Cheers!
As summer bids us farewell and we welcome the crisp embrace of fall, I hope you’ve enjoyed a season filled with beachside relaxation, delicious meals, and unforgettable sunsets. With the changing of the leaves, our cravings evolve, often guiding us toward the rich, comforting flavors of autumn.
This month, we’re thrilled to present our most delectable issue of the year. Dive into a collection of our favorite dishes and beverages around town, curated just for you. We’ve had the pleasure of chatting with several local restaurant owners, who’ve generously shared their tips and tricks. Plus, we’ve included some fantastic drink recipes to elevate your next gathering.
We’re also excited to feature our "City List," showcasing the crème de la crème of food and drink establishments in our area. The competition was fierce, and it’s a testament to the incredible culinary scene we have right here. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a great place to eat, this list is your ultimate guide.
Cooking is a beloved pastime of mine—whether it’s preparing daily meals for my family, crafting a Sunday menu with my stepfather Greg (pictured here) or planning for holiday feasts, the act of cooking and sharing food creates treasured moments. It’s remarkable how certain dishes can evoke powerful memories and a profound sense of comfort. Food has a unique way of uniting us, whether we’re gathered with loved ones or exploring new culinary experiences. It’s these shared moments that make our time spent around the table truly invaluable.
This issue also highlights a special milestone for us—our one-year anniversary! We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our readers. Your support has made this journey incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to many more issues filled with flavor, community, and connection.
Thank you for reading, and we look forward to seeing you around town!
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Amy Dimes | amy.dimes@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bernie Augustine | bernie.augustine@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Ryan Gallagher
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andrea Phox, Ryan Gallagher, Stefany Gitleman
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Guest bartender Kelsey Grammer (c.) with Jack's GLS co-owner Nick Petitti & wife, Gina. 2: Friends support Tommy George (r.) for the screening of his film, Chupacabra. 3: Diabetes Bash fundraiser at Max's Bar & Grill 4: Long Branch City Lifestyle One Year Anniversary 5: LeTip of Long Branch/Fort Monmouth Networking at Ocean Place 6: Congrats to WLB Olympian Jack Yonezuka! 7: Long Branch Senior Center Grand Opening
P L A N F O R
T H E F U T U R E .
T O G E T H E R .
Summer adventures and financial goals align with professional guidance. Dive into your summer plans knowing your financial future is secure. Whether it’s a vacation, home project or to plan for your family’s future River's Edge Wealth Partners can help. Financial planning can be intimidating, but our services help make it simple. Get started planning for your family’s future and prepare for moments that give you true joy and satisfaction.
Anthony "Tony" Frigoletto, AIF CEO, Owner
New Senior Center
The long-awaited Senior Center celebrated its grand opening in August, with food, music and tours of the new building for the hundreds in attendance. The major renovation, almost 18 months in the making, doubled the space and includes a health screening room, fitness area and a refreshed space to allow for more programs.
On The Move
Local real estate agent Sandra Valencia has changed firms, jumping from Keller-Williams to Christie’s International Real Estate. She’s still helping clients all over Monmouth County. Check out her ad on page 17 to learn how to reach her. Scan to read more
Cheers!
Birdsmouth Beer will mark its second anniversary with an Oktoberfest celebration on Oct. 19 at their tasting room in Oceanport. Follow @ birdsmouthbeer on Instagram for more updates.
be
EYE CARE SERVICES CONTACT LENSES
DESIGNER EYEGLASSES & SUNGLASSES
As an independent medical vision practice serving the New Jersey community for over 20 years, we offer personalized care with an emphasis on quality service. We have invested in the latest eye care technology to bring you the most comprehensive eye exams, with solutions to correct astigmatism, eliminate myopia, co-manage refractive surgery, and more!
