Welcome to Day Game Dogs: Windmill Red Bank

After last night's embarrassing 14-3 defeat, the New York Mets need to turn around today to keep the title of worst 1st place team for the 2nd consecutive April.  I couldn't think of a better way to turn the team around than to eat a #daygamedog during their 1pm game today.  I just know the combination of trans fat meats and overprocessed vegetable toppings are just the motivation elite athletes need while playing a World Series favorite Philidelphia Phillie team.  If they have a terrible showing today, #daygamedog blog series will be canceled.  (They are on a shorter leash than Jason Vargas.) You'll be surprised to know that there is quite the hot dog market in Red Bank.  Today I will begin this series with a Jersey Shore classic, The Windmill. 

WindMill got its start in 1963 in Long Branch, and you couldn't possibly miss the windmill-shaped building on Ocean Ave.  Did you know that hot dog styles are regional? DC rocks the half-smoke and Michigan sports the Coney dog. I'll be sure to explore these further when I finally get around to my epic "30 Baseball Stadium Trip." Well, at WindMill, they are called "Jersey Shore flat-grilled dogs."  Other notable New Jersey-style hot dogs include Italian hot dogs, Texas wieners (lol), and rippers*.  Of course, all claim to be the favorite of Bruce Springsteen, but which one is my favorite?  Let's find out. (There are only 9 more Mets day games during the week and as soon as they lose one, it's over, so we may actually not find out.) 

WindMill uses Sabrett (based in NJ) hot dogs which have an iconic crunch when biting into them. WindMill rocks a very boardwalk vibe to all of their locations, so don't go in expecting gourmet.  They do have a free topping bar so don't be shy. (I might have gone overboard with the hot relish but we are not soft on this blog.)  Overall, I would say this is a solid, average hot dog. #LGM 

6.6/10

*The famous Ripper is at Rutt's Hut in Clifton, NJ, which will appear on my "64 NJ Defining Foods" series inspired by this article. I have some history with that place and can't wait to share it so stay tuned!

PEC Challenge: Dom's Cherry St. Deli

(HEAVY GAME OF THRONES SPOILERS AHEAD)

After nearly two years, the greatest show ever made its return last night for its final run.  Yes, Game of Thrones is the greatest TV show ever made even with ridiculous scenes that could be a trailer for Disney's live-action Aladdin movie. Here are the big takeaways from last night's set up episode: 

-The guy who creates the opening credit sequence was really feeling it when making the location title sequence for this season.

-Bran is creepy as fuck and also the funniest character to ever show up on-screen during GOT.  I laughed out loud every time someone turned around and he was sitting there, creepily.  Need a horror movie supercut of these scenes when the season is over.

-The North is super racist against people who aren't descendants of the First Men.  Can't wait to see that hard-hitting headline in the NY Times this week.

-Cersei gave an all-time quote that's sure to be used in every sorority girl's Instagram for the next decade.  I really hope she gets to see the elephants she desperately wants to see in battle. 

-I can't get "A Whole New World" out of my head after watching Khalessi and Jon Snow's little dragon jaunt.  

-Jon Snow almost exclusively has sex with his girlfriends in caves behind waterfalls. 

-Big time payout for anyone who took Mac from Always Sunny as 1st death of the season.  (He was the first dude shot in the face by an arrow during Yara's rescue.)   

The episode ended what was a Sunday for the ages.  Other notable events included; a huge 2-0 win by Liverpool over Chelsea to remain one point behind Man City for the EPL title, and Tiger's triumphant Masters win after an 11-year Major win drought.  I started the weekend with an amazing PEC from Dom's Cherry St. Deli on Shrewsbury Ave.  By all appearances, Dom's is your typical NJ deli (it's been there for 30 years), but their PEC is very good.  They also have specialty sandwiches (not as many as Taliercio's) that I'm looking forward to trying.  

Bread Rating: 7.9/10 (Very light roll)

Pork Roll Rating: 8.7/10 (Three slices, expertly grilled)

Egg Rating: 7.8/10 (A very solid fried egg, smothered with cheese)

Cheese Rating: 8.2/10 (Melted cheese here enhanced the sandwich rather than causing a distraction, it was the correct amount and real cheese.)

Sandwich Composition: 8.7/10 (It reminded me of Brennan's in Rumson, excellent SPK ratio, not messy despite all the melted cheese, and the perfect amount of food for a breakfast sandwich.)

Overall Rating: 8.3/10

Price: $4.50, credit cards accepted and they will deliver for free ($10 minimum). They are, however, closed on Sundays.

