Monmouth December 2025

MAKING MERRY

GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST MEET FREEHOLD’S HIGH STEPPING ROCKETTE

5 TOWNS

Town Appliance

Where Designers Shop and Homeowners’ Visions Take Shape

800.288.1647 | townappliance.com | @townappliance

For nearly five decades, Town Appliance has set the standard for premium home appliances, blending boutique service with an unmatched product selection. From its beginnings in Lakewood, NJ, Town Appliance has grown into one of the tri-state area's most respected retailers, featuring three boutique-style showrooms, an experienced team, and a streamlined online platform that makes selecting appliances effortless for homeowners, designers, and contractors alike.

A Curated Selection for Every Space

From state-of-the-art cooking ranges and sleek cooktops to precision refrigeration, ventilation hoods, dishwashers, and wine storage, Town Appliance carries a broad portfolio of brands designed to meet both everyday needs and luxury aspirations.

Among these distinguished names, Sub-Zero Refrigeration represents the gold standard in freshness and craftsmanship, with dual-refrigeration systems and advanced air purification that preserves ingredients longer. Wolf cooking appliances bring professional-grade precision into the home, offering dual-stacked, sealed burners, advanced convection ovens, and durability that inspires confidence in every meal. And Cove Dishwashers combine whisper-quiet operation, adjustable interiors, and powerful cleaning to ensure sparkling results without compromising style.

Trusted by Designers, Valued by Homeowners

Design professionals turn to Town Appliance for their deep product knowledge and ability to match the right appliance to the right lifestyle. The in-house service department ensures support long after the sale, from warranty assistance to service call coordination. For those designing a dream kitchen, upgrading to exceptional performance, or seeking expert advice, Town Appliance delivers a refined shopping experience by combining small-town courtesy with big-city know-how.

A Boutique Experience, Online or luxury tailored to each clientʼs needs. Many customer relationships span online consultations. Whether shopping in person or remotely, clients can of

Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove kitchen from an SDR Properties project, founded and led by Roshini Thinakaran, with appliances supplied by Town Appliance.

Features

Attention, Weekend Warriors

Play hard on Saturday and Sunday for peak gains, not peak pains. A Monmouth doctor shares tips.

Gift Guide 2025 19

From stylish to sentimental, these 45 ideas will make every name on your list sparkle.

Departments

Monmouth Buzz 8

Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in our county.

Style Watch 12

Feel good and stay cozy with these stylish coats and accessories.

Home Front 13

These picks bring cheer, shine and a dash of drama to your December table.

Tastes 32

Celebrate the season with rich, hearty dishes that take center stage on your holiday menu.

Bar Tab 36

This tart pick-me-up is festive, flavorful and perfect for both holiday parties and fireside sipping.

Restaurant Review 50

A local family gets into the holiday spirit at the Sea Bright beach. 32

Our Own Rockette 26

This holiday season, Freehold’s Jordan Powell is helping an iconic dance team celebrate a century of high kicks.

Friends & Neighbors 14

Nancy Barr-Brandon of Neptune Township lives with 11 felines and rescues countless more every year.

Milestones 28

20 years, Coastal Communities Family Success Center in Long Branch has assisted vulnerable people moments of crisis, large or small.

Escapes 30

Each of five charming places presents a Christmastime that honors tradition and brightens the spirit.

Sleek and effortlessly cool, Xina in Bradley Beach balances Japanese precision and Chinese comfort.

Gatherings 54

Monmouth residents always show up to support their neighbors.

A Monmouth Moment 56

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Editor’s Note

15 Health News

46 Where to Eat

52 Be There

“If

~ Sir Thomas More

You deserve respect, honesty, and to be treated the way you want to be treated.

At Allure Plastic Surgery Center, we uphold ethical standards that recognize the inherent worth and inner beauty of all our patients and staff. We understand that outer appearance can impact confidence. Let us help you reveal your inner beauty respectfully and honestly.

I am passionate about surgery and grateful for the gift to perform it. If surgery is not the best option for you, I will be transparent. We offer a comprehensive range of services to enhance your confidence, both non-surgical rejuvenation and surgical procedures—all under one roof.

Trust us with your important decision. You deserve it.

Hope to see you,

John M. Taylor, M.D.

Allure Plastic Surgery Center Two Rivers Surgery Center 194 State Route 35 Red Bank, NJ 07701 (732)483.1800

Visit us at www.allurenj.com to learn more.

Just What You’ve Always Wanted

Raise your hand if you’ve never faked a reaction. Never, on unwrapping a gift, exclaimed in faux rapture, “How did you know I’ve longed for a paperweight shaped like the Leaning Tower of Pisa?” or “How wonderful—a sweater with tassels! And it’s just my size!”

If your hand is up, you’re not unusual. Most of us accept that, in the ritual of gift giving, part of the job is ours as gracious recipient. Someone has thought of us generously, and that fact alone demands a warm smile of gratitude, whether or not it’s fully sincere. We may even utter that old cliché: “It’s just what I’ve always wanted!”

But let’s drill down on that. Holiday time is a great time to ask: Just what have we always wanted? If it’s one of the presents in this issue’s Gift Guide (and we do think they’re winners), leave the magazine open, as if by happenstance, somewhere near pages 19 through 25, as a subtle hint to loved ones just before shopping day.

Perhaps a wish come true is on your list this season. Turn to page 26 to read about Freehold native Jordan Powell—she’s living her dream during the holidays as a member of the iconic Rockettes. Read about which local dance studios put her on the path toward her dream role and find out which number in the ChristmasSpectacular at Radio City Music Hall is her favorite.

In our Buzz section beginning on page 8, you’ll learn about four library classes in which you can learn something new—and carry away the gift of knowledge. There, too, we describe five kinds of local holiday-break fun and four local toy drives that help us mark the spirit of the season.

What else is in this December magazine? On page 14, meet Neptune Township’s cat lady Nancy Barr-Brandon, who lives with 11 felines and rescues many more every year. You’ll find two scrumptious meals on page 32, Christmas-themed travel destinations on page 30 and advice on the benefits and risks of “weekend warrior” exercise on page 16. And on page 50, find out which cuisine our reviewer ate when he stopped by Xina in Bradley Beach, a restaurant specializing in sushi and Chinese dishes.

Then again, maybe what you’ve really always wanted is the joy that comes from knowing you’ve touched the lives of others. On page 28, read about Long Branch’s Coastal Communities Family Success Center, which has become the “phone-a-friend” for people in crisis and for local public health providers. For 20 years, the group has been helping vulnerable people in moments of crisis.

After all, they say it’s more blessed to give than to receive, and of course they’re right— although sometimes receiving can be pretty darn blessed as well.

Enjoy the holidays—and this holiday issue!

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com

Monmouth

Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA

Creative Director

STEPHEN M. VITARBO

Senior Associate Editor

DARIUS AMOS

Assistant Editor

KIRSTEN MEEHAN

Contributing Editors

PAUL RANCE JR. DONNA ROLANDO

PRODUCTION

Production Manager FERN E. MESHULAM

Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE

BE SOCIAL

Join our online community!

LIKE us on Facebook: MonmouthMagazine

FOLLOW us on X: @MonmouthHandL

SEE our photos on Instagram: @MonmouthMagazine VIEW our boards on Pinterest: HealthandLife

SEND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IDEAS TO: Editor, Monmouth, P.O. Box 571, Asbury Park, NJ 07712; fax: 201.746.8650; email rita.guarna@ wainscotmedia.com. Monmouth assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials.

Group Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY

Publisher JODI BRUKER

Director, Special Programs

LAURA A. DOWDEN

MARKETING, DIGITAL & OPERATIONS

Director of Marketing and Digital Media

NIGEL EDELSHAIN

Director of Advertising Services

JACQUELYNN FISCHER

Chief Finance Officer

STEVEN RESNICK

Assistant Controller

URSZULA JANECZKO

Accounts Receivable Manager

KASIE CARLETON

Director of Operations

CATHERINE ROSARIO

Office Manager

MARIA MARTUCCI

PUBLISHED BY WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

CARROLL V. DOWDEN

President & CEO

MARK DOWDEN

Senior Vice Presidents

EDWARD R. BURNS

LIZETTE CHIN

THOMAS FLANNERY

RITA GUARNA

Vice Presidents

NIGEL EDELSHAIN

NOELLE HEFFERNAN

MARIA REGAN

STEVEN RESNICK

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Please contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to Monmouth, Circulation Department, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.573.5541; email fern.meshulam@ wainscotmedia.com.

Photography

Monmouth Buzz

OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

HOLIDAYS ON THE SHORE

Most classic holiday cards don’t include surf and sand, but it’s different for full-time Shore residents. The beach here isn’t just a summervacation indulgence; it’s a way of life. Below, Monmouth residents share beloved traditions that come with a classic Jersey Shore twist:

“For part of our Italian-American Christmas Eve dinner each year, I go to the docks in Neptune City to get our scallops, lobster and shrimp right off the boat, from a business called Jersey Shore Lobster Bros., on South Concourse. My family always looks forward to the fried shrimp and scallops and shrimp and lobster Oreganata. It’s always better when the seafood is fresh and local.”

—Peter Battaglia, Tinton Falls

“My family and I used to go ice skating near the ocean at Pier Village. We also always incorporate the ocean and nautical theme into our decorations at Christmas time.”

—Courtney Leonard, Long Branch

“My favorite holiday tradition is getting fresh seafood from the Belford Seafood Co-Op.”

—Dan Diehl, Middletown

“Ever since my son was born, on Christmas Day, no matter the weather, we always walk to the beach here in Asbury Park sometime in the afternoon, after we eat brunch and open presents.”

—Michael Paul Thomas, Asbury Park

“Every year I bring my family to the ocean and we share some of the wishes we have for the season, including the wishes we have for each other. Then we write them on biodegradable paper lanterns and set them out to the sky over the sea.”

—Christine Roman, Middletown

5 KINDS OF HOLIDAY-BREAK FUN

Looking to make the most of the week between Christmas and New Year’s? Our county offers plenty of seasonal experiences to help you wrap up the year in style:

• Bright nights. Did the holiday rush stop you from seeing Magic of Lights in Holmdel? Don’t fret—the annual drivethrough light show at PNC Bank Arts Center runs nightly through Jan. 3, so there’s plenty of time to see what’s new.

• Skate date. Now’s the perfect time for some open-air ice skating. Holmdel Park Pond and Turkey Swamp Park become skaters’ paradises in winter—just be on the lookout for official opening and closures. Bonus: Weekend skating is open until 9 p.m., so you can skate under the stars.

• Beach day. The Shore during winter isn’t just for polar plungers—everyone should enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Fewer tourists

better beachcombing for shells, sea glass and other natural keepsakes. Just bring a blanket or two, hot chocolate to go and your very best friends.

• Ski the sights. On a snowy day, Thompson Park in Lincroft turns into a true wonderland, and seeing the woods while cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is truly a memorable experience. Equipment rentals are available at the Ski Hut.

• Take a hike. Hiking Hartshorne Woods in summer is a treat, but it’s just as magical in winter. Grab your trekking poles and strap micro spikes to your boots (there will be hills and icy patches) and to see snow-covered trails and unforgettable views of the Navesink River.

SANTA CLAWS

Making holiday memories includes loved ones, and furry family members are surely loved. Thus local spots are rolling out the redand-green carpet for pet photos Santa, giving you the chance to capture that perfect festive snapshot:

Asbury Park Brewery, Asbury Park. Dec. 7 from noon to 3 p.m., pets pose with Santa at Shore Saves’ Photos with Surf Santa Paws.

