Take nothing for granted.
Yesterday was the last day for Wolfie’s Deli & Restaurant in Toms River, closing its doors after being in business for more than 50 years. Wolfie’s was always a throwback, never looking to jump on the food trends to the day. But you knew that you could always get a good sandwich.
So when I heard that Wolfie’s was going to be closing (after trying for some time to sell the place), I had to make a lunch date for one last meal. And as I enjoyed my Reuben, I overheard a conversation at the next table with one of the waitstaff. The server told the couple at the table that she really felt like family working at Wolfie’s, having moved from New York to go to school locally. The couple wondered why the place was closing, since it seemed busy (and for a late lunch time, it was on the busy side). The server informed them that it was busy because the restaurant was closing.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the Next Shiny Thing and forget the places that have stood the test of time but are maybe, y’know, not the most exciting right at that particular moment. And that’s a shame. And I’m just as much to blame as everyone else.
Good never goes out of style, and Wolfie’s was always good. This place will be missed.
What’s going on this weekend?
- If you’re not Halloweened out, Core3Brewery in Clayton is having a costume party tonight starting at 6PM. There will be food and prizes along with the beer.
- Today starts Somers Point Restaurant Week, which will have 11 area restaurants serving $12.19 prix fixe lunches and 16 restaurants serving dinners for $27.19 including Charlie’s Bar, The Crab Trap and Josie Kelly’s. Somers Point Restaurant Week runs through November 10th.
- November 1st through November 10th is also Jersey Shore Restaurant Week, which covers Ocean and Monmouth counties (it’s ok to go outside South Jersey – I won’t tell). Want to check out a restaurant in Asbury Park? Here’s a chance to do so without laying out too much coin.
- Ocean Casino Resort is having its own restaurant week, thankyouverymuch, called Ocean Eats Restaurant Week from November 3rd through November 8th. Special menus for $39 will be available at Amada, American Cut and Dolce Mare. Zhen Bang and Villian & Saint will have menus for $24.
- Toms River Brewing has been operating under its new moniker for some time already, but this Saturday is the brewery’s grand re-opening starting at noon.
- Six Flags Great Adventure’s Grape Adventure Wine and Food Festival is being held this weekend (November 2nd and 3rd). Several local wineries will be participating. The festival is now in its 10th year (wow!).
- Food trucks a-plenty will be at Paradise Lakes on Sunday, November 3rd for the Fall Foodie Fest. The fest runs from 12PM to 7PM.
Some events coming up…
- Recklesstown Farm Distillery in Columbus will be the place for a multi-course Harvest Moon dinner. The courses pair dishes dishes prepared by The Rooted Affair with cocktails from Recklesstown Farm Distillery.
- Berlin Brewing is turning four this year, and its anniversary bash is on November 16th.
- If you’re thinking about Thanksgiving time, Cafe Diem and Silverton Farms in Toms River is hosting a ThanksLiving Farm-to-Table Dinner Experience on November 23rd. The dinner is vegan using organic produce from Silverton Farms. Tickets for this four-course meal is $78 a person.
Eating in South Jersey Blog 