410 Bank Street
Welcome back to another review of one of the esteemed “Cape May Classic” restaurants. What qualifies a classic to be considered (in our opinion) a classic, you ask? What exactly are our criteria and what’s on that yardstick? It’s pretty simple, really. Things like longevity, location, consistency, quality, originality, excellent service, reliability, convenience—all the things (and more) that we as patrons appreciate and—dare I say—expect.
On a little side street, a block or so from Washington Street Mall, sits 410 Bank Street—its name as well as its address. Unassuming at first glance, this 1840s carriage house has been transformed into a cozy and intimate restaurant. Upon entering, you pass some of their outside seating, to an oasis of a canopy leading toward even more outside seating, and up the few steps to the entrance. 410 Bank, as we call it, is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the county. Considering the huge number of restaurants in this area, that’s saying something!
My dining partner was AnnMarie, who is always enthusiastic to join me in taking on this delightful task of eating at wonderful restaurants—what a trooper she is. We were seated immediately at “my usual” table in the front dining area, as I had requested in my online reservation. It’s a perfect spot for people watching. Other seating is available in the main dining room and in the enclosed covered garden seating. Our waiter, Dean, arrived promptly and was charming and helpful, giving us a little time to
peruse the menu while also considering the specials for the evening. Chef Ron Panczner’s menu is sublime, particularly the specials. We were already poised to order when Dean arrived.
I was very clear about what I wanted: the Blackened Scallop app, Bayou Oyster Stew, and the dinner portion of Softshell Crabs. AnnMarie ordered the Grilled Swordfish as her entrée, and we decided we would share the app and stew. The menu offers a nice variety of appetizers, as well as a selection of specialties, decidedly from the sea, and other entrees including steaks, lamb chops, and chicken.
Back to the table. It was a quarter-century ago that I had my first spoonful of 410’s epic Bayou Oyster Stew. It was recommended by more than a few of my friends whose palates I trust. The soup part is smooth and rich, roux-based with bits of leeks and garlic, a touch of thyme and I’m pretty sure there’s just enough Worcestershire sauce in there because the umami is highly developed. That was the soup part. The succulent oysters, at least five of them, were tender and delicious and gigantic, easily a two-bite affair. This is why I will always order this stew. Every. Single. Time.
The scallops were, as expected, nestled in a pool of Louisiana Remoulade. Perfect, spicy, tender, and very generous considering it was an appetizer. AnnMarie deemed both the stew and the scallops worthy of finishing and joining the Clean Plate Club. It’s so nice when you can do things together!
Now, for the most spectacular of entrées, the softshell crabs. Two of them. Sautéed in brown butter, lemon, and capers. There really isn’t anything simpler and tastier, and I ate only one because leftovers give me superpowers. The crabs were served with rice pilaf and sautéed yellow squash and zucchini, nicely complementing the tender crabs. And yes, the leftovers were awesome. To be honest, I’ve had soft shells perhaps twice in my very long life, and now I’m a forever fan.
AnnMarie’s entrée was a regular menu item, Canyon Caught Atlantic Swordfish topped with Crabmeat Champagne Mushroom Cream Sauce. Does that not sound scrumptious? I was awarded a bite, and it really was lovely and subtle.
Now it was time to consider dessert. We had no business having dessert, but alas, it is a requirement of my reviews. Oh, darn. For my gentle readers who are familiar with my proclivities in the dessert department, you know there are two desserts I simply cannot resist, those being Key Lime Pie and Crème Brûlée. 410 had both on the menu, but I settled on the Crème Brûlée because it’s all about the crack. That moment when your spoon breaks through and dips into that smooth-as-silk custard. Oh, my.
You really must experience 410 Bank Street firsthand, not just for the fare, but for the particularly homey atmosphere. There’s plenty of parking in the area, metered and not. From mid-June to early October, they’re open from Tuesday-Sunday beginning at 5pm so if you go, be sure to visit the restaurant’s website to make reservations through their Resy portal.
Easy peasy.
