Hurricane Damage to NJ Restaurants

[equal_Mark]

Got this from Drew's Bayshore Bistro in Keyport:

"Hello everyone. First and Foremost we hope you all weathered Sandy well. We know a lot of folks in our area didn't do so well, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them. Where are we at Drew's? well Sandy wasn't too kind to us either, but we will be back. We had about 51/2 feet of water tear thru the bistro, and it's gonna be while before we put out the next batch of shrimp & grits. We're not sure when that is going to be, but we'll be sure to let you know! Hope to see you soon - Drew & Tracy"

I'll assume that Nemo, which is across the street on the bay side suffered similar damage.

[MichelleM131]

Yumi in Sea Bright is having a soft opening. They are open for delicious sushi but are training a new staff and working the kinks out. Please be kind if visiting and give them a small pass if all is not perfect. The other Sea Bright establishments hope to be open by mid June. Thanks!

[PuniceaRana]

Mueller's Bakery in Bay head is open for the Memorial Day weekend, though they are only selling coffee and their amazing crumb buns. Their phone is not operational, and it is cash only at this point. Apparently they still have not received any money from their flood insurance or anything from FEMA, as of yet, and have only just been able to apply for state grants. Looks like they are trying to come back...at least we can get our crumb bun fix :-)

[bgut1]

Drew's Bayshore Bistro will be reopening tomorrow, March 5, at his new location at 25 Church St., Keyport!!!

[wizard2]

Saw this link on Drew's Bayshore Bistro's Facebook page.
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index...

[HillJ]

wizard, what a terrific article about quite a few restaurants impacted by the hurricane. The support going on over in Union Beach is also quite remarkable. First time in all my years living in Mon cty that Union Beach rec's major attention.

I've seen a good deal of action over at Drew's new location. The parking lot and surrounding side streets filled with construction work. Good thing parking in Keyport is still (rare) free. That town rallied around Drew in a major way. Nemo's, The Keyport Fishery, all of the pizza shops and Trinity have been up and running for some time. Any word on Red Sky? Mike's Subs is under full re-construction.

I'm looking forward to enjoying meals all over the bayshore and seaside area this spring. Already been to Woody's twice.

I'll be interested to see what Tim decides to do with Rum Runner.

[JenniS]

Red Sky posted on Facebook a month or so ago that they unfortunately would not be re-opening.

[HillJ]

Thanks for letting us know Jenni S.

[fershore]

Oh no! Per the article, no more Steve's Breakfast & Lunch in Sea Bright. I could not be more bummed. I am grateful that I had a delicious breakfast there just days before Sandy.

[corvette johnny]

Any word on the Bay ave trattoria?

[Njchicaa]

Rumor has it (from multiple sources) that Maruca's Pizza will not return to the Seaside boardwalk.

I've heard that they are looking for another location. They'll lose a TON of traffic if they stay in Seaside but go onto the strip. Pizza and soda isn't enough to lure most off the boardwalk, they are no Klee's. As for a shop in TR, they had 2 and both closed.

[Tapas52]

I hope its just a Rumor and Joe & Dominick can recover and open ASAP Where ever they go I'll be there for their PIZZA !

[JustJake]

Tap, I know you're a Toms River (or nearby) resident. The last time I visited Seaside, it may have been during the Carter Administration. ;-)

I have had their family's pie in Hamilton - it's quite good - delicious in fact. I wish Seaside well in it's reconstruction and that you can enjoy next summer season.

[Njchicaa]

That's where Donnie is I believe.... Hamilton. He's somewhere in the central-west part of the state near Cherry Hill.

Jake, I grew up in TR, live in the next town over, and even worked at Maruca's as a teenager. I am not just some random person posting about the place.

I hope Joe can find a location on the boardwalk for Maruca's. I don't think there are enough fans to buy their expensive pies on a regular basis to keep them going if they are in some out-of-the-way location.

[veganhater]

Just saw this post. Any idea why they won't open on the boardwalk? Their decision or someone else's? This is extremely disappointing news, as it's my favorite pie on any boardwalk.

