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Posted on: 05/10/2009
Asbury Park's long-awaited revival still has a long way to go, but there are continuing signs of promise. It was founded as a warm-weather resort in 1871, and New York and Philadelphia's beach-going masses made it a popular getaway at the turn of the last century. Well-to-do vacationers chose the seaside town to build their summer homes, and grand hotels followed. Asbury Park ultimately became a shopping and cultural destination, flourishing through the 1920s. Asbury's fortunes waxed and waned over the decades until the town lost its economic legs and fell on hard times in the 1970s. By the 1990s, Asbury Park was a faded relic that had seen a number of revitalization false starts. However, in recent years, led by an ambitious redevelopment plan and entrepreneurial activity, the shore town has begun staging a comeback, of sorts. It still has more than its share of eyesores, including nearly vacant streets overlooking the beach and boardwalk, but there's also a brighter side: rehabbed and repurposed landmarks, a spruced-up main drag (Ocean Avenue), a lively downtown with an assortment of shops and restaurants, and greatly improved Boardwalk. "Asbury Park used to be a very depressing place. It almost felt like it was completely abandoned. You could drive into certain areas and see absolutely no one at all on the streets," said Gary Curry, who has been visiting relatives in the city for 30 years. "But things are changing for the better now." Curry had long considered purchasing a second home in the area. Having rented a house a block from the ocean in nearby Bradley Beach for years, he first looked there, then in other places along the Jersey Shore but shifted his focus to Asbury Park when he realized that, its uphill battle notwithstanding, he wanted to be a part of the rebirth. He is in the process of deciding between buying a town home in the luxurious Wesley Grove development (wesleygroveasbury.com) and a condo in North Beach (northbeachasbury.com), an elegant new beachfront complex with prices starting in the $300,000s. The current economic slump has brought major parts of the revitalization movement to a virtual standstill, as developers struggle to get a handle on their debt anjd^ attract more investors. While upne. think the city is headed for yet another unfulfilled renaissance, despite setbacks caused by the recession, Curry is confident the town is poised for an actual turnaround once the economy improves. Others share his optimism, pointing to the fact that tourists are arriving again, evidenced by a marked increase in the number of daily beach-access badges being sold. "It may have a long way to go before it can liken itself to. some QJther shore towjjs, but the city is redefining itself and changing right before our eyes," said Curry. "If you've never been to Asbury Park or if its seedy reputation has kept you away, you don't know what you're missing. Either way, you will be pleasantly surprised with what you see happening here."
By SHANNON ROXBOROUGH SPECIAL TO THE RECORD - May 10, 2009
Posted on: 01/22/2009
by John Pfeiffer-The Aquarian
I'm glad to announce that the Stone Pony is open for business and better than ever. Sporting big new lighting rigs, new floors and beautiful high ceilings, the Pony proves that's its talent for survival is unsurpassed. The new renovations also give patrons more space to hang with the unchanged classic Stone Pony vibe. So for those puritans out there, relax; Madison Marquette didn't change the essence of the club, they just added to the longevity and structure. Stage and sound received slight upgrades as well. And as far as tradition, never fear, the employees and bands haven't been changed, which is a sign of good faith in a growing musical community from both Madison Marquette and Live Nation. This coming weekend will feature Joe Harvard on Saturday, Jan. 24. Speaking of Harvard...
Another great place that's been making waves along the boardwalk is O'Tooles. Run by Caroline O'Toole, the bar hosts that ever-popular APM "Capo" Joe Harvard and his Monday Night Madness. O'Tooles is a cool little escape out of the elements and inside the Convention Center. The Grand Arcade has retained all the charm and history of its early years while adding great new shops and eateries along its interior. If you haven't sat at the O'Tooles bar and had a few drinks, you owe it to yourself to come and check it out.
The Monday Night Series features Joe Harvard's musical trivia and quiz show shenanigans. He gives out great prizes, plays some phenomenal music, has many special guests and the drinks are cheap! Just last Monday I won a Gary Moore songbook and World War II videotape. I'm going back this week to try for the matching set of encyclopedias. So pull up a genuine church pew and join the crew. Show starts at 9 p.m. and goes all night. For more information head on over to apboardwalk.com.
