RED BANK: SKIES CLEAR, OKTOBERFEST ROCKS

Oct 1, 2023

Delayed a week by rain, and nearly drenched by more precipitation on its-rain-or-shine backup date, Red Bank Oktoberfest teemed with good cheer Saturday afternoon.

The first-time event went off just as skies cleared from a morning of rain, drawing some 2,000 attendees to sip locally made beer and liquor and enjoy food and music in Edmund Wilson Plaza, between Triumph Brewing Company and the Two River Theater. Volunteer firefighters were among the volunteers helping keep sample cups filled.

Based on the “incredible turnout,” Oktoberfest will be back in 2024, said Bob Zuckerman, executive director of organizer Red Bank RiverCenter.

Check out redbankgreen‘s photos from the event below.

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October 1, 2023 - 11:25 am |

RED BANK: SKYWATCH FOR WEEKEND EVENTS

Sep 28, 2023

Xol Azul Band, seen here playing last year’s Porchfest at the Fortune Cultural Center, is scheduled to reprise the gig Sunday, one day after a scheduled headline appearance at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Riverside Gardens Park. (redbankgreen photo. Click to enlarge.)

It’s eyes-on-the-sky time as four outdoor events dominate Red Bank’s dance card this weekend.

For two, it’s a matter of avoiding a second straight rainout Saturday, while the outlook is clearer, and sunnier, for two others slated for Sunday.

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September 28, 2023 - 7:55 am |

RED BANK: WET FORECAST BUMPS EVENTS

Sep 22, 2023

Oktoberfest is slated to take place in Edmund Wilson Plaza, between Triumph Brewing Company and the Two River Theater. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

A forecast of rain has prompted reschedulings for two outdoor Red Bank festivals slated for the upcoming weekend.

The change means that – weather permitting – the town could have both a beer-and-spirits tasting event and a Hispanic Heritage Celebration running simultaneously the following Saturday.

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September 22, 2023 - 1:43 pm |

RED BANK: OPEN-AIR OKTOBERFEST SLATED

Aug 30, 2023

The event will take place in Edmund Wilson Plaza, between Triumph Brewing Company and the Two River Theater. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

After a year without an outdoor food festival, Red Bank RiverCenter plans to debut a new one next month: Red Bank Oktoberfest.

To be held in Edmund Wilson Plaza between Triumph Brewing Company and the Two River Theater on Bridge Avenue, the September 24 event will spotlight product samples from Monmouth County breweries, wineries and distilleries.

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August 30, 2023 - 8:55 am |

RED BANK: CRIME & ARREST REPORTS

Oct 15, 2020

The crime and arrest reports below were provided by the Red Bank Police Department for September, 2020. This information is unedited; see below for additional information.

[See UPDATE below]

CRIMES

Theft: Multiple bottles of wine were reported stolen and captured on surveillance video on 09/01/2020 in the area of White St. The bottles are described as Opus One valued at $350.00, Caymas Special Select valued at $200.00 and Silver Oak Napa wine valued at $150.00. Ptl. Froilan Hernandez.

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October 15, 2020 - 3:15 pm |

FAIR HAVEN: POLICE ACTIVITY

Mar 11, 2020

Crime and arrest reports, unedited, as provided by the Fair Haven Police Department for the month of February, 2020. For additional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.

2/3/20 Gregory Lagana 60, of Fair Haven was arrested by S.O. Perkins for Burglary and Criminal Trespassing. Gregory was released with a pending court date.

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March 11, 2020 - 10:30 am |

FAIR HAVEN: POLICE ACTIVITY

Feb 28, 2020

Crime and arrest reports, unedited, as provided by the Fair Haven Police Department for the month of January, 2020. For additional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.

1/2/20 Kristen A Wimmer 20, of Little Silver was arrested by S.O. Perkins for possession of CDS. Mrs. Wimmer was processed and released with a court date.

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February 28, 2020 - 1:16 pm |

FAIR HAVEN: POLICE ACTIVITY

Dec 11, 2019

Crime and arrest reports, unedited, as provided by the Fair Haven Police Department for the month of November, 2019. For additional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.

11/3 Keven Robertson 19, Middletown was arrested by S.O. Perkins for DWI. Robertson also received motor vehicle summonses for failure to use lights, failure to maintain lane, refusal to submit to chemical test, underage driver under the influence, and use of a cell phone while driving. Robertson was released with a pending court date.

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December 11, 2019 - 2:30 pm |

FAIR HAVEN: POLICE ACTIVITY

Nov 11, 2019

Crime and arrest reports, unedited, as provided by the Fair Haven Police Department for the month of October, 2019. For additional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.

10/03/19 Ptl. Volker arrested Symone Dade 29 out of Highlands for possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia following a motor vehicle stop. Volker also issues motor vehicle summonses for passing a stopped school bus and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. Subject was released with a pending court date

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November 11, 2019 - 6:20 am |

FAIR HAVEN: POLICE ACTIVITY

Oct 8, 2019

Crime and arrest reports, unedited, as provided by the Fair Haven Police Department for the month of September, 2019. For additional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.

