Ama Ristorante will be celebrating Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day by serving a special a la carte brunch on those two upcoming Sundays.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/25/2016 -- Ama Ristorante, the award-winning Tuscan restaurant on the oceanfront in Sea Bright, NJ, will celebrate Easter Sunday and Mother's Day by serving a special a la carte brunch on those two upcoming Sundays. Executive Chef Chuck Lesbirel, recently named one of the top young chefs at the Shore, has announced plans to produce the brunches for these special occasions and has created one-of-a-kind menus for the days. Easter is Sunday, March 27, and Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8. The brunches both days will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and reservations are required.

Chef Lesbirel has created the a la carte menu with families in mind, offering a wide selection of dishes for all. The entrees for both days include a 3-Egg Breakfast (Three Eggs Your Way, Bacon or Sausage, Brioche Toast); French Toast (Brioche Bread, Macerated California Strawberries, Whipped Cream); Buttermilk Pancakes (Choice of Berries or Chocolate Chips, Vermont Maple Syrup); Quiche (Sundried Tomatoes, Spinach, Goat Cheese with House Salad); Steak and Eggs (8 oz. Filet Mignon with Poached Egg, EVOO Sabayon, Home Fries); Eggs Benedict (Poached Eggs, English Muffin, Hot Sopressata, EVOO Sabayon); Trout (Garden Beet Agro Dolce, Celery Root, Black Lentils) and Bronzino (Pomelo, Italian Chicory, Sofrito, Cauliflower).

Appetizers for the brunches include 'Raw Bar' (Oysters, 3 Clams, 3 Shrimp Cocktail with Dipping Sauces); Soup of the Day (Daily Chef Preparation) Tricolore Salad (Baby Arugula, Endive, Radicchio, Tomatoes, White Balsamic); Shaved Beet Salad (Red Onions, Pistachios, Blue Cheese, Local Craisins); Caprese Salad (Bocconcini Buffalo Mozzarella, Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Basil); House Cured Salmon (Rye Toast, Red Onions, Lemon Aioli, Capers) and Seasonal Fruit Salad.

In addition to the brunch menu, Ama also will be serving its regular menu on both Easter Sunday and Mother's Day beginning at 4 p.m.

Hours for Dinner are 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Mondays. Complimentary Valet parking and major credit cards accepted. Private dining room available for up to 60 seated guests.

Media Contact:
AMA at the Driftwood
Driftwood Cabana Club
1485 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
(732) 530-9760
http://amaristorante.com/
amaristorante@hotmail.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, is pleased to announce that its popular daily specials will once again be in effect beginning September 8.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/04/2015 -- In September the children go back to school, summer visitors go back to their homes, and the daily specials return to Ama Ristorante, the Jersey's Shore's most exciting oceanfront dining experience!

Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, is pleased to announce that its popular daily specials will once again be in effect beginning September 8! The oceanfront restaurant, which serves award winning, Tuscan-style cuisine is open to the public year round.

Here are the specials:

-Tuesday – Spaghetti & Meatballs $15 and ½-off Bottles of Wine of our entire Wine Spectator Award Winning List;

-Wednesday - ½-off Pasta and ½-off Select Wines by the Glass, all Wine Spectator award winners;

-Thursday - ½-off Appetizers & ½-off all Cocktails;

-Friday – Prix Fixe - 3 Courses $30 - 5-6 p.m. in bar/lounge and dining room. Bar Only - Happy Hour 5 –7 with $7 specialty cocktails and 1/2 off bar menu;

-Saturday – Prix Fixe – 3 Courses $30 from 5 - 6 p.m.;

-Sunday – Prix Fixe - 3 Courses $30 – All Night! And, No Corkage Fee.

About Ama Ristorante
Ama Ristorante has earned many accolades since opening in September 2012 with the most recent being Second Place for Best Wine List from Monmouth Health and Life Magazine's "Best of Monmouth 2015 poll and its wine list also received the "Award of Excellence" this summer from the Wine Spectator. Ama has been recognized by local and national food reviewers and earned a Zagat rating of 25 (Food), 24 (Decor), 24 (Service). Ama has been named winner of Opentable.com's "Diners' Choice 2015", Tripadvisor's "Certificate of Excellence 2014", has been named "New and Notable Restaurant of 2013" by New Jersey Monthly magazine, and was awarded First Place in the Italian restaurant category in 2013 by the readers of Monmouth Health & Life.

