Easter and Passover 2018

Easter is almost here and there's a lot of great places to order desserts, make brunch reservations, find gifts, and more. Here's a round-up of what to check out:

For Easter Treats:

• Salerno Salumeria is carrying homemade Pizza Rustica, otherwise known as Easter Pie. It's a traditional Italian Easter egg and ricotta-based dish stuffed with assorted salumi then wrapped in a sturdy savory pastry. This is one of the only versions I've ever seen in Jersey City. They also have Easter Wheat Pie, which is a pie with a sweet ricotta and grain filling reminiscent of rice pudding. (453 Central Ave)
• The Culinary Conference Center of Hudson County Community College is hosting an Easter Goodies class this Saturday, 3/31 from 2pm-4:30pm. They'll help you make handmade treats like chocolate bunnies, decorated eggs, and seasonal candy for $45/person. (161 Newkirk Street)

• Milk Sugar Love has a variety of Easter treats available for order that can be picked up on Saturday or Sunday including Baby Chick Mac Daddy ice cream sandwiches, an adorable bunny cake with vanilla cake, strawberry ice cream, and chocolate cookie crunch, and pastel tie-dyed frosted cookies and cupcakes. (19 McWilliams Place)
• Prato Bakery is accepting preorders of their Ciambelline for this Sunday only. The freshly-made doughnuts are a weekend favorite. Call 201-798-8900 to order yours for pick-up on Sunday. There is a minimum of three per order. (61 Erie Street)
• Cocoa Bakery will be open Saturday and Sunday for pick-ups of preorders and will also have limited amount of pastries and desserts onsite including their special cream puffs. They will also have a small selection of Passover desserts. (275 Grand Street)

• L'Atelier Du Chocolat has a variety of special Easter treats and chocolates available including egg truffles, duck chocolate molds filled with coconut cream, tarts, and more. (321 Marin Blvd)

• Choc O Pain has a selection of Easter breads and desserts available including hot cross buns, Easter Brioche stuffed with dried fruit, and Easter candy available for baskets. (multiple locations in Hoboken and Jersey City)
• Harborside is hosting a pop-up in the atrium with We Knead The Dough on Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30am-5:30pm with cakes, cookies, and Easter baskets read to go. (200 Hudson Street)
• Lee Sims is well-stocked with chocolate bunnies, eggs, jelly beans, filled chocolates, and more. For a traditional treat, head here, but go before Sunday so you don't risk missing out. (743 Bergen Ave)

Easter Brunch

• The Hutton will be open for brunch and dinner with several Easter-themed specials. (225 Hutton Street)
• Liberty House is hosting Easter Brunch with a buffet from 11am-6pm for $58/adult and $29/child. They'll have a cheese and fruit station, fresh pastries, a carving station, a variety of salads, freshly made omelets, and more. Reservations can be made online. (76 Audrey Zapp Drive)
• Atlas Public House will have a special $25 prix-fixe Easter brunch from 11am-3pm where you get your choice of two courses and a mimosa or bloody mary. (130 Newark Ave)

Closed

• Torico will be closed on Good Friday, 3/30

For those celebrating Passover, the options are a little more limited, but there are a couple ways to celebrate:

• Latham House will be serving brisket all weekend long. 
• Cocoa Bakery will have some Passover desserts available in-store. 
• Temple Beth-El is hosting Community Seders both Friday and Saturday night. Contact office@jcbethel.org for more information. (2419 JFK Boulevard)

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Jersey City

• Madame Claude Bis and Lourdes of the Vine are teaming up again to offer more wine dinners this spring. First up, join them on Wednesday, April 11th as they sample regional wines from the Loire Valley. The tickets are $70/person for four courses and paired wines and reservations are necessary. 
• Congratulations to Razza who received another glowing review and 8.9 rating from website The Infatuation.
• Pasta Dal Cuore is celebrating Springtime on the Italian Riviera with Cool Vines in a special dinner this Tuesday. Make sure to make your reservations as soon as possible. 

Crema is Now Open - and it's Great

New cafe Crema has opened at 695 Bergen Ave in McGinley Square. Shortly after Harry's Coffee abruptly closed last year, Crema took over the space, started renovations, and as of a few weeks ago, have opened their doors to the public.

Who's Open and Who's Closed for the 4th Nor'easter

The fourth (and hopefully last) Nor'easter of March has arrived and with it is predicted anywhere from 8-12 inches of snow. Your best bet is to stay inside, but in case you feel like venturing out, here's a list of confirmed opening/closings. 

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Jersey City

• In sad news, Cafe Batata will be closing their doors as of this Monday, 3/20. 
• NJ Monthly recently featured Dan Richer of Razza. 
• Ani Ramen has expanded their hours to include their full menu until 1am Sunday through Thursday and until 2am Friday and Saturday. 

Join Pasta Dal Cuore for Springtime on the Italian Riviera

Join Pasta Dal Cuore on Tuesday, 3/27, for a five course dinner inspired by the tastes and style of the northwestern coast of Italy. Personalized takes on regional favorites from Cinque Terre and Genoa will be served with a focus on fresh spring ingredients and seasonal flavors. 

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Jersey City

• Congratulations to Andrea Salumeria whose Pete's Special Tuna sandwich was included on the list of 50 Restaurants for Your Last Meal in New Jersey.
• Choc O Pain is now available for delivery from the downtown location via Postmates. 

Graft Cider Launch Event at Wurstbar

Join Wurstbar this Friday night beginning at 6pm for their Graft Cider Launch Party!

Winter Storm Quinn Snow Day Updates

Winter Storm Quinn is here and is predicted to bring anywhere from 4-12 inches of snow (a totally normal range) with it along with high winds and rain although it seems like the worst of it won't hit until this afternoon. Your best bet is to stay inside, but in case you feel like venturing out, here's a list of confirmed opening/closings. 

Five New Restaurants Coming Soon to the Heights

Five new dining destinations are set to hit Jersey City Heights in the near future, continuing the rapid restaurant expansion in the neighborhood. While none of them have announced their official opening date, they are all expected to open their doors within the next two months.

Pizza Vita - Pizza Vita, known for their quick-cooking pizza truck, is opening a brick and mortar space at 435 Palisade Avenue. They currently have locations in Summit and at Harborside Plaza in Jersey City. This location will focus on the pizza, but have a somewhat expanded menu similar to what they offer at their Summit location. 

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Photo from Choc O Pain Bakery

Jersey City

• Stop by Choc O Pain anytime this March for their special black and purple cookie honoring Women's History Month. A portion of all proceeds will go to I Am That Girl, an organization dedicated to providing empowerment opportunities, tools, and a community for girls everywhere. 
• Modcup has opened a pop-up counter in Plaza 5 of Harborside. It opens at 7am every Monday through Friday. They also currently have the truck serving coffee in the atrium between Plazas 2 & 3. 

Final Four Foodie Fest at Harborside

Harborside is hosting a huge party for the end of March Madness with the Final Four Foodie Fest on March 31st.