Brighton Eye Care
112 Brighton Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740
Phone: 732-870-1088 Advanced Eye Professionals
225 Gordons Corner Road, Suite 1C Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
Phone: 732-792-9800
Dr. Sergio Peneiras
Dr. Erica L. O’Lenick
Photography by Andrea Phox
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Bakery
Chocolate Carousel http://chocolatecarousel.com/ | 732.280.0606
Caputo Italian Pastry Shoppe https://caputospastryshoppe.com/ | 732.222.3838
Kelly's Bakery
732.759.8788
Nannos Bakery And Ice Cream Place nannosbakery.com/ | 732.483.6803
La Rosa's Pastry Shop https://larosaspastryshop.com/ | 732.842.2592
Restaurant
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Trama's Trattoria http://tramastrattoria.com/ | 732.222.1121
Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant https://www.rooneysocean.com/ | 732.870.1200
21A on Broadway Restaurant & Bar https://www.21aonbroadway.com/ | 732.483.6967
Mar Belo Portuguese Restaurant/Lounge http://www.marbelorestaurant.com/ | 732.870.2222
Matiz Shore House
848.888.3813
Pizza Shop
Bella's Pizzeria
http://www.bellas100pizza.com/ | 732.229.7102
The Whitechapel Projects https://www.whitechapelprojects.com/ | 732.963.9218
Rockafellers Station Restaurant And Bar https://www.rockafellersstationrestaurant.com/ | 732.962.6666
Nunzio's Pizzeria https://nunziospizzalb.com/ | 732.222.9798
Scala's Pizzeria http://www.scalaspizzeria.com/ | 732.222.8728
Coffee Shop
Offshore Coffee Co. Long Branch https://offshorecoffeeco.com/
BloomBar Café et Fleurs https://www.bloombarflowermarket.com/ | 732.400.1744
Honeysuckle General Store
Busy Bee Roasters and Coffee Shop https://busybeecoffeeroasters.com/ | 732.483.6370
Turning Point of Long Branch turningpointrestaurants.com/ | 732.923.1104
Happy Hour
Mix Lounge & Food Bar http://www.mixloungefoodbar.com/ | 732.923.9100
21A on Broadway Restaurant & Bar https://www.21aonbroadway.com/ | 732.483.6967
The Robinson Ale House - Long Branch therobinsonalehouselongbranch.com/ | 732.222.2212
Avenue Long Branch https://www.avenuelongbranch.com/ | 732.759.2900
Watermark watermarkap.com/ | 732.455.3447
Brewery
Beach Bee Meadery beachbeemeadery.com/ | 732.403.3558
Birdsmouth Beer birdsmouthbeer.com/ | 973.352.2842
Asbury Park Brewery asburyparkbrewery.com/ | 732.455.5571
Carton Brewing http://cartonbrewing.com/ | 732.654.2337
Source Farmhouse Brewery sourcebrewing.com/ | 732.431.2337
Newly Opened
The Squire at Branches http://thesquirenj.com/ | 866.778.4738
Saltwater Social https://saltwatersocialnj.com/ | 732.444.2055
Ember & Eagle https://www.emberandeagle.com/ | 732.443.3009
Osteria Molo https://osteriamolonj.com/ | 732.229.3131
Azure Restaurant NJ https://www.azure-restaurant.com/en | 732.228.4579
Bagel Shop
Hot Bagel Bakery http://www.hotbagelbakery.com/ | 732.870.6262
Bagel Masters http://bagelmasters.com/ | 732.224.0333
Bagel Guys Deli LLC http://www.bagelguysdeli.com/ | 732.229.0100
Joe's Bagel and Grill https://www.joesbagelandgrill.com/ | 848.303.8896
FaNagle the Bagel http://fanagle-the-bagel.com/ | 732.571.0066
Good Mood Foods
MISSION-DRIVEN LONG BRANCH ENTREPRENEURS SERVING HOLISTIC KNOW-HOW AT GRIFFY'S ORGANICS
At this point, the term “Farm to table” is pretty ubiquitous in the dining space. But have you ever heard of “Blog to bottle?”
Of course you haven’t, but that is essentially what Avry Griffin did with Griffy’s Organics, the holistic Brighton Avenue spot that is beginning to expand.
“We wanted to inform people about holistic nutrition options,” Griffin said of the decision to start blogging, adding that the site would host listings of community events targeted a health-conscious residents, and he would attend the events and give out free samples of the raw juices that are the foundation of Griffy’s menu of options.
