As 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.
As 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.
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.
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.
When 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.
Another “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.
For 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!
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
I recommend starting with one of their unique cocktails (I tried the Asbury Green Tea & my husband loved his Blackberry Margarita) or choose your usual favorite from the well-stocked bar. If you’re looking for sake, I think you’ll be impressed with their extensive selection. The menu is described as Asian-Fusion, and offers a wonderful variety of apps, sushi & delicious entrées.
This one features tuna (I opted for the brown rice), rolled with hiyashi wakame (a seaweed salad), cucumber & crunch, and then topped with a perfectly spicy wasabi sauce. It sounds fairly simple, but the combination was amazing and that one roll was all I needed after stuffing myself with appetizers!
As I mentioned, it was my birthday, so I was “nudged” by our very pleasant and helpful server, to select a dessert. I’m a big fan of their Green Tea Cheesecake but was so full that I opted for the gelato, knowing that my son would gladly share. He chose his usual Chocolate Overload (a dark chocolate delight) and I went out on a limb with the Black Cherry Pistachio, which turned out to be the perfect complement. After a lovely performace of “Happy Birthday” by the accommodating staff, I blew out my candle & then rolled myself to the car – always the sign of a good meal. 🙂
Trips and Tastes 