It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Spring Lake Heights, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Spring Lake Heights, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Spring Lake Heights, NJ, including the following:
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Spring Lake Heights, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
BELMAR, NJ - Stakes were high during the Friday afternoon’s championship game at Spring Lake Heights School's soccer field, where the Belmar Elementary School Boys Team came back to beat Spring Lake Heights 4-2 and took the gold.Belmar was down 2-1 at the half, until scoring in the first few minutes of the second half to tie it up, followed by a corner kick header to take the lead with about eight minutes left in the game. The boys then tacked on a fourth goal to clinch their victory with five minutes left in the game.Bri...
BELMAR, NJ - Stakes were high during the Friday afternoon’s championship game at Spring Lake Heights School's soccer field, where the Belmar Elementary School Boys Team came back to beat Spring Lake Heights 4-2 and took the gold.
Belmar was down 2-1 at the half, until scoring in the first few minutes of the second half to tie it up, followed by a corner kick header to take the lead with about eight minutes left in the game. The boys then tacked on a fourth goal to clinch their victory with five minutes left in the game.
Brian Basaman, BES phys ed. teacher and boys soccer coach for 10 years, was sure that the team was the best in the division, and said that they really showed it on the field Friday. “It felt great, we knew all year… I kept telling my team ‘If we all play well at the same time we’re the best team,’” Basaman said. “We haven’t seen it all year, but it really showed up today. I think adrenaline just does that to kids, the adrenaline of knowing it’s a championship game, so they’re focused. I don’t have to get their focus, it’s there.”
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Belmar Elementary finished fourth place in their division, and were able to beat their opponents in the semi-finals. Spring Lake Heights beat the undefeated team in their semi-finals, clinching their position in the championship game.
“Congratulations to the Belmar team for their championship victory,” a Spring Lake Heights School Facebook post read. “Thanks to all the fans for their support! The sidelines were filled with students of all ages, alumni, teachers, families and community members!”
Scoring Belmar’s first goal was Myles Carstens, who got to celebrate both the championship win and his birthday on Friday. Also scoring were Shawn Hartelius, Bryan Sanchez Bautista and Kai Lomas. Locking down the goal was Jack Nicolay, and despite this season being his first time as goalie, he “did a great job.”
Belmar Elementary School Principal Sarah Wilton attended the game, and said that their boys “came to play.” “They played together and with so much heart. Every player on the team gave everything they had. When the other team got tired, we just kept going,” she told TAPinto. “We had a supportive fan base today including parents, staff, students and former students. It was amazing to see the pride our community has for our school. This team will always remember this day! Congratulations boys and coach Basaman!”
Enjoy summer fun at the Jersey Shore, surrounded by good times and great friends at the grand opening of this new go-to destination offering a vibrant atmosphere, diverse entertainment, and welcoming spirit. SPRING LAKE, N.J., June 2, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The Pool Bar at The Shore Club is proud to announce the grand opening of their new Pool Bar, just in time for guests to experience the epitome of summer fun, starting Friday, June 2 at 3 PM. Located in Spring Lake, New Jersey, and inspired by the beloved Beach House...
Enjoy summer fun at the Jersey Shore, surrounded by good times and great friends at the grand opening of this new go-to destination offering a vibrant atmosphere, diverse entertainment, and welcoming spirit.
SPRING LAKE, N.J., June 2, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The Pool Bar at The Shore Club is proud to announce the grand opening of their new Pool Bar, just in time for guests to experience the epitome of summer fun, starting Friday, June 2 at 3 PM. Located in Spring Lake, New Jersey, and inspired by the beloved Beach House Pool Bar, The Pool Bar is set to be the new go-to destination, offering a diverse lineup of weekly events that will delight patrons.
During the grand opening night, guests can enjoy a very special performance from Brian Kirk from The Jerks starting at 6 p.m. The Pool Bar operates from Wednesday to Friday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., subject to weather conditions. Full-week service will commence in late June. The Pool Bar is an exclusive venue for guests aged 21 and older and offers bar service and server service at tables on a first-come, first-served basis. For larger groups and special occasions, advance arrangements can be made for unique, elevated gazebo seating. For more information about The Pool Bar, please visit www.thepoolbarnj.com.