“After that, we went into the home kitchen, making juices and doing home delivery,” he said. With a boost from Long Branch’s “Shark Tank” program in 2021, Griffin and his cousin and business partner, Chris Griffin, were able to go brick-and-mortar. August marked three years in their current location, which also doubles as the production facility. Storefronts in Asbury Park and Red Bank have also taken root in the last few months.
One thing that Gfriffy’s is trying to accomplish is making healthy and organic foods more approachable, not only from a cost perspective but also from a knowledge base. There are a lot of people who want to get healthier but don’t exactly know where to begin, and Griffin leans back into the blog days, informing customers about the nutritional benefits of everything from the protein smoothies to wellness shots and juices.
“When you come into our store, everything is affordable. Our juices are nine bucks,” he said, noting that they also offer a $10 a month membership program that allows customers to take 15 percent off their purchase, with no limits on frequency or products.
Avry Griffin
“It’s not the best for a net margin POV, but we really are mission-driven,” he said with a laugh.
For Griffin, the entrepreneurial spirit runs deep. His “Pop Pop” ran a clothing store and tailor shop in Asbury Park that remained in business through the generations for more than a century. When he was in high school, in addition to being the quarterback for the Long Branch HS football team, Griffin had a social media marketing company, helping brands reach new customers. The pivot to Griffy’s came pretty organically; Griffin says that he had “foundational” knowledge about this type of nutrition based on the way he grew up and the people around him. His cousin and business partner, Chris, is a holistic nutritionist and studied at Wake Forest University, so the fit was seamless. In addition to the local operation, Griffy’s offers nationwide shipping and Griffin says they ship up and down the East Coast regularly.
“We wanted to provide to the market to help people, and looking around the landscape, I felt like we could do something that would have some impact on people's lives.“
One of the ways they try to achieve that is through food and nutrition. The gut functions like the body’s “second brain,” Griffin says, and he believes that keeping it healthy and happy is a positive for everyone in the community.
“The biggest thing is people being more conscientious of consumption decisions,” he says. “(What we put into our body) affects everything from our moods to our health. Being more conscientious in general has the biggest socioeconomic impact on our community as a whole.”
“We wanted to provide to the market to help people, and looking around the landscape, I felt like we could do something that would have some impact on people's lives.”
“The biggest thing is people being more conscientious of consumption decisions. (What we put into our body) affects everything from our moods to our health. Being more conscientious in general has the biggest socioeconomic impact on our community as a whole.”
Griffin
On top of the high-protein smoothies, wellness shots and coldpressed juices, Griffy’s also offers healthy snacks like hummus and guacamole. They source as much as they can from local, organic farmers, and when they can’t, they work with trusted suppliers to ensure quality standards. The whole goal is to help people reach the wellness goals they are seeking.
“I feel like diet is like religion, it’s very personal,” Griffin said.
But if you’re looking to try something new, the team at Griffy’s is happy to be your guide.
