DINING AROUND With Marilyn July 31, 2006

The epitome of oceanfront dining, McLoone’s provides the complete package for diners who want atmosphere, views and great seafood, steaks and other creative entrees.  Located in the beautiful Pier Village in Long Branch it’s set right on the oceanfront.  Every table has a view, including the bar area!  You should come and enjoy the fantastic view, a cool ocean breeze and the great feeling of open air dining at the beach that only McLoone’s can provide.

We started off with the generous portion of the crab dip. Jumbo lump crabmeat baked with artichoke hearts, jalapenos and a touch of cream.  The ingredients gave it a distinctive light flavor.  This is a refreshing summer appetizer. My friend ordered the Coconut Shrimp, which were colossal and tasty.  They were lightly breaded with sweet coconut and served with an apricot dipping sauce. 

If you’re in the mood for steak, try the filet mignon served with roasted leek mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and seasoned butter.  It was grilled to perfection and melted in my mouth. They also offer an aged Black Angus strip steak, also served with Leek mashed potatoes, frizzled onions, portabella mushroom cap and seasoned butter sounded delicious.  If it was anything like the filet mignon, you won’t be disappointed!

My friend had a wonderful seafood dish; Linguine Rapp, a sauté of fresh Maine lobster meat, spinach, onions, garlic and roasted tomatoes finished with extra virgin olive oil, mozzarella and tossed with linguine.  This is ultimate summer food.  They re-do their menu every summer and return their diners favorite’s regularly.  This gives regulars a fresh and diversified set of choices.

Diversified they are.  They have an excellent choice of salads, sushi specialty rolls and of course a raw bar!  If you’ve had a bad day, or it's a dreary and rainy out, check out their comfort food menu.  Nothing makes you feel better then a home made pot pie with sliced fresh chicken breasts, carrots, peas, celery, potatoes, onions and scallion baked in a flakey pie crust.  Or, try the New England lobster casserole baked in bisque with julienne vegetables also served in a flakey pie crust.   

You might want to mark your calendar for 7:00 p.m. for the Thursday Concert Series as well as the TGIF Friday Jazz Concerts.  It’s at the Gazebo, which is conveniently located across from the outside dining area of McLoone’s.  It truly is a fabulous way to spend a summer evening. Also, performing at  9:00 p.m. on Thursday in the bar area are the “Jamie Wessendorf Trio”.  That was a real treat for us.  Their music is ranges from Eric Clapton’s Lay Down Sally to Janice Joplin’s Bobby Magee as well as current artists.  Even if you just come in for a cocktail, do not miss this talented trio!  You won’t be disappointed you came.  For information on the concert series go to www.piervillage.com.

After dinner take a stroll along the boardwalk or on the beach, or just walk around the village itself browse at all the unique shops the Village has to offer.  Or stop and get an ice cream cone!  This is what the Jersey Shore is all about!  Bon Appetit!