River View Observer “Best Pick” -Meatballs to die for and more!
Ten Ingredients- By Sally Deering   Â
 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.
 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.
VB3 on Washington Boulevard in downtown Jersey City features theVB3 Pizzeria where office workers and neighborhood residents dash in for a slice or a pie; and the VB3 dining room and lounge with the sexiest bar in Jersey City. It’s an eye-catching island of dark wood with a surface of “orange liquid lava†and bar stools with bright-orange backs and faux leopard print seats. No detail in this beautiful restaurant has been overlooked by Owner and Executive Chef Michael Colletti, General Managers Giuseppi “Little Joe†Russo and Giuseppi “Big Joe†Russo; and business partners Gary Leff and Ricky Leff. This team put heart and soul into the place and it shows.
Chef Colletti, 29, attended the Culinary Education Center in Asbury Park and after graduation worked at the prestigious Le Cirque and then Chef de Cuisine at Mai House. After five years in New York, Chef Colletti joined his friend and celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn at the Sunnyside Group and helped him open Good Stuff Eatery in Washington D.C. In 2010, Colletti and Mendelsohn appeared in “Iron Chef†competing in “Battle Proscuitto†against world famous chef Michael Symon. Chef Colletti also cooked for President Barack Obama and his staff at The White House.
In the Marion Section of Jersey City on Broadway near the Pulaski Skyway entrance is where you’ll find Rita & Joe’s, an Italian eatery that as soon as you walk in the door it feels like home. 
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.
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. 
Wedding dress designer and owner of La Belle Boutique, Virginia Calabrese of Jersey City says brides are going elaborately traditional and the hottest dress color for a 2012 bride is Ivory. For bridesmaids, the bright, bold “Tango Mango†is this season’s hottest color and for the maid of honor, it’s not the color but the style that’s hot. That elegantly simple yet divine dress Pippa Middleton wore as she carried her sister Kate’s train – and stole the spotlight — at the Royal Wedding is a big trend for 2012.
Coming Soon: Film and Broadway star in Concert at Loew’s Jersey City
On the morning of the 9/11 attack, Jersey City photographer Sandra Swieder grabbed her camera and notebook and headed to the waterfront where she captured the heroic rescue and recovery efforts of firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, EMTs and other volunteers. In the days and months that followed, Swieder continued to photograph and collect stories from survivors, witnesses and emergency responders this side of the Hudson.
