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My First Taste of Taste

By Elyse Jankowski

It’s 5:00pm. You’ve had a long day at work. You’re tired of looking at a computer screen. You’re done with answering silly questions. And for God’s sake, you’re sick of all this snow. What is there to do now?

Get happy, of course!

Even nondrinkers like myself can enjoy Happy Hour, especially when it includes a hip atmosphere, friendly bartenders and so-good-it-should-be-illegal cuisine. Visit Taste at 10 Bridge Ave. in Red Bank for all of the above.

Upon entering Taste for the first time, I was impressed by the rustic meets sexy ambiance – wood floors and brick walls combined with dim lighting and swank décor. I took a seat at the well-stocked bar and checked out news and sports broadcasts on Taste’s five flat screen televisions. While waiting for my friend to arrive, I noticed the intimate lounge area and started dreaming of the VIP parties I’ll hold there when I’m famous. Don’t worry; you’re invited!

My friend Nicole arrived, and we chatted with the lovely female bartenders while sipping on vodka cranberry and good ol’ H2O.  Nicole and I had peeked Taste’s menu online earlier (and literally started salivating, mind you), but we still had trouble choosing and appreciated the bartenders’ dinner recommendations. Two signs of a great café: Stellar menu and trustworthy staff. Also two signs that you’ll be back again!

Nicole and I started with two plates of bruschetta. The delicate crostinis almost looked too pretty to eat, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying every bite! The Wild Mushrooms brushetta featured a hearty blend of shitaki, oyster and crimini mushrooms with garlic, thyme, brie cheese and pomegranate balsamic glaze. The Mexicana brought some spice to my palate with black bean spread, cheddar and pepper jack cheese, tomatoes, corn, red onion, jalapenos and cilantro. Olé!

For our main courses, I selected the Mushroom and Goat Cheese press (what can I say, I love mushrooms and cheese!) and Nicole chose the TMP taster. My press was overflowing with wild mushrooms dressed in white truffle oil and balsamic. The earthy taste was enhanced by the tang of fresh goat cheese. I snuck some of Nicole’s slider-style dinner, which included three mini tomato, mozzarella and pesto, hence TMP, sandwiches.

No meal that good is complete without a decadent dessert, so we ditched calorie counting and ordered the Dark Chocolate Brownie “Flight” which is, in fact, three brownies, each complimented by a delectable topping – peanut butter, toasted coconut and walnut crumbles. To die for!

As vegetarians, Nicole and I tend to have trouble dining out. It was very refreshing to find that Taste catered to our needs in all three courses. We both had a more than happy experience at Happy Hour. Workday stress faded away as we enjoyed delightful drinks, delicious food and excellent company. The best part? We can do it again any day of the week! Stop by Taste Happy Hour, and see for yourself what our fuss is about!

tasteTaste Happy Hour is 4:00-7:00pm. Upcoming events include a Lingerie Show, Super Bowl Party and Beach Party. Visit redbanktaste.com for more information.

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Posted: January 12th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , | 16 Comments »

16 Comments on “My First Taste of Taste”

  1. Andrew Bane said at 6:15 pm on January 12th, 2011:

    That is where we had the after party for the premiere of our movie “The House At 831”. Food & drinks were great and everyone had a good time that night. Sorry I missed you last night.

  2. Nancy Jankowski said at 7:52 pm on January 12th, 2011:

    Very good article. Made me want to try this place. Think I will get your Dad to take me. LOL

  3. TR said at 8:15 pm on January 12th, 2011:

    VEGETARIANS!
    Art you are letting vegetarians post articles.
    First Nudists now this.
    Those people are worse then Communists. They will be the downfall of this country.
    They are the last step in the wussification of the US of A.
    This is why we now cancel football games when it snows.

    We are a great nation because we are bold and agressive. vegetarians are not aggresive.
    I see more and more kids becoming vegetarians. One day there will be no meat eaters left and we will be overun by some country that eats big bloody rare steaks.