[Njchicaa]

They overextended themselves with the attempt to franchise so they are walking away from the building on Porter Ave. I think they are having difficulty finding a place on the boardwalk that wasn't damaged by the storm.

They may not be open for summer 2013 but plan to definitely be up and running for 2014.

[JustJake]

I placed a call to Bay Ave. Trattoria the other day (it's a saved # on my cell as is Belford Bistro and a few other favorites) ---- not even a voice message as to status with the phone just ringing and ringing.

Someone mentioned that Grimaldi's was still standing - which is across the street but doesn't necessarily mean it's operational.

I do miss BAT - I'm sure a lot of folks do.

As to the rebuilding of certain towns cited above, I'm in agreement with MGZ on much of her points. Certain areas should probably not be rebuilt (especially Sea Bright) as it's a given it will happen again and again (and it won't take another 100 years). Time to be bought out ala Topsail NC (which had many homes rebuilt 3-4x in a span of a few decades) and annexed to Gateway.

[wizard2]

From BAT's website:

http://www.bayavetrattoria.com/

We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their emails and calls. We will be reopening sometime in the next few months. We will keep you posted on our web site.

Gift Certificates will be available for sale at the restaurant Monday - Friday from 9am - 2pm

We can only accept cash or checks.

Any questions, call Maggie 732 513-4665

Happy Holidays Joe & Maggie

Looking forward to seeing everyone next year!

[JustJake]

That is terrific news. Never bothered to check out their website. Thanks Wizard

[wizard2]

Noticed on BAT's website today:

http://www.bayavetrattoria.com

At this time we do not have any plans to re open in the near future. Thank you to all of our loyal customers.
- Joe & Maggie

[angelo04]

Awful news. That was a great place and a favorite. Wishing Joe and Maggie all the best.

[JustJake]

At least I'll have some fond memories of wonderful dinners with family and friends (one of which whom passed a month or so ago). Joe Romanowski's restaurants were my 'go to' for over 20 years - dating back to his J&M Bistro in Long Branch.

That he's decided not to re-open (at this time) isn't surprising. He did a 6 day week for many many years - it took a physical toll on him (hip replacement) and I wish him well.

Man, my family is really going to miss this place - even my kids had this as their favorite restaurant.

[corvette johnny]

Any word on bay ave trattoria yet?

[equal_Mark]

I drove past there and stopped to look in a week ago. The inside is still fairly torn up with no visible signs of work in progress.

[corvette johnny]

Ah, that is not good. Well we can keep our fingers crossed. Thanks for the update. I assume the Tap House is in the same boat?

[equal_Mark]

Stopped by today and took a pic through the front door at BAT; no discernible work being done since last time.

[angelo04]

Is Grimaldi's pizza across the street open yet?

[equal_Mark]

Grimaldi's is still closed. They _hope_ to reopen by Memorial day. Pretty much everything on Bay Ave is still closed.

[equal_Mark]

Rumor going around is that Joe wants to reopen, but at a different location...

[MGZ]

Although it's not a restaurant, I'm happy to post that the Point Lobster Company has been reopened for a bit. Good news for anyone still trying to pull together the best fish they can for Christmas Eve.

[angelo04]

Daniel's is having it's grand reopening tonight at its new location in Avon by the Sea.

[wizard2]

Where is the new location? Can't find anything on the internet.

[angelo04]

Daniel's Bistro By The Sea, 526 Main Street, Avon By The Sea

732-775-4107

[wizard2]

Thanks!

[fourunder]

Whitehouse Subs in Atlantic City is still closed as a result of Sandy. I was there on 12/4 and they appeared to be doing a renovation inside and had signs posted on the windows indicating the closure was due to the hurricane damage.