Dom's Cherry St. Deli is located at 530 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07701 

(You guessed it, the cross street here is Cherry Street and unfortunately, it's not the Cherry Street from the song "Ocean Avenue.")

PEC Challenge: Colts Neck General Store & Deli

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.

Sandwich Challenge: The Spinnato

I'm not going to lie, I have absolutely no idea what The Spinnato relates to so there isn't going to be a background story for this one.  A quick Google search on the subject brought up a review of Antico Caffe Spinnato in Palermo and Comedian-Hypnotist Jim Spinnato.  Since I'm not too familiar with either, I'm going to assume this sandwich is named after someone they know who loves these three ingredients on a sandwich.  Whoever you are, Spinnato, you have good taste.  The star of the show here is the basil pesto, which brings a freshness I definitely needed after two straight weeks of fairly greasy sandwiches.  This is a spring sandwich for sure and I'm not just saying that because the sun is shining and the sea water of the river is being perfectly blown into my windows right now.  Mozzarella elevates any situation, and salami is just the type of meat to get the mozz bump. (I'm trademarking that.) 

The Spinnato: Genoa Salami, Mozzarella, Basil Pesto

Speaking of Spring, in my former life, this would be the time all of the roads would get even more congested than usual by tourists looking to hit the cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin.  It is a pretty amazing sight to see all of the cherry blossoms along the water with the monuments in the background. (Rare DC compliment alert!).  But if you absolutely hate crowds or don't want to drive to DC, did you know that Branch Brook Park in New Jersey has the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States?  There are over 5,000 trees and a Cherry Blossom Festival that's currently running until Sunday.  I just gave you a solid date idea for this weekend, you're welcome.  (Taking someone to Newark, NJ also shows your edge.)

Rating: 7.7/10    

And if you have no idea what the hell I'm talking about here's a picture I took outside my apartment of a cherry blossom tree.  

Photographic evidence of Cherry Blossoms in NJ 

PEC Challenge: Taylor Sam's

Wrestlemania happened last night, and thanks to the ever incompetent NJ Transit, it might have happened in New Jersey for the last time. Would I, a member of a frequently used text group "WWE Fantasy Bookers," regret not attending pro wrestling's biggest event when it was held in my backyard?  Wrestlemania has always been a big deal for me and my friends but with a nearly 8-hour run-time and tickets nearing $400, it just seemed better to hang out at a friend's house, fire up the grill and enjoy it from home like usual.  There were definitely some awesome moments of the night (see: The Miz suplexing Shane McMahon off a camera platform 20 feet in the air; The Iiconics Women's Tag Team win; Kofi Kingston's WWE Title win;).  But my overall feeling towards the event was that it really wore me out.  Now that I think about it though, spending $400 might have been worth it to not have to listen to Michael Cole on commentary.  And that's talking wrestling.  

As per tradition, I started the big day off with a pork roll.  Before hitting the Red Bank Street Fair (where I purchased a 100-year-old picture of downtown Red Bank, nerd alert), I stopped into one of my favorite breakfast spots in RB; Taylor Sam's.  Every time I go there I try something new and it never disappoints (I can confirm their omelets and pancakes are awesome). But today was the day I judged their pork roll or "Original Taylor" as they named it.  Like most diner experiences, you have to apply your own SPK (salt, pepper, ketchup) so please excuse my heavy-handed ketchup application in the picture below. It's always so hard to gauge how much to pour on when they give you a bowl of ketchup!

Bread Rating: 7.3/10 (The kaiser roll was good but it would have been better if it were a little smaller.)

Pork Roll Rating: 7.6/10 (Three slices, grilled well done)

Egg Rating: 8.2/10 (They do fried eggs really well here)

Cheese Rating: 7.6/10 (Had a solid melt, seemed like real cheese)

Sandwich Composition: 6.4/10 (Sandwich itself was put together nicely, but the roll was a little too big in relation to the contents which make the first few bites primarily bread.) 

Overall Rating: 7.4/10 (A solid PEC, which did not surprise me because pretty much everything on their menu is good)

Price: $4.80 (which if we're being honest is an incredible value)

Follow me on Instagram @eljefeeats

Taylor Sam's is located at 20 Broad St. Red Bank, NJ 07701.  Their original location is located at 1563 NJ-88 Brick, NJ 08724.  

