Terry White Named Executive Chef at Avalon’s Princeton Bar & Grill and Circle Tavern

AVALON – The evolution of the Princeton Bar & Grill and Circle Tavern as two of Avalon’s most popular social and dining destinations takes another step forward with the introduction of Terry White as executive chef.
An experienced and well-known figure in restaurant circles, White was a co-owner of Philadelphia’s Union Trust steakhouse and a consultant in the creation of the highly respected Striped Bass. He served as corporate chef and restaurant opener for Del Frisco’s steak houses in Manhattan and Chicago, and for the Palm, a chain of upscale restaurants in major U.S. cities. White began his career as an apprentice in Georges Perrier’s pastry kitchen at Le Bec Fin, and was part of the Philadelphia restaurant renaissance beginning in the 1980s, when he applied his culinary skills at the world famous Monte Carlo Living Room.
The Princeton Bar & Grill and Circle Tavern occupy the same location, while offering two very different dining experiences. The Princeton provides a sophisticated, upscale atmosphere and fine dining fare. The Circle offers comfort food, burgers and snacks in a more casual setting. Both restaurants will benefit from Chef White’s focus on fresh ingredients and his understanding of the shore dining scene. “I’ve had a home in Avalon for six years,” he notes. “This is a great town, and living here has given me a unique understanding of what people are looking for in a vacation dining experience. Whether they’re coming in after being on the beach, or hiding out on a rainy day, they’ll find exactly the food they’re craving when they come into the Princeton or the Circle.”
Co-owners of the two restaurants, Scott Zurawski and Lizanne Tracy, are excited to have lured Chef White from his urban environment to their shore town. “When we re-branded our restaurants to appeal to the broad range of diners a resort town attracts, we knew we wanted a chef who could create extraordinary dishes yet satisfy every taste,” stated Lizanne. “We are fortunate to have found a remarkably talented chef who brings his culinary experience, from all over the country, to Avalon.” Scott adds, “Having someone the caliber of Chef White is exactly what helps make Avalon a destination resort. We can’t wait to see our customers’ reactions to his first meals.”
Highlighting enhancements at the Princeton will be a beautiful raw bar featuring an expanded selection of fresh oysters and other shellfish, as well as seafood creations including ceviches and gazpachos. In the dining room, the menu offerings will follow the traditions of a great American seafood grill, with summer favorites and fresh-from-the-ocean specials.
Visitors to the Circle Tavern will enjoy a gastro-pub experience where food, friends and fun are served in equal measure. The atmosphere will continue to be warm and casual, while the menu will offer a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches and munchies. Chef White plans to offer new salad selections and add additional pub favorites. “We know that appetites and attitudes change with the weather,” notes Chef White. “So, we’re also thinking about items inside that fit what’s happening outside. For example, we might offer pot pies, and an expanded bar food menu, for times when the weather turns cool or rainy.”
Beyond satisfying appetites, White understands the need to create a great experience. “We view our clientele not as customers but as guests,” he notes. “My goal is to make sure they enjoy their experience and look forward to coming back. Whether they’re looking for a quick bite, a great meal or an end-of-the evening gathering place, we want them to feel that there’s no need to go anywhere else.”
Located on 21st St., in Avalon, N.J., the Princeton Bar & Grill and Circle Tavern offer a full menu of culinary delights, live music and special events. For information, visit the web site at www.princetonbar.com. Or call 609.967.3456.