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BY MARGARET MORGAN
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
SECOND OF A THREE-PART SERIES
In this second in the series of three stories revealing "the best of the best" garden and outdoor-dining restaurants in New Jersey, we visit the Central region of New Jersey.
Kicking off the tour in New Brunswick, Frog and The Peach offers new American cuisine with seasonal menus. Every dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Stage Left and Soho on George also offer lovely, refreshing outdoor dining in the downtown urban city.
Traveling west to the outskirts of Princeton in rural Hamilton is the breathtaking "Grounds for Sculpture" and Rats Restaurant with its outdoor patio and gardens overlooking the beautifully sculptured landscape in a celebration of both the culinary and cultural arts.
The atmosphere is that of an elegant French chateau where seasonal menus showcase organic produce and local grown ingredients. Rats is one of the "Top Ten Romantic Restaurants in New Jersey" listed by Gayot's Guide for Good Living.Hop onto I-195 east in a direct shot to the Jersey shore, let the salt air lure you into Long Branch's renowned Pier Village and Avenue Restaurant perched on the boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In a contemporary brasserie setting, terrace and deck dining offers French bistro-style food in comfortable settees while taking in the ocean air.
Part 1: The best outdoor-dining restaurants in North Jersey.Head north to lively downtown Red Bank and savor homemade fresh Italian cuisine at Gaetano's. The restaurant's entire front opens onto sidewalk dining amidst an urban garden of hanging and potted plants with luscious fragrant flowers. Cuisine offers only the freshest seafood and homegrown (in the owner's gardens) produce, as well as a gluten-free menu.
Travel a short distance south to Allenhurst and Mister C's beach bistro. Casually dine al fresco in an American beachfront bistro on contemporary continental cuisine. Two towns south in Asbury Park is the funky Langosta Lounge specializing in innovative "vacation-inspired cuisine." Outdoor dining on the boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic offers a menu of eclectic cuisine, a melding of Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean and American.
If you have a craving for seafood fresh from the boat, continue south to Belmar's Klein's Fish Market & Waterside Café overlooking the Shark River Inlet. One can also dock his yacht at the restaurant's moorings to enjoy the outdoor café and watch other yachts cruise by. Lobsters and other seafood are either live or fresh within hours of being lifted from the sea. Special dessert – key lime pie is yummy!
Buon Appetito!
Coming next in Part 3 are restaurants with gardens and outdoor dining in South New Jersey.
Margaret Morgan is a freelance writer for design publications and is the Shore Region Food Examiner and many of her articles appear on Examiner.com. Visit her website at TastefulLiving.net or contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
