| Date |
Bar / Restaurant |
Drink |
Price |
Comments |
| December, 27, 2024 |
The Butchers Block - Long Branch, NJ |
Basil Hayden Perfect Manhattan |
$23.00 |
Birthday dinner with Donna in the Tunnel Room. A cool restaurant with great food, delicious steaks, and excellent service, just overpriced. The Manhattan initially came across as too dry, but as my palate adjusted, it revealed an impressive depth of flavor. The pricing structure was curious: $18 for Basil Hayden, $2 for "up," and $3 for a Manhattan; a bit much to swallow.
|
| December, 22, 2024 |
Crab's Claw - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$12.00 |
Dinner at the bar with Donna on a quiet, cold Sunday evening. Enjoyed another massive Crab's Claw cocktail. While the drink was shaken(?), its generous size and unbeatable price made up for it.
|
| December 6, 2024 |
Kaluz - Wellington FL |
Woodford Reserve Perfect Manhattan |
$20.00 |
We started with drinks at the bar while waiting for our table. The bartender free-poured a decent cocktail, but in the rush of serving a busy crowd, the drink was hastily prepared and barely chilled. Despite this, we had an excellent dinner with Donna, Pat, and Devyn. When in Wellington, be sure to visit Kaluz!
|
| November 29, 2024 |
Chef Mike's Atlantic Bar and Grill - Seaside Park, NJ |
Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Dinner with the Watsons to take advantage of the gift card sale. Enjoyed a couple of well-crafted and delicious Manhattans, followed by a fine seafood dinner. A fun night out overall, though once again, I forgot to check the price (really need to stay focused!)
|
| November 22, 2024 |
Castaway's - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Dinner at the bar with Donna. The first cocktail was average and took a while to make due to multiple interruptions, but the second, prepared by a different bartender, was much better. Enjoyed an excellent turkey sandwich with fantastic bread! Yet again, I forgot to check the price.
|
| November 16, 2024 |
Shackamaxon Country Club - Scotch Plains, NJ |
Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Katie and Matt's wedding. After enjoying an Old Fashioned (signature drink), the staff expertly prepared several Perfect Manhattans throughout the evening; no complaints at all. A truly wonderful celebration!
|
| September 13, 2024 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$14.00 |
Enjoyed dinner in the newly remodeled Offshore Dining Room. A well-made Manhattan complemented the Cod Special perfectly. Offshore is consistent.
|
| August 10, 2024 |
Frankie's - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Woodford Reserve Perfect Manhattan |
$15.50 |
Dinner in the fireplace room with Donald, Kristen, and the kids. Ordinary Manhattan that improved as the evening progressed. Satisfying dinner. Enjoyable evening out with family after drive home from the Outer Banks.
|
| July 31, 2024 |
Chef Mike's Atlantic Bar and Grill - Seaside Park, NJ |
Woodford Reserve Perfect Manhattan |
$17.00 |
Dinner with the Watsons and the Feurys! Chef Mike's consistently delivers - well made Manhattan that enhanced the evening. Fun Wednesday night out. Excellent dinner too.
|
| July 30, 2024 |
Frankie's - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$14.50 |
Dinner in the fireplace room with Donna and Katie Q. Decent Manhattan on a Tuesday evening. Paired well with the slightly overcooked Bacon Bleu Cheese Burger. Overall a positive experience.
|
| July 13, 2024 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Dinner with the Checchios in the dinning room. Typical fine Perfect Manhattan prepared by the Offshore staff. Great dinner, excellent service, and outstanding company. Too much fun, no price.
|
| July 2, 2024 |
Uncle Vinnie's Clam Bar - Raritan, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
IOPG Dinner. Fine drink that hit the spot. Excellent complement to the Flounder Francaise. Delicious dinner, great company, a lot of laughs. Once again, forgot to check the price!