Keith Monacchio-Peter Tork-The Record Collector-LIVE!-Bordentown, NJ-Jan. 2
The Record Collector in Bordentown, NJ, has a unique thing going on. Its called "The Living Room Concert Series" run by Randy Now and located right on the main drag in the little downtown area of Bordentown. Owners John and Susan have loyal customers stretching as far as Japan, Europe and Russia. That's right comrades, and there's a long line waiting to get into the little storefront shop most nights as well. Not because there's a giant sale going on or because they're giving away free Jersey Devil T-shirts, but because the folks are waiting to see high-end live music. The bands that grace the humble Record Collector stage are a veritable who's who in the music industry. One night you might find the Doughboys there and the next could be The Bouncing Souls or The Grip Weeds. In other words, be prepared to get your money's worth when you walk in the door.
Tonight's show featured Trenton's Keith Monacchio as well as Peter Tork (The Monkees),now with his band Shoe Suede Blues. I immediately dug the vibe of this little retro place. The walls are lined with stacks of collectible vinyl as well as racks of CDs and memorabilia. Much different than your average bar scene, this was a true break from the usual. I noticed that people act much differently when in this type of setting as well-more reserved, relaxed and polite. I think I'd bust out laughing if I saw some guy get tossed out of this environment. It was nice being able to listen to the artist without straining to hear over typical bar chatter.
The Record Collector reminds me of the old Ernest Tubb "Midnight Jamborees" held at his record store in Nashville back in the ‘40s; a place where people could come hear great music and buy the artist's record directly from the band. That's pretty much what goes on at the Record Collector. It's a timeless method that still works for the performer. Play a show, sell some CDs, its just that simple.
Tonight's show started promptly at 8:30 p.m. with Keith Monacchio. Keith was also in The Commons and put out one of 2007's best (and most underrated) albums called American Ghost and he had just come off of a nation-wide acoustic tour this fall and was in perfect form tonight. Intimate and well-voiced, Monacchio went through half a dozen tunes ranging from "Angels On The Horizon" to his ending gem "She Stumbles Gracefully." Monacchio has a unique style that is shamefully overlooked by the musical community at large. Keith's use of warmth and vulnerability drops the listener's guard and draws you into each story he tells. I watched the faces of the crowd and he didn't lose a one of them for the entire set. Monacchio is a guy that will leave his mark on our collective music history.
The Shoe Suede Blues were up quickly with Peter Tork noticeably more laid back than last time I saw him. At one point while he was explaining a song, a store photographer climbed by him on a hand railing causing him to pause with comic expression and audience laughter while he waited for the kid to skidaddle. Tork's band is top notch and they played some scorching blues along with the Monkee's fair. I still think its funny when I see someone come to see a famous band. People will wait all night to hear those few famous tunes. Classic. Tork graciously signed just about anything they brought to him after the show.
The Record Collector is booked by famed City Gardens guy Randy Now and is owned by self-proclaimed record guru John Chrambanis. His lovely wife Susan runs the website and they are all friendly and down to earth people who have come up with a great idea. Before I left I had to buy a Bonanza album that I spied up on the wall. From 1965, the entire cast sings and plays guitar. Even Hoss. And really, what else is important in life? The Record Collector is located at 358 Farnsworth in Bordentown, NJ. Go check out the great events at the-record-collector.com.
The Winter Hours Tribute Show-Saturday, Jan. 24 At The Maplewood Arts Center
"A Few Uneven Rhymes," a tribute to Winter Hours, is on a roll. Jeff Raspe from 90.5 has informed me that there are three confirmed live shows planned for this CD, and the first kicks off on the 24th of January at the Maplewood Arts Center. Hosted by Deena Shoakes (The Cucumbers) along with Rebecca Turner. Deena will also be performing at this show, along with Jack Bragg and about a dozen other musicians including Winter Hours' own Michael Carlucci.
