Kelsey, me, Laura, Robin, and JC on a night out at Asado del Sur. 

Where Shall We Eat Tonight?

I love an evening of wining and dining with old friends. Throw in a zippy, new restaurant and I’m all aboard.

Recently, I ate with Robin, JC, Kelsey, and Laura. After our usual shilly-shally about time and place, Laura suggested meeting up at Asador del Sur. I’d been to the location when it was Reed’s American Table in Maplewood, but not since. 

During the course of our meal I had a chance to visit with Maria Giamportone, one of the owners. She refers to her cuisine as Central and South American. (Maria is from Ecuador and her husband from Uruguay.) The restaurant name is translated, “grilled meats of the south.”

One Spunky Lady

Maria opened the place in 2019 at the onset of COVID. I didn’t think to ask, but she must have wondered if the ancient Inca gods were putting her to a survival test. But Asador del Sur not only survived, it has become one of the hotspots in town. Today the restaurant is thriving from its unique menu, team persistence, and inviting space.

On the Menu

Now, I must admit that when I looked at the menu online before I arrived—a habit I’ve developed when eating out—many of the items had strange names. But the ingredients were familiar. And because, I trust Laura, who has never let me down on a restaurant pick, we made reservations. This time she hit the jackpot! (She even brought me a jar of my favorite Million Dollar Pickles from Kirkwood Farmers’ Market!)

With five people in our party we shared a few of the items—some recognizable by name; others not. The photos below tell the story of a lucious and artistic rendering of these Central and South American dishes. We licked our platters, swooned over the desserts, and declared it a winsome evening. Would I go there again, you ask? How about tomorrow.

A Rainbow of Colors Caps an Alliance of Flavors 

Empanadas come with a beef or chicken filling or with beef and olives.

Pork Carnitas

Rice and Lentils

Filet Mignon with yucca frito 

Vegan Vegetable Parrillada with grilled pineapple, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, portobello mushroom, asparagus, corn on the cob with chimichurri sauce.

Chimichurri (deboned) Chicken Thighs

How to sneak a French fry from a friend’s plate

Leave Room for Dessert

Dessert menu

Ecuadorian-style egg custard flan.

Key Lime Pie

Passion Fruit Mousse

Asador del Sur: 7322 Manchester Rd, Maplewood. Hours: Sat 10a-9p; Sun 10a-8p; Mon 4p-8p; Tue closed; Wed-Fri 11:30a-9p.

NOTE: I’m told by one of Asador’s many fans, that I must return for the Homemade Lobster Bisque with brandy, tarragon, creme fraiche, and chives. Also gluten-free.