By Sally Deering

Jean and Charles Stewart first met at a bar; she was serving drinks at an establishment in the East Village and he was a member of the Coast Guard stationed in Bayonne out for a night on the town. The two fell in love, married and started a family and now theyâ€re raising a son and building a new career as restaurateurs and owners of Lot 13 in Bayonne.

Lot 13 opened in 2011 and both husband and wife share all the responsibilities of running a restaurant and busy bar.

“We do everything,” Jean says, taking a break after cooking dinner for five hungry patrons. “We manage the restaurant, we bartend and cook. We have 18 taps and a great whiskey collection – whiskey and craft beer we were originally going for. The kitchen is getting rolling and weâ€re getting more business. Itâ€s all baby steps.”

Jean describes the menu as upscale comfort food.

“My husband is from Georgia, so we have a secret recipe for the rub for the pulled pork,” Jean says. “We have a smoker, too. We have fish and chips. Everything we do is fresh, not frozen or pre-prepared.”

Indeed, the reviews from patrons have been great. Nicole O. who lives on the waterfront posted this review on Yelp.com: “AWESOME place. I had the Lot 13 burger and it was the best burger ever. The beer list is great, something for everyone. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a good beer and burger.”

Tom W. of Bayonne also wrote on Yelp.com: “I glanced at the tap options, not noticing the chalk board beer menu to the left of bar, with somewhere between 10 and 14 draft selections, 6-10 can selections, and 15-20 bottle selections.  I ordered a beer from the tap closest to me, a Goose Island IPA.  The tap consisted of two Goose Islands, Allagash White, Dogfish Head 60, and another one or two decent crafts.  Guinness, Stella, and Miller High Life rounded out the choices.  The can and bottle options did include Budweiser and Coors Light, several Weyerbachers, some seasonal imports (Hofbrau Oktoberfest among them), and other flavorful favorites among beerheads.”

Sang B. of Jersey City posted: “I have only been here once but so far so good. I came here a Saturday afternoon – just passing by and hoping that it was not closed. I was really glad to see the open sign. Initially I was drawn to this bar because of the tap list. I had the Winter Solace on draft which was very good. My husband picked a few others and he said they were very good as well. Their menu was pretty good as well. I tried the wings, grass-fed burger, chicken nuggets (special) and lots and lots of fries. Wings were on the larger side, grass-fed burger was very moist, and everything had enough salt to allow the beer to taste extra refreshing. We saw some people try the chicken cutlet sandwich also, which looked delicious.”

“We have our neighborhood regulars, which is the backbone of our business and we have some bands and shows we put on that attract people further out,” Jean says. “Jersey City is close and the Light Rail is close to us. Weâ€re on the corner of 18^th and “E” and the Light Rail stops at 22^nd, just a few blocks away.”

Building a business while raising a new family can be tough and there are still details that need to be taken care of like a website for the business and business cards, too. In the meantime, Jean and Charles – everybody knows him as Chuck – are planning to add a brunch on weekends and their growing hops for beer in their outdoor garden.

“We could look into a brewerâ€s license, but we can also sell the hops,” Jean says.

She could sell them to the NJ Beer Company, a local brewer whose beer flows from one of the Lot 13 taps.

“We try to do a lot of New Jersey local stuff,” Jean says. “Our beef comes from a New Jersey farm.”

And even though Chuck is from Georgia and Jean is from Natick, MA, she says they made the right move opening their business and starting a family in Bayonne.

“We love it,” Jean says. “Itâ€s nice to run your own show. Itâ€s rewarding and challenging. I like the cooking end of it. I like to see people enjoying it. Chuck and I are both petty outward and social.”

If you go:

 Lot 13

169 Ave “E”

Bayonne

(201) 535-5066

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 4 pm-2 am

Fri, Sat, 11am – 3 am

Sun, 11 am – 2 am

Kitchen serves food until closing

The post Lot 13 Gives Bayonne New Hip first appeared on River View Observer.