[MGZ]

For what it's worth, the following restaurants are still too damaged to be open and had to stay out of Restaurant Week:

Mister C's Beach Bistro - Allenhurst
Langosta Lounge - Asbury Park
Jake's Crab Shack - Belmar
Matisse Restaurant - Belmar
River Rock Restaurant & Marina Grill - Brick
Labrador Lounge - Normandy Beach
Daniel's Bistro - Point Pleasant Beach
Daniel's Trattoria - Point Pleasant Beach
Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty - Point Pleasant Beach
Shipwreck Point - Point Pleasant Beach
Shrimp Box - Point Pleasant Beach
Woody's Ocean Grill - Sea Bright
Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails - Toms River

To be frank, Jake's and Matisse probably should never be rebuilt at their original locations - unless Belmar is willing to invest in some significant dunes. I mean, take a look at what Bradley Beach did in the 90s. That sure seems to have been prudent now, huh? (But, what do I know? I'm one of those people who know that we are contributing to the dangerous warming of the planet, is overeducated, reads too much, and would rather walk than drive whenever possible.)

Oh, and Sea Bright, if ever the Constitutional power of Eminent Domain should be exercised (oh, yeah, we had this discussion in the 80s), this is it. Face it, that part of the strip shouldn't be built upon. I know it's close to Middletown and Red Bank's populations, but maybe it should be more like Sandy Hook? Please remember, we're paying for this rebuild, the last one, and the next to come (by "we", I mean us in NJ and the country as well* - which means NJ residents pay twice). For what? Seriously, tear it down, leave a roadway, and move on.

* There is a reason the London reinsurers won't back flood policies for much of our coast so that the Federal government has to absorb the risk.

[sjmjd]

There was anarticle in the Asbury Park Press recently about how Wind N Sea withstood the hurricane so well. It said that they were required to build according to rigid and expensive codes that were devised to protect against such storms.

[MGZ]

Most likely the result of the "Storm of the Century" Gloria in 1985. Or, perhaps, the "Perfect Storm" on Halloween in '91. Face it, it's time to draw a line, or put everything in Sea Bright 25 feet above the ground.

[MichelleM131]

Please remember that there are many of us who depend on our locations in Sea Bright to make a living. What better place to sell ice cream than at the beach? We are working on a vision for a sustainable community but cannot imagine wiping the entire town off the map. A new flood elevation will be released on Dec 10 for the entire NJ coast. We will have to modify or rebuild our properties in order to acquire insurance. We have only been there, as a business, for four years. There are others who have been there for ten, twenty, thirty or more. So, please remember Long Branch, where people were not paid properly for their properties. I cannot imagine the government would write me a check that would equal the value of my both by business and my building. I am in the middle of the "downtown", have never had water in my store before, even with Irene it didn't go over the curb, and I am actually insured by Lloyd's of London.

[wizard2]

Just build it right so that it does not become a burden on the US taxpayers. If the cost of building it right, less any subsidies that you might be entitled to, doesn't fit into your business model, move on or else enjoy your potentially expensive hobby!

[MichelleM131]

Obviously, building it right would be an advantage to me, so my family need not suffer this again. We have four small children and we work hard to provide for them. We actually own our building, or should I say own the mortgage on our building, which limits our ability to move on. The subsidies for businesses are almost non-existent. No help from FEMA, the SBA offers loans for between 4-6%, there is an ICC clause for flood proofing or meeting new building requirements in a rebuild but no one is quite sure if that applies to businesses either.

[MGZ]

Look, I'm not saying it's going to be easy on everyone, but that doesn't mean it's not the right thing to do. Coastal development in New Jersey has often been thoughtless. It's time to think.

As you may know, I'm very local. My family has lived at the Shore for a century. I still have the pictures my Grandfather took of the destruction from Hurricane Donna. I love access to the Atlantic so much, I tolerate living in NJ. Nevertheless, I'm willing to be honest and prudent about the best ways to approach restoration and some of them should include not rebuilding.

I will admit, however, that I did not know Lloyd's would write commercial flood insurance policies. I know people who would be very interested in such coverage. The fundamental reason that the National Flood Insurance program exists is because private reinsurers would not cover the risks.

[MichelleM131]

We are actually one of the highest points in Sea Bright. We were granted a waiver from FEMA stipulating flood insurance was not a requirement for our particular property. We purchased it anyhow because it was so cheap, due to the fact that it was not necessary, I suppose. When my policy is up for renewal, it's anybody's guess who will insure or what the cost will be. We'll have a bit more information on the tenth, with the new elevation levels.