9/3/19 Anthony J. Valletta, 65, of Middletown was arrested by Det. Reevey for stealing items from the Wash House Laundromat. Anthony was charged theft and was released with a pending court date.

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October 8, 2019 - 12:00 pm |

FAIR HAVEN: POLICE ACTIVITY

Sep 4, 2019

Crime and arrest reports, unedited, as provided by the Fair Haven Police Department for the month of July, 2019. For additional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.

7/1/19 Caller reported that her vehicle was entered overnight on Maple Ave. The car door was found open, but nothing was taken. William Lagrotteria was the responding Officer.

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September 4, 2019 - 8:00 am |

SANDY HOOK: BOOZE BANNED

Apr 2, 2019

The first year of the ban will focus on educating the public about the change, though repeat offenders will face fines, officials said. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

Suntanning beachgoers and devotees of the summertime concerts at Sandy Hook can kiss their favorite alcoholic beverages goodbye.

Citing 328 alcohol-related incidents between 2016 and 2018, officials have banned all forms of booze from the waterfront park, the last public beach in New Jersey where it was still allowed.

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April 2, 2019 - 4:20 pm |

RED BANK: SICKLES ENTERING LIQUOR BIZ

Jan 30, 2018

With a ’boutique’ liquor store now part of the plan, Sickles Market Provisions will take the entire first floor of the former Anderson Storage building on Monmouth Street. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

After a century-plus of operation, Little Silver-based Sickles Market will get into the liquor business when opens its new store in Red Bank, redbankgreen has learned.

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January 30, 2018 - 8:00 am |

RED BANK: MIDSUMMER NIGHTS AT TEMPLE BAR

Aug 4, 2017

The Temple Bar at the Dublin House is a lively spot for music lovers on a warm Sunday evening. (Photo by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

[Correction: The original version of this post incorrectly reported that Dead Bank was scheduled to play at the Dublin House on Saturday, August 5. They’ll be at Jamian’s Food and Drink that night.]

By SUSAN ERICSON

It’s twilight on a warm summer evening when PieHole strolls over to the Dublin House in Red Bank, taking in the sight of customers finishing their meals in the courtyard out front.

But we’re not here for dinner. Making our way through the side alley from Monmouth Street to the rear of the restaurant, we hear the deep, raspy strain of rock music and the low chatter of customers surrounding the bar named for a famous street in Dublin, Ireland: Temple Bar.

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August 4, 2017 - 2:27 pm |

RED BANK: BEER AND MORE AT BIRRAVINO

Jul 14, 2017

Customers enjoy pizza, salads, wine and beer on a breezy Sunday evening at Birravino’s new beer garden. (Photo by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

Basil T’s Brew Pub was ahead of it’s time when it came to brewing beer in-house in New Jersey. Three years ago, Vic Rallo and partners rebranded the Red Bank restaurant and bar, naming it Birravino and giving it an updated industrial look. But they continued to brew their own beer.

The recent addition of an outdoor beer garden, built off to one side of the original structure, allows customers to wet their whistles under star-studded skies while chilling to the cool breezes coming off the Navesink River. PieHole stepped up to the window for one of the 10 local brews on tap before settling into a cherry-red Adirondack-style chair on the patio.
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July 14, 2017 - 2:20 pm |

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? SALADS AND PIZZA

Dec 16, 2016

Personal-size pizzas from the oven at Urban Coalhouse in the Galleria. (Photo by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

PieHole stopped in for lunch last week at Urban Coalhouse Pizza and Bar, the former Tommy’s Coal-Fired Pizza in the Galleria of Red Bank, one of four restaurants that owners Andrew Cameron, Chris and Matt Lombardi and Mike Centaro have up and running around New Jersey.

We were happy to find few if any changes to what we enjoyed about Tommy’s, including the fact that the menu still centers around an enormous, coal-fired, 900-degree oven used to producing the signature pizzas and wings.
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December 16, 2016 - 11:54 am |

RED BANK: A FEW HAPPY HOURS

Jul 2, 2015

Happy hour choices at Birravino included organic house wine, beer and an appetizer, while at Robinson’s Ale House, below, a martini starred. (Photos by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

Though it’s ubiquitous in Red Bank, happy hour – that late-afternoon, discounted bar-tab menu option – should not be taken for granted. Many states, according to the National Center for State Courts, prohibit or limit what has become a traditional time of day to meet with friends and acquaintances in New Jersey.

Although most bars and restaurants offer special deals to lure customers, you might be surprised at how differently those two or three hours are interpreted. PieHole breaks down what can be considered an early bird special for the economically minded while others might call it a snack before dinner.

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July 2, 2015 - 3:00 pm |

RED BANK: INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR RETURNS

Apr 24, 2015

Last year’s International Flavor Festival in Red Bank’s White Street parking lot served a variety of choice tidbits. (Photo by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

With sunshine and temperatures in the 60’s in the forecast, the Red Bank International Flavour Festival should pack the White Street parking lot once again this Sunday.

