As some of you may know, I am a huge history nerd. During my time in Virginia, I spent a lot of Saturday mornings in the Spring looking for nearby Civil War battlefields to visit. Last weekend, I reignited the Spring battlefield tradition by visiting the only battlefield around, the site of the Battle of Monmouth. (The Battle of Monmouth was during the Revolutionary War for the "history is boring" crowd out there). No matter how many of these I go to, I'm always in awe at how big these battlefields are. Anyway here's a quick recap of the battle for all my history people out there (if you hate history scroll down to the pork roll below):
Following the American victory in Saratoga in September-October of 1777, the French were convinced American independence could be achieved and joined the cause. Because of this, the British needed to consolidate their forces before the French fleet arrived and decided New York City was to be their stronghold in the North. They abandoned a captured Philadelphia and their march brought them directly through New Jersey. As you might have guessed, 18,000 people walking 90 miles from Philly to New York in heavy, wool, red, uniforms took a bit of time, especially during a heat wave in June. General Washington, needing a political win after rival General Horatio Gates' success in Saratoga, took pursuit with his newly trained Continental Army. They caught the British at Monmouth Court House (now Freehold, NJ) and for the first time fought the British Army to a standstill in a prolonged engagement. The battle was fought in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees as more soldiers died of heat stroke than by bullets. It is here that the legend of Molly Pitcher (not just the hotel next door to me) was born as many of the American soldiers' wives braved the dangers of the battlefield and heat to provide the men with fresh water. British General Clinton, who thought he would crush the Continental Army and put an end to the rebellion, made a midnight retreat through Middletown to Sandy Hook where his exhausted men were ferried across the bay to New York City. The French fleet arrived a week later and from there the British turned their strategy towards the Southern Colonies. The Battle of Monmouth was the last major battle fought in the North (until Gettysburg).
To get in the mindset of 18th-century American life, I stopped at the Colts Neck General Store that was definitely (not) there during the Battle of Monmouth but was built 70 years later in 1849. It's been a General Store ever since, though it really became a pork roll slinging deli 30 years ago. I haven't spent much time in Colts Neck, but it seemed to be a really awesome community spot where most people go with their families to pick up something to eat during the weekends. If you're into golf, it's right near three courses, Hominy Hill, Pebble Creek, and (gasp) Trump National Golf Club so you can stop here for a pre-round PEC.
Bread Rating: 6.8/10 (Pretty average roll)
Pork Roll Rating: 6.7/10 (Two thick slices, slightly undercooked)
Egg Rating: 7.6/10 (Definitely more than two eggs, fried. Highlight of the sandwich)
Cheese Rating: 5.3/10 (A barely melted Kraft single)
Sandwich Composition: 7.2/10 (It was well constructed, the SPK ratio was right on)
Overall Rating: 6.7/10 (It certainly could have been worse, I think the cool General Store vibe might have given it a slight bump but overall it was fairly average.)
Price: $6
Colts Neck General Store & Deli is located at 171 County Rd 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.
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