Ama Ristorante - owned by the Stavola family, also owners of Driftwood Cabana Club since 1957 - offers an award-winning menu of both traditional and newly-imagined Tuscan inspired cuisine in a charming, elegant setting reminiscent of a Tuscan seaside estate. The full service bar serves unique and traditional ingredient driven cocktails and the Wine Spectator boutique wine list is filled with rare, premium wines that cannot be found in a retail market.

Regular Hours open for Dinner are Tuesday – Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. Closed Monday. Complimentary Valet parking is provided year round. There is a private dining room with authentic wood-burning fireplace and hand-painted Tuscan landscape that seats up to 60 seated guests. In warmer seasons there is an al fresco dining deck. The restaurant is open year round to the public and offers stunning ocean and sunset river views from its second level perch at the Driftwood Cabana Club location.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Sea Bright, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/08/2015 -- Ama Ristorante, the Jersey Shore's most popular oceanfront restaurant, is pleased to announce its new Sunday Brunch at the Beach with a unique Tuscan twist from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The buffet style brunch includes a raw bar, Ama's signature Misto de Terre, fresh fruits, made-to-order omelets, Tuscan style potatoes, breakfast meats, waffle or pancakes made-to-order, house-made muffins and scones, Tuscan charcuterie and cheeses with accompaniments, meat carving station, pastas, house-made desserts and more.

The limitless buffet is $35 adults (includes one Bloody Mary or one Mimosa) and $12 for children 12 years old and under, tax and gratuity are not included.

Ama Ristorante, with stunning ocean and sunset river views, is open to the public year round. The Tuscan-inspired award-winning menu capitalizes on premium local produce and seafood. Ama Ristorante has a full service bar with boutique wine list, a beautifully decorated main dining room, a private dining room for large business or social events, an al fresco deck and convenient complimentary valet parking. Ama Ristorante is owned by the Stavola family, which also owns the adjoining Driftwood Cabana Club since 1957. The executive chef is Charles Lesbirel. The general manager is Tyler Osborn and the beverage director is Beau Keegan.

For reservations please call 732-530-9760 or visit amaristorante.com

About Ama Ristorante
Ama Ristorante offers an award-winning menu of both traditional and newly-imagined Tuscan inspired cuisine in a charming, elegant setting resembling a Tuscan seaside estate. There are also unique and traditional ingredient driven cocktails and a boutique wine list filled with rare, premium wines that are also available at retail.

Ama has been recognized by local and national food reviewers and earned a Zagat rating of 25 (Food), 24 (Decor), 24 (Service). Most recently Ama has been named winner of Opentable.com's "Diners' Choice 2015" and Tripadvisor's "Certificate of Excellence 2014." In the past Ama has been named "New and Notable Restaurant of 2013" by New Jersey Monthly magazine.

Regular Hours open for Dinner are Tuesday - Sunday. Closed Monday. Complimentary Valet parking. Private dining room available for up to 60 seated guests.

Summer Specials - Prix fixe offered Tuesday – Saturday 5-6 p.m. & Sunday 4-6 p.m.

AMA at the Driftwood
Driftwood Cabana Club
1485 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
732-530-9760
http://amaristorante.com/
amaristorante@hotmail.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Ama Ristorante Introduces New Wine List, Monthly Retail Wine Specials & Winemaker Dinners.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/01/2015 -- Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, the award-winning oceanfront restaurant on the Sea Bright beach, is pleased to present a totally revamped wine program with a new wine list, new specially priced monthly wines available at retail, and new monthly winemaker dinners. Additionally, Ama continues its popular Tuesday and Wednesday night specials: Half-off all bottles on the entire list on Tuesday, and half-off all wines by the glass on Wednesday.

The man behind the new wine initiatives is Ama's Beverage Director Beau Keegan, a graduate of Johnson and Wales University's renowned Culinary Arts program and his class Valedictorian. Keegan also earned his sommelier degree from L'ecole de Savignac in France. He has since worked as chef, sommelier, bartender and manager at Michelin Star-rated restaurants in the United States and France.

Earlier this year, Keegan revamped the wine list at Ama, a 90-seat, oceanfront restaurant that offers a main dining room, full bar, private dining room and seasonal el fresco deck. The restaurant, which opened in Sea Bright in 2012, is owned by the Stavola family, which also owns the adjoining Driftwood Cabana Club. The restaurant offers spectacular ocean views and sunset views over the Shrewsbury River.

Using his extensive wine and food knowledge, Keegan has compiled what is arguably the best wine list on the Jersey Shore. It features a well-balanced and progressive selection that prizes quality and sourcing and which is created precisely to compliment Ama's award-winning, Tuscan-inspired cuisine. The majority of these wines are not available in retail markets, but are offered for retail sale at Ama.

