LIVIN THE LIFE

Hello my excellent friends and welcome to the very  best time of the year. Ah, Spring! The birds are singing, the buds are budding , the Yankees are cheating, the days are getting longer and everyone is is just so anticipant ( if that's a word).You can almost smell the plethora of fertilizer blowing off your neighbors lawn, and hear his wife chirping , “I told you it was too windy”. Even the word “Spring”  just connotes forward movement, leaping ahead, a new beginning and who among us wouldn’t want another chance to foul it all up again? Not Moi. FYI, Spring” or more accurately, “The Spring Equinox “ is called such because the sun is  positioned directly over the equator dividing  the periods of day and night time equally. Who knew? Not me, perhaps I should have listened more intently in science class instead of hurling spitballs at the unsuspecting  kids in front of me. So now that the weather is cooperating, where should we go? Good question, Mon Ami. Now , everyone might know these places but it could  well  be time to give them a quick revisit if it’s been a while. First off is Ocean Grove’s shining star “Sea Grass (68 Main St) ”. This BYO is truly a treasure doing everything right. The salads are just a delight , well  balanced, crisp and delicious. Ditto the entrees which are well conceived and perfectly executed. Most importantly , however, Sea Grass is the home to my number 1 rated sandwich anywhere , the divine ( and super rich) Fresh Lobster Roll  BLT on a brioche roll ( served only at lunch). When you are done feasting , take a leisurely stroll around the shops or complete your step quota with a gingerly hike to nearby Bradley Beach. 

Now talking about cute towns and number 1’s, if you haven’t made it over to Manasquan , I think it’s time you should,  to sample my number rated burger  at  “The Committed Pig”(165 Main St, Manasquan). Here they do burgers right with a double patty of custom blended  Pat LeFrieda beef and super fresh potato bun. They offer 7 different permutations of burgers  including a super savory Fig and Brie combo . Did your cardiologist happen to suggest a double cheese on a doughnut ? Well if he did they’ve got it , along with a fine rooftop bar, just saying.

 Lastly if you happen to find yourself in Asbury Park, you can’t go wrong with the perennial favorite, Moonstruck (517 Lake Ave, Asbury).    This romantic spot , set in a lovely multi story Victorian on Wesley Lake  is popular for a good reason , they are a class act in every way possible. In fact the fare there ( wow that rhymed) has improved immeasurably. This excellent  Mediterranean American Grill features an extensive menu with a choice of 13 different entrees including the fine Almond Crusted Baked Atlantic Cod or grilled 22 Oz Boneless Ribeye.

In the warmer weather, you also opt for Al Fresco Dining on one of their lovely outside porches. So let's sum it up, cozy , romantic digs, check , pro service yep, inspired fare , for sure. To help digest those Eggplant Fries and Mezze Platter you devoured, you could always cue up the Boss on your I phone  and  hoof it over to the newly revamped Asbury Boards ( and yes it is still just as weird) . So that is it for now,  until the next time my friends be bold, try something really different and as always , live a life that makes your neighbors jealous. Harry over and out.