The Plantation

The Plantation Restaurant Review:

The Island breezes --- those from Long Beach Island, that is --- and The Plantation’s décor, including rattan chairs, plus the rum-laced drinks bring the tropics to mind. The menu is modern American with dishes such as grilled Black Angus beef sliders with horseradish-cheddar, pickle chips and smoked bacon; grilled turkey meatloaf --- a veritable Thanksgiving on a plate --- served with buttery whipped potatoes with porcini gravy, broccoli rabe and dried cranberry compote; and a locally inspired “Jersey” stew featuring Barnegat scallops, clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp and fresh fish, roasted fennel and cavatelli in a spicy lobster-tomato broth. For dessert, consider blood orange-mascarpone mousse with sponge cake soaked in blood orange sauce, and a warm berry tart crumble topped with vanilla ice cream. The bar is more noted for specialty drinks than sophisticated wines, but there’s a good selection of wines available at fair prices. Service is friendly.