Gastronomic Witch Monmouth Beach NJ is a unique and exciting culinary experience located in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. This charming eatery combines the traditional art of cooking with a touch of magic and witchcraft, resulting in a truly memorable dining experience. Upon entering Gastronomic Witch, guests are greeted by a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. The restaurant's interior is decorated with spellbooks, cauldrons, and other mystical decor, transporting diners to a world of magic and wonder. The ambiance is further enhanced by soft lighting and soothing background music, creating a cozy and intimate setting. The menu at Gastronomic Witch is a fusion of classic and modern cuisines, with an emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Her British roots are obvious when she’s talking about “Salem,” but the actress has no problem adjusting to a regional accent when needed. In “Made In Jersey,” she used an accent that would make the “Jersey Shore” crowd proud. For “Salem” — a series set at a time when people from around the world were coming to America — Montgomery went with what she calls a slight tweaking of her own British accent.
I think, for me, it was sort of playing with the loss of innocence that sort of plagues Mary, and she s sort of made a choice in her life, the actress continues. Sometimes each person has a different result from the egg, and even though the same thing is present, it can mean something different in every person.
The menu at Gastronomic Witch is a fusion of classic and modern cuisines, with an emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is carefully prepared and presented with a creative flair that reflects the culinary expertise of the resident witch chef. One of the highlights of the menu is the Witch's Brew, a signature cocktail that changes with the seasons.
Witch with a mercury enchantment
This month, Enchantments sat down with Peruvian-born bruja, herbalist, and intuitive healer Antoinnette Chirinos to discuss curanderismo (folk healing), cleansing spellwork and rituals, and ways she’s helping to destigmatize brujería by helping a new generation of witches reclaim the power of their ancestors.
Goddess of Avalon, Courtesy of Chirinos/H2 PRAs the owner of Goddess of Avalon , an apothecary and private practice in San Diego, Antoinnette Chirinos comes from a long line of Latin American medicine women and believes in the curative healing power of herbs and flowers to help restore our physical and psychic balance. Blending Indigenous shamanic rituals with energy work, including limpia de huevo , or egg cleanses, Chirinos helps others to reconnect with the power of their intuition using plant magic . Here, as we move deeper into the autumn season where the veil between worlds grows ever thinner, Chirinos shares her unique magical practices and spiritual insights with editor Amber C. Snider. *Interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Amber C. Snider: We've been talking about working with the elements, specifically the element of fire, and the power of intention. Can you talk a little bit more about how we can work with elements to manifest our intentions?
Antoinnette Chirinos: Before you begin practicing magic make sure you're centered and grounded –– that is the element of earth. For that, I like to connect with my nourishing herbs like nettle and dandelion, and I meditate with them to help me ground and connect deep with the center of Mother Earth. Through the element of fire, you transform all that beautiful energy, like the snake when she sheds her skin because she's making space for the new. Your intention is the main ingredient in your potion, it's something that is going to spice it up and it's going to give power to what you're working with to bring it into manifestation.
One thing I've learned through the years of practicing different rituals is not to hold on to the outcome. You’ve got to trust that sometimes things are not going to come out exactly how you wanted it or visualized. You’ve got to trust that the universe is taking your petition, is taking your spell work, on the right path. You bring your tools in, your powerful intention, and you surrender to the universe. That's how you work and flow with the universe –– you surrender.
ACS: Yes, I agree. A lot of people who’ve come to Enchantments have asked ‘How can I guarantee that this spell is going to work?’ But magic, just like time, is not a linear process, right? And part of that process is surrendering, which is one of the hardest things for human beings to do ––giving it over to the universe, trusting that it will be taken care of. In your specific work, how are you helping young brujas reclaim the power of their ancestors through your Earth Magic Immersion Program?
AC: It’s an eight month program and we start at the root chakra: I introduce plant allies that work on the chakra specifically and we work all the way up to our crown. Through this journey of plants, we connect with their spirit. Plants, just like everything surrounding us, have consciousness. And to me, it is very important for everyone to reconnect to our intuition. Sometimes we sit with a plant and we receive a message, and sometimes it's auditory, sometimes it's visual, sometimes it's an imprint on us.
We gotta trust whatever whisper comes to us. That's the spirit of the plant. We can read about plants, we can learn through books, but the best way to learn is to experience it. The energy of a plant with me is going to be very different with you; the medicine I need is different from the medicine that you need. So through this journey, we not only learn about the spirit of the plant and the benefits in the physical body, we also learn how to read the tarot , how to work with crystals, do spell work and candle magic. I feel like all this wisdom was so well practiced back in the day, and through the years we just forgot about it, and we decided to put our power into somebody else's hands.
