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Basil
T's
183 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-842-5990
Brewhouse/American
This micro-brewery, located across from the Molly Pitcher Inn, is a favorite watering hole that also serves good food. Italian entrees range from $15-25, but you can eat well for less by ordering one of the great pizzas or burgers. We understand that a short time ago the owner died and his son has taken charge. This has caused the demise of many good restaurants, but in this case there have been changes for the better. The new chef, Ken Mansfield, is gradually bringing nice changes to the menu.
Many patrons come for the lively bar scene but we drop in for the good food at reasonable prices. The first thing we noted upon entering the dining room recently was the new antipasto bar with its extensive selection of ingredients, all of which are listed on the antipasto menu. We were enticed to start with the fruit de mare (seafood salad) with a choice of two vegetables ($12.95), which was ample for both of us. It contained nice plump shrimp, tender calamari, and so-so bay scallops, along with our two chosen veggies: beets and perfectly cooked asparagus with fontina cheese. It could have used some perking up with the addition of toasted garlic bread and some more zip to the vinaigrette. Nevertheless we managed to sop it all up with the slices of plain Italian bread we were given.
Iona chose for her entrée a delicious pizza special at $16.95. The baby shrimp didn't add much taste to the topping, and she would have preferred the panchetta to have been cooked rather than raw, but overall the pizza was quite good (evidenced by the fact there was nothing left to take home). Likewise, Dan's hamburger ($7.95, or $9.95 with a selection of cheese) was worthy in spite of being well done rather than medium as he had ordered. It was served with French fries and a small but very nice heirloom tomato salad.
We miss the great onion rings that used to be served with the burgers, and we've noticed the presentation no longer seems quite as attractive, but there has been considerable improvement in the quality and taste of the food. While the new management has a way to go, they have already made worthwhile changes and seem to be on the right track.
Last reviewed 11/02
Grumpy Gourmet
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