Get to Know JC Eater: Jenna

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where, every week, I post a profile of a local resident sharing where and what they love to eat in Jersey City. If you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below or email me directly.


This week's JC Eater is an enthusiastic neighborhood supporter who loves the water. 

What's your name?

Jenna Firshein

Where in Jersey City do you live?

The Heights.  I have been in Jersey City for 7 years.

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

I love Riverview-Fisk Park.  It has an amazing view point of the NYC Skyline. Also the park is always full of energy from people playing sports, to taking care of the plantings from the Riverview Neighborhood Association, to the Farmers market on the weekends, to the Riverview Community Garden overflowing with yummy food.

I also love being anywhere near the water, however at Liberty State Park there is a Ferry from LSP to Paulus Hook. It is a short but beautiful view especially at sunset. And you can take it to and from WTC. 

Do you follow a specific dietary lifestyle?

I am allergic to a number of foods so I have dietary restrictions. 

What are your favorite places to eat in your neighborhood?

Gino’s Pizzeria and Restaurant - Their meals are delicious, their Gino’s special salad is really special with their homemade dressing, and they serve sangria on the weekends.

Noches De Colombia - they make this sweet bread filled with cheese called a pan de bono. It is like a sweet grilled cheese.

Dulce De Leche - an Argentinian dessert café

A Little Gelato

Pan De Bono - photo by JC Eats

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

Light Horse Tavern - they make awesome root vegetable purees and their crème brulee trio is amazing.

South House – They have bacon wrapped onion rings, there is nothing else like it.  Also their drinks are pretty awesome.

White Star Bar – Best burger and martini around.

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

The mango, lemon, and watermelon sorbets that A Little Gelato makes.  Also the gluten-free pumpkin beer with cinnamon sugar rim from Departed Soles. And the juices from Squeeze’D.

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

Middle Eastern (more Turkish, Lebanese, etc).  I know there is a Turkish Restaurant in Exchange place and it is on my list to go to, but something like a hookah Turkish restaurant. But to copy Erin De Laney, there are so many places I have yet to eat.

Any other info?

I am the blogger and editor behind Growing in Jersey City (www.growinginjerseycity.com), where we share the stories of the amazing people we call neighbors.  I immediately became active in my neighborhood association upon moving to the Heights in 2010.  It then transitioned to the blog and wanting to share how I see Jersey City; it is all about connecting with people.  You can find me on Instagram and Facebook.