About us
From Keyport to Cape May. We are here to relax, socialize, dine on outstanding plant-based food, hear great bands, and take in the ocean, river, and bay breezes on the beautiful Jersey Shore.
We are a veg*n dining group, but we are also here to kick back and have fun. I happen to run the largest veg*n meetup group in the world, the New York City Vegetarian & Vegan Meetup. As an example of how we operate, every month we head to a different hotel rooftop for a spectacular setting while socializing and sipping cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks. We are bringing that exact same relaxing-yet-elevated party spirit here—just doing it Jersey Shore style, right by the water.
[While I host in the city, I am also an obsessive Jersey Shore venue connoisseur. Having spent most weekends over the past nineteen years scouring the entire coast for peerless atmosphere, beauty, and charm, I’ve vetted and enjoyed every famous staple and tons of hidden gems—from stellar plant-based restaurants to stunning waterfront spots—ensuring you get to experience the absolute best the Shore has to offer.]
This will be a group with a "split personality," and definitely not your typical veg*n meetup. While we will do plenty of great veg*n eating, having fun and relaxing are paramount in the DNA of this group. Here is what I mean:
If we head out to a waterside bar or lounge, a spot doesn't get disqualified just because it lacks a vegan-friendly menu. Often, we’ll have already eaten together at a great plant-based venue nearby. From there, we move on to the very best, most beautiful, and most relaxing waterside venues on the coast—often with a live band.
That’s the dual nature of this group. While I am a vegan, not every single place we step foot in has to be a vegan restaurant. There is a time for dining, and then there is a time for beautiful waterside spots, with or without music. I put a premium on spectacular venues by the water with a fun, laid-back vibe.
If you are looking for a group with lots of outstanding veg*n dining, you’ve found it. But this is also for people who want to hear music, relax, and hang out by the water at the Shore’s most beautiful, most interesting, most fun, most captivating, and sometimes most unknown venues. Welcome aboard!
Upcoming events
1
VEG*N INAUGURAL LAUNCH: Spectacular Pizza & Vegan Italian at Crust & Crumble!
Crust and Crumble Pizzaria and Bakery, 633 Lake Ave, "The Arcade", Asbury Park, NJ, USWe are kicking off The Jersey Shore Vegetarian & Vegan Meetup directly at one of Asbury Park’s absolute premier plant-based powerhouses: Crust & Crumble.
Please Note: Crust & Crumble is a dual-concept kitchen that serves meat and traditional fare in addition to its plant-based options, maintaining separate physical and online vegan menus. In fact, Crust & Crumble commands more dedicated vegan dishes than any other venue in Asbury Park—boasting over 50 distinct plant-based items plus an extensive topping list for unlimited custom pizzas. The craft, variety, and gourmet execution coming out of this kitchen are easily among the finest on the coast.
The Standout Culinary Lineup
Gourmet Pizza Craft
Brilliantly conceived pies balancing traditional Italian styles with bold, inventive flavor profiles:
The Standouts: The Arthur St (Marinara, Cheese, Ricotta, Sausage & Pepperoni), The Pizza That Fell To Earth (BBQ, Mozzarella, Jalapeños, Pineapple & Bacon), The Boss (Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Red Onion, Peppers & Olives), Super Mario (Sausage, Mushrooms & Hot Peppers), and the Veganrita (Pesto, Sun-Dried Tomato & Roasted Garlic).
The Strategy: Order Personal sizes rather than Large. They are hearty enough for a single, very large appetite, but getting two or three across a table lets everyone sample multiple distinct styles easily.
Massive Vegan Italian Heroes
Authentic, oversized subs loaded with savory plant-based ingredients and classic sauces:
Chicken Parmigiana (Crispy plant-based cutlet, house marinara & melted mozzarella)
Chicken Marsala (Sautéed mushrooms, rich marsala reduction, pesto & cheese)
Eggplant Hero (Crisp eggplant cutlets, mozzarella, arugula, roasted red peppers & marinara)
Sausage & Peppers (Hearty Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions & marinara)
Seitan Cheesesteak (Tender seitan, sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions & savory cheese sauce)
Starters & Fresh Bakery Case
Meal-Sized Appetizers: Platters of Seitan Bites (Buffalo, Bourbon, BBQ, Teriyaki, or Thai Chili), crisp Fried Ravioli with marinara, golden Mozzarella Sticks, and fully loaded Frachos (fries topped with cheese sauce, black beans, tomato, avocado & jalapeños).
The Bakery Display: Save room before you leave—the front counter features a dedicated case loaded with fresh vegan cakes, pastries, and desserts.
How the Gathering Works
Effortless Counter Ordering: Walk right up, order whatever you are craving directly at the counter, and pay individually. Simple, seamless, and zero split-check friction.
Lake Views & Outdoor Seating: Our primary plan is to take advantage of the fresh air—grabbing tables right in front of the venue as well as sitting across the street along scenic Wesley Lake. Indoor seating is also fully available for anyone who prefers the dining room, and as appropriate or needed.
Full Vegan Menu: https://crustandcrumble.com/vegan-menu
I am thrilled and humbled to be joining you for our inaugural event. Looking forward to meeting you, and to us all meeting each other. The beginning of our new community.
David
34 attendees
