Monmouth Health & Life: June/July 2023

SUMMER SCENES

FUN’S ON DECK TAKE YOUR PATIO PARTY FROM GOOD TO GREAT LIFE’S A BEACH WHAT’S NEW ALONG THE SHORE?

YOUR GUIDE TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS

CONTENTS

Monmouth Heart And Vascular Sets The Gold Standard | 25

The Eatontown facility receives international Vein Center accreditation for high-quality patient care.

Taking His Own Health To Heart | 26

After his younger brother suffered a heart attack, a Shark River Hills man improves his cardiac health after receiving treatment at Monmouth Medical Center.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Our county is packed with open spaces where you can embrace fresh air and soak up the best Mother Nature has to offer.

Great Team, Great Outcomes | 28

With a little help from A+ patient reviews, the chair of the department of surgery at Monmouth Medical Center explains why patient satisfaction and outcomes are paramount.

Meet You Down The Shore | 30

Pack a picnic, grab a book and your kids, and read on for your guide to Monmouth and Ocean beaches.

Fun’s On Deck | 38

Memories will be made when a few thoughtful details take an outdoor patio party from good to great.

Wallpaper Woes? | 42

We’ve got you covered. Five Monmouth-based designers share tips for wow-worthy walls.

CONTENTS

Departments

Monmouth Buzz | 14

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

Your Friends & Neighbors | 16

As he campaigns to create a learning center at a historic Holmdel site, an Ocean Grove scientist-educator hopes to have an impact on young minds.

Style Watch | 18

Asymmetric skirts are a born-again trend that returns just in time to make a summer statement.

Home Front | 20

Make yourself at home when you go to the shore with these seasonal must-haves.

Tastes | 48

Skip the long lines at our counties’ hottest breakfast spots and make it at home yourself. P.S.: These unique twists on classic brunch items pair beautifully with mimosas.

Bar Tab | 62

A breakfast martini is a citrusy twist to the classic cocktail—and it’s the perfect any-timeof-day drink.

Restaurant Review | 63

Gotta have authentic while your companion craves Tex-Mex? You’ll be happy at Blue Habanero in Neptune City.

Gatherings | 65

Monmouth residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.

A Monmouth Moment | 66

A Middletown photographer captures the perfect shot of two fisherman hooking a fish at Bayshore Waterfront Park.

With this philosophy, we’ve been able to give our patients honest advice and inspire them to make impactful change.

We’ve treated thousands of women who have the same goalto feel more comfortable and con dent in their bodies.

Best in the U.S. for the 17th time in a row

Exceeding The Standard For HighQuality Care

I am so very proud that both Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) and our Southern Campus hospital in Lakewood have achieved “A” ratings in the Spring 2023 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. For MMC, it is the 17th consecutive “A,” the longest “A” streak in our region.

It is our responsibility to deliver the safest, most highquality care to our patients every day. These increasingly difficult to earn “A” ratings are a testament to the unwavering commitment our physicians and staff demonstrate daily to consistently deliver the very best and safest care. Each rating period The Leapfrog Group raises the bar to obtain an “A” grade, and as they raise that bar, we rise up to meet it.

Monmouth Medical Center remains the only hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties to earn 17 straight A’s from the Leapfrog Group. This remarkable achievement underscores Monmouth Medical Center’s commitment as a High Reliability Organization (HRO).

Through the concerted effort of Monmouth Medical Center’s physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers and leadership, patients and families benefit from receiving the highest level of quality care and the safest hospital experience.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. For me, the Leapfrog “A” is the most important quality recognition in health care, as it is not based on reputation or survey data, but is truly about outcomes. The Leapfrog Group tells communities more about things like how well their hospitals prevent infections and encourages handwashing, how much they value patient safety by supporting strong health care teams and if they have protocols and standards in place for preventing errors. Its letter grades are an easy way for consumers to choose the safest hospital to seek care and have quickly become the gold standard measure of patient safety.

These “A” grades are truly reflective of the ability of both campuses to maintain the safest care. Our hospitals’ “A” grades demonstrate the commitment and intentional focus on safety and quality by all of our caregivers and recognize the high-quality care we deliver to our patients and their families every day.

ERIC CARNEY President and Chief Executive Officer MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER AND MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER

ERIC CARNEY President and Chief Executive Officer MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER AND MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER SOUTHERN CAMPUS

The consultative approach to real estate

A Fine Time To Be Out

Summer is the reward we get for being good the rest of the year. The sun is out (mostly), the world is green again and the beauties of our county become once more a metaphor for the brightest of life’s possibilities. So it’s fitting that Monmouth Health & Life marks this season each year with our Outdoors Issue.

Leading with an exceptional client-first approach, Jayne Camlin is consistently a Top-Producing Agent in her industry.

A critical advocate for her Sellers and Buyers alike, she sees herself as a true advisor + consultant in navigating the real estate landscape on their behalf.

No challenge is too big, and no market too demanding for Jayne to navigate successfully -- always helping her clients make good decisions!

You’ll catch the spirit on page 34 as you read about the various ways to enjoy the best of Mother Nature, whether you’re in a boat or in the woods, or on two wheels or on the back of a majestic equine. We hope our list of places to go inspires you to soak up the sun and take in the fresh air.

For relaxation by the water, turn to page 30 for our handy directory of the area’s best beaches. Consider it a know-before-you-go guide: It has all the details you need so you’ll know exactly where to park or when Fido can join you at the shore, for example.

Would you rather have friends and family at your home? Keep the good times going outside and throw a festive brunch or dinner party for them. On page 38, you’ll find inspiration for a gorgeous patio dining table that will not only help guests enjoy their meal but will also keep them cozy and conversing well into the night.

July, of course, brings us Independence Day—another great time to head outside. When the daytime parades and barbecues end, grab a blanket and friends and family for a night of fireworks. We have a list of some wonderful displays happening in our county on page 14.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a recent indoor-outdoor event: We hosted the inaugural Monmouth Wine & Food Experience this spring at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank. It was exciting to see so many familiar faces and meet new friends. Thank you to all the vendors and guests as well as the staff at Molly Pitcher Inn for the great night—we can’t wait to do it again next year!

There’s more (inside and out), but I’m out of room. Step outside with this magazine, settle down in the hammock or lawn chair and you’re all set. Enjoy!

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.com

River Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704

Jayne Camlin is a real estate salesperson affiliated with Compass RE. Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

EDUCATING. NEVER PRESSURING.

HEALTH & LIFE

Editor in Chief

RITA GUARNA

Creative Director

STEPHEN M. VITARBO

Senior Associate Editor

DARIUS AMOS

Lifestyle Editor

HALEY LONGMAN

Contributing Editors

PAUL RANCE JR.

DONNA ROLANDO

PRODUCTION

Production Manager

FERN E. MESHULAM

Production Artist

CHRIS FERRANTE

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Monmouth Health & Life is published 6 times a year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. This is Volume 21, Issue 3. © 2023 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Monmouth County: $30 for one year. Single copies: $6.95.

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BUZZ }

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

MONMOUTH’S MAD FOR MUSIC

Summertime is jam time at the Jersey Shore, and live music events abound. Here are five of the top concerts and venues in our county this summer. (Check the listed websites for info such as pricing details and rain dates.)

• The weekly Monmouth County summer concert series starts in June on Wednesday nights on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, Thursday nights at the Hall of Records in Freehold, Thursday nights at Manasquan’s Main Beach and Friday nights at Pyanoe Plaza in Belmar.

• Summer Stars Music Festival 2023, a classical concert series, happens Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove. oceangrove.org/stars

• PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel will feature Luke Bryan (June 24), the Counting Crows (July 6), Matchbox Twenty

(July 15), Bret Michaels (July 16), the Dave Matthews Band (July 18) and Dierks Bentley (July 27). pncbankartscenter.org

• An epic summer lineup at Asbury Park’s historic Stone

Pony includes Yellowcard (July 6), Yungblud (July 15), Louis Tomlinson (July 28) and Incubus (Aug. 8). stoneponyonline.com/ summer-stage/

• At Sea.Hear.Now 2023 at Bradley Park in Asbury Park The Killers and Foo Fighters are headliners Sept. 16 and 17, respectively. seahear nowfestival.com

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

When Independence Day rolls around and you’ve finished your burgers and hot dogs, stretch out on a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a local fireworks display. Many Monmouth towns host all-day celebrations, but the evening light show is always the highlight. Among the can’t-miss fireworks shows on or around the Fourth:

• Asbury Park, Boardwalk, July 4

• Freehold, Freehold Raceway, July 2

• Holmdel, Bell Works, July 5

PUPPY LOVE

Dogs: Neiko, 14; and Katie, 10—Siberian huskies

Owners: John C. Martin and Courtney Martin of Little Silver

• Lakewood, Shoretown Park, July 4

• Long Branch, Pier Village, July 4

• Wall, Community Park, July 2

Neiko joined the Martins in May 2020 after their previous husky, Cody, passed away. Because everywhere was on lockdown, they searched nationwide for dogs to adopt and came across Neiko at Husky Halfway House (H3) in Eufaula, Oklahoma. “We had a soft spot for an older dog that would need to be spoiled for the rest of his life,” John says. “We did a couple of virtual interviews and agreed that Neiko would be a great fit.” A year later they wanted another dog to keep Neiko company. Katie had a similar story of horrible neglect; she’d been tied to a tree for over a year before H3 was able to save her. In October 2021, she became another addition to the clan.

Both dogs love to ride in the family Jeep with the top down, spreading their fur all over Monmouth County. “We take them to the beach in Long Branch or for a nice long walk around Little Silver,” John says. “They both shine in colder, snowy weather, where they play for hours like giddy children.”

These canines’ personalities are vastly different; Neiko loves to find a good quiet corner of the house to sleep in while “Katie is a stage-five clinger on top of us on the couch every night,” John says with a laugh. “They really are better than we could have ever hoped for, and I truly believe they appreciate the home we’ve made for them.”

