Meet the Chefs
No one wants to cook when you are on vacation! Fortunately, Avalon, Stone Harbor and the surrounding areas have so many restaurants to choose from, you won’t have to! Whether you want something romantic and by the water for date night, or something that works to bring the kids, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Michael Lioudis
Avalon Brew Pub
7849 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-551-0101 • avalonbrewpub.com
What do you love most about the area?
The infusion of energy in the summertime.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
My daughter Olive, her joy of food Is contagious!Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
The food, the ingredients, and the seasons.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
A cast iron skillet!What ingredient can you not live without?
Lemons!What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Spend time with my family.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
I’m a numbers guy so something in accounting or finance.
Jay Otton
The Watering Hull
261 96th Street, Stone Harbor • 609-830-3106 • thewateringhull.com
What do you love most about the area?
The ocean.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
My wife, being in the restaurant business, we don’t get out often enough.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
Sourcing local seafood & produce right here from the Jersey Shore.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
My hands.What ingredient can you not live without?
Honey, without bees there is no food.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Fishing our intercoastal waterways here in Cape May County.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Beekeeper.
Paul McCorristin
Son of a Sailor
2150 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-796-5908 • sonofasailorseafood.com
What do you love most about the area?
Family and friends, they all have a special place in my heart.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
My grandfather that I was named after. I would love to have met him.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
Fresh local seafood. I want everyone to enjoy what our local waterways provide.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
Tongs. I use them for everything.What ingredient can you not live without?
Salt and lemon.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
I love to travel the country. The Florida Keys, San Diego, Las Vegas, and New Orleans are some of my favorites.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Anything related to sports.
Matt McComb
The Rock ‘N Chair
2409 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-967-3300 • rocknchair.net
What do you love most about the area?
What I love most about Avalon are the kind people that make this town so nice!Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
What inspires me in the kitchen is my professional training and mentors I’ve had along the way. Everything we do in the kitchen has a reason, and we are very purposeful in our intention to deliver a consistent product. We always strive to improve and change with the times.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
A pair of kitchen tongs. Without these we would have a lot of burns on our hands!What ingredient can you not live without?
Kosher salt. Without it everything would be bland!What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
When I am not in the kitchen, I am either at the gym, landscaping in my backyard, or spending quality time with my family and pets!If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
I am a licensed real estate agent in New Jersey and have been so for the last 6 years. After COVID-19 lockdowns I rediscovered my passion for culinary arts. I’m very happy that I’m able to deliver on my passion of creating great food for people and continuing to run a successful business!
Zuheiris Atiles
Quahog’s Seafood Shack
206 97th Street, Stone Harbor • 609-368-6300 • quahogsshack.com
What do you love most about the area?
I love the amazing beaches.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
Jason Momoa. I enjoy his movies.Who or what inspires you when you are in the kitchen?
My family.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
A good knife.What ingredient can you not live without?
Salt.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Go to the beach.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Pediatric nurse.
Jim Kurtz
Icona Windrift
105 80th Street, Avalon • 609-368-5175 • icona.com
What do you love most about the area?
The wide-open, all four seasons and it’s out of the way for most.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
Eisenhower, so I can find out real story of WWII.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
My dad, my family. I know how hard it is to get away, so we want people to have a good experience.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
At home, the heavy, saute pan my mother-in-law gave us for our wedding. At work, the computer. We have a big staff, so to communicate Ideas, and organize commands, we need It.What ingredient can you not live without?
Coffee.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Spend time with my family, go to the gym, research ideas and trends for work and read about international politics.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Teacher, most likely.
Ian Borgo
Oceanside Seafood
2489 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-368-2114 • oceansideseafoodavalon.com
What do you love most about the area?
I enjoy the history we have in South Jersey that is often overlooked.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
If I could share a meal with anyone it would be with my dad. He was super supportive of my passions, and he would often come in for lunch in the summer and sit at his favorite table.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
My inspiration usually comes from trying to take ingredients we already have and find creative uses for them.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
It’s hard to give the top spot to any one tool but I would have to go with tongs.What ingredient can you not live without?
