Vequinox, best of luck in your house-hunting. Monmouth County is very picturesque–lots of farms & horses, with some history thrown in.

Recently, in between games at a soccer tournament, we had a fantastic late breakfast at a little place in the center of Freehold called Sweet Lou’s (I think that’s the name). There are a bunch of outdoor bistros along the main street in town…the Court Jester is pretty decent. Both of the places I mentioned are almost directly across from the Monmouth County Courthouse.

You are looking for a house in Monmouth County? Be prepared to knock off a Brink’s truck before you begin shopping. You are talking about "upper 1 percent" territory there!

It might be on the outer edge of Monmouth County, but there is a lace called Java Moon that has a great varied menu of sandwiches and the like, including many vegetarian choices. It looks like a charming log cabin & is a neat place with delicious food. The address is 1022 Anderson Road @ Route 537, Jackson, NJ, phone: 732-928-3633. It is right next to the Jackson Factory Outlet Center (near Great Adventure Six Flags). If you’re looking at homes in the area or even 15-20 minutes away, it’s worth the trip for breakfast or lunch (not sure if they’re open for dinner).

The Vietnamese restaurant I mentioned is called Saigon II and it is on Newman Springs Road (Rt. 520) in Lincroft. It is in a strip mall and, if I remember correctly, should be on the right side of the road if you’re heading West from the Garden State Parkway. If you’re coming from the Garden State, take exit 109 to Newman Springs Road and head west from the Parkway. Enjoy!

Where in Monmouth will you be? It’s a fairly large county. There is an excellent Vietnamese restaurant on Rt 520 in Lincroft, which would be exit 109 on the Garden State Parkway. I don’t recall the name but I will post again if I find their business card.

Otherwise, try Red Bank, NJ (also exit 109). It is fairly upscale and urbane and should have some vegetarian options. Carlos O’Conner’s is a decent Mexican restaurant in Red Bank.