I am embarrassed to admit that it has taken me this long to get my tail down to the beach in Asbury Park.  We love to go to AP for dinner, but always end up at either The Brick Wall or Taka Sushi.  I made up my mind on Friday that I was going to explore the much talked about Boardwalk revitalization. 

We started our tour of the boards at Tim McCloone’s Salt Water Beach Cafe which is located in the old Howard Johnson’s Building.  Our friends, John and Simone, are pictured here inside the Salt Water which as you can see is a casual eatery.  For a more fine dining experience you can move upstairs to Tim McLoone’s Supper Club.

After a drink, we decided to meander down the Boardwalk.  John had a favorite spot in mind and I wanted to check out all of the new merchants lining the boards.  Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a pottery wheel in motion and had to pop in to get a better look.

Greg, the owner, was in the middle of creating a new work of art and was more than happy to chat with us while he worked.   LaPlaca Pottery Works is a 2500 square foot Gallery and workspace that offers classes year round, as well as an oceanfront gallery to purchase Greg’s work.  As you can see, his Gallery is worth a visit.

As we strolled further down the boardwalk I was very surprised to see all of the high end furniture and apparel stores.  

Sandwiched in between the high end retailers and restaurants were a few old friends, like Madam Marie and some new attractions for the kiddies like the Water Park with giant sized buckets and hoses standing ready to douse the masses.

Since we had no kiddies in tow, the grownups decided to go down a few martinis at The WaterMark. Their website states, “Part sophisticated drinkery and tapas bar, part music lounge and social club, Watermark’s environment is contemporary yet comfortable, refined yet relaxed, upscale yet inclusive.”  I think they hit the nail on the head when it comes to comfort.  The place is lined with couches and ottomans, a fireplace and multiple winged back chairs.  They are completing construction on a terrace that I guarantee is going to be THE place to have a cocktail this summer.  I’m glad we made it there on a chilly night in May.  I have a feeling it will be a lot harder to get into in a few weeks.   My drink of choice was The Short Rib Martini.  Think very spicy margarita and really, really tasty.  After two of those Short Ribs it was time to go get some food.

We found ourselvess at the very trendy, very busy Stella Marina. They had a table available in 45 minutes which was reasonable since we did not have reservations.  The waiter recommended the Pasta Bolognese with
Pappardelle, traditional ragu, and marscapone cheese: very creamy and delicious.

Our evening with friends strolling the boards of Asbury Park was delightful and warmed this 40 something year old’s heart.  I was so glad to see so much of the old architecture still intact.  In the early 70’s, there was no Six Flags.  Asbury Park was our Great Adventure.  It was a thrill to visit and created many lasting memories for me.  To see the charm of the old architecture preserved and revitalized makes me root even harder for Asbury’s rebirth.  I hope you’ll get down there this summer to experience it for yourself.  I think you’ll leave with a smile.