ELEMENTS: THE LOUNGE AND EXCEPTIONAL PREMIER STEAK HOUSE Lynn Azzolina Posted:12/03/08
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SEA BRIGHT – Many of you still think of Elements as an upscale lounge, but you may not know that this unique establishment is also a premier steak house as well! The Manhattan-style steak house is known as having the best cuts of steaks in the area, using all-natural prime Black Angus beef.
It is interesting how they chose the name of the restaurant and lounge as Elements — when translated — means “wind-water,” and each of the elements (water, wood, fire, metal and earth) are strongly represented in the artistically designed, 6,700-square-foot dual-level space. You will be amazed at the exceptional structure which has a unique character all its own.
Elements is owned by Matthew Bongiovi and Vinzenzo Rizzo who have been friends for many years. They opened the lounge five years ago and recently added a premier steak house.
Bongiovi related, “We’re starting to do a little face-lifting. Now it’s more the evolution of Elements, bringing it up to another level. Looking at what our options were coming from an Italian heritage, I didn’t think we needed another Italian restaurant here. You can get a steak at every restaurant, but to get a true steak house experience is distinct at our location.”
He went on to say, “I value my brother Jon’s (Bon Jovi) opinion as far as the quality of food is concerned as he has been in the finest restaurants all over the world. When he came in for a tasting and was so impressed with the food, we then knew we were on the something. A big weight was taken off my shoulders.”
Taking over the kitchen is Chef Even Victor, a Johnson & Wales graduate who studied under world renown Chef Todd English. He worked directly with the owners of Elements to create the contemporary steak house-inspired menu. All of the beef is naturally fed black angus prime from Uruguay. He is a perfectionist, makes everything here, and purchases his vegetables daily. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked like a photo out of a gourmet magazine.
As Elements is known for their prime beef, we decided to try the Kobe Sliders — three 2-oz. Kobe beef burgers, topped with cheddar and applewood smoked bacon. This was a meal in itself, the meat filled with an abundance of flavor, prepared exactly to our specifications!
Elements Crab Cake was another great beginning, a jumbo cake filled with lump crabmeat and only enough fill to hold it together. The cake was enhanced with a tasty celery-root remoulade that was exceptionally tasty.
I have dined here many times and have sampled several of their extraordinary entrees, each one better than the other. As previously mentioned, the steaks are above par, especially the 20-oz. Purland Black Angus “Bone In” Rib Eye Cowboy Steak, large enough for two. I chose the 14-oz. Purland Black Angus Center Cut New York Strip, a revelation! This was prepared exactly to my specifications, filled with an abundance of flavor and one of the best steaks that I have ever tasted!
The seafood selections are also above expectations, especially the Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with roasted fennel and chorizo oil. I also favored the Seared Scallops, with creamed leeks, braised fatback and truffle butter, or maybe you would prefer shrimp and shiitake mushrooms, finished with plum tomatoes over angel hair pasta.
You may request a sauce of you choice to complement your entrée, such as au poivre, bordelaise, garlic and herb or Elements special steak sauce.
Elements also offers a list of 10 sides of vegetables and potatoes, such as potato au gratin, creamed spinach, cauliflower gratin and Lobster mashed potatoes. You can actually design your own gourmet meal which I know you will thoroughly enjoy.
ADDRESS: 1072 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright 732-842-1100 www.elementslounge.com OPEN: Tues–Sun 5 p.m. ’til late DINNER ENTREES range from $18 for Shrimp & Shiitake Mushrooms over angel hair pasta to $40 for 22-oz. Purland Black Angus Porterhouse; the majority of entrees are priced under $30. All major credit cards DJ WEEKENDS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES OF ALL SIZES
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