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LONG BRANCH – Make your Sunday special and enjoy a spectacular full-course lobster dinner in a very impressive and scenic atmosphere.

I love dining at Avenue any time as it is like being somewhere in a resort where it is summer all year ‘round. That is because it is located right on the oceanfront which is visible from every area in the restaurant. They say, “Avenue hooks diners with oceans of flavors” and that is the truth!

Although the restaurant has an air of sophistication about it, it also imparts a comfortable, casual ambiance which they have created so that people can relax and enjoy being on the seashore.

They have a unique style different than anything that I have ever seen before and they are committed to excellence, much like places found along La Cote d’Azur in Cannes or Nice. The good news is that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy comparable cuisine and ambiance.

Avenue is owned by David Barry, Michael Barry, Anthony Diaco and Nick Diaco. General Manager is Thierry Carrier who is very experienced in managing prestigious restaurants. He has been here since the opening last year and is very knowledgeable and personable. Carrier also manages the popular Le Club.

Taking charge of the kitchen is native New Yorker Antonio Mora, a self-taught chef who has a degree in fine art which has a tremendous influence on his career, so that being creative is only natural.

Among his credentials are the prestigious Daniel in Manhattan where he was a protégé of the famous Daniel Boulud, and it was because of him that he learned the art of French cooking from the master himself. Other ventures included The Ryland Inn, and as Chef de Cuisine at Serenade in Chatham.

The ocean, beach and the ambiance of Avenue bring out the artist in Mora, adding to the success of the restaurant.
Several new things have been happening at Avenue to put a little of summer into this lively establishment. One of them is the Sunday Lobster Dinner which is absolutely phenomenal! The three-course dinner features a 1.5-lb. lobster.

The first course includes choice of New England Clam Chowder or Iceberg Wedge with bleu cheese. The chowder was exceptional, especially on a cold autumn night. Mora created a fresh tasting, creamy soup, abundant with fresh clams, chives and firm potatoes.

I loved it so much that I could have made it my meal, but on second thought I wouldn’t want to have missed the lobster! The Iceberg Wedge was highlighted with a creamy freshly-made bleu cheese dressing. The crisp salad was sprinkled with an array of frizzled onions which was generous and very flavorful.

Next came the main event! I chose the 1.5-lb. Roast Lobster with garlic butter and a large portion of their famous Avenue Fries.

The lobster was moist and fresh tasting, filled with an abundance of flavor. One of the amenities is that I didn’t have to struggle to get the lobster meat out of the shell, as the kitchen made it possible to take it out very easily.

My companion sampled the 1.5-lb. Steamed Lobster served with steamed vegetables and drawn butter. This, too, was very tasty and succulent, a special treat!

The grand finale featured an all-time-favorite Bananas Foster or folded Caramel Apple Pie. Pastry Chef Ariel Prasad really made an impression with the desserts which tasted just as good as they looked. They weren’t cloyingly sweet, and were a perfect ending to a wonderful gourmet dinner. Enjoy!

ADDRESS: Pier Village,
23 Ocean Ave., Long Branch
TEL: 732-759-2900 www.leclubavenue.com
Open: 7 days
PRIX FIXE DINNER:
3 courses $28.95 (cash only) orders must be placed
by 6 p.m. (Tues. by 9:30)
CREDIT CARDS: all major
PARKING: on street or valet
Wheelchair Accessible
RAW BAR
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