In 2009, Jim Flynn of Brielle launched the first Jersey Shore Restaurant Week so diners could sample the bounty of the Shore at bargain prices–and restaurateurs could get an off-season boost, making it a win-win for all.
That first JSRW drew 56 restaurants in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. This year the number of participating eateries has reached 93–“the most we have ever had,” says Flynn.
JSRW is held twice a year, in November and April. This year’s event will run from Friday, April 15 through Sunday the 24th, making it a 10-day week. That’s two better than the Beatles’ “Eight Days a Week,” gastronomically, if not musically.
The 93 locations will offer three choices of three-course meals for either $22.16 or $32.16.
Participants include chic, upscale spots with fine (French/Mediterranean) food and drink, like Avenue in Long Branch; rustic, upscale spots with fine (Italian) food and drink, like Undici in Rumson; ever-popular spots with fine food and drink, like Labrador Lounge in Normandy Beach; novel spots like Simply Southern in Belmar; historic spots like the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank and Bahr’s Landing in Highlands–as well as Harvest in Farmingdale, Catch in Red Bank and Arugula at the White Sands in Point Pleasant Beach, all three among this year’s 15 new participants.
You can search the participating restaurants by name, county, type of cuisine or by scrolling a map at jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com. Menu choices and prices are available for each, and reservations can be made online.
Flynn, 66, who spent 20 years working in corporate marketing, had observed the popularity of similar events across the country while traveling and researching one of his ventures, bestweekends.com, a planning site for travelers.
Flynn calls himself “a serial entrepreneur.” In 2013 he created the website and blog shorefoodie.com. The site offers reviews, a dining guide and reservation links to 130 Shore dining spots.
Restaurant Week events will include:
April 14, 6-9 pm
Chef’s Invitational Kick-Off – $41.99
The Mill, Spring Lake Heights
Includes signature dishes from 25 chefs and a complimentary wine bar
April 16, 1-4 pm
The Great Jersey Shore Burger Contest – $31.74 -52.24
Bar Anticipation, Lake Como
A judged tasting of special burgers from 15 area restaurants, with tastings of 20 craft beers.
April 20, 7-9 pm
Eat Drink Indulge: Craft Spirits – $36.87
Skratch, Asbury Park
Samples of nine boutique distilled alcohols, with appetizers from Skratch’s kitchen.
April 23, 12-4 pm
Burgers, Bloodies and Brews – no ticket required
Harpoon Willy’s and Latitudes, Manasquan and Toms River
Burger and Bloody Mary or beer combos at special JSRW prices.
Throughout the 10 days of JSRW, Uber car service will offer a 20 percent discount to new customers. Use the code JSRW/UBER to order a ride to and from your home or a local train station so you can indulge without endangering yourself or others.