For a chance to see your pet featured in the pages of Monmouth Health & Life, send his or her photo and a brief description to rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

GARDEN VARIETY

Monmouth does its share to help the Garden State earn its nickname—now that it’s lovely out you should check out these tour-able treasures for a great ’Gram snap or just a serene stroll:

Anne & Doug Rossbach Garden, Rumson; The Secret Backyard Garden, Red Bank; Nancy & Dan Crabbe’s Garden on the Navesink River, Locust. Each of these three private-ish gardens will be open to the public for viewing on July 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (4 p.m. for Rossbach) in partnership with The Garden Conservancy in Garrison, N.Y. 845.424.6500

Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown. (Pictured) Take in the sights at the horticultural center of the Monmouth County Park System, which features more than 50 gardens and greenhouses. 732.842.4000.

Huber Woods, Middletown. Almost any time this summer, get a free, personal guided tour of this wooded area where wildlife abounds. 732.872.2670.

HEY, MAN, HOW’S YOUR HEALTH?

You may work out five days a week and walk the fairways monthly, but truly taking care of yourself takes more—especially as you get older. For National Men’s Health Month in June, here are reminders keyed to your time of life. If you’re…

…in your 20s and 30s: Get your flu shot annually and update your tetanus booster every 10 years. Even if you don’t have a family history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, know your numbers—have both tested every three to five years. Men under 26 who haven’t received a HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) should consider this too. It’s important to develop a relationship with your primary care doctor, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), so that he or she knows your lifestyle and family history.

…in your 40s and 50s: Keep up with regular flu shots and tetanus boosters, and consider the shingles vaccine when you reach 50. At 45, talk to your doctor about colon cancer screening—colonoscopies should be performed every 10 years—as well as regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, which can indicate prostate cancer. Increase blood pressure checks to every year, and get cholesterol tests every four to six years, depending on individual risk factors. It’s also important to watch your lifestyle, as weight gain, alcohol consumption and smoking can increase risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

…in your 60s or older: Flu and tetanus shots and the shingles vaccine are strongly encouraged, and the CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccine at age 65. Continue regular testing and screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, colon cancer. Keep up with cognition and mental health too; gentle aerobic exercise, strength training and activities like tai chi are good physically and mentally.

CREATURES, BEGONE!

Currently at war with a groundhog? Some deer? Other unwanted animals that are ruining that garden you waited all year to tend to? You needn’t accept that your hard-earned flowers will become somebody else’s afternoon snack. Below, check out creatureresistant plants that can help you withdraw the welcome mat in your backyard for these species:

• Deer and rabbits tend to stay away from plants that are too fragrant, so bushes and plants such as butterfly bushes, lavender, yarrows, salvias, thyme and boxwoods (a type of evergreen) are safe in your yard. Daffodils, hellebores and aconitum are poisonous to deer, and rabbits will make a beeline in the other direction if they scout out foxglove, geranium and black-eyed Susan, as well as many of the plants mentioned above.

• Squirrels avoid scents such as white pepper, black pepper, garlic and mint. You can buy a pepper spray and apply it to your plants to keep them away, or plant certain flowers that will repel them naturally, such as daffodils, fritillaries, Galanthus, geraniums, hyacinths and lily of the valley. Alliums are a perfect stay-away inducement too, since they’re the flowering parts of onion, scallion and garlic plants, all major no-no’s for those acorn-loving visitors.

• Groundhogs also dislike the aroma of onion and garlic, herbs such as chive, basil, thyme, rosemary and oregano, as well as lavender-colored or scented flowers. They’re also not fans of larkspur, butterfly weed, bleeding heart or sweet alyssum.

• Bugs can be eradicated, mosquitoes especially, by eliminating any water sources in your yard, including bird baths, muddy puddles around drains or water collected in kids’ toys such as buckets or water tables. Make a conscious effort to empty out the puddles after big rainfalls. As far as vegetation is concerned, mosquitoes are not attracted to smelly flowers such as marigold and catmint, which typically bloom in late spring and last through the summer.

CULINARY CORNER

Freehold’s finest?

Already patrons credit Royal Ganesha with the best Indian food in Freehold, and it just opened recently. Come hungry for the all-you-can-eat buffet packed with authentic Indian mains, sides and desserts. P.S.: Raceway Mall employees, seniors and veterans can get 10 percent off with a code from the restaurant’s website.

• ROYAL GANESHA, 3710 ROUTE 9, FREEHOLD, 848.444.9700; ROYAL-GANESHA. BUSINESS.SITE

No relation

This Cipriani’s isn’t connected to the landmark eatery of the same name in downtown Manhattan, but Italian is Italian. The Northeast gets some Midwest flavor here thanks to the Detroit-style pizza with Wisconsin cheese. The pastas are fresh and perfectly al dente, and all soups and sauces are homemade.

• CIPRIANI’S RESTAURANT, 3701 RTE. 33, NEPTUNE, 732.430.2030; CIPRIANIS.NET

Worlds unite

Two nations converge—not for a soccer match, but for a fusion cuisine. Cuca Libre offers dishes such as ham, bacon and corn pizza or the Brazilian acai bowl (with condensed milk instead of nut butter).

• CUCA LIBRE, 103 WEST END AVE., LONG BRANCH, 732.978.9361; CUCALIBREMENU.COM

FAME IS CALLING

All summer, Red Bank will host mini downtown concerts on Saturday nights— and you (or your musician pal) could be among the performers. At presstime, the 2023 StreetLife program was still accepting applications for musicians and bands who’d like to perform live—and get paid! You’ll need to commit to three 50-minute performances on Saturdays until Aug. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. To get the online application, contact RiverCenter at 732.842.4244 or promotions@redbankrivercenter.org.

Making A Big Bang

As he campaigns to create a learning center at a historic Holmdel site, an Ocean Grove scientist-educator hopes to have an impact on young minds.

Observatory under construction in Chile.

As a former science teacher, do you think the Holmdel horn can inspire the next generation? It’s tough to get kids to learn unless they want to. But if you have people who show excitement and enthusiasm about a subject area, students may pick up that enthusiasm.

Before Princeton, did you always pursue a spacerelated field?

When I was a science teacher the pay was not great, so I left to work in the computer industry. But I missed teaching; I missed the kids. So when the opportunity came to create a science history center out of old Camp Evans, I went for it.

What was Camp Evans’s big contribution to science?

Some have suggested simply moving the horn antenna to allow the site to be developed. Why should it stay put?

Because the horn and the building work together for scientific research. It would be as if you located a museum about the Battle of Monmouth in some other county. It wouldn’t be as inspiring.

You’ve spoken of creating a “shrine of cosmology” at the horn site.

If there’s an astronomy and cosmology education center, students from all over Monmouth County—all over New Jersey—can come and learn about those two subjects and even possibly visit a Bell Labs museum.

How was the “big bang theory” discovery made?

Engineers were using a Signal Corps antenna to bounce radio beams off a metal-coated balloon. They couldn’t get this horn-like device not to have background radiation. One of their friends went to a talk by professors at Princeton and came back and said to the fellows in Holmdel, “I think you have what these folks are looking for.”

Tell us about the observatory in Chile.

Ocean Grove resident Fred Carl, 68, is a scientist for whom science itself isn’t quite enough. He’s also a teacher at heart, who prizes a chance to get young minds excited about science and its history. And he sees such an opportunity in Holmdel.

That town’s 42-acre former Bell Labs site is where, in 1964, Nobel Prize-winning scientists Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson found evidence of the “big bang” theory of the universe’s formation. The site has been designated a National Historic Landmark, but that doesn’t necessarily save it from the developers’ wrecking ball. Carl wants not only to preserve the horn antenna, but also to create there a museum “shrine to cosmology” (the study of how galaxies are born).

A former Ocean Township science teacher and the creator of the Information Age Learning Center in Wall Township, Carl works in Princeton University’s Department of Physics as project controls specialist for the new Simons

It started as a communications station for Marconi, the founder of wireless. Messages were dispatched from Washington through Camp Evans to our forces in Europe in World War I.

How does your InfoAge experience give you hope for the Holmdel site?

A portion of Fort Monmouth was closed down and was going to be demolished—it’s called Camp Evans. Today 37 acres of it have been set aside as a national landmark. Thousands of people enjoy the museums there and are inspired to learn science and history.

Was it hard to create InfoAge?

Because of issues with transferring property from the Army, there were missteps, but with the help of [Republican] Congressman [Chris] Smith, Wall Township, Preservation New Jersey, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and others, we overcame the challenges.

It’s building a series of telescopes to go on a mountain, so high you need oxygen. And these— cutting-edge, with the newest detector technology—will provide information about the cosmic microwave background, where the goal is to produce very detailed pictures of what the early universe would have looked like. From those pictures the cosmologists want to see if they can predict how galaxies form.

What you do when you’re not studying space?

My family has been growing dahlias since my grandfather started back in the 1920s. What is your family like?

I have two grandchildren of my own, and with my second marriage have five additional grandchildren. Two of my three daughters are in nonprofit work—you know, forming Camp Evans was a nonprofit volunteer activity of mine.

What’s the next step for Holmdel?

Holmdel needs to secure the property and enable us to form a group to create the Holmdel Universe Discovery Center. In recent news, the developer says the horn is not in danger and will remain where it is and be accessible to the public. We don’t know if that meets the township goal of creating an entire park. We’ll see what the future brings.

—Donna Rolando

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The Long & Short Of It

This bornagain skirt trend returns just in time to make a summer statement.

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Hit The Beach

Make yourself at home when you go to the shore with any or all of these summer must-haves.

PRADA STRAW RAFFIA TOTE Garmany, Red Bank, 732.576.8500

SCUDDLES EXTRA LARGE PICNIC & OUTDOOR BLANKET amazon.com

JONATHAN ADLER SNAKE COTTON BEACH TOWEL jonathanadler.com

THE INSIDE HAVENLY CABANA CHAIR theinside.com

YETI CAMINO CARRYALL A’s Home Manasquan, 732.528.6909

LARQ BOTTLE PureVis livelarq.com

PARASOL ITALIAN 72” MARKET UMBRELLA wayfair.com

BREAKFAST BONUS

The morning meal raises your resting metabolic rate more than eating the same foods at other times of the day, according to research, plus it prompts the body to burn carbs.