Doggie Sweets, Long Branch. Enjoy Barkfest with Santa at a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. The event includes a doggie breakfast photos with Santa.

Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold. nights will be held on Mondays 4–7 p.m.

Supplies Plus, Wall. HowellRescue Ridge animal rescue photos with Santa from noon to Sunday, Dec. 7. A $20 donation a framed, printed photo of pooch with the big guy in red.

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Rosie, a 7-yearold English setter Owners: Sam Painter and Garrett Alpaugh of Keyport

After moving in together in 2020, Painter and Alpaugh’s next step was obvious— they needed a dog! Rosie came into their lives from the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter in August of that same year, and has been bringing joy into her owners’ lives ever since.

Rosie loves being outside, which is good, because her people love bringing her on hikes on the Henry Hudson Trail and at Sandy Hook. “That’s one of her favorite places,” says Painter. “She always jumps up in the car when she can sense we’re nearing the Hook.” Despite loving the beach, she’s not a fan of swimming. If her feet can’t touch the bottom, according to Painter, “she’s out.”

This pup also has an inventive side. Painter says, “We started to find acorns in Rosie’s crate, and we realized she was picking them up and holding them in her mouth during our walks. We think she was collecting them to use as squirrel bait!”

Want to see your pet in an upcoming issue of MONMOUTH? Send a photo and a brief description to Editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

WELCOME 2026

You don’t have to head into Manhattan to celebrate— Monmouth County is lighting up New Year’s Eve with events and parties close to home. These events may interest your squad:

• Beach Haven, Dec. 31: The Surflight Theatre in nearby Ocean County hosts NYE Bubbly Bash featuring David Clark, who’ll perform the music of Billy Joel. Info: surflight.org

• Long Branch, Dec. 31: Enjoy a fireworks spectacular beginning at 9 p.m. at Pier Village, which has prime viewing spots along the boardwalk. Info: piervillage.com

• Freehold, Dec. 31: Don’t miss the festivities of the New Year’s Eve Gala at The American Hotel. Embrace the new year and celebrate with friends and family during a delicious dinner and live entertainment in the Majestic Ballroom. Info: americanhotelnj.com

• Manasquan, Dec. 31: Visit the Algonquin Arts Theatre and ring in the new year with a tribute to Foreigner and Journey, as performed by former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis. Show times are at 6 and 9 p.m., so you’ll have time to enjoy the show and a champagne toast at midnight. Info: algonquinarts.org

KUDOS TO…

…Asbury Park’s David Viana, the culinary force behind Judy & Harry’s in Asbury Park and Lita’s in Aberdeen Township, who was named a finalist for 2025 Chef of the Year by the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. Viana, a previous James Beard Award nominee, has trained under renowned chefs including Michael White, Bobby Flay and the late Anne Burrell, and has showcased his kitchen skills on the Food Network’s Tournament of Champions .

LEARN A LITTLE

The brain is like a muscle; its strength is boosted when you exercise it by learning something new. And you don’t need to travel far for a classroom. For deep dives on history, science and art, look no further than Monmouth County’s public library system, which holds regular lectures—many of them free with registration. A few upcoming options (for more info on all, see monmouthcountylib.libcal.com):

• Dec. 8, Eastern Library Branch, 1001 Rte. 35, Shrewsbury: “From Saint to Santa.” Art historian Michael Norris explores the creation of the modern Santa Claus through centuries of art.

• Dec. 9, Wall Township Library Branch, 2700 Allaire Rd., Wall Township: “Tea, Food, and Fashion from Jane Austen to Queen Victoria.” Learn about changing cultural trends and the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the Regency and Victorian eras in England.

• Dec. 10, Holmdel Branch, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Suite 2110: “Eating Well with Diabetes During the Holidays.” Whether you’re curious for your own benefit, the benefit of a loved one or a possible career in nutrition, nurse educator and registered dietitian Tonja Werkman offers tips for diabetes care during a food-focused time of year.

Prefer a remote experience?

• Dec. 16, live online lecture, “Hey, What’s That Bird?”: Environmental activist and photographer Susan Puder gives a talk on birding—it’s perfect for budding hobbyists and passionate naturalists alike.

PUTTING THE ‘ART’ IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Few subjects dominated the year’s cultural conversation like artificial intelligence, or AI, which spent all of 2025 assuring us that it was here to stay. And it’s putting down roots in Monmouth. In Red Bank, for instance, Dream Canvas Gallery & AI Academy opens its doors as a gallery space for both AI artists and traditional artists, as well as an academy dedicated to educating about AI as a tool for work, play and creativity.

“Dream Canvas is a living classroom, a creative hub and a place for connection,” says owner and founder Maribeth Woodford. “The space brings artists, entrepreneurs and curious minds together. We’ll host classes such as AI for Entrepreneurs, AI for Business and even Blockchain 101. And this space is not only used for AI art. The gallery currently features work from physical artists such as Ali Sabet and Colombian street artist Yuseph Zapata.”

On AI’s place in the art world, she says, “AI isn’t here to replace artists—it’s here to amplify us. When used the right way, it can unlock creative potential that was once out of reach. The key is education—understanding how to use AI ethically, responsibly and creatively. When people are properly instructed, AI becomes an incredible ally, not a threat. But when used carelessly or without guidance, it can take from others rather than inspire.” Woodford concludes: “My goal is to show that AI can be used for us—not against us—when we learn to use it with purpose and integrity.”

• Dream Canvas Gallery & AI Academy, 20 Broad St., Red Bank, 908.461.0926; ai-academy.us

CULINARY CORNER

Need a break from cooking this holiday season? Check out these newly opened spots in Monmouth:

Hungry for “essence”?

Over in Highlands, the new Indian fusion restaurant Sea & Sand invites diners to “taste the essence of India in every bite”—and a look at the menu makes that promise easy to believe. The eatery blends the warmth of North Indian curries with the coastal spices of South Indian cuisine, adding a playful twist through inventive fusion street bites. Pair your meal with a “Mumbai Masala chai” or something from the drinks list, and finish with a dessert such as gulab jamun or traditional Indian ice cream.

• Sea & Sand, 231 Bay Ave., Highlands, 732.204.2173; seaandsandnj.com

Flavor hub

Makers, flavors, community and, of course, great food—Red Bank’s new Anderson Market brings all of that and more together in one easy, delicious stop. This spot styles itself as a “haven for travelers,” and makes sure to put all the essentials at your fingertips. The market is stocked with local finds and elevated necessities, from butcher cuts to artisan baked goods. Meanwhile, the food runs the gamut from noodles to salads to Pakistani crispy chicken—and don’t forget to pick up a great cup of coffee and fantastic baked goods to take home.

• Anderson Market, 200 Monmouth St., Red Bank, 732.945.8844; andersonmkt.com

GIFT A LITTLE

A small act of kindness can go a long way. This year, local toy drives across Monmouth are helping families in need feel the warmth and wonder of the holidays, including:

• YMCA of the Jersey Shore’s annual holiday gift drive: Visit the Y’s Monmouth locations in Freehold, Leonardo, Matawan or Red Bank to pick up a wish-list tag from one of the giving trees. Unwrapped gifts should be dropped off at the Y by Dec. 8.

• The City of Long Branch is accepting toy donations for its drive through Dec. 12. Drop-off locations are the Long Branch Recreation Center as well as White Chapel Projects and Provident Bank in Long Branch.

• The Manasquan and Sea Girt police departments are holding their Christmas Toy Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 at St. Denis Church in Manasquan.

• Red Bank Toys for Tots, which covers Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset counties, is collecting toy donations through Dec. 19 at its main drop-off site, 7 Third Ave. in Neptune City.

A HOLIDAY FOR THE COOK

Big feasts are de rigueur for the season’s big days, but that needn’t mean a big mess in the kitchen. For this year’s celebration, why not let someone else do the cooking? The Monmouth restaurants below will be happy to serve you and your crew for any occasion, including two very special ones:

For your kosher Hanukkah feast, visit:

• Dougie’s BBQ, 256 Norwood Ave., Deal, 732.517.0300; dougiesbbqdeal.com

• Hamisada, 5325 Rte. 9, Howell, 732.314.1006; hamisada.com

• Miznon Kosher at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, 732.837.1471; miznonkosherbell works.com

• Pépe Kitchen, 15 Morris Ave., Long Branch, 732.955.7373; pepekosher.com

• Sheng Mao Sakura, 214 Roosevelt Ave., Oakhurst, 732.517.8889; shengmaokosher.com

For dinner on Christmas Eve or Day, visit:

• Charlie’s of Lincroft, 700 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, 732.812.4500; charliesoflincroft.com

• La Mondina, 110 Union Ave., Brielle, 732.612.8331; lamondinabrielle.com

• Molly Pitcher Inn, 88 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, 732.747.2500; themollypitcher.com

• Patricia’s of Holmdel, 2132 Rte. 35, Holmdel, 732.275.0234; patriciasof holmdel.com

• Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Ave., Rumson, 732.933.9272; saltcreekegrille.com

Gold Metal Napkin Ring Hobby Lobby, Neptune Township, 732.869.4561

Wetherbee Design Table wayfair.com

Quilted Velvet Table Runner Williams-Sonoma, Shrewsberry, 732.747.0128

Dior Gold-Tone Cannage Montaigne Decorative Plate Macy’s, Freehold, 732.683.1345

Brayden Studio Stainless Steel Flatware Set With Hammered Pattern And Mirror Polish wayfair.com

Slim Pillar Candles, Cylinder Vases and Gold Vevo Pedestals yummi candles.com

Valentine Wine Glasses: Set Of 2 htohshop.com

Collection Red Cloth Napkins amazon.com

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

Cat Lady

Nancy Barr-Brandon of Neptune Township lives with 11 felines and rescues countless more every year.

How do you go from snapping pictures of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli to working seven days a week to rescue cats? For Nancy Barr-Brandon, 83, it started with coming home. Born and raised in Asbury Park, she originally had ambitions of being an actress. She was mentored by the late star Bette Davis before pivoting and becoming an entertainment photographer, splitting her time between Los Angeles and NYC. She left that industry in 1983, when she moved to Washington State and a lifelong love of animals spurred her to get her veterinary technician license. That was the first step to becoming, in her own words, a “crazy cat lady.”

Since moving back to Monmouth in the early 1990s, Barr-Brandon has poured her time and energy into helping the stray and feral cat population. Her nonprofit, the Cat Assistance Network, takes from 10 to 15 calls a day about cats in need. She lives in Neptune Township with her 11 cats, and has no plans to stop working any time soon.

“Never married, no kids,” she says. “Always cats.”

Why cats?

I’ve always loved them. I had a dog growing up, but I always felt like cats got short shrift. When a dog is lost, abandoned or sick, it shows itself. Cats hide. That drew me to them. Cats get the brunt of people’s cruelty.

And that’s where the Cat Assistance Network comes in.

with jagged edges. I trapped her and rushed her to my vet. He sedated her, removed the bottle, made sure she had no other injuries and then fixed her. She made a full recovery.

changed after John Lennon’s death and the Jodie Foster-John Hinckley Jr. episode. Security started treating photographers like we were risks. Also, arthritis from carrying all my equipment was destroying my back.

A challenge?

Always money. My vet bills this year are over $50,000. I need money to feed 42 feral cat colonies in Asbury Park, Neptune and Long Branch, I need to constantly run two vehicles, I need to pay an employee. We rely on donations, and on income I bring in from buying and selling collectibles and high-end clothing. There’s a consignment store in Ocean Township called Back on the Racks, and that helps me. People say all the time, “You’ve brushed elbows with all these famous people; why don’t they give you money?”

