With the Fourth now just a faded memory like the smoke that hangs in the sky long after a firework has twinkled away, things can seem a little anti-climactic. However, there’s just two precious months left to savor the sweet summer season and all the outdoor socializing it has to offer – this oppressive heat wave be damned! Put on some shorts, pick up an extra bottle of hair defrizzer, and grab your flip-flops (unless you’re heading to the Osprey – flop ban still in effect. Found out the hard way two weekends ago!), and get out!

• Metromix Jersey Shore is hosting a happy hour at the Beach Bar in Asbury Park from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday (which is soon – power down your computer, leave work and go!). Never been to Beach Bar but heard only good things! Print this coupon before you go for drink specials.
• Kick of the weekend properly with happy hour at Leggett’s with music by Turnpike Mike and Randy on the patio and $2 drink specials from 4-8 p.m.
• Hemingway’s features DJ Milky Mike (does he like dairy products? is he really pale? who knows?!) and $2 Coors Lights and $4 unspecified bombs on Friday.
• The Surf Club continues Free For All Fridays with no cover, $1 Coors Light drafts, $5 call drinks, $3 shots and, apparently, hookahs, courtesy of Raaz Hookah, new to Seaside this year. It Ain’t Pretty (who doesn’t seem to have a website) will perform.
• On Saturday, Speakeasy will play in Osprey’s band room. Not sure if it’s the self-described “groove rock” Speakeasy from Missouri (not likely, but the bar’s site links to them) or the Carlstadt-based Speakeasy, who have not updated their Facebook group events since 2008. Guess we’ll just have to be surprised. Seriously though, don’t wear flipflops. Your friends will mock you when you’re the fool who forces the whole group to change plans and go elsewhere.
• 507 Main (bet you can’t guess their address) in Belmar will host the Springsteen tribute band the E Street Shuffle on Saturday night.
• On Sunday, Red Bank will offer Wine Walk from 4-7 p.m. Twenty bucks gets you a wristband, which entitles you to two wine samples and two food samples at 14 participating locations. Stroll around, sip some wine, have a snack – sounds tremendous. Buy a band at any participating restaurant, which can be found here.

Manasquan's most popular beach bar, Leggetts.

If you need an excuse to get rowdy to LMFAO’s summer classic “Shots,” (a song with such deep and meaningful lyrics), then Leggetts in Manasquan is the bar for you.  Every Thursday the bar is packed as everyone crowds around their infamous shot wheel.

Once every hour from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. the live band stops and LMFAO and Lil’John take over the sound waves.  Whatever lucky shot the spinner lands on is then served for the next hour around the bar for just $1.  With options such as Jolly Rancher, Grape Ape, Washington Apple, and Sex on the Beach…you’ll have a wide selection all night long.  It’s a close knit atmosphere where everyone comes together for the one common goal, more shots.

The one large bar takes up a majority of the space at Leggetts, and many flat screen televisions line the walls playing some of the most popular sports games.  Off to the side you’ll find a stage that is home to many bands such as The Mike Dalton Band and Bobby Lynch Band that play every Wednesday and Thursday.  A few tables line the perimeter for those that want to sit down and order food.

As part of Weaze’s themed parties America’s Birthday Bash is on July 3 and 70’s Disco Party on July 10.  Make sure you check out their Web site for their calendar of events, drink specials and menu.

Leggetts has one extremely tiny parking lot, your best bet is to find parking on the street.  There are also many bike cops that patrol the area, and I learned from experience just the other day…bike cops do indeed pull you over so be careful and safe driving!

