TAIL OF TWO BIRDS  



Hello my fellow bargain seeking omnivores, did I hear you asking me  what's new? Well I can’t really hear you , but I am still pretty sure  you asked. Coincidentally , there just happens to be two new Avian named restaurants that you should flock to sorta speak, competing for the best new spot. This begs the question: Why  birds?” Did you know that there are almost 100 million birdwatchers ( 35% of the population) in the US alone. Last year they spent $250 billion on their hobby. That is not chicken feed . Anyway where was I? Oh, Yes.

Are you looking for a cool new spot on the water with finely crafted pizzas? 

Look no further my friend and meet me at Catbird (1215 Sunset Ave, Asbury Park) This is the former location of what locals called “The Canoe Place”, essentially a cabin perched on Sunset Lake.  Curiously  the name does not refer to a cat that eats a bird, or a bird that eats a cat but rather a bird that sounds like a cat, who knew? Catbird is the brainchild of owner Amiee McElroy who brings multiple  years of pizza crafting experience  as well as her wood burning pizza oven from her widely acclaimed previous venture Medusa. There is seating both inside and out with a nice spacious deck on the lake where you can spy waterfowl waddling around while you munch away . FYI, you place  your order and pony up before you are seated which may seem strange but really works on the way out with no waiting for the check. So lets let's sum it up: Innovative, Yep, Cool California Vibe Yep , Nicely Charred Pizza Yep. So if I were you and I kinda am, I would wing it over to Catbird, it's  well worth the flight. 


Next up is the lovely new Vietnamese restaurant Hen Kitchen And Bar (3548 NJ 66, Neptune), the name BTW means “Good Luck". It is the combined effort of Executive Chef Andrew Ma, managing partner Tom Tran and Jenny Nguyen.  Two years in the making, Hen is truly a Labor of Love. You can feel it from the moment you walk  this is no ordinary hole in the wall Asian joint. Everything in this place screams quality from the lovely serene decor, to  the extensive bar and  the welcoming wait staff.  Hen is on  a mission to acquaint you with a new cuisine that you did not know  was missing from your life. They are like guides ready to take you on a gastronomic tour  of Southeast Asia and beyond. BTW this would be a very good time to throw caution to the wind and try  something completely new and different. The menu has a plethora of different dishes to sample including the Ha Cao, Tasty Dumplings, the  Banh Xeo, Crepes with Coconut Milk  and Noodle Dishes galore.  With a choice of 13 different appies, you are sure to find something savory and delicious.  I had the excellent Ban Bao , Bao Bun Tacos, super soft pillows of fluffy dough steamed and filled with sweet marinated shredded chicken and crispy pickled vegetables .The Coconut Shrimp with Sweet and Sour Marmalade was also a big hit as was the  Mi Xao Toi , Lo Mein Noodles in a Tasty Garlic Sauce. On the lighter side perhaps go with the Banh Mi , a savory Baguette Sandwich or the lovely Jasmine Rice Platter with a choice of protein. Now if the cuisine is not interesting enough soon YOU can be the show  with Karaoke on the way . You will have the unique  opportunity to either make a complete fool of yourself or explain to others why you have yet to appear on American Idol. Now  I know that  you have probably had enough of my weak bird puns so I think it may be time for me to stop Tweeting (Ha). Well thankfully that’s  all I got  for now, so until the next time , enjoy the warm weather my friends and live that life that makes your neighbors jealous. Harry out. 

 







                                  Wings at Hen , I could eat a few. 

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