Griffy's Organics is located at 144 Brighton Ave., Long Branch and 611 Bangs Ave., Asbury Park. You can find them on Instagram @griffysorganics
Avry
Discover contemporary coastal living at The Seashore in Long Branch, where 14 luxurious townhomes offer open concept floor plans, convenient proximity to the beach, dining, shopping, and train station. Each townhouse offers many amenities including an elevator and approx. 800sf rooftop deck. elliman.com | Web# 22418644
O 732.387.3807 M 732.768.3329 todd.katz@elliman.com
M 732.859.8505 chris.katz@elliman.com 345 SECOND AVENUE, LONG BRANCH 3 BR, 3.5 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST
RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, AFFECTIONAL OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR ANY OTHER BASIS PROHIBITED BY THE LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION (N.J.S.A.10:5-1 ET SEQ.). THE ARTIST’S REPRESENTATION OF THE BUILDING AND ANY DESCRIPTION OR DEPICTION OF INTERIOR DECORATIONS, FINISHES, APPLIANCES, FURNISHINGS, OR EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE PROVIDED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY BE MODIFIED, ALTERED, OR CHANGED. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN A PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR. SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE ADVISED TO REVIEW THE COMPLETE TERMS OF THE PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT FOR FURTHER DETAIL AS TO TYPE, QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF MATERIALS, APPLIANCES, EQUIPMENT, AND FIXTURES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE UNITS, AMENITY AREAS AND COMMON ELEMENTS OF THE CONDOMINIUM. SPONSOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES EXCEPT AS MAY BE SET FORTH IN THE PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT AND PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT HAS RELIED ONLY ON THE TERMS OF THE PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT. ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE OF AMENITIES IS MAY 2025, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULES, WEATHER, AND OTHER MARKET CONDITIONS. ALL RIGHTS TO CONTENT, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND GRAPHICS RESERVED TO SPONSOR. SPONSOR: BATHHAUS LLC, 105 OCEAN AVENUE, LOCH ARBOUR, NJ 07711. EXCLUSIVE SALES & MARKETING AGENT: DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE: 803 RIVER RD, FAIR HAVEN, NJ, 07704. 732.387.3807. Todd Katz Salesperson
taste the town
LOCAL REAL ESTATE PROS CHRIS AND TODD KATZ DISH ON LONG BRANCH'S DINING SCENE
ARTICLE BY CHRIS & TODD KATZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA PHOX
Growing up in Long Branch in the 70’s and 80’s there were many iconic places to grab a bite any time of day. Like weekend breakfast at Max Embers or The Flame, Primavera’s and Ocean View Bakery for lunch and spots like The Continental, Tuzzio's or Jimmy Lu’s Chinese for dinner. The Inkwell was a late-night staple, of course.
Chris and Todd Katz at Mix Lounge
Unfortunately, all of those are no longer open today but the good news is that there is a host of newer options and some classics that are still around (think Max’s and The Windmill’s decadeslong weenie wars).
Long Branch has become a literal melting pot for dining. With no less than a dozen Mexican restaurants (Acapulco and La Valentina to name a few of the originals in town), at least half a dozen Italian restaurants (Piancones, Trama and Sirena are some local favorites; don’t forget Nunzios and Scala’s for some of the best pizza in the area).
There are many Portuguese/Brazilian/Spanish options (Mar Belo, Por Du Sol and 21A are muy bueno), Chinese (King Chef and Ming Ying have been feeding us for years), Japanese (Izu and Sushi on Fleek are great options), American (you may have heard of The Butcher Block, one of the hottest restaurants in NJ let alone Long Branch -- if you can get a reservation), French (Avenue in Pier Village happens to be one of the most beautiful restaurants in the area), seafood (Rooney’s, McCloones and Charlie’s have some of the best views in town) and there’s a variety of great Kosher options even if you don’t normally eat kosher (Grandma’s Grilled Cheese, Salt Steakhouse, La Riva Pizza and Stingers/656 are some of the best).
And to wash all this food down, Long Branch is also home to many popular bars (The Mix, Jack’s, Nip and Tuck and Zachary’s to name a few) while also being one of the only cities to have a microbrewery (White Chapel Project), distillery (Long Branch Distillery) and meadery (wine made from honeyBeach Bee Meadery).
So no matter what you hunger or thirst for, Long Branch can satisfy every craving.
BAG O' FRIES FROM MIX LOUNGE
Kitchen Confidential
ARTICLE BY RYAN GALLAGHER & BERNIE AUGUSTINE
If you’ve ever been out to dinner around Long Branch, had a wonderful meal and thought Man, I wish I could cook like that at home, well, you’re not alone. Plenty of diners have that feeling; it’s part of why we all go out to eat.
The secret is, the “back of the house” has more cooks than you have forks in your kitchen. And being organized, informed, and working as a team allows them to put food on the plate with a flare or flavor profile that might be out of reach for an at-home cook.
LOCAL
CULINARY PROS TELL US THEIR SECRETS FOR SUCCESS WHEN COOKING AT HOME
Nick Pettiti (r.) and Abel Gomez, head chef at Jack's Goal Line Stand
"BAKING IS SCIENCE AND THINGS HAVE TO BE EXACT; WITH COOKING, YOU CAN ADD A PINCH OF SOMETHING HERE AND THERE."