Leggetts Summer Lineup:

Wednesday

$2 Coors Light, $3 “Bombs,” $4 Kettle “O” Drinks, $3 Coronas and Margaritas

Thursday

$2 Bud and Bud Lights, $1 Shot Wheel

Sunday

$2 Bud and Bud Lights (noon-close), $1 Bud and Bud Lights (5-8 inside bar)

*Leggetts is located at 217 First Ave. Manasquan, NJ

]]> http://liveforjerseyshore.com/all-posts/shots-shots-shots/feed 0 http://liveforjerseyshore.com/all-posts/thats-amore http://liveforjerseyshore.com/all-posts/thats-amore#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:15:49 +0000 Taylor Corvino http://liveforjerseyshore.com/?p=716 When it came time to choose a restaurant for my graduation dinner the first place that came to mind was Sirena’s on the Pier Village boardwalk in Long Branch.  I pride myself in being an Italian food connoisseur (I would literally eat pasta for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if it was socially acceptable) as a result; I fell in love with Sirena Ristorante.  An upscale restaurant with a stunning beachfront view makes for an enjoyable dining experience. 

After many shared appetizers of calamari, rice balls, and mozzarella sticks among my family and I, I took a deep breath and decided the show must go on.  Our oversized entrées were greeted with wide eyes and tight belts.

I opted for the Perciatelli Amatriciana which consisted of pancetta, onion, tomato and pecorino, I even added shrimp which made me beyond ecstatic. Ultimately the food won and I brought my leftovers home which made for a great late night snack.

My mother dubbed her dish “deliciousioso.”  Her choice of Scarpriello consisted of pan seared organic chicken breast, sweet Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, and a Parmigianino dusted fingerling potato…and she’s still raving about it today.

There was no room left for some sweet  dessert but I can assure you I will be back to try some Tiramisu and ice cream.  So if you’re looking for a fancy, scenic and authentic Italian night out, make sure you visit Sirena Ristorante.  You can also check out their full lunch, dinner and wine list online so you can think about your meal the whole drive there.

Want to see what awaits you before you make the trip?  That’s easy with their virtual tour of the bar, deck and dining area. Sirena’s is known to have a wait on the weekends so make sure you make reservations.  Happy eating everyone!

Franzia, Andre and you...perfect together

So my partner-in-crime Bernie has brought you a couple fancy-shmancy cocktail suggestions this summer like tea-flavored vodka and canned pale ale. Now I’ve had the vodka and it’s tasty and all, but lets face it – my journalism degree doesn’t exactly haul in the dough. To make my dollars take my liver to its limit, I try to start the evening with some economically-minded beverages. They say necessity is the mother of invention and, let me tell you, that is absolutely true. This is how my brainchild, Frandre Spritzers, came about.

Start with Fruity Red Sangria Franzia (I swear that’s its real name). At Spirtis Unlimited in Ortley Beach, a box of this delight will set you back $13.99; it’s the most expensive flavor or Franzia, but I think it’s worth it. You, of course, can choose whatever you want. Each box contains 5 liters and will last for-e-v-e-r. Seriously, I’ve had mine since Memorial Day. Don’t get grossed out – it’s probably pumped full of preservatives and has a shelf-life longer than I’ve been alive.

Next, you need Andre, one of the greatest liquids known to man. Extra dry, brut – it doesn’t matter. They’re all delicious. Spirits charges $5.59 per bottle. Frankly, this is more than I’d prefer to pay, but you know how it goes on the Barrier Island between Memorial Day and Labor Day. One of the best things about Andre is that there’s no cork but it still makes a delightful popping sound. This way, you still feel like you’re celebrating something exciting and don’t run the risk of putting someone’s eye out. Everyone wins. And, hey, you can even be friends on MySpace.

Fill a cup (preferably a solo one) with ice. Pour about an inch worth of Andre . Then fill it with the Franzia up to the last ridge on the cup and top the rest off with more Andre. If you’re  motivated, you can slice up some fruit and toss it in to impress your guests. If you’re lazy and looking to get the bubbles to your head as fast as possible, throw in a straw and you’re good to go.

As wonderful as Andre is, he (yes, I’ve personified him) doesn’t keep well so you’ll need to polish off the bottle before you go out. Grab 2 or 3 friends and this won’t be hard.

A South Seaside Park institution

Beginning today, South Seaside Park will come alive a little earlier than usual with the commencement of live daytime entertainment at the Berkeley Restaurant and Fish Market, located on the corner of Central and 24th Avenues (adjacent to Island Beach State Park), a Seaside area institution since its inception in 1937.

