By Catherine Galioto ~
The ancient question of where to go to eat just got some new, fun local options. Here’s the scoop on some recently opened restaurants and eateries in the area.
Flames on Main Street in Belmar brings rodizio to the Jersey Shore — a type of cuisine that until now has had locals traveling out of the area to get the Brazilian steakhouse experience. Fresh, expertly cooked cuts of meat are carved right then and there by your servers. Tell them how little or how much you’d like. And right behind him is another server with another cut of meat to serve you. Enjoy top round sirloin, filet mignon, garlic chicken, bacon-wrapped turkey, pork tenderloin, beef rib, grilled pineapple and more, until you flip your table card to the red “stop” and signal the servers you’re taking a break. It’s all you can eat, and besides the servers coming out with the various meats, there is a delightful salad bar and hot sides/appetizer bar too. Check out https://
Relish Hot Dog and Sausage Co. in Belmar, which opened right around the St. Patty’s Day Parade on Main Street, is definitely not just another place to grab a hot dog. There’s specially toasted buns, and a mesmerizing lineup of toppings and styles. The Roman, for example, is a hot Italian sausage with herb aioli, roasted red pepper relish and sweet onion relish, garnished with a pepperoncini, for $7. There’s tasty French fries (frites, rather. Try the disco frites!) and a variety of other tasty sides, and even a “dessert dog” that is a cinnamon sugar roll stuffed with such sweetness as cannoli cream. Learn more at https://www.relisheats.com.
Farmly in Sea Girt is showing you don’t have to sacrifice quality and thoughtfulness when you choose convenience — you can have it all, especially deliciousness. Serving Lunch and dinner comprised of non-GMO and thoughtfully procured proteins and sides, the idea behind Farmly is that farm to table concept. Convenient and to-go options abound, whether you’re searching for a quick soup and sandwich for lunch on the go, or a rotisserie meal to bring back home for everybody. “I wanted to create a place where I can feed my community the same way that I feed family on my day off,” writes Chef James Avery on Farmly’s website. Avery is also of The Bonney Read in Asbury Park, where tremendous seafood and an inviting atmosphere reign supreme. In Farmly, which opened early this year, Avery takes his farm-fresh concept to Sea Girt Square, at 2100 Route 35 North, open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. You can browse the website to see the source of produce and meats, and see what’s in season and up on the menu at Farmly, at eatfarmly.com.
Head to Raw Poke in Point Beach for the latest spot to offer the Hawaiian staple food, featuring tender chicken, sushi-style fish or veggie proteins in delicious bowls piled high with protein, fresh veggies, grains and delicious sauces, all made to your liking. Or, try a signature item. There’s the Spicy Downtown of chicken, pineapple, scallions, sweet onion, sliced cucumber, pickled jalapeno, fried onion and creamy togarashi. Or how about Tropical Paradise, which is salmon, sweet onion, hijiki seaweed, mango, cilantro, masago, rice puffs, edamame and citrus ponzu. $8.5 for a regular or $12.5 for a large. Find them at 516 Bay Ave #3 Point Pleasant Beach or at raw-pokebar.com.
In Manasquan, where O’Neill’s and the Manasquan Beach House lived, will soon feature the Salty Whale and Guesthose with a grand opening June 21. We haven’t seen a menu posted yet, but only a promise of “coastal cuisine, signature cocktails and guesthouse accommodations” in addition to the renovation details now in place as they prepare for their opening day. Check them out at https://thesaltywhale.com.
Also in Manasquan is the second location for Tacoholics. With an eatery in Herbertsville section of Brick on Lanes Mill Road, Tacoholics has expanded to the beachfront of Manasquan. What started as a successful taco truck now has the two brick-and-mortar spots serving up tacos, burritos, bowls and quesadillas among other tasty fare. Find their newest spot at 191 Beachfront in Manasquan or visit https://www.tacoholicsnj.com.
Promising to open soon is Lexylicious in Point Beach. The food truck known for some amazing ice cream sandwiches and other delights will soon have a scoop shop at 512 Bay Avenue. Look for updates about opening day at https://www.lexylicious.com, or https://www.facebook.com/
Those are just some of the newest options we found in the Belmar-Point area. What else is new? We’d love to hear about other great places to dine at the Jersey Shore! Contact us at tracey@jerseyshorescene.com.