NIMBUS DANCE WORKS, Frank R. Conwell MS4 Auditorium, 107 Bright St, JC.  (201) 377-0718; www.nimbusdanceworks.org.  Dec. 13-18. Tix: $11 – $40 (early bird prices through 12/4; group discounts available) Nimbus Dance Works presents JERSEY CITY NUTCRACKER 2016. “Jersey Cityâ€s largest annual performing arts event. Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet re-imagined with Jersey City flavor.  Join Nimbus Dance Works, Jersey Cityâ€s acclaimed professional dance company for the 7th year of its annual holiday tradition: Jersey City Nutcracker. Jersey City Nutcracker tells the story of two childrenâ€s urban holiday adventure leading them through fantasy, adversity and celebration and, along the way, teaching them lessons about friendship and community. Choreographed and directed by Nimbus Artistic Director Samuel Pott, this adaption of Tchaikovskyâ€s holiday classic is performed by a stand-out cast of professional dancers from Nimbus Dance Works joined by youth and adults from the community as they portray familiar characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, the Arabian Princess and Drosselmeyer – all with a Jersey City twist!”  (Appropriate for all ages; barrier-free event.)

FILM  

LANDMARK LOEWâ€S JERSEY CITY, 54 Journal Sq, JC. (201) 798-6055; info@friendofloews.org. Sun, Dec. 4 at 2 pm The Classic Holiday Show – On stage & Screen. Live concert, including sing-along and ITâ€S A WONDERFUL LIFE” HOSTED BY Donna Reedâ€s daughter, Mary Owen. $12 adults/$8 students & seniors. See Jimmy Steward in one of his best roles as George Bailey who learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Sat, Dec. 3, 10, 17; Tix: $14.50 adults; $12.50 kids 2-12 and seniors 62+. THE POLAR EXPRESS: An IMAX Experience, rolls into the world’s largest IMAX Dome theater for a limited engagement, just in time for the holidays. “This heart-warming film tells of a boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on a journey of self-discovery. Based on the Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is directed by Oscar winner Robert Zemeckis and stars two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks.” NEW! Audiences also get to enjoy a brand new 15-minute holiday laser pre-show before each screening of the movie.

 VISUAL ARTS

RAVEN GALLERY & BOUTIQE, Newark Ave, JC, Curators, owners, artists Andrea McKenna and Javiera Rodriguez present through Jan 1: WEARABLE ART: Group Exhibition. (Pictured: “Sweet Dreams” collage by Luis Alves.) Featuring artists Andrea Brooke Dâ€Alessandro, Anthony Jr. Wills, Asha Ganpat, Carole Bailey, Chris Ernst, David Nicolato, Darya Warner, Eric Indin, Hailey Arango, John Kincaid, Kelly Heaton, Luca Cusolito, Luis Alves, Mollie Thonneson and Rafael Colon.

BARSKY GALLERY, 48 Harrison St, HOB. (888) 465-4949; barskyallery.com.

BARSKY GALLERYâ€S WINTER EXHIBITION AND SALE is on now. “The rotating collection is a showcase of recent works by gallery-represented artists, embodying an eclectic mix of contemporary original art priced for every budget.” Winter hours: Mon & Tues, by appointment; Wed-Sun, 11 am-6 pm. (Pictured: Aymar de Villele, “Planet Earth” Oil on Canvas.)

 MANA CONTEMPORARY, 818 Newark Ave, JC, (201) 604-2702, www.manacontemporary.com. Through Aug 1, 2017: JOHN CHAMBERLAIN: PHOTOGRAPHS. Mana Contemporary and Ayn Foundation present a kinetic series of photographs taken with a swing-lens Widelux camera from the legendary artist, curated by Tad Wiley. “This exhibition showcases 70 works, ranging between 1989 and 2002. Known primarily for his sculptures, Chamberlain actively experimented in all mediums, including painting, film, and photography. He once referred to these works as ‘self-portraits of the nervous system†using the camera more as an extension of his body than of his mindâ€s eye.”

 DEEP SPACE GALLERY, 77 Cornelison Ave, JC (201) 777-0166. Closing Night Dec. 3, 6-10 pm: GLOSSBLACK, solo exhibition. “Raised in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Jimmy is an American graffiti writer who began painting in the early 2000s. Today, with over a decade of work under his belt, he has solidified himself as a nationally recognized practitioner of the art. As graffiti culture rises in popularity, he manages to continually find new territory, creating pieces that are instantly recognizable. Working predominantly in aerosol and oil paint, his dynamic lettering styles, layering techniques, craftsmanship, and dedication to detail result in striking works of art.” For more info, www.glossblack.org.

 THEATER

MILE SQUARE THEATRE, 1400 Clinton St, HOB. (201) 683-7014. www.milesquaretheatre.org; Through Sun, Dec. 18; Tix: $30/Students & Seniors, $18. ITâ€S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY by Joe Landry. Directed by Mark Cirnigliaro. “Mile Square Theatre brings back its popular telling of the classic holiday film. A holiday treat for the entire family!”

