'Surrender' to Latin Food in Woodbridge

The grandmas of the world deserve heaps of praise, as they are very often behind some of the tastiest dishes served in restaurants.

Desiree Marroquin's experience is no exception.

"Grandma taught me everything I know," Marroquin said.

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Marroquin learned to cook early, and chased a dream of opening a restaurant.

In December 2011, she opened Surrender Latin & American Cafe on Amboy Avenue, where she serves American, Puerto Rican and Mexican dishes to appreciative diners.

Dishes like homemade empanadas, Pernil Asado, burritos and quesadillas, and Mofongo Relleno can all be found on the same menu. American-influenced dishes of meatloaf, shrimp scampi and burgers are also available.

Woodbridge has a sizeable Latin American population who come to the restaurant to enjoy the dishes of their culture, Marroquin said.

Marroquin is from Somerset, but "fell in love with Woodbridge," while searching for a spot to open the restaurant.

"It has everything we were looking for," she said.

In the kitchen, Marroquin and her staff handle pretty much all the preparation, from chopping the cilantro to making the salsas and sauces.

"There's very little that we don't do here," she said.

Marroquin described herself as "picky" with her eating, and said that she wants to give her customers the quality dining experience that she would demand herself.

"I want to "wow" the customer," she said. "I want them to come back."

Surrender Latin & American Cafe is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and from noon-8 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Monday.

For more information, visit www.surrendercafe.com or call (732) 636-2300.