Kickstart the week with The Pool Bar's sizzling Backyard BBQ on Wednesday evenings at 3 p.m., where guests can indulge in an all-you-can-eat feast for just $29 per person. Feast on classic favorites like hot dogs, veggie dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, and pasta salad. On Thursdays, escape the summer heat with a variety of inflatable pool games. Fridays and Saturdays guarantee an exhilarating atmosphere with live performances and entertainment featuring beach favorites and Top 40 music. Sundays are reserved for relaxation during Reggae Sundaze, featuring live music, delectable food, and enticing drink specials that capture the essence of the Caribbean.
Don't miss The Pool Bar's irresistible happy hour, the "No Shower Happy Hour," which runs daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Take the opportunity to transition from the beach to the pool while enjoying great deals on beverages. Grab half (12) or whole (24) cases of beer for only $40/$80 or seltzers for $60/$120.
To enhance your experience, The Pool Bar offers a delectable full food menu available for purchase until 9 p.m. on operational days. On weekends, indulge in the exclusive poolside brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Savor favorites like ahi tuna tacos and fresh fruit platters, perfectly suited for the hot summer days. Enjoy the Bubbles & Brunch special poolside, which includes brunch, $30 select bottles of bubbles, and $10 juice carafes.
The Pool Bar provides the perfect setting to create lasting memories with friends and loved ones.
Source: The Shore Club
The event took place at The Spring Lake Manor, so guests could enjoy delicious appetizers, meals, and desserts from the Spring Lake Heights establishment. Photo Credit: Jack SlocumPhoto Credit: Jack SlocumPhoto Credit: Jack SlocumPhoto Credit: Jack SlocumPhoto Credit: Jack SlocumAround 130 people attended the event to support the Belmar Woman's Club and its scholarship fund. Photo Credit: Jack Slocum By Jack SlocumPublished...
The event took place at The Spring Lake Manor, so guests could enjoy delicious appetizers, meals, and desserts from the Spring Lake Heights establishment.
Photo Credit: Jack Slocum
Photo Credit: Jack Slocum
Photo Credit: Jack Slocum
Photo Credit: Jack Slocum
Photo Credit: Jack Slocum
Around 130 people attended the event to support the Belmar Woman's Club and its scholarship fund. Photo Credit: Jack Slocum
By Jack Slocum
PublishedJanuary 18, 2023 at 6:20 PM
SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS, NJ —Around 130 people attended the Belmar Woman’s Club Annual Luncheon this Wednesday, which was held at the Spring Lake Manor in Spring Lake Heights. Guests were treated with appetizers, dinner, wine, dessert, and the opportunity to take home some great prizes and gift baskets.
The annual luncheon has been canceled for the last two years due to the pandemic, so woman’s club members and guests were thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of the tradition again. Janice Keown-Blackburn, the Belmar Woman’s Club President, said “It’s nice to have everyone here,” after the two-year hiatus.
Over 110 prizes were raffled off, including gift baskets from local businesses like Sweet!, Beach Haus Brewery, and Beach Music Studios, and other treats including wine baskets, Ralph Lauren assortments, lottery tickets, and more. Among the larger gifts were a 50-inch flat screen television and a brand-new beach cruiser bicycle. Additionally, the Belmar Marina provided boat trips to be raffled off. The baskets and prizes were given by donors and club members.
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A number of local establishments didn’t donate a physical gift, but did however donate money for the Belmar Woman’s Club Scholarships, which is what the event’s proceeds are going towards.
“Everything went really well… We haven’t had this since 2019,” said event organizer Joanne DeBenedictis. “This was (exciting) because I’m the chairperson for the Education Committee and that’s what we’re doing, raising money for the scholarships. So it’s really kind of nice.”
Every year, the Belmar Woman’s Club tries to give three, $1,000 scholarships to graduating Belmar and Lake Como seniors who are looking to continue their education. The annual luncheon has always been one of the club’s main fundraisers to make those scholarships possible.
