If you live in South Jersey and you like crab cakes, you know about Bobby Chez Crab Cakes. Since they only do take out, COVID-19 did not change their sweet spot. It remains all about great take out seafood (especially their crab cakes) taken to another level. Since you have been quarantined for three months and are looking for something different and tasty-try Bobby Chez. Their crab cakes are large and almost entirely crab, not filler. Prices are very reasonable, especially if you checked your receipts from the grocery store lately. There is a food supply crisis (between farmers not having restaurants buying their goods, meat factories closing due to the virus spread, etc.).
The truth is, with grocery prices skyrocketing and restaurants luring customers with mouthwatering choices at prices that are surprisingly competitive, it makes more sense than ever to support your favorite local restaurants. It helps keep them open and to keep their staff employed. Speaking of which, I encourage, if possible that you tip them for curbside delivery as you would for waitstaff service. We all look forward to dining in, but in the meantime let’s help ensure there won’t be a “Closed” sign in front of our favorite local restaurants.
If you haven’t tried Bobby Chez here’s what you’ve been missing…
So you go to Bobby Chez for their crab cakes, but while you’re there you pick up a few great sides, like lobster mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, and Asian Slaw. They also sell other seafood, depending on what’s available, including shrimp, salmon and a few other items. I recommend that you go during the week, as they get busier on weekends and it is more challenging to “social distance.” Since they did not have their lobster mashed potatoes, we just ordered three crab cakes, some kale salad and coleslaw.
Though the crab cakes are a good size and quite filling, I bet you can’t eat just one. My wife and I split the third one (ok, she could only eat a bite). The kale salad was delicious, with carrots, red onions and a vinaigrette-ish dressing. My plated picture above reflects the small portions that we dished out. There was plenty of food for both of us. I had the remainder of the kale salad for lunch. Unfortunately, no more crab cakes…
What wine or wines would you serve with this meal? I chose two white wines:
- Turdo Vineyards Grillo-made from estate-grown grapes, this terrific wine (with its origins in Sicily) pairs extremely well with seafood. If you want to try Grillo, you have two choices: 1. Buy it at Turdo, where they grow and produce it or 2. Go to a very good wine merchant with a super selection (perhaps Total Wine), including Sicilian wines. I don’t think you will find a better one than Turdo’s.
- Hawk Haven Vineyards Signature Series Pinot Grigio-My current favorite Pinot Grigio in the Garden State, with a dry finish and nice acidity. Their other Pinot Grigio is also very good, with just a hint of sweetness.
My wife and I enjoyed going back and forth, sipping first one of these gems, then the other. You can’t go wrong with either one. I especially enjoy these two wines in the summer and with seafood.
Bobby Chez has several locations: Sewell (Washington Township), Cherry Hill, Delran and Collingswood. Check them out! The crab cakes are consistently good no matter where or when you buy them.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- Buying wine futures
- Another Wonderful Take Out Paired with NJ Wine
- NJ Uncorked & Unplugged
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