—University of Bath

DRY AWAY

It’s better to use paper towels than air dryers in public restrooms. That’s because dryers may spread airborne bacteria. One study found bacteria counts were 27 higher when air

EXERCISE FOR LONG LIFE

Just 15 minutes of physical activity daily can reduce the risk of early death.

—The Lancet

SHIFT WORK WOES

People who work the midnight shift are 1.2 times more likely to get the flu than their 9-5 counterparts.

—American Journal of Epidemiology around the world

recent report has

—Journal of Hospital Infection

21

— World Health Organization (WHO)

42

The percent of women who don’t have chest pain during a heart attack. Beware other symptoms including nausea, pain in the back, neck, jaw or arms and shortness of breath.

—JAMA

The percent increase in heart attack deaths among people ages 45 to 64 in 2020 and 2021. During that same time period, heart attack deaths among folks 65 and older increased 17.9 percent.

—Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

MONMOUTH HEART AND VASCULAR SETS GOLD STANDARD

The Eatontown facility receives international Vein Center accreditation for high-quality patient care.

Monmouth Heart and Vascular Specialists has been designated an Accredited Vein Center, an achievement few centers treating venous disease have reached. An RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group interdisciplinary cardiology and vascular surgery practice located in Eatontown, Monmouth Heart and Vascular is accredited by the IAC as both a Non-Invasive Vascular Lab and a Vein Center, setting the gold standard in vascular imaging and treatment of venous diseases.

Accreditation by IAC shows that the Vein Center has undergone an intensive application and review process, demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care in the management and treatment of patients with venous disease, ranging from varicose and spider veins to treatment of deep venous thrombosis and wounds related to venous disease. IAC, the leading accreditation entity, sets standards of care and accreditation pathways for vascular testing, management and treatment of venous disease, and non-invasive cardiac testing, all of which have now been achieved by the Monmouth Heart and Vascular Group.

“We have the ability to provide both noninvasive diagnostic testing and minimally invasive treatment in our outpatient Vein Center. Our vein program includes a customized approach to each patient, improving efficiency, patient satisfaction and, most importantly, patient outcomes,” says Randy Shafritz, M.D., FACS, Chief of Vascular Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center. “This new accreditation assures patients that our Vein Center is dedicated to delivering highquality patient care that meets the standards of a center of excellence.”

Monmouth Heart and Vascular provides

a wide range of therapies to treat the vast scope of vascular conditions with a multidisciplinary team that works collaboratively to determine individualized treatment plans for each patient. Monmouth’s vascular specialists offer expertise in the combined use of endovascular and open surgical techniques in treating patients with abdominal/thoracic aortic aneurysms (AAA, TAA), carotid arterial disease, mesenteric arterial/venous vascular disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), advanced renal disease (including compre-

hensive hemodialysis access procedures and maintenance), venous insufficiency, venous outlet obstruction, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins.

Monmouth Heart and Vascular Specialists state-of-the-art facility, located on Route 35 in Eatontown, provides easily accessible, compassionate and comprehensive cardiovascular care and connects the community with renowned RWJBarnabas Health cardiac surgeons who utilize innovative approaches to care and the latest technology.

To learn more about Monmouth Heart and Vascular, call 732.440.7336.

Monmouth Heart and Vascular surgeons Randy Shafritz, M.D., right, and Adam Sagarwala, D.O.

Michael Reid is shown with Cardiac Rehabilitation RN’s, from left, Trever Ralph, Anne Nives and Mallory Collins.

TAKING HIS OWN HEALTH TO HEART

June is National Men’s Health Month , an observance created to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases such as heart disease, cancer and depression.

For Shark River Hills resident Michael Reid, it was heart disease awareness raised by his younger brother’s heart attack at age 48 and encouragement from his middle brother that led him to see a doctor about his own heart health. “My doctor sent me to Monmouth Medical Center for a cardiac CT scan, which showed a 94 percent blockage in one coronary artery, and percent blockage in two other arteries.”

A restaurant general manager for more than 30 years, Reid, 57, underwent a cardiac catheterization at Monmouth Medical Center’s (MMC) sister hospital, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick on July 7, where a stent was placed to open the blockage. He then turned to MMC’s Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, which is designed for individuals recovering from heart and lung disease.

Complicating his recovery was his November 21st long COVID diagnosis, which caused chronic fatigue as well as vision, hearing and short-term memory loss. “Long COVID is very serious—I was sleeping 12 hours a day and had to really push myself to get out of bed,” he says. “Now, thanks to the kind, dedicated and caring staff at Mon-

mouth Medical Center, I am getting my life back.”

“These people really care about you—some people just go through the motions, but here they know everyone by name and they truly care about every patient,” he adds. “They are so extraordinarily kind; I know I have memory issues, and they are so patient and listen to my stories over and over.”

The Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program is the first program in Monmouth County to be certified for both cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Certification recognizes that programs reviewed by the national AACVPR board meet the highest standards of care, including a therapeutic plan, intervention and evaluation, certification of staff, preparedness for medical emergencies and physician involvement, explains RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group cardiologist Ajay Shah, M.D., Medical Director of Cardiac Rehab.

“The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Monmouth Medical Center is designed for individuals like Mr. Reid who are recovering from heart disease, as well as individuals who wish to improve their cardiac health through disease prevention and health promotion,” he says. “Through education, exercise and counseling, participants receive instruction to prevent or decrease risk factors for developing heart disease.”

For Reid, the benefits of the program include significant weight loss and gain in strength.

“A year and a half ago, I weighed 342 pounds, and now I’m down to 238,” he says. “I have seen unbelievable improvement; when I first joined the program I started by lifting 5 pound weights, and now I am lifting 40 pound weights and doing an hour of cardio training every day.”

And to give back and help raise awareness of the debilitating effects of Long COVID, he volunteers with Pause to Thrive, an organization MMC has partnered with for more than two years on the wellness retreats offered free to those in the community coping with long-term effects of COVID-19. Reid serves as a mentor to assist Pause to Thrive’s goal of providing individuals an opportunity to personally take charge of their health and move forward after experiencing physical and mental health challenges from illness and disease, a role he unofficially holds at MMC as well.

“I give pep talks to encourage other patients,” he says. “Everyone needs positive reinforcement, and we can all use help and encouragement, which is something I get every day at Monmouth Medical Center.”

Did you know?

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women, taking the lives of nearly a half million people each year. Twenty-five percent of the U.S. population has one or more types of cardiovascular disease. This includes high blood pressure, which affects 50 million Americans. Approximately 4.6 million Americans have a diagnosis of congestive heart failure, with 400,000 new cases occurring annually.

For more information about the Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center or to schedule an appointment, call 732.923.7454. For a referral to an MMC cardiologist, call 732.440.7336.

After

his younger brother suffered a heart attack, a Shark River Hills man improves his cardiac health after receiving treatment at Monmouth Medical Center.

Ajay Shah, M.D.

GREAT TEAM, GREAT OUTCOMES

With a little help from A+ patient reviews, the chair of the Department of Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center explains why patient satisfaction and outcomes are paramount.

Year after year, Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) is proud to receive an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety rating. But the hospital is also the recipient of many accolades from the community it serves, particularly surgical patients who have great experiences because of MMC’s Surgical Services’ team, which emphasizes top-notch, personalized and research-based surgical care.

MMC’s team of 140 surgeons is led by RWJBarmabas Health Medical Group surgeon Dmitry Oleynikov, M.D., Chair of the Department of Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center since 2020. “Monmouth Medical Center is one of the oldest surgical residencies in the state of New Jersey,”

he says. “We have a culture of academic learning and improvement. Our Department of Surgery can perform cutting-edge procedures in a safe way to focus on patient outcomes and safety.”

In fact, MMC utilizes technologically advanced systems for surgeries across all disciplines—performing primarily robotic and laparoscopic procedures, which require only small incisions—and applies cuttingedge technology to tackle the most difficult clinical cases. “One of the areas where we’ve done really well is the entire operating room experience,” Dr. Oleynikov says. “The nurses, anesthesiologists and surgeons are all focused on getting it right every time, and caring for patients with the utmost care.”

Says one recent patient of their surgical experience at MMC: “My preoperative team and post-operative staff were exceptional in treating me with dignity and professionalism.” Dr. Oleynikov emphasizes that this team effort is a major part of MMC’s patient satisfaction rates. “I can’t underscore how important it is to have that team approach, because that’s what ensures the safety of our patients,” he says. “That’s my greatest source of pride and joy at MMC.”

Another pleased patient shares, “I can’t state enough how amazing the entire staff was. Every single nurse and staff member couldn’t have been nicer, caring or more pleasant. I’m still amazed at the great

To learn more about the Monmouth Medical Center Department of Surgery, call 732.222.5200 or visit rwjbh.org/monmouth-medical-center/treatment-care/surgery/.

To learn more about Cancer Surgery Services at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 973.322.5195 and 844-CANCERNJ, respectively.

The MMC Surgical Services team earns consistent five-star Google reviews for outstanding care.

treatment I got at Monmouth Medical Center.”

At MMC, there’s no such thing as “general surgery.” Dr. Oleynikov notes that the physicians treat each case as part of a specialty surgical group, whether you’re getting an operation to repair a hernia, surgery as part of cancer treatment or to treat gastrointestinal disorders at the Comprehensive GI Motility and Reflux Program. As a result, many of MMC’s nurses are specialized just as the surgeons are and work within “nursing pods” in the operating room to provide care for each discipline. “Our baby had surgery here,” says “K.G.” of the Pediatrics Department. “The surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurses were amazing!”

To streamline the surgical process, Dr. Oleynikov notes that MMC employs surgical liaisons, in addition to clinic team members, to help patients navigate the process. “Everything is integrated, from scheduling to the pre-op calls to the day of surgery,” he says. “All of these pathways are really thought out, so the process is seamless.”

