newjerseynewsroom.com

BY MARGARET MORGAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

The eagerly anticipated Jersey Shore Restaurant Week™ (JSRW) returns to the area April 13-22, 2012. Nearly 70 restaurants from the Highlands to Toms River will be participating, offering three course meals with three choices in each category for $20.12 or $30.12. This year, Restaurant Week will also offer a specially priced lunch option at selected restaurants.

The week begins with the gala Kick-Off Party at The Breakers Hotel in Spring Lake on Thursday, April 12, 2012. “Savor the Spring” is the theme as top area chefs nourish taste buds with the freshest foods of the season. Other highlights include an International Wine Bar, sumptuous desserts, a cheese station, pâté bar and live music. A VIP session begins at 6 p.m. with 90+ rated wines, a special menu and gift bags.

Special Events planned for the week include:

Sunday, April 15 - Great Jersey Shore Martini Contest from 1-3 p.m. at The Mill, Spring Lake Heights - local bartenders compete for the best martini with judging and  “People’s Choice” awards.

Monday, April 16 - Shipwreck Point Wine Dinner, a four-course classic steak dinner paired with boutique wines - 5:30-9:30  p.m. at Shipwreck Point, Point Pleasant, top rated steakhouse prepares a classic steak dinner paired with boutique wines

Tuesday, April 17 – Foods of Naples with authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, 4–6 p.m. at Mosouto’s Market & Grill, Wall

Wednesday, April 18 - "Shellfish and Chardonnay," 5-7 p.m. at Jack Baker’s Lobster Shanty, Point Pleasant

Thursday, April 19 - Tour de Porta, a tour of one of the Shore’s hottest new restaurants Tour begins at 6:30 p.m. with foods and wine samples, a kitchen tour and cooking demo and live music at Porta, Asbury Park

Friday, April 20 - Ruffino Wine Dinner, hors d'oeuvres, four-course dinner paired with Ruffino wines, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Buona Sera, Red Bank

Saturday, April 21 - "Burgers, Bloodies and Brews", 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Harpoon Willy's, Manasquan

Sunday, April 22 – Countdown to Summer Party is the grand finale from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at Sunsets, Shark River where you will meet your favorite star chefs and restaurateurs.

Ticket holders at The Kick-Off Party, The Martini Contest and the Countdown to Summer Party will receive a drawing ticket for each ticket purchased to win a Two- Night Weekend at the fabulous Crystal Springs Golf Resort in Vernon, New Jersey. The drawing will take place on Sunday, April 22 at the Countdown Party. At each of these three featured events there will also be 50/50's to benefit the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

The bi-annual JSRW takes place in April and November to highlight the Jersey Shore region as a primary culinary destination for residents and tourists to enjoy during the off-season. Participating restaurants offer specially priced three-course dinners, $20.12 or $30.12 with three choices of an appetizer, entrée and dessert, to showcase their cuisine.

Prices are exclusive of tax and gratuity.

For details, ticket information and to see all participating restaurants, visit Jersey Shore Restaurant Week or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For food news, recipes and an inside look at great restaurants and events, please visit at Shore Region Restaurant Examiner, Shore Region Food Examiner This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it TastefulLiving.net.