On a recent Sunday, we had a very early dinner at Dish in Red Bank. The late afternoon light provided wonderful opportunity for pictures, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. (I was getting very hungry as I was editing them.)
Dish has been opened for six years now and I am so disappointed in myself for not making the trip sooner. I have heard time and time again how great it is, and it definitely lived up to all the rumors. Nestled in a little store front on White Street, it is easy to stroll right past little dish. So, keep your eyes open. Inside the room is cheerful and cozy, unpretentious. You’re not there for waterfalls and fish tanks. You’re there for the food. Make no mistake about it.
Our meal began with the gorgeous Lobster Risotto you see above and the waitress recommended Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes as appetizers. I am allergic to Lobster, so I had to take the word of my dining companion who said it was fabulous. The empty plate kind of gave it away. Since mysteriously I am not allergic to crab (thank you God) I thoroughly enjoyed the crunchy goodness you see here. Served with a Red Pepper Remoulade, no filling, just crabby satisfaction.
Our next course covered a little turf and surf. I chose the hearty Stout Braised Beef Short Ribs with Maple Sweet Potato mash and asparagus and Peter chose the Bourbon glazed Cornmeal Crusted Scallops.
As the short rib tower made its way from the kitchen to table, everyone in the room 
watched it pass by with envy. The owner told me later that they tried taking the short ribs off the menu in the summer and were quickly informed by patrons that they had made a grievous mistake. So, if you’re hankering for braised meats in the middle of August, Dish is the place to go, much to the chagrin of the melting kitchen crew I’m sure.
We ended our meal with one of the best bread puddings I have ever tasted. Well, we didn’t actually taste it, we quite frankly inhaled it. At the end of the evening, I chatted with a very nice couple from Westfield who told me that every time they come to Red Bank for a show at the Count Basie Theater, they make it a point of dining at Dish. They admitted that they were not thrilled with my doing a review of their favorite place. Evidently, they’d like to keep this Dish a secret. Sorry folks.
Dish
http://www.dishredbank.com/
13 White Street Red Bank, NJ 07701-1615
Phone: (732) 345-7070
