jsfein

bgut1: I too live in Monmouth Cty, and while my posts are not many, they almost exclusively concern Monmouth Cty. Regarding the discussion on subs, I personally am not a fan of Jersey Mike's. I get my sub fix at Sorrento's in Freehold Boro (but agree that Whitehouse is *the* place to go). I agree that Nicholas is an exceptional dining spot, and I enjoyed Brandl the one time I ate there. I also enjoy Mahoganny Grille in Manasquan and am a regular at El Meson in Freehold. On my to try list are I Cavallini (Colts Neck), Dish (Red Bank), Whispers and Black Trumpet (Spring Lake). As others have said, keep posting. There are a few of us "Shore" people out there that will contribute what we can.

Although I don't know whether it meets all of your criteria, Lahiere's has a "gentleman's club" atmosphere and I think they cater to private parties. I only dined there once and was not enamored with the food, but it has a following. Here's a link to their website.

If it's still there, try Buddy's Buritos on Court Street (near Kane Street). Really fresh and good.

Any recent reports on Fromagerie? I received a gift certificate over the holidays and will be calling soon for a reservation. Would love to hear any recommendations.

In the new Pier Village in Long Branch, try The Turning Point Restaurant. There are a few locations in Monmouth County. They only serve breakfast, brunch and lunch.

I figured the same Bryan. I did call and was told that they will serve one tasting menu.

Heading to Nicholas this weekend -- first time and can't wait. Has anyone been recently? Any recommendations from the current menu? I understand that the restaurant allows diners to choose different dinner options. For instance, I'm interested in the tasting menu, whereas my wife is more likely to choose a 2 or 3 course meal. Anyone ever done this (at Nicholas or elsewhere)? Although my wife won't care, I suppose she'll be without a dish in front of her during 2 or 3 of my courses. Also, for those that have done the wine pairings ($45 I think), did you find this a good value? Thanks!!

I can't cite you to a particular statute or regulation, but I'm pretty sure that unsolicited faxes are illegal in NJ and carry a pretty hefty fine for each unsolicited fax. If I come across a link to confirm, I'll do so.

I found the review (it is quite abbreviated). Costa Chica ... here's the link.

Daniel. I recall reading a review in the past 6 months of a Mexican eatery in New Brunswick which sounded pretty authentic. The review was in the U.S. 1 weekly out of Princeton. I think the restaurant was on the outskirts of N.B., not in the downtown. Hopefully an e-gulleter will help out with the name and location.

Scroll down. There's a recent thread.

I had a very nice first time meal this past weekend. Although we didn't have "Kosmo" as our waiter, we ordered our meal entirely on our server's recommendations and were not disappointed. At our server's suggestion, we shared a salad (with goat cheese, walnuts, apple) which was plated onto 2 plates. I appreciated the suggestion as we probably would have ordered separate salads and the one was sufficient. I had the monkfish special in a fish broth which was quite good, and my wife had a shrimp and pasta special. Nothing on the dessert menu jumped out at us, but our server highly recommended the chocolate mousse which neither my wife nor I are big fans of. When the server said the mousse would be on the house if we didn't enjoy it, we took the plunge and were not disappointed. As far as mousse goes, this one was light and not too rich. The portion was quite large and we could not finish it. A couple of minor service flaws, but nothing that detracted from an enjoyable meal. With a bottle of wine ($29), one salad, two entrees, one dessert, one coffee, the bill came to just over $100 before tip. Pretty reasonable for the quality of the meal.

I believe that this place is called Moby's.

I used to work across the street from Zomick's in Cedarhurst. A truly wonderful bakery. These days, I find Zomick's baked goods for sale at Wegmans during the Jewish Holidays. Good, but nothing like the stuff out of the display case.

Thanks for the report Daniel. Going next month for my kid's birthday. Appreciate the tips!!

Dock's is certainly known for its raw bar. The lobster bisque and other chowders are very good. The crab meat saute rocks. Flounder and crab meat is also very good.

I haven't been to Cafe Vola, but highly recommend Docks. If I lived closer, this would be my "go to" place for seafood. As for subs, I imagine that all recommendations will be to Whitehouse Subs. I've been a couple of times, but don't know the address offhand. Many profess these subs to be the best, not only in Atlantic City, but anywhere. The italian sub with hot peppers is quite good. As to what to do during the day for a non-gambler is a little tricky in AC -- there ain't a whole lot going on. If the weather is nice, walk the boardwalk and go to the beach. Eat taffy. You may also want to check out the brand new shopping and restaurants at the Tropicana -- I think its called The Quarter. There's an IMAX theater there as well.

Brunch at Molly Pitcher Inn was very good the few times I've been. I don't recall a "jackets required" policy, but there may be one (if so, I undoubtedly violated it). Expect an older, mature clientele. Very scenic space with great views of the Navesink River. I haven't been to Meritage for brunch, only for dinner, and find the place to be more about the scene than the food. Another option in the area is the Ocean Place Resort on Ocean Ave in Long Branch. I've been to their Sunday brunch a couple of times. Not as formal as the Molly Pitcher Inn, but comparable in selection and quality.

Give Windansea Restaurant a try in the Highlands. Consistently good food.

"Garden State Dogs" or "Garden State Dawgs"

If you're willing to stray from the Tropicana, I'd also recommend Dock's. Very good raw bar and seafood. Reservations are a must.

155 Brighton Ave. Take Ocean Ave South. Right turn onto Brighton right after The Windmill. Richard's is 1/4 mile on the right.

For those in Monmouth County, Richard's in West End makes very good Sloppy's and Smokey's. Have catered trays of these on numerous occasions. (And the best macaroni salad I've found.)

Anyone been to Girasole lately? Friends recently recommended and we have a reservation in a few weeks.

The Japanese place is Oyako Japanese, 6 W. Main St., Freehold. This is where we ate. Standard fare Hibachi, limited non-Hibachi and sushi menu. Food/atmosphere not much different than most other Hibachi oriented Japanese restaurants in the state. BYOB. I had preferred trying Citrus, which for those not from the area, is also a relatively new restaurant in Downtown Freehold. At 8 p.m. on Friday night, only one table of 2 was occupied. Wife took that as a bad sign so we took a pass. Maybe next time (if its still around). Menu looks interesting. =Mark ... I ate at 75 South in the past month with a group and the general consensus was it was not worth a return visit. However, I will say that my entree of lobster ravioli was the best lobster ravioli I've ever eaten. However, aside from my entree, every other entree and appetizer was fair to pretty bad.