A Latin Culinary Oasis Emerges on the Wildwood Boardwalk – El Pilón Criollo
When strolling along the iconic Wildwood Boardwalk in search of culinary delights, one’s expectations are often confined to the realm of typical boardwalk fare: hot dogs, french fries, funnel cakes, ice cream, and of course, pizza in abundance.
However, a tasty restaurant has graced the boardwalk this season, introducing an unprecedented culinary haven unlike any other. Allow us to introduce El Pilón Criollo, the newest addition to the vibrant tapestry of dining options in the Wildwoods.
A Latin Culinary Oasis Emerges on the Wildwood Boardwalk – El Pilón Criollo
Nestled at the intersection of Roberts Avenue and the boardwalk, El Pilón Criollo now occupies the space previously inhabited by the Grandview Gift Shop, which shuttered its doors at the conclusion of the 2022 summer season.
Following months of meticulous renovations, the venue has been reimagined as a tantalizing Latin American restaurant, embodying the essence of authenticity and innovation.
Also See: Otaku House To Open on the Wildwood Boardwalk
The eatery’s grand opening unfolded over the weekend, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony that delighted locals and visitors alike. As the summer season unfurls, El Pilón Criollo is poised to greet patrons daily, welcoming them from 9 a.m. until midnight. Currently, they are open from 10 am to 10 pm
Embracing their mission to infuse the boardwalk experience with a cornucopia of flavors, El Pilón Criollo proudly presents a menu that defies convention. While traditional breakfast fare adorns their morning offerings, it is during lunchtime that the flavors truly burst forth, transporting diners on a delectable journey.
Lunch and dinner menus boast an enticing array of options, including mouthwatering sandwiches such as the iconic Cubano, the Tripleta brimming with savory delights, the tender Pernil, and the captivating Tostada Dominicana.
Additionally, El Pilón Criollo tantalizes palates with a selection of tacos, empanadas, quesadillas, and salads, each dish crafted to perfection.
However, one would be remiss not to indulge in the delectable mofongos, a hallmark of Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisines. Mofongo, derived from the amalgamation of “mofar” (to mash) and “fongo” (a term derived from the English word “food”), comprises mashed fried plantains, seasoned with garlic, salt, and occasionally adorned with pork cracklings, or chicharrón.
The preparation of this culinary masterpiece involves peeling and slicing green plantains into tantalizing chunks, which are then submerged in golden, bubbling oil until achieving the perfect crispy texture.
Once fried to perfection, these plantains are lovingly mashed using a wooden mortar and pestle known as a pilón, combining them with garlic, salt, and occasionally olive oil or pork fat, heightening their flavor and moisture.
The resulting concoction is artfully shaped into spherical or mound-like forms, offering a delectable side dish or a foundation for an assortment of toppings and fillings.
Also, See: Visitors Angry In North Wildwood Street Parking Price Hike
El Pilón Criollo offers mofongos in different styles including pork chops, stewed chicken, shrimp doused in vibrant red or aromatic garlic sauce, or even a delightful combination of chicken and Alfredo sauce.
As an added delight, El Pilón Criollo tempts patrons with daily specials that span a wide spectrum of flavors, ranging from delectable steak filets to tender baked chicken.
This summer, seize the opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure and pay them a visit.
While the restaurant does offer the convenience of online ordering through its website, at the time of writing, the platform appears to be experiencing technical difficulties.
The Wildwood Video Archive wants to wish the owners of El Pilón Criollo the best of luck this summer.
Be sure to follow them on Facebook for more updates.