Asbury Park & Vegan Food Shares

This article was originally published on September 28, 2016

Asbury Park has somewhat of a bad rap.

But despite it's rough, questionable past, as the rest of the tri-state area continues to rapidly gentrify, Asbury Park is no exception.

Filled with high-end galleries, salons, boutiques, juice bars and a board walk, not to mention being the home of The Stone Pony, Asbury Park has quickly transformed into a trendy, (and let’s be honest, definitely hipster) spot for up and coming musicians.

A few weekends ago I decided to take a trip and explore Asbury Park - a hidden beach hipster town in New Jersey with an infamous rock and roll past.

I quickly discovered that Asbury Park is an unexpectedly hipster oasis that felt like an extension of Williamsburg. There were a couple of music venues, a beach adjacent bowling alley and the town also boasted an impressive beach area, complete with a dedicated surfer's area and a naturally formed rock jetty. AKA there was no shortage of things to do here. After working up an appetite after a long beach day, I came across a chic vegan cafe and set out on another one of my vegan food shares.

The Yelp reviews did this place no justice. Picturing a tiny juice stand, I was shocked to find a large vegan spot with earthy, rustic vibes. From the outside Twisted Tree cafe looked dope AF and the endless smoothie menu and innovative menu only made it better. Props for a quick turn around time on the food and probably one of the best salads I've had at a vegan restaurant ever. My second vegan food share in New Jersey turned out to be one of my faves, granted it's proximity to the beach definitely played a factor in my decision.