That’s a terrible way to think.

A rescue that’s stuck with you?

More than 10 years ago, my neighbors told me there was a stray in the area and no one could get near him. They were right—he was wild. It took me six years to be able to pet him. He had lots of challenges. But right now? He’s sleeping against my legs, snoring. The vet says he’s between 15 and 20 years old, and he’s the sweetest cat in the world. He’s not afraid of anyone. His name is Mr. Whitelegs. He just needed some patience.

Something you’re proud of?

Yes. I try to pick up the pieces for people who have no other options. A lot of people I help are struggling with eviction. And the Monmouth SPCA [Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals] is wonderful, but it’s a private organization. They charge fees to take in animals. People in these situations cannot afford them. I have a cat staying with me right now that I took in from a couple who were living in their car, so they couldn’t keep him with them anymore.

An early success?

One of the first calls I got after returning to Monmouth was from a woman in Asbury Park who was feeding a stray on Fourth Avenue. One day, the cat showed up with a broken bottle around its neck—the screw part,

Tell us about Bette Davis!

She was a tough lady, but a simple person. She scrubbed her own floors, emptied her own ash trays and sternly mothered me.

A story from your time in Hollywood?

I worked with Dolly Parton, as a photographer and filling in as a personal assistant, for two years. She is definitely my favorite person in the business. She’s extremely generous, aware and caring. Once, she “paparazzi-ed” me with a camera as I came out of a hotel room—she was hiding in the hall waiting for me. Why did you leave the industry?

I stopped acting because I was more comfortable behind a camera. I left photography because things

The old motels and hotels in Asbury Park that were demolished in the ’90s were full of cats. I was able to rescue hundreds of them. I rescued every cat that was living in the old Palace Amusements.

Something you think would surprise people?

A lot of calls I get are from people who say, “My cat is very sick. Can you drive me to the vet?” because they have no car to get there. Many taxi companies, plus Lyft and Uber, won’t let an animal in a carrier in the vehicle. So what do people do? Call Nancy.

Something you wish more people knew?

Most municipalities in Monmouth have free or reduced-cost TNR—trap, neuter and return—programs. If each person helped trap and fix one stray cat, there would be so much less animal suffering.

—Kirsten Meehan

by

Photography

Nancy Barr-Brandon

HEALTH NEWS

EARLY BREAST CANCER NEWS

For women diagnosed with early breast cancer, the longterm risk of developing a second primary cancer is low— around 2 percent to 3 percent greater than women in the general population—according to a recent study. These findings should help reassure breast cancer survivors who believe their risk of a second primary cancer is much higher than these results suggest.

—The BMJ

DOES VAPING LEAD TO SMOKING, ALCOHOL USE?

Vaping, common among young people, is consistently linked to subsequent smoking, marijuana and alcohol use, finds a recent review of evidence. And it’s associated with heightened risks of asthma, cough, as well possibly pneumonia, bronchitis and other health issues.

—Tobacco Control

FRENCH FRIES LINKED TO HIGHER DIABETES RISK

Eating three servings French fries a week is associated with a 20 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but eating similar amounts of potatoes cooked in other ways— boiled, baked or mashed— does not substantially increase the risk, according to recent study.

—The

DOC’S WHITE COAT SEEN AS SYMBOL OF TRUST

ADHD MEDS LINKED TO REDUCED RISK OF SUICIDE, DRUG ABUSE

Drug treatment for people with newly diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) associated with significantly behaviors, substance The disorder of children worldwide.

MILLION kids with hypertension, found Academy of

—Compiled by

Patients are more likely to trust doctors and consider them more professional when they wear white coats, although women doctors in this attire are often misidentified as nurses or medical assistants, according to a review of available research. Patient preferences for doctors’ attire appear to be influenced by clinical context and medical specialty, with a

Attention, ‘Weekend Warriors’

PLAY HARD ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FOR PEAK GAINS, NOT PEAK PAINS. A MONMOUTH DOCTOR SHARES TIPS.

Monika Debkowska, M.D., Orthopedic surgeon, Seaview Orthopaedic & Medical Associates, Ocean

Between powerful kicks and flashy footwork, the action in Little Silver’s Sunday morning 30-and-over men’s soccer league sometimes comes to a sudden stop. But it’s not always to admire a slick move. Sometimes it’s because someone’s down, nursing a sudden injury. For many busy adults, carving out time for regular exercise during the work week feels impossible. Commutes, deadlines, business Zooms, school dropoffs and late-night emails interfere with structured daily workouts. But two obvious remedies pop up in the minds of those who aspire to stay active and fit: Saturday and Sunday. These individuals personify what’s called the “weekend warrior” syndrome. MONMOUTH recently spoke about it with Monika Debkowska, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Monmouth Medical Center and Seaview Orthopaedic & Medical Associates in Ocean, a practice partner of RWJBarnabas Health.

WARRIORS’ GAINS. More and more people are aware of their health these days, so it’s not a surprise that they’re trying to fit in some physical activities, even with busy schedules. Indeed, about 6.4 percent of the general adult population in the U.S. can be classified as weekend warriors, says Dr. Debkowska. They follow a largely sedentary Monday-through-Friday schedule, then one or two days crammed with intense activity: autumn hikes, 10K runs, group cycling rides, pickup football games. Even raking clean a large, leaf-filled yard can qualify as a burst of activity that would be foreign to their weekday selves. While it may seem like a compromise, recent research suggests that this condensed approach to exercise isn’t just better than nothing—it can deliver serious health benefits. A study in the September 2024 Circulation, a journal from the American Heart Association (AHA), associated

weekend warriors with lower risks of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and sleep apnea, among other ailments, when compared with less active folk. The AHA recommends 150 minutes of moderateintensity physical activity each week.

Muscle building also can benefit from a weekend-focused approach, especially when workouts include compound movements such as squats, lunges, push-ups and deadlifts. High-intensity strength sessions with adequate rest between them can still promote muscle growth, bone density and improved metabolic health—even if they’re limited to weekends.

Still, there are risks.

WARRIOR WOES. Though strenuous weekend-only exercise may meet AHA guidelines, it’s not without downsides, particularly for those jumping into intense activities without proper preparation. Sudden bouts of high-intensity exercise can lead to strains, sprains or overuse injuries, particularly in joints such as the knees, shoulders and lower back.

Dr. Debkowska notes that high-intensity activities such as weight lifting, sprinting and sports like basketball and pickleball carry higher risk for occasional exercisers. “These carry higher risk due to lack of consistent exercise and stretching, which are essential for muscle and tendon health and overall balance,” she says.

Common injuries she sees include tendinitis of the rotator cuff, elbow and wrist. “The worst injuries include fractures and tendon ruptures,” our expert adds.

There’s also a higher risk of cardiac events in sedentary individuals who suddenly engage in vigorous physical activity. Although regular exercise is protective for heart health in the long run, sporadic intense exertion—particularly in middle-aged or older adults with existing risk factors—can pose a danger.

SAFE WEEKENDS. If the weekend warrior lifestyle is one’s best option for staying

active, it can absolutely work. Even if one has little time for exercise during the week, a good diet and regular body maintenance are musts.

“Working out on the weekends is a great start to improving your health; however, consistency is key to improving overall health and preventing injuries,” she says, suggesting people should adhere to the AHA’s recommendations for weekly moderate physical activity as well as the standards for vigorous aerobic exercise (75 minutes a week) and muscle strengthening (at least two days a week targeting legs, shoulders and abdomen).

Do you sit behind a computer for eight hours a day during the week? “Simple exercises like stretching, yoga and walking can improve cardiovascular function and flexibility, helping prepare for more intense weekend workouts,” Dr. Debkowska says. “Try incorporating movement throughout the day. Stretch your neck, arms and legs at your desk. Walk during lunch breaks or take the stairs. Stretch while playing with your kids at home.”

And when it’s time for that weekend activity, it’s imperative to hydrate before, during and after exercise and warm up the body. Try doing heart-rate boosting movements like spot running, heel-to-butt kicks, jumping jacks and cherry pickers, she recommends.

Rest and recovery are important after exercise, especially as one ages. Replace fluids and electrolytes after vigorous activities, and control inflamed or irritated joints with rest, ice, compression, elevation and gentle stretching.

Another important reminder for weekend warriors: Know your limits. Even if you were a star athlete in high school, you may not be able to do the same activities at that level.

“If you have any pain or symptoms after rest, icing or anti-inflammatory medication, or if you felt a ‘pop’ followed by immediate pain during the activity, seek medical attention immediately,” Dr. Debkowska says.

THERE’S A PLANT FOR THAT!

Not everyone wants` to get High. Some people just want to get better.

“Great location, plenty of parking and knowledgeable staff. Great for newbies not sure of what to purchase. I needed something to help with sleep, problem solved.”

20% off first time customers when you join the Canopy Club!

Topicals Gummies Chocolates Infused Butters & Oils Concentrates Flower & Pre-Rolls Accessories +

A Champion for Rare Disease Research

Very little is known about the biology of rare diseases, which is what makes them especially challenging. Most of them are genetic and most are chronically debilitating, progressive, and life-threatening, with no known treatments or cure. Collectively they are not specifically “rare” given that:

• 30 million people in the US – about 1 in 10 – suffer from a rare disease.

• There are 7,000 rare and ultra-rare diseases in the United States alone.

• Half of the sufferers are children and 30 percent of them will lose their battle before they are 5 years old due to the lack of available treatments.

Be a Tiger Foundation humbly strives to achieve an immediate impact in the rare disease space. We are a local Monmouth County, family-run, nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity organization. Through your generous donations, we directly fund and support clinical research aimed to treat and cure Wolfram syndrome, and other rare diseases.

October 1st marks the fifth annual Wolfram Syndrome Global Awareness Day On this day, 27 years ago, the late Dr. Alan Permutt published his paper documenting the discovery of the WSF1 gene. When mutated, the WSF1 gene causes a lack of wolframin protein production on the cellular level, leading to the neurodegeneration that takes place in patients with Wolfram syndrome. Wolfram syndrome (WS) Global Awareness Day is meant to give a voice to the WS community - awareness breads knowledge, knowledge breads action, and action propels our fight against the disease and our race to find a cure.

GivingTuesday is a global charity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. It was created in 2012 as an international day of charitable giving, falling on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Since then, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. This year GivingTuesday falls on December 2nd.

In 2024, the foundation received our first donation in the form of cryptocurrency— one Bitcoin [BTC]. Donating cryptocurrency is a wonderful way to support our charity, while simultaneously providing the donor with a tax efficient strategy before year end.* For all the ways to give, please visit our website www.BeATigerFoundation.org.

We humbly ask you to take a moment as you prepare for the holiday season of giving to visit our website www.BeATigerFoundation.org to learn more about our foundation, and share with your family and friends. Thank you!

With hope and gratitude, Lauren Liberatore, Co-Founder and COO beatigerfoundation@gmail.com

*Be a Tiger Foundation does not provide tax services. Please seek the advice of your tax professional when completing your tax returns.

GIFT

Bob and Brad C2 Pro Massage Gun Walmart, multiple locations

Check Cashmere Scarf us.burberry.com

Hermès Fragrance Replica Discovery Set Sephora, multiple locations Longines DolceVita Watch Macy’s, Eatontown, 732.542.1212

Satin Rose LaceTrim Midi Robe Victoria’s Secret, Tinton Falls, 732.508.2139 Roberto Coin Cialoma Diamond Knot Earrings Leonardo Jewelers, Red Bank, 732.747.7880

Houndsy Kibble Dispenser houndsy.com

by MSG Entertainment

Jordan Powell, a Freehold native, is enjoying her first season as a member of the iconic Rockettes and performing in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. To Powell, now 25 and living in Jersey City, the most exciting part of the show is the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.”