But when these culinary artists are at home, what do they stock their kitchens and pantries with to make sure the meals they're making for themselves or their own families are just as satisfying as what gets served up from the West End to Pier Village? We caught up with some veterans of the local dining scene to get a sense of what they like to use, and collected their recommendations for items that can help you bring your cooking game up a notch or two.
Editor’s note: Interview answers were condensed and paraphrased for clarity.
JONATHAN JOHNSON, SOUS CHEF AT ROONEY’S
You have to have good, sharp knives and you’re always going to need a chef’s knife. Never put it in the dishwasher, the heat can alter the molecules in the steel, and always towel-dry as soon as you’re done to prevent rust.
Secret tip: Rice wine vinegar. Add it to soups and salad dressings. It adds a full-mouth, umami type feeling.
MISAEL HERAZ, COOK AT BAR MELO
What matters is the order you cook the ingredients in. You can cook the same dish with the same ingredients, but in a different order, for a different flavor palette.
Secret tip: Go to where the ingredients are. We cook with a lot of Portuguese ingredients, and Newark has a big Portuguese supermarket. The Fine Fare has a good international market.
NICK PETITTI, CO-OWNER OF JACK’S GOAL LINE STAND
We don't use any fancy devices. I cook simply just like my grandmother did with a couple of frying pans, and good hands to break everything down. Fresh aromatics (celery, carrots, onions, garlic) make a big difference.
Secret tip: Baking is science and things have to be exact; with cooking, you can add a pinch of something here and there.
Jonathan Johnson
3d Renderings | Expert Design Advice | Tile | Flooring | Vanities Toilets | Cabinets | Tubs | Faucets | Custom Closets ...and more at unbeatable prices!
MOCK IT OFF
ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE
BARTENDING PRO JARED GONSALVES SHARES TRICKS FOR TURNING A COCKTAIL INTO A MOCKTAIL
For Jared Gonsalves, the reward is the smirk that comes after the first sip.
“The eyes open a little wider,” he says. But in this case, it’s not a cocktail in that customer’s hand; it’s a mocktail.
Make no mistake, mocktails are having a moment.
“You see a lot of women that are pregnant. You see a lot of people who don’t drink alcohol,” Gonsalves says. “For me to be able to give a drink to someone in that setting, to offer something a little bit different … it’s intrinsically rewarding.”
Here are Gonsalves’ tips on taking out the alcohol, but keeping the flavor.
SPIRIT SUBSTITUTE
MUDDLE THROUGH IT
“Let’s say you want a margarita or something that tastes like summer, really what I would suggest is muddling,” Gonsalves says. “Muddling your syrups and juices with your fruit. That’s kind of what the gist is in terms of turning a cocktail into a mocktail.”
Club soda is going to be your best friend here. But there are other elements that you can lean on. “I also like to use Goya purees, they have a lot of taste,” Gonsalves says. “There are also a lot of new offerings of spirits that don’t have alcohol. Most likely, a good liquor store will have something like a Ritual tequila.”
THE CAN’T MISS
CAN’T HAVE IT ALL
There are some drinks that are just not mocktail-friendly, think of the single-spirit drinks like a martini or an old fashioned, where the vodka (or gin) and bourbon are doing most of the work from a flavor perspective.
“If there isn’t a non-alcoholic offering out there, you’re not going to be able to make it,” Gonsalves says.
02 03 04
According to Gonsalves, one of the drinks with the best success rate, is a mojito. “Once one person sees a mojito, everyone wants a mojito,” he said with a laugh. But because the drink is so fragrant-forward, with the mint and other aromatics (like a jalapeño if you want a spicy mojito, or cucumber for added freshness), it really lends itself to the mocktail format.
Jared Gonsalves is a personal bartender available for private parties and events. You can find him on Instagram at @ThisIsMyBartender
Jared Gonsalves
Celebrating Year One
The first year is in the books for Long Branch City Lifestyle magazine
ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEFANY GITLEMAN
Entertainment provided by Eliana Wenwick
As far as parties go, this was a big one. Emphasis on One.
