As we dig our way out of one of the worst snow storms in New Jersey that most of us can remember, I thought it would be nice to think back on a warm, sunny afternoon in early October when I had the privilege of sharing a special day and glorious event at the Breakers on the Ocean in Spring Lake. I arrived at sunset just in time to see the Bride and Groom take their vows at the Gazebo on the beach across the street followed by a cocktail hour on the beautiful wraparound porch and reception in the magnificent Crystal Ballroom. The hotel is situated just a shell’s throw from the beach and features an outdoor, heated swimming pool and a two-and-a-half mile non-commercial boardwalk (which means no Snookie party crashers).
After the wedding guests moved to the ballroom and the reception doors closed, we left all the glitz and glamor for the tranquility of an ocean view and a piano accompaniment in the Breakers Lounge. Maggie, the very efficient and ‘bubbly’ event planner, joined me at a quiet candle-lit table in the lounge. It was now time for us to eat, and eat we did. A steaming hot anitipasto platter was placed in front of us. Succulent seafood of Shrimp Scampi and Clams Oreganato along with Eggplant Rollatini, and overflowing stuffed mushrooms were savored with a glass of a creamy chardonnay – or two, in this case, Estancia and Beringer. (The Breakers carries all top shelf brands of wine and liquor as a standard.) Moments later, the owner of the Breakers, Cosmo, joined us for drinks and a chat, with son, Anthony, and Shannon (Director of Sales).
While enjoying good food and drink, and after a very impressive history lesson on the “Breakers Family” of over 30 years, we moved our conversation to a beautiful ocean view table in the main dining room. Here we began to order some serious dishes. After Executive Chef Mark Young sent over his signature ‘Breakers Bread’ topped with warm cheese, we sampled our salads – the Breakers House Salad topped with grated cheese and the Arugula salad topped with sugar toasted walnuts. Delicious! The main courses, which we shared family style, included Shrimp Sauteed in White Wine, Veal E’Deste (thins sliced of veal layered with prosciutto, eggplant and Swiss cheese, sautéed in white wine, tomatoes and mushrooms), and delicately cooked and flavored “Chef’s Special” Salmon of the evening and Rocky Mountain Rib-Eye (needs no explanation – you must taste this for yourselves.) And, of course, no dinner would be complete without a huge side of Chef Mark’s fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
As a special treat, Executive Chef, Mark Young, joined us at our table to talk about his menu, preparation of his dishes, and his many years at the Breakers. He suggested we sample one of their delectable desserts; Fruitta di Bosco (pastry based with cream topped with blueberries, blackberries and raspberries), Almond Millefoglie (Italian almond cookies layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream), the Chocolate Thunder Cake (layered with chocolate chips) or the rich Chocolate Molten Cake. While they all sounded divine, I had to say “Uncle” and take a rain check. It was time to waddle on home.
Once the snow clears, I hope you’ll visit The Breakers for dinner, a drink or to plan your next special occasion. For every reason, season, and purpose, the Breakers on the Ocean is surely a perfect year-round destination, but for weddings, it truly is a rare gem.
The Breakers On The Ocean
Hotel – Restaurant – Banquets
1507 Ocean Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
PHONE: 732-449-7700
FAX: 732-449-0161
www.breakershotel.com
Breakfast: Monday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Lunch: Monday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Early Bird Dinner Hours: Monday-Friday 4:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Dinner: Monday-Saturday – 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday- 2:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Beverly A. Beveridge 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). Beverly’s ‘culinary curiosity’ was sparked by her brother who is a chef in Paris and author of many cookbooks. She enjoys dining out, piano, tennis, traveling, designing her JERSEY GIRL swimsuits and Calendar, music (especially Rock Concerts) and meeting new 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