By Sally Deering

 

When you step inside La Reggia restaurant in Secaucus your senses are seized by the distinct aromas of fine Italian cheeses and a warm and inviting atmosphere where tables are dressed in white linens and the wait staff is dressed in long white aprons – an homage to fine European restaurants where food and service are of the highest caliber.  

 Once you are seated at one of those beautifully dressed tables in the warm glow of La Reggiaâ€s inviting dining room, you can understand why itâ€s affectionately called “The Little Italy of Secaucus.” 

 La Reggia serves Italian-American cuisine prepared with only the freshest vegetables, seafood and meats that go straight from the marketplace to the chefâ€s kitchen and then to your plate.  Co-owners Chef Enzo Carputo and Alfonso Corbosiero set the standards high at La Reggia and ever since it opened its doors in 1998, those standards continue to be met.

 Chef Enzo creates exquisite Italian dishes that surprise, impress and ultimately satisfy beyond expectation. In his own words, “I want to educate the people, I want them to know what real Italian Food is,” he says.

Born in Naples, Italy, Enzo Carputo came to the U.S. in 1980 and settled down in New Jersey. He learned to cook at a young age and his talent led to a career as Executive Chef for several fine restaurants where his dishes earned Five-Star ratings. At La Reggia, Chef Enzo will sometimes step away from the stove to visit with the guests in his dining room.

The menu at La Reggia offers a vast array of choices. Appetizers feature Caprese with Prosciutto di Parma, Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato; Wild Boar Sausage with Polenta & Fontina Cheese; Fried Calamari with Sweet, Hot or Ginger Sauce; Antipasto Italiano with imported Meats & Cheeses; and Asparagus wrapped in Prosciutto, Parmiggiano Crust & Cream Champagne Sauce.

Salads include Arugola with Baby Beets & Goat Cheese, Sherry Vinaigrette; Grilled Asparagus with Mixed Greens Shaved Pecorino Fresco, Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil; La Reggia Salad, Field Greens with Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Portobello Mushroom, Sundried Tomatoes, Artichoke Hearts & Balsamic Vinaigrette; and Poached Pear Salad, Mixed Greens, Candied Walnuts & Gorgonzola Cheese in a Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Pasta dishes include Veal Cannelloni, Homemade Crepe Stuffed with Braised Veal & Spinach, Besciamella Sauce & Fresh Tomato; Penne Arrabbiata, Pancetta, Shallots, Italian Hot Peppers & Plum Tomato; Rigatoni Bolognese, Classic Meat Sauce; Linguine Alle Vongole, Classic White or Red Clam Sauce; Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo; and Linguine Nero with Calamari, Clams, Mussels, Arugola & Light Tomato Sauce.

Entrees feature Veal A Piacere, Francese, Picatta, Marsala or Parmigiano; Grilled Veal Paillard with Escarole & Wild Mushroom Saute; Pork Tenderloin with Sun Dried Cherries, Port Wine Sauce served with Risotto; Pork Chop Valdostano stuffed with Prosciutto & Fontina Cheese in a Porcini Mushroom Sauce; 20 oz. Black Angus Rib Eye Steak Arrabbiata sauté with Italian Hot Peppers, Shitake Mushrooms, Madeira Sauce; Poached Salmon with Julienne Vegetables, Tomato/Thyme Beurre Blanc; and, Herb Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with Orange Scented Tomato Broth served with Ginger Risotto.

There are daily Chefâ€s Specials, too, like the Gamberi con Orance e Finocchio, Shrimp with Orange & Fennel appetizer; and Risotto alla Pescatore, Shrimp, Scallop, Calamari, Clams, and Mussels entree. For dessert, you might want to try the Warm Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Mondays through Fridays La Reggia serves an extensive lunch buffet and whether you want to eat light or hearty, thereâ€s something for everyone. It features Antipasto Italiano; Soup, Pizza, Frittata, Garlic Bread, Grilled Vegetables, Salad, Six Hot Chafing Dishes brimming with Meatballs, Chicken and other hearty fare; a Pasta station, Fresh Fruit, and Dessert Table. On a recent Monday, the Chicken Soup was soup of the day and it was divine – hearty pieces of chicken in a delicious, lightly seasoned broth. The salads and vegetables were fresh and flavorful and the balsamic vinaigrette dressed the salad with just the right zing.