In August, Long Branch City Lifestyle owner and publisher Amy Dimes marked the completion of the magazine’s first year with a summertime celebration at 10PRL on Bath Avenue.
In all, nearly 100 friends, family members, business associates and advertisers gathered to mark the occasion with food, drinks, music and entertainment.
“I am so grateful for everyone who is here, and for everyone who supported the magazine’s growth,” Dimes said to the people in attendance. “It is constant work, to build this brand, and I am so grateful to celebrate with everyone who is here tonight. Thank you for making my dream come true.”
It also doubled as an opportunity for City Lifestyle advertisers and stakeholders to meet and mingle, sometimes for the first time.
“The biggest benefit for me has been the connections I've made with other business owners — especially other women business owners and other home/residential service providers,” said Shannon Littlehale, who owns Make Space Home Organizing in Long Branch. “I've gained a community that I didn't have prior to becoming an advertiser, and it's helped me grow my professional network, support and be supported by other local business owners, and feel more connected to the community.”
Real estate agent Sandra Valencia echoed Littlehale's sentiments. "Working with Amy has been great, and the magazine has really expanded my professional and personal networks."
Jeff Wosleger, a founding partner who operates the Budget Blinds franchise of Long Branch and Middletown, was equally pleased with the experience working with Dimes.
“It's been a great experience from the very first issue. A customer called the day it was in their mailbox, I didn't even realize it was already out,” Wosleger said. “Another customer called after her husband brought the magazine home from his business; now they’re repeat customers with a second order in production.”
CONTINUED >
Dentists K.C. Wenning, Isabel Bastos and publisher Amy Dimes
Forever Golden provided permanent jewelery
Troy Teeboom (KUR Spa), Jared Gonsalves (That's My Bartender), Cait Silk (Cait's Crew), and Allison Lamagna (Provident Bank)
“I'M SO GRATE FUL FOR EVERYONE WHO'S HERE, AND FOR EVERYONE W HO SUPPORTED THE MAGAZINE’S
The event was staged with the help of several partners, with food provided by Pastosa Eatontown, 21A on Broadway, Bella’s Pizzeria and personal cooking and catering by Chef Zazz. Jared Gonsalves of This Is My Bartender mixed drinks and uncorked bottles while Jeff Gould of SCE Event Group supplied the soundtrack for the night. Aerialist and dancer Eliana Wenick welcomed guests with champagne, served in a way few have seen before, contorting herself through a golden hoop and pouring bubbly into glasses.
GROWTH”
“This was a milestone event,” Dimes said, reflecting on the night. “I have to thank my founding partners, community members and, most importantly, my biggest support system, my family and close friends.”
THE FOUNDING PARTNERS OF LONG BRANCH CITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Arctic Fire Cryotherapy
Budget Blinds of Long Branch
Casale Jewelers
Chocolates & Sweets by Joanna
Complete Care at Monmouth
Kim Keaveny | Strategic Life Coach
KUR Wellness Studio
Patricia George | O'Brien Realty
Pastosa Raviolo | Eatontown
RB Granite
Riverside Facial Plastic Surgery
Seacoast Spine and Sports Medicine
The Katz Team | Douglas Eilman
The Secret Garden Salon
Toms River Bintelli Street Golf Carts
Toms River Auto Group
The Remedy Realm | Dr. Abe Schreiber
The Whitechapel Projects
Vera Cengiz | The Lifestyle Group
Vivian Pisano Photography
Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home
Friends and Family gathered to celebrate
radiofrequency microneedling that stimulates collagen production and remodels fat as well as treating wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, and surgical scars. It can be used anywhere on the face and body.
BACK TO BASICS
ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA PHOX
AT BIRDSMOUTH BEER, 'DRINKABILITY' IS THE NAME OF THE GAME.
Andy Gioia was pretty content with his job as a line cook at Mumford’s Culinary Center in Tinton Falls. He had a degree in microbiology, and the food industry allowed him to put some of that knowledge into practice, using it in a more approachable setting than, say, laboratory work.
