LOCAL: Lunchin’ at Hey REYLA

Over Memorial Day weekend I had the opportunity (thanks to my good friend and fellow blogger, Ilona) to eat lunch at Hey REYLA in Asbury Park, New Jersey. E and I go down to Asbury Park ALL THE TIME, but we have never eaten at Hey REYLA. To be completely honest, I didn’t even know it existed until Ilona told me about it. Within seconds of Ilona’s invite, I scoped out the menu and couldn’t wait to try everything! I am such a sucker for Mediterranean inspired cuisine.

Hey Reyla is located right in the heart of Asbury Park, and just so happens to be right around the corner from my favorite vintage furniture shop, Flux Modern. When I arrived, I was excited to see that Hey REYLA has outdoor seating. They are in the process of adding an awning as well so, on those really hot days, you will be able to sit outside and not have the sun beating down on you. The inside of the restaurant is impeccably decorated. I wish they could come and decorate my house! The artwork, the furniture. YES PLEASE.

I had initially thought that it was just going to be me and Ilona for brunch, but was so happy to see Christine from NJ Mom and Cyd from New Jersey Isn’t Boring join us! Instead of sitting at the long wooden table in the front, we plopped ourselves down in the “lounge” area around a coffee table. It felt more conducive to socializing. After perusing the drinks menu (for 20 minutes), I still wasn’t quite sure what to order. They had so many interesting cocktail options. I asked the waitress for a recommendation. She said that the Black Sea cocktail was one of their most popular. While it had egg white and charcoal in it, I decided to just go with it. If it was horrible, I could order something else. When it arrived, I was a little nervous. The frothy foam on top was a little intimidating. It was a beautiful cocktail, but was it going to be delicious and refreshing? Well, I can report that it was just as delicious and refreshing as it was gorgeous! You don’t taste the egg white at all! It just adds a nice fluffiness to the foam!

Once we had our drinks sorted, they came out with a variety of salatim, or salads. Each one was better than the next. My personal favorites were the zhug, hummus, and baba ghanoush. They were all so smooth and had such great flavor. I could have eaten the zhug with a spoon! Next, they brought out their watermelon and olive mezze. It is a beautiful plate of food. The watermelon is served with crumbled feta, chopped olives, and mint chermoula. It really is the perfect bite!

They brought out two different entrees, duck gyro and their L & L (lamb and latke). Both looked incredible. Unfortunately, since I do not eat non-kosher meat, I didn’t try either of them. Ilona ate both of them, though, and could not stop going back for more. I know E would have loved both of these entrees. For dessert, they brought out beet and rose water pudding. It was delicious! The pudding was so luscious and the rosewater really came through.

Thank you Hey REYLA for treating us to such a delectable meal! I cannot wait to visit Hey REYLA again soon. Next time I want to try their burrata, fava bean falafel, and fish kebabs!

Hey REYLA, 603 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712