(The Bayshore Courier)
CourierOPINION
Hello, Hazlet! Celebrating a real "Hometown, USA"
February 2, 2004
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I am Eileen Coughlin and my
husband, Paul, is the mayor of Hazlet.
The Courier recently asked me if I would write a monthly column. As you
can see, my answer was "yes."
The basic premise of the column will be to discuss social events,
activities, dining experiences and intriguing life stories. I will also
discuss several Hazlet organizations and highlight community success
stories. I will avoid politics completely.
Now that the introduction is done, I'd like to encourage people to
contact me with any input you may have that I can incorporate into the
column.
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Each month, I will finish
with a Hazlet dining experience that I've recently had.
The first review is of The Shore Cafe, Highway 36, Hazlet.
The night out at the Shore Cafe is a palate pleaser. The menu varies but
clearly has an Italian theme.
The specials, as presented by the fine waiting staff, will leave you
with a "can't wait to get started" attitude.
We started off with shrimp scampi as an appetizer. That produced some
beautiful jumbo shrimp. The civilized, nonchalant battle for the shrimp,
once you start eating, is only surpassed by the rapid dipping of the
fine Italian bread into the scampi sauce.
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The sauce in one word is
"fantastic." The salad is a nice lead up to the entree with its sweet
house taste. For our main course, we went with the veal saltimbocca off
the main menu as well as the stuffed filet mignon for the specials.
The veal dish was fantastic with the prosciutto, mozzarella and nice
lean tenderloin. The veal was accompanied with pasta.
Now, on to my filet, and mouth watering would be an underestimation of
the impact this will have on your taste buds.
The filet is stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes, shrimp and cheese. The
dish also comes with a nice batch of roasted potatoes and in this case
the host disappears before the company but not by long.
The desert menu and after dinner drink offerings are all of a top
quality. The bottom line is: A fabulous dining experience, with a
special ambiance, right in the heart of the Bayshore. |
(Courier Dining)
Shore Cafe Italian Bistro & Lounge: Superb Cuisine Plus Pleasant Ambiance
Courier Dining
Shore Cafe Italian Bistro & Lounge: Superb Cuisine Plus Pleasant
Ambiance
By Lynn Azzolina
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HAZLET - The
Shore Cafe brings you the flavor of Italy with fine, quality cuisine
second to none. The family operated restaurant imparts that at-home
feeling as the hospitality is warm and the atmosphere is friendly.
They are dedicated to bringing their customers the finest food
possible, and the menu is studded with alluring Italian specialties
which will tempt your palate.
I found it very difficult to select my entree, as everything was
appealing , all made to order. They aim to please each and every
patron, and that is why people return again and again.
Taking charge of the kitchen is John Conti, Jr.., whose parents,
John and Ann Conti, opened the Shore Cafe early in July. They have
already established a fine reputation amongst lovers of good Italian
food, who have become their regulars.
Ann's parents came here from Italy, and opened a restaurant in
Staten Island, named Three J's, for three brothers, Jack, Joe and
John. Because this was so successful, they opened up a larger
restaurant, called J's Villa. Ann learned from her mother and father
and, in turn, she taught her sons John Jr., who is executive chef,
and Michael, who is manager.
The dwelling for Shore Cafe was originally known as Paulin's Tavern.
The entire building was gutted out and renovated, creating a
magnificent, upscale ambiance. A package, modern liquor store is
located on the side of the building.
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When you enter, you
will step into a lounge area with a circular bar boasting an
imported granite top. The attractive floors are imported Italian
marble, coordinated with a patterned carpet in the dining area.
There are two dining sections, one for non-smoking. Upon entering,
your eyes will spot a life-size mural, which is breathtaking, a
colorful scene depicting the shore of Ann's family town, named
Sferracavallo. This is a sight to behold!
The entire restaurant is pleasant and comfortable, with a touch of
elegance. Tables are clothed and surrounded by attractive wooden,
upholstered chairs. The room is light and airy, with the entire
front and side covered with wooden paned, floor-to-ceiling windows.
A point of interest, which is also very unique, is the glass
partition, which separates the lounge from the dining area, made of
sea glass. The entire decor was designed by Ann herself.
The Contis plan to build another dining area, which will accommodate
75 people, making the entire capacity 150.
Now for the food: I cannot say enough about the quality and
preparation of everything that was served. Every dish that was
brought to the table was impeccable, beautifully presented, and
designed to satisfy even the most discriminating diner. Everything
on the menu has that homemade flavor, and the sauces are
exceptional.
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To begin, the Cold
Seafood Platter, an appetizer, was a meal in itself. The large,
colorful, and attractive platter was filled with shrimp, calamari,
scungilli, and mussels, marinated in extra virgin olive oil and
lemon. All of the fresh-tasting seafood was abundant with flavor. In
the center of the platter was an array of fresh greens, celery,
Jersey tomatoes, and slivered carrots, enhanced by the flavorful
dressing. Outstanding!
The Red Snapper Marechiare, that was served next, was impeccable. A
large portion of seafood, enriched with black olives, capers and
tomatoes in an enticing and perfectly made red sauce. This was
created by a very caring chef, who put a lot of love into the
preparation.
We were then served Veal Saltimbocca, another sensational creation.
The large portion of fork-tender veal was smothered with fresh
mozzarella cheese, layered with fresh spinach and prosciutto, and
accented with fresh mushrooms, in a delicate brown sauce. This was a
treat for the palate, the veal superbly seasoned, and exhilarating
entree made to perfection.
Our waitress, Ashley Green of Howell, was very caring, and made our
dining experience very pleasant. As a grand finale, we sampled John
Jr.'s homemade tira mi su. This is a must-try, a perfect ending to a
gourmet meal. It was light, not cloyingly sweet, creamy, and
absolutely delicious, worth every forbidden calorie. John also makes
his own cannoli and cheese cake.
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Dinner entrees range
from $14.95 for Chicken Marsala, Parmigiana or Picata, to $24.95,
for Zuppa de Pesce o Linguine. The majority of their entrees are
under $19.95.
The Shore Cafe is also known for their gourmet pizzas and calzones.
They also serve a variety of specialty pastas, chicken dishes,
steaks, chops and seafood.
A pizza favorite is Autumno Pizza, which has sliced tomato,
artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and cheese.
A unique pasta is Farfalle Blanco Rosso - homemade sausage and fresh
tomatoes in cream and basil sauce.
The Shore Cafe, 1104 Highway 36, Hazlet, is open seven days for
lunch and dinner; Monday-Saturday, 9a - 10p; Sunday, 2p - 9p.
They accept all major credit cards, there is parking in their lot,
and the restaurant is handicapped accessible. They will also cater
private parties.
Reservations are suggested, call 732-888-0288 |
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(The Bayshore Courier)
Shore Cafe Italian Bistro: Family Operated Offering Authentic, Excuisite
Cuisine |
