ejdb's Profile
Synaxis at the Shore, Asbury Park: a disappointing restaurant experience
It was First Night (and a gorgeous one at that) so I would suspect any occupants had more to do with that than the restaurant itself. I am frequently in Asbury and rarely see more than a table or two in there.
help with name of place in asbury
Asbury Pie (but that's on Cookman)? Crust and Crumble?
Monmouth or Ocean County NJ -- Baby-Friendly Restaurant?
Oh and one quick thing- Brickwall is VERY loud for little kids.
Monmouth or Ocean County NJ -- Baby-Friendly Restaurant?
We have two small children (3 and 5, well, they were small once) and pretty much take them wherever we would go. If we think the restaurant will have something they will eat (and they are not particularly picky) then they join us. The only time I wouldn't take them is if we are going out for a special occassion to a "nicer" place (think Nicholas).
We have never encountered anyone who has given us the hairy eyeball for bringing our kids out. That being said they are very well behaved and if they were to make a fuss we are prepared to leave, immediately.
Bottom line, if the baby is well behaved and doesn't bother anyone I wouldn't hesitate bringing them to most restaurants in the area.
Belford Bistro (Belford NJ)
Reposting from a different thread:
Let me preface this by saying I like to eat good food, not necessarily review it, but will give it my best shot.
Went to Belford Bistro fairly early on Sunday (6pm). Pulled up and was a bit hesitant as we were greeted by a pizza place on our left and a gang of teenagers on our right. But, once we were inside all doubts were gone. After much deliberation (we wanted to make sure we had all our bases covered) we ordered the Butchers Bacon and the Crabcake for apps. The Butchers bacon was fabulous. It was crispy fatty thick bacon on top of, what was akin to, a mildish sauerkraut with whipped sweet potatoes topped with tart apple matchsticks on the side. The mix of fatty goodness,sour and sweet was excellent. My husband's crabcake was very good as well. It was probably the best crabcake I have ever eaten. It had a nice crispiness on the outside and a crunch on the inside. Not a whole heck of a lot of filler.
Main courses were the sea scallops with risotto and the strip steak. The scallops were cooked almost perfectly (did notice that the underside was not as nicely seared as the top)and the risotto was flavorful and creamy. The steak was probably the low point of the night (if there had to be something considered "low"). It was cooked perfectly, however, the cut of meat was a bit tough. I didn't order it or eat much of it, my husband did, and his tolerance for meat tenderness is a bit different than mine. In any case, it did taste delicious and he seemed to enjoy it.
After that we were too full for any desert.
I will say that the service was spectacular. There was one waitress for the entire restaurant. At one point she had six tables at various stages of their meals and not once did I feel that she was anything short of extremely attentive. Refilling water, answering questions, chit-chatting etc...And the chef came out to meet and greet as well.
It was a most enjoyable meal.
Birthday Dinner for Two- Any ideas?
ignore all grammatical errors, too lazy to go back and edit.
Birthday Dinner for Two- Any ideas?
Let me preface this by saying I like to eat good food, not necessarily review it, but will give it my best shot.
Went to Belford Bistro fairly early on Sunday (6pm). Pulled up and was a bit hesitant as we were greeted by a pizza place on our left and a gang of teenagers on our right. But, once we were inside all doubts were gone. After much deliberation (we wanted to make sure we had all our bases covered) we ordered the Butchers Bacon and the Crabcake for apps. The Butchers bacon was fabulous. It was crispy fatty thick bacon on top of, what was akin, to a mildish sauerkraut with whipped sweet potatoes topped with tart apple matchsticks on the side. The mix of fatty goodness,sour and sweet was excellent. My husbadns crabcake was very good as well. It was probably the best crabcake I have ever eaten. It had a nice crispiness on the outside and a crunch on the inside. Not a whole heck of a lot of filler.
Main courses were the sea scallops with risotto and the strip steak. The scallops were cooked almost perfectly (did notice that the underside was not as nicely seared as the top)and the risotto was flavorful and creamy. The steak was probably the low point of the night (if there had to be something considered "low"). It was cooked perfectly however, the cut of meat was a bit tough. I didn't order it or eat much of it, my husband did, and his tolerance for meat tenderness is a bit different than mine. In any case, it did taste delicious and he seemed to enjoy it.
After that we were too full for any desert.
I will say that the service was spectacular. There was one waitress for the entire restaurant. At one point she had six tables at various stages of their meals and not once did I feel that she was anything short of extremely attentive. Refilling water, answering questions, chit-chatting etc...And the chef came out to meet and greet as well.
It was a most enjoyable meal so hats off to you all for your suggestion.
Birthday Cake on Short Notice???
Yes, Wegman's is always a fall back. I may end up there as I can just grab one of their mini Ultimate cakes and maybe write on it myself.
Thanks all.
Birthday Cake on Short Notice???
I have totally spaced on ordering a birthday cake for my husband for Sunday. Generally I order from Piece O Cake in Shrewsbury but they need more time. Short of grocery store cakes, does anyone have any other recommendations? I live in the Ocean Township area.
Thanks
Birthday Dinner for Two- Any ideas?
Was leaning that way so now you have pushed me off the fence. Thanks all for your suggestions. The b-day dinner is next weekend so I will let you know how the meal went.