    Save America. EAT MEAT.

  4. Vin Gopal said at 11:09 pm on January 12th, 2011:

    Is the above comment meant as joke or are they being serious?

    I enjoyed the review very much and now look forward to checking out their deserts. Thanks!

  5. brian said at 11:44 pm on January 12th, 2011:

    We need remedial training for the libs, since
    humor escapes them, maybe when we are being sarcastic we use all caps.

  6. TR said at 12:13 am on January 13th, 2011:

    Why would I not be serious. Is that a serious question?

    I have been posting on Arts site since day one. I ask has anyone found me to ever not be serious? Seriously!

    I couldn’t help but notice your name and you of all people should understand how serious I am.

    It is a well known and historical and scientific fact that tiny little England could never had conquered a much larger India But for the fact that there are so many vegetarians in India while the British diet consisted almost entirely of beef, mutton,and pork along with lots of lard and organ meat. (steak and kidney pie mmmmmmm)

    It was only after the Brits where weakened by meat rationing during WWII that the Indians where able to kick them out.

  7. Robert Lewis said at 8:38 am on January 13th, 2011:

    Elyse:
    Another great article. I was hoping to join you and your friend there from your invite on FB , but as you have seen I didn’t make it. Oh well , keep the good reviews coming and I’m starting a bookmarked file for local restaurants and fun local places to visit. So although I didn’t make it yesterday, I’ll will visit and EAT there in the future.

    Thank you,
    Robert

  8. Elyse Jankowski said at 9:26 am on January 13th, 2011:

    @TR – A model/actress/writer/photographer/pretty much do everything started a company when she was 16 woman is not aggressive? I do everything I want to do, often without training & on my own. That’s the beauty of going for what you want & getting it. Oh, and receiving a full scholarship to college. And graduating with a 3.9 GPA. Let me know what you’ve done with your life…I’m sure it involves compassion for others & the earth we live on.

    Also, “…38.9 percent of Republicans sometimes order a dish without meat, fish, or fowl, while 38.8 percent of Democrats do the same. Therefore, ordering vegetarian dishes is a nice attribute we can all have in common, no matter what our other beliefs are.” You might want to read this – http://www.vegblogger.com/blog/2009/10/vegetarian-republican.html

    @Brian – Let me know if you don’t find this humorous. I’m liberal. And I write it. http://www.analsexissex.com

  9. Elyse Jankowski said at 9:28 am on January 13th, 2011:

    @Everyone else – Thank you for reading the review as it was intended to be read. I’m glad you enjoyed it and it sparked your interest in Taste!

  10. TR said at 10:37 am on January 13th, 2011:

    Vegetarians are also over sensitive.

  11. Elyse Jankowski said at 10:44 am on January 13th, 2011:

    Nice rebuttal.

    Avoided answering my question, I see.

    Typical conservative 😉

  12. brian said at 12:28 pm on January 13th, 2011:

    ..is it any wonder the symbol for the Dem’s is a jackass?

  13. Elyse Jankowski said at 2:08 pm on January 13th, 2011:

    Is it any wonder why TR & Brian have nothing but immature, pointless replies to the comments of a well-educated, well-spoken, significantly accomplished woman?

    Sigh….

    Surprise me with something more than a poor excuse for wit next time 🙂

  14. Disappointed said at 5:54 pm on January 13th, 2011:

    Elyse, that link doesn’t seem to work. (not the vegetarian one, the other one) Maybe we can meet and discuss it in person?

  15. TR said at 12:58 pm on January 14th, 2011:

    Elyse,
    I did not answrer your question because;

    1. I don’t need to justify my life for an obviously tongue in cheek blog posting.

    2. I actually do not feel the need to justify what I have done with my life to anyone for any reason.

    3. To answer your question would risk revealing my secret identity.

  16. elvellon03 said at 3:35 pm on January 21st, 2011:

    hooray for vegetarians and vegans!:)