Anjelica's Restaurant

1070 Ocean Ave. Sea Bright, NY 07760

(732) 842-2800www.anjelicas.com

In a setting of casual elegance, Anjelica’s takes inspiration from the rich culture of Italian cuisine. Owner Ray Lena’s passion for cooking has its roots in his Italian family. Growing up in a seashore home in Long Branch, NJ, he was surrounded by his mother, Julia as well as his grandmother, aunts and great aunts. “They were wonderful cooks with a deep love for the process of cooking and their ingredients,” says Lena. The kitchen was the heart of the home. Outside a large garden was ripe with tomatoes, varieties of peppers, eggplant, zucchini and herbs. Everyday dough was rolled out for pasta, sauce simmered in large pots and fish, bought from local fisherman, was grilled, poached or fried. “I never left the kitchen. I learned by looking, listening and smelling…kind of by osmosis. Everything we do at Anjelica’s has its genesis in those days when I was a child.”