Chiringo: A global approach to flavor
April 28, 2020
By Michelle Farnham
GRAYTON BEACH – A quick scan of buzzwords on a restaurant’s menu will usually give you a pretty good feel for the vibe there. Glancing at Chiringo’s menu, you’ll see words like poké, snapper, guacamole, cotija cheese, coconut sauce, curry mustard and mojo pork (not all on the same plate, of course). With such a global approach to flavor, this is not a generic Southern fried seafood joint, although they do serve fried shrimp and fish sandwiches, if that’s what you’re craving.
Order up!
The menu is broken down into shareables, salads, bowls, handhelds and the ever-important kids menu. Several options allow you to build your own entree, giving the customer a choice of protein, preparation, grain, and dressing, so the food comes out fresh and exactly as you want it.
“Chiringo will be adding ‘Big Wheels of Pizza’ to its spring and summer menu, available in regular and gluten-free crust.” – Jenny Toney, partner
Chiringo partner Jenny Toney hinted that new options are coming to the spring menu, too.
“In addition to our current menu of coastal-inspired ‘beach food’ items like Cuban sandwiches, fresh fish tacos, and veggie grain bowls, Chiringo will be adding ‘Big Wheels of Pizza’ to its spring and summer menu,” Toney said. “Available in regular and gluten-free crust, Chiringo’s Big Wheel Pizzas will use the same elevated ingredients as our other products to deliver a pure and memorable ride along 30A.”
Chiringo’s sides extend beyond the typical french fries or side salad – though you can order those – to include things like fried plantains, quinoa, feta salad, and Grayton Beach caviar (edamame, corn, red peppers, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro in a Dijon vinaigrette.)
No beach hangout would be complete without a festive bar, and Chiringo is no exception.
“Chiringo means ‘beach bar’ so needless to say our menu offers a variety of local beers, crisp wines, and high-quality spirits,” Toney explained.
The specialty cocktail list is headlined by Chiringo’s signature frozen cocktail, The Billy Ocean, a combination of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, fresh pineapple juice, mango and ginger, which Toney promises delivers a true Caribbean dream!
“If frozen cocktails are not on the beach agenda, try the Ringo Rita!” Toney continued. “100 percent organic tequila mixed with Grand Marnier, agave, and fresh-squeezed juices maintain this beach classic’s status as the must-have drink for any beach vacation.”
Make a day – or night – of it
Chiringo is more than just a beach-view eatery or local watering hole; it’s a gathering place for entertainment, too. Toney calls the vibe there “Gulf views and good times.”
They maintain an astroturf green space out front where you can lounge in the sunshine or gaze at the stars. Catch the big game on eight high-def TVs, sing your heart out during weekly karaoke nights, rent paddle boards and beach chairs, groove along to live musicians or play some games. Earlier this year, Chiringo hosted its very own Winter Olympics, featuring a different contest each week, like cornhole, Jenga and Twister.
Nestled in the heart of Grayton Beach, just 2.5 miles west of historic Seaside and a short walk from the beach, Chiringo is located at 63 Hotz Ave. The kitchen is serving the full menu from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, but the party continues with bar menu service until midnight. They do not take reservations but can make arrangements for parties of 10 or more. Visit them online at chiringograyton.com or call 850-534-4449.
