Barrio Costero Opens on Bangs in Asbury Park’s Press Building
Coastal gathering place features light, fresh Mexican fare
The reviews were positive by those who attended Barrio Costero’s unveiling this week in Asbury Park’s downtown district.
Spanish for Coastal Neighborhood, the Mexican restaurant is the brainchild of industry veterans Paris Retana, Derek Brosseau, Jamie Dodge, and local architect and designer Rob Feinstein.
Its clean, fresh and vibrant coastal feel represented throughout the décor, recipes and crafted cocktails, were points the eatery’s first guests commented on during this week’s soft opening.
The first Yelp Review posted on Monday night came from 9-year-old Rebecca P. of Townson, Md., who wrote [in part]:
“Best restaurant I have ever been to! They have the best cauliflower mix and the best steak tacos. Also, the chips and guacamole are to die for…They have a great, open face kitchen. The service was excellent and the restaurant had a great environment, but don’t get tricked by the bathroom signs! Señores is men and Señoras is women. If you like coastal Mexican, then this is the place for you…”
Located in the former Asbury Park Press building’s Bangs Avenue entrance, the décor received as much praise as the food and crafted cocktails offered by Bar Manager Jamie Dodge and his team.
At the Bar –
“This is very fresh,” said Juan Gimenez of Teaneck as he took his first sip of the Acapulco Prize made with resposado tequila, mandarin, lime, mint and agave. “I can almost not taste the tequila in it,” he said after his second sip. After a third sip, Gimenez said, “Now I want another one.”
Ocean Grove resident Nick Montesano and Arnold Teixeira, sitting at the bar with friends, said they were enjoying all the surprising elements. After choosing the Jalesco is Burning cocktail with Blanco tequila, mescal, chipotle, and lime, Montesano said, “It’s delicate, the thing that makes it is the chipotle, it’s excellent really.”
The four partners say their approach is to provide seasonal cooking and genuine hospitality. Their logo comes from Mexican folklore’s expression for rare and serendipitous connections – once in a rabbit moon. Rooted specifically in Aztec tradition, the logo represents a commitment to creating one-of-a-kind experiences that add up to more than the sum of their parts.
On the menu –
High praise was given for the Cauliflower Mixto served with broccoli mole and candied cocoa nibs, the Pulpo – octopus served with crisp potato, chorizo and kale chimichurri, the Pollo Dos Caminos – crisp and stewed chicken with quinoa and spring vegetables, as well as the Tacos De Asada Steak with its queso crust and pico de gallo.
“It’s my new favorite restaurant,” said Morgan Sackman of Asbury Park. “Everything was great. The small bites are great for sharing and everything is made with rich, simple ingredients.”
“I make and love guacamole and now I’m dying for their recipe because it’s the best guacamole I’ve ever had,” said Seth Bendian of New York about the appetizer made with avocado fresh herbs and totopos.
At a table for two near the open design kitchen, Asbury residents Joie Perry and Scott Engle opted for the Hummus Rojo made with beets, fresh chickpeas, corn chips, and pepitas. “I was surprised by the sweetness of the hummus,” Perry said. “I guess that’s what happens when you add beets but it’s not too sweet.” – “Everything is fresh, clean tasting; not super heavy,” Engle said.
Having just tasted the Tostaditas De Salmon, comprised of citrus cured salmon, cilantro and banana crema, Arnold Teixeira said he liked the balance of flavors. “I thought it worked. Everything is fresh and has a surprising element to it.”
For Jessica Vitalo of Ocean Grove, the Enchiladas De Mushroom with locally sourced mushrooms, epazote and squash had the right balance of spice. “I love Mexican food but I can’t handle too much spice,” she said. “This has just enough and the squash is new.”
Architect and interior designer Rob Feinstein said he sourced the city’s diverse heritage in the space. The open kitchen is offset by exposed duct work, a refurbished bar and chef’s counter and a 20 person communal table. Handmade macramé panels provide the backing to iron and polished plywood benches with artwork by Porkchop as well placed accents.
On the décor –
Nick Montesano said the interior design is a literal transformation from its previous use as a theater space. “What it looks like now works with its lighter palette. It’s very well thought out with the open kitchen and seating. It’s beautiful.”
City resident Jason Thomson said its a nice mix of a midcentury play on contemporary design.
“The booth in the window, that’s my favorite part in terms of a design element,” Thomson said. “I love the old mattress planter – it brings a little bit of a vintage vibe but has a very modern aesthetic.”
Barrio Costero is located at 610 Bangs Avenue. It is currently open from 4 to 10 p.m. Mon, Weds and Thurs; 4 p.m. to close Fri, 9 a.m. to close Sat, and 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sun. For more information, call 732-455-5544, e-mail info@barriocostero, or visit www.barriocostero.com, or their FB, Twitter, Instagram @barriocosteroap.
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