Matawan Barbeque

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

Bayshore Brawlers Home Opener this Saturday

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

Breaking News: Fire on Orchard Street

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.

Important Announcement

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.

Brazilian & Portuguese BBQ coming soon 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.

Koo Neo-Japanese, Route 79, Marlboro

We tried Koo Neo-Japanese Asian Fusion Restaurant in Marlboro tonight. Overall, not bad. Service, though pleasant, was mildly disjointed. The food was good so no worries there. He had the fried calamari for app, said it was okay, nothing special. I had the “Roti” – Asian pancake with chicken curry. I wasn’t sure how to eat it; I actually dipped the pancake in the curry sauce. It was tasty.

For my main, I had the Fantastic Eel roll and Tri-Color roll. Both were quite good and amply sized. The thing that stood out the most on the eel roll was the seaweed salad inside. Eel is typically my favorite, but the seaweed salad inside definitely kicked it up a notch! The Tri-Color roll has salmon, avocado, and ginger inside, tuna & yellowtail outside. I usually don’t like ginger, but this worked and I enjoyed it.

He had the sushi & sashimi combo and noted that it was really good. No complaints at all. The prices were on par with other sushi restaurants in the area. So I say it’s worth a visit especially if you’re into trying new places.

FYI: they do not do split checks.  Something about the software not able to do it.  But they will charge the same bill on separate cards if they have to.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Koo Neo-Japanese Asian Fusion Restaurant
71A South Main Street (across from the CVS)
Marlboro, NJ 07746
732-866-8838