Agave Maria’s selection of tacos includes al pastor, camarón (shrimp), chicken tinga, carne asada and fish. Photo courtesy of Agave Maria
Over the last few decades, the Latin American diaspora has brought flavors to New Jersey that have awakened our senses and become part of our identity. From Mexico’s mole poblano to Cuba’s garlicky mojo to Argentina’s chimichurri, who can resist these sauces?
To commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), following are a handful of restaurants that have helped infuse our collective palates with the Latin essence that the Garden State can now call its own.
Agave Maria, Belleville. Flautas and six types of tacos are popular in this visually stunning Mexican restaurant, which boasts a second-floor speakeasy that serves eye-catching cocktails. The restaurant also features “aguachile,” (literally translated as “chile water”), raw shrimp cured in acid with green-chile heat, and salted vegetables like cucumber and onions. 170 Washington Ave., Belleville, N.J.
Enjoy a juicy churrasco with house made chimichurri sauce at Patria Station Café in Berkeley Heights. Photo courtesy of Patria Station Café
Patria Station Café, Berkeley Heights. World-renowned professional Argentine tango dancers turned restaurateurs Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski, originally from Buenos Aires, serve up authentic Argentinian churrascos, milanesas, homemade pasta, baked empanadas made fresh daily, facturas (pastries), sandwiches de miga and alfajores. Of course, in typical Argentine fashion, you can also drink mate (South American special tea). 128 Station St., Berkeley Heights, N.J.
CubaNu Restaurant, Rahway. Owners Pablo and Jerry Varona say most of their dishes have roots in their mother’s kitchen. Aside from croquetas, empanadas and papas rellenas (stuffed potato), the menu boasts sandwich Cubano and choripán (grilled Spanish sausage sandwich). 1467 Main St., Rahway, N.J.
Spanish chorizo sautéed with onions, a hint of garlic and finished with chardonnay. Photo courtesy of CubaNu Restaurant & Lounge
El Lechon de Negron Cafe, Union. A father and daughter began selling Puerto Rican favorites out of a food truck, then opened this gem in 2016. Yes, this Puerto Rican spot has all the traditional favorites such as mofongo (mashed green plantain served with your choice of meat), slow-roasted pernil (pork shoulder) and pasteles. But new creations also are on the menu, like “Lechón Disco Fries,” where Puerto Rico meets New Jersey. As the menu says “ah-may-zing.” 1331 Magie Ave., Union, N.J.
Fogo De Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, Paramus. If it’s fire-grilled meat you crave, look no further than this Brazilian steakhouse, where the selections include table-side carvings of churrasco, tenderloin, bone-in ribeye, sirloin, and picanha cuts (prime part of the sirloin), lamb chops, beef and pork ribs, and more. There are a few vegan options, as well as chicken and fish. 1 Garden State Plaza Blvd., Unit B2, Paramus, N.J.
Jarana, East Rutherford. Never heard of tacu tacu, apanado or arocoto? No worries. This Peruvian restaurant includes a glossary in its menu of Peruvian culinary terms. Located in the American Dream mall, this colorful eatery serves up lomo saltado (tenderloin), pastel de choclo (beef stew with chilis in a creamy corn and cheese filling), and other delights that result in an explosion of flavors. 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, N.J.
La Isla Restaurant, Hoboken. What else can you expect to see in a typical Cuban menu but Cuba’s national dish, Ropa Vieja (Old Clothes), shredded flank steak braised with vegetables and spices? Lechon asado and oxtail stew are two other staples of Cuban cuisine, and this long-standing spot has it all, with a side of black beans and white rice, fried plantain, and yuca. As the website states, “It’s a Cuban diner setting right out of Little Havana or the Hudson County expatriate community that flourished in the 1970s and continues to this day.” 104 Washington St., Hoboken, N.J.
At El Lechon de Negron new creations are always showing up on the menu, like ‘Lechon Disco Fries,’ where Puerto Rico meets New Jersey. Photo courtesy of El Lechon de Negron
La Ronda Restaurant, North Plainfield. Typical Ecuadorian dishes include Chaulafan de pollo o carne, a fried rice made with your choice of meat, as well as bacon, onions, garlic, peppers, peas, carrots, scrambled eggs and spices. Llapingachos, fried potato patties or pancakes stuffed with cheese and cooked on a hot griddle until crispy brown, are served with peanut sauce. And, of course, no Ecuadorian restaurant menu is complete without ceviche, made of fresh raw fish that is cured in citrus juices. 27 Greenbrook Road E., North Plainfield, N.J.
Baked beef, chicken, tuna and ham and cheese empanadas made fresh daily at Patria Station Café in Berkeley Heights. Photo courtesy of Patria Station Café
Merey Restaurant, Highland Park. Arepas are the daily bread of Venezuelans, and this traditional eatery offers a variety of arepas to please all palates. Whether it’s shredded beef with avocado and queso de mano, or mozzarella cheese, tomato, basil and pesto, or the more traditional “Reina Papiada” with avocado chicken salad and onion, you will not run out of choices. The sweet corn cachapas also are a delectable choice here. 128 Raritan Ave., Highland Park, N.J.
Parador Rojo Restaurant, Elizabeth. A highly rated Colombian restaurant that features, among other delicacies, bandeja paisa, one of the most representative meals in Colombian cuisine. 582 Morris Ave., Elizabeth, N.J.
Samba, Montclair. Homestyle Brazilian fare with a menu featuring the Brazilian national dish, Feijoada (black bean stew with sausage, bacon, and dried beef), picanha (sirloin) and other hearty meat dishes, but with gluten-free and vegan offerings as well (gluten-free yuca gnocchi for one). 7 Park St., Montclair, N.J.
Taco Loco, East Rutherford. This authentic Mexican eatery proclaims itself “King of Birrias,” a flavorful stew served with its braising liquid. You’ll find Birria tacos, birria nachos, and, of course, a selection of other typical fare. 254 Park Ave., East Rutherford, N.J.
