Restaurant Review: Avalon Anchorage Marina in Avalon, New Jersey

Since the 1950's, the Avalon Anchorage Marina in Avalon, New Jersey has been a landmark in this community seashore resort. With humble beginnings as a simple boat rental business, it soon grew to include repairs. Carl and Adele Johnson purchased the marina in 1985, and to accommodate hungry fishermen, they began offering coffee, which eventually led to a full breakfast facility that has continued for decades.

From 1988 to the present, except for a brief period, Holly B. Reeves has been responsible every summer for preparing those breakfasts. Besides enjoying a meal on the open deck with a spectacular view of the bay, customers discover that breakfast is anything but boring! Holly, who has experience running restaurants in the Philadelphia area, offers not only your traditional breakfast items, but also interesting additions like "Chunky Monkey Waffles", Eggs Benedict, and baked herb spinach and cheese omelets. At the Avalon Anchorage Marina, "You can eat a healthy breakfast without feeling guilty!" Holly explained. She makes everything from strictly fresh ingredients. Even her spices are fresh...not from a jar. There's whole grain bread, delicious fresh fruits and homemade granola, made with fresh cinnamon, coconut, almonds and walnuts. (Ever tried a granola sundae?)

Holly also has creative "themed" weekend menus, including Hawaiian, Mexican, Italian, Mardi Gras and Christmas in August menus that have delighted all. And don't forget the fishermen who need to take a sandwich with them when heading out on the water. A favorite is Holly's "Egg McStanley" sandwich (fried egg, pork roll and cheese over a toasted English muffin), or her "Crusty Pie" (two eggs, bacon and cheese on a Kaiser roll).

Voted "2006 Best Of The Shore Breakfast With A View" by Philadelphia Magazine certainly helps draw hungry people to the Avalon Anchorage Marina.

Perhaps the only thing better than the food and the service is the incredible bay view. "We're the only restaurant on the water on the 7-mile Island", said marina owner, Adele Johnson.

Breakfast is served 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekends, and 7:00 a.m. to noon on week days. You won't find any place to enjoy a more relaxing breakfast! Their phone number is 609-967-3592 or visit them on the Internet at www.avalonanchorage.com.