Authentic Italian Cuisine to Stay or Takeaway
By Sally Deering
Spacious for a neighborhood deli, Salumeria Ercolano (Deli) on West Side Ave in the Marion Section of Jersey City is a great place for authentic Italian cuisine on the go. You’re also welcome to dine–in; the deli seats about 70 and offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere to enjoy some very tasty Italian sandwiches and main dishes. The deli’s warm and friendly vibe comes from owners Nat and Nancy Rescigno who turned an old coat factory into a deli & eatery people where people can relax with a good meal.
“We get a big lunch crowd,†Nat says. “City workers, police, firemen, business people in the area.â€
“We also have summer seating outside,†Nancy adds.
Along with a great sandwich menu, Salumeria Ercolano offers hearty main dishes sure to satisfy those who love real Italian food. Chef Carmine Matteo, who grew up in Italy and learned how to authentic Italian cuisine at a Culinary School in Italy, offers specials of the day like Filet of Sole Stuffed with Crabmeat; and Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Tomato Bruschetta.
“Keep it simple,†Chef Matteo says. “The less ingredients, the better. Let the food speak for itself.â€
Continue reading EVERYONE’S FAMIGLIA AT SALUMERIA ERCOLANO (DELI) IN JERSEY CITY
Meet the new Madame Claude Bis just a few steps off Newark Avenue and down a small stairway where a red curtain beckons hungry city dwellers. Madame Claude Bis’s basement bistro casts low lighting and warm wooden tables and chairs that create a warm and friendly atmosphere. Where Madame Claude’s Café seated 32, the Bis (named for how Paris streets are numbered and not “bistroâ€) seats 80. The Bis also has a wine list and cocktails, unlike the Café’s BYOB policy. And on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 pm, Gustafsson transforms from restaurateur to balladeer when he and his band, Manouche Bag take to the stage to play gypsy jazz a la legendary Jhengo Reinhardt. The songs are in French and Gustafsson writes most of the band’s repertoire.
At La Isla Uptown, its more of a fine-dining experience compared to the luncheonette feeling of La Isla downtown, says wine director and general manager Andres Montoya. The uptown restaurant is huge and open with seating for one-hundred in the dining room, at the bar, and in the front of the restaurant that features a counter and stools for those who want to dine and dash. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls, marble floor tiles, and the ceiling fans in dark brown wood make a visitor feel as if they stepped inside a Havana bistro. Along with the beautiful décor, La Isla Uptown has a liquor license which means great wine, beer and Mojitos, Montoya says. 
Cellar 335 is the newest addition to Jersey City’s downtown restaurant and bar scene, a cool new eatery designed in urban industrial décor and with a kitschy “let’s have fun†vibe. A darkly-lit Tiki bar stands out in the dark mysteriousness of the bar area as soon as you step in from outside. The bar flanks the left side of the bistro with roomy space between barstools and lots of space for standing and mingling. To the right, there’s an enclosed dining room – the type where you make an entrance – that offers dark wood tables, a muted red background and overhanging lights that slide on wires above, so the lighting can change in an instant. 
Foodies, get out your napkins! A motorcade of Food Trucks are heading to Exchange Place in Downtown Jersey City and they’re hauling meatballs, crab cakes, lobster rolls, deep-fried hot dogs, cheesecake, cupcakes and so much more. It’s a foodie feast on wheels
Food trucks and live bands are just part of the extravaganza. There will be crafts, refreshments, activities for the kids and community partners sharing what they do for the local community.
Ground Connection is considered a modern day coffee shop offering small batch specialty coffee, full leaf and herbal teas, cold-brewed coffees and teas on tap. Sandwiches, sides, soups, pizzas and baked goods are prepared daily.
The best place in the northeast for seafood is New England, right? They even named a chowder in honor of its seafood niche.
