Taking In the Tastes of Highlands

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HIGHLANDS – Imagine spending a summer Saturday in a scenic shore town, hopping on a party bus and traveling from restaurant to restaurant, sampling food and cocktail selections from each. That’s what is being offered at the 4th Annual Taste of Highlands from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27.
During the event, which is sponsored by the Highlands Business Partnership, a party limo bus will shuttle participants to 19 restaurants in the tiny borough, many with sprawling views of Sandy Hook and even New York City.
“This event really has been a big hit for us,” said Diane Gunter, business advocate for the Highlands Business Partnership. “Each year, we get more and more people, and they have a ball. It’s a lot of fun.”
The restaurant choices are eclectic, ranging from Cuban to seafood; Mexican to Irish; from simple bars to sandwich shops and coffee houses to high-end dining establishments. “It’s getting pretty popular from word of mouth,” Gunter said. “We hope people come to get a taste of our restaurants’ best and want to come back to Highlands.”
Participants can walk from venue to venue in the half-square-mile borough or ride on one of two buses, which will run in a continuous loop all day so people can hop on and hop off at their leisure.
“Most people stay for about 15 minutes at each stop,” Gunter said. “But if people want to stay longer or buy another drink, they won’t have to wait very long for another bus to come along.”
Ticket holders will receive a drawstring backpack and a map. Each establishment will stamp the map, and those who visit all of the stops will be eligible to win a $200 gift card that is good at any of the participating venues.
The items served will vary from place to place. Bahr’s Landing will offer roast clams and Jackson Hole margaritas. Havana Tropical Café will serve lechon asado (roast port Cuban style), arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), congri (rice and black beans) and sangria. The Chubby Pickle will serve fried ravioli and frickles, its signature fried pickles, as well as a Honey Dew Me cocktail. Chilango’s menu includes bbq pork tamales with coconut slaw and cucumber margaritas.
“The cucumber margaritas are amazing,” Gunter said. “They’re so refreshing. They’re one of my favorites.”
The Inlet Café will offer participants a taste of its jambalaya and Moby’s will feature soft serve ice cream and Carton Brewing’s The Wit Whale.
“There won’t be a restaurant that people are disappointed in,” Gunter said. “They’re all fantastic.”
Taste of Highlands tickets are $40, and the event will take place rain or shine. Ticket holders will check in either at Huddy Park on Bay and Waterwitch avenues or Veterans Park on Bay and Shrewsbury avenues, where they will pick up the map and backpack. Tickets can be purchased at participating establishments or by calling 732-291-4713.
 
Arts and entertainment writer
Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com
Photo Courtesy of Taste of Highlands