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
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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.
When Laico’s Restaurant Jersey City  opened in 1972, it was a brick-oven pizzeria and bar for the neighborhood locals. The Laico family eventually expanded the menu to include an extensive menu filled with home-made Italian specialties. Mixing both modern and traditional dishes on the menu, the award-winning restaurant has been run by three generations of the Laico family for over 40 years. Lou Laico and his sons Adam and Gregory are presently at the helm. 