La Reggia is open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it offers on-site catering for special events like weddings, baby and bridal showers, class reunions, Quinceanera or Sweet 16 parties, engagements, christenings, anniversaries and birthdays. La Reggia also caters corporate functions and meetings.

Whether youâ€re an out-of-towner staying at the Meadowlands Plaza Hotel in Secaucus or a Hudson resident looking for fine Italian dining, a trip to La Reggia is like a feast for the soul.

If you go:

La Reggia Restaurant, Banquets & Lounge

(201) 422-0200

www.lareggiaus.com

Open 7 days a week

Breakfast:  Mon-Sun, 7 am-10:30 am

Lunch:       Mon-Fri, 11:30 am-3 pm

Dinner:      Mon-Thurs, 4 pm-10 pm

                  Fri, 4 pm-11 pm

                  Sat, 1 pm-11 pm

                  Sun, 3 pm-9 pm

 

The post La Reggia Restaurant, Banquets & Lounge Fine Italian Dining at “The Little Italy of Secaucus” first appeared on River View Observer.

by Sally Deering

 

Dave  and his sister Anne Marie carved a niche on Grove Street with their handsome little restaurant, The Merchant, where the bar is cozy, the drinks are yummy and the food is All-American delish! It’s a great place to go for a business luncheon, watch a game or hang out with your friends and talk about life.

 Dave and Anne Marie decided to try something a little more upscale and 2-1/2 years ago they opened The Embankment, a beautiful fine-dining restaurant nestled in the heart of 10^th Street in the Hamilton Park neighborhood, where friendly neighbors drop by for brunch, dinner and drinks with friends.

 

 

A truly beautiful restaurant, The Embankment is a jewel in Jersey City’s crown with a warm and inviting dining room that seats 80-100. It’s a wonderful place for private parties, wedding receptions, christenings and corporate functions where corporate heads want to show their employees some class. There’s a sexy upstairs lounge, too, with low-lighting and cozy seating for 40. It’s best to get a reservation, Dave O’Brian says, because on Friday and Saturday nights the upstairs lounge is always booked.

 

The Embankment’s elegance is reflected in the menu – American-style dishes with added flavors that are a little bit French, a little bit Italian and a touch of Mediterranean. For entrees, how about Fried Catfish with Cajun Fries or a Rib-Eye Steak with mashed potatoes and mushrooms? For pasta lovers, you might try the homemade fettuccini primavera – that’s right, they make their own pasta! (Appetizers range from $6-$12; entrees from $18- $26.)

 

For an assortment of different flavors, you might like the Tapas – mini servings of flavorful dishes like marinated artichokes, mushrooms and olives. The Embankment offers 12-15 Tapas to choose from. For light eaters, a cheese plate with five different types of cheeses will definitely satisfy the palate and go beautifully with their vast array of wines from affordable to high-end. The O’Brian siblings also serve a large assortment of beer including cold draft beers – including Guinness, of course!

 

And then, of course, there are the burgers!  In 2009, “New” magazine cited The Embankment’s burger as No. 1 in Jersey City. The secret?

 

“We use high-quality ground beef, well-seasoned and cooked to perfection,” O’Brian says. “It’s simple, but it’s the best.”

 

The Embankment

234 10^th Street

Jersey City

201-222-6115

www.theembankmentnj.com

 

The post Dining Out – The Embankment Restaurant in Jersey City first appeared on River View Observer.

WOULD YOU?

