There’s nothing wrong with pizza and fries on the boardwalk. But foodies looking for a little something more will want to know about Mugsy’s Mercantile in Point Pleasant Beach. The new spot from co-owners Chef Meg LaManna and wife Natalie LaManna offers seasonal, local, and organic “GrabNGo” meals.
The 800-square-foot Mugsy’s Mercantile offers limited, year-round outdoor seating, with indoor seating coming soon as well. “Our interior tells the story of our journey through the restaurant industry; as well as a nod to our family’s heritage, travels, and coworkers,” Natalie says. For instance, copper pots, photos, and cookbooks adorn the walls. They also have a live herb wall.
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The Menu
The menu at Mugsy’s Mercantile reflects Chef Meg’s philosophy that food should be seasonal, local, and organic. In particular, Meg takes inspiration from her chef mentors as well as her travels. Top-selling menu items include wild salmon salad, grass-fed short rib stroganoff soup, and the Mediterranean Vegan Caesar salad. Other favorites range from Thai peanut chicken meatballs and gluten-free focaccia pizza slices to their daily “speakeasy” specials. The latter is a unique dish for the day that Chef Meg offers until they sell out.
GrabNGo items such as soup and bone broth are also available at Mugsy’s Mercantile. Chef Meg even has a signature line of sauces that includes rustic plum, white clam, and fra diavolo; as well as a salad dressing line featuring flavors like green goddess, vegan Caesar, orange balsamic, Italian, and vegan ranch. Her favorite menu items are her handmade pastas including pappardelle, tagliatelle, and raviolis. Meanwhile, Natalie loves the Thai lobster bisque, a dairy-free soup with coconut milk, lemongrass, sweet Thai chili, and ginger.
About the Owners
Both Chef Meg and Natalie were born and raised in the area. Meg is from Point Pleasant Beach and Natalie is from Point Pleasant Boro. “We started our brand during the pandemic and saw the need for chef inspired organic food,” Natalie says.
Meg has 18 years of restaurant experience; working as a line cook, sous chef, executive sous chef, banquet chef, executive chef, and chef/partner. She also owns Meg LaManna Private Events, which specializes in high-end chef dinners with multiple courses and mixology menus. Likewise, Natalie has been in the restaurant business for 28 years and has a passion for mixology and bar management. Today, she greets customers at Mugsy’s Mercantile and works for Meg LaManna Private Events.
Visit Mugsy’s Mercantile at 629 Arnold Ave in Point Pleasant Beach.
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All Photos: © Mugsy’s Mercantile