As part of the new wine program, Keegan will also select two premium wines per month, which will be available for retail sale at discounted prices. He also provides guests at Ama with insight and advice on selecting wines for their own cellars.

"Over the past 12 months as Beverage Director, I have worked to produce an award-winning and prestigious wine program," Keegan said. "I have used my close connections with the wine world, where I've acquired unrivaled access to extremely low-produced boutique wines."

Additionally, Keegan will host monthly wine tasting dinners that will include attendance by the selected vineyard's winemaker or owner. The first of these will be Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 and will feature wines from Oddero, located in Italy's Piedmont region. One of the Oddero's winemakers - Luca Vaglio - will appear at the event.

The April 14 event will feature Barbara D'Alba, Barbaresco, Barolo and Moscato varietals, which includes the highly anticipated release of the 2010 Barolo that ranked #39 on the most recent Wine Spectator Top 100 list. A specially prepared four-course tasting menu will be created by Executive Chef Charles Lesbirel. The wine tasting dinner is $78 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Reservations are recommended by calling 732-530-9760 or by visiting amaristorante.com

About Ama Ristorante
Ama Ristorante offers an award-winning menu of both traditional and newly-imagined Tuscan inspired cuisine in a charming, elegant setting resembling a Tuscan seaside estate. There are also unique and traditional ingredient driven cocktails and a boutique wine list filled with rare, premium wines that cannot be found in a retail market.

Ama has been recognized by local and national food reviewers and earned a Zagat rating of 25 (Food), 24 (Decor), 24 (Service). Most recently Ama has been named winner of Opentable.com's "Diners' Choice 2015" and Tripadvisor's "Certificate of Excellence 2014." In the past Ama has been named "New and Notable Restaurant of 2013" by New Jersey Monthly magazine, and has been awarded the No. 1 Italian restaurant in 2013 by the readers of Monmouth Health & Life.

Regular Hours open for Dinner are Tuesday - Sunday. Closed Monday. Complimentary Valet parking. Private dining room available for up to 60 seated guests.

Mid-Week Specials - Tuesdays, 1/2 off wines by the bottle; Wednesdays, 1/2 off wines by the glass and ½ off all pasta dishes; Thursdays, $7 cocktails and free bowl of PEI Mussels with every 2+ entrees; Fridays & Saturdays, Prix Fixe 3-courses $30 5-6 p.m.; Sundays, Prix Fixe 3-course $30 and no corkage fee.

AMA at the Driftwood, Driftwood Cabana Club, 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ 07760 732-530-9760 http://amaristorante.com/ amaristorante@hotmail.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The event will be held in Ama’s private dining room with its elegant Italian estate décor, wood burning fireplace and breathtaking ocean views. For reservations call 732.530.9760.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/27/2014 -- It doesn't get much better than this culinary extravaganza at Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, Sea Bright - an exclusive Six Course Dinner Menu created by Executive Chef Chuck Lesbirel to pair with six extraordinary, superstar wines from award-winning Italian boutique vineyards. The wines, hand selected by Ama's Beverage Director Beau Keegan, will be presented by guest speaker Michele Zuckerman, an Italian wine expert from Lauber Selections Fine Wine Division of Fedway Associates, Inc. Zuckerman will lead guests on a taste adventure throughout several regions of Italy as she discusses the intriguing backstories about the wines and the families who make them. The wines will be available for retail purchase.

"At the Ama Ristorante wine dinner we will explore the family history of three of the most powerful wine families across multiple regions within Italy each with its own unique story." Says Michele Zuckerman, "Through the wine pairing with Chef Lesbirel's incredible menu we will discover what grows together, goes together."

The dinner tickets are $85 per person, tax and gratuity is not included. For reservations call732.530.9760. The event will be held in Ama's private dining room with its elegant Italian estate decor, wood burning fireplace and breathtaking ocean views. Ama Ristorante is the winner of the New and Notable 2013 award from NJ Monthly editors and Award of Excellence 2014 from Tripadvisor reviewers and numerous others.

