bgut1's Profile
Best Pizza around Edison NJ?
I haven't been back in so many years but my go to places were Zia Lisa, Highland Pizza and Mary's Pizza. My fondest memories are of Mary's pies and I wonder if the place is still around.
FINALLY! Good sushi can be had in Southern Ocean County!
For those not in the know, this restaurant is located in Manahawkin. Here is an interesting article about the restaurant and their landlord.
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_2162aa36-054b-11e0-b080-001cc4c03286.html
Drew's Bayshore Bistro, Keyport
Tom246 - You beat me to the punch. I was there last night and tried many of the dishes you sampled and can confirm that they were all excellent. I would like to add however that I tried two new dishes on special: escargot in a butter and garlic sauce over country bread (appetizer) and the panko crusted chicken fried steak topped with a jalapeno cream sauce over smashed potatoes (which I understand is to be be added to the menu). Both items were phenomenal. As usual my family was fighting over the leftovers this afternoon. At this stage of the game, Drew could rest on his laurels but instead he continues to innovate and I look forward to returning again and again to try whatever is new. BTW, weren't those scallops fantastic? They were probably the freshest tasting scallops I've ever had.
new restaurant in Bistro 44 space Toms River
Looks to be the same chef and restaurant in the below link.
http://www.nuovaluna.com/
Ideas for dinner this Wednesday please
Thanks R. Your excellent photos were one of the main reasons I decided to try Ursino a few weeks back. Although I wasn't blown away (having found the food and service to be inconsistent the night I tried it), I was more than impressed with the restaurant's design and its commitment to the locavore movement. I saw enough promise to expect the issues I experienced to be ironed out the next time I try it. Please continue with the photographs as they provide an excellent resource for the Chow community. Thanks again for your dedication.
Ideas for dinner this Wednesday please
Cranford/Kenilworth looks to be the logical midway point between North Bergen and Union Beach. Good choices in that area include A Toute Heure and the aforementioned Pairings in Cranford and Le Rendevous and Boulevard Five 72 in Kenilworth. Another idea (although a little further afield) is Ursino on the campus of Kean University in Union. Good Luck.
http://boulevardfive72.com/
http://www.atouteheure.com/
http://pairingscranford.com/
http://lerendez-vousnj.com/
http://www.ursinorestaurant.com/
Drew's Bayshore Bistro, Keyport
R - The "Drewton" is obviously Drew's take on a Fig Newton. I would describe it as a empanada or half moon pie with a sweet fig filing. The pies are fried and are delivered warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and some whipped cream. The nice flaky crust, warm filing and cold ice cream make for a perfect bite. It's a truly masterful job by Drew to bring back the flavor memories of our youth and transform them into a grown-up dessert.
Drew's Bayshore Bistro, Keyport
Tom246 - Thanks for the excellent report. Last week I had a chance to try the mussels as well as the excellent chocolate caramel pretzel tart. Both are fantastic additions to the DBB menu. Looking forward to trying the fried apple pie. If its anything like the fig "drewton" I'm sure its a real winner.
Soft Shell Crabs - in March?
Drew's Bayshore Bistro in Keyport had them this weekend. I believe they came from Georgia. Contrary to the above post they were fresh and not frozen.
Good eats near Tom's River NJ
Tapas - Thanks for recommending Buccio's. I tried it for lunch today and enjoyed a nice cup of homemade chicken orzo soup as well as their Mediterranean salad with grilled chicken. Everything was fresh and well made.
new restaurant in Bistro 44 space Toms River
While I would rather have anything other than a red sauce Italian, I'm happy the space will be filled as we have slim pickings downtown. Let's not forget that a decent talian restaurant named Reggio's was the predecessor to Bistro 44.
Red Bank, pre-Basie dinner
How about Red? Its not BYOB but the food there has been generally solid. BTW, I agree with MGZ. There isn't a restaurant in Red Bank that I would characterize as being "stellar".
Suggestions for graduation party venue in Toms River area?
newfie29 - The only place that fulfills all your requirements is Atlantic Bar and Grill in Seaside Park. I would only warn you however, that I doubt you can get any decent restaurant in the area to handle your size party on a Saturday in the Summer. Good Luck.
New Restaurant Depot to Open on Rt66 Neptune NJ
Tapas - I appreciate the post but Restaurant Depot isn't open to the general public (only those in the food service business and non-profits).