Depending on the procedure, surgery will either be performed in the main OR or in the hospital’s Cranmer Ambulatory Surgery Center.

“You walk in, you get surgery, and you go home a couple hours later,” Dr. Oleynikov says. “Very few places in the Northeast can say that they can do advanced robotic surgery in an outpatient setting, including procedures such as hernia repair.”

Dr. Oleynikov describes his bedside manner as that of an experienced physician who

“listens to my patients’ wants and desires and really impresses upon them that the surgery is a journey we’ll take together,” he says. A recent hernia repair patient knows this firsthand, recently sharing: “Dr. Oleynikov took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure and made me feel extremely comfortable,” he says. “The surgery went off without a hitch, and any residual soreness was gone in a few days.”

Again, Dr. Oleynikov credits MMC’s success to the surgical team as a whole.

“Nobody wants to stand in line at the Post Office and have a grumpy person at the end of the line,” he laughs. “A nice experience is extra important in medicine, and we have a systemic approach to really personalize the patient experience, whether they’re my patient or a patient of the 140 surgeons in my department.”

GRAF EARNS DAISY AWARD FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE

Kellie Graf, MSN, RN, CPAN, Director of Clinical Care for Surgical Day Stay, Preadmission Testing and Pediatric Procedural Sedation—a member of Monmouth Medical Center’s (MMC) Perioperative Services leadership team— has been honored with the quarterly DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. In nominating Graf, her colleagues submitted a nomination that included these comments:

• “Kellie is such a vital part of the Perioperative leadership team and organization. Her hard work, dedication, and leadership skills are extraordinary. She has such a positivity about her—she models this behavior for her team.”

• “Kellie is courteous, respectful, and communicates professionally to everyone she interacts with within the organization. She puts the safety of the patients first and promotes professionalism in all she does. It is an honor to work with Kellie and her dedication and commitment to her staff, peers and this organization is unmatched.”

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation was formed by the family of Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an auto-immune disease. His widow, Tena, (a DAISY Co-founder) created the acronym and the Foundation, and established the DAISY Recognition Program to honor the work nurses do every day at the bedside.

Kellie Graf receives her DAISY award from Lauren Fleming, Magnet Program Director.

Monmouth Medical Center Chair of Surgery

Dmitry Oleynikov, M.D.

Meet You DOWN THE SHORE

ALLENHURST

Description: This beach club has perks for members (pool access, cabanas etc.); nonmembers are given access to the beach itself with the purchase of a daily pass. It’s a serene beach quieter than some of its neighbors, and also has an ocean-view restaurant.

FYI: Book your stay now in advance of Labor Day weekend when this borough dyes the ocean green for good luck, an annual tradition since 1943.

Beach fees: For non-members, club fees are $10 daily for adults; children ages 12 and under are free.

Beach parking: Free street parking

Pets: No pets allowed.

For more information, call 732.531.2700.

ASBURY PARK

Description: Baby, we were born to run (on the beach). Come play on the beach with family and stroll down the streets that inspired The Boss himself. Beyond the beach, Asbury Park has something for everyone: iconic music venues, art galleries and buildings in Victorian, Gothic, Federal Revival and other styles.

FYI: Park at a lot a few blocks back from the boardwalk for a better deal.

Beach fees: $6 daily for adults (Monday–Friday), $9 weekends and holidays, free for ages 13 and under as well as active military members and veterans with military ID.

Beach parking: Payable at kiosk or via ParkMobile app

Pets: Dogs are allowed on the 8th Avenue Dog Beach through September, 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. only. For more information, call 732.502.8863.

AVON-BY-THE-SEA

Description: This family-oriented town has a little bit of everything, from quaint, Victorian-esque bed and breakfasts to a boardwalk with live music and street fairs.

FYI: Want to do more than just sit and tan? You can surf or boat at Woodland Avenue and East End Avenue beaches.

Beach fees: $12 per person for ages 11 and older. Passes must be purchased through the Viply app. Beach parking: Free street parking

Pets: Pets are only allowed in the off-season, October through May. For more information, call 732.502.4510.

BELMAR

Description: This family-friendly beach stretches 1.2 miles and features a small boardwalk with food and refreshment vendors. Additional eateries and taverns are located less than a mile away on Main Street. Want a cute date idea or something for the kids? Check out 9th Ave. Pier for mini golf.

FYI: Belmar has ADA-accessible beaches equipped with blue mobility mats for wheelchairs, canes, strollers, wagons and beach carts.

Beach fees: $10 daily for adults, free for 13 and under, active military members and veterans. Passes must be purchased in advance, either at Borough Hall or online at belmarbeachbadges.com.

Beach parking: Payable via ParkMobile app for beachfront; free on side streets.

Pets: Prohibited on the beach until October For more information, call 732.681.3700.

BRADLEY BEACH

Description: Those looking to escape the Jersey Shore crowds will find solace at this beach, which has a serene boardwalk with shops and restaurants. Patrons can also walk, bike ride or jog along the boardwalk, and fishing is permitted at certain spots along the water. Meanwhile, tots will enjoy the amenities here too, including a bevy of playgrounds set up for the 4-and-younger set.

FYI: For 2023 and 2024, Bradley Beach is improving its accessibility with ADA-friendly lockers, AccessMats and five wheelchairs available for rent.

Beach fees: $12 for adults; kids 11 and under are free. Admission is free for active military members and their spouses, as well as for veterans with proper ID. Beach parking: Parking pay stations are located throughout the town; it’s $1.50 an hour from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pets: Dogs are only permitted on the beach, boardwalk or promenade from Oct. 1 through May 15. For more information, call 732.776.2999, ext. 3310.

DEAL

Description: There are two options for beachgoers in Deal; Conover Pavilion, the main public beach; or Deal Casino Beach Club, which is a private club with pool and beach access. There’s no boardwalk in town, but it’s perfect for a relaxing day at the shore if you won’t miss all the hustle and bustle.

FYI: Lifeguards are on duty weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Beach fees: For Conover Pavilion, fees are $10 for weekday admission or $12 for weekends and holidays; children under 12 and vets are free.

Beach parking: Free street parking

Pets: No pets allowed. For more information, call 732.531.0404.

Now that warm weather is here, you bet we’ll be taking full advantage. Our area is lined with dozens of gorgeous beaches, some with boardwalks bustling with games, rides and food, while others are more equipped for a quiet day of contemplation. Pack a picnic, grab a book and your kids, and read on for your guide to 15 local beaches.

LOCH ARBOUR

Description: Loch Arbour spans just two long blocks and is onetenth of a square mile. But this quaint Jersey beach, arguably the tiniest in Monmouth County, is small but mighty, and offers great views of Asbury Park without the traffic and crowds. Stop by the Village Beach Club for refreshments, a snack and a bathroom break.

FYI: This beach posts daily weather updates on Instagram @locharbourbeach, including the sun’s UV levels and ocean temps. Beach fees: $10 per person Monday through Thursday; $12 Friday through Sunday and holidays.

Beach parking: Most streets offer free parking, but there are a few streets near Ocean Place that are metered.

Pets: 8th Avenue Dog Beach in Asbury Park is at the border of Loch Arbour, at which dogs are allowed through September. For more information, call 732.531.4740.

LONG BRANCH

Description: Long Branch is a bustling shore town with a lot to offer, including the Pier Village promenade, tons of beachfront restaurants and shops and two miles of boardwalk starting at Seven Presidents Beach, a 38-acre beach park for sand and surf.

FYI: Celebrate July 4th at Oceanfest 2023 at Pier Village, the state’s longest fireworks show. Beach fees: $6 on weekdays, $9 for weekends and holidays. Teens ages 14-17 are $3 every day, and kids under 13, seniors over age 62, military members, veterans and disabled individuals are always free.

Beach parking: You may luck out and find free parking on a side street, but the lot where most beachgoers park is $10 for the day on weekends. Pier Village has free but limited parking.

Pets: No pets permitted. For more information, call 732.222.7000.

Left: Enjoy the sunrise at Asbury Park before the crowds arrive. Above: Take a leisurely stroll along Long Branch’s two miles of boardwalk.

MANASQUAN

Description: Mile-long Manasquan Beach is a clean, well-maintained beach for the whole family. Main Beach has food and an arcade, while active types will find plenty to do (like surf or fish) at Manasquan Inlet.

FYI: In addition to surfing at the Inlet, you can also canoe, kayak or paddle board; rent your equipment at any of the nearby shops.

Beach fees: $10 for everyone ages 12 and over; veterans and active military personnel and their families are free.

Beach parking: Manasquan Beach offers free onstreet parking. Alternatively, there are five municipal lots that, if you’re not a season pass holder, require a nominal daily fee of $10 on weekdays or $15 for weekends and holidays.

Pets: Leashed dogs are only permitted on the beach (but not on the boardwalk) in the off season of October to April. You can, however, bring your furry friend to nearby Fisherman’s Cove Conservation. For more information, call 732.223.2514.

MONMOUTH BEACH

Description: You’ll find plenty of space to spread out at Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion, an immaculate and well-kept beach.

FYI: The beach doesn’t have a boardwalk nor are there many eateries, so you’ll have to travel to find a bite. Beach fees: $10 for adults 18 and over.

Beach parking: street parking is free but limited; otherwise, try the free municipal lot near the pavilion.

Pets: Pets are not permitted during summer. For more information, call 732.229.2204.

OCEAN GROVE

Description: A half-mile promenade alongside Ocean Grove’s quaint beach is a nice respite from the Jersey Shore madness. Two blocks away from the boardwalk is the charming downtown, where you can grab a bite or indulge in some retail therapy.

FYI: Ocean Grove is a dry town, so you’ll have to travel elsewhere to raise a glass to summer. Beach fees: $12 per person; children 11 and under are free. Note that for the 2023 season, the beach won’t open until 12 p.m. on Sundays. Beach parking: You can park for free on the street or in a lot if you purchase a beach badge.