Some of the other groovy ‘80s gurus like Dots Will Echo and Yung Wu, featuring Glenn Mercer, will be there to round things out as well as many other great performers doing tunes from a time period that put the New Jersey scene on the musical map.
Show number two will take place on Jan. 31 at the famed Maxwell's in Hoboken and will include several surprise guests for dedicated followers of ‘80s alt rock featuring Michael Carlucci (Winter Hours), Glenn Mercer (The Feelies), Rob Norris (The Bongos), and Stanley Demeski (The Feelies), Luna & Winter Hours and Wild Carnation.
The last will take place at the Strand Theater in Lakewood on Feb. 7 and will feature Gordon Gano (The Violent Femmes) and The Ryan Brothers. Also set to perform on that bill is The Parkway Charlies, Joe Whyte, Christian Beach, In Between Dreams and Frankenstein 3000. In the meantime, go take a look at the CD at mainmanrecords.com and for the Maplewood show info go to 1978artscenter.org and get the scoop. And don't forget that channel of unstoppable knowledge at myspace.com/afewunevenrhymes. Come to these shows and become part of New Jersey's musical alumni!
Posted on: 12/31/2008
By RICHARD VIRGILIO
Recapping the 2008, the biggest downer this year - by far - that I have been hearing about was Metro Homes not continuing construction of the Esperanza, after announcing in December of 2007 that the project was temporarily on hold.
The biggest overall joy expressed was the makeover and re-launch of our boardwalk and all the great new businesses. I frequently hear, "Next summer is going to be fantastic" (or amazing or spectacular, basically insert any effusive adjective into the quote).
A few, more personal, thoughts from residents and friends of Asbury Park about the greatest moments of 2008.
Sonja O'Brien:
The Fourth of July is a vision that still burns bright in my memory. Sitting on the beach watching the dazzling fireworks light up the Fifth Avenue beach and boardwalk area, revealing hundreds of smiling faces basking in the glow of how great our little jewel-by-the sea has become. Truly magical.
Bob Egan:
Hmm... best of 2008, for me, was... finally seeing the top of the former Howard Johnson's open and have a cabaret in town. It's been a vision of mine for almost five years. Also, having lunch on Dec. 4, 60 degrees, on the boardwalk, and saying ‘hello' to Bruce Springsteen. An "Asbury Park Moment."
Marjorie Conn:
Seeing a police officer showing compassion for all living things brought joy to my heart. I was walking on the beach in Asbury Park early one morning and I saw an officer putting something in a cage and asked what it was. He had just rescued an injured seagull and was taking the gull to be cared for at a wildlife rescue facility.
Kathy Ragauckas:
The best was seeing fireworks while it was snowing during December's First Saturday downtown.
Jennifer Quandt:
Walking on the beach and spending time at the Beach Bar, in 80 degree weather, one weekend in October. It was wonderful - we used one of the photos from that weekend for our Christmas card this year.
Jeffrey Haveson:
I have had an amazing opportunity to meet the most eclectic mix of great people. People that I would not have had the opportunity to meet had I been anywhere else. For that, I am forever grateful.
To say 2008 has had its bumps is an understatement, however if we focus on the positive, remain energized and passionate, together - as the community we all love - we can make 2009 a great year. Our city is used to climbing steep hills. Yes, it does get exhausting, however now is not the time to be a victim. Let's take a fresh look at everything here and keep it moving. We will come out of this bigger, better and stronger. I know it.
Best wishes in 2009. Tons of hugs and good energy to you in the New Year.
Posted on: 12/08/2008
by Peggy McGlone/The Star-Ledger
Friday December 05, 2008, 8:00 AM
Move over Beverly Hills. In a first for New Jersey's downtowns, Asbury Park has introduced a concierge service for holiday shoppers.
Centrally located on the city's boardwalk, the concierge will help visitors make restaurant reservations, get tickets to music events in the city's clubs and theaters, or find that special gift in one of the local shops or boutiques.
