Sunday, August 9, 2009

Italy Hiatus


For the past six weeks I have been on leave in Italy having some new cultural experiences of my own. I studied Italian language and culture at the Lorenzo de Medici Institute for foreign exchange students in Florence (Santa Maria Novella, an important church of Florence, is pictured above). I got to experience the life of food and wine and superb coffee all day and everyday. Sorry but I must brag!

Anyways, now that I'm back I would like to get some more blog articles up before I head to school. There are some great summer events going on, including Tuesday nights at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. S*ALT, also known as Shore Alternative has been promoted Indie groups of the Jersey Shore all summer long. For a small cover charge you can enjoy some great new music and network with radio staff and the musicians themselves.

More updates are to come.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Brass Rail Grill & Bar

Location: Matawan, NJ

Genre: American Eclectic/Sports Bar

Restaurant Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-11:00pm, Sun 11:30am-9pm
Bar Hours: All week 11:30am-2am

The site of previously known Poet's Inn has been given a face lift. Brass Rail Bar & Grill is a great new watering hole for a great happy hour. In addition to the traditional 3-6pm, there is also a second one from 10pm-12am. Afternoon happy hour includes half-price appetizers and reduced priced drinks ($2 off mixed drinks). I must say I have become somewhat of a happy hour junkie!

The appetizers are great, as well as their selections of burgers and sandwiches. I had the grilled chicken club, which was a substantial size enough to deter me from having what looked like some delicious desserts. My friends' favorite snacks are the fried calamari, mussels marinara, and the "Munchies". My best recommendation is to go during the 3-6pm happy hour (the later one does NOT include the half-price apps) and load up on the snacks at the bar with your favorite mixed drink ($7 martinis on Mondays). Drafts are only reduced to $4, so that is not the greatest savings if you're looking to lower your costs.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Rita's Italian Ices


Location: Matawan, Freehold, Manalapan, Old Bridge, etc.

Genre: Fruit Ices & Custard

Hours: Vary

The first day of spring meant ices for all in Central Jersey last month. I was sure to commemorate the day with my free "Georgia Peach" ice on my lunch break at work (a.k.a. coffeehouse). Rita's Ices is a local staple during those hot summer months, and is a tasty alternative to ice cream or coffee beverages.

I remember growing up with the ever-popular "Gelati" (layered custard and ice flavors of your choice) as the specialty of Rita's. Now they have become even more unique with cream ice flavors such as Cookies 'n Cream and Mint Chocolate Chip. I recommend the Gelati with Chocolate custard and Mint Chocolate Cream Ice.

The flavor selection has increased since I was a kid, and it varies from day-to-day. The ices are more expensive than your neighborhood Ice Truck, but the ices are made with real fruit and are chock full of good flavor.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Zebu Forno in Freehold

Great news! Zebu Forno in Downtown Freehold is now open for business! After the long wait, I finally drove by to find the Coming Soon signs down and delivery trucks out front.

Its design is consistent with the other locations, including a custom wall mural featuring artists and cultural icons. There is plenty of room with different sitting areas that add architectural depth and variety to the space. There are ample outlets for laptop users, and this location (like the others) offers free wireless internet.

I'll try to post some more photos soon!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

McDonagh's Pub


Location: Keyport, NJ

Genre: Irish Pub & Bistro

In the 4 years since its opening in 2005, McDonagh's Pub has become a major landmark and hangout of Keyport, NJ. The interior has the feel of a classic Irish pub/tavern, with a fully loaded bar on one side, and a cozy restaurant on the other. There is also an open terrace on the side for the summer months. Before I was 21, I loved going there for the food. Since my birthday, I have been able to make it for the Happy Hour Special (4-7pm; 1.75 Domestic Drafts, 2.00 Domestic Bottles, 3.00 Mixed Drinks) on weekdays and look out of the daily drink specials for various drinks, including imported beers. My friends and family meet here for drinks after work and casual dinners on weekends.

The classic McDonagh's chips are delicious house-sliced potato chips that make great appetizers. All of the appetizers are great for that matter. The loaded chips and buffalo wings are favorites of my friends, and I really like the teriyaki chicken bites! After you have filled up on snacks, it's time for dinner. Their choices of signature sandwiches and traditional Irish fare are great and keep you coming back to try everything. My favorite sandwich is the Pub Po Boy (popcorn shrimp and spicy mayonnaise on a seeded bun with sweet potato fries on the side).

I also recommend having a catered event there. They have many choices for someone who wants to plan something for a graduation, birthday, or anniversary. You can have a cocktail party with appetizers, a formal dinner, or a little of both with open bar for your guests. I celebrated my 21st Birthday there, and it is going to be a memorable event for my friends and myself for quite a while!

All in all, McDonagh's is just what the doctor ordered. There aren't too many hotspots in the Keyport/Amboy area, and I feel it is going to become a classic stop for locals and vistors alike. In fact, it already is!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Old Man Rafferty's



Location: New Brunswick, Hillsborough, Asbury Park

Genre: American Classic/Gourmet Fusion

What a way to satisfy every culinary hankering! Old Man Rafferty's has it all; from the extensive menu, delectable dessert case, and gourmet espresso bar, this place delivers! I've only been there a handful of times, but that fact that I've returned twice in the last couple of months, despite the fact that it's about 35 minutes from my neighborhood, speaks volumes in its favor.

From the outside, the New Brunswick location appears to be too rich for your blood amidst an urban downtown with brick-face storefronts alongside hip clubs and crowded breweries. It's interior matches the cool, trendy feel of the downtown New Brunswick nightlife. It is a logical starting point for college students and walking visitors on their way to clubs and bars afterward. Parking can be an issue (especially on weekends) so be prepared, or go for lunch.

I had a "Juicy Burger" which met all of my expectations. I still tell my friends about my delicious Juicy Burger that I had two months ago! You can tailor the burger to your taste from the way it's cooked to the cheese to the additions. I had a Juicy Burger medium-well with jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup. Pretty traditional, yet unforgettable! It was a filling meal, but I saved room for dessert because I passed the dessert case on my way to our table and knew I had to have a slice of cake!

The dessert case, as you can see above, I chock full of unique pastries and cakes that you won't find anywhere else. The waiter told us their selections are continually updated and the cakes are made fresh on the premises. All of the cakes are layered with great textures and are almost candy-like. My slice (ode to Hershey's, but cannot recall the name) was adorned with chocolate, peanut butter, snickers, oreo, and graham cracker crust. It was dense, yet soft and full of flavor.

If you are worried about price, Old Man Rafferty's is no more expensive than your typical high end chain (Cheesecake Factory, Houlihan's) but it has a lot of original qualities that urge me to recommend it as a must for New Jerseyans. While I had a great experience with little parking trouble for lunch time, I recommend going on a Friday or Saturday night, and following it up with a visit to the Harvest Moon Brewery or possibly Glo up the street. It's great to feel the vibes and culture of this college town and to take in the nightlife that has made New Brunswick an increasingly popular local destination.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

New Jersey Symphony Orchetra


New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Presents:

BEST OF SHAKESPEAREAN ROMANCE

Thursday, February 19 at 2 pm
Friday, February 20 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 21 at 8 pm
Sunday, February 22 at 3 pm

The NJSO is a great local ensemble to see and is very accessible to residents of the Tri-state area. Every month a new featured line-up of music is being performed, so there is something for everyone. For those of you looking for a great date and a cultural experience, check out the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

This week's Saturday night showing is going to be at Red Bank's Count Basie Theatre. If you go, make sure you plan a day in the heart of Red Bank!