An ad that said “This is a true story…” flashed on the screen at the start of the movie Fargo. But it wasn’t really a true story. The whole thing was made up by the Coen brothers, but those few seconds of fake news made it more fun for viewers.
In my opinion, any restaurant that says it’s been open for 50 years or more makes me feel the same way. If something has been around longer than I have, it must be good, right? The problem is that is not always the case. I think we’ve all been to a place that used to be great but focused more on its reputation than on making good food. This is not one of those occasions.
The Belmont was established in 1967 and is a classic red sauce joint with one M. Night Shyamalan twist; there is no red sauce. OK, I lied. Of course there is red sauce. Still, that’s not the reason you go to the Belmont Tavern. You go for Stretch’s Chicken Savoy. You go for the Shrimp Beeps. You go to feel part of a different era.
Be ready to be hit in the face with the pleasant smell of roasted chicken and Acqua Di Gio as soon as you open the front door. You will also smell almost every Italian American stereotype you can think of. Photos of the Rat Pack, Forza Azzurri, and almost every Jersey athlete or extra who ever appeared on The Sopranos cover the vertical wood-panel walls. Frank Sinatra—or was it Dino—crooned from a well-used jukebox near the bar. I popped the top button on my dress shirt, felt like Tony Manero, and walked in like it was nothing new.
She was sassy and didn’t put up with nonsense. Think Judge Jeanine Pirro and Flo from Mel’s Diner mixed together. I thought maybe it was an act, but she was 100% authentic. What I liked most about her was how she stopped my friend from asking for a certain glass of Cabernet. “No,” she stopped him, her palm out/index and pinky fingers pointing up, “we have a house red. ” House red it was, a decent room-temperature Burgundy.
I already knew what to order. The Shrimp Beeps, a lightly battered shrimp dish in a spicy but not quite fra diavolo sauce, was the first thing we tried. It was great. For the entrée we ordered the Chicken Savoy, chicken Murphy and ziti with pot cheese. Chicken Savoy is a famous dish in an area 15 miles around Belleville, NJ. It is a great example of a micro-indigenous food. The dish was made in 1967 by a chef named Stretch. It has six breasts and thighs cooked with garlic and Italian herbs and then cut with red wine vinegar.
Over time, the recipe started showing up on menus in nearby towns. Each one was a little different, but all had the same vinegary taste. The Savoy lived up to the hype but the Murphy was excellent. The chicken with the bones was juicy and steamed on top of a mountain of herb-roasted potatoes, onions, and hot peppers that made my upper lip a little wet with each bite.
The Belmont doesn’t serve dessert, so after your coffee and bill, you might want to go down the road to Calandra’s Bakery in Newark for a cannoli nightcap.
The Belmont Tavern had been on my Jersey culinary bucket list for years. For foodies from New Jersey, it’s like seeing Bruce or Bon Jovi—a must-do. It was almost exactly what I expected. It was a little good, a little mediocre, and a lot great. I think everyone who likes traditional Italian food or is interested in food history should give it a try. Be sure to bring cash—they’re cash only—and get there early as they don’t take reservations.
Editor’s note: As of this writing (August 2020), you can order takeout from The Belmont Tavern from 4:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. m. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
In the world of comforting, crave-worthy food, there are few dishes that elicit as much devotion as the legendary Shrimp Beeps This succulent shrimp dish combines crispy, flaky seafood with a zesty tomato sauce that will leave your tastebuds singing. But what exactly are Shrimp Beeps, and how did this unique meal become a culinary icon?
Let’s dive into the origins, ingredients and enduring popularity of one of America’s most quintessential local specialties.
A Happy Accident: The Birth of Shrimp Beeps
Shrimp Beeps was born by chance one busy night at the Belmont Tavern and Restaurant in Belleville, New Jersey. The family-owned restaurant, opened in the 1960s by Italian immigrants, was whipping up their signature Shrimp Fra Diavolo when inspiration struck.
As the shrimp sizzled in the pan, the chefs noticed they were making little “beep, beep, beep” sounds. Amused by this, they decided to name their new creation “Shrimp Beeps” after the bubbly noises coming from the stove.