|
| June 15, 2024 |
Alfonso's Trattoria - Somerville, NJ |
Rye Manhattan |
- |
Dinner with Donna, Robin, Tom, Diane, and Guy. Followed Sully's lead and ordered an unspecified Rye Manhattan. The drink was acceptable, though a bit too sweet for my taste and certainly not chilled enough. However, it was an enjoyable dinner with good food and great friends, despite the lackluster service. |
| June 6, 2024 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
Dinner at a table in the bar area with Donna, Pat, and Maryellen. Impressive cocktail complmented the scallop dinner. Excellent company, great dining experience.
|
| June 5, 2024 |
Chef Mike's Atlantic Bar and Grill - Seaside Park, NJ |
Buffalo Trace Perfect Manhattan |
$16.00 |
Dinner with the Watsons. Respectable drink served with the 'dirty ice' leftover from the mixing process. Nice touch. Enjoyable dinner; Tile Fish special over risotto.
Utilized gift card! |
| May 19, 2024 |
Merchantville Country Club - Cherry Hill, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Lunch at the Merchantville Country Club with Donna, Chuck, Coleen, Charlie, and Maeve. The Club's General Manager expertly prepared our Manhattans - Chuck is treated with the utmost respect at the club!
The generously apportioned drinks added to the delightful lunch with a great group. No price - Club member covered the lunch. |
| May 18, 2024 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
Early evening at the bar with Donna. The new bartender nearly prepared a regular Manhattan, but after consulting with the regular staff, adjusted to the perfect.
Decent drink, a bit sweet, but the bartender made up for it by crafting a complimentary 'bartender's mistake.' The scallops entree was fantastic, and the turkey and brie sandwich was as excellent as always. Offshore consistently delivers quality. |
| May 12, 2024 |
Columns - Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ |
Woodford Reserve Perfect Manhattan |
$16.00 |
Mother's Day dinner with Donna, Peg, Greg, Amy, Zack, Joe, Amanda, Jonny, and Barrett. Woodford was the featured boubon of the day. Reviewed the 'Perfect' receipe with the waitress to ensure the cocktail was
prepared properly amidst the chaos of the afternoon rush. Though the drink arrived in a small solid glass, the impressively savory flavor delivered on this happy occaision. |
| May 8, 2024 |
Greenbriar Oceanaire Pub - Waretown, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$8.00 |
At the bar with Donna and George, exploring the Greenbriar scene. Surprisingly bustling for a Wednesday afternoon, but comfortable and welcoming. Basic cocktail free poured by the experienced bartender. Terrific pricing. |
| May 7, 2024 |
Harpoon Willy's - Manasquan, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.50 |
Window table overlooking the river for Donna's birthday. Delightful cocktail skillfully prepared by the bartender (I watched from the table) that was spot on. Paired well with the Halibut and Scallops special
|
| May 4, 2024 |
Half Moon Point - Point Pleasant, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$15.10 |
Donna and I met Joe, Amanda, Barrett, Amy, and Peg in the bar area for drinks and cocktails. Joe ordered my drink beforehand so that it was delivered upon my arrival - a nice touch. Drink was perfect too. Barrett enjoyed the tavern atmosphere. Odd pricing (5 Manhattans / $75.50)
|
| April 27, 2024 |
Klees - Seaside Heights, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$14.00 |
Hightop in the back with Donna, Mellen, and Dan for early dinner. A fine cocktail perfectly mixed and served well chilled. The Red Snapper special hit the mark too. Fun pictures at Klee's.
|
| April 19, 2024 |
Castaway's - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$14.50 |
At the bar with Donna for Happy Hour. Drink clumsily free poured, but turned out to be surprisingly well-made, a pleasant surprise. However, disappointed when my last sip was wisked away when I briefly stepped away to chat with the singer/guitarist!
|
| April 13, 2024 |
Frankie's - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$14.00 |
Began at the bar before transitioning to a table for dinner with Diane and Guy. Enjoyed a satisfying drink amidst the bustling atmosphere of the bar on a lively Saturday evening. The second drink during dinner lived up to expectations as well, perfectly complementing the Cuban Panini special.
