Get to Know JC Eater: Gabriela

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.  This site is meant to be useful to the community so what better way to do that than 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 an adventurous eater living in Jersey City Heights who knows where to get  a good martini.

What's your name?

Gabriela 

Where in Jersey City do you live?

JC Heights

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

I love the waterfront. Seriously, who has better views than JC?

Do you follow a specific dietary lifestyle?

I eat very healthy, but I'm also adventurous and love to try new things.

What are your favorite places to eat in your neighborhood?

OZU - a perfect combination for a healthy eater and a Japanese food lover. Everything I ever had there was delicious. My favorites are tuna razu, salmon teriyaki bento and beef curry donburi. Small sushi selection, but it's very good.

Fox and Crow - great food, drinks and a vibrant art scene. Everything you need for a great local evening. Menu is very simple, but everything is very good. Great burgers.

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

Union Republic - it's a true foodie place. Maybe not for an average chicken and potato eater or anybody who doesn't like culinary adventures. Best food in JC in my opinion. I'm a big fan of their interesting ramen creations.

Milk Sugar Love - my first choice for a great desert. They have delicious "adult" flavors - think more ginger, basil or lavender rather than bubblegum. The ice cream sandwiches with freshly baked cookies are to die for.

Light Horse Tavern - food is excellent, I love their fish and chips. But most of all, they get a mention for their martinis. Every martini aficionado knows how hard it is to find a place that "does it right". Light Horse is my spot.

Skinner's Loft - favorite brunch. Try the crispy braised pork belly & fried eggs with creamy parmesan polenta.

Surf City - with waterfront views, palm trees and camp fires, it's a perfect summer dining experience. Their fresh seafood makes you feel like you're down the shore. 

A few other places that deserve a mention: South House, Porta, Raval, O'Leary's Publik House, Dullboy, Miso Ramen and Left Bank. 

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

Kamayan night in Talde is amazing. It's all you can eat and drink (limited drink options). The food is beautifully set up on long tables covered with leaves and you eat with your hands. It's a special event, so you have to follow Talde and sign up when they announce it. Don't hesitate because it books very fast.  Absolutely delicious.

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

A really good sushi restaurant. I'm not a big fan of the options we currently have. I also love Polish food and it would be great to have an Eastern European place.

Any other info you want to put?

If you like to cook, please join our Facebook foodie blog called "Comfort Kitchen RSVP".