Stay Gold Cafe & Lounge has been known for its coffee, fresh food and live music in Belmar for the past five years. Thanks to its popularity, a second location opened in May at Howell’s Quail Creek Plaza.
“We built such a big following in Belmar that the brand carried over into other towns,” says Jerry Saluti, general manager of the new location.
“Howell is a musically-based, healthy community. We tried to fill a hole where we saw it.”
More from Best of NJ
Stay Gold Cafe’s Menu
The expansive menu offers breakfast and lunch (with daily and weekly specials), acai bowls, dinner, tapas, house-crafted juices and smoothies, specialty coffee drinks and more.
“Fresh coffee is the first thing people smell when they walk in,” says Saluti. “It never sits more than an hour.”
The menu has a basic pork roll, egg and cheese, says Saluti. But they also offer something beyond basic. The Golden Goat is spinach, scrambled eggs and goat cheese on an egg-wash brioche roll.
Standouts include their paninis, flatbreads and French toast options.
In terms of their panini selection, choose from six hearty versions made on herb-crusted ciabatta rolls.
“Pesto chicken is our signature and most popular panini,” he says of the sandwich which is grilled chicken, mozzarella, roasted red peppers and pesto.
When it comes to flatbreads, Saluti recommends the Wild Alaska. This offering features a creamy dill spread, smoked salmon and thinly sliced red onion on a multigrain flatbread.
Nutella Banana is the way to go when choosing which French toast dish to enjoy. In this case, chefs roll the French toast in cinnamon sugar and top it with whipped cream.
“The focus is on fresh food, not fast food,” says Saluti.
Community Matters
On Wednesdays, Stay Gold Cafe hosts an open mic night. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, local artists entertain diners.
This spot is BYOB. Forget your beverage or need a refill? A liquor store is a stone’s throw away, says Saluti.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout and supportive community,” says Saluti. “Business is booming.”
The spot offers a relaxing, friendly and local vibe. Staffers are from the area, giving the venue a sense of community.
“We wanted to create a place for people to enjoy a healthy meal and spend time in,” Saluti says of the café.
“It’s not corporate, it’s community,” he shares.
Stay Gold Cafe & Lounge is located at 38 Ramtown Greenville Road in Howell. It’s open Monday to Thursday from 7 am to 8 pm, Friday from 7 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 732-965-5597 or visit www.staygoldcafe.com.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Stay Gold Cafe & Lounge / Facebook
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Stay Gold Cafe & Lounge / Facebook
Stay Gold Cafe & Lounge / Facebook