The menu is below:

Superstars of Italy Six-Course Dinner & Wine Pairing

Cheese Course
Ferrari Brut NV (Sparkling)
Soft Italian Cheeses with Traditional Accoutrements

First Course
Planeta Chardonnay 2011
Parmesan Arancini with Shaved Artichokes and Preserved Lemon

Second Course
Gaja Ca'Marcanda Vistamare 2012
Day Boat Sea Scallop with Jersey Corn Espuma and Fregola Sarda

Third Course
Fonterutoli Philip Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Garganelli with Chicken Sausage and Arriabiatta Sugo

Fourth Course
Gaja Sito Moresco 2011
Colorado Loin of Lamb with Sweet Potatoes, Farro, Black Truffles

Dessert
Planeta Passina di Noto 2010
Black Mission Figs with Amaretto Sabayon, Amaretto Cookie Dust

About Ama Ristorante
Ama Ristorante offers old country Tuscan cuisine, both simple and earthy, prepared by Chef Pat Trama's masterful and creative technique. Located at the Driftwood Cabana Club Ama's unique location in Sea Bright, New Jersey, offers diners spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River from the comfort of a rich, warm Tuscan-inspired setting. As owners of Ama Ristorante and the Driftwood Cabana Club, the Stavola family establishes the same level of character and ambiance that the members of the cabana club have enjoyed for over a half a century.

Media Contact:

Karen J Irvine
732-216-6335
Ama Ristorante
1485 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
http://www.amaristorante.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Stop in at Ama Ristorante any Tuesday through Sunday for a Jersey Peach Cocktail. On Thursday nights specialty cocktails are $7 all night with spectacular oceanfront and sunset river views.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/18/2014 -- In honor of New Jersey celebrating its 350th birthday, Ama Ristorante's beverage director Beau Keegan will be featuring his delicious summer martini - the White Peach Bellini Martini - on Ama Ristorante's Cocktail Menu.

New Jersey has a long history of growing high quality peaches. During the 1600s, colonists imported European varieties and found they grew better in New Jersey's coastal areas than in Europe. They were the first crop in New Jersey to be grown commercially. By the late 1600s there are reports that Jersey peaches by the wagonload were available in New York.

So why are New Jersey peaches so delicious? Because Jersey peaches are tree-ripened and become sweeter the longer they remain on the tree. Plus they reach local markets within only a day or two (at the most) of being picked, ensuring that lip-smacking juicy sweetness. This makes them much tastier than peaches shipped from California, Georgia or South Carolina, However, the longer the fruit stays on the tree the more fragile it becomes and cannot withstand long journeys.

Earlier this year, Keegan developed the White Peach Bellini Martini and is eager to feature the juicy Jersey goodness during the months of July and August. His White Peach Bellini Martini landed him a starring role in an international video produced and distributed by Purity® Vodka.

"It became clear to me that Beau was much more than your average bartender," explained Gerard Jansse, Regional Sales Director for Purity® Vodka, a premium, hand crafted vodka made in Sweden that proudly claims that it is the most award-winning, ultra-premium vodka in the world. "Beau is an excellent ambassador for Purity. He is passionate about his craft, has excellent taste and is skilled at creating innovative cocktails. Like Purity's distillers, he is willing to go the extra mile to make the absolute best cocktail and he is uncompromising when it comes to ingredients."

Click here to see the video where Keegan explains what separates him from other mixologists. Keegan explains that he is a culinary student and a chef who views his fine ingredients like a palette. He has an uncompromising mission to use the best ingredients found and a chef's approach to taste profiles and is willing to go to great lengths to source his ingredients.

If you would like Beau's White Peach Bellini Martini, the recipe is below. Or, just stop in at Ama Ristorante any Tuesday through Sunday and have Beau and his staff make a Jersey peach cocktail for you. On Thursday nights specialty cocktails are $7 all night in the bar lounge, al fresco deck or main dining room of the restaurant, which has spectacular oceanfront and sunset river views.

White Peach Bellini Martini

2 oz. Purity® Vodka
½ oz. Peach Schnapps
1 ½ oz. White Jersey Peach Puree

Shake ingredients and serve in a Martini Glass. Top with Prosecco and layer in Grenadine. Place a White Peach slice on the rim of the martini glass.

White Peach Puree (16 oz.)
12 Jersey Peaches peeled and diced
4 oz. Orange Juice
4 oz. Simple Syrup
Puree ingredients together and double strain to puree consistency.

About Ama Ristorante
In less than two years at its oceanfront Sea Bright location, Ama Ristorante at Driftwood has been recognized by local and national food reviewers for its outstanding seasonally inspired Tuscan cuisine, boutique wine list and ingredient driven specialty cocktails. Ama has earned a Zagat rating of 25 (Food), 24 (Decor), 24 (Service). The popular restaurant, owned by the Stavola family who has owned and operated Driftwood Cabana Club since 1957, has been named a "New and Notable Restaurant of 2013" by New Jersey Monthly magazine's discerning food critics, and has been awarded the No. 1 Italian restaurant in 2013 by the readers of Monmouth Health & Life. In addition, already this year Ama Ristorante was named "Diners' Choice Winner 2014" by Opentable.com's diners and received Tripadvisor.com's award of Excellence. There is also a private dining room with ocean views available for up to 60 seated guests and there is a seasonal al fresco dining deck.

