Culinary Corner

Surfs Up

Summer might be over, but you can hang ten at Surf BBQ all year long. The restaurant offers classic brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, and has put a fun twist on the beloved BLT: The PBLT uses pork belly instead of bacon and tops it off with Bibb lettuce, tomato and avocado lime mayo.

If you’re feeling extra hungry, pair your entrée with fries— they’re double-fried with sea salt—or pig out on their “swine fries” topped with pulled pork, Cheddar cheese and cilantro ranch sauce. You can also ask for fire-roasted baked beans, Brooklyn brine whiskey sour pickles or old-school potato salad on the side.

Surf BBQ, 132 E. River RD., Rumson, 732.530.6590

Neighborhood Favorites

Barrio Costero’s chef Anthony Bustamante has created a rotating seasonal menu that changes based on which market-fresh ingredients are available. Currently, the Mexican restaurant offers small plates like their Shishito Peppers prepared with chipotle milk, chili lime salt and chapulin, and Kale Ensalada with egg, capers, shallot and a cotija vinaigrette.

Of course, tacos are on offer too, with Al Pastor (pork with smoked pineapple and jalapeño) and pollo (chicken with scallion créma and red onion) being standouts. During her visit, Maria Valades, 41, of Jersey City tried the Al Pastor and pescado (fish). “I liked the way the pineapple on the pork taco balanced out the flavors in the sauce,” she says. Her only regret? “Not trying more plates or giving the cocktails a chance!”

Barrio Costero, 610 Bangs Ave., Asbury Park, 732.455.5544, BARRIOCOSTERO.COM

DIY Eats

At Fresh Kitchen in Sea Girt, you’re in charge of what goes into your meal. The restaurant offers customizable grain bowls, soups, wraps and spring salads (in-store or online) with customers choosing their meal style, whether that be a wrap or bowl, then a base of mashed sweet potatoes or avocado, a vegetable or two, some grains, and finally, a protein and dressing.

All of Fresh Kitchen’s ingredients are 85 percent organic and 95 percent locally sourced, so they change with the seasons. The joint is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers delivery to nearby businesses until 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Fresh Kitchen, 2204 RT. 35 N., Sea Girt, 732.769.8133, YOURFRESHKITCHEN.COM