|
This is a restaurant review
written weekly by veteran restaurant critic Suzin Odlen. Be sure to check back often to
find some of the culinary delights in the Atlantic City area. Also check out our archive
of past reviews
Caroline's By the Bay, Somers Point's newest restaurant and bar, is one of the most popular gathering spots in the area. They achieved this status from the minute they opened their doors just six weeks ago. Dave Tyson (of Anchorage fame) has another winner in Caroline's and in fact, his new establishment will remind you of the Anchorage in many ways. The kitchen is leased by J.J. who made a move from Charlie's after fourteen years and brought her entire staff with her. Although Somers Point has no shortage of successful bars and restaurants it seems that there was room for another which is more than evident by the crowds that flock to Caroline's. The menu features an extensive list of appetizers that go well with drinks. J.J. is famous for wings and she offers a good variety of this specialty in varying quantities. Other good options included a Snack Basket of mozzarella sticks, Mexican Poppers and onion rings, Potato Skins, Fresh Roasted Peppers, Ribs and Rings and Caroline's Clams, a specialty of the house. Mussels Italiano, Steamers and Large Steamed Shrimp were also available. My dining partner and I split an order of Pan Fried Oysters ($6.95) that were fabulous. The oysters were delicate and sweet, lightly breaded and seasoned perfectly. They were served on a bed of fresh sauteed spinach with a spicy tartar sauce to compliment it. For our next course we sampled the soup. I chose the Manhattan Clam Chowder which was rich and thick and filled with chopped clams. My dining partner enjoyed the soup du jour which was Navy Bean. J.J.'s Authentic Goulash Soup was another interesting option. The menu also offers a large selection of salads and sandwiches including a good variety of burgers, steak sandwiches, deli delights and special additions. J.J.'s authentic German cuisine is legendary in Atlantic County and her menu won't disappoint you. The entrees are priced from $8.95 to $16.95 with many good choices. The Traditional Sampler offers one bratwurst, wiener schnitzel (chicken or veal), sauerbraten, spaetzel, German potato salad, sauerkraut, red cabbage and dill cucumber salad. The Stuttgart Filet Tips are sauteed with onions, mushrooms and peppers and served over spaetzel with garlic toast. There are five varieties of schnitzel, as well. The dinner menu also includes close to two dozen selections from land and sea in addition to the daily specials. On the night of our review meal they offered Tri-Colored Involtini with Marinara Sauce ($10.95), Broiled, Blackened or Poached Salmon ($12.95) and an Open-Faced Hot Roast Pork Sandwich with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut ($6.95). In the seafood department you'll find Lobster Tail, Crab Legs, Deep Fried Shrimp, Cioppino, Seafood Fra Diablo and Dominic's Shrimp which looked wonderful. They're prepared Cordon Bleu style with a light sour cream gravy. My dining partner selected the Large Steamed Shrimp (1/2lb. $8.95) which were seasoned with Old Bay and were fresh and delicious. Meat lovers can enjoy Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, BBQ Ribs, Veal Medallions and a Boneless Chicken Breast. The latter two may be prepared in a variety of styles such as Parmesan, Piccata, Francaise or Marsala. I chose the Center Cut Pork Chops ($14.95) which featured two of the biggest pork chops that I've ever seen and they were exceptionally tender. Fresh broccoli and delicious homemade spaetzel accompanied it. The service at Caroline's was fast and friendly despite the crowd and our waitress, Chicky, was very accommodating. For good food, reasonable prices and a pleasant ambiance, you'll like Caroline's and you're bound to bump into friends here. Bay Avenue & Longport Blvd. · Somers Point (609) 927-9007 |
|
