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A trip for dinner at the newly opened Emilio’s Kitchen in Belmar is unlike what you might expect from a traditional Mexican restaurant. There are no over-the-top brightly colored decorations, no loud bar pumping out margaritas, and aside from a tuna taco appetizer, not many dishes that your average gringo would picture when they think of typical Mexican food.
But that is no shot at Emilio’s. In fact, the menu — which is packed with Mexican-inspired takes on dishes you would least expect like Shrimp and Grits and Pork Chops— is one of the most alluring things about it. Owners Emilio and Ruperto Vicens also own the original location of Emilio’s Kitchen in Atlantic Highlands. That spot has become so popular over the last few years that they opened in Belmar in response to demand from customers.
The space is elegant with a somewhat minimalist vibe throughout. Charcoal toned walls and dim lighting set the tone, and at dinner you may feel a bit underdressed in a t-shirt and jeans. This version of Emilio’s Kitchen skates the edge of fine dining for sure.
As far as the actual dining is concerned, starting the meal off with a bowl of their fresh guacamole is a must, as its one of the most flavorful versions of this ultra traditional Mexican dish you will find anywhere in Monmouth County. It’s a bit smoother than I generally prefer, but the flavors are so well balanced and delicious, it’s easy to look past that detail.
The guac is where the standard Mexican dishes end though as the rest of the menu at Emilio’s are either purely unique Mexican dishes or a mashup of American dishes reimagined through a colorful filter of Mexican flavors. The Albondigas made for a perfect app — tender Mexican-style meatballs prepared with a chimichurri sauce and topped with queso fresco, they came with a side of griddled bread that was perfect for sopping up those last saucy bits once we my whole table had plowed through them as a team.
Salad eaters will rejoice as the Mole Beets Me Salad takes front and center stage, perfectly rejuvenating the overly trendy (and somewhat tired) beet salad concept with help from moles of both rojo and verde varieties along with arugula, scattered pumpkin seeds, dots of sour cream and a chipotle honey packing just a touch of smoky heat.
The cauliflower soup they had on special that night was another standout, its mild flavor accented perfectly by the addition of jumbo lump crab. If they have it on the menu when you go, get it.
I ordered the aforementioned Shrimp and Grits as my entrée because I can’t ever seem to resist this Southern staple and because I have never seen a southern staple on a Mexican menu. It was as unique as expected, with the traditional buttery grits in place, but this version included a garlicky mojo de ajo sauce that really elevated the dish, while additional flavor boosts came in the form of fennel and some smoky bits of bacon.
Other standout entrees included Pork Ribs with an ancho chili glaze with pickled veggies; a Rack of Baby Lamb Chops with Morita salsa and pineapple-cucumber mixed greens; and a showstopping plate of Scallops served over white rice with artichokes, asparagus, snap peas, spinach, and a lemon-artichoke puree.
Though the meal was thoroughly satisfying, I feel that I barely scratched the surface with what Emilio’s Kitchen has to offer. A pair of steaks were calling my name that night and are on my list for next time, and the full lunch menu hits the more expected Mexican items like quesadillas, tacos and the like, but keeps things fun and fresh with unexpected proteins and preparations (calamari burrito, anyone?)
They also do a full breakfast that combines the best of both worlds, highlighting quintessential American morning standards like French Toast and waffles with south-of-the-border temptations like Chilaqueles, Huevos Rancheros or the Magical Mushroom Hibiscus Sandwich.
These are all things I need to try, and I will be back soon to do so. Kudos to Emilio’s Kitchen for knocking another one out of the park.
Emilio’s Kitchen is located at 1006 Main St. in Belmar. Their original location is at 77 Center Ave. in Atlantic Highlands. For more info, go to EmiliosKitchen.com.
