On a recent Thursday night, my husband and I decided to start the weekend early by heading to MIX in West Long Branch for Happy Hour. MIX, known for its fruit infused vodka martinis and lively bar, was a much awaited outing at this “almost end” of a long week.
Michael Bienz and Sam Nativo brought these martinis first to us from New York at their Uptown Broadway location years ago. In July 2001, they decided to open MIX, which has been our choice for Happy Hour ever since.
Christina, our waitress and Special Events Coordinator for their new upstairs room, brought us two large martinis (no skimping here). I ordered my favorite, the Wild Berry Basket Martini, fresh Wild Berries soaked in Vodka and a splash of Chambord shaken with a dash of Cranberry Juice and garnished with Vodka-soaked Berries. Bob chose the Watermelon Martini , fresh chunks of juicy watermelon soaked in Vodka splashed with Cranberry Juice. Both made by Steven, the ever professional (and good looking) bartender. Other great martini choices include Steven’s Berry Lemonade Martini, the Oatmeal Cookie Martini and the South Pacific Kiwi-A-Tini Martini.
After placing these huge martinis on our table, Christina suggested we might want to order something to eat. With a little foo
d in our bellies, she said, the “evil martinis” as they are called due to the vodka infused fruit or “evil” found at the bottom wouldn’t catch us off guard later when we stood up to leave. Since we had been watching some “mile high” salads go by and taking in the aroma of fresh pizza from the oven, we ordered both a Spinach Salad and a “Jimmy the Greek” Pizza, both plates colorful and piled high with fresh ingredients.
Located one block from the beach in the West End of Long Branch, MIX has something for everyone. From martinis to lite eats, salads, wraps, pizzas and and with happy hour seven days a week, MIX is my fix for a weekend getaway, Jersey Shore style!
MIX Lounge/Food Bar
71 Brighton Avenue
West End, NJ
732-923-9100
Saturday & Sunday: 3:00pm to 6 pm
Monday to Friday: 4pm to 7pm
Featuring an extensive $6.00 Specialty Martini Menu and
Drink Specials
(Half Price Pizzas & Salads Too…)
Beverly A. B
everidge is our Monmouth County Regional Editor. Bev resides in Eatontown with her husband, Bob, daughters, Melissa and Brittany, son, Glenn, dog, Bailey and cats, Kitty and Slodki (polish for honey/sweet). She enjoys dining out, piano, tennis, travelling, designing her JERSEY GIRL swimsuits and Calendar, music (especially Rock Concerts) and meeting people. Enjoy her ‘fun’ reviews! Passport to Peru – Home of the Jersey Girls Swimsuit models and ‘Calendar’ Girls! ‘Passport Swimsuits – A Swimsuit to fit ‘every body’. www.passporttoperu.net