Photography

OUR OWN NEW ROCKETTE

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, FREEHOLD’S JORDAN POWELL IS HELPING AN ICONIC DANCE TEAM CELEBRATE A CENTURY OF HIGH KICKS. BY

DONNA ROLANDO

Freehold native Jordan Powell will be eye-highkicking it like the rest of the world-renowned Rockettes lineup for this season’s ChristmasSpectacular, and she says she’s honored to make her debut during the team’s centennial year. But Powell, now 25 and living in Jersey City, confesses that Radio City Music Hall— the Rockettes’ home since 1932—wasn’t her childhood dream. “I knew the caliber of dancing, but I didn’t think it was possible for me,” she says.

She always planned on becoming a professional dancer—in her words, making it a practice to put her “best foot forward,” but the ambition to be a Rockette only hit her after college, when friends told of exciting encounters with the team.

“They were telling me about their experiences on the line, and that’s when I was like, ‘Wow! This is something I would love to do as well.’ Seeing the show [after college], I saw firsthand the athleticism and artistry and felt the joy of dance and of the ChristmasSpectacular and wanted to be a part of that,” she recalls.

In an interview days before the show’s Nov. 6 reopening, Powell said, “I’m really excited about performing ‘Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,’ a classic piece. The choreography hasn’t changed since it premiered, and performing it as we mark 100 years is really cool.” She’s also thrilled to be part of the centennial celebration that will feature “fun ways to interact and learn about the history of the Rockettes,” which started out as the Missouri Rockets in St. Louis in 1925.

For the show, which runs through Jan. 5, Powell anticipates a measure of hometown support, including family and friends still living in Freehold. Besides supportive parents, she has a huge fan in her grandmother, who used to live in New York and made the ChristmasSpectacular her annual tradition.

“Everyone has been really excited,” says Powell, “and

it has felt like something bigger than myself, because I’ve had friends from childhood, teachers from the past all cheering me on. It made me proud to represent Monmouth County in that way.”

Of course, conquering the auditions wasn’t a guarantee even for a dedicated dancer who had donned her first ballet slippers at age 5. Jitters ran high as she waited for an acceptance phone call. She had already gone through an open-call audition lasting three days and then the Rockettes Conservatory Program, an invitation-only week of instruction emphasizing the team’s precision choreography: a strong foundation of ballet, tap and jazz, as well as strength and stamina training. “Learning more about the Rockettes’ style and interacting with the dance captains and team made me want even more to audition inside Radio City Music Hall,” she says. “They made it even more of a dream for me.” With that courage she took on the final and decisive audition that did gain her that phone call.

Joyous as that call was, there was no time to rest on laurels, because practice is rigorous. “We have been rehearsing since the end of September, six days a week, and working to put together the nine routines you’ll see in the Christmas Spectacular,” Powell explains. “It’s a quick, fast-paced process and some long days. Building my stamina has been challenging, but at the same time, feeling encouraged and supported by my fellow Rockettes has uplifted me and made me feel the community.”

Her first day as a Rockette was filled with “pinch me” moments as the athleticism of the dancers—and now her among them—proved nothing short of “phenomenal.” As she relays, “When I saw the first kick line during rehearsals, I was in awe of the power of the women I had admired from afar—and now, I was dancing alongside them. It was another ‘wow’ moment realizing

that I’m now part of the Rockette legacy and will get to experience firsthand the rigor, community and joy that come with it.”

She noted that the legacy of the Rockettes’ sisterhood is not hype, but a real sense of camaraderie that spurred her on, along with the support of family and friends, whenever she doubted or felt overwhelmed. “I would keep reminding myself that I have come this far,” she says, “and that I’ve put in the work and gone through the auditions and was meant to be in this place.”

Good thing, because Powell never had a Plan B. Dance is the only career she’s ever imagined. She combined dance and academics at Howell High School’s Fine and Performing Arts Magnet Program and the University of Southern California, graduating in 2022. Then it was back to the East Coast, living in NYC and working with contemporary dance companies to maintain her skills.

With her dedication about to pay off, Powell says, “I feel really blessed that I was able to dream of dancing and picture only that for myself.” Ten years from now, no surprise, she says, “I hope to still be dancing and to give back to my community as well. So many people have poured a lot into me.”

She especially thanks three dance studios for shaping her progress: Project Dance in Eatontown under the direction of Elysha Richman, Dance Mixx Studio in Tinton Falls and Dancin on the Edge in Manalapan. Because even a dedicated Rockette needs some down time, Powell loves kicking it with family and friends, perhaps enjoying a Broadway show on the other side of the curtain. Despite her cemented ties to Freehold, she finds her new home in Jersey City is the “perfect place for me to rest and recharge.” And if you see someone immersed in a book at a local park, it just might be our Rockette.

HELPING FAMILIES MAKE IT

FOR 20 YEARS, COASTAL COMMUNITIES FAMILY SUCCESS CENTER IN LONG BRANCH HAS ASSISTED VULNERABLE

Things go wrong—that’s one of life’s inevitabilities. And when they do, Long Branch’s Coastal Communities Family Success Center (CCFSC) is there to help.

Suppose you lose a job, insurance, housing, a loved one you’ve depended on. Within each of these disasters is a virtual infinity of other complications: phone calls to make, forms to fill out, organizations and government departments to contact that may or may not be able to help. All of this would be difficult to navigate at any time; when you’re already under severe stress it’s downright crazy-making. You need someone to call.

That’s CCFSC. Says Lisa Wilson, executive director: “We’ve really developed into the ‘phone-a-friend’ for local people in crisis and local public health providers. We already know a lot, and if we don’t know it, we are tenacious in finding it out.”

The organization was founded in 2005. In the two decades since then it has developed into a haven where at-risk people and folks in crisis—many of them, but not all, families with children—can come for help, with no judgment and no charge.

Twenty years ago, says Wilson, “Long Branch was starting to experience more homelessness. There were lots of people hanging around in town, and it was becoming a concern—not because they were bad people, but because there were lots of local groups and churches that wanted to help.” From those concerned people came an organized board, and from there came a grant—first from a private organization. Once the State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families, whom Wilson praises as a constant ally, issued a request for proposals to form

PEOPLE IN MOMENTS OF CRISIS, LARGE OR SMALL.

the first six family success centers statewide, they were asked to submit one and take a grant from there.

“Over time,” she adds, “we’ve really gone from doing a couple of programs for parents and kids to doing all we can to keep vulnerable families out of the system of care—child protection and child welfare, for instance— and keeping them healthy and together.”

Much of this comes from “parent education” programs, which range from talks and Q&As with local pediatricians about common health concerns to connecting parents with social services (if they qualify) such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). They also include English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons, fire-safety days and “teen speak” seminars that give parents tools for talking to adolescents about topics like relationships, sexual health and substance abuse. The center hosts a “baby pantry,” filled with formula and diapers for those who can’t afford them, and cooking classes, holiday events and craft nights for kids. It also provides services for seniors, with weekly “BoldAge” events that aim to help older adults maintain independence and navigate Medicare and housing.

The center aids with any issue that might come up— at least by providing the proper referral to a different organization that can help. “We get walk-ins for every problem you can imagine,” says Wilson. “We had someone come in unsure how to get a second copy of a birth certificate. Some are looking for support for marital issues or utility assistance. We see disabled veterans and young people struggling to live on their own. And we network with all these local groups to help.”

She continues: “Other organizations try to specialize in one thing—finding financial assistance or housing, for example. We’re much broader. We really try to help people with anything, and we’re very resourceful about it.” For example, says Wilson, “Once we had a senior come to the center who was paralyzed from the waist down. He needed a new wheelchair because his was starting to break. One of our graduate interns got to work and found a group out in Ohio that would replace a motorized wheelchair free. It took a while, because they needed to drive it here in addition to everything else, but he got his chair.”

The center’s numbers speak for themselves. “At first, we were seeing 250 new families or individuals a year,” says Wilson. “Now, it’s closer to 600. And they all come back. We get up to 3,000 repeat visits a year. Since we opened, we’ve touched the lives of 21,000 families. Sometimes we hear from them 10 years later, a voicemail or a text: ‘I still have my housing. I still have my job. Merry Christmas, and thank you.’”

The work never stops, and CCFSC’s small staff chips away at it tirelessly. “We work very hard to make this a place that’s warm and welcoming for all,” says Wilson. “Families walk in with kids, and the kids get juice boxes and coloring books.” She urges everyone to remember that “eventually, everyone is going to need help from an organization like this one. Maybe you’ll have an aging parent, or a child with autism, or you’ll lose your job, or your Comcast will go out and you’ll need to use our Wi-Fi. We are an investment in the community, and everybody in the community contributes to something that we take advantage of in Monmouth County.”

Clockwise from the top: Long Branch’s Coastal Communities Family Success Center relies on interns to keep things running smoothly, including Mariana Dos Santos, Lexington Cowie, Angalina Ferrer and Caitlin Slade; Lisa Wilson (left) poses with her predecessor, Darcy Dobens, now the director of the Bayshore Family Success Center; Wilson and Jennifer Gregorio of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (second from right), with Selma Aguillar and Rodrigo Hernandez; Wilson with Long Branch Mayor John Pallone, Dolly Hernandez, the executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Freehold, and Long Branch Trustee Mary McCaulley; CCFSC brings together interns, social service workers, support services and more to bring support to people in need; because of the organization’s work with youth in the foster system, Hernandez (right) is a familiar face at the Long Branch center.

ESCAPES

DESTINATION:

Each of five charming places presents a Christmastime that honors tradition and brightens the spirit.

Home is the classic locale for celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s, with chestnuts roasting on an open fire. But home has no monopoly on celebration—you’d be surprised what a brief trip can do as a change-up to bolster a mood of celebration. The five places here pull out all the stops for holiday splendor, old-fashioned charm and pure fun:

SENECA FALLS, N.Y.

Tucked between Syracuse and Rochester in central New York, this town is a must stop by if you’re a history buff (the women’s suffrage movement was born here in 1848) and seeking small-town charm. It also has a serious Christmas claim to fame—it’s the main inspiration for the fictional town of Bedford Falls, where the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life takes place. That’s fully embraced with the annual It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, this year on Dec. 12–14, which transports guests back to that snowy day in 1945. Snap a picture on the bridge from the iconic opening scene and enjoy actor meet-andgreets, themed family activities, lots of vendors, costumed reenactors and a traditional ringing of the bells to close out the celebrations (and to give many, many angels their wings). Once you’re done there, you can check out nearby Wagner Vineyards and Wagner Valley Brewing Co. in Lodi, which boasts a warm, enclosed brew deck for stunning views of the freezing Seneca Lake while you sample craft beer and smallbatch wine.

Where to stay. The family-owned Barrister’s Bed & Breakfast looks like something plucked out of a Christmas picture book—distinctive Victorian architecture, cozy nooks, stained-glass windows and crackling fireplaces abound here. Gather with the other guests for breakfast in the chestnut-paneled formal dining room and stay in richly decorated suites with names like The Yellow Rose Room, Grandmother’s Room and Erin’s Retreat.