The gift baskets themselves, roughly 110 of them, were hand wrapped by Woman’s Club member and Circle of Friends member Carol Cupoli. For the last several weeks, Cupoli had been working hard to make sure each basket was as beautifully wrapped as the next.
“I guess it was challenging, because I’ve done baskets before for our organization Circle of Friends, so I was familiar with what do to. So when the girls of the Woman’s Club wanted a volunteer, I put my hand up to volunteer. But I never knew it was going to be that volume (of gifts,)” Cupoli said. “But I did start before Christmas, and it was like therapy for me actually. It’s like someone knitting or doing a puzzle, I love doing that I love to create… So I think that putting something together like that and making it look pretty, it makes me feel good.”
According to members, the turnout was ideal, and the club was glad everyone could enjoy the delicious food and nice atmosphere the Spring Lake Manor had to offer. One of the event’s participants was Councilwoman Maria Rondinaro, who called the luncheon “a wonderful event.”
“The Woman’s Club helps with scholarships… and it’s really wonderful,” Rondinaro said. “It’s a whole group of locals, and I’m sitting next to someone from Toms River, so it’s not even (just) Belmar people, it’s community people. It’s just a wonderful event, we’re having a great time.”
For those looking to donate to the club’s scholarship fund, checks can be made out to The Belmar Woman’s Club and mailed to P.O. Box 95, Belmar, NJ 07719. Stay up to date with TAPinto to learn when/how local seniors can apply for the annual scholarship.
Nature's Corner Natural Market, which has touted its "small town, feel good" atmosphere for nearly 30 years, is closing up shop, owner Ed Levy announced on social media."It’s the end of a chapter in all of our lives," Levy wrote in a Facebook post. "I wish nothing but the best for all of you in your next one."Nature's Corner Natural Market has two stores. One, the original store, is on Route 71 in Spring Lake Heights and the other, ...
Nature's Corner Natural Market, which has touted its "small town, feel good" atmosphere for nearly 30 years, is closing up shop, owner Ed Levy announced on social media.
"It’s the end of a chapter in all of our lives," Levy wrote in a Facebook post. "I wish nothing but the best for all of you in your next one."
Nature's Corner Natural Market has two stores. One, the original store, is on Route 71 in Spring Lake Heights and the other, which opened in 2019, is at the West Long Branch Shopping Center on Locust Avenue.
In the Facebook post, Levy said a plan for a closing date will be set in the next few weeks. He could not be reached for further comment.
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Levy, a clinical nutritionist and wellness expert, started Nature's Corner Natural Market in 1995. The market sells organic produce sourced from local farmers, and organic and natural groceries, milk, dairy and meats. It also has an organic juice bar, organic soup and salad bar, prepared foods, nutritional supplements and body care products.
"After nearly 30 years of being in business, I have made the difficult decision to close Nature’s Corner for good," Levy wrote. "Many factors played a role in this decision; COVID, the hiring crisis, wage increases, inflation, recession and competition from big box stores. The list goes on, but I won’t bore you all with the details."
The grocery competition in Monmouth County is intense and changing. The major supermarkets like ShopRite, Stop & Shop and Super Foodtown all tout their organic offerings. Dean's Natural Food Market, another homegrown organic grocer with stores in Shrewsbury and Ocean, was purchased in 2021 by Mount Kisco, New York-based Green’s Natural Foods.
Customers also have other choices, such as Whole Foods Market, and discounters such as Aldi, Lidl and Trader Joe's.
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"Nature's Corner has always been a truly special place, for staff members and customers alike," Levy wrote. "It has been a sanctuary where people can come and escape from the divisiveness of the outside world while getting the highest quality natural products available. Especially during the last few years.
"And you, our dear customers, have made that a possibility over the last 30 years, and I (and all of the staff members) am eternally grateful to you."
David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for more than 20 years. He writes APP.com's What's Going There column and can be reached at dwillis@gannettnj.com. Join his What's Going There page on Facebook for updates.