The first food festival of the year in a restaurant-crazy town is like opening day for revelers and foodies alike. Seventeen or so of the borough’s finest eateries will be on hand to dispense culinary treats – savory, sweet, and exotic, including:

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April 24, 2015 - 3:00 pm |

ON THE GREEN: NEVER MIND BREAD. BUY WINE.

Jan 26, 2015

While other residents of the Greater Red Bank Green were in panic mode in the bread aisles of supermarkets, some were preparing for the looming blizzard by stocking up on their favorite beverages. NJ.com’s Brian Donohue caught up with some of them at Spirits Unlimited in Middletown, home of the famous “evil clown” sign.

January 26, 2015 - 3:24 pm |

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? PICK A # @ BRENNAN’S

Nov 7, 2014

The smoked-salmon on sesame-seed bagel from Brennan’s. Below, the menu board behind the deli counter. (Photo by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

Brennan’s Deli in Rumson is all about the numbers. The board hanging above the deli counter lists 26 sandwich options – and those are just the regular suggestions; a daily special that can also be found on the website.

Having no time for a leisurely lunch this week, the takeout option brought PieHole to this old West River Road favorite. And while we ordered a number 17, a quick chat with owners Caryn McCann and John Yurish brought some of these numbers into perspective.

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November 7, 2014 - 11:56 am |

GETTING FRIED ON THE GREEN

Sep 18, 2014

Barnacle Bill’s fried zucchini with tangy dipping sauce is a perennial favorite, while deep fried pickle spears (below) from the Globe are a newer menu addition. (Photos By Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

Eat your vegetables, you were told as a child. They’re good for you. But your mama probably didn’t mean the deep-fried veggies that have been popping up on tavern menus all around the Green.

Belly up to the bar, boys and girls, to try a less healthy but way more fun way to fill your pie hole with roughage. PieHole leads the tour…

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September 18, 2014 - 11:36 am |

CIAO, BASIL’S. IT’S ‘BIRRAVINO’ NOW.

Sep 12, 2014

Victor Rallo in the bicycle-decorated atrium of Birravino. Below, one of the long communal, or feste, tables in the dining room. (Photo by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

The Old World charm of Basil T’s Brew Pub is gone, along with its popular mug club, where members had personalized mugs hanging at the bar. Remodeled and repositioned as Birravino, however, the Red Bank trattoria is just as welcoming, warm and suds-friendly as its predecessor.

Nursing a broken leg from a running accident, Victor Rallo showed up earlier this week to make sure everything was running smoothly after a makoever that included completely restructuring and redecorating his Riverside Avenue institution in about a month. Before some customers even realized the restaurant was temporarily off-line, a new name was on the building and the changes were well underway, he said.

The result? “I wanted an industrial, rustic look like you see in the trattorias or osterias of Italy,” he told PieHole, amid the exposed brick walls, honed wooden tabletops, galvanized metal seats and an open kitchen. “Definitely something more casual” than Basil’s, he said.

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September 12, 2014 - 4:45 pm |

SEA BRIGHT: FRESH-PLATED BY YOUNG CHEF

Aug 12, 2014

Chef Chuck Lesbirel in the dining room of Ama. Below: a seasonal salad of Jersey peaches, Jersey tomatoes and lobster. (Photo by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

By SUSAN ERICSON

How does a 26-year-old become an executive chef?

For Chuck Lesbirel, now presiding over the kitchen of Ama Ristorante in Sea Bright, it starts with an impressive résumé that goes back to a 14-year-old kid washing dishes at Palate Pleasers in Keyport.

Working in restaurant kitchens, Lesbirel watched and learned the chef business with stints at a kosher restaurant, a few small places, an educational rounding-out at the Culinary Education Center at Brookdale, and then a big jump to sous chef at David Burke Fromagerie in Rumson.

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August 12, 2014 - 8:54 am |

RED BANK: ‘APPETITE’ SATISFIES HUNDREDS

Aug 5, 2014

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At this weekend’s three-day ‘Appetite‘ extravaganza at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, hundreds of visitors feasted on food, wine, beer and culinary wisdom.

Susan Ericson’s food blog, Flavor Chronicles/Chefs in Motion has additional coverage. (Photos by Susan Ericson. Mouse-over to pause.)

August 5, 2014 - 8:05 am |

RED BANK: MORE ON THE MENU AT ‘APPETITE’

Aug 3, 2014

They came for the wine with local restaurateur Vic Rallo and stayed for the food trucks, beer and make-your-own bloody Mary’s Saturday at Red Bank’s Count Basie Theatre, hosting its second annual ‘Appetite‘ food festival.

The action continues Sunday under the theme of ‘Blues and Brews,’ spotlighting craft beers, artisanal cheeses, butcher Stew Goldstein – offering a demo on preparing a pork loin Marco roast – and more. According to the National Weather Service, it’s not going to be a beach day, so why not come out? More details here. (Photos by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)

August 3, 2014 - 7:34 am |