Black-Eyed Susans is a wonderful little gem in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island. It encompasses everything that gets us giddy about a dining experience. With locally sourced seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood right off the boats, and an inviting stylish dining room, Black-Eyed Susans has it all. Its no surprise that this spot books up quickly, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. Its also BYOB, so grab your favorite bottle of wine, or that really great bottle you've been saving for a special occasion.
Upon entering the space, one gets a sense of an upscale restaurant without all the usual stuffiness. There is a good chance you will be greeted with a welcoming smile from Ashley Pellagrino, who just happens to be the owner along with her husband and Chef Christopher Sanchez. With their dedication to sourcing the best seasonal ingredients, such as locally farmed vegetables and fresh caught fish, you'll want to order a meal that shows off their skills in enhancing those flavors. If you happen to go to Black-Eyed Susans at the height of tomato season, be sure to try Jay's Tomatoes, which features LBI grown Jersey Tomatoes with Homemade Sourdough Bread, Farmers Cheese and Sea Salt.
The Foie Gras torchon with cocoa powder, pickled fennel and strawberry apple butter served with brioche is our favorite way to start the meal. It is not often that you find a foie gras dish of this quality at the Jersey shore, but it is clear Black-Eyed Susans knows just what they're doing. The combination of the buttery brioche bread, picked fennel and the sweetness of the strawberry butter pairs perfectly with the foie gras. We would dine here just for this dish alone.
While we love checking out the different and ever-changing items on the menu, we can never get enough of their Scallops, which are served with sunchokes, pickled radish, celery, yacon and nori. Most restaurants on Long Beach Island have scallops on their menus, but very few even come close to Black-Eyed Susans.
The dedication to creating dishes from local ingredients, the nuances in the flavor profiles and the overall great dining experience makes Black-Eyed Susans a #twodopesfavorite.
Black-Eyed Susans
7801 Long Beach Blvd, Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008
http://www.blackeyedsusanslbi.com