Dining Under the Influence

@FoodaholicNJ

–  Introducing JENNIFER NANGANO, a food influencer passionate about presenting food adventures on Instagram. Follow her @FoodaholicNJ

Jennifer Nangano (Food Influencer):

Hailing from Freehold, New Jersey, I am a long-time Monmouth County resident, and I am employed at a local municipality. When I’m not exploring restaurants, you can find me at home cooking, taking a class at the gym, walking my dog, or chatting with my daughter Devyn, who is a student at the University of Florida. Devyn is supportive and typically a willing participant in the whole vlogging/ dining experience!

Flair for Reviews

My Instagram page came to life because I had a flair for reviewing my dining experiences on Yelp – especially the photography aspect of the review. I started the Food Influencer Instagram account to showcase the photos to the community. As Instagram has evolved, I did as well by keeping updated on current trends and adapting my content to fit the viewer’s needs.

Making a Smile

My IG stories are where you will find my true personality, and sense of humor as I frequently poke fun at myself, rant, or post whatever makes me smile at the moment. I love making people laugh.

What Makes a Great Restaurant?

I think what makes a great restaurant is a diverse menu and creative dishes. Also, ambiance and aesthetics are critical, as an attentive and friendly staff, and finally, owner presence and pride in the establishment.

 

What Makes a Great Meal?

What’s important to me in a meal is a memorable experience, the use of high-quality ingredients, and an impressive presentation. Portion size matters as well. I don’t like the plate to be too big or too small. As a Food Influencer, I enjoy tasting many dishes while dining out and dessert is a must even if I’m too full.

 

Sharing My Passion

What I like best about being a food influencer is I enjoy using my platform to share my passion for culinary experiences. My sense of humor and perspective while presenting the information makes me unique. I like inspiring/influencing others to explore places they may have not yet tried. Also, I love connecting with a local food-loving community and meeting new people while doing it.

Favorite places in these categories:

 by Food Influencer, @FoodaholicNJ

 

Steakhouse:

The Butcher’s Block in Long Branch

Red Horse by David Burke in Rumson

 

Seafood:

Cuzin’s in Marlboro is a favorite of mine, and they have fantastic steaks as well.

 

Italian:

I love La Mondina in Brielle

Anjelica’s in Sea Bright

Birravino in Red Bank

Osteria in Marlboro

 

BBQ:

Mostly Smoked in Manalapan is great

I love Mutiny BBQ in Asbury Park – I’m a BBQ lover

 

Asian:

Peking Pavilion in Manalapan:

Mizuki Hibachi in Wall Township

Xina in Toms River was memorable

Kings Chinese Food in Freehold is a longtime favorite

 

Mexican:

I love Los Barberos Birria Tacos in Belmar & Asbury Park

Texas Mexican in Freehold

 

Fine Dining:

618 in Freehold

Sea Crest Grille at Shore Club in Spring Lake

Scarborough Fair in Seagirt is lovely as well

 

Brunch:

I love the Skillet in Freehold

Over Easy Kitchen in Marlboro

 

Pizza:

Krispy Pizza in Freehold
Brooklyn Square in Jackson

Joe’s Rotisseria in AP is creative

Federici’s in Freehold is amazing

 

Rooftop:

Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar

Watermark and Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten in AP

Red Rock in Red Bank

 

Waterfront Dining:

River Rock in Brick

Iron Whale in AP

Proving Ground in the Highlands is amazing

Salt Creek Grille in Rumson

 

Favorite Bars:

Tommy’s Tavern and Tap in Freehold

The Loaded Spoon in Freehold is a fantastic spot

Asbury Ale House in AP

Woody’s Ocean Grill in Tinton Falls

 

Favorite Dive Bar

Jamian’s in Red Bank

Pinky Shrimps Seafood in LBI

 

Favorite Bakery:

Del Ponte’s in Bradley Beach

 

Coffee Shop:

Coffee Surf Co in Belmar has excellent coffee.

 

Follow Jennifer Nangano on Instagram @FoodaholicNJ