Tomatoe's Appeal

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT > AC NIGHTLIFE

For the past dozen years Tomatoe’s has epitomized the modern elegance of Margate’s Amherst Avenue business district, and the Budesa Brothers have been part of its hip nightlife scene for the past six.

By Ray Schweibert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Aug. 1, 2012

Tomatoe’s also features live music every Sunday with sensational local singer/songwriter Sharon Sable and her trio. DJs entertain every other night of the week, including DJ Sparkles on Tuesday and Thursday, Steve O every Wednesday and Friday, and Jimmy Palumbo every Saturday. Steve O’s Wednesday residency overlaps Tomatoe’s famed “Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi,” where sushi is half priced and drinks are discounted from 9pm-midnight at the spacious bar area off the main entrance. There is also a popular Happy hour from 5-6:30pm every evening at the bar with reduced prices on drinks and appetizers.

“It’s hilarious,” says Sherman. “It’s gotten kind of cutthroat. We’ll open up at five and people will waiting at the door to get a seat at the bar.”

Tomatoe’s also tailors its menu to suit the summer weather under the auspices of head chef Javier Perez. One of its best sellers, says Sherman, is a cold seafood plate.

“It’s sort of perfect for this time of year and selling really well,” she says. “We’re also doing a farm-plate appetizer that I eat every night of the week. It’s all local farm-raised produce at their freshest of the moment. Right now it’s fennel, beets, asparagus, artichoke hearts and fresh mozzarella — it’s such a perfect summer plate.”

“I’ve never had a bad meal at Tomatoe’s,” says Rich Budesa. “Their sushi’s incredible. It’s great because it’s elegant and classy and a nice place to bring a date, but at the same time it’s relaxed and informal.”

Last summer the Budesa Brothers were members of Joe Piscopo’s band at Resorts, and this summer their schedule includes regular Friday and Saturday night gigs at the outdoor deck at Baia in Somers Point. Talent runs in Cortopassi’s family too, as Gino’s daughter, Tabitha D’umo, is the choreography director for American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, and she choreographed Madonna’s halftime Super Bowl show on Feb. 6.

Address: 9300 Amherst Ave., Margate

Phone: 822-7535. On the Web: tomatoesmargate.com

The Budesa Brothers rock Tomatoe’s every Monday

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