Having driven past this place numerous times, I felt that it was time to hit them up for dinner. And boy was I glad that I did! I have heard good things about the B2 Bistro & Bar, located at 1250 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, New Jersey, but for one reason or another I never had the opportunity to try their food. While the parking lot appeared to be crowded, we were seated immediately upon walking in. I never realized how big the place was inside!
I love a menu that offers items that aren't your ordinary bar food and this place did have quite a few of these. We started with the Bistro Chips, which were delicious freshly made potato chips topped with gorgonzola, parmesan, red onion, capers and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. This was the perfect starter as they left me with a smile.
I ordered as my meal the Pesto Gnocchi and Eggplant "Meatballs," which made me very curious. I love eggplant and I love meatballs, therefore I was wondering how this would come together. I was pleasantly surprised with the flavor that the eggplant had in the style of a meatball. Obviously, the construction was softer than the usual meatball but it tasted great. I also found it interesting that while the potato gnocchi was in a pesto sauce, the eggplant was covered in a tomato sauce. I don't think I ever had both of those sauces in the same meal. But once again, it worked. It not only worked, but it was genius!
My better half couldn't stop raving about her St. Louis Style BBQ Ribs. They were covered in a sweet whiskey BBQ sauce over a mushroom bacon potato hash. They smelled great but I was too full to try some of her meal. They also offer an extensive drink menu. The only knock was that our waiter wasn't very attentive, but there was an extremely large party next to us. I definitely will make it a point to not pass this place without stopping again!