Jersey Shore Restaurant Week: Daniel's Bistro, Avon, NJ

I don't have any pictures.

Let's be honest, the food was so exceptional, that I totally didn't even think about capturing a lasting moment on "film" (yes, I am dating myself by using such archaic jargon).

To start, a gift from the chef. Bruschetta and the most delectable little ramekin of creamy tomato soup I have ever tasted. Not tinny, not bitter, not too sweet, just delectable. A multitude of flavors, but nothing overwhelming. I wish I had a bowl of it. Maybe a gallon. Hence why the French call it Amuse-bouche. Mouth amuser.

Then, I had the escargot. When someone things about escargot, they probably think about: Endless Summer II (I can't eat these little guys! I'm going to set them free!) or, more likely, garlic.

These little guys were more lemony than garlicky, and let me tell you, it worked. I wish I had more bread at this point so I could lap up all of the sauce. The whole grain roll was actually quite good, too. But definitely better with escargot sauce. And the escargot themselves were tender. Quite a fine morsel.

Then, the pinnacle of the meal. Perfectly cooked medium-rare filet mignon topped with pan seared foie gras and a delicate what I can only assume to be 20-year aged balsamic reduction sauce. Plus garlicky spinach, mashed potatoes, and portabello mushrooms. Now do you understand why I didn't take any pictures?

For dessert, grand marnier creme brulee, perfectly blowtorched with an espresso on the side.

Plus, another offering from the chef in the form of a miniature walnut-chocolate brownie drizzled in a cherry/raspberry tasting sauce. And we were offered complimentary Sambuca, which I denied because I don't like the Buki.

Fantastic. And... It's BYOB! Yes! I'm serious!

It's a small little restaurant on the Main Street in Avon. Lower level of a house. Lots of cool canvas photography of the ocean. Boisterous because of the size, but everyone seemed to be smiling and enjoying themselves. Helpful waiters and waitresses. Great job keeping the water glass full, if you know what I mean. Also, there was a piano player when we first arrived at 8:30.

Verdict: Put this on your list. It may even be better than Nicholas, and wins extra brownie points for A) Not being stuffy and overly snobby, and B) Being BYOB. Plus, the menu is incredibly eclectic; I basically wanted to try every appetizer. Especially the special for the day which was duck meatballs stuffed with foie gras and drizzled with truffle oil. Yes, that happened! Now, go! Or don't go, so I can still get in.

The other Daniel's is in Point Pleasant and was closed due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. Check them out at: Daniel's Bistro By The Sea, Avon, NJ