Pets: Leashed dogs are only allowed in the off season, October through May. For more information, call 732.988.5533.

SANDY HOOK

Description: This 7-mile-long barrier beach peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean and Sandy Hook Bay is part of the National Park Services’ Gateway National Recreation Area, which encompasses 26,000 acres of parklands in parts of New Jersey and New York. It features public beaches, salt marshes, a holly forest and numerous historical landmarks.

FYI: There are no trash receptacles in Sandy Hook’s beaches and parks, so bring your own garbage bag from home.

Beach fees: free with vehicle parking

Beach parking: $20 per day

Pets: Prohibited on the beach until fall. For more information, call 732.872.5970.

SEA BRIGHT

Description: The borough of Sea Bright has seven free public beaches along Ocean Avenue. There’s also Sea Bright Municipal Beach in the center of town, which has more bells and whistles including lifeguards, parking, restrooms and locker rentals. Municipal Beach is also walking distance to Sea Bright’s downtown area, but there’s no boardwalk—it’s more like a sitting area, with no activities or concessions.

FYI: There’s a playground here right on the beach. Beach fees: $8 for ages 12 and over; kids under 12 and military personnel and family members are free. Beach parking: $2 per hour every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pets: Prohibited on the beach until Labor Day. For more information, call 732.842.0099.

SEA GIRT

Description: Sea Girt has a white-sand beach with one mile of a boardwalk with gazebos and seating areas. It spans from the Historic Sea Girt Lighthouse to the southern end of town, which features turn-ofthe-century architecture and charming restaurants and shops.

FYI: Some say this beach is one of the cleanest on the Jersey Shore, as well as among the most quiet. Beach fees: $11.98 daily; children 11 and under are free. Admission is free after 4:30 p.m. Beach parking: Parking is free, if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot on the four-block stretch of parking along the boardwalk.

Pets: Prohibited on the beach until Sept. 30. For more information, call 732.449.9335.

SPRING LAKE

Description: Two miles of oceanfront and pristine waters await you at Spring Lake. It’s a modest beach (and boardwalk), ideal for those seeking some peace and quiet. The beaches at the North End Pavilion and South End Pavilion have restrooms, outdoor showers and food concessions available to all visitors.

FYI: Food and coolers aren’t allowed on the beach, but you can enjoy a snack or meal at the benches and picnic tables near the Pavilion. Beach fees: $12 for a daily pass; kids 12 and under are free. Beach parking: Free along Ocean Avenue

Pets: Prohibited on the beach until Sept. 30 except in the fenced area near Pitney Avenue. For more information, call 732.449.0800.

Top: Manasquan Beach is perfect and picturesque any time of day. Right: There are plenty of waves and open water for surfers in Spring Lake.

OUTDOORS YOUR GUIDE TO THE GREAT

Here are 7 ways to enjoy all the open air Monmouth County has to offer. Just don’t forget the SPF!

CANOEING/ KAYAKING

A CANOE TO YOU

Keyport

732.765.9342

acanoetoyou.com

Bayshore Waterfront Park

Port Monmouth 732.787.3033

Manasquan Reservoir Kayak Rental Howell 732.919.0996

monmouthcounty parks.com

MANASQUAN RIVER VIA

THE HOWELL PARK GOLF COURSE

Farmingdale

732.938.4771

monmouthcountyparks.com

MANASQUAN RIVER

GREENWAY

Farmingdale

732.462.7286

monmouthcountyparks.com

PADDLE OUT

Manasquan

732.223.3131

paddleoutmanasquan.com

PADDLE TIME KAYAKS

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

ALONG THE SHARK RIVER

Neptune

732.449.2593

paddletimekayaks.com

RED BANK MARINA

Red Bank

732.741.3320

redbankmarina.org

SANDY HOOK KAYAKS

Sandy Hook

732.708.4004

sandyhookkayaks.com

THOMPSON PARK MARLU LAKE

Lincroft

732.842.4000, ext. 4312

monmouthcountyparks.com

TURKEY SWAMP PARK

Freehold

732.462.7286

monmouthcountyparks.com

BOATING:

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS CLASSIC BOAT RIDES

732.337.9292 classicboatrides.com

MI-JO

732.872.0121 njfishing.com/mi-jo

BELMAR

CELTIC STOIRM CHARTERS

732.742.9276 celticstoirm.com

FIN-OMINAL FISHING CHARTERS

732.489.1463 finominalcharters.com

KATIE H SPORTFISHING 908.600.6413

PARKER PETE’S FISHING

732.496.5028 parkerpetefishing.com

SHARK INLET CHARTERS 732.513.3895 sharkinletcharters.com

TERI JEAN II

732.280.7364 terijean.com

XTC SPORTFISHING 732.616.3763 xtcsportfishing.net

CAPTAIN CAL II

732.977.2020 captaincal2.com

OCEAN EXPLORER 848.565.0519 oceanexplorerbelmar.com

BRIELLE BOGAN’S DEEP SEA FISHING CENTER 732.528.5014 bogansbasin.com

HIGHLANDS

NETKEEPER SPORTFISHING 862.222.0913 netkeeperfishing.com

REEL FUN SPORTFISHING 908.421.4761 reelfunsportfishing.com

SANDY HOOK FISHING ADVENTURES

848.218.2425 sandyhookfishing.com

SCALES N TALES CHARTER BOAT FISHING 908.477.7537 sntfishing.com

KEYPORT

DOUBLE DOWN II SPORTFISHING CHARTERS

908.915.6416 doubledown2.com

PAPA’S ANGELS CHARTERS

973.277.3096 papasangelscharters.com

MIDDLETOWN

CHARTER SAILS

732.801.7472 chartersails.com

TAGGED FISH CHARTERS 732.895.7830 taggedfishcharters.com

NAVESINK YACHTS navesinkyacht.com

732.671.9358

BIKING:

Cycling is top-notch exercise, even better when it’s a leisurely ride along the shore. You can ride one of our boardwalks’ cyclist-friendly streets, but Monmouth has plenty of trails for all skill levels to enjoy if you’d prefer to avoid the beachgoing crowd. The Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway between Allaire State Park and Manasquan, for instance, is 5.4 miles of trails that takes riders through historic neighborhoods and deep into forests. For a longer ride, the 24-mile Henry Hudson Trail (trail heads in Freehold and Highlands) is a scenic route that cuts into wetlands and passes many fields and streams. The Union Transportation Trail (access points in Freehold), meanwhile, follows the path of a former railroad and includes a 9-mile stretch of gravel terrain for stronger riders.

FISHING:

The Manasquan Reservoir in Howell is a good place to catch largemouth bass as well as bullhead catfish, muskie, sunfish and black crappie, plus it’s stocked with more than 11,000 trout every year. For bluefish, striped bass or summer flounder, head to the Navesink River, which runs about 8 miles through Monmouth. Don’t be surprised to see a largemouth bass on your line at Assunpink Lake, which sits between Allentown and Upper Freehold. And you’re likely to find fluke at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth, Don’t forget that a New Jersey fishing license is required for anyone between the ages of 16 and 70. Fees are $22.50 for ages 16 to 64 and $12.50 for 65 to 69. Visit dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/buy-a-license/.

HORSEBACK RIDING

BAYMAR FARMS

38 Harbor Rd.

Morganville 732.591.9600

baymarfarms.com

BEACON HILL SHOW STABLES

55 Laird Rd. Colts Neck 732.332.0800

beaconhillstables.com

BELLA ROSA RIDING ACADEMY 151 Oak Glen Rd. Howell 732.938.5445

bellarosara.com

CIRCLE A RIDING ACADEMY 116 Herbertsville Rd. Howell 732.938.2004

FREE SPIRIT FARM 184 Siloam Rd. Freehold 732.637.9686 freespiritfarmnj.com

GOOD TIMES FARM

278 Jackson Mills Rd. Freehold 732.409.2882 goodtimefarm.com

HIGHLAND FARMS

180 Whipporwill Valley Rd. Atlantic Highlands 732.576.8911

KNIGHTSBRIDGE FARM 77 Montrose Rd. Colts Neck 732.747.3909 knightsbridgefarms.com

LANCASTER EQUESTRIAN

181 Whipporwill Valley Rd. Atlantic Highlands 732.421.6791

NEVERGREEN FARM 395 Casino Dr. Farmingdale 732.256.9271

PAINTED PONY

RIDING ACADEMY 88 Obre Rd. Colts Neck 732.771.3962

SANDSTONE STABLES 121 Five Points Rd. Colts Neck 732.674.3203

sandstonestablesnj.com

SERENITY AT LAST FARM 1064 Maxim Southard Rd. Howell 732.216.1364

serenityatlastfarm.com

STARGATE FARM 631 Rte. 524 Allentown 732.740.3981 stargatefarm.com

STONEHENGE STABLES 145 Mercer Rd. Colts Neck 732.409.3800

stonehengestables.com

SUNNYSIDE EQUESTRIAN CENTER 628 Middletown-Lincroft Rd. Lincroft 732.224.1367

TRUE CONNECTIONS STABLE 211 Bennett Rd. Freehold Twp. 732.492.0133

trueconnectionsstable.com

Saddle up! You needn’t be a cowboy or cowgirl to hop on a horse. Monmouth is home to a handful of riding centers where newbies or equestrians can go to watch, groom and ride horses. Excited about equines? Some of these spots offer classes and competitions too.

GOLF:

Get your golf game on at one of the driving ranges in the county, or simply practice your swing—there are several open-to-the-public greens to choose from in Monmouth.

