Talk Back: How Do You Do Takeout?

Every Monday morning, I make a plan for the week to detox myself in order to make up for all of the weekend wrongdoings. Usually by Wednesday, however, I've just about had it with practically starving myself (at least that's what it feels like, anyway). And the thought of cooking by Wednesday night? Not so much. This is about the time of the week that Shaun and I decide to hit up our little take-out menu box (a sweet gift from my mom and sisters for my bridal shower) and pick out some delectable eats to be delivered right to our very own doorstep...er, apartment building.

I'm not going to lie...the takeout options in Jersey City are pretty limited. Although Hoboken is just a hop, skip and a jump away, many of their restaurants just don't deliver, are sub-par in delivery quality or have recently been closed down due to health issues (eek...Junior's Papaya, RIP). We do have a few staples in the repetoire, like sushi, Indian food, and pizza (though due to an unfortunate incident during the last takeout sesh, in which our pizza was two hours late and cold, they've been excommunicated...so yes, we are in fact looking for a good pizza recommendation in Hoboken or the JC!) Komegashi Too sushiOh, and while a new and fabulous Five Guys (burgers and fries!) recently opened in the Jerz, they don't deliver and getting to them would require a team effort of getting our car from the garage and driving over so one of us can run in while the other does the illegal parking/circling the block routine...not really ideal.

So what I want to know is, how do YOU do takeout? Do you go delivery style or pick up? What's your favorite takeout cuisine? Do you have a designated takeout night? 

A Taste of Germany at the Jersey City Biergarten

So I don't often write about happenings in Jersey City, mainly because there aren't many. Don't get me wrong, there are some fabulous restaurants and happy hours (more on those to come at a later date), but there's just not much 'going on' in the traditional sense. And while I'm generally not into rushing the end of the summer, I basked in the cooler-than-usual (and very windy) August weather and kicked off the Fall season at Zeppelin Hall, an indoor/outdoor restaurant and biergarten.

Located a short walk from the Grove Street PATH station, this enormous facility is a hidden gem...if you don't know it's there, you'd never find it. Don't fret over crowdedness - Zeppelin seats up to 800(!) outdoors and up to 250 indoors.

Just a small shot of the biergarten

Featuring 144 beers on tap, there are 3 ways to order - half liter, full liter, or flights (a 5-piece beer sampler, if you will). I went with a half liter of Staropramen (a Czech beer that I discovered in Prague), but this was before discovering the flights. In hindsight, this was a huge mistake which will be rectified on my next visit, as I like to think of myself as a taster.

The full v. half liter...somehow Shaun still drank his faster than me...

Foodwise, I went with the tradition bratwurst on rye, complete with saurkraut and mustard. Zeppelin Hall truly brought back remnant flavors of my trip to Germany in 2006...a week of eating and drinking nothing but bratwurst and beer.

So maybe it's not quite the standard of a cold Kolsch and Koln brat, but for place tucked away in Jersey City? I'll take it. If you're in or around the city this Labor Day weekend, kick off Octoberfest and welcome Autumn with open arms.

Hudson Restaurant Week: Even Better Than New York!

While New York City Restaurant Week is winding down this week, Hudson Restaurant Week kicks off today and lasts until Friday, August 7. For the fifth summer, Hudson Restaurant Week is featured at many fab restaurants across Hoboken and Jersey City. Though $35 for a decent 3-course meal at a Manhattan restaurant is not unreasonable, this can still be a financial drain. Not to fear. Hudson Restaurant Week is geared up and offering 3-course prix fix dinner for varying prices, starting at only $25. It's a great way to try new restaurants and cuisine. Not to mention the prix fixes offer a nice sampling of food specialties - perfect for taste testing (which consequently is what I love best).

Some restaurants on my list include Light Horse Tavern (one of the best skirt steaks around), the new Fire & Oak (at the new JC Westin), Lua (Hoboken), and The Quays (Hoboken). While I will most likely not get to all of these in the next two weeks, I like to dream big. For the complete list of participating restaurants, you can check out the list here. Bonus: Visit their site where you can join their e-mail list and note where you found out about Hudson Restaurant Week (betweenjcandmanhattan.com!). More viewers = more postings = more great deals coming at you!