Sandwich Challenge: The Duke

So I originally scheduled this sandwich for next week in anticipation of celebrating Duke's 6th National Championship and salvaging my last place bracket.  As predicted, the move mushed the shit out of Duke as they lost to Michigan State yet again in the Elite Eight. The mush is when you are so sure of a sports prediction and the complete opposite happens. I'm not sure when I acquired the mush (also known as Draids on the show The League) but I do have a theory about it. The deeper you are in a relationship, the bigger the mush you become. It's just science.  For example, the biggest mush I have ever seen is married.  (Shoutout Marty Mush).  So, here's your sports gambling tip of the week: always fade your married friends.  Anyway, please enjoy this Mount Rushmore of my favorite Duke players: 

Trajan Langdon

"The Alaskan Assassin" was the first college basketball player that became appointment TV for me to watch.  From 1995-1999, he set the school's all-time three-point record and can be solely blamed for me only practicing three-point shots for the first few years of my mediocre basketball career.  

Christian Laettner   

I never actually watched Christian Laettner play at Duke since I was three when he hit that shot against Kentucky.  But CBS did show that shot ad nauseam for a decade and a half during every college basketball tournament and I watched the documentary "I Hate Christian Laettner." Everyone knows I love a good villain. Which brings me to. 

J.J. Reddick

From hitting every single three (except when he actually needed to hit a three) to every free throw, I think J.J. Reddick might have the nicest shot I've ever seen.  Taunting Maryland fans every year is a huge plus.  Might be my most favorite college basketball player to watch of all-time. 

Jason Williams

I remember being in awe seeing Jason Williams play during the Jersey Shore Summer League after his freshman year at Duke.  During his time there, he was New Jersey's biggest collegiate athlete and the biggest superstar in College Basketball.  He wasn't the national villain Reddick or Laettner was, but he was far and away the more talented player.  

The Duke: Hot Roast Beef, Hot Peppers and Onions, American Cheese

Now to the sandwich.  I gasped when I opened this one up.  It's really a cheesesteak except with roast beef, which as you can guess by reading up on my experience with the Peter Luger and Dean Martin, I just love the roast beef at Taliercio's.  They give you an option on this sandwich of hot or sweet peppers. (I will always go with hot peppers, we aren't soft on this blog). I absolutely love hot peppers on just about anything and now that it's baseball season again (#LGM) I'm ready to have my fair share of sausage and peppers at Citi Field.  Yellow American cheese works just fine on this sandwich, it'll never blow you away like mozzarella.  Very simply, if you're craving a cheesesteak but hate Philadelphia (sorry Philly fans) or are mad at Bryce Harper (sorry, DC fans), this is going to be your move.  

Overall: 8.2/10 (Definitely enjoy the roast beef better in a sandwich than panini, hot peppers give it a bump)

*I should have a lot of fun at the gym later. 

PEC Challenge: Slater's Deli

Apparently, it's tax season and as per tradition, I waited until the calendar struck April to file.  Why am I telling you this? Because what started as a lovely drive past the (formerly) asbestos-ridden building of my Middle School (Bayshore, give me some love*) to my tax guy, ended with perhaps our most monstrous pork roll yet.  I knew what I was getting into when I decided to relent to Slater's Deli staring me in the face as I dropped off my tax forms.  Growing up, there was a Slater's Deli right on the highway behind the "Indian burial ground" woods in my neighborhood. We risked capture from devil worshippers, Native American hauntings and poison ivy just to get to the place but a large sub from here would basically feed all of the neighborhood kids and we'd still have some left over.  For the uninitiated, it can really take you by surprise when you're handed the below when you order. This is no April Fools joke.  How much pork roll is too much pork roll?  Let's find out.  

Bread Rating: 7.6/10 (Solid rolls here, though they can get soggy because...)

Pork Roll Rating: 9.4/10 (There's almost an obnoxious amount on here and it does make the overall sandwich pretty greasy but I mean come on, you can take some off the sandwich and have side pork roll!)

Egg Rating: 6.9/10 (A very good fried egg, completely overshadowed by the meats)

Cheese Rating: 6.5/10 (Your typical yellow American cheese)

Sandwich Composition: 5.5/10 (It was a complete mess of a sandwich due to the amount of meat sliding around. I used to absolutely love something like this when I was a teenager, but now at 30 I just felt a little bit more disgusting than usual.)

Overall Rating: 7.1/10 (Look, this one is obviously not for everyone but the sandwich still tasted great even if it kind of grossed me out. If you like eating challenges or just love pork roll, this is a good option for you.) 

Price: $6.50, 4% charge on card transactions. 

Follow me on Instagram @eljefeeats

Slater's Deli is located at 866 NJ-36 (New name Sandy Hook Highway) Leonardo, NJ 07737.

*"Bayshore give me some love" was the beginning of our middle school's "fight song" and really it just reminds me of our illustrious 0-14 8th grade basketball season.