Contact:
Karen J Irvine
Ama Ristorante
1485 Ocean Avenue,
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
http://www.amaristorante.com
732.216.6335

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Sea Bright, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2014 -- Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, award-winning oceanfront restaurant in Sea Bright, NJ is pleased to announce the appointment of Chuck Lesbirel as Executive Chef of the award-winning, waterfront restaurant.

Chef Lesbirel has been Chef de Cuisine at Ama since the fall of 2012, when the Stavola family purchased the restaurant and moved it from Atlantic Highlands to its current location at Driftwood Cabana Club, directly on the beach in Sea Bright.

Prior to joining Ama, Lesbirel compiled an impressive resume that included positions at fine restaurants both here at the Shore and in New York City. He was Executive Chef at Raven and the Peach in Fair Haven for two years and is a former Sous Chef at David Burke Fromagerie in Rumson. Lesbirel also served as Chef Tournant at david burke & donatella in New York City, Executive Chef at Reserve Sushi and Steakhouse in Lakewood, and as a Consulting Chef at Highpoint Bistro in New York City.

The Stavola family is truly grateful to have someone of Chef Lesbirel's ability, passion and dedication overseeing the operations of Ama's kitchen and thanks former Executive Chef Pat Trama for his skillful direction of the kitchen for the previous 18 months.

Since opening its stunning waterfront location in 2012, Ama Ristorante has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting fine-dining restaurants at the Jersey Shore. Featuring spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River, Ama Ristorante offers an award-winning menu of both traditional and newly-imagined Italian classics in a warm and elegant setting inspired by the Tuscan countryside.

Visitors to Ama also enjoy a large, full-service bar with four flat-screen TVs; comfortable leather banquettes, and a private dining room with ocean views, a wood-burning fireplace and a hand-painted mural of a Tuscan farmhouse landscape.

In less than two years at it Sea Bright location, Ama has been recognized by local and national food reviewers and earned a Zagat rating of 25 (Food), 24 (Decor), 24 (Service). It has been named a "New and Notable Restaurant of 2013" by New Jersey Monthly magazine, and has been awarded the No. 1 Italian restaurant in 2013 by the readers of Monmouth Health & Life. In addition, already this year Ama Ristorante was named "Diners' Choice Winner 2014" by Opentable.com's diners.

Hours for Dinner are 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Monday. Complimentary Valet parking, wheelchair accessible and major credit cards accepted.

Private dining room available for up to 60 seated guests. For more information on menu and reservations, please visit www.amaristorante.com.

About Ama Ristorante
Ama Ristorante offers old country Tuscan cuisine, both simple and earthy, prepared by Chef Pat Trama's masterful and creative technique. Located at the Driftwood Cabana Club Ama's unique location in Sea Bright, New Jersey, offers diners spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River from the comfort of a rich, warm Tuscan-inspired setting. As owners of Ama Ristorante and the Driftwood Cabana Club, the Stavola family establishes the same level of character and ambiance that the members of the cabana club have enjoyed for over a half a century.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Ama will return with its award-winning, Tuscan-inspired menu and exquisite list of fine Italian wines.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/22/2014 -- Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, Sea Bright, recently selected by a national dining website as one of the finest Italian restaurants at the Jersey Shore, will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 21 after a two-week break.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Ama will return with its award-winning, Tuscan-inspired menu and exquisite list of fine Italian wines, all served to guests in a rich, romantic dining room with spectacular ocean views.

Executive Chef Pat Trama's menu of seasonally inspired Tuscan specialties uses only the highest quality ingredients paired with a hand-picked wine list featuring estate wines primarily from Italian boutique wineries. The popular lineup of weekly specials also returns - Tuesdays - 20 % off bottles of Tuscan wines throughout the restaurant and half-off wines by the glass; Wednesdays – half-off wines by the glass; Thursdays - $7 specialty cocktails; Fridays - $7 specialty cocktails bar only from 5-7 p.m.; Sundays – Prix Fixe Dinner $32, No Corkage Fees, and $3 draft beers at the bar only.

For Valentine's Day, Chef Trama will prepare a special menu, in addition to the regular menu, which also will be available on the weekend following Valentine's Day (Feb. 15 and 16). Guests are encouraged to make reservations soon for this always-popular night.

