Shoreguy4u's Profile
Siam Spice - Toms River
Made my forth trip to Siam Spice last night and figured I knew this place well enough to give my thoughts. The starters are all tasty but a little skimpy if sharing. My wife and I usually order a noodle dish and split it. Got the Pad Kea Mow with pork and it was an excellent start to what was to come. For mains we ordered two dishes not on the menu because we have had them as specials in the past but, they always seem to have them available. Why the Duck Soup and Tamirand Duck are not on the menu is a mystery to me they are truly two of the best Thai dishes I have had anywhere. The Duck Soup may be one of the top 10 things I have ever eaten. It is a savory broth and noodles with the duck breast slight charred, crispy and served sliced right on top. The Tamirand Duck is similar in that it's also charred, crispy and off the charts good. As others have said the place is small but cozy. The wait staff and owner are all very friendly and attentive. This place is also super clean and nicely done for the space they have to work with. If you are looking for Thai food as a change of pace this place is truly a gem and a much needed restaurant in this area.
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Siam Spice
1174 Fischer Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753
Jersey Shore BBQ - Belmar
I guess I would have to say, yeah, atmosphere is important to me. I'm by no means a high maintenance guy. Actually, I prefer dives to trendy places everytime. When I go out to eat I feel it is the whole experience I enjoy. Hard to explain, other than when I leave a restaurant I have a good/positive feeling or a bad/negative one. I guess I had a negative feeling leaving this place. ????
Sure, I will give them another try but, after reading other reviews on the ribs I feel like I'm setting myself up for a big disappointment. Hope not, I love great ribs.
A Great Taco/Mexican Joint
Taco Express is the former Me Mexico location a couple doors down from the Surf Taco in Point Pleasant. I love this place. Alfonzo the owner and chef is a super nice guy that knows how to cook. The wait staff is great and I always feel comfortable and welcome. The decor could use some work but, the place is super clean .
I fell in love with the Carnitas platter early on which is nice chunks of seasoned pork with chopped onion, fresh cilantro, rice and beans. Have to admit sometimes they can be a little dry but hey that's the way the the pork butt roasts. Most platters come with corn tortillas but, they will happily give your flour if you prefer. I have since tried the shreded beef burrito, the el pastor, garlic shrimp and all were very good. What I learned about this place is to check the specials ask questions if they are unfamiliar and try them. Alfonzo has a flair for putting together different specials which you can tell he takes pride in. Also if you decide to have tortilla chips take a walk up to the serving area up near the register to check out the salsas. He normally makes three or four different salsas which are always a little different each time I go. You'll find a favorite for sure. It's a BYOB and they are happy to open your wine and give you chilled wine glasses or put your beers on ice at the table.
Like most of us here I'm a foodie and have no problem paying for a good meal but, how many times do we feel like the meal didn't live up to the check? Fear not at Taco Express, my average check for my wife and I is $20-25 per vist (I tip very well and try not to feel guilty when I pay).
Give it a shot you might just discover your new go to taco place.
Jersey Shore BBQ - Belmar
Well, here's my take. Went with my wife and son after working on his apartment Sunday afternoon. Got there about 4:00 and place was pretty empty maybe three other tables and us. I love love BBQ and trying to choose an item from the menu was tough. Wife and son had burgers which really was a good choice because they were excellent and perfectly cooked. I got the sloppy joe sandwich which is chopped beef brisket topped with pulled pork, cole slaw and fries. Ordered the fries and slaw on the side so I could check out each of the components on their own. All parts very good and the brisket was excellent.
Ok, now stuff for them to work on. Had to get my own napkins after the waitress brought our food guess she figured we didn't need them. For that matter no silverware eithier no problem I got that myself to. How can they be out of sweet potato fries in the early afternoon? The pickle that comes with the sandwiches/burgers are half a slice of a pickle chip. Now my biggest gripe, I have never been to a BBQ joint with this kind of atmosphere. I realize they are using the furniture and decor from Boom but it just doesn't feel like a rib joint. Also, the music playing was horrible. Some alternative whinny crapp that made me feel like I was in the movie "Juno".
All and all not bad for $40.00 but, I have to be honest I'll probably not be running back anytime soon.
Food Franchises That Don't Suck
Even a later re-reply. I can't believe you mentioned the ones in Dover. That's actually where I got hooked.. Was stationed at Dover AFB from 1982-86. The one on rt 13 outside the gate was our hang over heaven joint. Would kill for a Big Skillet and large fries.
Best Pizza In Toms River ?.....
In Toms River (along 37) I love Sunrise pizza's sicilian. The owners (husband and wife) are both native Italians and know how to cook. The crust is high and crunchy. The sauce is fresh crushed tomatoes. Ask for it well done and it's a treat. This small place is located in the same small strip mall as the old (small) Wawa.
Niko's Trapezi A Greek Taverna Long Branch NJ
Thanks fellow hounds for all the positive reviews on this excellent restaurant. Had some business to take care of in Monmouth Beach so I decided to treat my wife to an early dinner at Niko's. We both love grilled whole fish and after all the excellent reviews I pretty much knew what I wanted before I even looked at the menu. I have to say though that they have a great menu and it was tough to decide. However, the whole grilled branzino and Pat got the whole grilled snapper. We had humas as a starter and it was excellent. Some more pita would have been nice but, would probaby have ruined my dinner. Both the branzino and snapper were to die for and the lemon potatoes and horat were perfect compliments. I love all greek food and would love to work my way through the entire menu at Niko's. However, I just don't know if I can go there and not get the fish again. Niko's is now on my short list of favorite Monmouth restaurants. BTW...good liquor in same strip mall for wine.
Food Franchises That Don't Suck
Wow this is quite a long thread but, I had to contribute.
I see certain places seem to be hated by all (including me) and it amazes me how they do so well.
Olive Garden
Red Lobster
Applebees
Ruby Tuesdays ....Use to actually have a decent menu in the 80s. The first one I ever visited was in Honolulu where I stationed in the Air Force. They had a great Chicken fried steak and a few decent pasta dishes. Now it totally blows and I wouldn't park in the lot.
I did have a favorite chicken place "Golden Skillet" at one time they had over 200 restaurants. The originator died and the familly sold to Dairy Queen and it went down the toilet. From what I understand there are only a hand full left. Their signiture sandwich was called a "Big Skillet" and it rocked! Wonder if anyone else remembers.