[MGZ]

For what it's worth here's a recent article about NJ's development of the Shore and how maybe it's time to rethink:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12...

Two highlights:

"'People opposed every one of our measures because short-sighted people say 'Let's enjoy it today, don't worry about tomorrow,'" said former New Jersey Gov. Thomas Kean, a Republican who proposed a coastal commission in the 1980s in an ultimately failed bid to curb excessive development. "'You just can't do that as a state, or you have to expect that sooner or later you're going to lose that game.'"

and

"Many experts say Sandy presents an opportunity to rethink New Jersey's future development patterns. Some argue that the most sensible approach would be to pull back from vulnerable coastlines and relinquish some real estate to nature. But already the pressures are building -- from homeowners, and from municipalities hungry for property tax revenues -- to put everything back the way it was."

If it makes you feel any better, I feel the same way about quite a few locations that I have know all my life, including some here in Manasquan.

[equal_Mark]

Finally got into Sea Bright a month after Sandy. Stopped for a bite to eat at the only business currently open. Mrs. Rooney has run her Sabrett stand at this location 10 months out of the year since 1977. She only reopened yesterday after repairing and refurbishing the cart after submersion in 5 feet of seawater during the storm.

[AC Captain]

Some more good news for Sea Bright-Ama at the Driftwood also re-opened that Friday.

[HillJ]

Keyport Fishery has reopened.

[Tapas52]

How did the Lobster chanty do in PP?

[HillJ]

T, they've been advertising their New Year's Eve bash. I haven't been to LC myself in some time. I should....

[jrzcat]

Does anyone know how The Black Whale and Mud City of Manahawkin fared?

[aklein]

Avon Pavilion is gone. Matisse in Belmar has been torn down and rumor is that the town won't build new permanent structures on the new boardwalk, so unclear about Matisse (and Mack's Chicken Shack!).

[angelo04]

Both Daniels in PP were destroyed. The good news is they have been gutted and are under construction. Hopefully they open sooner rather than later.

[MarlboroMan]

My mother in law keeps asking about the Shrimp Box in Pt. Pleasant (her favorite restaurant). Any idea how they fared?

Can't be too bad.. says opening for business in March of 2013 (they generally close in December, I think).

[angelo04]

I have not heard, but that has me wondering about Mr. Shrimp in Belmar. They were inland though so hopefully they made out OK.

[Curlz]

Drove past mr shrimp last Sunday and it appeared to be open. Hoffman's in spring lake was also open but had only about half their normal flavors at that point

[FWeats]

Shrimp Box is for sale. Owners will run it until sold. Don't know about damage.

[rjka]

Drove by the Shrimp Box last Friday, after Thanksgiving and it was closed. Didn't seem to be any significant damage, but couldn't tell about flooding. No obvious cleanup going on though.

[rcript]

Shrimp Box is rebuilding, they had about 4 1/2 ft of water! Daniel's Bistro should be open by mid-end of January if construction goes well. The fate of Daniel's Trattoria is still unknown. Broadway Bar & Grill is rebuilding, no time line as of yet. Spoke to the owner of Daniel's the other day, he is opening Daniel's Bistro By The Sea on Main St. in Avon By The Sea, should be open by Dec 9th.

[jracpa]

We ate at the Shrimp Box tonight. I thought I had heard it has been reopened for a while, but the waitress told us that they had just reopened on Wednesday. The hostess told me that the water had come half way up the waterside windows, and that they will be putting some markings/plaques indicating the high water mark.

Reds Lobster Pot has a for sale sign on it. Daniel's Bistro has a sign indicating that they will reopen.

[JustJake]

It was nice being able to dine at Nemo's last nite. Had to gas up on the way home after working late, and got off at #117. Figured I'd try heading down Broad St, found the downtown parking full and after a quick turnaround found a spot across the street.

While I commented to my waitress that it was great to see that Nemo's was opened and unscathed from the Hurricane, her command of the language was weak and after repeating it twice, gave up trying to convey my feelings. As I had sushi the nite before at Izu, opted for a few appy's (Shumai and the duck roll) along with a bowl of hot miso soup.

