Iamboatman's Favorite Restaurant: Doris & Ed's...Now Refreshed and Impressing Anew

Back in 1979, in the summer before law school, a musician friend of mine told me about a bartending job in a restaurant near the humble shack where he lived:  Doris & Ed's Seafood Restaurant.  The new owner, Jim Filip, and his then wife bought the lobster and clam joint from Doris after her husband, Ed, had died.

Working for Jim was no picnic.  He had big plans to upscale this previously "locals only" restaurant, so I needed to learn the menu, learn how to make then chic drinks like frozen strawberry daiquiris and Frozen Grasshoppers. 

And, thankfully, I had to learn about wines. Jim, you see, is truly a wine lover and expert.  So me, a long-haired college graduate hanging out on the Jersey Shore, saw what it was to have a passion about wine...and to appreciate it...and how to grow and nurture it in others.  But, also thankfully, we're talkin' the Jersey Shore here...so it had to remain fun and approachable.

Do you think that summer on the Jersey Shore hanging with my musician friends, bartending and learning how to appreciate and understand food and wine had an impact on me?  Silly question, huh!

With the suffering economy, upscale hidden treasures, like this James Beard Award winning, Wine Spectator noted, restaurant had to find a way to keep true to itself, yet reinvent itself at the same time, for being someone's favorite just isn't enough.  Well, Jim jumped in with both feet, both arms and a wing and a prayer.  The result has been incredible...remembering he had established a pretty high mark for many years.

New Jersey's major newspaper, The Star Ledger, recently wrote a review of Doris & Ed's, which I copy here.  It speaks for itself:

Legendary shore spot starts summer afresh

By Cody Kendall/For The Star-Ledger
May 14, 2010, 6:51PM


Doris & Ed’s. 348 Shore Drive, Highlands, (732) 872-1565 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (732) 872-1565 . DorisandEds.com. Hours: 5-10 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 5-11 p.m. Saturdays, 3-10 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays except July and August, when it’s open on Tuesdays. THREE STARS

Shore fixture Doris & Ed’s is keeping up with the times while remembering the past. That’s a balancing act, but owner Jim Filip pulls it off with aplomb via two separate menus and a complete redo of his iconic restaurant.

Everything’s fresh, from the seafood to the paint and the linens. It’s a perfect setting for new chef Thomas Donohoe to reference “The Shore Today” — that menu develops complex dishes such as butter-poached lobster ($36) with truffle honey-glazed sunchokes, celery root, red ribbon sorrel and English cucumbers.

In contrast, “The Shore Yesterday” sticks to old faves, among them stuffed flounder ($30) and the predictable litany of unadorned fried and broiled seafood choices.

Both variety and execution are awesome in each category. Masterful balance is achieved in the grilled Washington State Quinault River sturgeon ($33), its essence elevated by a Madras curry jus that mixes dusky undertones artfully with the slightly sweet backstory of sautéed apples and turnips. Those seeking cool refreshment in the summer can indulge in the salad that jumbles Maine lobster with rock shrimp and littleneck clams ($19). High, low and mellow notes come courtesy of citrus, avocado and shaved fennel.

Traditionalists likely will revel in the regal jumbo lump crabmeat “Virginia style” ($31), unadulterated except for a soft veil of butter, parsley and vermouth that subtly boosts the enjoyment level. It comes with fries that thankfully are both hot and crisp, unlike the limp and cool versions we’ve suffered through elsewhere recently.

Lobster bisque ($9, cup; $15, bowl) has a gentle and flavorful soul that will please fans of either menu. Fish is the highlight here, yet there are sufficient choices of meat and fowl to satisfy those in your party who disdain seafood.

Donohoe, most recently of the Rainbow Ranch Lodge in Montana, trained with chefs Thomas Keller of the French Laundry in California and Jonathan Waxman at Barbuto in New York. His feeling for the food guides him with a touch that is light enough to assure the integrity of the ingredients, yet sufficiently creative to let them speak in different ways.


After a seafood supper, some prefer a low-profile dessert, such as the house-made sorbets and ice creams ($9), but my choice often is the classic Key lime pie ($8). For the trendy, there’s the strawberry-rhubarb tart ($9) with excitement provided by the black pepper and honey yogurt for a mini-rainbow of exclamation point flavors.

The spirit of Doris & Ed’s has been instilled in those who work there. Taking care of the patrons is a mission, not a duty, and even on a busy night we never lacked for attention.

This is definitely a high-end establishment, but there are some breaks available. The possibilities for kids 12 and under include a $7 burger platter (as well as a $15 lobster tail for budding gourmets). A three-course prix fixe option ($33) offers hearty eating with good, if limited, choices. The wine list presents excellent selections from around the world, but there are always five wines for $25 that should work with anything that comes out of the kitchen, though one can also indulge in bottles with dizzying prices.

