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Garage Sale This Saturday!

August 29, 2008

OK I have stuff that has to go!  So I’m having a small garage sale at 47 Church Street in Matawan on Saturday August 30th. 10am-3pm.

Brown “Microsuede” Love Seat
Leather chairs
Books
CDs/Movies
Kitchen stuff
Clothes
Candles
Household items
Miscellaneous items
Lava Lamp! :)

Some things were never used/still in box!

Moving on Sunday! Everything must go! No reasonable offers turned down. :)

Email exit117a (at) gmail (dot) com for more info!

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Moving Sunday

August 28, 2008

Hey folks, if anybody can offer an extra hand on Sunday so I can pack up the moving truck, please let me know! Some of my so-called friends had to back out.  *rolls eyes*

By the way, the love seat is still available!  I have lowered the price to $175.00.  That is the absolute lowest I want to go.  I honestly need that money for the move.  :(

I’m willing to sell the Rock Garden / Aromatherapy kit for $20.00 together.

The desk is sold pending pickup tomorrow.

I also have some things I may Freecycle.  I will know more tomorrow when I really start going through things.

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Moving This Weekend/Items For Sale

August 25, 2008

Hey folks!

I’m moving back to Philadelphia this weekend.  If anybody wants to get together this week, let me know!  I’m accepting offers of dinner/drinks! ;)

I have some items for sale that I have not been able to get rid of on Craigslist and it’s annoying me.  Click on the links below to see the Craigslist ads.

Like New Brown “Microsuede” Love Seat – this was purchased last November and is in excellent condition.

Used Technics SL-1200MK2 Direct Drive Turntable

EnviraScape™ Rock Garden Relaxation Fountain

Pearlessence Zen Diffuser Set – “Bamboo Mint”

I’m also selling my computer desk.  I don’t have a picture of it, but it’s a small, black armoire-like desk.  It’s got a keyboard tray and some shelving to the right of where the monitor goes.  I’m asking $40 or best offer.  It’s got some scratches, but otherwise in decent shape!

All items (except small stuff) are pickup and CASH ONLY!

Please email me at EXIT117A (at) GMAIL (dot) COM if you’re interested.  Thanks!

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PSA: Monmouth Office of Emergency Management Storm Assistance

August 3, 2008

Will you need help evacuating in a bad storm?
Monmouth County’s Office of Emergency Management wants to know who you are

The 2008 hurricane season is well under way, and so far it has been active.
Read the rest of this entry »

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Trinity Restaurant in Keyport

August 3, 2008

I admit: I’m a sucker for a good theme.

Whether it’s a park, a party, a store, or a restaurant, I just love those little visual and sensory touches that bring an immersive design together. For me, a well-done, fun theme can make the difference between a good experience and an amazing one.

Trinity Restaurant in Keyport, NJ

Trinity Restaurant in Keyport, NJ

I had heard a lot of good things about Trinity Restaurant (84 Broad Street in Keyport), so my husband and I decided to check it out. Talk about a well-done theme! Not only is the restaurant housed inside a beautiful little converted church, but the slightly cheeky religious motif extends into other details: the bible-black menus with section titles like “In the Beginning” and “Into the Fire,” the custom wrought-iron railings with tiny crosses, the sumptuous red draperies, and the intact hymn boards in the corners, to name a few. I could barely keep myself from gaping at the serene beauty of the place. It’s definitely a restaurant in which the building is part of the attraction – if you go, be sure to give yourself a tour.

All right, so enough about the surroundings. How was the food?

In a word, heavenly. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

We started with the Green and White Asparagus appetizer, which was drizzled with vinaigrette: delicious and perfect for a warm summer day. My husband then ordered the Hukilau Pot, a savory seafood stew with veggies and couscous. His exact quote was: “This is the best one of these I’ve ever had,” which definitely means something, since he is quite the seafood connoisseur.

In keeping with our predilection towards fruits of the sea, I had the Pure and Simple Broiled Monkfish. The citrus and basil oil was delicate and tangy, the fish was deliciously moist, and the vegetables were steamed to perfection.

Dessert was chocolate, as it usually is with us: Malted Milk Pannacotta with sea salt sprinkled on top. Kind of like a chocolate-covered pretzel in custard form. Delicious!

Throughout the meal, the service was friendly and quick, and we were lucky enough to have a chat with the owner and the chef before we left. It’s not often that you actually get to give your compliments to the chef, so we happily did so.

All in all, our dinner at Trinity was a real treat. After eating at so many chains from day to day, it seems like an almost spiritual experience to partake of food prepared by a real, honest-to-goodness chef with a focus on taste and presentation. It’s a theme restaurant, yes, but thankfully that theme is paired with a true dedication to cuisine and a great sense of customer service.

Our rating? Truly transcendental.
________________________________
Rachael Citron lives in Matawan, where she owns Glass Slipper Weddings and Events, a full-service wedding and party planning service. She can be reached at rachael@glassslipperweddings.com.