|
| April 12, 2024 |
Shrimp Box - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
Dinner with Donna at a cozy booth overlooking the marina on a lovely Spring evening. Average, unremarkable manhattan, but excellent seafood dinner nonetheless.
|
| March 11, 2024 |
Crab's Claw - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$12.00 |
At the bar with Donna and Dan McGrath. Generous cocktail presented by the experienced staff at the Crab's Claw. Perfectly complemented the superb Blackened Scrod special. Priced right too.
|
| February 20, 2024 |
Rod's Tavern - Sea Girt, NJ |
Basil Hayden Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Dinner at Rod's celebrating the birth of Barrett with Donna, Peg, Amy, and Greg. Great day, great Manhattan, great dinner, great company!
|
| February 17, 2024 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
At the bar with Donna. Enjoyed the refreshed ambiance of the newly remodeled Offshore. Manhattan was somewhat disappointing as crafted by a new young bartender. Seemed to be a 'dry' manhattan, lacking the sweet vermouth. Nonetheless, this minor setback didn't overshadow the overall fantastic Offshore experience.
|
| February 10, 2024 |
Polo Steak and Sea - Vero Beach FL |
Basil Hayden Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Vero Beach dinner with Tom, Steve, and Donna - a pre Super Bowl gathering. The evening kicked off with an exceptional cocktail, setting the perfect tone for the weekend ahead. The dinner was superb, and the company even better. Truly relishing our time in Vero Beach.
|
| February 7, 2024 |
Kaluz - Wellington FL |
Basil Hayden Perfect Manhattan |
$21.00 |
Ordered drinks at the bustling bar while waiting for our table. Disappointingly, the drink was merely average, failing to justify its hefty $21 price tag. See angry picture . Nonetheless, had another delightful dinner with Devyn, Pat, and Donna, served by the same waitress as last time. Kaluz remains on our list for future visits.
|
| February 6, 2024 |
Franco's - Wellington FL |
Basil Hayden Perfect Manhattan |
$17.00 |
Dinner with Devyn, Pat, and Donna. Devyn and I enjoyed an masterfully crafted free-poured drink. Much more vermouth than I am accustomed to, but a fine cocktail nonetheless. Great Italian dinner too!
|
| February 1, 2024 |
The Well at the Collector - St Augustine FL |
Woodford Reserve Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Pre-dinner cocktails with Jim following a captivating tour of the St Augustine Distillery. Sipping our drinks, expertly concocted by a friendly bartender in a quaint, century-old pub nestled on the grounds of the Collector, we relished the ambiance. The cost remained a mystery as Jim generously covered the bill!
|
| January 31, 2024 |
Harry's - St Augustine FL |
Woodford Reserve Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
Dinner upstairs with Donna. A reasonably good cocktail, although it could have been colder, still served as a fitting accompaniment to a superb dinner. Moreover, it was priced right too.
|
| January 29, 2024 |
Passerelle Bistro - Greenville, SC |
Basil Hayden Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Dinner with Nancy, Tom, and Donna. Delightful cocktail - first drink in four weeks! South Carolina knows perfect manhattans. Great meal - great company! Need to return someday.
|
| November 24, 2023 |
St. Stephen's Green Publick House - Spring Lake, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$17.00 |
Lunch with Amanda, Joe, and Donna. Waitress insisted that Pat the bartender would make a perfect Perfect, setting expectations high. Unfortunately, the drink didn't meet the anticipated level of excellence. Was an average cocktail served in a silly little glass and not adequately chilled. No matter, it was a delightful time with a great group.
|
| November 18, 2023 |
The Governors' Pub - Bellefonte, PA |
Jim Beam Perfect Manhattan |
$12.00 |
Dinner after the Nittany Lions victory at Beaver Stadium. Barmaid from Brooklyn visited our table to exchange views on the Perfect Manhattan and chuckle about Brooklyn, Jersey, and PA. Then, she crafted a well-made beverage, though it leaned a bit too sweet for my liking. Nevertheless, dinner was delightful, and the company was excellent.
