PEC Challenge: Big Mike's Little Red Store

Last year, Chef Mike Metzner remodeled and reopened Navesink's Red Store after long-time owner Pat Verange retired.  The Red Store has been a mainstay on the corner of Navesink and Monmouth Avenue for as long as I could remember.  It was built in the 19th Century as a general store and is one of the more authentic country style delis you can find in the area.  As the Executive Chef of the nationally renowned fine-dining restaurant, Restaurant Nicholas (rated in the top-40 restaurants in the county), Mike has brought both fresh ingredients and a more elevated take on classic sandwiches while maintaining the sense of community that made the Red Store such a special place.  Alongside excellent breakfast sandwiches (5 different variations), Mike's menu includes several different lunch sandwiches (that I will be trying following the completion of my Taliercio's run) in addition to salads and grab and go meals (think Penne Vodka and Chicken Francaise) that you wouldn't really find in many other fast-casual spots in the area.  Any hesitations people might have in new ownership at the Red Store should immediately go out the window, this place is legit and has already made waves as one of the top new places to eat in the state. So whether you're on your way to Sandy Hook to soak in the final weeks of the summer or going on a hike at Hartshorne Woods, make sure you make a stop at the Red Store.   

Bread Rating: 8.8/10 (This was a magnificent hard roll. Also Mike makes his own Semolina bread fresh every day.) 

Pork Roll Rating: 9.4/10 (Several thin sliced cuts of pork roll stacked high on the sandwich.  Yes, you can totally tell the difference in taste on the thin sliced.)

Egg Rating: 8.4/10 (Fresh, fluffy egg that tasted like it came right from a farm down the street.) 

Cheese Rating: 9.1/10 (This was real cheese and you can tell.  Look at all that melted goodness in the picture above.  It really reminded me of a grilled cheese, which is what you want to compliment your pork roll with.)

Sandwich Composition: 9.4/10 (Perfect application of SPK, absolute class sandwich construction that you expect from someone with experience in fine dining.  I can't wait to go through this menu.) 

Overall Rating: 9.1/10 (Every single part of this sandwich was made with the freshest ingredients and you can tell. An excellent representation of a breakfast sandwich.)

Price: $5.95, cards accepted.

Big Mike's Little Red Store is located at 101 Navesink Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716