marTini Tuesday- the 'RennieTini' at the Circle Tavern, Avalon, NJ

A few weeks ago I headed down to Avalon to check out the island and make sure all is well after Hurricane Sandy swept in. The hurricane definitely caused some damage, but luckily, the town is bouncing back. I had to stop in and get a BLT from one of my favorite establishments that stays open ALL YEAR ROUND! The Seven Mile Island Deli, owned by Josh, a good friend of mine, has the best sandwiches and soups on the island!



Road to Sea Isle washed away, en route to Townsend’s Inlet Bridge

There is currently a lot of construction going on for those that have damaged homes or businesses on 7 mile island.
 

The OMB (Old Moldy Barnacle -dubbed by B) which is currently not liveable due to flood damage.

I also wanted to check on my favorite hotel- the Windrift. This hotel, recently redone and with new renovated sections included a glorious heated pool, hot tub, a restaurant with live music and some of the most gorgeous and comfortable rooms on the island! Luckily, all was well so when I go back in the summer I will be staying over again.

I stayed with my good friend Lor and we headed off to our favorite place for martinis: the Circle Tavern. We love LUV the Princeton (or the P, as the locals call it) on 21st and Dune Drive but in the off-season only the Circle is open. The block is home to the Circle Tavern, the Princeton, and the Rock Room during the summer.

Luckily, one of our favorite bartenders was there, John Rennie. How perfect that he was there on a Tini Tuesday, as were we! He is excellent at making martinis, so when Lor and I strolled in, he knew to whip up his special RennieTini for us ladies. Lor decided to call his dirty martinis RennieTinis over the summer and the name just stuck for us.

The RennieTini is a super dirty martini, consisting of Grey Goose vodka, dry vermouth, and lots of olive juice and extra olives- I like it very, very dirty!

Ice cold dirty martini, the RennieTini, at the Circle, Avalon, NJ

To accompany our drinks that night, we decided on the steamers of the day, with garlic and lemon, and a hint of spices- and just so amazingly good. Seafood at the seashore with some very dirty RennieTinis - yes, please!

The island is still in repair, as all the Jersey shore points (and other places too) are, so if you get a moment, go to your favorite shore place and make it a point to see your beach buddies and visit some of your favorite establishments (if they are open). Every little bit helps to going towards rebuilding. Many people still need help.

People in line for food and supplies after Hurricane Sandy November 2012 Atlantic County

ALSO- Don't miss the 12/12/12 Concert for Sandy relief- an amazing line-up of talented musicans supporting the need to rebuild! Hear from Jersey's own Jon Bon Jovi, and Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Water and so many others! It will be televised on many channels on Wednesday December 12.