After signing up Manera's Restaurant for Bounty Of The Bay based on a glowing recommendation, and trying the samples they brought with them to the event, I decided to take Lori there for dinner one evening. I was impressed with their operation from the moment we walked in the door. The host immediately seated us to what was a very busy dining room. Located at 291 NJ-72 East in Manahawkin, New Jersey, I was afraid that there would be a major wait due to the amount of cars that surrounded the strip mall.
The waiter was very attentive as my unsweetened iced tea never had a chance to make it to the bottom of the glass. I ordered Pasta Aioli, which consisted of whole wheat spaghetti that was mixed with roasted red peppers and spinach. The dish was drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped off with fresh basil and garlic. Shredded parmesan was sprinkled over the top. Not only was the meal very filling, it was amazingly tasty.
Lori's meal was just as satisfying. She went with one of the specials, which was a chicken breast wrapped with prosciutto and stuffed with brie and cranberries. A red wine reduction glaze finished off her amazing meal. My only complaint was that we were so stuffed that we didn't try their tempting desserts.
