Discover the Taste of “Tropicali” at Fins!

img_20160917_124327As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, I’ll do anything for a little taste of the tropics. Thankfully, there’s FINS. With locations in Bradley Beach, Point Pleasant & Sea Girt, Fins offers their own “tropicali” cuisine, featuring a blend of flavors borrowed from Southern California, the Pacific Rim & various tropical islands. Whether you dine-in & enjoy their surf-themed decor, order take-out, or have your meal delivered, you don’t want to miss these tropically inspired tastes.

 

screenshot_2016-10-24-18-08-10-1As a creature of habit, when I find something I like, I tend to stick with it. I originally became obsessed with this “S-Turn Burrito” and ordered it exclusively for many months. The crispy chunks of coconut-sesame battered white fish, mixed with grilled pineapple, cheese, black beans and Sriracha sauce was my be all, end all. The fresh chips and my favorite salsa were just an added bonus.

img_20150921_132100
But one day I decided to branch out… The “Cloud Break” caught my eye as I love codfish and the sound of a “cilantro coconut cream sauce” seemed almost heavenly. Well I was right, and a new favorite was born. You can’t go wrong with adding peppers, red onions, avocado, pico de gallo and cheese to the aforementioned ingredients and then rolling it all in a lemon cilantro tortilla. Total yum.

img_20160804_141030

Then there are those days when you just crave a certain ingredient. One day it was shrimp and I ventured out “Somewhere in Jamaica” and had this spicy wrap put into a “Soup Bowl” for fun. It’s important to note that all of Fins’ burrito/wraps/salads are also available in this yummy tortilla bowl at no extra charge. Spicy grilled Caribbean shrimp, romaine lettuce, chunks of mango, pico de gallo, black beans & mixed cheeses combined to form this bowl of deliciousness.

img_20160926_142619When I’m feeling a bit on the plump side, I opt for this gluten-free favorite called The Bali Bowl. It features coconut steamed vegetables & grilled chicken, drizzled with a sweet Thai chili sauce over TropiCali rice with a side of blue corn chips. I always feel a little healthier when I eat it (since it doesn’t have any cheese… lol) but it certainly doesn’t lack any flavor or leave me feeling hungry.

 
img_20160720_131020Another “light” option is the Oahu Wrap (again pictured in the Tortilla Bowl, but comes standard in a spinach wrap). It features the most delicious piece of teriyaki-seared tuna served with sliced avocado, a mix of black beans, chunks of mango, Mandarin sesame slaw & romaine lettuce. If you’re a big tuna fan, this one will not disappoint.

 

2016-09-17-13-05-15For those who are not so adventurous (like my 10-year old son), this “Tahitian Fish & Chips” is a tried and true favorite. Crispy coconut-sesame fish fingers are served with Fins tortilla chips and a side of Wasabi Passion dipping sauce. It’s a good size portion, even for an adult… I’ve rarely seen any leftovers from this one. 🙂

 

This review is long overdue as we’ve been devouring Fins’ amazing food for years. Our crew at On-Site Computer Service in Ocean Grove enjoys a quick delivery from the Bradley Beach location several times a month!  But remember…the items shown here are only a few examples of the delicious offerings at Fins.  Check out their full menu or stop in to one of their 3 locations to get the “tropcali” feel for yourself!

www.finsusa.com

120 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
(732) 897-8600

2701 Route 88, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
(732) 458-3200

Sea Girt Square, 2100 Highway 35, Sea Girt, NJ 08750
(732) 359-8210

Breakfast Worth the Wait in Asbury Park

screenshot_2016-09-26-06-37-06-1

I love going out to breakfast (or any meal really), but there’s something about that late morning meal on a weekend that I especially enjoy. This week I returned to “Toast,” a spot that I had tried a few years ago that was good, but hadn’t really left me ohhhing or ahhhing at the time. Well, I’m happy to report that certainly wasn’t the case yesterday!

screenshot_2016-09-26-10-20-02-1Arriving at prime time on a Sunday morning (around 10am), we were told there would be a 15-20 min wait. Luckily, they take your cell number & text you when your table is ready, so you’re free to roam around Asbury Park while you’re waiting. Once we got our call, we were seated quickly & handed the delicious menu to peruse.

I immediately spotted the Eggs Benedict, of which they offer a few varieties including a Crab Cake version (which I saw pass by several times) and a Smoked Salmon Benedict, which I always adore. Yesterday however, the highlighted “Huevos Rancheros” caught my attention. I love this dish and you just don’t see it very often, so my selection was easily made.

img_20160925_112029The food took a little while to arrive, but we enjoyed the bustling atmosphere and our warm drinks (a tasty Pumpkin Spice Latte for me) while we waited.  And it was worth it…  My two over-easy eggs, covered in Mexican cojita cheese, sat upon a crispy tortilla surrounded by a delicious variety of beans, tomatoes & fresh cilantro. Every bite was a treat. My son devoured a giant Belgian waffle topped with fresh strawberries, and my friend enjoyed her “Bacon & Brie” omelette. Delish!

Toast is only open for breakfast & lunch, but the menu offers a wide variety of options, and all items are available all day. I can’t wait to go back & try the “Lobster Cobb Salad” and I’m sure that the “Smoked Salmon Benedict” will also end up on my plate before too long!

Toast is located at 516 Cookman Ave in Asbury Park, NJ.
Current hours are Wednesday thru Monday, from 7:30am to 3pm.  During the off season, they are closed on Tuesdays.

Visit their site for the full menu (www.toastasburypark.com) and their Facebook Page for daily specials and more!