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Matawan Barbeque

July 27, 2008

Matawan Barbeque is still not open, but they have signage. They will be open seven days a week, 10AM-10PM. I wrote down the number but when I call it, the operator says it’s not in service. Hmm.

UPDATE: I tried Matawan Barbeque on Wednesday night. I walked in around 8:30 and ordered to go. The place was about half filled, so I was served right away. During my short wait I checked the place out. There are 12 tables, so it can accommodate a small family or group. There are a variety of soft drinks and other beverages in drink cases. I chose a brand of diet Brazilian soda called Gurana (in a can). It was tasty!

So, how was the food you ask? Pretty good! I ordered the half BBQ chicken with yellow rice and beans. The portions were quite generous and everything was tasty. Prices are extremely reasonable. There are soups, salads, appetizers, barbeque combo’s, entrees (beef, chicken, pork), and fish/seafood (shrimp, salmon, cod). My platter was only $7.50. The most expensive item on the menu is a whole Grilled or Boiled Cod Fish (Bacalhau) at $18.00. I hope to try them again before I move.

FYI: I overheard the server say they are looking for more help, both in the kitchen and also more servers. So if you or someone you know is looking for a job, either call them or walk in. Here’s their number: 732-242-9946

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Bayshore Brawlers Home Opener this Saturday

July 18, 2008

Laurence Harbor, NJ – The Bayshore Brawlers, back-to-back Keystone Bowl Champions, will open their third season campaign this Saturday at the Little League Complex in Laurence Harbor. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 PM. The opponent for the first match up will be the expansion South Central Raptors. The Brawlers will look for their third straight championship with veterans including tight end Marques Haynes, defensive back Frank Susino, and running back Sy Patterson. Admission to all home games is free of charge and there will be raffles and merchandise for the fans available.

The Laurence Harbor Little League Fields are located off Ely Avenue and Matawan Avenue behind the Memorial School. Laurence Harbor is located off of Exit 120 on the Garden State Parkway. Please visit the website for game day information and directions from your house to the fields.

For information, contact Jake Zychick at mountieman2005@aol.com

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Breaking News: Fire on Orchard Street

July 17, 2008
House Fire on Orchard Street possibly started by young child

House Fire on Orchard Street possibly started by young child.

Firefighters are battling a house fire on Orchard Street, between Park Avenue and Center Street in Matawan Borough.  I walked down to the scene where I learned that the two story house with attached two car garage is a rental property and is owned by a couple in Holmdel.  A neighbor said it appeared that a young child in the home, around 3 years old, had gotten a hold of a firecracker and set it off sparking the blaze.

DISCLAIMER: This was heard “through the grapevine”, so I do not know for sure if this is a fact. I will gladly post a retraction if it is false.

If this is indeed true, it is a sad case of irresponsible behavior on the part of those around the child.  I know it was the Fourth of July a couple of weeks ago, but MY GOD if you have kids in the house, you DO NOT leave firecrackers laying around!  Secondly, how did a child of that age get his hands on something to set it off!?!  These are questions yet to be answered, I suppose.

Fortunately, none of the residents of the house were harmed.  We can be thankful for that.

More as I learn more!  Stay tuned.

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Important Announcement

July 12, 2008

For the past 10 months I have delighted in writing about my experiences and observations on life in Matawan-Aberdeen.  I have eaten great meals at many great local restaurants and eateries, and I was only too happy to share the experiences.  I have been lucky enough to garner a following of awesome readers, and as a result, I have met some of you in person as well.  That has been the most fulfilling aspect of writing.

Living in Monmouth County has been fun and enlightening in a lot of ways. In addition to all the wonderful delicious epicurean experiences, I’ve enjoyed the beaches, the nightlife, the culture, and co-mingling with the locals.  I’m a person that thrives off of experiences and societal interaction.  I love to learn new things, be immersed in my surroundings, be active and involved in community, and “pay it forward” to others.  I like to make differences in people’s lives; and I feel, in turn, they will make a difference in mine. Read the rest of this entry »

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Brazilian & Portuguese BBQ coming soon to Matawan!

July 3, 2008

Brazilian and Portuguese BBQ coming to Matawan!On Main Street across from the train station, a new BBQ joint is “Coming Soon”.  It’ll be situated in the middle of the building between the cleaners and dog groomer.   There are a few big signs on the store front windows; one practically yells “Matawan BBQ“, another proclaiming “Brazilian & Portuguese BBQ“, and another with a list of the types of foods that will be available.

No word on opening date.  There’s a number, too, on one of the signs, but the light turned green and I didn’t have a chance to write it down.

I’m excited. I love BBQ.  I don’t have much experience with Brazilian or Portuguese BBQ, but I’ve always wanted to try.  I hope it opens before the end of the summer!  Stay tuned.