We tried Cafe 28 in Ocean Township today for lunch. It’s in the same shopping center as Piccola Italia and Babur Garden. There is an extensive menu of Egyptian and Mediterranean dishes. Some of the items look the same on the menu as in a Turkish or Lebanese place but they definitely use different seasonings and have a different flavor profile. We were served by the owner/chef who was very welcoming and seems like a good guy. Cafe 28 used to be in Red Bank but we never went when it was.
We tried a chopped Mediterranean salad, a couple of dips with pita and while they do not have a mixed grill on the menu they have many types of grilled meats over rice. We asked him to make us a mixed grill with a little of everything so we could try them and all and he was very accommodating.
Everything we has was very good and we will definitely return. The service was very good also. They had 3 types of homemade ice tea, orange, passion fruit and vanilla, all unsweetened which were great.
We really enjoyed lunch and it was a nice to have a something different from the usual greek or turkish flavor profile (which we love).
Up North, a few months ago, Laurel & Sage, in Montclair, had an amazing special of cast iron seared quail medallions, with wilted watercress, gooseberries, & romanesco, in a whole grain mustard jus & brown butter.
Another time they had a special of Elk, with quail stuffed with creamed spinach, pine nuts, and golden raisins, and Russian potato salad with beets, and quail eggs on top, in a foie demi sauce with fresh blackberries.
Thanks Eli. I have to investigate. If I do some quail I’m smoking at least 10 birds. Maybe I can get some mailed to me instead of trekking up north. After being a prime member since the start, it has made me super lazy. I like getting stuff in the mail lol. Apple wood will be my choice.
I might have to try and get there. I’d prefer some fresh quail but that might not be an option. I’ve never smoked any but I’ve had some smoked birds and they were delicious!
