Food + Beverage

Back To Basics

At Birdsmouth Beer, 'drinkability' is the name of the game. Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Andrea Phox Andy Gioia was pretty content with his job as a line cook at Mumford’s Culinary Center in Tinton Falls. He had a degree in microbiology, and the food industry allowed him to put some of that knowledge into practice, using it in a more approachable setting than, say, laboratory work. But then, the cable guy knocked on the door.  “He came over to install the cable, and it was...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Taste the Town

Local real estate pros Chris and Todd Katz dish on Long Branch's dining scene Article by Chris & Todd Katz | Photography by Andrea Phox Growing up in Long Branch in the 70’s and 80’s there were many iconic places to grab a bite any time of day. Like weekend breakfast at Max Embers or The Flame, Primavera’s and Ocean View Bakery for lunch and spots like The Continental, Tuzzio's or Jimmy Lu’s Chinese for dinner. The Inkwell was a late-night staple, of course. Unfortunately, all of those are no...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Kitchen Confidential

Local culinary pros tell us their secrets for success when cooking at home Article by Ryan Gallagher & Bernie Augustine If you’ve ever been out to dinner around Long Branch, had a wonderful meal and thought Man, I wish I could cook like that at home , well, you’re not alone. Plenty of diners have that feeling; it’s part of why we all go out to eat. The secret is, the “back of the house” has more cooks than you have forks in your house. And being organized, informed, and working as a team...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Freezer Door Margarita

This batched drink is simple, adaptable and tasty Article and Photography by Jared Gonsalves One of my favorite batched cocktail recipes is simple, but quite delicious and can be modified with various fruit bases. It can also be made as a non-alcoholic version if you're able to find a substitute, like Ritual Tequila (NA). Ingredients - 2.5 Cups of Tequila - 7oz Lime Juice - 7oz Orange Liqueur (Triple Sec/Cointreau) - Agave/Simple Syrup to taste Directions Remove enough from your tequila...

September 2024

Life + Culture

Celebrating Year One

The first year is in the books for Long Branch City Lifestyle magazine Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Stefany Gitleman As far as parties go, this was a big one. Emphasis on One. In August, Long Branch City Lifestyle owner and publisher Amy Dimes marked the completion of the magazine’s first year with a summertime celebration at 10PRL on Bath Avenue. In all, nearly 100 friends, family members, business associates and advertisers gathered to mark the occasion with food, drinks...

September 2024

Health + Wellness

Good Mood Foods

Mission-driven Long Branch entrepreneurs serving holistic know-how at Griffy's Organics Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Andrea Phox At this point, the term “Farm to table” is pretty ubiquitous in the dining space. But have you ever heard of blog to bottle? We’re guessing you haven’t, but that is essentially what Avry Griffin did with Griffy’s Organics, the holistic Brighton Avenue spot that is beginning to expand. “We started out as a blog, we wanted to inform people about...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Mock it Off

Bartending pro Jared Gonsalves shares tricks for turning a cocktail into a mocktail Article by Bernie Augustine For Jared Gonsalves, the reward is the smirk that comes after the first sip. “The eyes open a little wider,” he says. But in this case, it’s not a cocktail in that customer’s hand; it’s a mocktail. Make no mistake, mocktails are having a moment.  “You see a lot of women that are pregnant. You see a lot of people who don’t drink alcohol,” Gonsalves says. “For me to be able to give...

September 2024

Shopping

The It List

Must-have items for men to include in their wardrobe Article by Bernie Augustine Style doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with a few versatile staples, men can establish the building blocks for a look that can be dressed up or down to fit most occasions. If just the idea of getting started is too much to tackle, don’t worry. We talked to Sofia Duru, whose family owns and operates Michael Duru Clothiers in Shrewsbury, for some tips on classic pieces that will always be in style, and how to...

August 2024

Home + Design

In Full Bloom

Florist's subscription plan brings a pop of color and elegance Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Peter James Floral Couture Walking into a home, few things are as inviting as an arrangement of freshly cut flowers. The fragrance, colors and design are stimulating to the senses and bring a sense of warmth and life into the space. “Elegant,” is how Peter James Calafiore of Peter James Floral Couture describes his approach to floral arrangements. “We’re very picky about all of the...

August 2024

Food + Beverage

Order with Confidence

These classic cocktails never go out of style Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Rooney's It’s been 60 years since James Bond, played at the time by Sean Connery, uttered three of the most famous words in Hollywood history: “Shaken, not stirred.” And all these decades later, people are still ordering 007’s drink of choice, the martini. It has never gone out of style, and is still being shaken by bartenders on a daily basis. “That’s what people want. Shaken well and served...

August 2024