Where to eat. For award-winning food and service, stop by the Perfect Pair Hospitality. This spot takes comfort food to the next level with a menu filled with loaded baked potatoes, smoked brisket, legendary sausage gravy and biscuits, and fun takes on crepes. Dessert options include bread pudding, pumpkin cheesecake and house-made marshmallows. More info: discoverseneca.com

Where better to experience a Victorian Christmas than the town with the most Victorian homes in the state? Seaside glamour, fragrant garlands and trees, twinkling gaslights and warm hospitality combine here for a visit that’s both magical and transportive. On Dec. 13 and 20, Cape May Museums, Arts and Culture (MAC) holds its yearly candlelight walking tours of Victorian Cape May, where you can stroll along gaslit streets and visit homes, inns, bed-andbreakfasts, churches and hotels, with interiors decorated for the season and bursting with holiday warmth. The same organization creates an annual Old-Fashioned Christmas display at the Carroll Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate, where a miniature town complete with moving trains spreads out under the boughs of a giant Christmas tree.

Where to stay. You’ll find even more holiday cheer at the Congress Hall Hotel, which bills itself as America’s first-ever seaside resort. It transforms into a “winter wonderland” during the holiday season, featuring a vendor village, a carousel done up in dazzling lights and a charming train for all to ride. On weekends, guests can have breakfast with Santa in the sweeping grand ballroom.

Where to eat. The mind behind the Ebbitt Room is Executive Chef Jason Hanin, the winner of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association’s 2025 Chef of the Year Award, and you can taste that expertise in every bite. The menu is innovative (rabbit ragout, purple sweet potatoes with local honey and miso halibut are all featured), the ambiance is incredible (think dark wood paneling and leather seats) and the cocktails are seasonal and festive.

More info: capemaymac.org, capemay.com

CAPE MAY, N.J.

HOLIDAYS!

WILLIAMSBURG, VA.

This restored colonial village, one of the country’s most famous “living history” museums, will whisk you back to holiday time in the 17th century. In Colonial Williamsburg, garlands drape across doorways, madrigals fill the air and costumed actors model the daily life in the American colonies. Nearby, Jamestown Settlement’s “Christmastide in Virginia” shows the English origins of holiday traditions as they developed on this continent. It includes a Lord of Misrule, an individual chosen to preside over wild revelries, in a tradition that dates back to the Renaissance. About a 23-minute drive from Jamestown is Historic Yorktown, which looks like a living Christmas card during the holidays. Dec. 12 is the town’s Enchanted Evening on Main Street, where you can enjoy ice sculptures, holiday carols, roasted chestnuts and strolling musicians. Also nearby: Busch Gardens Christmas Town, the largest Christmas light display in Virginia. Where to stay. You’ll be in good company if you stay at the Williamsburg Inn. It’s the only hotel in the county that has housed the Queen of England—and it hosted her twice. Planned and designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and in operation since 1937, the inn features Regency style décor, a crackling fire in the reception room and a long legacy of luxury. If you book for the Christmas season, you’ll arrive to a bottle of wine and a plate of Christmas cookies in your room.

Where to eat. For even more refinement, try The Fat Canary, an upscale bistro known for its fine wine list, rotating seasonal menu and world-class service. Enjoy pork chops with goat cheese bread pudding and golden applesauce, duck breast with celery root and a cherry demi-glace and macadamia nut pie for dessert.

More info: visitwilliamsburg.com

MYSTIC, CONN.

Tucked alongside the Mystic River and home of the largest maritime museum in the United States, this town is all old New England charm, and that charm shines bright during the holidays. You can head over to the Mystic Seaport Museum, which undergoes a holiday makeover every weekend in December with its Lantern Light Village. This year, taking inspiration from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, it invites visitors to climb aboard horsedrawn carriages and warm themselves by crackling outdoor fires besides meeting Saint Nick and encountering the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Olde Mistick Village, a shopping destination made to look like an 18th-century New England town and filled with small boutiques and local artisans, also holds a Holiday Lights Spectacular to transform an already special shopping experience into a dazzling display. Then walk through picturesque downtown Mystic, also done up in holiday décor and filled with even more shopping and waterfront views.

Where to stay. Warm and rustic, the Stonecroft Country Inn bed and breakfast in nearby Ledyard is a treat in December. You may opt for a contemporary setup or stay in one of the inn’s historic rooms (with names like The Briar Rose Suite and The Sarah Master Suite), with fireplaces tucked into corners—all with views of the sprawling grounds. This is a place designed to help you unplug, slow down and enjoy the season.

Where to eat. Keep the maritime vibes going at The Shipwright’s Daughter, a restaurant led by James Beard award-winning chef David Standridge. Breakfast, brunch and dinner are all served here, and menu options include roasted seacoast mushrooms, beet-pickled deviled eggs and five-spiced yellowfin tuna. Everything is made with locally sourced ingredients and the menu constantly rotates, so there’s always something new.

More info: thisismystic.com

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y.

Famous for the Baseball Hall of Fame (which is well worth a visit, whatever the time of year), this burg offers much to love during the holiday season. Downtown is transformed into something out of a postcard or a Hallmark Christmas movie with brick-front buildings in 19th century Italianate and Colonial Revival styles against Otsego Lake. Santa and Mrs. Claus set up a month-long residence in the Christmas Cottage in Pioneer Park, with a mailbox for kids to drop their letters to the portly gent himself. Fenimore Farm & Country Village, a working historical farm, hosts its Glimmer Nights event until January—the whole estate is done up in glittering lights for you to explore at your leisure. Or you and the kids can board a real-life Polar Express with the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad in nearby Milford for holiday music, goodies, visits from Santa and holiday spirit galore. Where to stay. The Inn at Cooperstown is spectacular to look at—it was built by Henry J. Hardenbergh, who also built The Plaza Hotel in New York City, and is a historical landmark example of Second Empire architecture. (The beautiful wraparound porch speaks for itself.) Rooms are brightly colored and full of personality, and common areas are cozy and vintage. Breakfast is served every morning in the lovely formal dining room, where you eat in front of a roaring fire.

Where to eat. With its exposed brick dining room and a spread of Italian favorites, Toscana of Cooperstown keeps the rustic vibes going. Grab a plate of your favorite—eggplant or Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Marsala, grilled veal chops—or opt for house specialties such as lobster ravioli. To end your meal sweetly, you can try some pistachio ricotta cake for dessert. More info: thisiscooperstown.com

—Kirsten Meehan

The Main Event

Celebrate the season with rich, hearty dishes that command center stage.

TASTES

FILET MIGNON AU POIVRE WITH PEPPERCORN SAUCE

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

4 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless medallion steaks, such as filet mignon kosher salt

1 oz. whole black peppercorns, plus more as needed, divided

3 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 Tbs. unsalted butter

2 thyme sprigs

1 medium garlic clove

1/2 large shallot (about 11/2 oz.), minced

2 Tbs. brandy or cognac

3/4 cup homemade chicken stock or store-bought low-sodium chicken broth

3/4 cup heavy cream or 6 Tbs. crème fraîche

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

DIRECTIONS

Season steaks all over with kosher salt. Place on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet and allow to air-dry, uncovered, in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, crack peppercorns using a pepper mill set on its coarsest setting;

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread cracked peppercorns on a plate or in another shallow dish and firmly press one side of each steak into the pepper to encrust it in an even layer. Set each steak aside, peppercorn side up. Reserve any remaining cracked peppercorns.

In a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high until shimmering. Add steaks, peppercorn side down, and cook until peppercorns are well toasted, about 3 minutes. Carefully turn steaks, trying not to break the peppercorn crust. Add butter, thyme and garlic and cook, basting steaks with a spoon, until steaks are well seared on the second side. Remove from heat.

Transfer steaks to a rimmed baking sheet. Using an instant-read thermometer, check the

internal temperature of the steaks; if they’ve reached 125°F, they’re ready to be served medium rare. Allow steaks to rest for 5 minutes once the final doneness temperature is reached. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from skillet and discard garlic and thyme. Add shallot and any reserved cracked peppercorns, return to medium heat, and cook, stirring about 2 minutes until shallot is tender.

Add brandy or cognac. (To prevent an unexpected flare-up if working over gas, you can turn off the burner, add the alcohol, then reignite the burner.) Cook until raw alcohol smell has burned off and brandy has almost completely evaporated.

Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer, stirring and scraping up any browned bits. Whisk in cream or crème fraîche, then simmer, stirring often, until sauce has reduced enough to glaze a spoon. Whisk in mustard. Season with salt.

Arrange steaks on plates and pour sauce on top. Serve with french fries, mashed potatoes or other sides of your liking.

“Use avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for a more heart-healthy fat. For healthier sides dishes, I suggest sweet potato fries instead of french fries and/or mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.”

—Tricia Talerico, clinical nutritionist, Nutrition and Weight Loss Center of Ocean, Oakhurst

TASTES

PORK STUFFED WITH ARUGALA, BASIL AND MOZZARELLA

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. pork tenderloin

1 cup arugula salad

6 slices mozzarella cheese handful of basil salt and black pepper, to taste

1 Tbs. olive oil

For The Sauce

2 shallots, finely diced

1 Tbs. parsley, chopped

½ cup red wine

4 Tbs. unsalted butter

¼ cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

Remove all the outer extra fat and pork filaments from each tenderloin. Butterfly each tenderloin once in the middle, making sure you leave about ½ inch of meat space between the knife and the cutting board and don’t go through. Once the tenderloins are halved, butterfly it three more times from each side, starting in the middle. You must cut down alongside the tenderloin seven times, ensuring you never cut through the meat. Each piece of pork tenderloin will be 7 to 8 inches wide. Pound the pork lightly. Season with salt and pepper generously on the inside. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Arrange the arugula on top of the cut side of each tenderloin and grind a generous amount of pepper over it. Arrange the slices of mozzarella over the arugula and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the basil leaves and again sprinkle with a generous amount of pepper.

Roll each tenderloin, ensuring the arugula and mozzarella are nicely tucked in. Using cooking twine, tie in 4 to 5 places. Place a couple of toothpicks at each end to seal them. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper all over them. You will have two pork tenderloin rolls.

Place a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot but not burn-

ing, add the pork tenderloin rolls and sear each side until a nice medium-brown crust is formed. Do not always turn as you want a nice searing to take place.

Once all the sides are golden, 5 to 8 minutes, place the skillet in the hot oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes.

Remove the tenderloins from the oven, place them on a plate with a high border to catch any juice rendered, and cover them with aluminum foil.

Return the skillet to the stove, and add two tablespoons of butter, the shallots and parsley. Sauté the shallots for a couple of minutes until slightly translucent. Lower the heat and add the red wine, deglazing by scraping the pan for any bits. Raise the temperature back to medium and reduce the wine to 1/3.

Add the heavy cream and stir the sauce together. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and continue to stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add any juices rendered by the tenderloins.

Cut the pork tenderloin into 1-inch-thick slices and serve with the sauce over it or alongside.

“If you’re looking for a vegan substitute for heavy cream, I suggest coconut cream with at least 20 percent fat. If you use a nut milk, like hemp or oat, instead, you will need to thicken it for the same effect. For a lactose-intolerant-friendly option, the mozzarella cheese can be substituted with an almond milk cheese or a goat cheese.”

—Tricia Talerico, clinical nutritionist, Nutrition and Weight Loss Center of Ocean, Oakhurst

Pack A Punch

This tart pick-me-up is festive, flavorful and perfect for both holiday parties and fireside sipping.

