Long Beach Island has been a second home to me for more years than I would like to reveal. While I love just about everything about LBI I have always wished there were more great restaurants and at least one great hotel. My wish has been granted fully by the new Daddy O Hotel and Restaurant in Brant Beach, Long Beach Island, NJ.
I watched them building daddy O in the old Wida's with anxious anticipation. It has now been open over a year. Decided it was a perfect place to get away to celebrate our 22nd Anniversary. We had a wonderful time. Long Beach Island is so pleasant in the fall.
I readily concede that Daddy O is an anomaly to the Island where the typical lodging is sandy old seashore motels. But if you dig places like W Hotels, The James or SoHo Grand then Daddy O is for you. Though the quality of construction details at Daddy O are not up to those standards.
When you step inside you are transformed, "Toto we're not on LBI anymore." The rooms are well appointed and comfortable. The halls are lined with soft lights and a shimmering sparkling wall covering that excites the senses. The sun deck on the roof gives great access to the sun or moon above. You can stay in the hotel and access the slick bar or sumptuous dining room from within. Step outside and you are a short block from the clean Atlantic Ocean beach.
Relaxing cool lounge music softly wafts throughout the hotel, on the decks and into the lounge.
The bar and restaurant are beautifully designed. The wine list is exceptional with many very good and realistically priced wines by the glass. We tried several. Celebrating and no need to drive, why not.
We met Executive Chef and Partner Al Vanesko and his charming wife, incredible hostess/manager, Megan Eberz. They are both very passionate and dedicated to making Daddy O a special experience. In chatting we mentioned that we were celebrating our 22nd. Well soon many of the staff seemed aware and bidding us good wishes. Not expected, but much appreciated. It all seemed part of the relaxed but attentive service we experienced throughout our stay.
Our dinner was spectacular. The restaurant was well staffed. The menu, created by Al Vanesko, is diverse with a slant toward New American and Asian influenced dishes as well as some "Shore Classics ." We found his style to be very similar to some of the Mod OZ Cuisine we recently enjoyed in Australia.
Dinner with a Cumin Spiced Ahi tuna with Tropical Fruit Chutney, Wasabi Avocado Mousse Napoleon. The delicious flavors and textures merged in unexpected ways. The Contrada Napa Sauvignon Blanc and the Austrian Gruner Veltliner went very well with this dish.
We also enjoyed a “Philly Cheese-steak” red wine braised short ribs, goat cheese, frizzled onions. The meat melted in the mouth and the cheese and onions accented with delight. Had a glass of the Folie a Deux Menage a Trois a California Meritage of Zin, Cab & Merlot. It worked very nicely with the ribs.
Our entries came after appropriate time to breath and savor the flavors of our appetizers. Though the dining room was filled on this Saturday night there was no sense of rush to move us on.
I had a Bouillabaisse, a special for the night, very authentic, very delicious, but was without a rouille or aioli which I missed. The tuna, salmon, scallops, shrimp and mussels were abundant and fresh, the broth was exceptional, we kept returning to dip another piece of bread. I enjoyed a Washington State Merlot, Covey Run, a little too heavy for the dish, next time I will try one of the Pinots offered.
Diana's Pan Seared Mahi-Mahi Pineapple with Coconut Lime Rice and Thai Curry Sauce was the best dish of all, very reminiscent of Australia. Each flavour stood out on its own and teased and sated the palate. The pineapple was very thinly sliced and wrapped the fish like skin. The rice was almost pudding bursting with gentle flavors, the balanced curry rounded out this wonderfully exotic dish.
The desserts continued to please and completed the meal perfectly. We passed on the large selection of dessert wines and after dinner drinks.
Zagat's review that says "the “average” eats seem secondary to the main show here, namely the “fun” bar scene." is off the mark concerning the food Daddy O's cuisine is far from average. The bar is sure fun and we will be back.
New Jersey Restaurant Review By: Peter Conway 10/21/07
Daddy O
4401 Long beach Blvd
Brant Beach, NJ 08008
Telephone:
Hotel : (609) 361 5100
Restaurant: (609) 494 1300
E-mail : info@daddyohotel.com
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
Went there last summer for a business trip and vacation time with my wife. The place is great with a nice view of the surroundings.
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