The Chicken or the Egg - Long Beach Island, NJ

Sometimes it takes awhile from the time I enjoy a meal until I write the post.  In this case, seeing I had left these photos in draft mode, as well as the ones from our dinner on the same day (different restaurant), is really tough emotionally.  But, I am determined to tell you all about it.  This was a special meal shared with friends on vacation in Long Beach Island, New Jersey - we were on our way in and they were on their way home.

Since they knew the "lay of the land" and the restaurants they liked best, we wanted to be led and were quite happy with their choice of, The Chicken or the Egg.  Next, my girlfriend introduced me to the most modern way to reserve a table via the No Wait app.  Modern technology has provided some improvements to our quality of life - admit it.

We take in the scenery while we wait (not very long).

And once we are seated, I really start to take in all the sights...

So, yes, you can get chicken and egg dishes - as many varieties as you can dream up, but they also have tons of items that have nothing to do with poultry in any form. Burgers, sandwiches, platters, and a seemingly endless list of choices.

Chowder

As far as I'm concerned, no trip to any beach is complete without some kind of fish or, if it is available, New England Clam Chowder.  This was a wonderful and delicious example of a great creamy chowder.

The Sloppy Shepherd

our tangy 100% ground chuck sloppy joe, topped with redskin mashed potatoes, cheddar jack cheese, baked till golden and delicious, served with a roll and butter

The Mr. went completely out of his normal routine and ordered a special.  We do agree that this tactic also typically pays off with good food.  He had a filling and non-traditional shore meal in this generous portion of "The Sloppy Shepherd."  

Next up, my girlfriend's... 

Chicken Taco Salad

Sliced charbroiled chicken breast over greens, jack cheese, onions, diced tomato & black olives in a crispy tortilla shell, sides of our salsa, sour cream, & choice of dressing

She said everthing was delicious.

For me, Eggs Benedict.  Not just any version, but over CRABCAKES! What??? Yup. Chesapeake Benedict also includes BACON!

You couldn't ask for a better combination of land and sea as far as I am concerned.  The potatoes were also crispy, golden squares of goodness and I confess, I pushed the english muffins aside.  Too full from all the other fabulous items on my plate.

My girlfriend's Mr. (aka our friend) opted for:

Bagel & Lox

with red onion, capers, cream cheese, oh my

Looking back, we were so happy and relaxed.  Two happy couples spending a day together at the beach.  Our kids are grown and it is our turn.  No wagons full of plastic toys.  No schedule.  No needs to meet but our own.  I will always be thankful for the memory of this day.  Yes, this is just one snapshot of a chapter we shared together, one that seems so simple, but really, is a time I will always cherish and remember with feeling of contentment as well as, of course, being Fed Well.