Restaurant Review: Thyme Square

Mrs. Legalbgl and I do not eat out much, and when we do, we tend to gravitate to the same local places that we like. Lately, when we have ventured out for something different, we have gone into the town of Red Bank, New Jersey. Red Bank is known as the beginning of the New Jersey Shore and is famous for its July 3rd fireworks display on the Navesink River. It was also made famous in Kevin Smith's Chasing Amy, as the town where the main characters were from.

We have tried several restaurants in Red Bank, including Teak (I have to write a review of this Asian fusion restaurant) and the Melting Pot, a fondue chain restaurant. However, wanting to try something new for our 4th anniversary, I consulted my Zagats guide and found Thyme Square (45 Broad St. (at White St.), Red Bank, NJ 07701, 732-450-1001. With a 2006-2007 Zagats rating of food 21, decor 18, and service 19, we had to give it a try.

This BYOB Mediterranean restaurant was simply delicious. The raisin nut rolls were incredible, especially when you spread the home made ricotta cheese on them (who needs butter?) From the butternut squash soup, to the lamp chops with brocolli rabe and Greek yogurt dressing, to the skirt steak, the food was magnificent. The dessert, a pistachio baked Alaska with rum soaked raisins, was heavenly. Service was magnificent. Prices are reasonable and portions were more than ample. Clearly, in our opinion, the food and service ratings in the Zagats guide were too low.

I recommend reservations, as the restaurant is not huge and Red Bank gets crowded on the weekends. This is one restaurant that we plan on returning to several times.