Congratulations to Carvel in Matawan for emerging as the clear Patch favorite in this week's Reader's Choice survey of ice cream and frozen yogurt places in Matawan, Aberdeen and Holmdel. The popular soft ice cream location on Rt. 34 drew more than 150 votes.

A very unusual honorable mention goes to the memory of a Friendly's restaurant that used to be just down the road, on Rt. 34, but is no more. Yes, we need to remove it from our directory but it was fun to watch Friendly's devotees paying their respects with more than 250 votes. They may also have had in mind two nearby Friendly's, in Hazlet, on Rt. 35, and Old Bridge, on Ferry Road. 

Voting in our unscientific poll ended at 9 a.m. Friday but you can still add reviews of your favorites to their listings in our directory.

Shops to vote on also included: Cold Stone Creamery (Holmdel), Frozen Yo Café (Aberdeen), Ice Cream Palace (Matawan), and Ralph's Famous Italian Ices (Matawan).