If Island Beach State Park is full (like it is today), turn to Berkeley...

“This weekend will feature our first party of the summer,” said Chris Barulic, 32, who operates the family restaurant along with his mother, Carol, and father, Nick. “We’ll have cover bands every Saturday and Sunday in our parking lot, featuring mellow ‘off the beach’ music.”

Mr. Barulic, who has been working at the restaurant for as long as he can remember, said even though the restaurant’s “Down Under Bar” has been operating successfully for 10 years, the family wanted to expand its offerings this season, featuring outdoor food and drink service to compliment the music.

“From noon to four [on Saturday and Sundays], we’ll have $2.50 16 oz  Miller Lite aluminum bottles, $3 well drinks, a mixed grill featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, tuna and mahi steaks, and a raw bar,” Mr. Barulic said.

Chris Barulic, right, and the extensive raw bar

Ice cold beer here!

In addition to the music, food, and drinks, the restaurant is also sponsoring giveaways throughout the afternoon, according to Billy Ioiza, 33, who has been tending bar at the restaurant since 2002.

For those who are more interested in escaping the heat, the Down Under Bar contains a regulation size shuffleboard table, a dartboard, multiple televisions (including a massive flat screen unit), and a stocked jukebox. Most importantly, the bartenders are professional, friendly, and talented.

Although Mr. Iozia does not typically work during the weekends, he says to come in and visit him on Tuesday through Friday nights and enjoy his drinks and shots.

“My favorite [concoctions] include Rum Punch, Surfers On Acid, and the Washington Apple,” Mr. Iozia said.

Based on our prior good times (what we can remember) and meals at the Berkeley Restaurant, Fish Market, and the Down Under Bar, Live for Jersey Shore is expecting fun outdoor afternoons this summer. And, look for our upcoming article reviewing Mr. Iozia’s favorite drinks.

Berkeley Restaurant and Fish Market is located at Central and 24th Avenues in the South Seaside Park section of Berkeley Township. You may reach the establishment at 732-793-0400.

Iced tea and vodka go together like peas and carrots

Up first, ICED TEA FLAVORED VODKA. This is a discovery made at the raw bar at Martell’s Tiki Bar a few weeks back. We usually go straight for the fresh squeezed and vodka, but the bartender recommended Sweet Carolina, which they’re plugging pretty hard, and with good reason. Iced tea + booze all in one. It just makes so much sense that you wonder how it got to be 2009 and we’d never been exposed to this on a mass scale here at the Jersey Shore.

The basic formula is about as simple as can be, lots of ice, two fingers of the stuff, and soda water and lemon or lime wedge. The end result is a light and refreshing bubbly version of iced tea that tastes more like real brewed tea than the powdered stuff. Google search brought up a Chow hound thread where someone suggests a little simple syrup if you like it a little sweeter. Good idea. You can also go the Arnold Palmer route and put it in some lemonade.

I picked up two bottles last weekend for some taste testing. The first didn’t make it through the weekend, and the latter my father-in-law apparently took a liking to during the week here, so it looks like I’m heading back for another. Sweet Carolina ($18) was a little cheaper than Firefly ($21). There wasn’t enough differentiation between them that I wouldn’t just grab the cheaper one.

This is perfect for putting in a pitcher and serving at a party, or sneaking onto your beach in a plastic jug if you have the misfortune of having a beach that doesn’t allow you to drink. And what’s more American than iced tea?

Dale's red, white & blue can is 4th-friendly

My second pick is Dale’s Pale Ale that comes in 12 pack ($18), which is a part of a new-ish trend of craft and microbrewed beers coming in a can. Mostly because it’s good, but also because of it’s 4th-friendly red, white and blue can (ok, so my Americana theme is a little weak here, so what).

Dale’s tastes a bit like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, only leaning a bit more in the India Pale Ale direction, a little darker and more bitter of a finish, but not in a bad way. It’s brewed by Oscar Blues in Colorado. I’m into this “Canned Beer Apocalypse” they’re touting. Keep the micro-can-craft beers coming! And we’ll go back to Chow again for an article on Canned Beer That’s Actually Good.