  FOR THE KIDS

 JCTC-KIDS at the Jersey City Theater Center, Merseles Studios, 339 Newark Ave, JC. www.jctcenter.org. Sundays through Dec 11 at 1 pm: Puppetworks presents Lewis Carrollâ€s ALICE IN WONDERLAND.  Tix: Children: $8; $11 at the door. Adult: $9; $12 at the door. School discounts available. Go to www.jctcenter.org for tix.

 LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Through Jan 8, 2017: CURIOUS GEORGE: LETâ€S GET CURIOUS! “Letting curiosity and inquiry be their guides, children explore familiar buildings and locales from the “Curious George” books and television series on PBS Kids in Curious George: Letâ€s Get Curious! The exhibit presents key concepts in science, math, and engineering, which are woven throughout the exhibit. Activities invite children to learn like Curious George does—through direct experience and problem solving! Kids can also meet Curious George in person at the Science Center. George will visit December 28 and December 29. He will be there from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm; visit the Welcome Desk for specific location and times. Come take photos with him and give a big, friendly hug. Curious George canâ€t wait to meet your family!”

 LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. BODIES REVEALED* “LSP presents real human figures and organs that reveal the wonder and beauty of the human form. The exhibition shows detailed views of human anatomy, from whole body displays to individual skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and circulatory systems. Unlike models that idealize the body through the eyes of an artist, this exhibition shows the body and its systems as they really exist, including natural variation.*Bodies Revealed is a premium exhibition, available with the Premium Pass or a Combination Ticket.

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Tues-Fri. 12:30, 2, & 3:30‌ pm; Sat. & Sun, 10 & 11:30 am & 4:30 pm. Earthflight 3D. “Fly wingtip to wingtip with some of the worldâ€s most charismatic birds. On their fantastic journeys, the birds visit some of the most spectacular animal events and locations on Earth. Our 300-seat Joseph D. Williams 3D Science Theater offers shorter running Real D 3D Digital Films are suitable for all ages. These movies pack lots of great action into 20 – 40 minutes.”

CLUBS

BRIGHTSIDE TAVERN, 141 Bright St, JC. Mon, JAZZ JAM; Tues & Wed: KARAOKE; Thurs: OPEN MIC NIGHT; Fri: COMEDY; Sat & Sun: Brunch, DANCE, KARAOKE, OPEN MIC

 HAPPENINGS & HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

 ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS presents JC FRIDAYS, a city-wide celebration of the arts in JC. This quarterly citywide celebration of the arts is free and open to the public. It features art, performances, music, film and educational workshops. For more info call (201) 915-9911 Visit the website jcfridays.com for listings.

 HOBOKEN CITY HALL, 94 Washington St, HOB. (201) 420-2207; www.hobokennj.gov. Sat & Sun, Dec. 3 & 4; 11 am-5 pm. Mayor Dawn Zimmer & the City of Hoboken present the CITY HALL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR featuring art, photography & unique handcrafted gift items. (Please use Newark St. entrance.)

OUT OF TOWN HAPPENINGS

 THE NEW VICTORY THEATER, 229 W. 42^nd St, NYC. www.newvictory.org. Fri, Dec. 2 – Sun, Jan. 1 – “This holiday season experience the joyous spirit abundant in MOTHER AFRICA: MY HOME, a circus spectacular set in Cape Townâ€s largest township, Khayelitsha. Daring acrobats, jubilant dancers and mind-bending contortionists fill the New Victory stage when the sensational Drama Desk-nominated Circus der Sinne returns to NYC with electrifying live music and feats of extraordinary strength and dazzling skill. With performers representing African nations from Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, to South Africa and Ivory Coast, this radiantly rhythmic production exudes a palpable zest for life that will have the whole family on the edge of their seats—or, better yet, dancing in the aisles.”

 NEWARK MUSEUM, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ. (973) 596-6550; www.newarkmuseum.org. Now on view LIFE, LOVE, DEATH: THE BALLANTINES. “Beer built this house.  One child found happiness here.  One child found tragedy here. A half-century before becoming part of the Newark Museum complex, this National Historic Landmark mansion was home to one of the country’s most important beer dynasties. Through new interactive galleries, discover what really happened here during the Gilded Age.”

 SEND US YOUR ARTS LISTINGS. If you have an art opening or performances coming up including visual arts, performing arts and street arts, send an email to:  riverviewobserver@gmail.com and weâ€ll list it in ARTScene.  

ALL ARTscene LISTINGS ARE FREE.

The post DECEMBER ARTScene   Cultural Happenings in & around Hudson   first appeared on River View Observer.

By Sally Deering

The Brightside Tavern “Where everyone knows your name”

When Tom Parisi opened a little Gelato shop on York Street in Jersey City more than a year ago, he named it “Tommy Two Scoops” and the name stuck like a maraschino cherry on an ice cream sundae.  An entrepreneur at heart, Tommy Two Scoops is his best salesman (he spent more than 20 years selling carpet), talking with neighbors outside his shop, kissing babies and petting puppies that venture into his “dog friendly” shop, which also serves sandwiches, wraps and other light delights.