[equal_Mark]

Woody's in Sea Bright helps organize & feed those helping to rebuild the town:

http://video-embed.nj.com/services/pl...

[Curlz]

I know that there are CH rules/regs about what can be posted here, but the folks down the shore should know that there are restaurants in Northern NJ trying to help! Many are offering special menus or events (Belmar has one next Sat) with proceeds going to charities, others are offering their kitchens for pop-ups on the nights they're closed. If the administrators will allow it on this thread, I think it would be a community service to allow us to name names...

ETA: I realize that Belmar isn't NNJ, but rather, a shore town that was slammed--was just trying to make my point.

[The Chowhound Team]

It's fine to list these types of things, but please try to keep the focus on the food that's on offer, and talk about them in your own words rather than copying any marketing/promo materials. And, of course, our rules for insiders still apply -- anyone who is involved with one of the businesses should not mention themselves.

[Curlz]

I was in belmar and spring lake yesterday--both heartbreaking (the SL boardwalk is just GONE) but I did notice that the hotel where black trumpet is had an open sign on their front steps. Not sure if that's for the restaurant, but FYI.
Had an excellent lunch at massuto's--pizzas are legit Neapolitan style! The menu is still limited but it was good to see something up and running after being in belmar.
Hoffman's was also open and was worth every calorie, as usual!

[MGZ]

It's still very bad down here. Access is limited to the beach areas in many towns. The trash piles of people's belongings are everywhere and quite depressing to see.

On a positive side, I'm glad to note that some area restaurants really stepped up with free meals during the worst of the aftermath. Here in Manasquan, Firefly was offering up lunch and coffee for several hours a day - serving a lot of food that they went out and bought. 10th Ave. Burrito and Brandl. were doing something similar in Belmar. I'm sure there were others that helped as well (I saw the manager from Remington's assisting the sandwich shop Max Devros in offering lunches).

At bottom, the rebuilding of the physical structures, economy, and collective psyche is going to take a lot of time. To the extent any of you are not sure where you might like to go for dinner, think about patronizing one of these spots.

[equal_Mark]

Local Smoke BBQ have been providing hot meals for the utility workers, National Guard and displaced locals as part of Operation BBQ Relief.

Jersey Shore BBQ has reopened and has joined up with 10th Ave. Burrito for the "10th Avenue Freeze-out": Rebuilding Belmar event...

[MGZ]

Thanks, Mark.

[MGZ]

Other places that suffered physical damage were Shipwreck Point, Leggetts, Union Landing, Sand Bar, and Labrador Lounge.

The loss of power was also significantly damaging. I just got power at home in Manasquan yesterday. A few local restaurants just got it a day before that - Remington's, Maria's, Squan Tavern, etc.

[MGZ]

Leggett's is reopening with a party tomorrow at Noon. They worked very hard!

[Curlz]

Does anyone know how the pier in Long Branch fared? I ask partially because a friend who lives down the shore wants to meet up this weekend and we have no idea, and partially because we haven't read/seen much about Long Branch. Avenue? Sirena?

equal_Mark to the white courtesy phone... :-)

[corvette johnny]

The restaurants are not open yet. I haven't seen them personally but I hear they will be opening soon. Check this out....

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.c...

Angelo the Copper canyon is OK. I might be there tonight actually : )

[JustJake]

Pho Le for the bride & I tonite. It'll be a menage a trois as I intend on bringing a bottle of Reisling as well to share.

[corvette johnny]

what do you get at Pho Le? I want to go there soon but know nothing about Vietnamese food.

[shesallthat]

Yes Woody is cooking for anyone in need..what about Barnacle Bill?

[Tapas52]

El Familiar is open in Toms River we had a wonderful birthday party there last night.
Colombian/mexican food was delicious.

http://www.elfamiliar.com/

[angelo04]

Corvette Johnny

Sorry if this post is too late CC is reopening tomorrow.

BTW my JSB C6 is trucks away in the garage until the salt washes away!!!

[SusieQQ]

Matise in Belmar is destroyed and the oceanfront bar at Mr. Cs in Allenhurst is gon
Supposedly the skrestaurants on the boardwalk i'm Asbury Paek will reopen by Christmas.