Most likely garlic. I’m Italian so it is a staple flavor in a lot of my comfort foods.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
On the occasions where I’m not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending time with my fiancée, playing music, and enjoying nature.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Some combination of park ranger and blues musician. There are songs in everything we experience, whether in nature or from the soul. Both have always interested me.
Executive Chef Alex Schiff
The Diving Horse
2100 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-368-5000 • thedivinghorseavalon.com
What do you love most about the area?
The people are very warm and welcoming.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
Anthony Bourdain. He was a big inspiration for me to become a chef.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
My coworkers. Being able to talk to them every day about new dishes and bounce ideas off each other keeps the creative juices flowing.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
Gray Kunz spoons. Plating a nice dish would not be possible without them.What ingredient can you not live without?
Fish sauce. To me, it is like a savory caramel. If you feel like a dish is missing something and salt or acid aren’t helping it, a little bit of fish sauce typically gives you that umami bump that it needs.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
I’m typically reading cookbooks, or trying new restaurants. I’m also a big movie fan.If you weren’t a chef, what would be your profession?
I would probably be a culinary teacher.
Corinne Persichetti
Goodness Bowls
2001 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-961-3217 • goodnessbowls.com
What do you love most about the area?
I love Avalon because of the close-knit and supportive community. Avalon is a happy place where everyone is kind, generous, friendly, and just enjoying the present moment.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
Meals with my family and friends are always most special to me. But if I could share a meal with anyone in the world it would probably be Dolly Parton because I’ve always just adored her and her music, and I think she would be a captivating dinner guest.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
I’m inspired by the women in my family who always cooked for me growing up. I’m also inspired by cooking shows or YouTube tutorials to get inspiration or new ideas.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
My go-to kitchen tool would have to be a Vitamix blender. It can be used for anything from smoothies, acai bowls, and juices, to soups, sauces, and dips.What ingredient can you not live without?
I can’t live without cinnamon. I use it in as many recipes as I can. It goes perfectly in coffee, baked goods, toasts, oatmeal, smoothies, and more!What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
When I’m not in the kitchen I like any sort of movement or exercise: weightlifting, yoga, running, walking, pilates, and more!If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
If I wasn’t working in a restaurant kitchen, I think I would be involved in health and wellness somehow. Whether that be a fitness instructor or a dietician or nutritionist.
Jeremy McCann
Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls
2819 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-830-2561 • quincysoriginal.com/avalon
What do you love most about the area?
With my family, the beach. My son can spend hour after hour there, just like I did as a kid. With the restaurant, just meeting people that love our rolls and have been coming to the store for years. I get a real kick out of hearing that from people.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
There are lots of historical figures I can think of, but at the risk of being a little cliché, I would choose my grandfather. I spent my summers at his shore house in OC and loved every minute.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
My wife, she is the best chef I know … well, her mom is pretty good as well.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
Sharp knife, dull knives drive me nuts!What ingredient can you not live without?
My wife won’t be happy to hear this, but it’s butter.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
I wish I could say something exciting like scaling peaks in the Andes, but it’s really just conventional stuff like watching my son play sports, hanging out with family and friends, coming up with new recipes, etc.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Chef is definitely not how I would refer to myself. Nor would anyone else, for that matter. I have a passion for our restaurants and started the business back in 2013 because I loved lobster rolls and their simplicity. Having eight locations now seems surreal, and I am just grateful that our customers like what we offer.
Rob Ryan Terwilliger
Avalon Seafood
2909 Ocean Drive, Avalon • 609-967-7555 • avalonseafood.com
What do you love most about the area?
Being surrounded by water.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
My mother, I miss her dearly.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
The ability to turn nothing into something.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
Tongs. By far the multitool of the kitchen.What ingredient can you not live without?
Fresh garlic.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Hiking and fishing.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Park Ranger.
Joe DiLuzio
Beachwood at the Dunes
8600 Landis Ave, Sea Isle City • 609-263-3627 • beachwoodsic.com
What do you love most about the area?
Having the beach and bay so close.
If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
My kids because I want them to experience the many ways that you can prepare food.
Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
My former chef, Phillipe Chin, who taught me most of my skills.
What is your go-to kitchen tool?
My knives. The sharper the better.
What ingredient can you not live without?
