothers into a box car stuffed with humanity. Larry says it was not the path he had chosen, but he had no other choice than to put his future in the Montreal with his father and brother. Cape May has diversified itself so its not one-dimensional. Use the 'Report' link on No worrieswe are just visiting., And they visited Auschwitz, the death camp, where Harrythrough wit, work and luckhad survived. Alicea is the former vice president of Vivamee, the parent company of Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City. Work is underway on upgrades to the rooms and the lobby, and he also plans upgrades to Harrys, including new menu items and more live music. Her sons were in BaltimoreJoe in boarding school, Larry just graduated in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland. Changes will include fully upgraded hotel rooms and the lobby. Since its launch in 2017, Five Iron Golf has re-introduced urban golf culture by combining golf, technology, and entertainment to make golf enjoyable and accessible for all. They paid $12,200 for the beachfront lot at Beach and Madison Avenues and built the Montreal for $170,000. It already owns two hotels along the beach the Icona at 1101 Beach Ave. and the recently purchased Capri at 1033 Beach Ave. Memorial Day weekend, 1966: a new contemporary kid on Beach Avenue threw open the doors for beach lovers in what was still sleepy old Cape May. New life plans for Hersik inspired hope, romance and happiness. Chefs in Residence display their top signature recipes on the Volvr menu for six to eight weeks, alongside Chef Garces' signature French-inspired meals, as part of the Chefs in Residence Program at Volvr. It was a good time to be the new kid on Beach Avenue and poised for success. Our team is made up of individuals with their own entrepreneurial drive and creative mindset. Then in 1974, at the age of 48, she was stricken with cancer. Given that so many B&B rooms were lost back to single-family housing, I think there is the opportunity to create more hotel rooms, Bashaw said. Nineteen Eleven BYOB, the newish restaurant from chefs Jon Raffa and Michael Gingras, located at 1911 East Passyunk Avenue, has debuted a new summer menu, added Sunday brunch, and collaborated with Chef Janine Bruno on a new pasta with a charitable initiative and a nod to a Philadelphia legend. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Having one grandparent as a survivor and another with the resistance, it really makes me proud of what they did, Hirsch said. Their youth and stamina were a saving grace. Im definitely noticing younger people coming and more minorities coming, Lokals Ludeman said. "My wife was born and raised in Cape May County, and now managing part of her history is a childhood dream come true for both of us. Threatened by demolition, beloved Jersey Shore Victorian gets a second chance in Cape May, the appropriateness of new development and modifications, California residents do not sell my data request. Attractions such as these are part of what separates Cape May from other Shore towns that tend to close up in the offseason, hotel owners say. The family house was still there, says Joe. That Memorial Day 50 years ago culminated a dream come true for owners Harry and Sophie Hirsch, immigrant chicken farmers, poultry and produce suppliers from Corbin City, 30 miles north of Cape May. The new owners will retain most of the long-term resort and restaurant staff. We are grateful to the generations of guests who called the Montreal their summer home. If you already have an account (i.e. That evening he had a major and frightening nightmare. Theres now a large window from the restaurant to the liquor store, the Wine Cellar, and tasting areas for wines and craft beers. On the second level is a rooftop deck bar and lounge with a canopy featuring one of the best panoramic ocean views in Cape May and an area for live music. December is just about as busy as June or September.. Dennis Twp, Harry and Sophie were swift to purchase it, and swiftly utilized it to its full potential by opening the Montreal Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in 1971. We are humbled and honored to the Hirsch family for putting their trust in Madison Resorts, he said. Meanwhile, business at the Montreal was booming. The assessed value of the property is just over $10 million, according to city records. The place will retain its identity, he said. She is currently building on this accomplishment and planning her next two endeavors at the Jersey Shore. Son Jonathan says it was an emotional, humbling experience. He was 88 years old. Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts. The family business also has commercial real estate investments on the Washington Street Mall, the beachfront of Cape May and the Ocean City Boardwalk, he said. Among the musicians performing this summer, a local trio, The Squares, played the roof deck on Tuesday evenings in June. The hotels invisible service means theres no on-site staff. On Thursday, August 4th, guests are invited to taste food from Best of Philly-winning restaurants, enjoy live entertainment, and take part in celebrating the best Philly has to offer, as the party will take place by the fountain at Dilworth Park, located at 1 S. 15th Street in Philadelphia. The Montreal Beach Resort, located at 1025 Beach Ave, will be keeping the same name for the immediate future as well as much of the long-time staff. Cape May can continue to advance itself and still keep its charm and character, Madison Resorts Alicea said. The Montreal Beach Club in Cape May, NJ is under new ownership. As perhaps one of the longest family owned and operated businesses in Cape May, the Montreal Beach Resort and Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille have finally changed hands after 56 years in business. You have permission to edit this article. - Dan Alicea, Founder Madison Resorts. The team at Madison Resorts will be bringing in some fresh faces to add a new level of operations, marketing, and hospitality to the property. My husband and I got married there, and that color has such a special place in our hearts, one Facebook commenter said. Carroll, vice chair of the commission, declined to comment specifically on Iconas plan. For more details about The Montreal, click here: www.montrealbeachresort.com. Mita wants to build on the site of the former Beach Theater in a strip mall that Icona purchased at a foreclosure auction four years ago, along with the adjacent property. Festival goers can expect a unique USVI cultural experience in Philadelphia. You can cancel at any time. Cape Resorts operates several other properties in Cape May, including the Virginia and the Star in the center of town and the ocean-facing Sandpiper Beach Club and Beach Shack. Their Montreal Motel three stories, 27 rooms, pull-in parking and a pool across from the ocean was similar to the design of the Wildwood motels, later to be described as doo-wop. Today, there are 69 rooms at the Montreal Beach Resort, a restaurant, a pool and the citys only beachfront liquor store, The Wine Cellar.