Surrendering [to the universe] is really hard because it's trust and it's faith. You have the power within and we forget that we're so powerful. I show how to work with all these tools and at the end of the month, they’re ready –– They're creating their own potions, working with their crystals, creating crystal grids, doing spell works. They're trusting themselves again. And that's what it is about.
ACS: Just as no two plants are alike and the energy we receive from the natural world is different for each person, the path of witchcraft is also so unique to the individual practitioner. I think that's where a lot of confusion comes in from the masses that don't do this kind of work. It’s essentially about reconnecting with the earth and our innate, intuitive power, as well as the wisdom of our ancestors. In terms of practical magic, can you share your favorite plant to work with in spells or potions for our readers?
AC: One plant I really am connected with is rue. Rue is such a magical plant. My grandpa used to do barridas on me, or cleansing to clear energy. He’d put a little rue in my pockets for good luck, too. I feel his essence when I work with this plant –– I feel his energy surrounding me and guiding me.
I have this beautiful rue plant at home and she blooms every summer with these beautiful yellow flowers and I always create a flower essence of rue. Flower essences of rue is protection for the light worker, it strengthens your aura. So in those months of fall, especially when the layers [between worlds] are so thin and both worlds are waving and swimming, I like to be very protected. Rue is very close to my heart, I use it all the time, but I do recommend it for fall.
Images courtesy of Antoinnette Chirinos, Goddess of AvalonACS: Rue is also great for magical cleansing sprays for the house! Can you talk a little bit about egg cleansing, or limpia de huevo , specifically how it pertains to Latin American traditions and your ancestral work?
AC: Egg cleansing is something that has been in my culture for many, many years, as well as many other cultures, but it's something very common. Even if I go to my aunt's house, they'll look at me and say, ‘Oh, you need an egg cleanse. You have a lot of energy around you.’ My entire family is like that. It's something very common and it's something really powerful because the egg will clear everything from your emotional body and release what doesn't serve you.
To me, being born in Peru is being born surrounded by these traditions, and so I’m bringing it here with me. Most people don't know about it, but it's very normal to us. Because I've been doing this for a while, I'm able to sense energy or sometimes see energy. So I will know exactly where you need it the most, but I always start from the head, the crown chakra, and then go all the way down, and you can clean the back, too. Certain areas, like the back of the neck and back of the knee, are very important because energy gets stuck there. And then you're going to break the egg in a glass of water. Afterwards I pray. Let's say I see some disturbance in your sacral [chakra], I'm going to pray a little bit more in [that space]. I'm working like that, and connecting with that energy to clear all that. When I break [the egg], I let it sit and then I read it. Now everyone reads [the egg] differently and I believe that there are no rules for magic. There are no rules for how you practice –– your own rituals are your own. So I read it in a different way with other people, I read it as it comes to me.
I can see figures and I know what it means. Sometimes each person has a different result from the egg, and even though the same thing is present, it can mean something different in every person. I know a lot of people are going to say ‘No, you have to read it like this, and this is exactly what it means,’ [but I don’t agree with that]. It’s my practice, and I teach that to my students: I always tell them, there are no rules in magic. Just because I'm teaching you the way I do it, doesn’t mean you always have to do it like that. It might work out better for you if you take a different route. [For example], if we’re making a love potion, maybe your love potion doesn't need vanilla, maybe it needs peach leaf. You have to go inwards and honor what comes to you.
ACS: Do you think that others can train themselves, through their intuition, to be able to read eggs, as well? Or is it something that you feel that people have to go to a spiritual practitioner or healer for?
AC: I think it's always good to get a little bit of knowledge to see how the practitioner does it so they have an idea. When you work with energy, you have to be very respectful and honor everything that you work with. So just a little bit of guidance at the beginning and then they can develop their own practice.
ACS: At Enchantments, we make a lot of custom, hand-carved candle spells using magical oils and incenses. Is there a particular candle spell you’d recommend for the fall season, whether it’s for healing, cleansing, or honoring the dead?
AC: Let's say you want to do a cleansing spell work with your candle –– some people like to dress a candle with herbs, but I don't do it that way. I sometimes put oil on my candle , but again, everyone has their own way to do it. [I recommend letting] a candle burn by itself when you're doing spell work and don't blow it out because when you blow it, you're spreading your intention, your wish, everywhere. You want to make sure you're sending it above you, to the universe, to support you in work.
Get a small candle, center yourself in a sacred space, and call up your protection. You have to be in a good space and feeling good, even if you are doing spell work to get rid of something, because that interferes. For yesterday's spell work, [for instance] I had my rue, some white sage, and a little bit of rosemary. I got a little plate where my candle was gonna be lit, and I surrounded the plate with the herbs and I also put black salt. All these elements together are protection, and the salt is gonna get rid of everything that you don't want or need.