Details magazine said: ”Canned beer has many virtues. It weighs less than bottled beer, chills faster, and stays fresh longer. Unfortunately most of it is also plonk. But not the pale ale from the smart folks at Oskar Blues brewing company in Lyons, Colorado. It’s supremely thirst-quenching, as canned beer should be, yet bitter enough to keep things interesting.”

I’m going to be packing the beach cooler with these all summer!

The Dark & Stormy

Sunday of MDW (em-dee-dubs) ‘09 weekend and just about decompressed (finally) from the work week enough to consider consider spending a few minutes online here at the beach. My homeboy B-mac has done so much work on the site this weekend, that I owe it to him to at least get one post up this weekend. Thanks Brandon!

The clouds and wind have been in and out all day, so no better time to fire up some Dark and Stormies for our MDW party. This is of course a classic island drink (and perhaps a bit of an acquired taste) consisting of just a few but specific essentials:

- Gosling’s Black Seal Bermuda Dark Rum

- A few cans/bottles of ginger beer, preferably Barrett’s if you can find it (I struck out today on the island, but had some left over from Labor Day)

- Lots of fresh lime

- A bottle of Angostura bitters.

Directions are simple. Highball glass or just your simple Solo cup will suffice, packed with ice. Fill the cup up to about 3/4 of the way to the top of the ice with Ginger Beer, squeeze in the juice from a generously sized lime wedge and top with the Goslings to your liking and penchant for hard-drinking. The more rum the spicier the drink will be. Add about 2 -3 dashes of bitters. If you’re serving in a clear glass, you can serve unstirred, as the dark rum on the ginger beer makes for a nice effect similar to a mai tai. Give ‘er a stir.

I’d been introduced to Dark and Stormies by a friend down here a few years ago, and it wasn’t until my honeymoon visiting Jost Van Dyke in the BVI at a famous place called the Soggy Dollar Bar that  I’d been seen the addition of bitters to top the drink off. The bitters aren’t an essential, necessarily, but they add a nice bite to this spicy and sweet cocktail. It it, interestingly, one of those drinks where you simply cannot make a substitution on the booze — it’s gotta be Goslings.

Another deviation of this drink was inspired a place I’d been to in San Francisco recently called Bourbon and Branch — one of these newfangled, speakeasy-like mixology craft drink bars, of which I think this would could simply not have enough of. Especially since Bourbon and Branch make homemade ginger beer!

In this variation, you replace the rum with a high-quality Tequila — a Don Julio or a Tres Generaciones, preferably of the gold ‘reposado’ variety. Take your drinking glass and pack with ice, two shots/fingers of tequila, fresh squeezed juice from a whole lime and top with Ginger Beer. Put the concoction in a drink shaker and shake vigorously to get a nice frothy effect on the head.

This is a drink that you may have a hard time convincing your friends to try (especially the Tequila version), but once they do, they’ll be hooked. Enjoy!

Everyone will be hoping for a LiLo sighting, but  Perez Hilton reports that she’s is trying her hand at surfing in Hawaii, so it looks like there won’t be any bitter ex-lovers quarrels in the DJ booth, but we’ll keep a look out just in case.

The opening party doubles as the Surf Club’s Cinco de Mayo fiesta and there’s festive deals to be had if you get there early. From 8-11 p.m., Coronas and Corona Lights are $3 and there’s free pizza and tacos to munch.

No word yet on whether or not the Surf Club’s Friday night mug promotion is back. Last year, Surf Club bartenders would fill any vessel (the liveforjerseyshore recommended Wawa large soda cup) up to 32 ounces with Coors Light for $2. This year’s Friday promotion looks like 24 ounce Coors Light drafts for $2 – still not a bad deal, but, c’mon Joey, we could use that extra 10 oz. of beer. There’s a recession on after all.

VIP cards for locals will reappear for 2009 with a giveaway on May 1. For Summer ‘08, Monmouth and Ocean residents skipped a $5 or $10 cover just by showing ID. Text PlanetSurf to 46786 for $5 cover before 11 on Friday.