AMERICAN DINING

Actually the title of this story should not be dining but perhaps food consumption. I guess I am spoiled having been in the restaurant business for 45 years and a bit of a health nut when it comes to eating.

Mind you I am not talking about fine dining. I am talking about just eating everyday to stay healthy, fit and alive.

I am sorry but I just don't get the fast food thing. I am amazed at the sheer number of people going into these chain restaurants night after night. From a business stand point I just love the numbers they turn over and their profit margins are enormous. As a business concept good for them as a place to eat I have to pass. There are just too many other places to eat that serve good to great food for the same prices you are paying at the chains. In fact the wine prices at many of the chains are equal to or higher some of our better restaurants including my own Danny's Steakhouse.

I have tried many of the chains and always come away feeling like I should have gone somewhere else. I don't care if I am spending $8 or $80 if the food is only mediocre I feel as if I have thrown the money out the window.

I would like to start telling you from time to time about places I think do a great job with food in our area. Mind you these could be anything from breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts or a great hamburger. If it seems a little unusual for me to promote other eateries besides my own bear in mind that I have for years promoted my industry and would always tell newcomers to the area about other places to eat. I would like to start with two Italian restaurants that I like a lot.

One is Osteria Dante on Broad Street in Red Bank. The original restaurant in New York was used to shoot Moon Struck with Cher a number of years ago. It is Mediterranean in style and is a great place for lunch and dinner. Call and ask for Mike at 732 530 0602.

The other is Tavolo at 45 Atlantic Avenue in Long Branch. The owner Bob is the brother of Victor from Basil T’s here in Red Bank. Bob has captured the essence of Sardinia and Southern Italy with great breads, wines and cheeses that set up his antipasto. I loved everything he served. Bob is at 732 728 9635.

I will try to come with a list of favorite restaurants and eateries of all kinds in the next week or so. When you call the above restaurants tell them I recommended them.