BYO recommendations needed
I'd add Daniel's in Point Beach as well as a restaurant in Keyport to the list.
Napoleon's Creampuffery: Lindenwold
I'm happy to hear that they are still around and producing a quality product. I haven't been back in more than 10 years but recall that the creampuffs were some of the best I've ever tasted.
Great Pizza!
My error. It should have read "sans sauce and basil". So basically I was just looking for dough with cheese.
The Avenue in Long Branch, NJ
fershore - It is commendable that you gave Avenue another chance. Sometimes restaurants have only one opportunity to make a first impression. My first time at Avenue was not so good (especially with regard to service) and therefore I haven't returned in years.
Great Pizza!
I have to echo SusieQQ's comments on Porta. I stopped there for lunch (I mean "Brunch") this Saturday afternoon. At Noon, we were the only people in the restaurant however after about 20-30 minutes a few more families streamed in. Although I was a little disappointed that the Brunch menu (not listed on their website) was a little more limited than their typical offerings (i.e. no octopus salad), I was very happy to be able to order their Carbonara Pizza which included guanciale and topped with an egg. I also ordered a white pizza (a margherita pie sans sauce and cheese) for my son who enjoyed it thoroughly. I was however taken a little aback by the fact that our waitress had to check with the pizziola whether they could "do that". Am I the first person to make such a request? That issue aside, the ingredients, the crust and the cooking time/method made for an excellent pizza. With my Carbonara pizza, the combination of guanciale, crust and egg yolk was reminiscent of dipping toast and crispy bacon in to the yolk of a sunny side up egg (delightful). Although the manager was uncomfortable to tell me what the restaurant previously housed, I enjoyed the design and decor which consisted of mostly reclaimed items repurposed into furniture and light fixtures (e.g. ceiling timbers as picnic tables and acetylene tank covers for pendant lighting). All in all, Porta was a very nice restaurant (or gastro pizza pub) that I look forward to returning (especially in the summer when their outdoor "park" is open).
Cocktail Bliss At Catherine Lombardi in New Brunswick (Craft bartending)
Samurai - Thank you for your response. There is an argument out there that Parfait Amour is not a true Creme de Violette, but I will save that for a time when I can stop by and try one of your libations. It is obvious however that you know your mixology and take your craft very seriously.Thanks again.
Cocktail Bliss At Catherine Lombardi in New Brunswick (Craft bartending)
samurai - I was just wondering whether you use creme de violette in your Aviation or go without. If so, which brand do you use? Thanks.
J. Michael'sUptown Tavern
Thanks JustJake. I stopped in there once for a beer while awaiting my order at Tandoor E India. The place seemed nice but I never thought of it as anything more than a watering hole. As for that plaza, I never knew it once housed a Windmill. As long as they don't touch my Indian restaurant, I have no complaints (but would otherwise welcome any new restaurant) Again, I appreciate your explanation.
J. Michael'sUptown Tavern
They closed down a few months back. Anyone know what happened?
Chef Michael d'Ennery
Per his LinkedIn page, he is the Chef/Patron of Maverick Kitchen.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mike-d-ennery/8/94/501
Tandoor E India - Oakhurst, NJ
I agree with ellinnj0206. The food at Tandoor is excellent and I eat there on average twice a month. My favorite dishes are the chicken tikka masala and the chicken kurma. The good thing about this place is that they are not afraid to make the dishes spicy once you convince them you can handle it. As an added bonus, the owner is very friendly and accommodating. A link to their menu is below.
http://www.jerseymenus.com/menus.php?businessid=10492
Serenity Cafe, Toms River
tom246 - Thank you for the excellent review. I've been waiting for a respected hound to try this place. Now that you have given it your seal of approval, I will definitely give it a try.
Restaurant Recommendations needed asap for 12 people Asbury to Toms River...
tom246 - I agree about the space limitations for such a large party. It's just tough however to be in the vicinity of Siam Spice and not crave the duck soup.
Restaurant Recommendations needed asap for 12 people Asbury to Toms River...
Joon - Although we disagree, I still respect your opinion. :) It's been years since I've dined at Matisse so I can not speak as to the current state of the food. For all I know, the place has improved. However, when I dined there, I was not that impressed with either the food or the space. As a result, I've never returned.