Salt, pepper, and garlic. Tri-colored cherry tomatoes are also a must.
What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Go fishing and just be outdoors.
If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
I would have been an outdoor adventure guide and cameraman.
Mike Newport
Ludlam Bar and Grill
4004 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City • 609-486-2179 • ludlambar.com
What do you love most about the area?
I love when the seasons change. You can feel the excitement and energy in the air. Summer in New Jersey is incredible!If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
Anthony Bourdain. He has inspired me my entire career and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to meet him.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
My inspiration comes from the other employees and the guests attending the restaurant. I want them to remember my food. I want them to enjoy themselves while they are at work. They inspire me every day.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
Chef’s knife. It must be sharp and it must be clean!What ingredient can you not live without?
Kosher salt. Needs to be used in every single dish in the kitchen.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
I love weight training. I also love to write and record music.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
I would be a sports analyst.
Dana Iannelli
Shorebreak Cafe
4002 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City • 609-486-2137 • shorebreakcafe.com
What do you love most about the area?
The community of friendly faces!If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
I would love to share a meal with my grandparents and tell them all about the bakery and have them see I have been keeping their holiday recipes alive!Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
I feel inspired daily by my employees and customers. I want to show up for them daily and bake with love.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
Offset spatula, I grab it for everything!What ingredient can you not live without?
European butter! It makes everything better!What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Spend time with my family!If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
I can’t imagine being anything else!
Michael Carlson
Bellevue Tavern
7-9 S. Main Street, Cape May Court House • 609-463-1738 • bellevuetavern.com
What do you love most about the area?
Accessibility, everything is no more than a 20-minute drive – the beach, the bay, camping, etc.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
The founding fathers so I could get their opinions on the current state of our democracy.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
Natural pairings, flavors, colors.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
A positive attitude, no matter how busy it is you always have to put your best foot forward.What ingredient can you not live without?
I guess garlic, it is a very versatile ingredient.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Relax! After 30-plus years in a kitchen, you need to rest. I like to work on my yard because it is always nice to come home to.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Schoolteacher. Everyone has at least one teacher that has had a positive impact on their life.
Brittany Vassalotti
Capt’n Chucky’s Crab Cake Company
3011 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-830-3929 • captnchuckysavalon.com
What do you love most about the area?
Avalon is just such a family-oriented town. We love having family time together here. It’s such a safe place. When we come to Avalon, you can spend quality time as a family and it’s so special.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
Before kids, my husband and I would always cook pasta dinner together. We would make a salad and we would make pasta with meatballs and sausage. We would have some red wine. I miss those days of not being in a rush and just enjoying cooking together. We will get back there someday when our kids are a little older!Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
I love watching cooking shows and getting inspiration. Ina Garten is one of my mom’s and my favorites. I also get sucked into Instagram recipes.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
My go to kitchen tool is definitely my food processor! I love to blend up veggies and hide them, in all of my food!What ingredient can you not live without?
I definitely can’t live without garlic!What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
I love spending time with my family and going to the beach or sitting by the pool.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Before owning Capt’n Chucky’s, I was a kindergarten teacher, and I absolutely loved it. So, I would definitely do something with children.
Andrew Cortes
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
3189 Dune Drive, Avalon • 609-967-8448
304 96th Street, Stone Harbor • 609-368-8129
unclebillspancakehouse.com
What do you love most about the area?
Summertime on the beach.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
My beautiful wife, because any time spent with her is amazing.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
My dad. He is also a chef and I’ve learned many skills from him.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
Chef’s knife.What ingredient can you not live without?
Garlic.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Grill at home.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
I’ve been in the kitchen since I was 13 years old. I am a chef.
Joe Sparta
Fred’s Tavern
314 96th Street, Stone Harbor • 609-368-5591 • fredstavern.net
What do you love most about the area?
Small-town feel, yet close proximity to major cities.If you could share a meal with someone, who would it be and why?
Tucker Carlson… seems like good conversation.Who or what inspires you when you’re in the kitchen?
My family.What is your go-to kitchen tool?
Tongs.What ingredient can you not live without?
Sugar.What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?
Relax.If you weren’t a chef, what would your profession be?
Homesteader.