Grab your candle with your intention and what I do is go from the bottom to the top because I'm sending my intention above. I request that when the candle finishes burning, everything that doesn't serve me is going to be cleared out of my body –– my physical body and spiritual body. You can't word it however you want and say it how many times you want. When the candle is done, I gather all the herbs that were protecting me and I put it on the soil for Mother Earth to transform this energy into something else.
ACS: I love the incorporation of black salt and placing the herbs around the candle –– the idea of the circularity is there, too.
AC: Yes, the candle kind of represents you. So you are casting a circle around it, a protection circle around you, and getting rid of everything that doesn't serve you. Do it with intention and power, because you are powerful. Let all those herbs support you with your journey. Just imprint your intention there, nothing bad is gonna happen. We gotta become creative. Sometimes we don't have all the tools. Look in your kitchen. You'll have the herbs. I come from Peru and didn't always have all the tools, we didn't grow up with a lot of things. But we can get creative and resourceful with it. I learned from my grandparents, if you don't have this herb, you can use this herb. That's where your power comes in.
*** This interview is for educational, spiritual, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional health services. Please note that Enchantments’ herbs are not for ingestion and should only be used for magical (manifestation, intention) purposes only.
If you’d like to learn more about plant magic, visit our Plant Magic page here . For more on Antoinnette Chirinos , including her apothecary and private practice, visit Goddess of Avalon . She leads an intensive annual training through her popular Earth Magick Immersion Program and hosts monthly new moon plant ceremonies — Oct 21’s witchy workshop will focus Plant Magick Potion Making to t eaches the basics and educate on the ingredients’ healing powers.
Traditionally, when an actor plays a role based on a real person, long hours are spent trying to find out as much as possible about that person. But Janet Montgomery decided it would be a waste of time to dig into the history of the real life of Mary Sibley, the role she plays in the new WGN America series “Salem,” set in Puritan America.
This concoction is a delightful blend of fruits, spirits, and secret ingredients, resulting in a magical and refreshing beverage. For appetizers, guests can choose from a variety of spellbinding dishes such as the Magic Mushroom Bruschetta or the Potion of Roasted Cauliflower Soup. These dishes are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavors that will enchant the taste buds. As for the main course, the Gastronomic Witch offers an array of mouthwatering options. From the Spiced Pumpkin Ravioli to the Potions of Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken, each dish is a culinary masterpiece that showcases the chef's skill and creativity. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. To end the meal on a sweet note, the dessert menu at Gastronomic Witch is truly enchanting. From the Witch's Chocolate Molten Cake to the Crystal Sugar Cookie Tower, these indulgent treats are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Overall, Gastronomic Witch Monmouth Beach NJ is a dining experience like no other. It combines the thrill of witchcraft with the pleasure of fine dining to create a truly magical experience for guests. Whether you're looking for a unique date night spot or a place to celebrate a special occasion, this gastronomic gem is a must-visit. So, gather your friends and family and embark on a culinary adventure at Gastronomic Witch. Join the magic!.
Reviews for "Spellbinding Seafood and Magical Cocktails in Witch Monmouth Beach NJ"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I had high expectations for Gastronomic Witch in Monmouth Beach, but I left extremely disappointed. The service was incredibly slow and the staff seemed indifferent to our presence. The food was average at best, lacking any real flavor or creativity. The prices were ridiculously high for what we received. Overall, I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - My experience at Gastronomic Witch was underwhelming. The atmosphere was too loud and crowded, making it difficult to have a conversation. The menu looked promising, but the food fell short of expectations. The presentation was lackluster and the flavors were bland. The service was also subpar, with long waits between courses and an inattentive waitstaff. I won't be returning to this restaurant anytime soon.
3. James - 2/5 stars - I was excited to try out Gastronomic Witch, but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The ambiance was nothing special and the prices were steep for what we received. The food lacked depth and the portions were small. The service was average at best, with some of our orders being mixed up. Overall, I was unimpressed and wouldn't recommend this restaurant to others seeking a memorable dining experience.
4. Emily - 1/5 stars - I had a terrible experience at Gastronomic Witch in Monmouth Beach. The wait to be seated was incredibly long, despite having made a reservation. The food took even longer to arrive, and when it did, it was cold and unappetizing. The staff seemed overwhelmed and disorganized. The overall experience was extremely disappointing and I won't be returning.
5. Michael - 2/5 stars - Gastronomic Witch fell short of my expectations. The menu sounded intriguing, but the execution was lackluster. The food lacked flavor and was overpriced for what we received. The service was slow and inattentive, making the overall dining experience unpleasant. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for quality food and service.