SWANNIE , HOW I LOVE IT , HOW I LOVE IT

 Hello my fellow food Cosmonauts and bargain seekers. Today I want to speak about

a subject that is very dear to my heart. That's right, Happy Hour. Just the name of it 

brings me unbridled joy. A time specifically designed for your pleasure and enjoyment.

 

Now you're talking. The term was first mentioned  in print  in the early 1600’s by no 

other than Willie Shakespeare  largely regarded as the greatest dramatist and writer in 

the English language ( though it is very clear he was no yours truly). The term was later

used in the early 1900’s in the US Navy to denote specific periods set aside to amuse  

the sailors with a variety of entertainment including boxing , wrestling , music and 

dancing. The specific idea  of imbibing prior to dinner  gained prominence during 

prohibition In 1920 with the popularity of the speakeasy  secretly serving drinks on the 

down low. Unbelievably there are still many states even today that ban Happy Hour 

altogether including Rhode Island, Vermont, Alaska and Massachusetts (Well if that 

doesn’t sound downright unconstitutional. I don't know what does).Luckily for us, our 

illustrious state is NOT one of them, which brings me to the subject at hand. Enter The

Black Swan  Public House (601 Mattison Ave , Asbury Park). Now there are so many 

reasons to visit this beautifully appointed Gastro Pub located in Woodrow Wilson’s 

Summer office in Asbury’s Byrum Building. This modern take on the traditional 

British-Irish pub is schizophrenic in a good way  being purposely designed into four 

distinct areas. You can meet the lads in the pub area for a pint  to cheer on Liverpool, or 

delight your Grandma Tilly in the flowery Tea Room. You can have a finely crafted 

cocktail in  the original bank vault or opt for a sexy romantic dinner in the fine dining 

area. But of all the reasons to visit , the best might just be the great  Happy 

Hour  (Mon 3-6, Wed - Fri  4-6, Sun 3-6 PM). First off it is served throughout the 

ENTIRE restaurant , not just in the bar area. Likewise, they offer EVERY  one of their 12 

appetizers at half price as well as ANY drink at 50% off ( including a large vodka martini 

at $6.50). How is THAT my friends? The lack of restrictions almost makes you feel you 

are getting away with something. Let me just compose myself . Fine, the appies are 

also not the same old, I had the organic wings, baked brie,  and steak bites flavored  

with garlic. If you are feeling adventurous , why not try the traditional scotch egg 

wrapped in sausage  or authentic  beef carpaccio. The Swan  BTW is headed by  the 

great James Avery,  the brains behind the nearby Bonnie Read. Avery has some 

serious credentials,  first receiving culinary training at the Art Institute in Ft Lauderdale 

and has enjoyed successful stints working alongside some of the best in the business 

including David Burke, Michael Mina and  the illustrious Gordon Ramsey. So let's sum 

this up: Cool Vibes, check, beautiful digs, check , something for everybody, check , 

friendly welcoming wait staff check. Now if all that doesn’t make you want to go, I don't 

know what will. Maybe that it was named  best new restaurant last year by NJ Monthly. 

If that's not enough  maybe it's the two for one burgers on Wed or the live music on 

Thurs. Or whatever, anyway see you there.