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.
Jersey City, N.J. – Saint Peter’s College announced the launch of Saint Peter’s PAC, a consortium of distinctive performing arts spaces situated within the campus of Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City, N.J. Saint Peter’s PAC features a variety of diverse event spaces with seating capacities ranging from 200 to 3,200. Saint Peter’s College is kicking off the launch with an impressive line-up of performers throughout the remainder of the year.
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.