[JustJake]

Vette, you can't go wrong with any of their dishes. I just had my wife's leftover Pepper Shrimp which is char broiled (including the green beans) and brown rice.

We had the Vegetarian Spring Rolls (tofu based) which is served with a peanut dipping sauce (not my favorite- but I used it), and also had the Egg Rolls which are my favorite (especially with the lettuce wraps and fresh mint and cilantro). The following are highly recommended: Tuna salad, Pepper Shrimp, Souper Bowl, Lemongrass Curry Chicken. Always check out their specials (which the service staff doesn't bring to your attention). It's on a little plexi standup on the table. Last nite's specials had peppered monkfish and also a crispy duck dish. Disappointed that we missed it - as the duck looked like a real winner.

[corvette johnny]

NIce, mine is tucked away too. I only drive it in pristine conditions. Any advice on an indoor car cover? I was thinking the satin stretch Gm one or the one LG sells with the zipper. PS, don't forget to hook up a battery tender ; ) Over the summer my battery died and wouldn't even take a charge. I got lazy and forgot about the tender.

JustJake, thanks for the info. I might have to try that duck!

Barnacles is not open. I think they just got power 2 days ago. Salt Creek is open and it was PACKED friday. I ate there and luckily snagged a bar table right as I walked in and didn't have to wait over an hour. Their baseball cut sirloin with bluecheese is a decent steak.

[angelo04]

Flaky Tart in Atlantic Highlands is fine, and was busy making Mac and cheese for some of the shelters. I think Copper Canyon is fine as I have a reservation this Saturday.

Jenkinsons in PT Pleasant had no damage to their buildings and structures. Tiki Bar did not fare so well. Building is intact but that entire rear deck is gone.

Belford Bistro reopened this past Wednesday.

Broad Street in Red Bank seemed OK, went to VIA 45 on Sunday, excellent as usual, menu was slightly limited compared to normal but to be expected.

Haven't heard about Bay Avenue Trattoria.

[JustJake]

I do believe that everything in the Highlands is gone. Bay Ave (I don't know that Joe will rebuild as his wheels are going and I wouldn't be surprised if he either retired or is looking to FL to restart). Wind n Sea - Gone. Clam hut - Gone, Lusty Lobster - Gone, Inlet Cafe - Gone, Bahrs - Gone, Moby Dick - Gone. Grimaldi's - Gone.

Matisse in Belmar - Gone. My friend who is a line chef at Drew's has already applied for UE. But they will rebuild.

Mr. C's Allenhurst - Gone. Mc Loones in Sea Bright - looks like it may be a tear down with the AP location having taken a good amount of water to the first floor.

Don't know about Whispers, Black Trumpet in Spring Lake. I'm sure that there is nothing left of the Atlantic Grill. Don't know how my favorite sushi spot, Izu did, but wouldn't be suprised if it's gone. Anything in Sea Bright (Woody's, Yumi) are also probably on the ropes. Spoke with one of the owners at Sea Bright Pizza and they're throwing in the towel, as they only recently reopened after Irene. Don''t know about the Flaky Tart - I think that they're ok.

It's going to be a real long time before us locals get back to normal. For all of the restaurants that I cited in the Highlands, ALL the residents lost their homes, everything. Highland's PD are having them park on the hill to run this out and the scene of those in need at OL of Perpetual Help there on #36 was heartbreaking. Give what you can (time, money, clothing).

It is so so very sad and depressing down here.

[equal_Mark]

Long Branch in general is at a much higher elevation than other nearby shore towns. As a result the buildings and other structures suffered much less direct damage.

The upshot? For one, Izu Sushi is currently open for business.

[fershore]

Lusty Lobster per an email and their website plans to reopen soon. Woody's does as well.

I cannot image a life without Sea Bright pizza. It's the best.

[jrvedivici]

@ JustJake....I was in the Highlands this past Saturday Nov. 3rd and I can tell you that the Lusty Lobster is still there.....Bahrs is still there......Grimaldi's is still there.....Moby's is still there.......I don't know the amount of damage they received internally however externally the structures are still there and look "sound".........I'm not sure where you received your information from but I am happy to say it is inaccurate.