Ama Ristorante, owned by the Stavola family who also owns Driftwood Cabana Club and Tiki Bar at Driftwood all located at 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, is also celebrating its latest accolade – the national travel and dining website Gayot.com has named it a Top Pick in its 10 Hot Spots for Dining at Jersey Shore. Over the past year, Ama also has been awarded "New and Notable" by the editors of New Jersey Monthly; "Best Italian" restaurant 2013 by Monmouth Health and Life's Readers' Choice Awards; one of 35 Most Scenic Views 2013 by NJ Monthly; and was chosen winner of Diners' Choice Awards for "Special Occasion," "Hot Spot ", and "Italian" by the voters of OpenTable.com

Hours for Dinner are 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Monday. Complimentary Valet parking, wheelchair accessible and major credit cards accepted.

Private dining room available for up to 60 seated guests.

AMA at the Driftwood, Driftwood Cabana Club, 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
(732) 530-9760 http://amaristorante.com/ amaristorante@hotmail.com

About Ama Ristorante
Ama Ristorante offers old country Tuscan cuisine, both simple and earthy, prepared by Chef Pat Trama's masterful and creative technique. Located at the Driftwood Cabana Club, Ama's unique location in Sea Bright, New Jersey, offers diners spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River from the comfort of a rich, warm Tuscan-inspired setting. As owners of Ama Ristorante and the Driftwood Cabana Club, the Stavola family establishes the same level of character and ambiance that the members of the cabana club have enjoyed for over a half a century.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Enjoy our regular award-winning menu or select from Ama's decadent, memorable specials created especially for New Year's Eve by Executive Chef Pat Trama.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/24/2013 -- Toast to 2013 with a spectacular dinner at Ama Ristorante at Driftwood accepting reservations from 5 -10:30. Enjoy our regular award-winning menu or select from Ama's decadent, memorable specials created especially for New Year's Eve by Executive Chef Pat Trama. Each guest will receive a glass of prosecco, compliments of the Stavola family, owners of Ama Ristorante, Tiki Bar at Driftwood and Driftwood Cabana Club. Live music will be performed by jazz guitarist Jerry Topinka. Whether you choose to dine before the Ball drops or with us as the countdown begins, we predict your New Year will surely have bright beginnings.

In addition to Ama's regular menu here are the Specials for New Year's Eve:

AMA NEW YEAR'S EVE 2014

-VITELLO TONNATO
-BABY BIBB LETTUCE
-VENISON PROSCUITTO
-ABATE FETEL PEAR MOUSTARDA
-LIVE SCOTTISH LANGOSTINES
-TUSCAN OSCIETRA CAVIAR SABAYON
-TUSCAN BLACK WINTER TRUFFLE RISOTTO
-WINTER ASPARAGUS AND BONE MARROW
-MAINE LOBSTER POACHED IN OLIVE OIL
-SAFFRON LEEK FREGOLA AND VANILLA BEAN ESPUMA
-FILET MIGNON ON THE BONE
-TINY GREEN BEANS, GORGONZOLA POLENTA AND CHIANTI GRAPES
-DARK CHOCOLATE CREMA
-GOLD LEAF, SEA SALT CARAMEL, PISTACHIO GELATO

Reservations highly recommended. Call 732.530.9760 or visit amaristorante.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

To celebrate the first of many anniversaries, the Sea Bright restaurant is introducing a new, expanded menu featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients and additional weekly specials.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/28/2013 -- After only a year at its stunning, oceanfront location, Ama Ristorante at Driftwood – owned by the Stavola Family - has won recognition as the finest Italian restaurant at the Jersey Shore. And to celebrate the first of many anniversaries, the Sea Bright restaurant is introducing a new, expanded menu that features the freshest seasonal ingredients, and additional weekly specials for both the bar and dining room.

Executive Chef Pat Trama has created several new and exciting menu items – both appetizers and entrees – that reflect his passion for perfection and Ama's commitment to fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. These new dishes include Fresh East Coast Halibut, served with Brussels Sprout Petals, Parsnip Puree and Cranberry Moustarda; and Organic Scottish Salmon, paired with Heirloom White Bean Ribollita, Opal Basil and Black Garlic Espuma.New Pasta offerings include Gnocchi served with Duck Bolognese, King Trumpet Mushrooms and Buffalo Milk Ricotta; and Penne served with Angry Red Sauce, In-House Bocconcini, Basil Leaves and Garlic Chips.

Ama also is offering amazing daily deals on wines and cocktails, including a complimentary glass of House Red or House White with the purchase of any Pasta entree on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. All House Wines by the glass will also be 50% off on Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday in the bar/lounge and main dining room. And one more wine special: on Tuesday nights, diners can also enjoy 20% off featured bottles of Tuscan wine, many selected personally by Chef Pat from boutique Italian wineries.

