UP ON THE ROOOF

Hello my wonderful friends and Happy Holidays. I sincerely hope that you and yours have found your way to Tim McLoone’s   fabulous addition to the Jousey Shore , AP Rooftop (1200 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park).Take the dedicated elevator to the third floor and you’ll know you have arrived at  what feels like your private  club in the sky. And what a space this is. It is shiny and sexy with soft glowing lighting, a killer bar and  a plethora of floor to ceiling windows showcasing a 270 degree panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Now I don’t know whether it is the warm welcoming vibe, the high ceilings or just gazing out onto the ocean but there is certainly something that makes me feel instantly calmer  at AP Rooftop. To me the place just feels special. Maybe it is the masterful job that  super restaurateur ( and super person ) Tim McLoone has done in putting this shining Asbury venue together. Now just in case you recently  landed on earth and don’t know who Tim McLoone  is, he is probably the most prolific restaurant owner and entrepreneur in all of the Garden State. With  over a dozen restaurants to his credit, this Harvard grad opened his first outpost in 1987 and hasn’t looked back since. He is  also a lifelong sports enthusiast and  musician who with his group the Shirley’s has played alongside the best in the business including sirs Springsteen and Bon Jovi. Always one to share the wealth, Tim’s  charitable  Holiday Express project has been delivering timely help and human kindness to those in need for 25 years. Wow, all this makes me ask what the heck have I  been doing for the last 40 years? Anyway, what was I saying? Oh, Yes, back to the food. Befitting the location , the fare under the direction of fine executive chef Rob DiBiase is Coastal Mediterranean ( or Italianish), think Roasted Branzino, Sea Bass with Couscous , Crispy Burrata on Sourdough Crisps, Marinated Octopi and the like. Landlubbers can opt for the tasty Wagyu Sliders, The Marinated Lambchops,  the classic AP Meatballs or many other choices. In fact, for those decisionally impaired the super extensive menu could be a bit of a final exam ( I know you’re hungry, but don’t rush). To help you along, maybe you  should sample one of their cleverly named  coastal themed drinks, like “Tropic Like It’s Hot or Livin’ On A Pear”. If you are not ready to commit to the full Monty, you could also opt for one of their crispy thin crust pizzas carefully constructed by their certified pizzaiolo (yes, it's a thing)  Enzo Ferrante. So, at the risk of  getting too verbose ( ha, too late) I am pretty sure you are really  going to dig AP Rooftop. There is just so much to like there, I feel like I should  say, “Great job, Tim”, can’t wait to go back. So my friends, let's sum it up, superstar restaurateur and all around good guy (check) , ambiance galore ( check) , view for days( check ), menu the size of the Gutenberg bible, check , very welcoming vibe, double check. Now if you happen to go with Nit Picking friends ( you know who they are, this is too this, this is too that) , could they find something amiss, of course , they always do. To this, I suggest putting your fingers in your ears and going , “Na, Na, Na”, unless of course you’re  being treated. In that case you say, “Good Point, Cliff”, "You are absolutely correct, Madelyn”. “Oh , did they bring the bill?, I didn’t notice”. “Your  treat really,  No (unconvincingly ) then quickly, thanks So Much ”. Wow, am I getting weird or what? Getting? BTW if you want to  wait until March to go, you could always buy some tickets for “Beautiful”  at the Axelrod Theatre (100 Grant Ave , Deal) and double your Rooftop experience. The only problem is, you are guaranteed To have that damn song stuck in your head, “When I come home , feeling tired and beat, I go up where the air is fresh and sweet”. Then you could grab some Roofies (just kidding), STOP IT , STOP IT.   Anyway, I am sure you will agree that's quite enough for now ( or forever). So until the next time, my fellow omnivores , be well  and make those neighbors jealous. Reporting from food central , your humble servant , Harry.

Pretty Classy, huh? A feast for the eyes, Tim McLoone’s shining AP Rooftop.