Chef Marianne Stoll, formerly of Sisters Cafe in Spring Lake, is at the helm of a new restaurant after taking time off to raise twins. (The nerve.) Word on the street has been buzzing about her breakfast and lunch spot called Marigold Market and Cafe in Spring Lake Heights, which she opened in July 2017 with her sisters, Roxane O’Hearn and Kris Dier and brother-in-law, Jim Anderson.I stopped by on a Tuesday at 1:30 PM and there was not a seat to be had. It was one of those crummy, rainy days but when I walked into the brightly l...
Chef Marianne Stoll, formerly of Sisters Cafe in Spring Lake, is at the helm of a new restaurant after taking time off to raise twins. (The nerve.) Word on the street has been buzzing about her breakfast and lunch spot called Marigold Market and Cafe in Spring Lake Heights, which she opened in July 2017 with her sisters, Roxane O’Hearn and Kris Dier and brother-in-law, Jim Anderson.
I stopped by on a Tuesday at 1:30 PM and there was not a seat to be had. It was one of those crummy, rainy days but when I walked into the brightly lit and cheerfully painted restaurant, I forgot all about the soggy stuff going on outside. True to its name, the interior is painted the colors of a summer marigold with bright yellow walls, burnt orange accents and crisp floral window treatments. Photos of marigolds hang between the many windows. The day’s fresh pastries greet you from behind a glass partition on the bar. Loose teas, granola and local honey are for sale at the bar as well.
I spied a table by the window still waiting to be cleared and quickly called dibs to the hostess.
The creative menu intrigued me the first time I visited Marigold and is, quite frankly, why I went back. Grilled nectarines filled with Gorgonzola-and-fig jam and Warm Goat Cheese Dip with local honey, roasted tomatoes and bread crisps for starters? Not your typical appetizers. Truffle Parmesan fries are also offered as a starter, which made me laugh. It’s like: Hey, we know you’re going to order these fries so you might as well just do it. Why waste time?
My first Marigold experience included a grilled romaine salad with cucumber, tomato, roasted peppers, olives, almond crusted feta, hardboiled egg and Greek vinaigrette that I really enjoyed. This was gluten free, as are all salads and several other menu items.
On visit number two, I ordered the soup of the day, potato cauliflower. It may have been light in color (is white a color?), but the taste more than made up for it. Creamy but not too rich. Smooth and not too thick. It was salted just right and I savored it until the spoon couldn’t scrape another drop.
For my entrée, I decided on the pan-seared salmon served over quinoa and corn, with grilled asparagus and a mustard yogurt dill sauce—another gluten-free dish and oh so satisfying. The salmon was cooked to perfection: crispy on the outside but still moist and tender on the inside. I loved the use of quinoa and corn, which added a little more substance than just salmon over salad would have. The mustard vinaigrette was delicate, not too tart. All in all, a very nice dish.
On to those truffle fries. You knew this was coming. Crispy little shoestring potatoes tossed in truffle oil and Parmesan, they are all you would expect them to be, and even more addictive when you dip them in the roasted garlic aioli (highly recommended) that comes with the turkey breast sandwich.
Piled high with fresh roasted turkey and slathered with sundried tomato pesto, the real star of the turkey breast sandwich was the soft, tender, fresh mozzarella. And yes, it even stole the show from the applewood bacon and ciabatta roll.
Dessert is not on the menu. But they have it! Kelly, my server, ran down the choices for me: flourless chocolate cupcake with caramel frosting; carrot cake cupcake with maple cream cheese frosting; crumb cake with blueberry cream cheese filling; and the scone of the day, raspberry. All of Marigold’s pastries are made in house by Ginny Peterson, the pastry chef.
I chose the chocolate cupcake and the crumb cake. They were both modest in size. They’re not trying to supersize dessert in any way, so if you are thinking about sharing you might want to rethink it. For tea lovers, Marigold offers an iced tea of the day and a seasonal, hot, loose tea selection through California’s Art of Tea. Coffee enthusiasts have their choice of regular coffee, espresso, cappuccino and a variety of lattes.
If you’ve got the urge for a spot-on lunch you can’t go wrong at Marigold. You’ll have your choice of healthy options, decadent options and some highly creative options. And don’t forget the truffle fries.
Marigold Market and Cafe is located at 2003 Highway 71, Spring Lake Heights; 732-449-3242. Open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Sunday.