The concierge booth will be open tomorrow, before and after the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. (Preceded by a concert by Tim McLoone & the Shirleys at 5 p.m.) Regular hours through the holiday season will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
The upscale service, funded by the developer that's working to revive the city's boardwalk, is another amenity aimed at bringing off-season visitors to the Jersey Shore music mecca. A host of new restaurants and shops have opened since the summer, and there's entertainment at Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre, as well as the citys' clubs and bars. Movies, free concerts and other events are planned along the Boardwalk every weekend through the end of the year.
Officials in Montclair and New Brunswick -- two towns that know something about vibrant nightlife -- were jealous, saying a concierge is a terrific idea that's just out of their reach.
It's a smart move on Asbury's part, since the city is still fashioning its reputation as one of the state's most attractive destinations.
Posted on: 12/07/2008
ASBURY PARK - With the smell of fresh baked goods from inside the Grand Arcade and the sounds of holiday music performed by Tim McLoone and the Shirleys on the boardwalk, the holiday season was in the crisp, cool air Saturday night in front of Convention Hall.
Sponsored by Madison Marquette, the city held not one, but two simultaneous holiday tree-lightings Saturday night, one inside the Grand Arcade and the other on the boardwalk.
"This is a special event to celebrate the boardwalk and the waterfront and all of our merchants along the boardwalk and in the Grand Arcade," said Gary Mottola, president of Madison Marquette.
"Asbury Park is all about entertainment, music, events and celebrations. That's what its history is. I think that's the soul of the community and the heart of the community, so we want to have a celebration," Mottola said.
About 100 people stood, some danced and sang, outside of Convention Hall as the band played holiday songs before the lighting of the trees. The outside tree stood about 20 feet tall and was placed over the entrance to the Grand Arcade.
Inside Convention Hall, white holiday lights were strung across the ceiling of the arcade and holiday wreaths hung on the windows and doors of the stores and restaurants. The second tree, which measured over 30 feet tall, donned red ornaments in the center of the arcade among the many stores and restaurants.
After a countdown from 10, special guest Debbie DeLisa, co-owner of the Wonder Bar and native of Asbury Park, had the task of lighting both trees.
"This is a very big honor," DeLisa said. "I'm really proud to be lighting the trees, and Christmas is such a special time. It's great," she said.
Sitting on a bench on the boardwalk and taking in the sounds of the band with her family, Erin Looft of Ocean Grove said she came out to see a film earlier in the day at The Paramount, and to hear the music.
"It's a great coordinated effort for the community. They make it easier for us to get in the spirit," said Susan Bell, Looft's mother. "It's kind of hard to get in the spirit this year with finances the way they are," Bell said.
Newcomers to the tree-lighting, James and Dawn Young of Neptune, said their family came to support the boardwalk and Asbury Park.
"It's a total transformation, and it's so good to see because Asbury Park is such a great place to be," said Dawn.
By CHRISTINA VEGA • COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU • December 7, 2008
Posted on: 11/10/2008
ASBURY PARK - Unbowed in the face of national economic turmoil, the Asbury Park music community rallied firm Saturday in its resolve to continue to stand behind the city's renaissance and to carry it into the future.
"In the end, it's all about the song and the performance," said Scott Stamper, co-owner of The Saint nightclub, as he and Adam Weisberg kicked off their 16th annual Asbury Music Awards celebration at The Stone Pony. "There certainly are hard times ahead, but music and entertainment will see us through."
The event provided fans, artists and insiders the opportunity to reflect on what many believe was a banner year for the Asbury Park music scene.
"We're coming off an incredible summer," said Kyle Brendle, Stone Pony house promoter. "A sold-out Fourth of July weekend with Southside (Johnny) and Moe. Billy Idol, which, from the fans' perspective, couldn't have gotten much better. We had Bob Dylan in August, that was like a papal blessing for us.
"I think our biggest achievement this year, though, has been re-establishing Asbury Park as a national market, through Live Nation scheduling Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre in conjunction with Madison Marquette fully opening the Grand Arcade," added Brendle, who was honored at the show with this year's Living Legend award. "There are amenities now that really provide a support system for concertgoers. The pavilions are coming alive. The Asbury Park boardwalk is full-on again. To see throngs of people out there, it's definitely the brightest spot in our music scene right now."
