By: | June 10, 2024 | Dining | Monmouth County
By Ryan Loughlin
With summer fast approaching, the realization that bathing suit season is upon us is not lost on anyone. And though it’s been fun spending all winter gorging ourselves on noticeably unhealthy meals while hiding under bulky sweaters and heavy coats, it’s officially time to snap out of that state of mind.
Low carb and no carb diets can be effective ways to shed a few pounds quickly, but who wants to sacrifice the enjoyment of going out to eat? Nobody. Luckily, you don’t have to, as Monmouth County is ripe with restaurants that offer up protein-heavy dishes without the carbs. Here are a few of our favorite dishes to order when bread is the enemy.
The Greek Spot (Ocean/Red Bank)
Mediterranean food has a reputation for being healthy in general, but at The Greek Spot, (which has locations in both Red Bank and Ocean) you can expect it to be delicious as well. Chicken, lamb or pork souvlaki skewers work as a fabulous pairing for a Greek salad, and they become downright addicting when dunked in either a bit of tzatziki or their amazing spicy feta dip (which also works brilliantly when spread on a pita if carbs are not a problem for you). The Ocean location mostly does take-out, but The Greek Spot in Red Bank is a gorgeous restaurant, perfect for a lovely night out. TheGreekSpotNJ.com
Mutiny BBQ Co. (Asbury Park)
Easily one of the most brilliant American culinary contributions, barbecue can be as fantastic option for those looking to limit their carb intake. And since the slow smoked meat is supremely flavorful and moist all on its own, you really can skip the sugary bbq sauces altogether. One of the best spots to take on this meaty mission is at Mutiny BBQ. Options are plentiful here at this Asbury Park smokehouse, as you can choose from such classics as brisket, pulled pork, carved turkey or sausage links, all of which can be ordered on their own or mixed into a combo plate for those looking to sample them all. Pair with a side of homemade collard greens for the win. MutinyBBQ.com
Red Horse by David Burke (Rumson)
Possibly the most obvious (and indulgent) option for those looking to cut carbs is a big juicy steak. And at Red Horse by David Burke, you can sink your teeth into a variety of them, including an 8-ounce filet mignon or American Wagyu strip, a 12-ounce NY strip or a 22-ounce bone-in dry-aged ribeye. Those looking to share can opt for the 38-ounce dry-aged porterhouse or the 40 ounce dry-aged tomahawk ribeye, each of which are meant to be split. But the carb-free options here don’t end with beef, as Red Horse also offers a full sushi menu. Why not start your meal with a few pieces of yellowtail or salmon sashimi and a seaweed salad before the main course arrives? Sounds like a plan. RedHorseByDB.com
The Chapter House (Howell)
While classic pub grub might not be the first thing that pops in your head when you are thinking of eating healthy, if lowering your carb intake is the goal it can actually be pulled off fairly painlessly at a spot like The Chapter House in Howell. The answer to your prayers sits right in the midst of their menu in the form of the humble buffalo wing. Chapter House’s kitchen puts out some of the best in all of Monmouth County and while you can choose from a selection of sauces, the standard buffalo is our pick. Wings are available in single and double orders or if you really want to feel like you are being healthy, you can opt for the buffalo chicken salad, which features grilled buffalo chicken, romaine lettuce, celery, shredded carrots and cherry tomatoes all topped with their homemade blue cheese dressing. ChapterHouseNJ.com
_smaller.png)
_smaller.jpg)
_smaller.jpg)
