Another gem was discovered in the fourth NJ region, the Shore. Yes, there are four regions in the Garden State, NOT three.

NJ regions (Google maps)
NJ regions (Google maps)
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Jodi and I met our friends Debbie and Jon at a tucked-away gem that is cash-only and BYOB called Little Buca.

From go, the place was great. Friendly and knowledgeable wait staff, owners, Stephanie and Joe who are active participants in the service and food preparation, and an energetic, but somehow relaxed atmosphere.

The meal was a hit from the minute we sat down with the chef's "amuse-bouche" consisting of a soft garlic knot and zucchini chips served with pieces of parm Reggiano.

Soft garlic knot and zucchini chips from Little Buca
Soft garlic knot and zucchini chips from Little Buca
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The four of us decided to share appetizers and three entrées. The seafood salad,

Seafood Salad from Little Buca
Seafood Salad from Little Buca
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burrata appetizer, chicken Francese,

Chicken Francese from Little Buca
Chicken Francese from Little Buca
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spicy vodka penne,

Spicy penne vodka from Little Buca
Spicy penne vodka from Little Buca
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and the chicken parm.

Chicken Parm, best chicken parm in NJ
Chicken Parm from Little Buca
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Wow. We will be back to this Monmouth County gem in Little Silver.

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Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own.

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