Less than two months ago, Tommy Two Scoops – who is also known to burst into song with a  fine imitation of Louis Armstrong, added a new restaurant to his repertoire, the Brightside Tavern located on the corner of Bright and Monmouth Streets (across from the Jersey City Medical Center and adjacent to the Pathmark on Grand Street).  And just like he did with his Gelato shop on York Street, Tommy Two Scoops has enhanced the Bright Street neighborhood with a new and exciting bistro that serves delicious food.

“If you build it, they will come,” Tommy Two Scoops says. “Opening Tommy Two Scoops on York Street gave me great practice and I met a beautiful cross-section of people from the neighborhood.  Itâ€s nice to be in a place where people are happy.”

The Brightside Tavern has everything needed to make people happy. Tearing down the old, dilapidated saloon that stood before, Tommy Two Scoops and his contractors built a beautiful restaurant that houses an elegant dining room, a bar that resembles the one on the TV show “Cheers” and a classy upstairs banquet room perfect for corporate functions, baby showers and engagement parties. And with his entertaining personality, Tommy Two Scoops plans to add a Baby Grand to the atmosphere for live entertainment and maybe even some Karaoke nights, where guests can go up on stage and sing their favorites – something near and dear to Tommy Two Scoops, who once sang on stage at the Apollo theatre in Harlem.

The Brightside Tavernâ€s menu features American Nouveau cuisine and there are lots of choices.  On a recent visit, I tried the Hummus and Baba Ganoush appetizer served with pita, celery and carrot sticks ($9) which was delish, and the Fish and Chips entrée with the fish light and flaky and the breading light and crunchy. The steak fries had a crunchy outer texture you rarely get at other restaurants. Absolutely yummy!

The lunch menuâ€s Starters include Fried Calamari served with aioli and marinara; House-made Pizza with shrimp, Green Princess dressing, red onion and arugula; Crostini; and Three Bean Soup, a vegetarian blend of beans and vegetables ($5-$9). Salads are a Classic Caesar Salad; Roasted Pear Salad with arugula, spicy cashews and crumbled blue cheese in roasted garlic, lemon vinaigrette; Panzanella, crisp bread, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, basil, fresh mozzarella and chickpeas; the Brightside Salad,  mixed greens, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, herbs and pecorino cheese in a sherry vinaigrette; and a Skirt Steak Salad with romaine, red onion, scallions, tomatoes and black beans in a Green Princess dressing ($8-$14).

Burger lovers wonâ€t be disappointed with a choice of Beef, Duck, Lamb and Veggie Burgers ($9-$11) and a long list of toppings that include bacon, roasted red peppers, mushroom, pancetta and pickled jalapeno peppers.  Sandwiches include the Veggie Panini with grilled and roasted vegetables, olive tapenade, hummus and fresh mozzarella; Short Rib Panini, citrus braised short ribs with a sesame slaw; Crispy Eggplant Panini with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella; Shrimp Po Boy; Sliced Skirt Steak sandwich with caramelized onion, charred tomatoes and melted blue cheese; the BBQ Pork sandwich; Pastrami sandwich and Torta, slow cooked pulled pork, chicken, black bean puree, chipotle, onion, avocado and Swiss cheese; Southwest Wrap, spicy chicken, avocado, red onion, chipotle aioli and pepper jack cheese; Buffalo Chicken Wrap with romaine and blue cheese dressing; and the Teriyaki wrap made with Teriyaki chicken, spinach, quinoa, grilled scallions, broccoli and red bell peppers ($8-$11).

 

The Dinner menuâ€s entrees feature Ravioli Parisi, cheese ravioli with extra virgin olive oil and shaved pecorino cheese; Orrechiette with sausage, slow roasted tomatoes, spinach and roasted onions; Penne with Cajun Alfredo chicken, roasted red peppers, sauteed red onions and herbs; Gnocchi with shrimp, arugula, pecorino cheese, white wine, garlic, butter and herbs; Vegetarian risotto with the chefâ€s selection of vegetables and shaved pecorino cheese; Grilled salmon with asparagus, mushrooms, roasted potatoes and bagna cauda; Fish and chips; Grilled chicken breast with mushrooms and pea risotto; Pork tenderloin with buttered leeks, warm quinoa salad and pork jus; Prime flat iron steak with crispy brussel sprouts and roasted sweet potatoes; 12 oz. NY Strip Steak with fries and grilled asparagus and a Half Rack of St. Louis ribs with russet potato salad ($12-$22).

For a new dining experience that offers great food in a beautiful atmosphere, check out the Brightside Tavern in Jersey City, where Tommy Two Scoops, the robust and people-friendly owner welcomes you with open arms and  “everybody knows your name.”

The Brightside Tavern

141 Bright Street

Jersey City, NJ

201-435-1234

www.brightsidetavern.com

Email:  Team@brightsidetavern.com

Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Brunch

Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dinner:  Sun-Wed, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs-Sat, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. (Bar menu ‘til Midnight)

Weekend Brunch: Sat, Sun, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The post The Brightside Tavern in Jersey City – Where Everybody knows your Name first appeared on River View Observer.