BEL-AIRE GOLF COURSE

3120 Allaire Rd. Wall

732.449.6024

belairegolfcourse.com

CHARLESTON SPRINGS GOLF COURSE

101 Woodville Rd. Millstone 732.409.7227

charlestonsprings.com

COLTS NECK GOLF CLUB

50 Flock Rd. Colts Neck 732.303.9330 coltsneckgolfclub.com

CREAM RIDGE GOLF COURSE 181 Rte. 539

Cream Ridge 609.208.0050 creamridgegolfcourse.com

CRUZ GOLF COUNTRY CLUB 55 Birdsall Rd. Farmingdale 732.938.3378 cruzgolfcc.com

GAMBLER RIDGE GOLF CLUB 121 Burlington Path Rd. Cream Ridge 609.758.3588 gamblerridge.com

HOMINY HILL GOLF COURSE 92 Mercer Rd. Colts Neck 732.462.9222 hominyhill.com

HOWELL PARK GOLF COURSE

405 Squankum Yellowbrook Rd. Howell 732.938.4771 howellpark.com

KNOB HILL GOLF CLUB

1 Shinnecock Dr. Manalapan 732.792.7722 knobhillgc.com

PEBBLE CREEK GOLF CLUB

40 Rte. 537 E. Colts Neck 732.303.9090 pebblecreekgolfclub.com

PINE BROOK GOLF COURSE

1 Covered Bridge Blvd. Manalapan 732.536.7272 pinebrookgolfcourse.com

QUAIL RIDGE GOLF WORLD 1770 Rte. 34 Wall 732.681.0918 quailridgegolfworld.com

SHARK RIVER GOLF COURSE 320 Old Corlies Ave. Neptune 732.922.4141 monmouthcountyparks.com

SPRING MEADOW GOLF COURSE 4181 Atlantic Ave. Farmingdale 732.449.0806 springmeadowgc.com

SUNEAGLES GOLF CLUB

2000 Lowther Dr. Eatontown 732.389.4300 suneaglesgolf.com

WILLIAM F. LARKIN AT COLONIAL TERRACE 1003 Wickapecko Dr. Ocean 732.775.3636 colonialterracegolf.com

PARKS

Totaling more than 17,000 acres within the Monmouth County Parks System, there’s certainly a trail, a body of water, a picnic area, a walking path or a playground to meet your liking.

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS

MOUNT MITCHILL SCENIC OVERLOOK

460 Ocean Blvd. 732.872.0336

COLTS NECK

DORBROOK RECREATION AREA

353 County Rd. 537 732.542.1642

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP For parks information call 732.294.2190

DUCHESS COURT

20 Duchess Ct.

DURAND PARK

225 Randolph Rd.

GREENTREE PARK 75 Coldapring Rd.

MEDFORD PARK

1 Medford Blvd.

MICHAEL J. TIGHE PARK

65 Georgia Rd.

OPATUT PARK

458 E. Freehold Rd.

ORCHARD HILLS PARK 145 Joysan Ter.

SANDY BROOK PARK

10 Parkside Ave.

SARGENT PARK

50 Sargent Rd.

STONEHURST PARK

240 Stonehurst Blvd.

TURKEY SWAMP PARK

200 Georgia Rd. 732.462.7286

WHITTIER OAKS PARK

500 E. Freehold Rd.

WOODCREST PARK

55 Spruce St.

WOODGATE PARK 100 Ticonderoga Blvd.

WYNNEFIELD PARK 130 Hibernia Way

HIGHLANDS

GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA 26 Hudson Rd. 718.354.4606

HARTSHORNE WOODS PARK 1402 Portland Rd 732.842.4000

HENRY HUDSON TRAIL POPAMORA POINT 369 Shore Dr. 732.495.2115

HOLMDEL

HISTORIC LONGSTREET FARM 44 Longstreet Rd. 732.946.3758

HOWELL

MANASQUAN RESERVOIR 311 Windeler Rd. 732.919.0996

LINCROFT

SUNNYSIDE RECREATION AREA 628 Middletown-Lincroft Rd. 732.224.1367

THOMPSON PARK 805 Newman Springs Rd. 732.842.4000, ext. 4312

LONG BRANCH

SEVEN PRESIDENTS

OCEANFRONT 221 Ocean Ave. N. 732.229.0924

MANALAPAN MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD 16 Rte. 33 732.462.9616

MANASQUAN

FISHERMAN’S COVE 383 Third Ave. 732.922.4080

MARLBORO BIG BROOK 521 Rte. 520 732.842.4000

MATAWAN

CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK 300 Gordon Rd. 732.566.2161

MIDDLETOWN DEEP CUT GARDENS 152 Red Hill Rd. 732.671.6050

HUBER WOODS PARK 25 Brown’s Dock Rd. 732.872.0336

TATUM PARK 151 Red Hill Rd. 732.671.6050

MILLSTONE PERRINEVILLE LAKE 143 Baird Rd. 732.842.4000

OAKHURST WELTZ PARK 650 W. Park Ave. 732.229.7025

OCEANPORT

WOLF HILL RECREATION AREA 3 Crescent Pl. 732.229.7025

PORT MONMOUTH

BAYSHORE WATERFRONT PARK 719 Port Monmouth Rd. 732.787.3033

UPPER FREEHOLD CLAYTON PARK 202 Davis Station Rd. 609.259.5794

CROSSWICKS CREEK Rte. 537 609.259.5794

UNION TRANSPORTATION TRAIL 114 Jonathan Holmes Rd. 609.259.5794

WALL ALLAIRE STATE PARK 4265 Atlantic Ave. 732.938.2371

SHARK RIVER 1101 Schoolhouse Rd. 732.922.4080

FUN’S ON DECK

Memories will be made when a few thoughtful details take an outdoor patio party from good to great.

When the time is right and the weather propitious, you won’t have second thoughts about bringing your get-togethers outside. Whether it’s a graduation brunch, a Father’s Day barbecue or a latesummer twilight supper, festivities celebrated in the fresh air can be unforgettably enjoyable in a distinctive way. If a leaf happens to blow into the soup, that’s an extra laugh—and who can have too many of those? For the keen of eye, the next few pages abound in patio-party inspiration—along with a few practical ideas for a perfect setting for you and your guests.

A slatted screen around the outdoor kitchen not only creates intimacy and privacy, but also provides shade from the midday sun and protection from the elements when the weather is less appealing.

This page: Any outdoor dining area can feel homey with a few simple touches. Wall décor brings the inside out, while an informal setting with cocktail glasses and a floral centerpiece dresses up even the most relaxed tables. An outdoor kitchen area helps the host avoid the mess that comes from prepping and carrying food—whether it’s a warm basket of bread, seafood apps or a main course—from inside the house. Opposite page: Napkin rings and chargers are an easy way to elevate the vibe of any casual alfresco meal.

WALLPAPER WOES?

We’ve got you covered. Five Monmouth-based designers share tips for wow-worthy walls.

By Haley Longman

Paint is fine in a pinch, but if you really want to update your space, wallpaper could be the way to go. New trends, styles and textures are a far cry from your granny’s wallpaper of yesteryear; 2023’s are glamorous and sophisticated. And your choice needn’t be especially dramatic or grandiose to contribute to an effective look; sometimes all it takes is a subtle textured paper or a pop of color. Monmouth Health & Life asked five local designers to share wallpaper wisdom—about materials, style, sizing and more.

OUR EXPERTS

Stephanie Alegre, Stephanie Alegre Interiors, Eatontown

Jacqueline Holt, Jacqueline Holt Interiors, Spring Lake

Andrea Leone, I & I Designs, Manalapan

Mary Catherine McCarthy, Mary Catherine McCarthy LLC, Sea Girt

Teresa Tumminia, At Home Custom Interiors, Cream Ridge

WHY WALLPAPER?

Sure, it takes a bit more of a commitment than paint, but wallpaper can also make more of an impact in your space, our designers insist, and there’s a paper out there for everyone and every budget. “Wallpaper is a great way to add color into a project, to create a unique atmosphere in an otherwise dull space or add drama without the cost of real artwork,” says McCarthy. Multi-purpose! If you’re nervous about a bold print or pattern, consider a textured wallcovering instead—it can add a sense of luxury to a room. “I love a grasscloth, linen, paper weave or silk that can provide texture and depth without feeling overwhelming,” says Alegre.

MIND YOUR MATERIALS.

Where you’re considering putting the wallpaper will help determine what kind you should get. Our designers agree that vinyl, though not always the most beautiful, is a popular choice for high-traffic and/or highhumidity areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms and kids’ rooms because it can be wiped and scrubbed down when needed. “Most companies now offer a fantastic array of vinyls and performance papers that are terrific for families,” says Holt. Non-woven wallpaper is breathable and removable, meaning that it’s perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, while the more high-maintenance grasscloth or silk works for bedrooms, dining rooms and home offices. “Grasscloth is my personal favorite and can elevate any area where you crave a classic style that you won’t tire of,” says Tumminia.

SELECT A STYLE.

As with any other design element, the wallpaper you select should fit the room and coordinate with everything else within it. “Base your selection off the color scheme and overall design aesthetic of the room,” Alegre suggests.

“If the room has a more natural and earthy vibe, go for a textured paper. If you want to bring in pattern with the wallpaper, be sure to consider the color scheme of the space.”

You’ll also want to use the room’s architecture, hardware and furniture to guide your choices. “I like to select wallcoverings after we’ve nailed down the palette, layout and any large furniture purchases,” Leone reports. However, if a wallcovering speaks to you—even without necessarily being the “matchiest” choice—it may still be the one. “If it feels right,” says Alegre, “then it probably is.”

GO BOLD.

Walls are the customary location, sure, but you’ll really make a statement by papering in unexpected places, such as shelving or built-ins. “Papering the back wall of built-ins will make them a decorative focal point and create a gorgeous backdrop for collectibles,” notes Tumminia. Paper can do wonders in a child’s or nursery closet too. “Pair the paper here with Lucite hanging rods,” says Holt. “It looks amazing with all the adorable little clothing hanging in the closet!” Another idea is to create a theme by papering a headboard wall in a bedroom, says McCarthy, or paper stairwells or hallways to create the effect of a feature wall.

CONSIDER SCALE.