[JustJake]

Thanks. I had assumed that as the WindnSea was crushed, that many nearby restaurants incurred the same fate. Couple that with the numbers of homeless standing in line for aid at OLPH up on the hill - and I missed, and hope that your report is correct, but there's no discounting that just because a business is still standing, doesn't mean it's going to be able to get back up on it's feet in a few weeks, let alone a few months.

Relative to SB Pizza, that's great news and the information I received was incorrect. I know that it's only been a few of months that they've reopened after Irene - and then to get knocked on one's a## again, I could understand.

While I do hope that all return, it is not going to be easy - and some, will not regardless of what they tell you at this point. Has anyone heard as to Joe Romanowski's building and what he intends on doing? I love SB Pizza, but losing BAT would be tough as it remains my favorite restaurant down here.

[jrvedivici]

I'm not sure where or what OLPH is...but I did stand in a soup line at a Church next to the Highlands Town Hall for a cup of coffee while I was there. A good friend of mine lived on Ocean Ave....about 10 houses from the water.....I brought him in to see/asses the damage. The water line in his home was about 3/4 feet high.........the town while devastated did survive and should thrive once again. It will take time like everything else.

[JustJake]

Our Lady of Perpetual Help up on the highway

[jrvedivici]

I was back in town yesterday and Bahr's had a sign they were open for business!!

[MichelleM131]

Just a note ~ our business is two doors down from Sea Bright pizza and Cono is definitely not throwing in the towel. We were together for hours yesterday, at our devastated stores, and he was leading the, 'Stop crying! We rebuild and put it behind us!" cry. Sea Bright pizza is his love and his livelihood, as was our store, Gracie & the Dudes.

[TomT]

Good luck Michelle, Hoping for the best for you and yours. Tom and Tina...(your former neighbors when you had the ice place in AH)

Now rebuild Donovans! :)

[J M S]

Michelle - i am so glad Gracie and the Dudes is returning. By far the best ice cream in the area. My wife and I are Sea Britghtonians and we walk (or drive) down all the time. Sea Bright pizza is delicious. There eggplant pie is out of this world good. On that note I hope all of Sea Bright returns to normal soon!

[JustJake]

Just shared with me - Hurricane Sandy and the Highlands. There are shots of various restaurants in town in this video. Heartbreaking as to the magnitude of the loss for residents of the Highlands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjkwny...

[TomT]

I'm sure many have significant damage and will take some time to come back. Bahrs, however, seems to have sustained relatively minimal damage and Jay and the crew should have them back up soon.

For updates on Bahrs: https://www.facebook.com/BahrsLanding...

[JustJake]

Tom, I'm sure that will cheer the blue haired set and visions of 'Early Bird' seatings whenever they do open.

[TomT]

Wasn't commenting on their culinary prowess, just the fact that they aren't "gone". FWIW, stick to the basics and it's a fine meal. No pastas, paellas, etc. Soup, clams on the half, a fish platter or a lobster and out.

[corvette johnny]

Sea bright, from what I have seen on the internet, is an absolute mess. I don't think much is doing well there at all.

Sally Tee got hit hard...

[equal_Mark]

Keep in mind that the picture of Sally Tees was taken about 10 hours before the worst of the storm hit!

[corvette johnny]

yeah I heard it was a mess down there. did anything in seabright survive? I heard something about woodys cooking for for the workers in seabright so they might be still standing.

[equal_Mark]

Woody's suffered minimal damage, and has joined up with chefs from AMA, Sea Bright Pizza, Yumi and Fromegerie to cook hot meals for first responders, National Guard and contractors working to restore Sea Bright to some semblance of normalcy.

[JustJake]

Nice. If anyone needs it, it's the responders in the Sea Bright, Highlands, Monmouth Beach area. Are there still around 50 folks missing and unaccounted for in Sea Bright?

[clambake44]

Does anyone know how the Crab's Claw in Lavallette fared?

[Njchicaa]

I saw a picture of the building and it looked intact. No clue about water damage inside, though.

[gigotz]

I saw the pic, also. And it supposedly faired well. However, with all the other damage that Sandy wreaked on the island, it will be some time before anyone is going to be let back into the area anyway.