CRANBERRY BOURBON SOUR PUNCH

Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 cups fresh cranberries zest 1 large orange

8 oz. (1 cup) bourbon

4 oz. (1/2 cup) lemon juice

1 cup 100 percent cranberry juice

3-4 dashes orange bitters

1 blood orange or regular orange, sliced candied rosemary

DIRECTIONS

To make the cranberry syrup: In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the maple syrup and cranberries to a boil over high heat. Boil 5 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst, then remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest. If the syrup thickens too quickly, just add additional water to thin. Let cool. If desired, strain out the cranberries. In a punch bowl, combine the cranberry syrup, bourbon, lemon juice, cranberry juice and orange bitters. Stir to combine; chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice. Garnish with an orange slice and candied rosemary, if desired.

For Candied Rosemary: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently run rosemary sprigs under a little water to dampen and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the rosemary with granulated sugar on all sides, making sure the rosemary is thoroughly coated in sugar. Allow to dry on the baking sheet for 1 hour. The rosemary can be made 1 day in advance and stored at room temperature.

WOMEN TO WATCH

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ashley Azizian, DDS

1300 Allenhurst Ave., Ocean, NJ 07712 | 732.531.4046

18 Madison Ave., Madison, NJ. 07940 | 973.210.4872

www.Smilesbyspecialistsnj.com | IG@Smilesbyspecialists

After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University, Dr. Ashley Azizian completed an advanced program in prosthodontics at Manhattan VA. Through specialized training working with veterans suffering from PTSD, Dr. Azizian is highly skilled in treating patients with anxiety.

Working alongside Dr. Anthony Sallustio, focusing on prosthetic and cosmetic dental procedures, brings great pride to Dr. Azizian. The complex cases referred to the practice allow her the opportunity to use her training, advances in technology, and keen eye for detail to achieve aesthetic excellence. Similar to Dr. Sallustio, she specializes in dental implants, crown and bridge and ceramic veneers and provides same day All-on-4 treatment. Dr. Azizian’s greatest satisfaction is in restoring form and function while maintaining esthetics, thus developing self-confidence in her patients. Dr. Azizian and Dr. Sallustio are proud to announce that their second location in Madison, NJ is now open and welcoming patients.

Debra Fournier, CFP®, CDFA® President and Founder

Seaview Wealth Management 2006 NJ-71, Suite 1, Spring Lake, NJ 07762 732.800.8400 debra.fournier@lpl.com | www.seaviewwealth.com

For Debra Fournier, Certified Financial Planner® professional and founder of Seaview Wealth Management, success has always meant more than numbers—it’s about helping others find stability, clarity, and confidence during life’s most challenging financial transitions. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services and wealth management industry, Debra has built a reputation as both a seasoned professional and a compassionate advocate for her clients.

Her defining career moment came in 2004 when she made the bold decision to leave the corporate structure of a wire house after a successful career at Smith Barney. “I wanted to be in control of my own destination,” she recalls. That choice laid the groundwork for what would become her proudest professional achievement—the opening of her own firm, Seaview Wealth Management, in 2016. Through her firm, Debra fulfills her vision of offering clients a personalized and empowering approach to financial planning and investment management.

Debra’s practice has developed a specialized niche: guiding affluent women through the financial complexities that often accompany divorce. As both a Certified Financial Planner ® professional and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, she brings technical expertise together with genuine empathy, creating a supportive environment where women feel heard, understood, and equipped to make confident decisions about their financial futures.

A valued local resource, Debra often collaborates with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals for her insight and guidance, reinforcing her standing as a respected leader in her field.  Her commitment extends beyond her practice, mentoring students and community involvement through Monmouth University and local programs.

Monica Mossad, DMD, Owner

Elice Dental Care

226 Middle Rd., Hazlet Nj 07730 | 732.264.7615 | www.myhazletdentist.com

From the moment she began her dental career, Dr. Monica Mossad knew she was destined to create something of her own. After working as an associate dentist in several offices for three years, she took a leap of faith and purchased her first small part-time practice. That bold move ignited her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to acquire Elice Dental Care eight years ago—a venture that quickly flourished and became a cornerstone of her professional success.

For Dr. Mossad, dentistry has always been about more than just teeth—it’s about caring for people and creating a space where patients feel genuinely valued. Her passion for ownership stemmed from a desire to practice dentistry on her own terms, ensuring every patient receives the level of care she believes they truly deserve. Purchasing her first practice was a defining moment, one that gave her the confidence to elevate her career and her business to new heights. Her inspiration runs deep, shaped by her immigrant parents who came to the U.S. with determination and resilience. Their unwavering work ethic and perseverance continue to motivate her every day.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Mossad is proudest of how far she’s taken her business.“It’s not easy to take a small business and grow it to its fullest potential,” she says, “but I’m so blessed to have done that.” Of course, success hasn’t come without challenges. From facing harsh criticism to managing the emotional and mental toll of entrepreneurship, she’s learned to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Through it all, Dr. Mossad’s guiding philosophy remains simple: treat every patient like family. Her compassionate approach fosters a safe, welcoming environment—one that strengthens both her practice and her community.

Heritage House Sotheby's International Realty

38 Main Street, Holmdel NJ | 908.902.0404 | Pascale@pascalecoppola.com | www.pascalecoppola.com

Pascale Coppola’s journey into real estate began with a simple goal—to invest in properties—but quickly evolved into a passion for both the business and the people it brings together. Over time, she built a career grounded in service, relationships, and community connection. A turning point came in 2014 when Pascale joined HHSIR, where she saw how a professional brokerage could elevate client service through training, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. This experience sharpened her ability to offer expert guidance and current market insight.

Pascale credits her father as her greatest influence. His strong moral compass and unwavering work ethic inspired her to lead with honesty, dedication, and care—values she brings to every client relationship.Throughout her career, Pascale has met the challenges of a shifting real estate market with adaptability and expertise, developing strategies that help clients succeed in any condition. She takes pride not only in her professional success but also in the lasting friendships she has built in her community and industry.

Deeply rooted in Monmouth County, Pascale believes that being part of the community means giving back. She stays actively involved in local efforts that strengthen neighborhood ties and bring people together—helping others not just find a house, but truly find a home.

Pascale Coppola

Rachel Halpern, D.D.S., Endodontist

Excel Endodontics

475 County Rd., 520. Suite 102. Marlboro, NJ 07746 | 732.444.7846 | www.732endo.com

From an early age, Dr. Rachel Halpern knew she wanted to dedicate her career to helping others. Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, she was inspired by her father, an OB-GYN, whose compassion and dedication to patients left a lasting impression. While attending the Academy of Allied Health and Science in Neptune, NJ, Rachel’s curiosity for healthcare deepened, and after shadowing an endodontist in high school, she discovered her passion for dentistry. Seeing the transformative impact of relieving pain and saving natural teeth solidified her path toward endodontics.

Dr. Halpern credits her father’s work ethic and empathy as guiding principles throughout her career, qualities she has carried into her own practice and patient care. Balancing the demands of motherhood and an intensive education, she graduated Columbia University with multiple honors while raising her first child and went on to complete three additional years of specialized endodontic training at NYU. Her perseverance and dedication led to national recognition for her research on External Invasive Resorption, published in The Journal of Endodontics.

Today, as the founder of Excel Endodontics in Marlboro, NJ, Dr. Halpern continues to transform the patient experience. Her practice is built on three core principles: compassion, communication, and cutting-edge technology. Using advanced tools such as 3D imaging, laser systems, and surgical microscopes, she strives to make every procedure as precise, efficient, and pain-free as possible.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Halpern is passionate about teaching residents at Jersey Shore Medical Center and mentoring future dentists. For her, the most rewarding part of endodontics is seeing the relief on patients’ faces when pain subsides and their natural teeth are saved. Through Excel Endodontics, she is redefining what compassionate, modern dental care looks like—one smile at a time.

Angela Courtney, Entrepreneur, Investor, Community Leader, Owner

Sweetest Sin Boutique

7 White Street, Red Bank New Jersey | www.sweetestsinbras.com | 732.747.3550

For over sixteen years, Angela Courtney has been a driving force in Red Bank’s small business community. Not only is she the owner of Sweetest Sin Boutique, a destination for expert bra fittings, lingerie, and loungewear, but she is also a passionate investor and advocate for local growth. Her story is rooted in resilience and independence. The daughter of immigrant parents, Angela grew up witnessing firsthand how relentless work ethic and self-reliance could build opportunity. “I always wanted to make my own way,” she says. “To build something lasting, not just for myself, but to make my family proud.”

That commitment has translated into more than one successful business. Beyond Sweetest Sin, Angela owns and manages multiple commercial properties in Red Bank, curating spaces that support other small businesses and strengthen the town’s thriving downtown scene. She also coowns and operates the Red Bank Classic 5K, an annual community event that brings thousands together to celebrate local pride, wellness, and small business.

Her defining moments have not been flashy; they have been foundational. Each milestone, from navigating recessions to reinventing retail in a changing economy, has strengthened her vision as both an entrepreneur and investor. “There’s no such thing as standing still in business,” Angela reflects. “You have to keep evolving, learning, and taking bold but thoughtful risks.”

Challenges have been constant companions, from managing growth to balancing her time between ventures. Angela approaches each one with strategic clarity and grace. Her philosophy is equal parts hustle and intuition, a blend that keeps her ventures both profitable and purpose-driven. The impact of her work extends far beyond her own portfolio. Through mentorship, volunteerism, community events, and example, Angela continues to redefine what local entrepreneurship can look like, proving that empowerment and success are most powerful when shared.

Doreen DeMarco, Broker Realtor and Podcaster

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox & Roach and Brewed in Monmouth,

The Real Estate Tea with Kate and Doreen 963 Holmdel Rd., Holmdel NJ 07733 | 732.241.5015 doreen.demarco@foxroach.com | brewedinmonmouthkd@gmail.com @doreendemarcorealestate | www.youtube.com/@BrewedInMonmouthKD

Doreen

DeMarco: Realtor

and

Podcaster

Brewing Community Connections

After years devoted to raising her three daughters and volunteering locally, Doreen DeMarco found her next calling in helping others plant roots in the community she loves. Her passion for Monmouth County and its people soon extended beyond real estate and into storytelling — leading to the creation of her podcast, Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea with Kate and Doreen. What began as a lighthearted idea has blossomed into a popular platform with thousands of subscribers and a mission to educate, inspire, and connect.

Each week, Doreen and her co-host, realtor Kate Raftery, sit down with top industry experts and local entrepreneurs to break down all things real estate — from lending and legal updates to home inspections, wellness, and community trends. The show makes complex topics approachable and relevant to everyday life while spotlighting the small businesses that make Monmouth County thrive. Listeners can find practical tips, heartfelt stories, and a deep sense of local pride in every episode, available on YouTube and major podcast platforms.

Through Brewed in Monmouth, Doreen has not only strengthened her expertise as a real estate professional but also built bridges across the community she serves. Constantly engaging with attorneys, lenders, inspectors, and market leaders keeps her ahead of industry shifts and ensures her clients receive informed, strategic guidance. For Doreen, real estate isn’t just about buying or selling homes — it’s about creating lasting connections and celebrating the lifestyle that makes Monmouth County special. Her podcast embodies that same spirit: real conversations, real people, and real community.

Suzanne Veninata

The Suzanne Veninata Team at Douglas Elliman

803 River Rd., Fair Haven, NJ 07704 | 646.279.2373

Suzanne.Veninata@elliman.com | www.suzanneveninatateam.com/team

Suzanne Veninata’s career journey began in New York, where she built a strong foundation in capital markets and private equity—raising funds for a real estate investment group and leading a team in Europe. After marrying and relocating to Rumson, she discovered that her global experience, sharp business acumen, and extensive network were the perfect foundation for a new career in real estate sales. Since entering the industry in 2016, Suzanne has quickly risen to become one of the area’s top agents, known for her professionalism, insight, and ability to connect clients to the perfect community.

