As you may know by now, I enjoy Greek food in all its varieties, having previously eaten at Mad Greek in Hazlet and my grandmother's favorite Greek Diner, Gus' Restaurant, in Freehold.  Niko's Trapezi Greek Taverna, located in Ursula Plaza on Ocean Avenue in Long Branch, had been highly recommended to me by more than a few food lovers, as a go-to for Greek fine dining.  I got together with two friends earlier this week, split a bottle of wine, and spent an unnecessarily long time at Nikos eating and laughing as much as we could.  It truly was a great time, and the food was absolutely …

I went to Vic's for the first time in years the day after the hurricane, and after a long weekend of preparing for the worst, it felt great to come out of hiding to a place busy enough that you wouldn't even know a storm had come through. Or perhaps it was just all the feeling of being holed up and needing to GET OUT and eat a comfort food meal.  With family immigrating here dating back to 1910, Vic's was originally "Vic's Tap Room" but became "Vic's Bar and Restaurant" in 1947.  I have never once run into someone who had been to Vic's who hadn't spoken highly of it, and insisting that I must…

There’s something about a chain restaurant that I can’t get enough of. Maybe it’s the promise of a carbon copy customer experience or the flashy menu that promises a three-course meal for a mere $19.99. My love for the Chili’s in Eatontown includes both of these reasons, along with being able to read every vintage sign hanging on the walls and ceiling at least three times. Yes, I know the signs don’t change every time I visit and I know they are mass produced, but I feel like I’m eating my quesadilla in Mexico and not next to the Monmouth Mall thanks to Chili’s décor! It is the décor alone …

Heading north towards Sea Bright, one has to pass through Monmouth Beach. However, now there is a good reason to take a slight detour by making a left at Beach Road. This detour will lead you to some of the best coffee to be ground in-house. Booskerdoo, located in the Village Square shopping center at 36 Beach Road in Monmouth Beach, boasts its very own Diedrich Coffee Roaster. According towww.oncoffeemakers.com , although the “Diedrich Coffee Roaster is so much more expensive, it can also bring more ‘things’ into your coffee experience.” Owned by Amelia and James Caverly, Booskerdoo Coffee …