Filip, who bought the restaurant in 1978 from its original owners (Doris and Ed, of course), is to be congratulated for risking reinvention and not being satisfied with the status quo. He went just far enough. That’s exemplified by the decision to drop the all-white interior for pale camel-colored walls that glow in the sunset looking out over Sandy Hook.

During the season, Saturday night reservations are a must. Try to call at least a week before you plan to go; otherwise, you might not get your favored time slot. This place has always been in demand, but it should be even more popular this summer. Doris & Ed’s is keeping up with the trendy new spots in Long Branch and Asbury Park while indulging its longtime patrons with their traditional choices. It doesn’t get better than that.

Cody Kendall may be contacted at CodyDine@aim.com.

You may recall that Goldring Travel hosts a Food & Wine Cruise every year on The Yachts of Seabourn.  Jim Filip co-hosted on and, hopefully, will co-host another.  In the meantime, if you are interested in the November 13, 2010 Food & Wine Cruise hosted by Jim's former bartender (that would be me), you can read about it here...or call or email me.

The Quest of the Seabourn Sojourn - The Inaugural & Maiden Voyage Travelogue

Last year I was fortunate enough to be honored by The Yachts of Seabourn with a trip to Venice for the Inauguration of the Seabourn Odyssey.  I was further honored by dining with Captain Buer on the first formal night ever on the ship...and by dining with Carnival Corp.'s Chief Financial Officer the other night.

This year I have been invited not only the Seabourn Sojourn's Inaugural, but the black tie charity event for Breast Cancer Haven (a very worthwhile British charity) and, last but most certainly not least, to sail on the Maiden Voyage.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to sail for the entire Maiden Voyage, as I must get back to work, but on the upside, I will be spending three days in Iceland (a definite "A" on my Life List) and have integrated the visit with the Seabourn Sojourn's itinerary.

My wife and I will be arriving in London on June 4, 2010 for the Inaugural Celebration.  I understand that only five travel agents from the United States will be in attendance, so while both an earned honor, it is also going to be interesting to see how the British travel agents react to the Seabourn Sojourn.

The next day will be spent with some very dear friends wreaking havoc in London and, quite possibly, inspecting a superyacht which is scheduled to be berthed close by, before attending the evening's charity event.

After another fun day in London, the afternoon of June 6th will begin the Maiden Voyage events.  I am sworn to secrecy, but I understand they will be quite spectacular...and a fitting send-off for Seabourn's newest ship.

After a day at sea, June 8th will have the Seabourn Sojourn visiting my wife's homeland, Scotland, where I have every intension of doing most things Scottish; though donning a kilt is probably not going to happen this time.  Some nice whisky and possibly some haggis in a good pub sounds about right.

The next day is a brief stop in the Faroe Islands on June 9th, which has me a bit fascinated and wondering if seeing means doing something or just being there.  I am still working on that.

After a second day at sea (what a great way to truly enjoy the Seabourn Sojourn), June 11th
bring the ship to Reykjavik, Iceland where I have scheduled a half day of riding the famous Icelandic horses and a countryside lunch to start things off.

The ship will then make the short sailing to Heimay Island which I understand is an Icelandic treasure.  Small fishing villages coupled with a very nice boat tour of the cliffs filled with puffins and other birds, and visits into its caves, followed by a traditional lunch at whatever place just looks good. 

I will then say goodbye to the Seabourn Sojourn and fly back to Reykjavik where we will spend our final night.  I have dinner reservations at a very unique restaurant called Sjávarkjallarinn (The Seafood Cellar) which is supposed to a truly creative place where fish is elevated to a new level.

As those who know me know I do plan, but I leave lots of free time to "wing it" and see what moves me at the moment, what the locals do, and take it from there.

If you have questions, or want to comment on my writings, I will be starting a thread on The Gold Standard Luxury Travel Forum.  Feel free to stop by and ask or comment.

In the meantime, there is much to do before I depart...like attend the American Superyacht Forum in Newport, Rhode Island which starts on Sunday!

Thinking of Cruising in Asia? Here is a Great Travelogue From the Seabourn Pride

The Gold Standard Luxury Travel Forum has some fantastic information and some excellent cruise reviews.

Presently one of my clients is visiting Japan, Korea, China and more on the Seabourn Pride.  You can read his candid comments and impressions here. 

Very interesting and entertaining reading.

Seabourn Private Sale For May 20, 2010

I can't tell you what the pricing is here, but I have truly outstanding values on close in Seabourn sailings on all five ships.  All are either oceanview or veranda guarantees.  It is well worth an email or call if you haven't made your summer plans as of yet.

Goldring Travel Offers Exclusive Close-In Fares on Seabourn - Seriously Great Pricing and Values!

