FYI…
“The list of stingrays and skates that are common to the Jersey Shore is long and includes clearnose and barndoor skates, roughtail stingrays, bluntnose stingrays, bullnose rays and spiny butterfly rays, the latter can easily reach 150 pounds in weight.” Maybe that’s what you felt??
I hope!
The cownose are in thick. I was fishing from the beach Monday and Tuesday afternoons and you could see them right in the wash. Bigger schools of them just off the beach, too. This was monmouth beach.
Thankfully, I didn’t hook one.
I’d like to think I was not so close to death last Saturday and will now convince myself that what I saw was a cownose ray. 
I sat in the water and got to pet rays when I was in the Bahamas a couple of years ago…they are gorgeous, but I’d prefer to encounter one WHEN I EXPECT TO. 
That’s the thing. The shock of it all. One minute you’re swimming around having fun, the next minute your life is flashing before your eyes and your’e swimming as fast as you can.
And I’m really not one to overreact given how much work I do in that very water. I spend half my time telling the kids, especially the little ones we get, “Nothing in this water is going to sting you or bite you”.
All I can think about when reading about this is when we took my son who was about 3 to Jenkinsons Aquarium and we’re looking at the sharks. I start saying the Jaws theme Dun Dun, Dun Dun ,Dun Dun and my son starts immitating me but is saying Donuts, Donuts, Donuts.
Epic weather had me heading toward the water (truth be told I live very close by so my drive was about 2 minutes)
I decided to give bahrs outside deck a try and it was a great time with a pleasant breeze.
I saw a “chef’s choice” of the day on special for 17.00
I immediately thought something low grade like tilapia. I’m glad I asked. It came with two jumbo shrimp that were very tender and tasty, a piece of swordfish and a piece of monkfish. So two of my favorite fish and one of my favorite shellfish. I opted to have it over salad instead of the other choice, rice. The citrus vinagrette was nice but very sweet. Nice dish at a fair price.
The clams casino were on point and they are some of the best around here.
My poke bowl was just ok. It was a strange stack consisting of a rice base, then guacamole, then the tuna cubes. After eating 2nd jetty poke I think I’m spoiled now and nothing locally will compare. I’ve had it at a local Japanese place and bahrs after a few bowls at 2nd jetty. 2nd jetty blew both out of the water. Anyway, great day to eat outside. Now I am thinking about dinner and where to go 
Jonesing for those clams man. How bout some steak tonight? Little surf and turf shore style?
I haven’t had a steak there and probably would stick with seafood. The clams casino are really tasty there. I cant think of any better around here. If you have had a century of thriving in a clam town, you better have the recipe down pat by now lol
They have some big lobsters now. 4lb is 74…I was tempted
Was just there two nights ago for a date night and mini celebration for a new job I’ll be starting in 2 weeks. Just drinks and apps (we had wanted burgers but they were not available outside-- only at the bar). Clams Casino was fine but the popcorn shrimp were on point as always!
It could be my eyes but dont our clams look quite different? I don’t know. It almost looks like they forgot to broil yours. I guess as long as they tasted good that is all that matters! The ones I always get are charred up on the outside. Again it could be me. Did you stir them up before the pic?
They tasted fine. First time I had them there so cannot compare them.
They were burning hot and crisp on outside. Maybe the lighting? Did not stir them.
Yeah I think I need glasses…seriously. glad you had a nice night. At on the deck now…so nice out and this band is actually really good.
Handsome Martini!
It was!
Great minds must think alike. The family and I went for lunch yesterday. It was our first visit and we decided to go based on the recent good reviews here. I got the steamers app and my wife got clams on the half shell. Both were very good. We both got the broiled seafood combo. The shrimp were slightly over cooked but tasty. We both felt the real star on the plate were the scallops which were sweet and cooked perfectly. The cod and fried clam strips were also good. My son got the New England Clam Chowder and took one spoonful and hated it. My wife and I both tried and and thought it was okay, but definitely the most buttery flavored one we’ve ever had. His burger was fine as was my daughters chicken tenders and French Fries. All in all a solid meal and an absolutely perfect day to sit on that deck over the water.
I’ll have to try those scallops.
Sometimes too much butter can be overwhelming. I find that the case in some lobster bisque.
We have another epic day so I will be down on the water shortly.
Ps… if it is the same as last year, during football season the proving ground has a special bar menu with drinks and food. They even have the special on Saturday for college football. They have peel and eat shrimp and scallops wrapped in bacon, among other things. I realize you won’t bring your family to sit at a bar, but just a heads up.
One more thought, do you guys think one willow will do any football or “fall” specials? I can’t see that place being railed once the weather gets cooler.
Still a cozy, warm , familiar Jersey Shore classic 
Bahrs delicious lobster roll… extra large chunks of fresh lobster on a soft yet crispy buttery toasted roll 
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