Monmouth Buzz

{ BUZZ } OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

TIME TO VOTE— AGAIN

Monmouth Health & Life magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Poll is a go for 2022 despite the pandemic, and even if you haven’t voted in past years, this is a great way to support local businesses. Visit healthandlifemags.com/mon-votereaders choice2022/ to help bring glory to your favorite Monmouth County spots, from restaurants to retail shops, brunch hangouts to barbers. Winners will be revealed in our annual “Best of” issue this fall.

BLACK HEALTH MATTERS

“Black Health & Wellness” is the theme chosen for Black History Month this February, and that means both physical and mental health. So what could be more fitting than to shop at one of these Black-owned health and wellness businesses (just five of many!) in our county? Hair Haven, a full-service salon offering cuts and trims, coloring and blonding, blowouts, makeup application and more; 316 Main St., Asbury Park, 732.361.8415; blisshairhaven.com Jackson Counseling Services, a therapy practice that offers counseling for couples, children and teens and those who have suffered emotional trauma; 59 Throckmorton St., Freehold, 732.431.0646; jacksoncounselingservices.com Jazzy Hair Braiding, a top-notch hair salon with braiding and extension services and more; 718 Bangs Ave., Asbury Park, 732.988.7989; facebook.com/jazzyhairbraid MacroBites, a meal prep service based in Neptune that offers healthful and nutritious options, including soups, salads and varied entrées; macrobites.com New Creations Hair Design, a salon that specializes in cuts, coloring, weaves and lashes; 1400 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park, 732.361.8755

IT’S TIME TO GO GREEN

Can’t make it to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day? Being here in Monmouth is the next best thing. Parades honoring the holiday abound throughout the county (though many are not actually on the 17th). Here are five (turn to Be There on page 70 for more): Freehold Borough Arts Council: March 13 at 1 p.m. Dozens of organizations, including Freehold Elks and Irish pipe and drum bands, participate in this popular procession. Downtownfreehold.com has more information. Asbury Park: March 13 at 1 p.m. The city’s eighth annual parade attracts roughly 10,000 spectators (dogs are welcome!), who watch floats, veterans, local dance and community groups, Scouts and high school bands. For all the details, head to asburyparkstpatricksparade.com. Rumson: March 13 at 1 p.m. Bagpipe bands, floats, Irish step dancers and varied clubs and groups swell the procession of this year’s parade. For the full scoop, visit rumsonstpatricksdayparade.org Keyport: March 19 at 1 p.m. Hosted by the Keyport Fire Department, this neighborhood parade features live music, entertainment and varied floats. Follow Keyport St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Facebook to learn more. Highlands: March 19 at 2 p.m. The town’s 18th annual parade includes nearly 100 marching units. Visit highlandsnj.com for more details.

MARDI GRAS, MONMOUTH STYLE

A trip to N’awlins might not be in the cards now, but that shouldn’t dampen your Mardi Gras spirit. The excitement of Bourbon Street and Fat Tuesday revelry lives on in our towns, where these eateries are ready to help you (safely) celebrate: Small bites: Head over to Drew’s Bayshore Bistro (25 Church St., Keyport, 732.739.9219; drewsbayshorebistro.com) for an order or two of beignets. Served fresh and hot with sugar on top, these deep-fried, doughy pastries are a breakfast staple in the Big Easy. Eat like a king: There are many forms of king cake, but we love the festive version made at Normandie Bakery (3049 Rte. 35, Hazlet, 732.264.1634). Almost all king cakes are topped with icing in the traditional Mardi Gras colors purple, green and gold. The tasty cake also offers delight to the lucky person whose slice includes a small baby figurine, which just may be placed into the batter before baking. Remember to call ahead and place your order. Enjoy a boil: Few things are as enjoyable as a Louisiana seafood boil, and restaurants like Crabtales 66 (3548 Rte. 66, Neptune, 732.387.5888) do them up right. Expect a messy good time when you choose from lobster, crab, shrimp or crawfish and top it with your selection of spice and sauce. Raise a glass: Many cocktails are associated with Mardi Gras, but the La Louisiane truly has New Orleans roots. It’s strong and tasty, loaded with ingredients such as rye, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine. Order one at R Bar (1114 Main St., Asbury Park, 732.776.7463; itsrbar.com) and enjoy the party!

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Tucker, 9-year-old cockapoo Owner: Charles Murray of Freehold After losing the family’s beloved cocker spaniel, Freckles, when he was 15, the Murrays decided to rescue an older dog. Charles, 84, and his 76-year-old wife contacted the MidAtlantic Poodle Rescue in Baltimore and inquired about cockapoos—but they weren’t greeted with encouraging news, as the shelter rarely sees that mix. “We filled out the paperwork just in case,” Charles says, “and less than a month later, they offered us a 9-year-old cockapoo whose family had turned him in.” They made the drive to meet and pick up Tucker. “He stood on his hind legs like a circus dog and greeted me exuberantly,” Charles recalls. “It was mutual love at first sight.” It’s been three months since Tucker joined the Murrays, but they act like old pals. “We engage in frequent ‘dog-a-logues’: I stroke his head and tell him he’s a good boy; he kisses me and puts a front paw on my hand,” proud pop says. “Family is great, but nobody loves you like your dog!” Want to see your pup in a future issue? Email rita.guarna@ wainscotmedia.com or send us a DM on Instagram @monmouthhealthandlife.

CULINARY CORNER

They’ve got the meats

It’s always barbecue season at Oink & Moo BBQ, which held its grand opening this past fall at Bell Works in Holmdel. This place has every Southern comfort needed for a cold Northeast day, from pulled pork nachos and stew to Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and the famous OinknMoo burger.

• Oink & Moo BBQ, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, 732.444.1263; oinkandmoobbq.com

A taste of everywhere

The fictitious Dream Café was a farfetched idea when Jerry Seinfeld joked about an all-encompassing global eatery on his hit ’90s sitcom, but it’s now a reality. International Bites food hall is now open in Ocean Township, offering the cuisine of Japan, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela and Thailand all in one space. Diners will find arroz con mariscos, poke bowls, Tex-Mex steak tacos, Jersey Shore pizza and subs and more. There’s something for everyone!

• International Bites, 1013 Rte. 35, Ocean Township, 732.361.5935; internationalbites.hrpos.heartland.us

Sushi for the soul

For a more traditional Japanese meal, there’s Ahi Sushi in Lincroft. This new restaurant prides itself on fresh ingredients and a diverse menu that features favorites like kalbi, shumai, hibachi steak and chicken and assorted special sushi rolls.

• Ahi Sushi, 650D Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, 732.268.8133; ahilincroft.com

ATTENTION, MOVIE BUFFS

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to go back to the movies, this may be it. The Garden State Film Festival returns for its 20th anniversary at venues in and around Asbury Park from March 23 through 27. More than 200 local and independent films from around the globe will be screened in person at locations including the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, The Asbury Hotel and Jersey Shore Arts Center. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers had not been scheduled at press time. Tickets are on sale now; the opening gala reception is $50, and a multi-pass for all film screenings and the gala is $75. Visit gsff.org to purchase tickets and obtain up-to-date information, including a list of the 2022 films.