But then, the cable guy knocked on the door.
“He came over to install the cable, and it was pretty late, probably the last job of the day for him, and I offered him a beer,” Gioia recalls. “I opened up my fridge and I had all this craft beer in there, and he was like, ‘Do you home-brew?’”
If this were a cartoon and not a real-life story, there would be a lightbulb over Gioia’s head at this very moment.
“I don’t even know who this person is,” he says now with a laugh that acknowledges how unusual it is that this random encounter set his career on a completely different path.
The next day, Gioia and his wife were picking up glass carboys and he started homebrewing in their Asbury Park apartment.
“It quickly became an obsession and a passion of mine.”
It also became his career. Gioia was always someone who was interested in science and chemistry (in case the microbiology degree didn’t give that away), and brewing connects those two threads. “It’s the perfect blend of those things,” he said. Over time, his thirst for more knowledge about the industry led him to the American Brewers Guild, which is like trade school for brewers.
Andy Gioia, co-owner of Birdsmouth Beer
“A lot of the basics, you learn that as a home brewer,” he said. “Home brewing taught me most of what I know, in terms of the science, biology and recipe development.”
But it was with the ABG where he was able to level up his knowledge and learn how to scale his recipes from the five-gallon carboys to 1,000 to 2,000-gallon runs. There was also critical skill development, like how to fill kegs and run canning lines.
With more knowledge to pull on, Gioia put his passion into action and landed with a local brewer, first as an apprentice before ultimately rising to the position of head brewer. He found the industry to be very welcoming and started experimenting with different types of beers and visiting breweries when he could. During his years on the job, Gioia began to unpack the logistics of owning and operating his own brewery, and in October of 2022, he opened Birdsmouth Beer in Oceanport along with his business partner, Rocco Laginestra. The facility is on the campus of Fort Monmouth, in the same building as the former commissary.
In addition to its unique location, Birdsmouth also offers a product that is a little different from most local or craft breweries; they only do lager beer. According to Gioia, the majority of breweries at this scale work in ales, many of which have a higher alcohol volume than lagers.
“The focus of the beer is always drinkability. We make beer-flavored beer,” Gioia said, adding that they make about six beers, three of which are available year-round and three others that rotate seasonally. All are around five percent ABV.
“We’re trying to cut out all of the frills and not getting caught up in the showiness. We’re trying to just be straightforward. It’s not screaming for attention," he said, noting that even the names of the beers are meant to be approachable and unpretentious; American lager, dark lager, Mexican lager, etc. "You want to enjoy your company, you want to enjoy your food, it’s supposed to be part of the experience, not having your pinky up and overanalyzing it.”
There’s a hint to that ethos in the brewery’s name. A birdsmouth is a woodworking joint, but is all substance, no style.
“We like the imagery. It’s very utilitarian, it serves a purpose,” Gioia said. “We consider ourselves more craftsmen than artists. It’s function over form for us. We also really like birds, logo is the New Jersey state bird, the goldfinch.”
Right now, Birdsmouth is essentially a wholesaler, getting their beer into kegs and on tap at bars and restaurants in Long Branch, Red Bank, Asbury Park and plenty of other Jersey Shore spots, but also in Jersey City and points north. They’ve also got a family-friendly tasting room where customers can buy canned beers and can also bring their own food.
Oh, and cable guy, if you’re reading this, the tasting room is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
FREEZER DOOR MARGARITA
One of my favorite batched cocktail recipes is simple, but quite delicious and can be modified with various fruit bases. It can also be made as a non-alcoholic version if you’re able to find a substitute, like Ritual Tequila (NA).
ingredients:
• 2.5 Cups of Tequila
• 7oz Lime Juice
• 7oz Orange Liqueur (Triple Sec/Cointreau)
• Agave/Simple Syrup to taste
directions:
Remove enough from your tequila bottle to make room for the additional ingredients. If you have a one liter bottle of blanco, you’re going to pour out (and save!) about 14 ounces to make room for the lime juice and orange liqueur. Shake it up, store it in the freezer for margaritas on demand.
