Everything: Clementines, Avon

To outsiders, the Jersey Shore (Central Jersey) is known for their beaches, over-sized pizza, guidos, italian ices, and dive bars... but locals know the hidden gems that make Jersey Shore shine. One of those hidden gems is a place called Clementines in Avon.

Clementines is unique because the owner has two passion. Painting and food. He runs a paint company in the morning and then Clementine's opens its doors at 5. You might be questioning the quality of this mans work, but seriously everything is superb.

Clementines is a cajun-style restaurant that makes masterpieces. Everything, and I mean everything is fantastic. And at first you may be overwhelmed by the interior but once you take a bite everything just makes sense. On top of the great food, this place is BYOB! They encourage you to stop by their local liquor store before it closes so you can truly enjoy your meal.

Overall the staff is great, the food is phenomenal... if I had to suggest a dish, I'd go for the shrimp and tasso pasta to get a taste for the cajun style... but you really can't go wrong. And definitely try their specials...

Check them out at: http://www.clementinescafellc.com/
And don't forget to make reservations...

Baci e Abbracci <3

Creamy Italian Dressing: Federicis, Downtown Freehold

If you like tradition, you'll love Federicis... also know as Frankie Feds. This place has been runnin' their restaurant for decades... passing down the family recipes to each generation in the Fed family and keeping the infamous thin crust pizza (among many favorites) alive...

Now, you might be thinking... but the title says Creamy Italian Dressing?? And you're absolutely correct. My absolute favorite is the house dressing; which is created on site and poured into recycled ketchup bottles to enjoy with salads. However. I discovered the house secret.

Order a large plain pizza.

Pour house dressing on top of the pizza.

Mangia.

Seriously, it's awesome. And you can't knock it till you try it. Do it.

14 East Main St.

Freehold NJ 07728

And if you don't want to be seen in public eating pizza with dressing (even though everyone does it there), they have a to-go window in the back by the parking lot (just ask for dressing to go... chicken!)

Oh yea, and while you're at it you'll want to order the apple crisp a la mode or the cannoli for dessert, so yummm :)

Baci e abbracci!