Escorted to The Stone Pony stage by a duet of kimono-clad beauties, host Joe Harvard maintained an upbeat, comedic tone throughout the show.
Harvard began the evening by introducing a short film by Mallory Massara of Asbury Park, which re-edited a portion of the Bruce Lee classic "Fist of Fury" to star various Asbury Music Award nominees.
With event regulars such as Status Green and Last Perfect Thing away on tour, the live-performance portion of this year's awards featured a host of younger up-and-coming acts, including Lost in Society, Last Days of Empire, The Eryn Shewell Band, Delft and Outside the Box.
The Stone Pony's summer 2008 house band, Outside the Box - Jeff Cafone, Warren Thieleman, Mark Masefield and Francis Valentino - took home awards for Top Young Band and Top Blues Band.
The popular "Best Thing to Happen . . . " award this year went to Asbury favorite Rick Barry, for launching his "Night in Progress" live performance series at The Saint. Barry's monthly event spotlights new material from local songwriters that so far have included George Wirth, Keith Monacchio, Bret Mosley, Justin Hillman, Tommy Strazza, Kelly Carvin and Glen Burtnik.
"This award really goes to Scott (Stamper) and all the artists who played and made it a great night," Barry said.
The more than 30 awards given out at the ceremony included nods to Top Rock Band (Last Perfect Thing), Top Local Release (Arlan Feiles' "Come Sunday Morning"), Top Punk/Ska Band (The Sex Zombies), Top Indie Rock Band (The Obvious), Top Jersey Roots Band (Maybe Pete), Top Heavy Rock Band (Sekond Skyn), Top Jam Band (Green Tag Sale), Top Live Performance (Status Green) and Top Groove Band (Turtle Soup).
"Being recognized at the AMAs (Asbury Music Awards), that does mean something," said Turtle Soup keyboardist Ben Feld. "When you're trying to get noticed by different venues, yeah, people do pay attention to these types of things."
"Winning here is huge in helping us take what we do from a local to a regional level," said Jeff "Mudd" Mahajan, the band's guitarist. "Larger jam band festivals, for example, are definitely responsive to our success. I mean, the better we do, the better they do."
By Stephen Bove • STAFF WRITER
Asbury Park Press
Posted on: 11/10/2008
Seated on the wide veranda watching the deep blue sky meet the sand as waves crested on shore, I had thoughts of being at a restaurant at a Caribbean resort. Instead, it's a "staycation" stop at the Beach Bar in Asbury Park. The Beach Bar is just one of several seaside eateries to debut along the revamped boardwalk since the summer.
Dining options include everything from classic Boardwalk food at Biggies Clam Bar to the sophisticated nouveau Jersey cuisine menu at the Salt Water Beach Café on the lower level of Tim McLoone's Supper Club in what used to be the Howard Johnson's restaurant.
Newly erected pavilions along Ocean Avenue house a careful mix of fast-food restaurants. It may be too soon to tell if the Asbury Park boardwalk is turning from a shabby, unchic location into a seaside food lover's paradise, but developer Madison Marquette has been careful to ensure there is now an eatery for every palate.
Courtney Johnson, marketing director for Madison Marquette, says the company wanted a mix that worked for the restaurants as well as a diverse selection of eateries that offered a complete experience for consumers.
Eateries are continuing to open (recent arrivals include Langosta Lounge), and they have contracts with an option to stay open through November if the weather is good.
Asbury Park City Manager Terence Reidy said the selection is better than ever.
"The biggest change is there are more restaurants (including) O'Toole's ... And there are more restaurants coming on the south end. That's something that's very new for the boardwalk and very positive."
In addition, the Mayfair Grille has been there for 20 years but shouldn't be overlooked, in addition to more traditional, smaller venues like La Plaza Cubana, the Cuban sandwich place.
"Madison Marquette has done a good job in terms of the mix," says Caroline O'Toole, general manager for a number of entertainment venues, including the Paramount Theater and The Stone Pony. "It distinguishes itself from other boardwalks."