I have been given access to weekly special pricing on close-in sailings on The Yachts of Seabourn that are, in fact, so low that I am not allowed to publish the prices.   Every Monday afternoon I will have a new set of offerings, so please get in touch with me early each week to find out what I can offer you.

This week's offerings include some spectacular pricing on the Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Odyssey in June and July. 

My weekly offerings are for only limited number of sailings and, of course, vary by sailing, but are very aggressively priced. 

Unless you have real flexibility as to ship, itinerary, and category I would not wait to see if a cruise you are interested in has a weekly special price because you may wind up with a great deal on a higher category than you otherwise would have booked (so you aren't saving any money) or the itinerary is not exactly what you desire.

But if you just want to get away, or haven't figured out what to do with the summer approaching, or consider this a great way to try moving up to the luxury experience of The Yachts of Seabourn, my weekly specials will provide you with some fantastic opportunities.

Call me at (877) 2GO-LUXURY or email me at eric@goldringtravel.com .

Twiggy Names Seabourn Sojourn's Godmother

Twiggy, the British model, has been names godmother of the Seabourn Sojourn.  She has been given the honor not because of her modeling career, but because of her devotion to causes seeking cures for breast cancer and for her animal welfare work.  It also doesn't hurt that Seabourn is actively seeking to further engage the UK market and she provides great exposure.

Twiggy said: “I am incredibly excited that Seabourn has asked me to be godmother to Seabourn Sojourn. I am thrilled that Seabourn is combining their inaugural celebrations with Breast Cancer Haven’s 10 year anniversary – it really is a wonderful organization."


Pam Conover put it this way: “Seabourn enjoys a truly international clientèle and welcomes a significant number of new and repeat British guests on nearly every sailing...As such, it is entirely appropriate that we should choose London to introduce our beautiful new vessel to the world. We are all very much looking forward to welcoming Twiggy on board Seabourn Sojourn. She is the perfect choice to name our beautiful new yacht in London."

For those interested in Breast Cancer Haven, you can read more here.  If you want a small peak into what the events will be on Saturday, June 5th, for Blush Riveria, you can see them here.

Leisure yachts - it is reasonable, safe and very interesting

There is an opinion, that vacation on the yacht - entertainment is very expensive and not affordable to everyone. But the yachts in the world there is great variety - different types, sizes and cost. Get in the charter can be as expensive masterpiece class Superyacht of eminent shipbuilders and ship with a more modest parameters. Also, as the hotel, a yacht is chosen according to the wishes and capabilities of the client.
The cost of the charter depends on many parameters, including: the type of the vessel (motor or sail), the size of the yacht, the spectrum of services and equipment on board, name of manufacturer and year built yachts.

I want to immediately dispel a few myths stable belonging to rest on yachts।



The first myth: "It is very expensive, only for millionaires"

The market offers for rent yachts is very wide. The lower boundary, known to me - $ 15 per space per cabin per night. Top - tens of thousands per day. The average price of lease 8 local sailing motor yacht, new and in perfect condition for a week in the Mediterranean Sea about 3000 euros, which is 54 euros per night per person.

The second myth: "The storms, reefs, sharks - that's a very dangerous"

Without going into technical and navigational details, we give only one argument. Insurance rates for boats are the lowest for transport. The probability of damage to a yacht or to inflict bodily injury on a yacht is much less than by car, train or plane, not to mention the lessons skiing or diving.

Myth Three: "It's only for athletes, need to be physically healthy and strong"

Around the world cruise and sailing charter - a family vacation, and the bulk yahtovladeltsev The so-called cruise couples - couples in retirement, usually over 50 years, traveling all the time, and inviting to their children and grandchildren of the yacht. Technical equipment of modern yachts make their management easier and safer than driving. I note that for mountain skiing or diving is required, of course, a higher physical

The Myth Four: "Been there, know ..." Often the negative experiences associated with chartering a yacht is formed as a result of random attempts to ride on a yacht which was taken on the waterfront in Yalta or yacht club type "Red waterman. Outdated and obsolete sports or makeshift boats not suited to the autonomous comfortable swimming, create a fundamentally wrong understanding of the industry and its current state.

For various reasons, not all who wish to join the yachting, want to acquire a vessel in the property. In the most attractive places for sailing organize a large quantity of various companies and simply individuals who began offering yachts for hire - on the day, week, month. This service offers yachts varying degrees of comfort that can be equipped with professional crews, cook, steward. The main regions where the existing and developing charter, include Virgin and the Bahamas, Lesser Antilles, Honduras, Hawaii, Tonga, Australia, Great Lakes, San Juan Island (off the west coast of North America), Florida, Maldives, Fiji . In the Mediterranean "charter" in some places are islands in the Aegean coast of Greece, Turkey, Adriatic Sea, Corsica. In recent years, geography charter dramatically expands.