Weird glass!
|
| November 17, 2023 |
Nick's Lakehouse - Lake Harmony, PA |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$12.00 |
Lunch with Donna, Vickie, and Kenny. A delightful cocktail enhanced our pleasant midday meal with a scenic view of Lake Harmony during our lunch break while traveling to Happy Valley for the weekend.
Nick's Lake Harmony
|
| November 16, 2023 |
The Committed Pig - Manasquan, NJ |
Whistle Pig Rye Perfect Manhattan |
- |
At the bar with Donna. OK drink - well chilled, a bit too sweet, but substandard serving size. Also, served rye when bourbon was requested. Bartender's favorite color is green - a bit odd. Forgot to get the price again. Burgers were excellent!
A bar with a clinical white laboratory theme!
|
| November 3, 2023 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
At the bar with Donna. The skilled team at Offshore consistently deliver an excellent drink showcasing their precise free-pouring techniques. No bitters, but no matter; still a fine drink served with a twist.
|
| November 1, 2023 |
Uncle Vinnie's Clam Bar - Raritan, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
IOPG Dinner. Superb cocktail; perfectly balanced and served well chilled. Waiter demonstrated a clear understanding of the Perfect Manhattan. Complemented the food and company exceptionally. Forgot to check the price!
|
| October 20, 2023 |
Crab's Claw - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$12.00 |
Dinner at the bar with Donna. Disappointing cocktail; taste off - as if the sweet vermouth was missing. Good service and generous portion. New low price (off season Happy Hour).
|
| October 17, 2023 |
Scaleni Fideli - Chatham NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$15.00 |
Dinner with Joan, Joe, and Jack. Standard beverage for an upscale establishment. Needed to remind the server about the 'Perfect Manhattan' recipe. Reasonable cost for a high end setting.
Nice place!
|
| October 13, 2023 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
Dinner at the bar with Donna. An expertly prepared cocktail from the team at the Offshore. They consistently and skillfully deliver superb drinks.
|
| September 30, 2023 |
The Columns - Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Amy and Zack's Wedding at the Columns! Excellent Perfect Manhattans all around. Great drinks - great times - not so great pictures!
|
| August 10, 2023 |
Howard's Pub - Ocracoke NC |
Maker's Mark Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
Lunch with Donna, Chuck, Coleen, and the kids. Plain drink served at renowned tourist trap. Opting for a beer would have been wiser in the exceedingly humid conditions. But no matter, lunch was enjoyable and the companionship was fantastic.
Ocracoke!
|
| August 5, 2023 |
Capo Capo - Norfolk VA |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Dinner with Donna - stop on the way to Hatteras. Provided instructions to the waitress on crafting a Perfect Manhattan, but the resulting drink was mediocre, served lukewarm, and lacking in terms of presentation. Forgot to check the price
|
| August 4, 2023 |
Crab's Claw - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.50 |
Upstairs at the bar with Donna. Refreshed Gabby's memory on how to make a 'perfect'; she recalled and agreed. Delightful cocktail savored in the cozy West Virginia room - Crab's Claw's secret hideaway.
Classic drink!
|
| August 3, 2023 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
At bar with Donna and George. Yet another exquisite cocktail at Offshore, simple and unpretentious- no frills, just your basic drink. Offshore continues their consistency!
|
| July 12, 2023 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
At bar with Donna, Debow, & Brian Leonard. Expertly crafted, well blended cocktail served by an experienced bartender. Properly served with a twist. Did the job. Perfectly complemented the spinach and bacon pizza. No price - Debow paid!
|
| July 8, 2023 |
Crab's Claw - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.50 |
At bar with Donna, Maryellen, Dan McGrath, and Debow. Fantastic drink, perfectly prepared. Great taste, chilled appropriately, and served professionally. Crab's Claw continues their tradition of price variability, but no matter. Dan McGrath paid too!
|
| July 5, 2023 |
Klees - Seaside Heights, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
At table for dinner with the Donna, Maryellen, Steph, Devyn, and Debow. The drink was slightly drier than expected, yet perfectly chilled. The serving size was generous, resulting in a delightful cocktail. Enjoyed the company and our spot at the round table in the front corner. No price - Debow paid!
