Community News: Razza Collaboration with Marc Vetri, Orale Opens in Hoboken, and More

Jersey City

• Razza is offering reservations to their collaboration with Marc Vetri, author of Mastering Pizza and chef/founder of some of Philadelphia's most critically acclaimed restaurants. The dinner is a three course dinner taking place on 12/5 and will include some of the pizzas from the book. Tickets are $65/person and come with a signed copy of the book, but remaining reservations are limited. 

A Look at Jersey Girls Food Tours

*Full Disclosure - my ticket was complimentary, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not asked to post a review in exchange for coming on the tour*

Recently, I was invited to join Jersey Girls Food Tours on a downtown Jersey City tour. If you're not familiar with Jersey Girls Food Tours, it's a Jersey City-based company that organizes food tasting tours in Jersey City and throughout New Jersey. I'd been on a tour a few years ago when they first started up, but over time they've grown and modified the structure of the tours, so it felt like a brand new experience. The concept behind the tours is to offer attendees a chance to try a bite or two at every spot while learning a little more about that particular restaurant, the chefs, and to give everyone chance to get to know more about the story behind the restaurant and the food.

Weekend Events: Project: Market, Project Greenville Winter Wonderland, Brunch at Pasta e Vino & More

It's the first weekend in December, and the holiday season is kicking into high gear. See what's happening around Jersey City.

Friday 12/1

• Project Greenville is hosting their two day Winter Wonderland from 5-8pm. They'll have winter/holiday themed art on display, treats from Neptune Bakery, hot cocoa, a children's toy drive bin where you can donate new or gently used toys, and possibly marshmallows by the fire. 

Community News: Doughnut & Beer Tasting, Piggyback Bar to Launch Brunch, Hudson Hall Grand Opening

Jersey City

• Growing in Jersey City and Glam About Town are hosting a special Halloween Doughnut and Beer Tasting at FM on Halloween night from 7-10pm for $35/person. There are four pairings and the doughnuts are being provided by Glazed & Confused.
• Australian-inspired natural wine bar and eatery Frankie will be opening to the public for dinner this week. 

Community News: Hurricane Harvey Help, Porta expanding, Jersey City Fish Stand & More

Over the past weekend, Hurricane Harvey caused devastating flooding throughout parts of Texas, displacing thousands, destroying homes, and injuring many others. If you'd like to help, here are some good options:

• Text HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross who are on the scene helping provide temporary housing, relocation assistance, food, clothes, and medical supplies. 
• Donate to these food banks in hard hit areas: Corpus Christi www.foodbankcc.com; Houston www.houstonfoodbank.org/donate/; Galveston www.galvestoncountyfoodbank.org/
• Huffington Post and Charity Navigator both have ongoing lists of verified organizations seeking donations of food, blood, money, and supplies like diapers and formula for families with small children. 

Jersey City

• The date for the JC West Side Chili Cook-Off has been formally announced! It will take place on Sunday, 10/8.
• In sad news, Brazicki's Tavern in Jersey City Heights is closing after 72 years in business. 

Community News

• Porta has launched all new menus including a new vegan option. 
• La Festa Italiana has put out a call for two new or in good, working condition refrigerators ahead of the festival after two of the parish refrigerators broke.
• Milk Sugar Love and Torico's were featured on NJ.com this week as part of the search for NJ's best ice cream. 

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. 

Pre and Post Thanksgiving Events

Now that your Thanksgiving plans are all set, time to plan around the holiday!

• O'Leary's is having a pre-Thanksgiving fest with $2 fireball shots, Dos Equis bottles, and Departed Soles drafts and 50 cent wings.
• Miss Wong's is hosting a special Le Vibes party Wednesday evening.
• Porta is celebrating one year in Jersey City the night before Thanksgiving with a champagne toast and $8 boilermakers.

Community News

• Congratulations to Jersey City Veggie Burger, 9th & Coles, HopsScotch, Dark Side of the Moo, Maritime Parc, Park Tavern, Corkscrew, White Star, and Left Bank for their nominations in the NJ's Best Burger Competition in their various categories. Voting is now open from now until June 7th.
• Here's a first look at Raval and the story behind the restaurant.
• Congratulations to Porta for being named one of the 11 Best Patios by the Village Voice 
• If you've seen Uncle Bud's Hot Sauces at the Grove Street or Riverview Farmers' markets and wanted to learn more, check out this interview from the River View Observer.