El Meson, Freehold, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
44 West Main Street
Freehold, NJ
(732) 308-9494
Website
El Meson Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Americanized - Mexican
Price: Inexpensive-Moderate
Value: Excellent
Noise Level: Low-Moderate
Dress: Casual
One of the top "Tex Mex" restaurants in Western Monmouth County
Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who enjoy well prepared Mexican food in a modest setting
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer "Mexican" food in an upscale, trendy setting with bar service.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Grilled salmon with a sautéed cactus pad and chicken tamale and finished with whole grain honey mustard sauce; The Veal chop topped with eggplant and roasted poblano peppers; and The Zucchini boat filled with creamy risotto, grilled chicken tenders, chorizo (spicy Mexican sausage) and topped with a delectable chipotle tomato sauce;
Liquor: BYOB
Restaurant Review
El Meson, a long time Freehold Mexican restaurant, is a popular spot with Western Monmouth County diners who come for well prepared "Tex -Mex" food.
The menu at El Meson cannot be described as having one particular style of cooking. It's a mix of well prepared North, Gulf and sometimes South Mexican dishes with American influences.
Note: "Tex - Mex" is a term used by most Americans to label the
cultural fusion of American and Mexican cuisine, or "Americanized"
Mexican cuisine. This term has little meaning except to say that it's
not authentic Mexican food, and lacks an understanding of what
"authentic" Mexican cuisine means and which region of Mexico the cuisine
is being compared to.
The country of Mexico is comprised of 32
federal entities with each of these entities having their own style of
Mexican cuisine. The styles of cuisine among entities varies widely
depending on the regions use of ingredients, flavors, and style of
preparation.
The style of Mexican cuisines can be broken down
into seven major regions: The North, The Northwest Pacific Coast, The
Bajio, The South Pacific Coast, The South, The Gulf, and Central Mexico.
To
simplify the difference, the regional styles of cooking most apt to be
found in United States are the North ( Baja, Sonora, Chihuahua, etc.) ,
and the South (Campeche, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Cancun)
The
North reflects the presence of the of cattle ranches. Dishes often
include grilled beef, and the most popular dishes include machaca,
arrachera (Fajitas) and cabrito (baby goat). The use Cheeses are also
popular and the region produces the widest varieties of cheese in
Mexico, including queso fresco (fresh farmer's cheese), and ranchero
(similar to Monterey Jack). Other popular ingredients are burrito sized
flour tortillas, dried meats, pinto refried beans, and Spanish rice.
The
South (Campeche, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Cancun) regional style of
Mexican cuisine is distinct from the rest of Mexico and is based on
Mayan, Cuban, and other Caribbean island influences. Corn is the basic
staple. Chicken, sea food, and vegetables with corn tortillas, black
beans, and plantains, being ingredients most widely used.
The use of
spices is common. One of the main spices, achiote (annetto seed) gives
food a reddish color and a slightly peppery smell.
The service is friendly and attentive.
During busy weekend evenings, there is often a wait of 20 minutes or more for a table.
Outdoor dining is available in the summer.
(updated January 2020)
How Do We Review (analyze) Restaurants?
New Jersey Leisure Guide strives to provide analytic restaurant reviews.
The methodology used is research, analysis driven --- as opposed to that of a single restaurant critic or a social media platform, viewer comment posting board.
