
So over the last week or so, I've heard from three separate people about Murphy's Corner Store - (the corners being Correja Avenue and Trento.) It's an OLD TIME Iselin deli that time forgot... which, of course, in this case is actually a VERY GOOD thing! Well, Murphy's has new owners, and they seem to want to do everything just right, and believe me -- you are going to be SO HAPPY!!!
The new owners are Andrea Ayers and Ken Baraniak. Before Murphy's, they owned
"Dorians on the Beach" in Ocean Grove, and got some great reviews. After eating here I could definitely see why. For one thing, they were so friendly. When we walked in and sat down, Ken offered us a sample right off the bat -- he had some really delicious old fashioned deli pickles, made in the old way, and he wanted us to try them. (And yes, they were great!)
They are both very excited about their food, and they only want top quality ingredients, and it really makes a huge difference. They are so serious about getting only the best, that they have bread and pastries brought in from a Brooklyn bakery, fresh every morning, at 3 AM! (This is a round-the-clock job for the owners!) So when you see the crumb cake and muffins on the counter... yup! It's real old fashioned bakery foods, not something from some Warehouse Depot days ago!

We had subs, and they were really good. As we ate, Andrea was telling us about some of the other dishes Ken prepares. Yesterday, she said, he had some really great Mussels Fra Diavolo and Broccoli and Cavatelli, but I'm really looking forward to the trying his manicotti. Depending on the day, he might have shrimp salad,lump crab cakes, or potato pancakes, or any number of other things. They suggested that I just call up and see what's on the menu for the day, and then I can pick it up all ready for dinner. Sounds like my new Friday Night dinner plan! Andrea also mentioned that Ken first learned to cook as a kid in his grandmother's pizzeria in Port Reading - it was a place called Bunzy's, maybe you've heard of it?
Anyway, I can tell you I'm definitely going to make a point of becoming a customer at Murphy's. For two reasons. Reason one: The food was great. Reason two: I miss my old-fashioned corner deli. The only way these kinds of places can stay in business is if people shop at them... so, c'mon, people, try them!
Murphy's Deli - on the corner of Correja and Trento in Iselin - is open Monday through Friday from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
You can call ahead at 732-283-3370.