Besides finding a style you love, you’ll want to consider the size of your room and the scope of your wallpaper print, if applicable, before pulling the trigger. Most of our experts agree that a large print can enlarge, rather than tighten, a smaller space. “When you use a bold paper in a small space, it’s stimulating and more exciting,” says Holt. Not into oversized prints? Leone says that a simpler wallpaper can have an effect in a room that’s similar to painting a contrast accent wall. “You can achieve the same brightening look with a light-colored wallpaper that’s rich in texture,” she notes.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.

A wallpaper can sometimes feel like a tattoo—painful to get, and even more painful to remove! So, before you move forward with your selection, try it out first at home. “Order samples,” Tumminia says. “Even better if you can get three or four [rolls] of the same pattern to make a larger sample area.” She says to use painter’s tape to affix them to the area where you’re thinking of papering, and keep them there for a few days to really test them out. Just be certain to observe the samples in different lighting conditions and in a spot on each of all four walls before committing to the whole room. “There can be a huge variation from what you see online or even in person to when it’s actually in your room,” says Leone.

MAINTAIN YOUR WALLS.

How can you make sure your wallpaper looks good as new for years to come?

The first order of business it to have a top-notch installer, says McCarthy. For more regular touch-ups, the designer advises following the manufacturer’s care recommendations before applying any kind of harsh cleaning agent or moisture to wallpaper. “Routine dusting will keep your wallpaper in great shape,” adds Alegre. “It’s important to consider that, just like a fabric, a natural wallpaper can stain.”

It wasn’t easy choosing just one, our designers report, but each picked a top-choice wallpaper to recommend. (Two specific brands seem to be popular!)

• “Lately, we’ve been in love with Thibaut Blue Arbor wallpaper. It’s so great for bathrooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.” —Jacqueline Holt, Jacqueline Holt Interiors, Spring Lake

• “Thibaut’s Canyon grasscloth (pictured) is a particular favorite of mine for its beauty and versatility. It has gorgeous texture and variations in color and is available in several colorways: bronze, black, metallic gold, white silver and aqua.” —Teresa Tumminia, At Home Custom Interiors, Cream Ridge

• “One of my favorites is the opulent Wandle Indigo/Madder from Morris & Co.’s Archive IV collection.” —Mary Catherine McCarthy, Mary Catherine McCarthy LLC, Sea Girt

• “I love the Rivets Collection by Phillip Jeffries, which comes in a wide range of colors and finishes. There are so many great places to showcase this wallpaper in your home; I’ve used it in an office, as well as an entryway and hallway.” —Andrea Leone, I & I Designs, Manalapan

• “Phillip Jeffries is one of our favorite vendors for wallpaper. Their Saint Germain Hemp comes in many colors and is a great wallpaper to add depth and texture to any space.” —Stephanie Alegre, Stephanie Alegre Interiors, Eatontown

Brunch Fare

EGGS FLORENTINE

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

For the hollandaise sauce

n 3 large egg yolks

n 2 sticks plus 5 Tbs. unsalted butter diced, at room temperature

n salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

n squeeze fresh lemon juice

For the eggs Florentine

n 2 Tbs. unsalted butter

n ¼ cup heavy cream

n 10 cups baby spinach leaves, washed

n salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

n freshly ground nutmeg

n 2 Tbs. distilled white vinegar

n 4 large eggs

n 4 slices buttered toast

n cress or chives finely chopped, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Place a saucepan of water over medium heat. You want the water to be simmering, not boiling. Place a heatproof bowl containing the egg yolks over but not touching the pan of water. Start whisking immediately.

Slowly add the butter to the egg yolks, a few pieces at a time, whisking vigorously until it’s incorporated before adding more butter. Keep the temperature beneath the butter on low and take your time, adding the butter slowly. The key thing here is low and slow so the eggs do not scramble. Instead, you want to emulsify the egg and butter together.

Keep cooking and stirring until the hollandaise sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. If it gets too thick, add a splash of cold water. Season to taste with salt and pepper and add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of sharpness to smooth out that creamy richness.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, and let simmer for a minute or so, until it starts to reduce and thicken. Throw in the spinach leaves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the leaves have wilted. Pull the skillet from the heat and season the spinach with salt, pepper and the nutmeg.

Fill a deepish saucepan with about 3 inches of water and bring it to a gentle, not rolling boil. Add the vinegar and stir to make a whirlpool effect. Crack the 4 eggs carefully into the pot. The whirlpool and the vinegar will help each egg white stay together rather than stretch into some ghastly amoeba-like shape.

Allow the eggs to gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. You’re aiming for a wobbly but well-cooked white with a runny yolk. Using a slotted spoon, gently move the eggs to a paper-towel-lined plate to soak up the excess water.

Top the buttered toast with the creamed spinach. If you’ve got the time and the inclination, you can cut the toast into circles just slightly larger than the egg using a biscuit cutter. Carefully place an egg on top of each stack and spoon a generous helping of hollandaise on top. Garnish the eggs Florentine with the cress or chives.

To help cut back on saturated fat and cholesterol, try substituting nonfat plain Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise for the butter in the hollandaise sauce. And swapping in multigrain or whole grain bread (made with 100 percent whole grains) will help boost the fiber and nutrient content of the meal.”

—Donna Castellano, registered dietitian, Spoonful of Plants, Middletown

SEAFOOD QUICHE

Yields 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

n 4 eggs

n ½ cup heavy whipping cream

n ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

n 1 tsp. olive oil

n ½ cup chopped onions

n ¼ cup chopped green peppers

n ¼ cup chopped red peppers

n ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

n ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese

n 1 tsp. seafood seasoning

n salt and pepper to taste

n 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust

n 8 oz. lump crab meat

n 8 oz. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Unroll the crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Cover the pie crust with parchment paper and load pie weights or dry beans over the paper and pie plate. This will anchor the crust as it bakes. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the pie crust and set aside.

Combine the eggs, cream and almond milk in a large bowl. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add in the olive oil, red peppers, onions and green peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Remove the vegetables from the skillet and add them to the bowl with the eggs and milk.

Add in the lump crab, shrimp and both of the cheeses. Stir to combine. Pour the egg and seafood filling over the pie crust. Bake for 20 minutes.

Adjust the temperature to 300°F and bake an additional 15-30 minutes until the quiche has set. The edges should appear firm, and there should be a slight jiggle in the center of the quiche. Add additional bake time if necessary. Allow the quiche to cool for at least 20 minutes prior to slicing.

Peppers are a great way to add color, flavor and texture to a recipe. They’re low in calories and a great source of antioxidants and vitamins A and C.”

—Donna Castellano, registered dietitian, Spoonful of Plants, Middletown

JERSEY SHORE REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Anna Garifine, Broker/Associate, Owner

95

facebook.com/AnnaGSellsHomes

As a lifelong Jersey Shore resident and a 24-year veteran in the local real estate market, Anna Garifine is dedicated to making homeownership dreams come true. She attributes her success to her many wonderful clients and their continued support and referrals. Anna enjoys working with both sellers and buyers and has developed an expertise in new construction sales. She is the managing partner at RE/MAX SYNERGY, with offices in Long Branch and Eatontown, and is passionate about helping fellow agents grow their business. Anna is currently serving her second term on the Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors Board of Directors where she is on the MLS and Manager’s Committees and is the vice chair of the Grievance Committee. In addition to being named a Top Realtor here for the 4th year, she is a nine-time FIVE STAR PRO winner and member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. For all of your real estate needs, trust in her expertise. .

Greg Papalcure

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

357 US-9, Manalapan, NJ 07726 O: 732.536.1200

C: 732.539.4054 • www.papalcure.com • Greg.Papalcure@bhhsnj.com

FORWARD-THINKING AND PATIENT, Greg Papalcure is committed to developing longlasting relationships with clients while he helps them find their perfect home. He utilizes his exceptional experience and knowledge of the luxury market to provide clients in Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties with the service they deserve and the results they expect. Possessing over 20 years of experience as a Realtor, Greg has formed relationships with vendors for services that buyers and sellers may need during a purchase or sale. He consistently earns the Monmouth County Circle of Excellence Award, ranks in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Top 1% Nationwide, and is a Platinum producer for 2022—the highest achievable award.

I BELIEVE A HOME IS NOT JUST A HOUSE, but a lifestyle. Understanding your lifestyle needs is my priority. 16 years of residential real estate, plus 17 years corporate account management utilizing analytics and strategy to get you the best price for your home.

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.

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS

COPPER CANYON 51 First Ave. 732.291.8444 thecoppercanyon.com

HARBORSIDE GRILL 40 First Ave. 732.291.0066 ahwinebar.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

ASBURY PARK

ASBURY FESTHALLE & BIERGARTEN

527 Lake Ave. 732.997.8767 asburybiergarten.com

CUBACAN BAR & RESTAURANT

800 Ocean Ave. N. 732.774.3007 cubacanrestaurant.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

FEDERICO’S 700 Main St. 732.681.6936 federicospizza.com

LA DOLCE VITA 400 Ocean Ave. 732.749.3177 ladolcevitanj.com

SIMPLY SOUTHERN 817 Belmar Plz. 732.243.9259 simplysouthern comfortfoods.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

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

WATERMAN’S TAVERN 403 Higgins Ave. 732.722.8978 watermanstavern.net

EATONTOWN ALL SEASONS RESTAURANT 176 Wyckoff Rd. 732.542.9462 allseasonsrestaurant.net

ANCHOR TAVERN, BELMAR

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

FEDERICI’S FAMILY RESTAURANT 14 E. Main St. 732.462.1312 federicis.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 neilmichaelsteakhouse. 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

KEYPORT DREW’S BAYSHORE BISTRO 25 Church St. 732.739.9219 drewsbayshorebistro.com

PALUMBO’S 24 Ayers Ln. 732.842.5505

LONG BRANCH AVENUE 23 Ocean Ave. 732.759.2900 leclubavenue.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. 732.923.1006 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

TUZZIO’S 224 Westwood Ave. 732.222.9614 tuzzios.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.net