Her success stems from an early drive instilled by her father, who encouraged her to work hard and aim high, as well as mentors who believed in her potential. While proud of her thriving career, Suzanne considers her greatest achievement to be her family—her husband and their two children, Hunter and Bella. Balancing motherhood with a demanding career has only strengthened her focus and resilience. Deeply rooted in the Rumson-Fair Haven community, Suzanne gives back through sponsorships and charitable initiatives that reflect her passion for helping others. Her story is one of determination, reinvention, and a deep commitment to excellence.

Shaylyn Stilwell, M.S. Ed.,

Speech Start LLC

82 Bethany Rd. Suite 1 Hazlet, NJ 07730 21 Cedar Ave., Suite B1 Fair Haven, NJ 07704 732.888.3912 www.speechstartnj.com

Shaylyn, co-founder of Speech Start, brings exceptional expertise to the practice through her rare PROMPT certification—a rigorous five-year training process that prepared her to specialize in motor speech disorders and apraxia. Her dedication to advanced clinical mastery has positioned her as one of only a few professionals with this level of specialization.

Her mother and partner, Dr. Bernadette, contributes decades of experience strengthened by her clinical doctoral training, where she refined her supervisory, research, and therapeutic skills. She is equally proud of the shared vision she and Shaylyn built as they continue to grow Speech Start together.

Elizabeth Fanciullo, DMD

Luxe Dental Spa

257 Monmouth Rd., Building B, Oakhurst, NJ, 07755

732.531.0777 www.theluxedentalspa.com

Dr. Elizabeth Fanciullo began her career as a television news reporter and producer before returning to her early interest in medicine and discovering her passion for dentistry while shadowing her own dentist. She is most proud of the determination it took to pursue this new path, completing years of rigorous prerequisites, dental school, and residency after already beginning a different career. Today, she runs a small private practice where she prioritizes individualized, compassionate care.

Dr. Fanciullo is committed to truly listening to her patients and providing the highest-quality treatment in a comfortable environment, countering the increasingly corporate nature of healthcare.

Where To Eat

Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Monmouth County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.

Boathouse Bar & Grill, Belmar

ASBURY PARK

Heirloom at

The St. Laurent

408 7th Ave. 732.795.2582 thestlaurent.com

Iron Whale

1200 Ocean Ave. 732.361.5185 ironwhalenj.com

Moonstruck 517 Lake Ave. 732.988.0123 moonstrucknj.com

Pascal & Sabine

601 Bangs Ave. 732.774.3395 pascalandsabine.com

Porta 911 Kingsley St. 732.776.7661 pizzaporta.com

Robinson Ale House

1200 Ocean Ave. N. 732.774.1400 therobinsonalehouse asburypark.com

Stella Marina Restaurant & Bar 800 Ocean Ave. 732.775.7776 stellamarinarestaurant.com

Taka 660 Cookman Ave. 732.775.1020 takaasburypark.com

Talula’s

550 Cookman Ave. 732.455.3003 talulaspizza.com

ATLANTIC

HIGHLANDS

Copper Canyon

51 First Ave.

732.291.8444 thecoppercanyon.com

Harborside Grill

40 First Ave. 732.291.0066 theharborsidegrill.com

Kunya Siam Thai Restaurant

99 First Ave. 732.291.2397 kunyasiam.com

On The Deck

10 Simon Lake Dr. 732.872.1424 onthedeckrestaurant.com

AVON-BY-THE-SEA

Clementine’s 306 Main St. 732.988.7979 clementinesavon.com

Seed to Sprout 410 Main St. 732.774.7333 seedtosproutnj.com

BELFORD

Belford Bistro 870 Main St. 732.495.8151 belfordbistro.com

Naples Pizzeria 872 Main St. 732.787.9479

BELMAR

10th Ave. Burrito Co 801 Belmar Plz. 732.280.1515 tenthaveburrito.com

Anchor Tavern

713 Main St. 732.280.2266 anchortavernnj.com

Boathouse Bar & Grill

1309 Main St. 732.681.5221 boathousebarandgrill.com

Brandl 703 Belmar Plz. 732.280.7501 brandlrestaurant.com

Federico’s 700 Main St. 732.681.6936 federicospizza.com

La Dolce Vita 400 Ocean Ave. 732.749.3177 ladolcevitanj.com

BRADLEY BEACH

The Buttered Biscuit

700 Main St. 732.807.4069 thebutteredbiscuitcafe. com

The Elbow Room 416 Main St. 732.898.6860 elbowroomnj.com

BRIELLE

Due Amici 420 Higgins Ave. 732.528.0666 dueamicibriellenj.com

La Mondina 110 Union Ave. 732.612.8331 lamondinabrielle.com

The Pig and Parrot Sandbar 201 Union Ln. 732.528.7750 thepigandparrot.com

Shipwreck Grill 720 Ashley Ave. 732.292.9380 shipwreckgrill.com

EATONTOWN

All Seasons Restaurant 176 Wyckoff Rd. 732.542.9462 allseasonsrestaurant.net

ENGLISHTOWN

Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina 180 Rte. 9 732.617.0099 rosalitasnj.com

FREEHOLD

618 Restaurant 618 Park Ave. 732.577.0001 618nj.com

Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro 30 E. Main St. 732.333.0933 aarzu.com

Court Jester 16 E. Main St. 732.462.1040 courtjesternj.com

El Meson

40 W. Main St. 732.308.9494 elmesoncafe.com

Photos

Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina, Englishtown

Federici’s Family Restaurant

14 E. Main St. 732.462.1312 federicis.com

Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine

3710 Rte. 9

732.808.2727 marmaracuisine.com

Metropolitan Cafe

8 E. Main St. 732.780.9400 metrocafenj.com

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap

3492 Rte. 9

732.543.0053 tommystavernandtap.com

Tre Pizza Pasta Beer Garden 611 Park Ave. 732.751.4422 trepizzanj.com

HAZLET

Neil Michael’s Steakhouse 1104 Rte. 36

732.217.3626 neilmichaelsteak house.com

Yesterday’s Restaurant

3153 Rte. 35 732.264.3777 yesterdaysnj.com

HIGHLANDS

Bahrs Landing 2 Bay Ave. 732.872.1245

bahrslandingnj.com

Proving Ground

56 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.872.2266 theprovingground.com

HOLMDEL

Palumbo’s 24 Ayers Ln. palumbospizza35.com 732.671.8820

KEYPORT

Drew’s Bayshore Bistro 25 Church St. 732.739.9219 drewsbayshorebistro.com

LONG BRANCH

21 A On Broadway 202 Broadway 732.483.6967 21aonbroadway.com

Avenue 23 Ocean Ave. 732.759.2900 avenuelongbranch.com

Charley’s Ocean Grill 29 Avenel Blvd. 732.222.4499 charleysoceangrill.com

Mar Belo 611 Broadway 732.870.2222 marbelorestaurant.com

McLoone’s Pier House 1 Ocean Ave. N. 732.795.3493 mcloonespierhouse.com

Rooney’s Oceanfront 100 Ocean Ave. N. 732.870.1200 rooneysocean.com

Sirena Ristorante 27 Ocean Ave. N. 732.222.1119 sirenaristorante.com

MANALAPAN

Anemos Greek Cuisine

333 Rte. 9 732.414.6590 anemosgreekcuisine.com

Cholula Restaurant 24 Wilson Ave. 732.786.0080 cholularestaurant englishtown.com

Manalapan Diner 48 Rte. 9 732.462.7165 manalapandiner.com

Nonna’s Citi Cucina 190 Rte. 9 N. 732.536.9050 nonnasnj.com

Peking Pavilion 110 Rte. 33 732.308.9700 pekingpavilion.coma

MANASQUAN

Blend on Main 152 Main St. 732.223.0030 blendonmain.com

Harpoon Willy’s 2655 River Rd. 732.223.8880 harpoonwillys.com

The Salty Whale And Guesthouse

390 E. Main St. 732.592.3344 thesaltywhale.com

Squan Tavern 15 Broad St. 732.223.3324 squantavern.com

MATAWAN Buttonwood Manor 845 Rte. 34 N. buttonwoodmanor.com

MIDDLETOWN

MJ’s Restaurant Bar & Grill 1005 Rte. 35 732.796.1400 mjsrestaurant.com

Neelam Exotic Indian Cuisine 1178 Rte. 35 S. 732.671.8900 neelamindiancuisine.com

NEPTUNE Il Posto 1129 Fifth Ave. 732.775.4823

Molinari’s 312 W. Sylvania Ave. 732.775.7733 molinarisrestaurant.com

Pete & Elda’s 96 Woodland Ave. 732.774.6010 peteandeldas.com

OCEAN

Illiano’s 933 W. Park Ave. 732.493.2003 illianosrestaurant.net

Piccola Italia 837 W. Park Ave. 732.493.3090 piccolaitalianj.com

Charley’s Ocean Grill, Long Branch

RED BANK

26 West On The Navesink

26 W. Front St.

732.383.5664 26westonthenavesink.com

Birravino

183 Riverside Ave.

732.842.5990 birravino.com

B2 Bistro + Bar

141 Shrewsbury Ave.

732.268.8555 b2bistro.com

Char Steakhouse

33 Broad St.

732.450.2427 charsteakhouse.com

Danny’s 11 Bridge Ave.

732.741.6900 dannyssteakhouse.com

JBJ Soul Kitchen

207 Monmouth St. 732.842.0900 jbjsoulkitchen.com

Juanito’s Restaurant

159 Monmouth St. 732.747.9118 juanitosredbank.com

Kitch Organic

75 Leighton Ave.

732.471.5400 kitchorganic.com

Molly Pitcher Inn

88 Riverside Ave. 732.747.2500 themollypitcher.com

Muang Thai Restaurant

7 E. Front St. 732.741.9999 muangthairedbank.com

Nicholas Barrel & Roost

160 Rte. 35 S. 732.345.9977 barrelandroost.com

Patrizia’s

28 Broad St. 732.741.5555 patrizias.com

Pazzo MMX

141 W. Front St. 732.747.4551 pazzoredbank.com

Teak

64 Monmouth St. 732.747.5775 teakrestaurant.com

RUMSON

Barnacle Bill’s 1 First St. 732.747.8396 barnaclebills rumson.com

Giorgia

102 Ave. of Two Rivers 732.741.3880 ristorantegiorgia.com

River Pointe Inn

132 E. River Rd. 732.530.6590 riverpointeinn.com

Salt Creek Grille 4 Bingham Ave. 732.933.9272 saltcreekgrille.com

Undici

11 W. River Rd. 732.842.3880 undicirestaurant.com

Victory Park Tavern

21 W. River Rd. 732.842.6205 victoryparktavern.com

SEA BRIGHT

Anjelica’s 1070 Ocean Ave. 732.842.2800 anjelicas.com

Eventide

Grille

1400 Ocean Ave. N. 732.530.1414 eventidegrille.com

The Rum Runner

816 Ocean Ave. 732.842.2894 mcloonesrumrunner.com

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap

1030 Ocean Ave. 732.842.5044 tommystavernandtap.com

ON THE TOWN

SEA GIRT

Fratello’s 810 The Plaza 732.974.8833 fratellosnj.com

SHREWSBURY

Americana Diner 1160 Rte. 35 S. 732.542.1658 americanadiner.net

Bayroot 555 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.747.3444 bayrootmarket.com

D’jeet

637 Broad St. 732.224.8887 djeetcatering.com

SPRING LAKE

Amelia’s By The Sea 1505 Ocean Ave. N. 732.769.5700 ameliasbythesea.com

Spring Lake Tap House 810 Rte. 71 732.282.1530 springlaketaphouse.com

St. Stephen’s Green Publick House 2031 Rte. 71 732.449.2626 ssgpub.com

Whispers 200 Monmouth Ave. 732.974.9755 whispersrestaurant.com

WALL Meemom’s 1825 Rte. 35 732.359.8544 meemoms.com

Mossuto’s Market & Cafe 2029 Rte. 35 S. 732.449.8058 mossutosmarket nj.com

Shogun Legends 1969 Rte. 34 732.449.6696 shogunlegends.com

Victory Park Tavern, Rumson

Photos courtesy of Charley’s Ocean Grill, Victory Park Tavern

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Two Great Cuisines Meet

Sleek and effortlessly cool, Xina in Bradley Beach balances Japanese precision and Chinese comfort.

