Greeted with Warmth at Jon Bon Jovi's Kitchen

On Jan. 22, it was anything but warm outside as my good friend, Jen Eichenbaum, and I carefully stepped over the slippery ice patches in Red Bank leading to the doors of the unassuming brick-red building known as the JBJ Soul Kitchen. We had parked by the Two River Theater Co., since spaces were scarce on the side roads where snow had accumulated the day before.

As we walked up Monmouth Street, we weren’t quite sure what to expect as we approached the community kitchen. Would it be unusually crowded because of the inclement weather over the weekend? Would there be a long wait outside to get in?

We were definitely hoping to have a place at a table with the intent we would have the privilege to help others, as we hope would help us if we ever needed it someday.  I’m a firm believer in karma–what you give is what you get back.

Upon arrival at the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a few minutes before noon, we were quite frozen. Our hands were numb, but our hearts were full. The doors are open to all and we walked inside a meticulously, yet simply decorated restaurant where Lynn, our hostess for the afternoon, had embraced us with her warm smile and fuzzy coat. She welcomed us to partake in a delicious hot meal to heat our bodies, and sit at a place setting adorned with modern white dishes, and matching white cloth napkins, near people that we would come to know warmed our hearts.

We had heard about the idea of how Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea wanted to give back to the local community by providing a place where anyone could come to their elegant dark wooden tables for a delicious meal using locally grown, fresh organic ingredients whenever possible, prepared by their personal chef. At the Soul Kitchen, there are no prices on the menu. You have the choice to either do volunteer work to “pay” for your meal, or you can donate money to the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to cover the cost of your food, and generously support the organization so it can provide meals for others who can not afford to pay for their own. Or, better yet, you can make a donation and volunteer your time.

Many people volunteer for their meals. As I found out, the JBJ Soul Kitchen wouldn’t be able to keep its price point for the meals if they didn’t have volunteers. It has been busier at the Soul Kitchen in these colder months, too.  I’m guessing it could be reflective of the economic downturn in recent times.   One day recently, the restaurant had a 50-50 mix of volunteers and patrons; which is the ideal business model so there is adequate help, and monetary donations cover costs.

Thankfully, there has been a 20-30 percent consistent volunteer rate, where people have done everything from help inside the restaurant, to things you may not even realize need to be done-like the Good Samaritan who shoveled snow on Saturday so there was a clear path from the road to the door. What goes on here, goes beyond the bounds of the four walls; it’s a collaborative community effort, thriving, even months after its opening in October of 2011. 

The local community has been very supportive. Those who come in to volunteer their time receive dining certificates, which can be used on a subsequent visit to receive priority seating. The 30 seat restaurant fills up fast! Within 45 minutes of our arrival, not a spare table was to be seen.

And, of note, the full capacity really didn’t have anything to do with the fact that Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea, were also there that day. They were both busy working and overseeing the operations of the restaurant while socializing with guests. Sure, they bring smiles to the faces of the staff and customers when they show they practice what they preach. But everyone who visits and volunteers is not a groupie. When you walk through that door, you are on equal footing with all around you.

People actually come to the Soul Kitchen from all over.  If you can make the drive, walk, or flight, it’s worth your while.  Words in print can’t capture the essence of what’s going on here.  It’s the hope of those who had the inspiration to start this organization, that others will see how their restaurant model works for the surrounding area, and adopt their example and begin similar types of dining experiences in their communities. 

Even though I don’t live in Red Bank, I was able to sit at a table with lovely people, partake in excellent cuisine, and take away a piece of what is shared here back home with me (And I don’t mean a doggie bag).

I can tell you after dining with my table companions, they really believe in this concept.  Some were from New York and ventured here as a family to the restaurant that cold and snowy day.  The gentleman, his wife, and two children come to the JBJ Soul Kitchen whenever they can. They make the drive because it’s something that they feel is worthwhile to share as a family and they live by being examples for their children, one of whom is a budding musician and singer, Charlotte Sabina. Charlotte donates her proceeds that she makes on iTunes to the JBJ Soul Kitchen, herself. Can you imagine? She is an 11 year old who has been impacted so much by the Soul Kitchen reaching out, and who is capable of understanding how helping others makes you feel so good inside.

Maybe you are surprised that school-age children come here? Do you know that the Soul Kitchen has thought of everything? Crayons and Soul Kitchen colorable placemats are provided on request to keep younger patrons entertained. There are also “kid-friendly” and vegetarian main course options all of the time, too.

And, perhaps you were guessing like me, but alcohol is not served here, and it’s not BYOB. It’s BYOP–Bring Your Own Philanthropy–instead. And, bring cash. Visa, MasterCard, or plastic is not the way to pay here. When your meal is finished, you’ll be served a blue bi-fold with the ability to make the suggested donation, or give what you can, and/or complete a card where you can schedule to donate your time to lend a helping hand here.

Dining at the JBJ Soul Kitchen isn’t like dining at a restaurant where each table is isolated unto itself. You get to meet new people without pretenses of where you come from and how much you earn. The gentleman I was seated near made a good point.  He couldn't think of another place where you are going to get and give without feeling that you are marginalized. His wife had also spoken with me and said that people have the choice to come here and sit by themselves, and have quiet, or sit with everyone and feel the warmth. It is, your choice. Participate in the experience as you will, but hopefully you will take away something more than just a memory of the food.

Speaking of food, take a look at my pictures of the food on the menu we enjoyed that day. The menu does change daily, but let me share with you our gourmet  experience. You have your choice of ice tea, water, or hot coffee for beverages. The coffee served is not Starbucks but our new friend who sat with us touted that it’s excellent! 

For starters, I had the homemade chicken soup, which the menu touted is “just like your Mom used to make”, and I have to concur. The chicken was tender and the pieces were hearty, blending with the large noodles, and tasty carrot chunks. My friend, Jen, had the mixed green salad with Soul Kitchen vinaigrette. It was anything but a bowl full of lettuce. Slices of red onion and carrot shreds garnished the top of a variety of salad greens with the signature dressing.

For entrées, Jen ordered the roasted soul chicken with smashed potatoes with gravy, and greens, while I opted for the baked stuffed flounder with spinach and rice pilaf.  Sautéed peppers and onions were on the side. Both portions were generous but not overwhelming. My flounder was flaky and flavorful, and Jen enjoyed her juicy, well-seasoned chicken a lot.

Lunch (or dinner) is leisurely paced so you are not rushed between courses, nor waiting anxiously for the next. The staff is very attentive and friendly. You can tell that everyone there enjoys their job. They don’t just stop at your table to take your order. They ask how everything is, and politely introduce themselves and interject casual conversation if the vibe is right.

Dessert was delectable. That day a blueberry crumble was featured. We both had, which I agree, was really good coffee with milk, to end the culinary experience.

Before leaving I remarked to my dining companions and the volunteers how “I’ll be back.” I really can’t wait to take my daughter, Manda, there to see for herself, what the JBJ Soul Kitchen is all about. It’s so much more than food. Think about what it shows to children about compassion, community, and giving back. These are lessons when learned early in life, grow and flourish, so as children become adults, they really make a positive impact on the world around us. And as adults, we are reminded that new friends are not measured by money, but by the wealth of what’s inside.

So while you may not meet Jon himself when you visit, remember, it’s not about that. And, “Lay Your Hands On ...” some good food, and good company.