Get to Know JC Eater: Amanda

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where every first Friday of the month, 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 Amanda, a Hamilton Park resident who loves experimenting in the kitchen. 

What's your name?
Amanda

Where in Jersey City do you live?

Hamilton Park

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

My favorite spot would probably be Hamilton Park itself. My husband and I got engaged in the gazebo there, and I have so many happy memories of picnics, walks, and playing tennis.  I also love their farmers market and the fact that it is so close and convenient!

Do you follow a specific dietary lifestyle?

No I don't, I try to eat healthy but I definitely enjoy splurging pretty frequently!

What are your favorite places to eat in your neighborhood?

In the Hamilton Park area, I'd have to say Rustique and Hamilton Inn. 

I had my 30th birthday at Rustique. I love their pizza, but their sandwiches are also delicious! It's also great to be able to bring our own wine with us to dinner, especially since there aren't too many other bring your owns nearby.

Hamilton Inn is my favorite nearby spot to get a drink. I love their cocktails and I appreciate that they have half priced cocktails on Wednesdays. I also really love their brunch!

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

Overall some favorites (in no particular order) are Roman Nose, Orale, Komegashi Too, Satis, Sam a.m., Pasta dal Cuore, and Madame Claude. 

Roman Nose and Pasta Dal Cuore are my favorite spots for Italian. Komegashi Too is my favorite sushi place. Satis and Sam a.m. are favorite brunch spots. Madame Claude is one of my favorite places to go for a nice dinner, and I love their live music on Thursdays! The owners are so nice and the ambiance is great too. Orale has amazing guacamole and tacos...I'm always in the mood for a meal there!

Brisket Hash with Fried Eggs from Satis Bistro

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

Definitely the Gramigna con Salsiccia from Roman Nose. I tell everyone to get it whenever I bring someone to Roman Nose. Everyone who has tried it agrees that it's a must-try, including my friend from Italy! It has such a fantastic flavor that's unlike anything I've ever had anywhere else. The combination of rosemary, cream sauce, and sausage is amazing!

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

I would love a Peruvian place to open up in the Downtown area!

Any other info?

I am a contributing writer to the Chicpea blog. I write a feature called JC Dishes Lightened Up, where I take popular Jersey City dishes and create a recipe to remake those dishes at home. I lighten the dishes up so they are a bit healthier than the originals, but still easy to make and delicious. Follow me on Instagram at myjerseykitchen to see all of my cooking + eating adventures!

All photos courtesy of Amanda.