Ama also has introduced new cocktail specials from its unmatched cocktail menu. On Thursday, specialty cocktails are $7 all night. On Friday, specialty cocktails are $7 from 5-7 p.m. And on Sunday, Draft Beers are $3 at the bar where you can watch your favorite NFL team on our four huge HD TVs.

There's also a prix-fixe, three-course menu on Sunday for $32 ($38 with glass of house wine.)

Local residents and Shore visitors alike are enjoying sharing good times with friends and family at our large beautiful marble circular bar. To make their experience even better Ama now offers a Small Plates, Bar-Only Menu Special on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, that includes Salads, Calamari, Mussels and Bruschetta.

As always, Ama supports local musical talent and features live music every Thursday night at 8 p.m.

Ama is now accepting reservations for your holiday party, business or special event in its charming private dining room with hand painted Tuscan landscape mural, romantic wood burning fireplace and dramatic ocean views for groups of 20-60 guests.

Ama will be open for dinner both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Recent accolades include:

Zagat: Food 25 Service 24 Decor 24

"Creative" takes on Tuscan cuisine are the forte of this upscale, oceanfront Italian in Sea Bright's Driftwood Cabana Club (relocated in 2012 from Atlantic Highlands), serving "NYC-quality" pastas and mussels "to dream of"; "attentive" service and "lovely" decor "evoking Italy" are all part of its appeal, as is the "breathtaking view."

NJ Monthly Critics Choice "New & Notable Restaurant 2013"

NJ Monthly "Top 35 Most Scenic Waterfront Dining Spots 2013"

Monmouth Health & Life "Best Italian Restaurant 2013"

About Ama Ristorante
Ama Ristorante offers old country Tuscan cuisine, both simple and earthy, prepared by Chef Pat Trama's masterful and creative technique. Located at the Driftwood Cabana Club Ama's unique location in Sea Bright, New Jersey, offers diners spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River from the comfort of a rich, warm Tuscan-inspired setting. As owners of Ama Ristorante and the Driftwood Cabana Club, the Stavola family establishes the same level of character and ambiance that the members of the cabana club have enjoyed for over a half a century.

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Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, Sea Bright, New Jersey, is pleased to announce it was named as one of 27 “New and Notable” restaurants by NJ Monthly’s editors in the magazine’s annual “Best Restaurants”, August issue now on newsstands.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/07/2013 -- Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, Sea Bright, New Jersey, is pleased to announce it was named as one of 27 "New and Notable" restaurants by NJ Monthly's editors in the magazine's annual "Best Restaurants", August issue now on newsstands.

The article states: "One sign the economy is picking up? A bumper crop of ambitious restaurants and fun eateries hanging up shingles all over the state. . . Here are 27 worth checking out" . . . "Ama had just relocated from Atlantic Highlands when Sandy battered Sea Bright. The newcomer became the first restaurant in town to reopen. It features ocean views and Chef Pat Trama's Tuscan touches, with a wine list of estate Italian vintages."

Ama Ristorante with its new strategic second level perch with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and sunset views over the Shrewsbury River to the west and new owners, the Stavola family, opened in September 2013 only to be closed six weeks later by the devastation caused by SuperStorm Sandy to this northernmost Jersey Shore town of Sea Bright. Miraculously the main part of Driftwood Cabana Club, where Ama is located, remained intact and thirty days later in November Ama Ristorante reopened. It was the first business to reopen in Sea Bright.

Ever since, the reservation phone has been ringing off the hook and the awards are rolling in.

In addition to being named "New and Notable, Ama Ristorante was voted "Best Italian" restaurant 2013 by Monmouth Health and Life's Readers' Choice Awards; earlier Ama was listed among 35 Most Scenic Views 2013 by NJ Monthly; and Ama continues as a favorite restaurant among diners on Opentable.com where it was the winner of Diners' Choice Awards for "Special Occasion", "Hot Spot", and "Italian."

Executive Chef Pat Trama's menu of seasonally inspired Tuscan specialties using highest quality ingredients to be found is served in a warm, elegantly appointed dining room with comfortable banquettes, white linen-clad tables, and large, popular bar. An eclectic wine list featuring estate wines primarily from Italian origin is available and an inventive specialty cocktail menu. Weekly specials include Tuesdays - 20 % off bottles of Tuscan wines throughout the restaurant and ½ off wines by the glass at bar; Wednesdays - 1/2 off wines by the glass at bar only; Thursdays - $7 specialty cocktails and live music; Fridays - $7 specialty cocktails bar only from 5-7 p.m.; Sundays – Prix Fixe Dinner $32, No Corkage Fees, and $3 draft beers at the bar only.

