I’ve Discovered the Most Charming and Delicious Hidden Restaurant in New Jersey

I've lived in Ocean County my entire life, so I've heard about most restaurants unless they're brand new.

Recently, I heard some buzz about a very non-assuming bistro at the Shore that locals and visitors rave about.

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In July, I decided to visit this establishment for my birthday on August 1.

I called hoping to get a reservation for a table of six on or around the first of August.

I thought I was hearing things when the person on the phone said the earliest I could get a reservation was the end of September - almost two months later.

What could possibly be so special about this place that you can't get in for eight weeks? Is any meal worth that much of a wait? I said no until this past weekend.

The big night finally arrived, and my guests and I walked into a tiny eatery with an unmistakable charm.

Everyone settled in quickly. It was easy to do; this place is so comfortable.

Have you ever heard of The Poached Pear in Pt. Pleasant Beach?

It's not a new restaurant. I had passed it many times on Arnold Avenue and noticed the happy diners eating outside during summer.

When the fifth or sixth person I knew told me I had to try it, I started investigating.

Sandy was our server and had about ten specials to tell us about. We heard about all of them in incredible detail.

Sandy is one of those servers that can read your mind. They know when to give you a refill before you ask for one, or they will be the tiebreaker when you can't decide between two phenomenal entrees.

The table started with an order of the asparagus fries.

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I'm not usually a fan of asparagus, but my goodness, these were fresh, crispy, and delicious.

They were so good that we ordered a second serving.

Next, I enjoyed the best soup I've ever had—Jersey corn chowder. It was breathtakingly good.

Like Jersey corn, this soup was sweet, but not too sweet, thanks to the crispy bacon pieces.

There's also a goat cheese ball that melts while you eat to add some extra savory flavor.

The entrees were simply unbelievable.

The pan-seared diver scallops were perfectly cooked and served with zucchini and cherry tomato risotto.

The Poached Pear is also famous for its pork chop.

This isn't any old pork chop. It's an apple cider-brined pork chop with red cabbage marmalade, crispy spaetzle, caramelized apples, and bourbon cider reduction.

Sure, I had to wait two months to get a table at The Poached Pear in Pt. Pleasant Beach, but it was well worth it.