El Meson, Freehold, NJ:
A 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.

Outdoor dining is available in the summer.

Open for dinner seven nights/week. Closed on Monday.

(updated September 2024)