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Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
September 19, 2024 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$57
Experience the magic of Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift in Long Branch, where her greatest hits will be reimagined in an enchanting candlelit setting. This concert will feature classical renditions of Taylor Swift’s iconic songs, from the heartfelt ballads of “Love Story” and “All Too Well” to the energetic anthems of “Shake It Off” and “Bad Blood.” The soft glow of candlelight combined with the timeless beauty of her music creates a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
La Mondina: An Italian Restaurant in Brielle
La Mondina delivers a dining experience that feels elevated and effortlessly chic. Its menu is rooted in Italian tradition but doesn’t shy away from modern takes, including but not limited to gluten-free and vegan options as well as Instagram-worthy seasonal craft cocktails. The subtly luxurious eatery — located at 110 Union Avenue in Brielle — has comforting classics, wine pairings, creatively curated plates, and decadent desserts. Read on to learn more about La Mondina, a beloved Italian restaurant in Brielle, New Jersey.
The Restaurant
La Mondina is modern Italian with a hint of old-world charm. The dining area is sleek but rustic, with exposed brick and rich woods warmed by candlelight and soft golden glows from low-hanging fixtures. There’s always a hum of elevated energy in the restaurant: friends catching up over espresso martinis, date nights unfolding over shared plates of pasta, and families celebrating special milestones with desserts that have sparklers in them. It’s the kind of place that makes dinner feel like a special occasion, even if it wasn’t supposed to be one.
Between the main dining areas, the bar, or on the patio — there is no bad spot to enjoy a meal at La Mondina. The enclosed patio is heated during the colder months and fan-cooled during the warmer months, and it is equipped with retractable side panels to protect from the elements and retain heat.
La Mondina is not the kind of Jersey Shore restaurant you can wear your beach cover-up and flip-flops into, though. The restaurant leans more upscale, and dress-casual attire is preferred + requested.
Read More: 19 Jersey Shore Restaurants + Bars to Visit Before the Summer Rush
Food + Drink
La Mondina is an Italian eatery serving up comfort food, such as risotto and pasta, paired with a carefully curated list of wines and craft cocktails. The menu’s antipasti options include meatballs, steamed mussels, calamari, and eggplant fritta. Pasta options include tagliatelle bolognese, cacio e pepe, cavatelli and clams, and gnocchi with black truffle cream — just to name a few. Stand-out main plates from the menu are pan-roasted salmon, crispy fried veal chop, and branzino. A local favorite is La Mondina’s Sunday Gravy, which is, of course, served exclusively on Sundays, with rigatoni or spaghetti. Its extensive drink menu includes cocktails, wines, tap beer, bottled beer, bottled cider, and zero-proof alcohol free cocktail options.
La Mondina’s entire menu is labeled for food allergies or dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, contains nuts, vegetarian, and vegan. All of the risotto options on the menu are gluten-free. The restaurant’s vegan bolognese and gluten-free potato gnocchi is such a fan favorite that it may never leave its menu.
JSG’s La Mondina Order
- Old Money Cocktail made with gin, lavender earl grey honey, benedictine, lemon, and club soda — a seasonal special
- Meatballs made with veal, pork, + beef, marinara, pecorino romano, ricotta, + basil — do not skip this app
- Parmesan truffle fries — IYKYK
- Roasted beets salad — we added breaded chicken breast
- Vegan bolognese + gluten-free potato gnocchi made with Impossible bolognese, cashew ricotta, and basil — had to double check with the waitress that it was actually V + GF, it was so delicious we were suspicious…
- Rigatoni A La Norma with roasted eggplant, onion, oregano, plum tomato, and ricotta salata — *chef’s kiss*
- Lemon + pistachio sorbetto — the lemon is vegan + both are refreshing and delicious
Host Your Next Celebration
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La Mondina has a reputation for hosting parties with its fabulous food options and ambiance. The private dining space is ideal for bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, faith milestones, rehearsal dinners, graduations, and retirements. The restaurant allows events to be held for three hours. Banquet Room #1 can accommodate 50-80 guests, Banquet Room #2 can accommodate 30-50 guests, and a new upstairs dining room — Banquet Room #3 — will be open in summer 2025. The restaurant has several different banquet packages with buffet, brunch, or family-style food selections and a bar tab or open bar option.
See More: 24 Italian Restaurants in Montclair + Bloomfield, Based on Your Preferences
Hours
La Mondina accepts reservations, and we highly encourage making one — it’s a hot spot at the Jersey Shore all year round. The hours of operation are Wednesday + Thursday from 4:30PM – 10PM, Friday + Saturday from 4:30pm – 11PM, and Sunday from 4:30PM – 9PM.