After topping the shrimp with their homemade Fra Diavolo sauce and serving it over garlic biscuits, the dish became an instant success. Patrons couldn’t get enough of the playful name and scrumptious medley of flavors and textures.
Soon Shrimp Beeps were the must-order meal at Belmont’s, gaining acclaim across New Jersey. Local papers lauded the food as “absolutely addicting” and “an instant five-star classic.” Though imitated by others, the Belmont Tavern’s Shrimp Beeps remain the gold standard.
Crispy, Spicy, Satisfying: Inside Shrimp Beeps Ingredients
The magic of Shrimp Beeps lies in its simple yet perfect ingredient combination. The foundation is fresh, plump shrimp, lightly battered and fried until golden and crispy. This provides addictive crunch and allows the shrimp’s sweet brininess to shine.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the zesty Fra Diavolo sauce – a piquant tomato sauce punched up with onions, garlic and chili flakes. It clings beautifully to each shrimp, providing a burst of tangy, spicy flavor in every bite.
Finally, a pillowy garlic biscuit soaks up any remaining sauce and adds a pleasant garlicky undertone. The interplay of crunchy and fluffy textures takes this dish over the top.
When combined, these components create a symphony of flavors and textures that diners find irresistible. The balance of spicy and savory with a touch of ocean breeze is simply perfection.
Variations On A Theme: Creative Riffs On Shrimp Beeps
While the original remains a classic, some chefs have put creative spins on Shrimp Beeps over the years. Popular variants include:
-
Bacon Shrimp Beeps – Crispy bacon adds smoky, salty goodness
-
Scallop Beeps – Buttery scallops stand in for shrimp
-
Coconut Shrimp Beeps – A tropical twist with coconut-breaded shrimp
-
Blackened Shrimp Beeps – Spice overload with a blackening seasoning
-
Creamy Shrimp Beeps – Replacing Fra Diavolo with a creamy, garlic-laced Alfredo sauce
-
Vegetarian Beeps – With breaded mushrooms instead of shrimp
No matter the interpretation, Shrimp Beeps should deliver that irresistible crisp, spicy and satisfying flavor profile diners crave. When made with care, even creative riffs on the original are sure to please.
At-Home Hacks: DIY Tips for Shrimp Beeps Success
Want to recreate the magic of Shrimp Beeps at home? With a few essential tips, you can conjure up crave-worthy shrimp beeps for your family any night of the week.
Success starts with buying the plumpest, freshest shrimp available. Lightly coat them in a simple flour and cornstarch batter for perfectly crispy results. Don’t skimp on cooking time – give those shrimp 2-3 minutes per side to really crisp up.
When making your sauce, cook it down as long as possible to meld the flavors. And don’t be shy with your red pepper flakes – the fra diavolo should have a real kick.
Serve your DIY shrimp beeps on store-bought garlic biscuits for ease. But for extra credit, make them from scratch using your favorite recipe and get ready for rave reviews.
With high-quality ingredients and a little patience, you can absolutely nail restaurant-quality shrimp beeps at home. Just keep listening for those signature “beep, beep, beeps” as they sizzle – that’s the sound of shrimp beeps success!
Why We Crave: The Comforting Allure of Shrimp Beeps
What is it about shrimp beeps that keeps people coming back for more decade after decade? Beyond being objectively delicious, shrimp beeps offer a particular brand of comfort that diners find so appealing.
The dish is satisfying yet light, filling but not heavy or greasy. The zesty tomato sauce feels somehow nostalgic, conjuring memories of the best kind of homemade cooking.
At the same time, shrimp beeps feel indulgent and special enough for a fun night out, bringing friends and family together in anticipation of the first crispy, saucy bite.
Of course, the name itself makes people smile, capturing the playfulness that makes the dish so memorable. Saying “shrimp beeps” out loud just makes you happy!
At the heart of it, shrimp beeps simply = comfort. With its ideal balance of flavors and textures, this local delicacy will surely continue satisfying cravings for generations to come. Beep on, beloved shrimp beeps.
Shrimp beeps!
FAQ
What is the history of the Belmont Tavern?