Everyone has a favorite restaurant — a place where you know the menu and enjoy the food, ambiance, and service. Like Old Faithful, you get what you expect each and every time — no surprises. Although there is nothing wrong with going with what you know, sometimes you just have to mix it up and take a walk on the culinary wild side — taste something new!
Anthony Bourdain, the late chef and food connoisseur, summed up the idea of trying something out of the ordinary: “Sometimes the greatest meals on vacations are the ones you find when Plan A falls through.” Locally, there are several new restaurants to explore — from Italian to Korean BBQ. Let’s take a look at a few Plan B options that just may become your go-to place!
Steamed Mussels at Carmella's Cucina Italiana.
Carmella’s Cucina Italiana, Mays Landing
Executive Chef and owner, Michael Graber, believes food is “Where every dish tells a story of tradition, family, and passion.” The restaurant, located in the heart of old Mays Landing, New Jersey, is named in honor of his grandmother, Lillian Carmella. In her kitchen, Chef Graber learned the tastes and feel of homemade Italian cuisine. Memories of cooking with her instilled the belief that “fresh, hand-picked ingredients and heartfelt intention are the true essence of great food.”
On the menu —
Regardless of what you select, the emphasis at Carmella’s is on HOMEMADE. For starters, try the homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli, featuring toasted walnuts and citrus sugo (sauce). Continuing with the theme, homemade pasta dishes are plentiful — from spaghetti and meatballs to linguini and clam sauce. In the mood for pizza? Homemade, of course. Traditional thin-crust and hand-tossed 12” pies from margherita to BBQ short rib.
Coastal Chop House, Sea Isle City
In the mood for a traditional steak dinner? Coastal Chop House works to create an “extraordinary dining experience” with the Atlantic Ocean nearby. Steaks and seafood are this BYOB restaurant’s signature dishes.
On the menu —
Whether Filet mignon, Ribeye, or New York Strip, a meat-eater will no doubt be pleased. Seafood options include Blackened Ahi Tuna and Lobster Thermador. Add to your plate from a list of interesting sides, such as mashed potatoes, Mac ’n’ Cheese, and Creamed Kale, to name a few. In addition, Coastal Chop House offers brunch on Saturday and Sunday — omelets, bennies, and much more.
Top Pot K BBQ, Mays Landing
Top Pot K BBQ & Hot Pot started with a simple idea — bring people together, literally, around a table for great food and good company. That’s why Top Pot believes “…every table tells a story.” At its most recent location in Mays Landing, New Jersey, you can find sizzling Korean BBQ as well as warm and comforting hot pot meals — all under one roof. And, to “top it off,” Top Pot is an all-you-can-eat restaurant!
On the menu —
If you go for traditional Korean BBQ, you can select pork, beef, chicken, seafood, tofu, and vegetables. In addition, unlimited appetizers are plentiful like Korean Pancakes, Fried Spring Rolls, General Tso Chicken, and much more. Hot pot options offer eight soup bases ranging from rich mushroom to spicy Szechuan, filled with vegetables, thinly sliced meats, and noodles.
In addition to a vast array of food options, Top Pot also offers a full bar with bubble tea and cocktails — perfect for date nights or a girls’ night out.
Chez Fritz, Ocean Casino, Atlantic City
Chez Fritz, a new restaurant by Stephen Starr, follows the traditional French bistro, prix fixe meal concept. First, you start with a salad. Then, a main course is always served with unlimited servings of hand-cut frites. Yes, unlimited! In addition, choose from an array of decadent desserts, French wines, and classic cocktails. All in all, Chez Fritz strives to be “…the perfect haven for foodies seeking refined yet approachable cuisine.”
On the menu —
If you go for the prix fixe option, you start with a mixed green salad with white Balsamic vinaigrette. Second course options include choices like a Prime New York Strip, PEI Mussels in white wine and shallots, or a double smash Cheeseburger Royale. In addition, you can select your sauce — Béarnaise, Peppercorn, or Chimichurri.
If you are not in a prix fixe mood, Chez Fritz also offers à la carte menu items where you can order a variety of options like a Cheese Plate, Shrimp Cocktail, or Mac ’n’ Cheese.
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