Restaurant Roundup: Sushi Lounge - Hoboken

Just across the Hudson lies a little town you may have heard of called Hoboken (or as I like to refer to it, Hob), and in that town lies a small Japanese gem called Sushi Lounge, which I visited last Friday night. A small restaurant with minimal tables, a fancy sushi bar is front and center (along with a bar of the alcoholic variety), available for seating and admiring the hand-rolled creations. Though the inside was a bit loud for a date situation, Sushi Lounge offers a desirable outdoor seating section in which I happily had dinner. 

The Sushi Bar at Sushi Lounge

The Food

Sushi Lounge offers a vast array of Japanese cuisine and sushi rolls that can satisfy both a seasoned sushi vet (Uni with quail egg, Super Toro) or a newbie sushi virgin (edamame, shumai, California roll). Don’t skip the Hoboken roll, a motley assortment of fish and eel in a tempura roll with a delicious spicy mayo that may leave you reaching for water to put out the fire (but in a totally-worth-it kind of way). 

The Hoboken Roll

We also sampled the Chilean sea bass roll (bass cooked in soy glaze with avocado and wrapped in soy paper) and the Super Toro/Fatty Tuna roll (a delicate, superior cut of tuna). Both of these were light, yet deliciously full of flavor. Highly recommended.

Super Toro Roll & Chilean Sea Bass Roll

All 3 were outstanding, and my only concern is that when I return I won’t want to try anything new, but repeat the 3 aforementioned items since I have been dreaming about them for the last 4 days. Not a sushi lover? Not to worry, since their main dishes looked delicious as well, but alas I never made it to them as I filled up on straight up sushi. The question I always face with sushi is: How much to order? For husband and me, 3 rolls, an order of shumai, and a round of drinks were plenty. After all, Crumbs Bake Shop just opened up down the street…

Getting There

For Manhattanites and Jersey Citians alike, a quick trip on the PATH train will deliver you to Sushi Lounge. Just a quick walk from the Hoboken PATH station, Sushi Lounge is located just off the main drag on Hudson Street, a mere 5 minute walk from the train. Since they don’t take reservations for parties under 6 people, I recommend leaving extra time and planning a trip to the bar while you wait.

Sushi Lounge.200 Hudson Street.Hoboken, NJ

Why it Rocks

Delicious, reasonably priced sushi (total bill for 2: under $70) and fun atmosphere make this restaurant one I will definitely be visiting again. Sushi Lounge also offers a rockin' Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3-6:30, featuring select half price drinks, appetizers, and sushi rolls.

Gripes

Just one - The food just came too darn quickly, making our dinner seem a bit short-lived.

We skipped dessert in favor of the aforementioned Crumbs Bake Shop...article coming up next...

Memorial Day in Manhattan

Stuck in the city this weekend, but jonesing for grilled meats and cold beer? We've got some in-the-city suggestions for making the most of your Memorial Day weekend! After all, if you can't get out to the burbs for a down home backyard picnic, there's no shame in having a professionally prepared BBQ!

Blue Smoke:
By far one of my favorite NYC spots, Blue Smoke is barbeque with an upscale twist. During my first visit, I over-ordered because I couldn't limit my picks...everything looked that good. Appetizers range from Jack's Fry Bread to Barbeque Chips w/Blue Cheese Dip, and neither should be missed.

Blue Smoke . 116 East 27th Street . 212.447.7733

To be honest, I don't even remember my main course, as it was overshadowed by the apps and side of Mac n Cheese. I'm sure it was delicious though. Anyhow, do not, and I mean DO NOT, skip the Mac n Cheese, as it's the best I've had. Lastly, I have a strange need to try dessert, despite my stomach's otherwise protesting. I recommend the apple crisp. Beware: If you fill yourself with food as I tend to do, you may find it difficult to walk following your meal. Bonus: Jazz Standard, Blue Smoke's own jazz club, is located downstairs for some post dinner entertainment.
Fry Bread w/Chipotle Butter: $5.95
Mac N Cheese: $7.95
Fried Chicken: $18.95
Ribs: $14.95/$22.95

Virgil's:

A sister restaurant of the famed Carmine's chain, Virgil's is down home barbeque at its best (note the napkins are actually hand towels). With wood paneled decor, you'll feel quite relaxed at Virgil's. Featuring ribs, catfish, steaks, and wonderfully pulled pork, you pretty much can't go wrong here.

Virgil's . 152 West 44th Street . 212.921.9668

Don't skip out on the hush puppies with maple butter appetizer ($8.50), as you're unlikely to find better (and if you do, please point me in that direction). For a real holiday weekend barbeque experience, be sure to check out the 4 page beer menu. The only downside? Right in Times Square. But the prices are reasonable (shocking for Times Square) and it's likely to be a relatively slow few days since city dwellers will be fleeing for the weekend.
Hush Puppies: $8.50
Memphis Ribs: $23.50
BBQ Brisket Sandwich: $12.50
Most Beer Options: Under $6

Gyu-Kaku:

Try this barbeque restaurant with a Japanese twist. And the Memorial Day weekend spin? You do the grilling yourself! One of my favorite Village spots, Gyu-Kaku features a grill in the middle of every table.

Gyu-Kaku . 34 Cooper Square . 212.475.2989

Variations include marinated steak, chicken, seafood, and lamb chops. And what barbeque would be complete without s'mores for dessert! I recommend the miso skirt steak, spicy udon noodles, and edamame. Go hungry and order throughout the meal as necessary because, trust me, the more you eat the more you'll want.

Miso Skirt Steak: $10
Garlic Shrimp: $8
Udon Noodles: $9
S'mores: $4

Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate From Your Couch

On this rainy (and cold and windy and overall miserable) Cinco de Mayo, no one would blame you for just wanting to get home, put on some comfy clothes and do your celebratory drinking from your very own couch. (After all, Fringe is on tonight and I can't get enough Joshua Jackson OR John Noble!) But if you still want to add some Mexican flair to your night, we've got your at-home guide to Cinco de Mayo!

1) No celebration is complete without Coronas, so pick up a 6-er on your way home tonight - and don't forget the lime!
2) For easy snacks, try Tostitos and Queso dip!
3) For dinner, try my Easy Enchiladas (recipe below). They are delicious, easy, and quick! I will be making them this evening, so I'm praying Morton Williams still has my ingredients by the time I get there!

Rachel's Easy Enchiladas
What you need:
1 lb chicken, cubed
Small soft tortillas
1 small can green chiles
1 can enchilada sauce (recommended Ortega or El Paso)
Shredded cheese
Salt & Pepper
Olive oil, about 1 tbsp
Extras:
Sides – corn, rice & beans of choice (I like yellow rice & black beans, yum!)
Fixin’s - sour cream, lettuce, chopped tomatoes

Preheat oven to 350. Coat bottom of baking dish with small amount (2 tbsp) of enchilada sauce and set aside.
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and sautee chicken until just cooked through. In mixing bowl, mix cooked chicken, half of enchilada sauce, green chiles (to your own taste!), shredded cheese (to your liking).
Place tortillas in between two paper towel on plate in microwave for 15 seconds to soften them. Fill each tortilla with chicken mixture, roll up, and place in baking dish. Pour remainder of enchilada sauce over the tortillas, sprinkle with lots of shredded cheese, cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Add your own spin by creating your own sides! I will be having corn and black beans!
* For spicy, spicy version, try adding some cayenne pepper to your chicken filling!
* Make it healthy! Substitute whole wheat tortillas, reduced fat cheese, reduced fat sour cream, and brown rice!

Hope this brightens your rainy Tuesday! Any other suggestions for a home-grown Cinco de Mayo?