By Ingrid Sturgis
Metromix
Posted on: 11/07/2008
ASBURY PARK - The up-close view of the historic Casino Arcade and wide expanse of sea from the top dining floor at Stella Marina creates such a moment of past and present coming together that it was bound to be a hit whenever the trattoria-style Italian restaurant opened.
But for a brief time in October, it seemed that owners Joseph and Michael Cetrulo, Ken Mansfield and Dennis Tafuri were going to hold off on that opening until spring, instead of joining in boardwalk developer Madison Marquette's winter venture to maneuver the dozens of shops, restaurants and musical venues popular this summer into a year-round destination.
"I was originally told 2 1/2 weeks ago we were waiting until April, and then they called me up and said we're ready to do this now," said Aaron Bernstein, Stella Marina's executive chef, in a recent interview. "Now, it's really coming."
Gary Mottola, president of Madison Marquette investments, is not deviating from his plan. Most of his two dozen boardwalk venues that created the beachfront excitement this summer are staying open at a minimum from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays during the cold winter months ahead, a time when beachfront businesses in many nearby towns shut down.
Stella Marina, which will serve $11 pizzas, $17 pasta and entrees priced from $18.99 to $29.99, is the latest Cetrulo brothers restaurant in New Jersey and New York and is expected to open the weekend of Nov. 15, along with Russell Lewis's trendy Watermark lounge and Eddie Catalano's new bagel, sub and ice cream shop, all in the First Avenue Pavilion.
A little to the north on the boardwalk, Marilyn Schlossbach, her husband, Scott Szegeski, and brother, Richard Schlo-
ssbach, are opening their Langosta Lounge restaurant next to their Lightly Salted Surf Shop and Pop's Garage Taco Bar, which opened in the summer.
Schlossbach, whose previous city restaurant, Market in the Middle, helped revive the downtown about a year before Old Man Rafferty's arrived at the Steinbach building, said her new menu will feature "vacation cuisine" from their surfing travels to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and Corsica.
And once again, her business will be a place to bolster her community. A free cooking school for city children 9 to 13 years old will be held one night a week through the winter.
Stella Marina will be an anchor at the southern end. Tim McLoone's Salt Water Beach Cafe and upstairs Supper Club is at the northern end, next to Convention Hall.
"Our business plan is we have three great restaurants - two bookend the boardwalk and one is in the middle (Langosta Lounge)," Mattola said in a recent interview.
"We think it's really important for us and the city as a whole to make the waterfront a true year-round destination," he said. "Of course, it is an extraordinarily stressful time financially. Everyone's going to experience some decline."
So far, in a short time, Madison Marquette has invested $60 million in remaking the boardwalk, money that came from $500 in private equity funds and carries no debt. Madison Marquette also spent just under $50 million to buy out Kushner Cos.'s Wesley Grove lakeside condominium project last winter.
"We have spent $60 million so far on just the boardwalk and entertainment venues and have no debt on this," Mottola said. "In today's market, being debt-free is very important."
He believes the music venues at the renovated Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre, The Stone Pony and the Wonder Bar - all owned by Madison Marquette with concerts lined up by Live Nation - can drive the boardwalk through the winter.
"If they're successful, we're successful," he said. "We really believe in the fact that this is a special destination. The only question in the sustainability of this is how long will it take to truly achieve year-round."
He said Madison Marquette had to roll out the new boardwalk pavilions and renovate Convention Hall as quickly as possible to create an exciting happening in the city and also because of the looming financial crisis.
"I firmly believe it had to be shock therapy, a major event that occurred," Mottola said. "Doing one building at a time wasn't going to do it. I was very concerned.
"We think this is a special entertainment experience, and, unless people drop off a cliff and say they can't afford a dime on entertainment, we think this is a very affordable experience."
Mottola said the city and police department helped make the boardwalk's success possible.
"The feedback is that the perception of Asbury Park changed from a challenging and dangerous place in a few short months," he said.
One of the incentives for the boardwalk tenants was that they pay a percentage of their profits to Madison Marquette rather than a straight rental fee, helping to reduce their risk if they don't make money.