[rcript]

The Crab's Claw Inn is now open!

[HillJ]

Drew's (fairly) new location unfortunately sits downhill of Front Street. Nemo's front took water but the entire backend including the new deck sat high enough not to be taken out even with the bay at their back sight view. The Red Sky Restaurant, Ye Cottage Inn, Mike's Subs, Hotdog guy and Keyport Fishery took hits to varying degree. Roads leading to Keyport's downtown are closed to most traffic and will be for some time while the cleanup at the bay continues.

[Tapas52]

How did Marucas Pizza on the Seaside boardwalk do during the storm & Aqua Blu, & Xena in
Tom's River on the bay....Lobster Shanty, Daniels, in PPB? Avenue in Lb etc..

[Curlz]

I just got off the phone w/a friend who lives in PPB, and she said it's a war zone there...like nothing she's seen in her whole life, and she's been down there for decades. I can't imagine too many places in that town are okay right now.

[Njchicaa]

Maruca's posted on their Facebook page that the store survived without any major damage.

[Tapas52]

good to hear marucas survived ...but all around them is gone ...so sad.

I wonder also about the Atlantic bar & Grille

[JustJake]

I would seriously doubt if you could even find where the footprint of the Atlantic Grill was - sitting in the dunes as they did, and the storm surge -

[FWeats]

Seaside Park and South Seaside Park were barely touched. Waves never breached the dunes. Damage was on bayfront.

[veganhater]

Does that mean ABG is ok? Ditto for Ebby's?

[FWeats]

Think so but not sure. In Fl. now.

[fondofu]

The Atlantic Bar and Grill Is Fine with No Damage ..It is going to Reopen with The orignal Chef Mike Back in Feb or March and Not only is he the Chef But also The New Owner..From What I hear its going to be Called Chef Mike's ABG and will have some of the old ABG Favs Plus new Economy Friendly Tapas and Small Plates..will see

[HillJ]

Mike's Subs in Keyport was dismantled this week and The Red Sky intends to rebuild/reopen. Hot Dog guy is gone, Fishery is open for business. Ye Cottage Inn sustained a great deal of structural damage, no idea status. Nemo's is open for business. I do not know the status of Drew's place.

[jrvedivici]

As of yesterday Drew's was still closed and it didn't even look as if any work had been started on cleaning it out etc.

[Deb Van D]

Sallee Tee's is sort of deja vu. Not unexpected, but sad. 5 feet of water in the place, they are putting on their happy face and saying that it will take a couple of weeks to dry out and clean up before they can open again.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/549059_404082476330337_703303709_n.jpg

And Kitchen Witch being gutted as we speak.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...

[cgarner]

We ventured into Atlantic City on Friday night (despite the Mayor’s warning that we’d be going at our own risk)
AC was pretty desolate, some businesses still had the boards over their windows and there were a few street lights out
Definite increased police presence on the streets

I am hesitant to post much about our dinner, because over the years, we’ve become quite familiar with the restaurants owned by the Dougherty family
I will say that Dock’s Oyster House, the Knife & Fork and Harry’s all came away unscathed
We had a fabulous meal on Saturday night and the place was nearly empty
The food at Dock’s and K&F is consistently great, the service is warm and friendly

If your favorite place is open, and you can afford the extra few bucks out of your pocket… GO!
The people that work for tips who have been out of work could use your support
Also, the small or new business owners may have insurance to cover any food lost, but the insurance doesn’t cover loss of revenue…

[Quine]

Nj workers who have lost their jobs due to the storm are eligible for Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance. And this included those who are self employed.
Here is the information:

http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/new...

[cgarner]

"Self employed" is not the same as loss of income on your business
if you own a restaurant and it has to close because of this type of a situation, no insurance company is paying you for those days that your doors are closed and customers are not coming in and buying your food

[eleeper]

Actually, there is "business interruption" insurance: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business...

[lcool]

Which in most states is usually a VERY SPECIAL add on or amendment.Not something that just happens without agents,actuaries and sub policies.

[rcript]

which does not pay due to state of emergency!