We are thrilled to share that there are many new places to check out here in our town of Asbury Park and the surrounding towns. Here’s a roundup of the restaurants that have recently opened:
CATBIRD:
(The name "Catbird" draws inspiration from an indigenous bird known for its distinctive song, which sounds like a car meowing. These birds are common in the Northeast, often found in hedges)
Aimee, a full-time resident of Asbury Park, previously lived in Jersey City and worked in Manhattan from 1996 to 2014. Her career began in the arts, where she gained experience working in museums and art galleries. Her culinary journey started as a creative outlet when she enrolled in night classes at the French Culinary Institute, focusing on bread baking. This newfound passion set her on a path toward opening her own establishment.
Her journey in the culinary world began as a bread apprentice at Alimentari and Il Buco. Aimee’s fascination with pizza-making grew after visiting wood-fired oven pizzerias on the West Coast, which inspired her to create a wood-fired bakery & pizzeria in Asbury Park. At Catbird, she seamlessly merges her artistic sensibilities with her culinary skills, creating a unique dining experience.
The menu at Catbird features a variety of fresh sourced ingredients including Smiling Earth mushrooms in Long Branch, greens from Kula Farm, Asbury Park and herbs from an on-site garden are essential to her dishes. Aimee’s background in sculpture and hands-on work, combined with her family's culinary influences and fine dining experiences, shape her approach to baking.
The pizza dough is made by hand with King Arthur flours. The standout pizza at Catbird is the pesto, which is both cheese-free and nut-free, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine. Popular offerings also include Margarita and fennel and spicy sausage pizzas. Aimee’s unique crust, distinguishes Catbird from other establishments.
hello@catbirdap.com
1215 Sunset Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
https://www.catbirdap.com/
MABEL:
Laura Brahn and Grace Crossman, the dynamic duo behind Cardinal Provisions, are embarking on an exciting new venture with Mabel, located in Bell Works. Though Laura doesn’t have a formal culinary degree, her kitchen experience began at the age of 13 at Vic’s in Bradley Beach, shaping her culinary journey.
Opening Cardinal in Asbury taught Laura valuable lessons, including learning Spanish and overcoming various challenges. Laura and Grace, who first met working in Asbury kitchens, humorously reflect on the obstacles they faced, confident that if they could manage those, they can handle the transition to Holmdel and the opening of Mabel.
Mabel will feature two distinct areas: an outdoor patio offering small bites and an indoor restaurant set to open in October 2024. The venue aims to offer coastal European bar food with a focus on good drinks, inspired by their Italian and French backgrounds. The slogan, "Casual Celebrations," captures their vision of an unfussy, celebratory atmosphere.
At Mabel, you can expect creative drinks like the Spiggia Spritz and a selection of local farm-sourced ingredients. Highlights include a circular brioche lobster roll with fresh lobster, smoked paprika, and garlic aioli. The team prides itself on making all the bread, focaccia, and breadsticks in-house and is excited about contributing to the vibrant culture of Bell Works.
101 CRAWFORDS CORNER RD
HOLMDEL, NJ 07733
https://www.mabelatbell.com/
HADAKA:
I recently had the pleasure of dining at an exciting new restaurant, where the appetizer truly stole the show: a Kumamoto oyster adorned with salmon roe, oyster sauce, fresh tomato, crisp radish, and a touch of gold leaf. The harmonious blend of these ingredients created a taste sensation that was both elegant and unforgettable. As I savored each bite, I had the chance to chat with the visionary owners, Eddie Falzarano and Gino Ferretti, who revealed that it took them a dedicated year and a half to bring their dream to life.
The restaurant prides itself on freshness, with ingredients flown in daily from Japan. The design is inspired by a striking mural that serves as a focal point. The baby yellowtail is currently in season, adding to the menu's allure.
Here, there is no fixed menu; guests leave their dining experience to the chef's discretion. The motto is "Experience a new level of taste," highlighting both exceptional food and ambiance. The menu changes every hour and a half, with four seatings daily and five on weekends. A complimentary sake kick-starts the meal.
Named HADAKA, which means "naked" in Japanese, the restaurant emphasizes raw food and fish. Gino brings his NYC experience and passion for Japanese culture, while Eddie adds his nightlife expertise. With only 12 seats, reservations are essential for this intimate experience. Guests can choose between 12 or 18 pieces of sushi, with dessert included, or opt for à la carte.
Eddie, a Bradley Beach native, wanted to bring something new to Asbury Park. The plan is to eventually expand. For a complete experience, try a cocktail from Lola’s, their cross-promoted partner.
(732) 361-0238
527 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
https://hadakanj.com/
Aimee’s background in sculpture and hands-on work, combined with her family's culinary influences and fine dining experiences, shape her approach to baking.
"Named HADAKA, which means "naked" in Japanese, the restaurant emphasizes raw food and fish. Gino brings his NYC experience and passion for Japanese culture..."