It’s tough keeping up with Monmouth’s ever-changing dining landscape and discovering the county’s next “it” spot. Much of my year was spent exploring restaurant hotbeds like Asbury Park and Red Bank, and rightly so: There’s always fanfare around the eateries in those towns.

But the buzz around Bradley Beach’s dining scene has felt louder lately, and the new sushi bar-slash-Chinese bistro Xina may just be the reason. My girlfriend and I checked it out early on a Sunday evening in October. It was fortunate that we had reservations, because the restaurant (which already has a popular kin location in Toms River) was absolutely packed—not in an uncomfortable way, but in that reassuring “this place must be good” way. The chatter, the clinking of chopsticks and the rhythmic hum of the open kitchen all set the stage for a cool and hip dining experience.

Xina has the look and feel of a modern coastal spot—sleek wood accents, glowing lighting and a crowd that feels heavy on locals and folks “in the know.” It’s trendy without trying too hard, and the vibe manages to be energetic and relaxed. The only thing I found troubling was deciding between sushi and Chinese cuisine. My solution: Get both!

Our first appetizer was the house ginger salad, a nod to a popular fresh Japanese starter. As simple as it sounds, the salad was a standout—crisp greens, cucumbers and tomatoes with a side of tangy dressing boasting just the right hit of ginger to wake up the palate. Alongside the salad was our second app, scallop-and-shrimp toast. This spin on a familiar Chinese takeout menu item was a surprising delight. It felt indulgent in all the right ways: golden and crunchy toast topped with sliced scallops on the outside, creamy and delicate minced shrimp paste within. Each bite was balanced and bursting with flavor; it was the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-conversation to say, “You have to try this.” Indeed, I stopped my girlfriend from taking a forkful of salad to sample the toast. She thanked me for the interruption.

Then came the main event, and Xina truly delivered. The kaisen-don was a bowl of pure freshness: perfectly seasoned sushi rice topped with glistening cuts of fresh sashimi that looked almost too pretty to eat.

Our server noted that Xina’s owner, Rick Lee, prepped and plated this dish for us himself (he was unaware that I was present for a review)—and it truly was culinary art.

I’ve been told I should consume more art.

The kitchen creations didn’t stop there. We also had a black mamba roll and a Chilean sea bass roll from the special sushi roll menu. The black mamba, a bold and mildly spicy creation, brought a playful edge with its contrast of heat (jalapeño pepper), crunch (black sesame) and silky fish (eel and tuna). And the Chilean sea bass roll was a dish that stayed with me—buttery and just slightly sweet fish, avocado, soy nori, eel sauce and spicy mayo.

To go with these Japanese dishes, I insisted that we try the seasonal autumn harvest fried rice. The farm-to-table take on traditional Chinese fried rice was crammed with immense flavor as well as shredded Peking duck, fried egg, roasted squash, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries. I’m sad that it’s not a yearround option.

We overheard another server telling the party dining next to us that Xina was still so new to the scene that the dessert menu hadn’t been finalized yet. At press deadline, the only after-dinner offering was matcha cake, something that didn’t strike our fancy.

By the end of the night, as we sat back and watched a new wave of diners settle in around us, it was easy to see why Xina has become one of Bradley Beach’s go-to spots. It has traditional dishes and unique spins on classics and inventive creations. It’s trendy, yes, but not in a fleeting way. It’s a place where the energy, the flavors and the experience come together easily—the sort of restaurant you can’t wait to return to.

—Darius Amos

THE MONMOUTH PET GUIDE

HAPPENINGS

Be There

This holiday season, Monmouth is aglow with entertainment, shopping and festive fun.

THROUGH DEC. 21

Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future during Spring Lake Theatre and Community House’s 43rd annual production of SCROOGE Charles Dickens’ classic tale of a haunting and the true meaning of the season comes to life on the stage. Multiple shows are available, including matinees. For tickets and more, head over to springlaketheatre.com.

THROUGH JAN. 3

For a dazzling drive-through light show filled with holiday cheer, head to the MAGIC OF LIGHTS at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. Cruise through a wonderland of twinkling displays, festive scenes and favorite seasonal characters—all from the warmth of your car. This year, enjoy a brand-new holiday village, perfect for strolling, shopping and snapping photos with Santa. Multiple time slots are available. For tickets and details, head over to magicoflights.com.

DEC. 12-13

Rocker JESSE MALIN—known for his work with D Generation, Heart Attack and The Finger—returns to The Stone Pony in Asbury Park for two shows. In the spirit of the season, Malin invites concertgoers to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the holiday toy drive by Brookdale Public Radio, 90.5 The NIGHT and Community Karma. Enjoy a great night of music while giving back to local kids in need. The show starts at 7 p.m. both nights. For tickets, see stoneponyonline.com.

DEC. 12–14

The world’s most beloved holiday ballet returns to the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. Experience the magic of THE NUTCRACKER live on stage, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Featuring talented local dancers alongside soloists from top New York City ballet companies, this enchanting performance follows Clara on her whimsical journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Multiple showtimes are available, including matinees. For tickets and more, see thebasie.org.

DEC. 13

Find one-of-a-kind gifts and support local makers at HOLIDAY MADE IN MONMOUTH, a festive shopping event featuring more than 200 vendors. With everthing from handmade jewelry and cozy apparel to home décor, candles and more, it’s the perfect place to check off everyone on your list. Shop small, shop local and discover something special! Doors open at 10 a.m., and entry is free. For more, see madeinmonmouth.com.

DEC. 13

Celebrate the season with the timeless sounds of Motown at Bell Theater in Holmdel! SHADOWS OF THE ’60S: A HOLIDAY TRIBUTE TO MOTOWN brings the music of The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Supremes and more to life. Featuring acclaimed vocalists, dazzling costumes and era-perfect choreography, this high-energy tribute show captures the spirit and soul of a Motown Christmas. Two performances available: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. For tickets and more, see belltheater.org.

DEC. 14 & 21

How about a more old-fashioned take on the season? Over at the Historic Village at Allaire in Wall, you can take part in CHRISTMAS AT ALLAIRE, which features oldtime carolers, the warm glow of open hearths, costumed reenactors, traditional Victorian holiday celebrations and sweet treats. Starting at 11 a.m. both days, the park is transformed into a seasonal wonderland for you to explore. For tickets and a more detailed schedule, see allairevillage.org.

DEC. 13–14

Stop by 4JG’s Vineyard and enjoy its popular WINE AND TREES event! Stroll the scenic Colts Neck orchard to pick your perfect Christmas tree (“you pick, we cut”), then unwind with a glass of estate wine by a cozy firepit. It’s the perfect outing for festive photos, family fun, and a little holiday cheer. Tastings are available inside the vineyard’s charming 18th-century house (ages 21+ only).

The fun starts at 11 a.m. on both days. For rates and more information, see 4jgswinery.com.

DEC. 17

At Wild Air Beerworks in Asbury Park, enjoy a fun and competitive TRIVIA NIGHT! Grab some friends, show off your knowledge and take home the crown. Plus, enjoy Wild Air’s extensive craft beer list, a beautiful taproom and great vibes. The games begin at 7 p.m., and there’s no additional cost to play. For more, check out wildairbeer.com.

DEC. 14

In Asbury Park, Tim McLoone’s Supper Club hosts the JOE BARACATA BAND’S HOLIDAY SHOW Stop by for great eats, fantastic sips (Tim McLoone’s cocktail list is can’t-miss), dancing, crowd-pleasing classic songs and holiday spirit. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the starts at 7 p.m. For tickets, a full menu and more, head over to timmcloonessupperclub.com.

DEC.

16

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Downtown Freehold with a MENORAH LIGHTING At the Hall of Records, town officials and the community will gather to celebrate Hanukkah and light the first candle on Freehold’s menorah. This event is and begins at 5 p.m. information, see downtownfreehold.com.

DEC. 31

Run into the new year with the Jersey Shore Running Club, which hosts its NEW YEAR’S EVE TWILIGHT 2-MILE FUN RUN starting at 4 p.m. in Manasquan. Race a beautiful beachfront course to burn off some holiday calories, and then head to Leggett’s Sand Bar for a party afterward. This event benefits the Rae of Light Foundation, which provides scholarships to musicians and artists, and the Kindness Café in Spring Lake

Gatherings

Monmouth residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors.

1. FULFILL

Staff, volunteers, friends and dignitaries were on hand as Neptune-based Fulfill broke ground on its warehouse expansion project. The ceremony also kickstarted its $29 million “Path to Plenty to Fill the Healthy Food Gap” campaign. This expansion willl increase the food pantry’s warehouse and cold storage space.

2-3. BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF COASTAL & NORTHERN NJ

Big Brother Big Sisters of Asbury Park held its fifth annual Big Shots Golf Classic at Fairmount Country Club in Chatham. The outing raised essential funds and awareness for the organization’s one-to-one mentoring programs that empower youth to reach their greatest potential.

4-5. CENTRASTATE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

The CentraState Healthcare Foundation hosted its 24th Annual Multiple Sclerosis Benefit at CentraState Medical Center on the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus in Freehold. Funds raised from the event will benefit the hospital’s MS wellness programs, support groups and educational seminars.

6-7. MONMOUTH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Monmouth Habitat for Humanity held its 14th annual Golf for Homes outing at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune. In addition to golf, participants enjoyed raffles and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Habitat’s programs and homebuilding initiatives in Monmouth County.

8. MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER

Monmouth Medical Center held its 10th Annual Swing Pink fundraiser. From the courts and course to the luncheon patio, participants, supporters and friends came together to celebrate, give back and support cancer care close to home.

9-10. YMCA OF THE JERSEY SHORE

Friends and family of Shrewsburybased YMCA Child Achievement helped the organization’s fall festival. The event raised proceeds to support the Y’s mission of strengthening lives of young people in the community.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH

COMING IN JANUARY

Healthcare Professionals to Watch is a special advertising section appearing in the January 2026 “Health & Wellness” issue of Monmouth magazine. It provides leaders in the field a platform for telling our readers—the area’s most affluent residents—what makes their organization, practice or business unique and unparalleled.

A MONMOUTH MOMENT

“I’m a special education teacher, but I have a passion for photography and love to document families. This was a session I did at the Sea Bright beach with the Granite family, who are also from Middletown. Zach is a business owner and former minor league baseball player, and his wife works with children with disabilities. The whole family radiated love for each other. This shot really embraces the unique celebrations of coastal culture.”

—Christina Rick, Middletown

Send us your Monmouth Moment! Email your photo and a short description to rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.