At the table! |
| June 21, 2023 |
Klees - Seaside Heights, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
At table for dinner with the Watsons - Donna's Retirement Day. Drink so-so; little too sweet and not cold enough, otherwise ok. Paired well with the Anchovy Pizza. Forgot to check the price.
Klee's has the best statue! |
| June 18, 2023 |
Half Moon Point - Point Pleasant, NJ |
Buffalo Trace Perfect Manhattan |
$12.50 |
At bar with Donna and Joe - Father's Day. Friendly, methodical bartender. Meticulously blended a fine cocktail. Remarkable pricing (round two was only $10!) |
| June 10, 2023 |
Alfonso's Trattoria - Somerville, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$14.00 |
At bar with Sully - Agreeable bartender attentively took direction to craft a Perfect Manhattan resulting in an outstanding, generouosly portioned cocktail. |
| June 9, 2023 |
Fratello's - Sea Girt, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$14.25 |
At table for dinner with Donna - Solid cocktail professionally served by experienced wait staff perfectly chilled in a small cocktail shaker. |
| June 3, 2023 |
Rod's Tavern - Sea Girt, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
At bar with a crowd - Nice drink masterfully mixed by pro bartender (Bobby) at the back bar. Great service. No price available (large bill).
Normandy Beach at Rod's |
| May 31, 2023 |
Crab's Claw - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
At bar with Donna and George - Pretty good drink mixed by one of the newer members of the Claw's crew. Did not capture the price (George paid!) |
| May 23, 2023 |
Roots Steakhouse - Summit, NJ |
Woodford Reserve Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Retirement dinner - Excellent Perfect Manhattan expertly crafted by an expereinced bartender. Perfectly complemented the NY Strip Steak |
| May 14, 2023 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
Mother's Day dinner with Bev, Donna, & Joe. Another fine cocktail at the Offshore. Professional bartenders - consistently excellent.
Cheers! |
| May 7, 2023 |
LaScala's Birra - Pennsauken, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
Donna Birthday Lunch with Chuck, Coleen, & kids (Cooper River) - Very good drink considering it was served in a platic cup (outside - Camden County regulation). |
| May 5, 2023 |
Chef Mike's Atlantic Bar and Grill - Seaside Park, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$14.00 |
Dinner with Donna - Average Manhattan; professional staff and service. Good price for an expensive restaurant (less than glass of Santa Margherita!) |
| April 28, 2023 |
Crab's Claw - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$12.00 |
At table - Solid Manhattan served with the shaker (Crab's Claw practice). Price increase over last time, but still the lowest |
| April 22, 2023 |
Liberty House - Jersey City, NJ |
Four Roses Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
- |
Stephanie/John's Wedding Reception. Good event bartender - knew what she was doing.
Impressive cocktail! |
| April 14, 2023 |
Boatyard 401 - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$16.00 |
At bar - rookie bartender had to remake - did not include dry vermouth - not a good drink- not a Manhattan place! |
| March 31, 2023 |
Mantoloking Road Alehouse - Brick, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
At table with McGraths - waiter pushed 'Perfect' button in the computer - drink ok |
| March 30, 2023 |
Klees - Seaside Heights, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
At bar - disappointing drink - will try again |
| March 24, 2023 |
Castaway's - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$14.50 |
At table - instructed waitress how to make - good drink |
| March 22, 2023 |
Crab's Claw - Lavallette, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$10.50 |
At bar - professional bartender - great drink - great price! |
| March 17, 2023 |
Offshore - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$13.00 |
At table for dinner - professional bartenders at Offshore - great drink |
| March 10, 2023 |
Bum Rogers - Seaside Park, NJ |
Bulleit Bourbon Perfect Manhattan |
$18.00 |
Bartender had long discussion with staff while mixing the drink - but quality OK - crazy price |