Jamie Oliver shows kids what’s in a chicken nugget

The post Chicken Nugget Experiment Fails for Food Revolutions Jamie Oliver first appeared on River View Observer.

by Sally Deering

 Tucked away in the back of South Cove Commons, a waterfront mall in Bayonne where fast-food places gratify customers on the run, Ten East – Hibachi, Fusion and Sushi Bar Lounge is an intoxicating oasis at the end of an asphalt parking lot. An exotic restaurant where the cocktails, cuisine and atmosphere are so divinely cool, you can practically picture Secret Agent 007 ordering a Jade martini (vodka and melon-pear juice) shaken, not stirred.

 The alluring atmosphere at Ten East whispers James Bond cool as you step inside the sleek and sexy restaurant bathed in red lighting with two stylish dining rooms and the sleek curves of an inviting bar. The lounge serves as the central focal point between the Asian Fusion dining room and the Hibachi dining area where nimble-fingered chefs prepare your meal right at your table juggling cutlery in a dramatic display of culinary “martial arts.”

Pictured (L) General Manager Tokio Naito, Bar Manager Carmella Addesso, Owners of Ten East Anthony and Patrick Franconeri 

 Ten East is the dream child of brothers Anthony and Patrick Franconeri, who grew up in Bayonne the sons of hard-working parents who ran their own local eatery. The boys, who attended Marist High School, decided they would someday design their own restaurant in Bayonne that would reflect their personal tastes. The result:  a sexy, sultry restaurant and club that serves sophisticated Asian cuisine in a sensual atmosphere and perfect location for appetizing adventures.

 On one side, executive chef Jose’ Ronquillo is in charge of the Fusion dining. The room boasts long tables in a dreamily-lit setting where guests dine on appetizers like Hot Rock Kobe Beef, Crispy Phyllo Lobster and Drunken Clams with Baguettes ($8-$29) and entrees like Roasted Free Range Chicken, Grilled Asian Double Cut Pork Chops, Spicy Lemon Whole Lobster and a Kobe Strip steak. ($23-$105)

 In the Hibachi dining area, diners experience the sensual thrill of watching their chef perform a spectacular display with knives that dazzle, entertain and serve up mouth-watering dishes that tantalize the taste-buds. Hibachi Chicken ($18,) Hibachi Chateaubriand ($32,) and Hibachi Twin Lobster Tails ($34) are just a handful of specialties.

 “We wanted to give people options,” Anthony Franconeri says. “Hibachi, Asian Fusion, Sushi – and all upscale. Our parents taught us that no matter what we do, we do the best of our ability.”

 Patrick agrees with his brother: “We put our passion into designing every detail of this restaurant. We figured if we can satisfy ourselves, we can satisfy anybody.”

 They even auditioned the Hibachi chefs as if they were trying out for parts in “Casino Royale.”

 “They had to cook for us,” Anthony says.

 On a recent Saturday night, twins Rob and Beth Pepe of Lincoln Park and members of their family are dining Hibachi-style to celebrate the twins’ 30^th birthday.  Everyone seems to be having a really good time.

 “The food is amazing,” Rob Pepe says. “The calamari was fabulous. The dipping sauce was fantastic. The chef was very entertaining. He set his hat on fire,”

Beth agrees: “The food was fantastic and very entertaining, a great way to spend a 30th birthday,”

 Bar manager Carmela Addesso, who looks like a sleek “Bond Girl” dressed all in black tells a visitor, “There’s nothing like this in Bayonne. You feel like you’re at a trendy New York Club.”

 She then goes behind the bar to help pour drinks as the lounge fills up. The bar serves appetizers and Sushi can be ordered in every dining area in the restaurant.  To cook all the specialties on the menu, the Franconeri brothers employ seven Hibachi chefs and three Sushi Chefs with General Manager Tokio Naito in charge.

Ten East opened a year ago and now the Franoconeri brothers are starting something new – Friday and Saturday night dancing from 10-to-3 am. After the dining rooms close (the bar menu is served ’til 12 am,) Anthony and Patrick turn the Fusion dining room into a dance area with a live DJ who spins tunes under flashing colored lights and through a high powered sound system for late-nighters who enjoy a little two-step to spice up the romance.

 Ten East is a beautiful, tantalizing restaurant where the food is upscale, the cocktails trendy and the atmosphere cool and divine. It’s the kind of place where you can go for an intimate meal or a birthday celebration. And who knows? You just might see that tuxedoed-stranger standing at the end of the bar sipping a Jade Martini – shaken, not stirred.

 Ten East

Hibachi – Fusion Dining – Sushi Sake Lounge

South Cove Commons

Route 440 North 125 Lefante Way, Bayonne, NJ

www.teneastdining.com

For reservations and information, call 201 437-1212

 

Dining Hours:

Sun 3-10 pm

Mon – Thurs 5-11 pm

Fri-Sat 5-12 midnight

Bar lounge – Fri & Sat 12 midnight to 3 am

Dancing – Fri & Sat 10 pm to 3 am

 

The post Ten East – Hibachi, Fusion and Sushi Bar Lounge first appeared on River View Observer.

On April 1, the exhibit will open at Jersey City’s Liberty Science Center, named one of the 10 best science centers in the country by Parents Magazine. Following its stop at the Center, the exhibit will embark on a nationwide tour from 2010 to 2012.

Location:        Liberty Science Center
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ  07305

The post Liberty Science Center to Unveil Interactive Diabetes Exhibit first appeared on River View Observer.

2010 May Yield a Bonanza of Opportunities

According to Trendwatching.com- 2010 may yield a bonanza of opportunities.  If the Global Recession has ended what trends will we see this coming year that could bring a host of recession-proof opportunities.

 

Number one on their list is –BUSINESS AS USUALL- see what else made the list.

Source: TRENDWATCHING.COM

Do you agree with these trends-can you add something not mentioned ?

We welcome your comments

The post 10 Crucial Consumer Trends for 2010 first appeared on River View Observer.

For instance, professional golfers on tour with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), Laura Diaz, Jill McGill and Kristy McPherson have a passion for the game of golf – and also for pairing delicious food and wine. These LPGA players make perfect pairings of their own, by matching their favorite simple recipes with food-friendly wines, like varietals from California’s Mirassou Winery(r).

Kristy McPherson, LPGA Tour member since 2007, suggests that on a hurried evening, a warm and toasty Vegetable, Pesto and Smoked Mozzarella Panini and Pinot Noir make a perfect pairing for a light supper.

For more LPGA players’ recipe pairings and wine pairing ideas, visit www.mirassou.com.

Did you know that Mirassou is the official wine of the LPGA? To celebrate this pairing, Mirassou has announced the Perfect Pairings online cookbook, available free at www.mirassou.com. The cookbook features delicious recipes and wine pairings from LPGA Tour members, along with video golf tips from the pros.

Vegetable, Pesto and Smoked Mozzarella Panini
Pair with Mirassou California Pinot Noir

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes total

8 large, thin slices portabella mushroom
8 very thin slices red onion
4 very thin lengthwise slices zucchini, halved
4 large, very thin slices peeled eggplant
Olive oil and garlic salt
4 large strips roasted red pepper (about the size of the sandwich)
8 slices grainy bread, sliced 3/4-inch thick
2 tablespoons pesto
6 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

Brush mushrooms, onions, zucchini and eggplant lightly with olive oil. Cook in a large skillet (in batches) over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side to lightly brown. Remove from skillet and sprinkle with garlic salt; set aside. Spread one side of 4 bread slices with pesto. Top with half the cheese, equal amounts of vegetables and the remaining cheese. Brush bread lightly with olive oil and cook in a panini press for about 5 minutes or until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

Makes 4 servings

Recipe tip: No panini press? Place sandwiches in a large skillet over medium heat. Press down with a large plate to compress sandwich and cook for 5 minutes. Turn and repeat.

Courtesy of Family Features

The post Food and Wine – Perfect Pairings first appeared on River View Observer.