City Manager Terence Reidy said the new establishments will be important anchors for the boardwalk.
He said Schlossbach lives a sustainable philosophy in bringing people and causes together through her business.
"Just that alone, besides the fact that her food is great, speaks to who we are as a city and serves as a model for businesses to follow," Reidy said.
Lewis, who opened the successful Baker Boys bakery in Convention Hall in the summer, said his close to 8,000 square-foot Watermark upstairs in the First Avenue Pavilion will be a contemporary, sophisticated but comfortable cocktail lounge with a small menu of food from Stella Marina next door. He stressed that it is open to all.
"No rope line, no admission fee - we're inclusive," he said.
"I think ultimately we can establish Asbury Park as a year-round entertainment destination," Lewis said. "I think it's going to take two or three seasons to do that, but I believe the foundation is here."
By Nancy Shields Asbury Park Press
Posted on: 10/28/2008
Boardwalk reborn
A seaside food lover's paradise is brewing in Asbury Park
Story by INGRID STURGIS
Photography by MICHAEL SYPNIEWSKI
4074 Magazine
Seated on the wide veranda watching the deep blue sky meet the sand as waves crested on shore, I had thoughts of being at a restaurant at a Caribbean resort. Instead, it's a "staycation" stop at the Beach Bar in Asbury Park. The Beach Bar is just one of several seaside eateries to debut along the revamped boardwalk since the beginning of summer.
Dining options include everything from "classic Boardwalk food" at Biggies Clam Bar to the sophisticated nouveau Jersey cuisine menu at the Salt Water Beach Café on the lower level of Tim McLoone's Supper Club in what used to be the Howard Johnson's restaurant. Newly erected pavilions along Ocean Avenue house a careful mix of fast-food restaurants. It may be too soon to tell if the Asbury Park boardwalk is turning from a shabby, unchic location into a seaside food lover's paradise, but developer Madison Marquette has been careful to ensure there is now an eatery for every palate.
General Manager Steven Ranuro,
shucks clams at Biggies Clam Bar.
Courtney Johnson, marketing director for Madison Marquette, says the company wanted a mix that worked for the restaurants as well as a diverse selection of eateries that offered a complete experience for consumers.
Eateries are continuing to open. Recent openings include Snack Attack, Langosta Lounge, Pop's Garage Taco Bar, and Eddie Confetti Ice Cream and Café, and Stella Marina is coming soon. They all have contracts with an option to stay open through November if the weather is good.
Asbury Park City Manager Terence Reidy said the selection is better than ever. "The biggest change is there are more restaurants, from Biggies Clam Bar to O'Toole's to Sea Greens, a health- food restaurant. And there are more restaurants coming on the south end. That's something that's very new for the boardwalk and very positive."
In addition, the Mayfair Grille has been there for 20 years but shouldn't be overlooked, in addition to more traditional, smaller venues like La Plaza Cubana, the Cuban sandwich place.
There are a tremendous amount of options, from a formal nightclub like McLoone's to beachy clam bar food like Biggies and new offerings like Sea Greens that make them very special and unique to Asbury Park.
"Madison Marquette has done a good job in terms of the mix,'' says Caroline O'Toole, general manager for a number of entertainment venues, including the Paramount Theater and The Stone Pony. "It distinguishes itself from other boardwalks." O'Toole, like many of the other restaurateurs, said she hopes the boardwalk will be able to stay open year-round.
more: http://www.app.com/4074/nov2008/hautetable/hautetable.html
Posted on: 10/23/2008
ASBURY PARK: Madison Marquette has announced some upcoming boardwalk events.
First, starting at 11 a.m. Sunday in the Carousel building, children and teenagers will get to create their own scarecrows with artist Laura Brunetti. Also, the children's film, "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit," will be shown for free at 2 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre and McLoone's Salt Water Beach Cafe will offer brunch at noon.
On Oct. 30, a costume parade will be held on the boardwalk with free costumes available on a first-come basis. It starts at 4 p.m. outside the Carousel. Stores will be open.
Nancy Shields
Asbury Park Press