Hours for Dinner are at 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday and closed Monday. Complimentary Valet parking, wheelchair accessible and major credit cards accepted.

Private dining room available for up to 60 seated guests.

AMA at the Driftwood.
Driftwood Cabana Club
1485 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
732-530-9760
http://amaristorante.com/
amaristorante@hotmail.com

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The event is a fundraiser for the residents of Sea Bright, and proceeds will benefit both Sea Bright Rising and a Building Permit Relief Fund established by the Stavola family.

Sea Bright, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/28/2013 -- The Stavola family - owners of Driftwood Cabana Club and Ama Ristorante in Sea Bright - will host Rebuild Sea Bright Day, on Monday, July 1 (July 2nd in the event of rain), opening their private beach club to the public for a day of food, fun and fireworks on the beach. The event will include live entertainment, a clambake and the biggest fireworks display in New Jersey this year. Serving as a fundraiser for the residents of Sea Bright, the proceeds will benefit both Sea Bright Rising and a Building Permit Relief Fund established by the Stavola family. In addition, Ama Ristorante will be open for ticket holders that night, also to benefit the two Sea Bright funds.

The daytime events will begin at Noon with a beach clambake and live music. Ticket holders will also receive full access to Driftwood Cabana Club for the day, including the use of club facilities, pool with lifeguards, and beach. In addition to the clambake, there will be a children's menu and two complimentary beverages from the Tiki Bar. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., live entertainment will be provided by local favorites Yasgur's Farm Band and headliner Brian Kirk and the Jirks. The day will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show on the beach at 9 p.m. presented by Garden State Fireworks, producers of the annual Kaboom! show in Red Bank and the Macy's Fireworks on the Hudson. The fireworks display, donated by the Stavola family, will be the equivalent of the Kaboom! show and the largest fireworks show in New Jersey this year.

Tickets for both the Beach Bash and Fireworks show are $125 for adults, and $25 for children 16 and under. Evening-only tickets (6 p.m. admission), which includes the live entertainment, one free beverage and fireworks show, are $75 for adults and $25 for children 16 and under. This ticket price will increase after June 24.

For ticket holders, Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, the popular oceanfront Italian restaurant's a la carte menu will be available. Seats are limited on a first-come, first-serve basis and are sure to go quickly. Those with earlier reservations are invited to stay at the Club after dinner to watch the fireworks display. Tickets must be purchased first at seabrightrising.org before contacting Ama at 732.530.9760 to make a reservation.

Sea Bright, a narrow seashore town bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury Rivers, was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Sandy with most of the homes and businesses there effected. Driftwood opened fully on May 25, after working to restore their property 24/7 since Sandy. The main portion of the club remained intact allowing Ama Ristorante to be the first business in Sea Bright to reopen one month after Sandy.

"Many Sea Bright property owners continue to struggle with getting back into their homes and businesses, we feel an obligation to do what we can to help make that possible. We thank our members for helping to support this critical effort to support Sea Bright Rising and the Ama Ristorante Building Permit Relief fund," said a statement provided by the Stavola Family.

True to form, the Stavola family has been working tirelessly to get their business back operating. In fact, family members were the first to re-enter Sea Bright after Sandy, thanks to heavy equipment (a retired military vehicle) that one of the brothers owns. They managed to get through streets clogged with 8-10 feet of sand to clear fire lanes for Sea Bright's emergency vehicles. It's a great story culminating with a spectacular show of philanthropy and concern for Sea Bright neighbors by a business that is now in its 56th year in Sea Bright with the greatest fireworks display on the Jersey Shore.

For tickets call Ilene Winters, Director of Sea Bright Rising at 908.400.3617 or e mail at ilenewinters@me.com.

You can also visit http://seabrightrising.givezooks.com/events/sea-bright-day-at-driftwood-ama to purchase your tickets.

About Ama Ristorante

Ama Ristorante offers old country Tuscan cuisine, both simple and earthy, prepared by Chef Pat Trama's masterful and creative technique. Located at the Driftwood Cabana Club Ama's unique location in Sea Bright, New Jersey, offers diners spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River from the comfort of a rich, warm Tuscan-inspired setting. As owners of Ama Ristorante and the Driftwood Cabana Club, the Stavola family establishes the same level of character and ambiance that the members of the cabana club have enjoyed for over a half a century.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm