The Washington Inn Cooks for Friends: 350 Favorite Recipes from Cape May's Premier Restaurant

Owned and operated by the Craig family since 1978, The Washington Inn is the flagship of fine dining in Victorian Cape May. The Washington Inn Cooks for Friends is the first cookbook from this famed and friendly restaurant.

The Washington Inn Cooks for Friends contains the most popular and requested recipes culled from the Inn’s almost 25 years of service. The 300 recipes are thoughtfully written by Michael Craig and Executive Chef Mimi Wood and accompanied by hundreds of helpful cooking tips, product pointers, and wine suggestions.

From Mimi’s Olive Pesto Bruschetta, Roasted Stuffed Peppers Tapenade, Original Washington Inn Clam Chowder, and Smoked Trout Salad with Horseradish Vinaigrette, to Herb-crusted Red Snapper with Tomato Fondue, Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jersey Tomato Salsa and Avocado Butter, Banfi Duck, Chicken Cordon Rouge, Filet Mignon with Smoked Bacon-Sweet Potato Compote, Fresh Apple Fritters, and Brown Butter Tart every recipe is a favorite.

Along with recipes readers enjoy: Twelve Tantalizing Chapters - Featuring recipes for every course and every occasion. Chapters include: Basics, Hors d’ Oeuvres, Appetizers, Salads, Soups, Seafood Entrees, Meat, Chicken and Poultry, Brunch, Entertaining, and Desserts.

Beautiful Water Color Paintings - The cover and interior are artfully complemented by full color water colors from Cape May’s famous artist, Alice Steer Wilson. Eight of her famous works make up the chapter openers and the cover.

Tips on Preparation Techniques - Explained with simple instructions for cooking the delicious dishes that have made the restaurant famous.

Suggestions for Wine Selections - The Washington Inn’s wine cellar is among the region’s best. Wine suggestions and pairing are included for over 100 dishes.

Michael Craig has been general manager of The Washington Inn since 1986. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Hotel Administration he gained work experience in London, Switzerland, and Atlantic City. Wine is one of his passions, which he and his brother David have developed into an outstanding wine program at The Washington Inn. Michael resides in Cape May, New Jersey, where he grew up. He and his wife Elaine have two daughters, Maddie and Natalie.

Mimi Wood, a member of The Washington Inn family since 1991, has been executive chef since 1996. Originally from Ambler, Pennsylvania, Mimi received her hands-on training in restaurants and resorts throughout the Caribbean, Switzerland, California, and New England. Her style combines classic French techniques with Mediterranean influences and Continental flair. Mimi is the coauthor of Washington Inn Cooks for Friends cookbook and was voted "1997 Best Chef in South Jersey" by Atlantic City Magazine. She lives with her husband and daughter in West Cape May, New Jersey.