New York Daily News

DISHES TO TRY

-

It’s easy to fall in love with this Mexican specialist that transporte­d our researchin­g team back to the little town of Puebla Mexico & left us yearning for another trip. The talented owner Chef Maximilian­o Olivera’s father, came to the US in 1979 & he arrived in 1987, when he was 14 & worked at El Parador, from Spain & places in NYC. He opened his own the Aztec Grill 5 years ago & the rest is history. His family assists in every way. They include his wife

Maria, daughters, General Manager Jocelyn, Brianna & Allison & our server Isabel, who guided us, as we

explored many of Mexico’s exciting regions with their very diverse menu. The stimulatin­g colorful decor & alluring flavors from the kitchen set the stage, for an award-winning Press Tasting The menu is exciting and the presentati­ons & preparatio­ns even more so. If you want spice he’ll give it you, if you don’t It’s fine too.

Appetizers are truly enticing. The freshly made Guacamole ($4) I could not stop eating. This fresh

avocado with cilantro, onions & lime juice was a big hit as was the FRIED CALAMARI ($11) & NACHO SUPREME with ground beef, chicken, tomato, cheese, onions, Jalapenos, black beans & peppers ($14) & unsalted tortilla chips. Another flavor explosion, is the MUSSELS MARINARA ($12) & MARVELOUS CHICKEN WINGS that researcher Derek was thrilled with. “Crispy & not greasy.”

Even the many soups are superb. I dine here weekly with Lynne Azzolina & order Pearl’s & my favorite, the Sopa De MARISCOS ($17) with an over abundance of clams, mussels, shrimp & salmon, along with a yummy Tomato Based Soup. It’s huge & Max allows you to order a half portion which I use as my appetizer. Luscious dishes that my dining researcher­s recommend are the Fajitas which are served w. tomatoes, peppers & onions. You can order them MIXED ($16) or with STEAK ($14), CHICKEN ($12), or SHRIMP. ($15). Len Trugman, media &

ABC Emmy winner, recommends the ENCHILADAS VERDES DE POLLO ($12), & Derek Hedlund chose the CARNE ASADA ($15), with NY Steak, onions, roasted jalapenos tomatoes, cilantro, rice, beans & tortillas

Weekend specials appear on facebook or you can call the restaurant to discover the newest items such as the TACOS BIRRIA, handmade soup tacos. Most

dishes come with a side of hand fashioned corn or Masi Tortillas. They are EXCELLENT & treat all who enter like family. Here the finest ingredient­s are

handled with consistent care. The blend of Max & his family represents a bright star among the Red Bank restaurant­s. GAIL & THE RESEARCHER­S SAY “GO”

Authentic Mexican Cuisine with an Italian & American Twist BYOB; 110 Monmouth St. Red Bank, NJ, 732.530.4350,

AZTECAGRIL­LREDBANK.COM; Open 7 days 10:30 to 10pm; Take Out; Local Delivery; Breakfast All Day: Catering; Parking on Street;Will Deliver Private Parties-Call one week in advance to book party: Customized menu; Menu-Mainly Mexican with Italian & American choices; Credit Cards: All Major; Accommodat­e Children; Handicap Access; Close to GSP, I block from Red Bank Train Station; All Day Delivery-5 miles Door Dash-Grub Hub: Desserts made in house: Gluten Free-Vegetarian options

 ?? ??
 ?? ??
 ?? ??
 ?? ??
 ?? ??
 ?? ??
 ?? ??
 ?? ??
 ?? ?? Jocelyn, Chef Max & Gail - “l Love the salads. Try the HOUSE SALAD ($15), the CECE SALAD ($11 watercress, cucumbers, strawberri­es, walnuts, cranberrie­s & Mango Pear dressing.)”.
Jocelyn, Chef Max & Gail - “l Love the salads. Try the HOUSE SALAD ($15), the CECE SALAD ($11 watercress, cucumbers, strawberri­es, walnuts, cranberrie­s & Mango Pear dressing.)”.
 ?? ?? Stephen- “The generous Sopa De MARISCOS ($17) w. clams, mussels, shrimp & salmon & Tomato Based Soup was a big hit.”
Stephen- “The generous Sopa De MARISCOS ($17) w. clams, mussels, shrimp & salmon & Tomato Based Soup was a big hit.”
 ?? ?? GALE IS A FAN OF THE HOMEMADE TIRAMISU & TRES LECHES ($4.50) BUT I LOVE THE SILKY FLAN ($4.00)
GALE IS A FAN OF THE HOMEMADE TIRAMISU & TRES LECHES ($4.50) BUT I LOVE THE SILKY FLAN ($4.00)
 ?? ?? Lynne Azzolina, “My family & I dine & order here weekly. Ingredient­s are top shelf & prices have never changed.”
Lynne Azzolina, “My family & I dine & order here weekly. Ingredient­s are top shelf & prices have never changed.”
 ?? ?? Gail Derek & Pearl, “Desserts are like a party on a plate with homemade TIRAMISU, TRES LECHES & FLAN”
Gail Derek & Pearl, “Desserts are like a party on a plate with homemade TIRAMISU, TRES LECHES & FLAN”
 ?? ?? My fav place for breakfast all day
My fav place for breakfast all day

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States