Monmouth County Gears up for Summer Food Festivals

434

By Tara Cangialosi
Summer is the time of year for great get-togethers, particularly when they deal with food.
Among family, friends, coworkers or classmates, the warm weather months beckon us to gather for a good laugh, a cool swim and most importantly, a good plate of food.
The area has many food festivals each summer which celebrate that great plate of food, filled with locally produced, caught, raised or harvested dishes. It’s the season when people can enjoy each other’s company while getting a taste of some of the best food in Monmouth County.
Food festivals are strategically placed throughout the summer, beginning in early June and lasting through the fall months of September and October. Among the Garden State fare highlighted during the fests are corn, oysters, lobster, crab and clams. The events also give the region’s chefs a chance to feature style of cuisine and their area of specialization.
Here are some upcoming food festivals in the area:
 
RED BANK
***BOLDThe Rockin’ Red Bank Country Fair and Food Festival ***END this weekend, June 28-29, in Marine Park will feature a variety of country musicians on multiple outdoor stages plus food from 20 borough restaurants serving classic, All-American country favorites like pulled pork, barbecued chicken and seafood. The fest runs from noon until 9 p.m.  Saturday, June 28, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 29. Admission is $5, and children 10 and under are free.
 
***BOLDThe annual Red Bank Food and Wine Walk***END will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19. Participants will be able to sample wine and/or food from restaurants and food establishments throughout the entire Red Bank Business District by purchasing a wristband for $35 per person and spending the afternoon strolling to 29 of the borough’s fine food establishments. Tickets are available on the day of the event at Danny’s Steakhouse and Sushi on Bridge Avenue, Teak on Monmouth Street or Char on Broad Street.
 
***BOLDThe 5th Annual Guinness Oyster Festival***END will be noon to 5p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in the White Street Parking Lot. The festival celebrates the opening of the oyster season, where everything from fried and raw oyster to mini Rubens and more will be served. Admission is $5 for anyone over the age of 10. The after party, hosted by the Dublin House, begins later in the evening.
 
HIGHLANDS
***BOLDThe 3rd Annual Taste of Highlands***END will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Participants can check in at either Huddy Park on Waterwitch Avenue or Veterans Park on Bay Avenue. Tickets are $40 and will allow guests to board a party bus on which they will visit the 20 participating restaurants to enjoy a variety of food. Tickets can be purchased online at www.highlandsnj.com, at participating restaurant venues or at Huddy or Veterans parks until 2 p.m. on the day of the event.
***BOLDThe 20th Annual Highlands Clam Festival***END will be held Tursday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 3 at Huddy Park. The event features the freshest seafood from the Highlands’ local restaurants, live entertainment, thrill rides, games, contests and a beer, wine and sangria garden for guests over the age of 21. Admission to the event and parking are free.
 
LONG BRANCH
***BOLDThe 24th Annual Oceanfest***END will be held Friday, July 4. Sponsored by the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, the event is held on the Promenade from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature favorite fest foods from area vendors along with performances by musicians, dancers, clowns and carnival acts plus kids activities and crafts. The night will be capped with a fireworks display.
 
BRADLEY BEACH
***BOLDThe Lobster Festival ***END is one of the highlights of the season. This summer it will be held on the borough’s boardwalk on Ocean Avenue from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 12, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 13. The sponsors are promising more lobster that ever along with crafts, music, kids activities, and a beer and wine garden. Featured dishes will include broiled lobsters, lobster mac and cheese and lobster rolls. The event will have six bands and a DJ playing requested songs.
 
ASBURY PARK
***BOLDThe Oyster Festival***END will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 on the property downtown where Asbury Park meets the waterfront, near the historic carousel building. Signature specials from Lusty Lobster and Tigers Tail along with fare from 20 other area eateries. There will be live cooking demonstrations, entertainment for the kids and plenty of vendors and crafters to explore.
 
OCEANPORT
Monmouth Park racetrack has come to specialize in food-centric events during the past few years. Among the fests it will be holding this summer are:

  • Heroes Backyard Picnic Celebration on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5
  •  The Shore Chef Crab Cook-Off from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16-17
  • The BBQ and Craft Beer Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31
  • The Food Trucktoberfest features an Octoberfest celebration with a traditional German Beer Garden on Saturday, Sept. 13.