Whenever I have friends in the neighborhood looking to eat after hanging at Liberty State Park, I tell them to meet me at Chiko’s. Looking at the signage outside it’s advertised as a deli and grocery, but upon entering there’s clearly a lot more going on here. It’s a neighborhood hub where I’ve made good […]
Rasoi
The initial plan was for Brian (The liaison to the merchants from the Mayors Office to India Sq) and I to eat at 3 different Indian restaurants in one day… after Saphtagiri we realized that wouldn’t be possible. We met up the following week for lunch at Rasoi, which is always on everyones list as […]
Sapthagiri
A few weeks ago I set out to explore India Square in all its culture and beauty in celebration with the Navratri Festival happening this month. I didn’t really know where to start so I reached out to my new buddy Brian Platt who is the Office of Innovation Director in City Hall and also […]
Tommy 2 Scoops
For years I thought Tommy 2 Scoops was just an Ice Cream spot, until I met with Tommy 2 Scoops aka Mr. Brightside Tavern aka Tommy Parisi a few months ago. Tommy is extremely well known in the JC community, he is one of the friendliest people in town. I was lucky enough to interview […]
South House Ribbon Cutting
South House is a “southern” style new restaurant on Newark Ave that’s been open for a few weeks. They had their official grand opening this past Thursday with Mayor Steven Fulop. I haven’t been there yet so I took the opportunity to check it out and also get a cocktail while I was at it. […]
Pasta Dal Cuore
Photography by Greg Pallante Pasta Dal Cuore, a fresh pasta shop opened its doors on Jersey Ave almost a year ago. I remember walking by and always seeing the pasta in the window and thinking to myself “I must try it”. One day my hubby bought some sort of spinach ravioli from them and brought […]
La Concha
Last week I joined David Diaz the District Manager of the Central Avenue Special Improvement district for our monthly “lunch date”. This time he took me to La Concha, a Spanish eatery located on Central Ave. a few blocks by Renato’s Pizza Masters. We were greeted by Berta, the owner/cook/mom/matriarch of this delicious food spot and […]
Dinner at Laico’s
A childhood favorite of mine is Laico’s and they have been a Greenville staple for over 40 years! Despite its age, it is arguably one of Jersey City’s best kept secrets – a culinary speakeasy of sorts. But what Laico’s seemingly lacks in prominence, it makes up with its legendary service and mouthwatering food. Hidden […]
Jersey Girls Food Tour
Over the weekend I got to hang out with Alessia and Janis from the Jersey Girls Food Tours and I got to explore some restaurants Downtown. Being that I’ve lived here my entire life I’ve only now begun to challenge my palette with new and exciting foods. Jersey City has over 100 different restaurants and […]
Sugar Supply Jersey City
I’ve been a huge fan of Maryanne, mom and lady boss of Sugar Supply ever since I first saw her beautifully decorated cupcakes at a local event. Maryanne customizes her cupcakes to suit the event, brand or person she is catering for. Maryanne is not just a baker, she is an artist with the ability to […]
Renato’s Pizza Masters
Every month I have a standing lunch “date” with David Diaz the District Manager of the Central Avenue Special Improvement district. Normally David gives me a few choices of where to go eat, but at our last lunch at the Ecuadorian Bakery Angel Azul, I told him our next spot needs to be Renato’s Pizza […]
Sugartown Bakery & Cafe
I’ve walked by Sugartown Bakery many times after hanging at my favorite hangout spot, Van Vorst Park with mini-chicpea. I never really thought to go into this adorable shop since I thought it was just a bakery specializing in cakes for weddings, bridal showers and various events. Little did I know it was an all-encompassing […]
Introducing the Grandma Downtown ChicpeaJC Roll!
Exactly a year ago, I met Krista aka Grandma Downtown at the HDSID Farmers market and it was love at first sight. Since then we’ve become great friends, we shot a really fun ChicpeaTV episode and we went to eat hot dogs at the legendary Boulevard Drinks in JSQ. Grandma Downtown’s face and buns… I […]
Marina Seafood Restaurant
The 10th Annual Egypt fest is happening Saturday, June 13th in the Journal Square plaza. A few weeks ago I met with Ahmed Shadeed, the brain behind this amazing yearly event to get the background scoop on all those in the community who are involved (post coming soon). While I was getting to know Ahmed Shadeed […]
Top 3 Burgers in Jersey City
May is national burger month and tomorrow is Memorial Day, which means almost everyone will be outside cooking up burgers, from the veggie kinds to the fancy ones. About a month ago, professional burger eater/connoisseur/writer Dave “Rev” Ciancio tweeted at me and said we should collaborate. We came up with the idea to have all […]
O’Leary’s Publik House
Anyone who asks me “What’s your favorite interview?” I alway say “The Pride of the Fourth Battalion“, a post about Jersey City firefighters that went up as a tribute on 9/11. Those few hours I spent with Battalion 4 at Engine 9 and hearing their stories changed my life. Ever since that post I realized […]
Diana’s Fried Chicken
A few months ago at a Comedy Benefit for Cancer at the Dopeness I met Steve Donz, one of the founders of The Stay Free Movement. SFM is a non profit organization that “promote a person’s ability to “Stay Free” of negativity and to protect what keeps them free physically, mentally, and spiritually” (post coming soon). […]
Helen’s Pizza
Helen’s Pizza is a local favorite, a no frills food spot where you are guaranteed to leave with a full and happy tummy. It seems like there are over 100 pizza places all over Jersey City but there are only a handful of neighborhood spots where you can walk in and feel at home. A […]
Angel Azul Bakery
David, the District Manager of Central Ave SID, and I have a standing monthly lunch date in the Heights. He takes me to his favorite spots to try out in his district. This time we decided to meet for breakfast at a local favorite; “Angel Azul Bakery and Cafeteria” on Central Ave. We met at around 8:30 on […]
Ibby’s Falafel
I am Israeli, and my nickname is “Chicpea” so when it comes to writing about a Falafel place I can be extremely biased. I’ve eaten at the best middle eastern restaurants in the world, and I happen to make the best home made hummus (recipe here!) you will ever taste and I stand by it! […]
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