PEKING PAVILION

110 Rte. 33 732.308.9700 pekingpavilion.com

MANASQUAN BLEND ON MAIN

390 E. 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 CROWN PALACE

1283 Rte. 35 S. 732.615.9888 crownpalacenj.com

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 molinarirestaurant.com

PETE & ELDA’S 93 Summit Ave. 732.774.6010 peteandeldas.com

IL POSTO, NEPTUNE

OCEAN ILLIANO’S 933 W. Park Ave. 732.493.2003 illianosrestaurant.net

PICCOLA ITALIA

837 W. Park Ave. 732.493.3090 piccolaitalianj.com

RED BANK BIRRAVINO

183 Riverside Ave. 732.842.5990 birravino.com

B2 BISTRO + BAR 141 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.268.8555 b2bistro.com

CATCH 19 19 Broad St. 732.268.8543 catch19redbank.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

VIA45 45 Broad St. 732.450.9945 via45.com

RUMSON BARNACLE BILL’S 1 First St. 732.747.8396 barnaclebillsrumson.com

GIORGIA 102 Ave. of Two Rivers 732.741.3880 ristorantegiorgia.com

SALT CREEK GRILLE 4 Bingham Ave. 732.933.9272 saltcreekgrille.com

SURF 132 E. River Rd. 732.530.6590 surfbbq.com

UNDICI 11 W. River Rd. 732.842.3880 undicirestaurant.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

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 ARUGULA 306 Morris Ave. 732.974.2800 arugulaspringlakenj.com

BARELI’S BY THE SEA 1505 Ocean Ave. N. 732.769.5700 barelisbythesea.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.com

SHOGUN LEGENDS 1969 Rte. 34 732.449.6696 shogunlegends.com

Photo courtesy of Spring Lake Tap House

SPRING LAKE TAP HOUSE, SPRING LAKE

Early Riser

Give this classic cocktail a citrusy twist to create the perfect any-time-of-day drink.

BREAKFAST MARTINI

Yields: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

n 1½ oz. gin

n ½ oz. orange liqueur

n ¾ oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

n 1 barspoon orange marmalade

n lemon slice, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Add the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice and marmalade into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously until wellchilled. Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Recipe courtesy of liquor.com

A Taste Of Two Mexicos

Gotta have authentic while your companion craves Tex-Mex? You’ll both be happy at Blue Habanero.

Many Monmouth eateries specialize in interpretations of Mexican cuisine, but few qualify as true auténtico. And that’s OK, as many palates—including mine—prefer milder Tex-Mex flavors and modern takes on south-of-the-border classics. But here’s a meme-worthy thought: Porque no los dos?

Blue Habanero says we can have both. The new Neptune City restaurant combines authentic Mexican dishes (those cooked in cast-iron skillets and containing scorching chili peppers, for instance) and popular Tex-Mex food (think plates filled with cheese and meats, as well as flour tortillas as opposed to corn) to create a menu that appeals to all tastes. Of course, a place that sends out such a double message sets itself a challenge.

A friend and I put it to the test, visiting the uber-casual restaurant on a balmy spring Saturday. Blue Habanero doesn’t have a liquor license, but the friendly and colorful staff explained all the appetizing beverage options and quickly pulled our minds away from margaritas and cervezas. Thanks to a ringing endorsement from another diner two tables away, we found our new drink for the season: fresh passionfruit juice. Just fine on its own, the sweet, refreshing drink also wonderfully complemented the table’s savory chips and salsa.

Already obsessed with our drinks, we found the crisp chips so addictive that we ordered traditional guacamole and an overflowing plate of fried corn tortillas. The guac was as good as any other restaurant’s version: It strikes the perfect balance of tomato, onion and cilantro without detracting from the rich and creamy avocado. Scooped with a chip or by the forkful, it was an ideal first appetizer.

Full on chips and guac, we probably could have done without a second appetizer, but we opted to try the queso dip. I was overwhelmed by the enormity of the sizzling plate of creamy cheese, sautéed peppers, onion and chorizo—this could’ve been a meal in itself. Worryfree, my friend and I attacked the dish anyway, using the provided flour tortillas and leftover chips to shovel the ingredients from the plate to our mouths. While she tapped out early (the dish is on the oily side because of the cheese and the sausage), I didn’t—and couldn’t— stop until the cast-iron dish was empty.

Neither of us regrets ordering two apps, but we realized that there’d been a downside to filling up before our entrées hit the table. Despite my stuffed belly, I was wide-eyed when my main dish, a three-meat molcajete, arrived. Crammed into a traditional molcajete stone bowl (careful, they’re piping hot!) were mounds of marinated beefsteak, pork tenderloin and thin-cut chicken breast alongside fresh bell peppers and onions. The dish also comes with more guac as well as black beans and fluffy rice. I went straight for the meat, each mildly spiced cut more tender than the last, and tried all the crunchy veggies. I polished off about half of the dish, which is probably best shared with others, before asking for a to-go box.

My friend, meanwhile, got through about half of her beef tacos before her stomach reached capacity. Each soft corn tortilla was stuffed with marinated beefsteak, sauteed peppers and onions and what seemed a large handful of guacamole and cheese. She confirmed that she’d ordered the right dish but vowed to try on future visits the other options she’d been eyeing: poblano-style enchiladas and birria tacos.

Dessert wasn’t an option for us on this occasion, but there’ll be plenty of opportunities to try the tres leches and the Oreo pie. While Blue Habanero isn’t by the water (it’s a quick 10-minute drive from Belmar’s shoreline), it’s an ideal eatery for those seeking authentic Mexican flavors and Tex-Mex style dishes after a long day at the beach.

• BLUE HABANERO, 306 W. SYLVANIA AVE., NEPTUNE, 732.667.1473; BLUEHABANERONEPTUNECITY.COM

—Darius Amos PHOTOS BY DARIUS AMOS

Be There

From comedy and car shows to concerts and the county fair, there’s something for everyone happening now in Monmouth County.

June 16

Saturday Night Live fans won’t want to miss alum Leslie Jones at her tour stop at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. It’s the second-to-last of a dozen stand-up shows she’s performed thus far this year.

jokes are NSFW! begins at $39 show. Get yours at Monmouth without annual Fishing Derby at the Manasquan Reservoir in

From 2 to 5 p.m., be the different $5 worms. per monmouthcountyparks.com.

Looking for an excuse to you go: the Summer Beach Party in Asbury Hump Day from 9 a.m. The event is hosted Noire, a local organization connects Black women nature. A $15 admission you beach access to Beach for the day; food not included. Kids and those under age online at eventbrite.com.

June 24–25

Celebrate the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth—June 28, 1778—with special programming all weekend long at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan. In partnership with Friends of Monmouth, there will be special programs and tours of the historic sites from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For admissions info and other upcoming on-site events, visit friendsofmonmouth.org.

July 9

Check out some hot wheels that are probably older than you are at the Classic Car Show & Oldies Day at the Monmouth Racetrack in Oceanport. There will be tons of events for the whole family from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To really set the mood, there will also be oldies music playing as you walk down memory lane ogling over more than 150 vintage cars. Big Joe Henry from 101.5 FM will broadcast live from the event. General admission tickets start at $6; kids 12 and under are free. Sign up at monmouthpark.com/event/the-classiccar-show-oldies-day/.

Monmouth County kids at the Youth Activity Concert Benefit Neptune, hosted by The Wall Elks. There will be an a tricky tray, beverage much more. All proceeds donation go toward Camping Needs, Elks Drug Awareness, Boys & Girls Clubs of America more great causes. Doors open more at allevents.in.

15

active and have fun at the Jersey Rugged Maniac Raceway Park in Englishtown. muddy obstacle course is not faint of heart: It’s the world’s pit, with more than 25 epic spanning more than 3 miles to through, slide down and run over. happen in waves from 9 1 p.m. Once you finish, you’ll with a post-race party with a DJ, giveaways, food and beer, all included admission. get, the better! Register now for $64 at ruggedmaniac. com/events/ newjersey.

July 13

Join the folks at the Monmouth Conservation Foundation for their brand-new event, the MCF Summer Bash, held at The Seafarer in Highlands. On tap for the evening is live music, food, drinks and fun with a fantastic view of the New York City skyline to boot. Your $50 donation will go toward MCF’s mission of preserving farmland in Monmouth County. For the time of the event and more specifics, visit monmouthconservation.org/ summer as details evolve.

July 26–30

You can’t enjoy a summer at the shore without an authentic fair experience, right? The official returns to the East for 2023, with a bigger-than-ever lineup. Festivities include food vendors, rides for folks ages, interactive featuring wildlife, magicians a pig and competition, few. The follows: 26-28

Saturday, July p.m.; Sunday, a.m. to admissions monmouthcountyparks.com.

July 28

Enjoy a free summer concert—no catches, no gimmicks—on a Friday evening at the beach in Keansburg. Bring a blanket, a cooler, lawn chairs and some snacks as you enjoy sounds of 40 North Country, Nashville-esque country band rated best country bar band at the Jersey Shore. The show will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more 40northcountry.com.

A Toast To Great Tastes

Hundreds celebrate the area’s best food and drink vendors—and more—at the first-ever Monmouth Wine & Food Experience, held at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank.

Monmouth Health & Life held its inaugural Monmouth Wine & Food Experience at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank. Hundreds of guests attended the event, which featured food and drink from dozens of area restaurants, caterers, breweries, wine and spirits merchants. Attendees sampled appetizers, entrées and desserts and

paired them with fine wines, craft beers, specialty cocktails and hard seltzers. The festivities also included live music, demonstrations, giveaways as well as health, beauty and real estate professionals. Stay tuned for details about next year’s party!

1–11 Scenes from the 2023 Monmouth Wine & Food Experience. Photos by McKay Imaging

“This photo was taken at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth. I was waiting for the sunset and noticed one of these two fishermen appeared to have hooked a nice size fish. I love photographing the Jersey Shore, its natural beauty and hidden treasures. I was encouraged by my dad to start photographing in 1981. At the time, he headed the NYPD photo unit. I focus primarily on landscape photography. I truly enjoy photographing our beautiful area.”

—Frank Morris, Middletown