Tag Archives: Restaurant Views

restaurant VIEWS- Ten Ingredients: Chef Abel Ruiz of Amelia’s bistro shares his Passion for Cooking

 By Sally Deering

Photo of Chef Abel Ruiz Sally Deering

 Nestled in the historic Paulus Hook section of downtown Jersey City, Amelia’s Bistro on Warren Street is a warm, welcoming and beautiful restaurant with a lovely menu. As soon as you enter, the attentive staff greets you at the door with a smile. Designed with an artful eye, the restaurant is reminiscent of Paris bistros with its muted gold walls, dark wood accents, white tablecloths and stained glass low-hanging lamps dimly lit over the bar and throughout the dining room.

When you are brought to your table, the waiter takes out a large ink stamp and stamps the white butcher paper on top of the tablecloths, a unique way to inform you of the day’s specials. For a recent lunch, the specials were Lobster Bisque; a Thai Steak Salad; and Caper Crusted Sole Sandwich. I tried the sole and it was magnificent, moist and flakey and the artichoke hearts nestled on the home-made Focaccia bread (baked on the premises) were a great tangy addition to the fish. The accompanying French fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – sheer perfection on a plate.

With more than 20 years’ cooking experience, Chef Abel Ruiz creates Amelia’s dishes with country flair and the freshest ingredients. 

 Let’s meet Chef Abel Ruiz!

RVO:  Chef Ruiz, can you share with our readers where were you born and raised?

CR:  I was born in Mexico City, Mexico. I came to the States when I was 17.

 

RVO:  How did you get into cooking?

CR:  When I first came here I started doing odd jobs. Then I met someone who owns a restaurant and he saw something in me. He said, “Why don’t you come work for me? You’re a natural.” I worked the counter and started learning the business. Once I got my hands on the pans I couldn’t go back. When his Sous Chef quit, I became Sous Chef and worked my way up.

Continue reading restaurant VIEWS- Ten Ingredients: Chef Abel Ruiz of Amelia’s bistro shares his Passion for Cooking

restaurant VIEWS- GP’s Restaurant Owner and Chef George Politis Jr.

River View Observer “Best Pick” -Meatballs to die for and more!

Ten Ingredients-  By Sally Deering    

 Photos by Newsboi

 In 1934, Greek immigrant James Politis achieved the American Dream when he opened the Lackawanna Restaurant in Hoboken. Forty years later, his son George Politis opened GP’s East and two years later, the restaurant moved to its current Guttenberg location.

 

George Politis Jr.

 Fast-forward to July 2012 and GP’s expanded with George Politis, Jr. opening a second GP’s overlooking Hamilton Park in downtown Jersey City and serving an array of Neapolitan cuisine on the lighter side. GP’s at Hamilton Park features Crostinis, toast topped with Escarole & Fresh Ricotta; Smoked Salmon Rillette or Grilled Marinated Eggplant. Small Pressed Sandwiches include Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil; Grilled and Roasted Vegetables with Olive Spread and Proscuitto di Parma. Its Main Courses, Seared Sea Scallops, Crispy Salmon, Shrimp Scampi and Grilled Skirt Steak share the menu with GP’s Classics like Zuppa di Clams, Clams Oreganata, Eggplant Rollatini, Mussels, Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Parmesan and, of course, GP’s Famous Meatballs. Owner and chef George Politis, Jr. grew up watching his mother and grandmother cook in the family kitchen in Hoboken. Chef Politis took time from his busy schedule to share with Riverview Observer some insights into what it takes to create GP’s tasty Neapolitan fare.

 Let’s meet Chef George Politis, Jr.! Continue reading restaurant VIEWS- GP’s Restaurant Owner and Chef George Politis Jr.

Riverview Diner in North Bergen , A New Look for an Old Friend

  

By Sally Deering

Maybe it’s the shiny chrome and Formica counter tops that draws us in or the beauty of the chocolate layer cakes beaming through the pastry fridge window? Then again, it could be the first bite of a juicy cheeseburger, the rich dark coffee or the eggs served just right. New Jersey has some fine restaurants, there’s no doubt, but our kinship with diners is as binding as meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Riverview Diner on River Road in North Bergen has been a go-to spot on the diner directory since Tommy Mavronasios opened the place back in 1982. It became ‘all in the family’ when Mavronasios introduced his daughters, Olga, Cindy and Vivian to the business and then sent them off to college. After graduation, the girls came back to Riverview to share their time managing the restaurant with their dad. Continue reading Riverview Diner in North Bergen , A New Look for an Old Friend

Dip into The Melting Pot -At this Hoboken Waterfront Bistro Melted Cheese and Chocolate Fondues take Center Stage

  By Sally Deering

It was my first time at a fondue restaurant and I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked into The Melting Pot on Sinatra Drive in Hoboken, a hip corner bistro where customers dip into delicious cheese and chocolate fondues, dine on tasty salads and cooked-to-order entrees while gazing at the spectacular views of the Manhattan Skyline outside its windows.

The dining experience at The Melting Pot is what co-owner Lina Patel calls “interactive,” because here diners don’t sit back with a knife and fork, they skewer and dip into the melted concoctions made right at their table by the wait-person. This family-owned business, a franchise that started in Florida, is a unique dining experience and a popular Hoboken night spot. On Fridays and Saturdays the 160-seat restaurant gets very busy and reservations are highly recommended. Continue reading Dip into The Melting Pot -At this Hoboken Waterfront Bistro Melted Cheese and Chocolate Fondues take Center Stage

Dining Out -Hendrickson’s Restaurant- Hearty Fare at an Old World Inn


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 River View Observer  Restaurant Views:

Hendrickson’s Restaurant features Old World Charm in the 21st Century

by Sally Deering  

  hendricksons-front-of-bldg-2A step inside Hendrickson’s in Bayonne is like a step back in time with its dark-wood, low-lighting and in the back dining room wooden booths upholstered in dark green leather and photographs of Bayonne history on the walls. It has the feeling of a Bavarian ale house from back in the day, hearty portions of steak and chops, but Henrickson’s has kept in step with times by offering Italian, Mexican and All-American family fare. They even have a children’s menu!

Continue reading Dining Out -Hendrickson’s Restaurant- Hearty Fare at an Old World Inn