I can give you better suggestions…!
1 Like
Kind of sends a mixed message to me; “we have to cancel because our executive chef won’t be here and we wanted you to meet him” translates to me; “oh shit our executive chef won’t be here and we’re not sure our kitchen is up to the task without him”.
6 Likes
Yeah, the whole idea of knowing who is a reviewer is bad enough, but saying, “Oh, only come when we have everything especially set up for you,” really indicates that you’re not going to be seeing (or eating) the same as an average customer. Which in turn makes a review worse than useless–it would be downright deceptive.
7 Likes
I’ll try not to read too much into it. It is not often that I get invited to do a review. In the past, I have been invited AFTER a positive review as a show of thanks and to meet the people who made the initial experience enjoyable, which is a much different animal and admittedly more comfortable/less awkward. The whole purpose of food blogging is to NOT stand out.
Anyway, back to the drawing board. We did want something with a water view. Perhaps Bahr’s (haven’t been in ages) or Inlet or Proving Ground, both of which will be new.
1 Like
Try Trama’s One Willow, it’s beautiful and I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on the place.
2 Likes
I’ll add that to the list. I might pick out of a hat at this point.
1 Like
Trama’s is closed tomorrow.
Any thoughts on Eventide? It is not discussed at length on HO anywhere. He is more of a meat eater than seafood, and they have more meat options than Bahr’s which was where I was leaning.
Anybody heard of this?
https://www.redbankgreen.com/2019/06/red-bank-jazz-club-open-market-plan-approved/
Wow! I just read that this morning before seeing this thread. Already put my thoughts up on my blog.
Love the idea of an underground jazz club, though I think he can relax with the term “speakeasy”. Hard to believe 1) he did not know what it was when he first applied and 2) that he thinks people will worry something illegal is going on if he refers to his business as one.
The market can go either way, I just hope it avoids the usual Red Bank pretentiousness.
2 Likes
Nice write up! I would be curious how if they don’t get a liquor license they can really turn a profit. I have a hard time believing they could do well just charging a cover and mixers.
And totally with you on the term speakeasy. It is bizarre he didn’t know the history of the word…
1 Like
How does one open a BYO bar? BYO laws in NJ restrict to wine and beer. I’m pretty sure you are not legally allowed to bring spirits in…of course then it would be a speakeasy!! 
2 Likes
Manousos, of Hamilton Township, and his partner, Jason Zoracki of Little Silver, opened Proving Ground Waterfront Dining in Highlands last July.
From what I just saw, this was the former Windandsea but I can’t be sure if any of you HOs tried/liked it. That said, I’m blown away by comparisons to Chelsea Market or Eataly IN RED BANK. Puh-leaaaaaaaaase. Come up with a better way to explain your concept!
2 Likes
Interesting! Didn’t know that.
I hope they ditch their hesitancy and make this place a prohibition-style speakeasy. These guys obviously have a thing for history (which makes his backtracking on the term even more bizarre) since the Proving Ground is named for Fort Hancock’s weapons testing ground.
1 Like
Perhaps he should have said “mini” Chelsea Market. 
1 Like
Or just “conceptually, think food hall…” or compare yourself to Gotham West Market in Hell’s Kitchen–not Eataly or CM! /rant
2 Likes
If anyone has been to New Hope’s Ferry Market, I hope it is along those lines.
1 Like
We went to the New Hope one a few weeks ago. Didn’t buy anything but coffee and iced tea but it is a beautiful space with lots of interesting sounding options. AND they sell wine (and assuming beer) by the glass.
1 Like
The Indian food stand in there is actually pretty good. Not as good as what we are used to here, but surprisingly good for the area. Prices are great too.
1 Like
" I’ll believe it when pigs can fly"
2 Likes
I just want to walk back that comment, I assumed because I had heard the phrase before that some pigs could fly, like the one from the Gieco commercials. I mean he can talk, he holds an insurance license so I just naturally thought some pigs could fly.
2 Likes
