Get to Know JC Eater: Valerie

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where every week I post a profile of a local resident who wants to share where and what they love to eat in Jersey City.  This site is meant to be useful to the community so what better way to do that then involve the community itself? If you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below or email me directly.

This week's JC Eater is a beer enthusiast who likes to keep things local. 

What's your name? 

Valerie

Where in Jersey City do you live?

Downtown/The Village

Do you have a favorite non-food spot/area in Jersey City? 

I love the views of the city from Exchange Place/Harborside. I've also taken a class at the Jersey City Art School which was awesome, especially for someone like me who does not have an art background. I look forward to taking another soon!

Do you follow a specific dietary lifestyle?

 I like to cook at home as much as I can so I usually limit lunch/dinners out to once or twice a week but I make it count.

What are your favorite places to eat in your neighborhood? 

Madame Claude's never disappoints. A sandwich or roll from Second Street Bakery is my go-to quick lunch when in a rush. ME Casa for some amazing mofongo - and don't forget the money sauce.

What are your favorite places to eat in Jersey City overall? 

Porta for beer and pizza at the bar. Ahri's Kitchen. Taqueria Downtown. Sam a.m. - just to name a few. 

Also, they don't have a physical location but they keep me fed - Bone-In Food! Getting locally grown and sustainable meat and veggies has made me feel great about what I'm cooking and eating plus it's delicious. Not to mention their homemade curries and chilis are out of this world.

Is there a particular dish in Jersey City that's your favorite or that you find yourself recommending over and over?

The Buffalo Chicken sandwich at White Star (on Brunswick). It's not on the menu officially anymore but they still serve it if you ask. They also serve local NJ beers which pair nicely with the sandwich.

What kind of restaurant would you love to see in Jersey City that isn't here already?

We used to have a couple Polish spots - I'd love to see that return. Also as a craft beer enthusiast, there can never be enough breweries, brewpubs, and growler filling locations!