Apple Picking in Middlesex/Monmouth
I third Eastmont. And they are a short drive from Delicious Orchards to get the prepared food and cider that you mentioned. Although, they may have cider there, not sure. There are one or two grease trucks (for lack of a better term) around but I don't know what they sell.
weekend breakfast
I was also going to suggest Amy's. The have a huge selection of omlettes as well as other brekfast items. And the pancakes are pretty darn good. We also enjoy Sunset Landing, although, when busy lingering isn't always possible. Oh, there is also Starving Artist in Ocean Grove but again they can get quite busy.
Birthday Dinner for Two- Any ideas?
Thanks all, I think I have it narrowed down to either Shipwreck or Belford!
Birthday Dinner for Two- Any ideas?
Hi all-
Hoping you can help me out. Am looking for somewhere to take my husband for his birthday in a week and a half. I prefer to stay in Monmouth County to limit the time we need a babysitter. Pricewise, I am willing to spend for a good meal, but would rather not break the bank. And am looking for something a little nicer than the average Asbury Park/Red Bank (where we have had some unfortunate over priced mediocre meals as of late) haunts that we tend to go to. We have already tried (and really liked) both Nicholas and Trinity. Moonstruck is a been there done that experience as well. I would like to try someplace new. I enjoy more simple food where the ingredients do the talking (Craft over WD-50). He likes big flavors. Not a big fan of most Italian but could be swayed...
Thanks!
Take Home Dessert Needed In Ocean/Monmouth County, NJ
Not sure where you are but if you are near Asbury Park, Il Pavonne has delicious pastries and gelato/sorbets.
Craving Cupcakes in Monmouth County
Absolutely agree, but a good bake shop should know and keep on top of all those issues that can result in a less than stellar cupcake.
Craving Cupcakes in Monmouth County
Throwing another coal into the fire: Had a really, really delicious cupcake at the Red Bank Farmer's market this weekend. The company was Trendy Sweets (www.trendysweets.blogspot.com). The owner/baker said they don't have a store front, yet, but are looking. Right now you can order them or get them at the Farmer's Market.
I had the leftovers of my kids' chocolate cupcake with strawberry icing. It wasn't overly sweet and the cake part was moist. My husband and I enjoyed the little bite we had so much that we went back and got one more of the same and then a Chocolate Banana one. But, woe is me, we somehow misplaced the box (I still say he put them on the roof of the car and forgot about them as we were loading it up and drove off) and were not able to enjoy them.
At 2 for $5 they certainly were worth it. If you are in the area on Sundays you should give them a try.
Craving Cupcakes in Monmouth County
I find Baker Boys to be hit or miss. A few times I have had really dry cupcakes from them. There seems to be more consistency with the Bake Shoppe
Restaurant for Wedding Northern NJ?
We had our wedding at Liberty House. We also didn't want a "traditional" type of deal. We used the downstairs room which had a very different feel than the upstairs ballroom. But, I think we had about 125-130 and we were pushing that room to its limits. If you want more detail feel free to ask.
Shaka- Pier Village
As previously stated, it is owned by TP gang. Got it straight from the horse's mouth.
Shaka- Pier Village
All I know is that it is owned by the same guy who owns The Turning Point
Carter & Cavero, Red Bank
If you like the pomegranate, try dipping the end of a pizza crust in it. My husband still insists that the kids don't eat the ends, but I know it's just so he can steal them and dip them in the pomegranate balsamic.
Trader Joe's Coming to West Windsor, NJ
Just doing my best to give props to a favorite
Trader Joe's Coming to West Windsor, NJ
No need to drive all the way there for that ice cream. Days in Ocean Grove has it. Well, once they open for the season...
Il Pavone - Asbury Park
Just wanted to push my latest go-to spot. Il Pavone on Cookman Ave (just east of Old Man Raffertys) in Asbury. They do have a website but it is still under construction: http://www.ilpavonegelato.com/index2.html.
In any case, they make the most kickass sorbets that I have ever had. Current favorite is chocolate cherry with chunks of dark chocolate in it. I am not a fan of gelato (theirs or anyone elses) but everyone who has had it has nothing but rave reviews for it. I can, however, attest to the greatness of their pastires. Always fresh and delish. They also have a full complement of coffees and drinks.
Wow, have I gushed enough. I just feel like it is important to support the little local guys who get it right.
Langosta Lounge Asbury Park
I have heard several stories of less than hospitable service there. My husband and I went for lunch one day, and whie the server was friendly enough, he was horribly slow and inattentive. And there were only two other tables at the time.
I have only been told I was on the clock once. That was at Craft in manhattan. My fellow diners and I immediately walked out. Even if they did need the table and had to push the pace along, it should be invisible to the diner.
Anyone Tried The Scone Shoppe Point Pleasant NJ
Haven't been to the Scone Shoppe, but I certainly can vouch for the ones at Cheese on Main in Ocean Grove. They are delicious. But just a warning, once the summer crowds hit you need to get there pretty early on Sunday morning to get them.
Rotisserie Chicken Central NJ
Just want to add to the many Costco replies that while they are not "organic" they are antibiotic and hormone free. Another reason in my book to pick one up.
Best Ice's and Ice Cream in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties
Best ice cream is at Day's in Ocean Grove. I agree with poster who said Lighthouse in Long Branch has best ices. But we only go off season. Long lines full of rude people are just not our thing.
