By Krystle J Bailey
Caroline’s by the Bay has a new chef in town and a new, highly-anticipated menu. The iconic bar and restaurant located on Bay Ave in Somers Point is home to an expansive bayside deck and open-air dining. The bar has been known for its relaxed and entertaining bar atmosphere for years. With weekly events including karaoke, live music, and open mics, Caroline’s has always been a local’s favorite.
Caroline’s patrons are thrilled about recent changes in kitchen management, which is now led by Executive Chef Michael Chiarlanza of Bobby Flay Steak.
Chiarlanza, who officially took over the kitchen on July 4th of last year, brings decades of culinary experience to the table. From his 15 years at Bobby Flay to his time as the head chef at Atlantic Bahamas, Michael’s experiences are guaranteed to bring exceptional dining to Caroline’s.
A series of perfectly timed events led Chiarlanza and his wife Suzy to the Somers Point bayside tavern. “Caroline’s was in need of a chef. My wife and I were customers so we knew the business and its potential. The timing was just right,” shares Chiarlanza about his decision to lease the kitchen at Caroline’s.
Last year, Chef Michael came on board mid-summer and quickly adjusted to the staff, systems, and busyness of the season. This year, he is looking forward to the coming months, as he has had time to prepare the menu and a full summer season at the Jersey Shore.
“We look forward to adding more seafood entrees, as we are right on the bay,” shares Chef Michael.
The buzz has already begun to spread about the new menu and staff as regulars and new patrons have made their way over to try Chef Michael’s cooking.
One Facebook user stated, “Caroline’s has the best food in town and the atmosphere is just what I needed. An old-time favorite. Food is consistent, the staff is attentive and service is superb!”
Caroline’s manager Mary Tyson states, “We finally have the restaurant that we’ve been looking forward to. Michael and Suzy are great to work with. We all get along so well and we plan to grow as a bar and restaurant.”
The kitchen is currently open daily at noon with the exception of Tuesdays until Memorial Day, at which time the kitchen will be open all week. Late-night menus are available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Caroline’s hosts weekly events including pasta nights, karaoke and open mic events, and more. With the addition of the improved kitchen, the opportunity for events and parties has expanded as well.
“We’ve been doing a lot of communions, confirmations, birthday parties, and bridal showers,” shares Suzy Chiarlanza who serves as a bridge between the bar and kitchen at Caroline’s.
Keep up with events, happenings, and menu changes by following “Caroline’s By The Bay” on Facebook and Instagram.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
