Checking Out Bembe, New Latin Fusion Restaurant In Secaucus

SECAUCUS, NJ — In a land of so many chain restaurants, it's good to celebrate the small, independently-owned businesses of Secaucus, restaurants and otherwise.

That's why this Patch reporter found herself last Friday night strolling into Bembe, the newish Latin fusion restaurant located next to Bareli's on Rt. 3. Bembe is owned by the same owners as Bareli's, which is well-regarded in the area for Italian fare in a classy, clubby setting.

Bembe is not Italian; they serve Latin fusion. Think dishes like ceviche, fish and pork empanadas, guacamole, paella and mofongo, a savory Puerto Rican plantain dish.

"Bembe in Spanish means a casual party, an impromptu gathering of friends and family," explains restaurant manager Evy Miranda. "Among Puerto Ricans and Cubans, you say, 'Come over, we're having a bembe a mi casa.' It just means a casual, easy party. Just show up and don't overthink it. That's what we want this place to feel like: Come here, have some delicious food and drinks, feel relaxed and at home."

If you like Spanish or Caribbean food, you must try Bembe. Their executive chef is Segundo Morocho, originally from Ecuador, who serves up homemade, deeply authentic Latin fare.

For starters, there's sancocho on the menu. This is a truly homestyle Dominican soup, stewed for hours in a big cast iron pot and — inexplicably — always seems to be made on the hottest days of summer. Bembe's version is as good as any Dominican grandmother's, bursting with corn, tender, slow-cooked pieces of pork and chicken and soft yuca. It's big enough, and hearty enough, to be its own meal. Even better, it comes with a free serving of pan de bono, a Colombian sweet bread.

Moving on in the appetizer section, their guacamole is a standout: Salty, savory and served with crispy plantains. The signature ceviche Bembe was also excellent: Shrimp served in a tangy fresh lime and vinegar sauce, sure to pique any appetite.

If you don't know what mofongo is, Bembe's is as good a place as any to start: This Puerto Rican specialty is mashed plantains with garlic and herbs. They serve theirs with a choice of shrimp, churrasco (barbecued meat) or chicharrones, which are pieces of fried pork (cracklings).

Another order of polla a la cubana was also very good; this was roasted chicken with a deep brandy brown sauce, served with crispy plantains, white rice and authentic black beans.

Bembe serves a Sunday brunch starting at 11 a.m., which is good for kids and families. They have Latin nights on Thursday, when a DJ plays Latin club music and professional salsa dancers entertain diners. It's also excellent for happy hour, which runs from 4-8 p.m. every day. Happy hour specials include $4 beers, $6 margaritas and red or white sangria for $5.

"We get a lot of people in here for happy hour who work in the area," says Miranda. "There are so many companies located in Secaucus and we get a big after-work crowd. A lot of groups of women that meet here for drinks."

It's easy to see why: Those are excellent happy hour prices and the apertivos (appetizers) are delicious, such as the tacos, pinchos mixtos (mixed grilled meats) and maduro relleno, which is a crispy whole sweet plantain filled with cod fish or chicken fricassee. After 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Bembe turns into a lounge-type setting.

What you're getting at Bembe is high-quality cuisine in a nightclub/lounge setting. Secaucus, with its increasing number of luxury apartment complexes, is attracting younger, hipper residents, who have money to spend. And let's face it: Our town is desperately in need of a decent cocktail/bar scene. Bembe fills that void.

While Bareli's attracts an older — some would say more staid — crowd, Bembe is trying to attract the younger clientele. The restaurant is ideal for the couple or group of friends looking for a bite to eat and a drink before heading into New York City, Jersey City or Hoboken for the evening. It's conveniently located right off Rt. 3 just before the Lincoln Tunnel. Bembe is also ideal for us fortunate Secaucus residents looking for a fun and delicious night out close to home.

Either way, it's good to support independently-owned businesses in a land of chain restaurants. So check out Bembe! Bembe is open Tuesday - Sunday, 4 - 11 p.m. They do not currently serve lunch. https://www.bembelatinbistronj.com/ You can also make a reservation on OpenTable.