Wandering Around Jersey City

[glenn]

We were looking for a place to eat last night and took a look at Subito, which was on Rosie's Table Hopping list of new joints - it's on Erie St. in JC. Although they were open (6:30), it seemed like a lunch place. No customers. The menu that was sloppily hung in the window was basically just sandwiches. Not a bad looking place -- for lunch though. We headed over to see if the Lighthorse Inn was open yet, and it doesn't seem close. What's the story on this place?? So we went a few blocks over to Pronto Cena - one of the places I said I'd never to back to. But I've got too many of those places on my list and at the rate I'm going, every place in Jersey is gonna be on that list. Anyhow, at least I knew what to expect (and not to expect). The place was also empty at the time, and never came close to being packed. Considering they only have about 20 tables, that doesn't bode well, especially for a Saturday night. They're known for their home made pasta and it happens to be pretty ok. The tiramisu (cappuccino!) was the best ever. All in all it was a good experience. Bear in mind, the servers seemed to be trained by the the clueless idiotic owner --- we've been there about 6 times, and we always have to ask for the wine list, and they've never ever told us about the specials unless we asked. And you'd never know unless you ask, but they have house wine available by the carafe and half carafe. At first I thought it was lack of experience on the servers part, but considering it's happened every time we've been, I think there's something more insidious going on. If you go, ask right up front about the specials and demand the wine list if you're so inclined. I was gonna do that, but I had to put them through the test :)).

[Rosie]

Glenn--Have you been back to Iron Monkey since the new chef came on? I can't remember.

[glenn]

Yes. New Italian chef is excellent. Had a good time and will be back, especially if they keep comping those desserts :)).

[schnapps]

I had a late dinner at Subito last Friday night and it was full when we got there @ 9:00. It is a BYO and there is a full dinner menu. We were seated at the bar and they opened our wine while we waited for a table. Staff was gracious and accommodating but I think the kitchen has some timing problems as first the appetizers and then the entrees were served in stages. Menu is standard Italian and there were a few specials offered. Calamari were well-flavored and not greasy. Pasta and meat portions were generous. Cavatelli was undercooked. All in all, not dazzling but I would definitely go back in a few weeks when they will hopefully have worked all the kinks out of the kitchen. I hope this place becomes a viable option for Jersey City.

[glenn]

I figured there was more to Subito than met the eye. They had an ad in the JC Reporter advertising dinner. Just what JC needs though, another Italian place, sigh.

[thereuare]

Seems odd that a BYOB place has a bar area.

[Rachel Perlow]

Kinara is BYOB and has a bar. I think that happens when the restaurant location used to be a restaurant with a liquor license. The license doesn't always get sold to the next business.

[glenn]

Actually, it's a not replacing an existing restaurant -- they're waiting for their liquor license. Is it that difficult to get a license in NJ? Does the state limit the number of licenses they issue?

I agree with Schnapps on his assessment. Nothing special, but has potential. And at least they let us sit there for almost 3 hours w/o practically throwing us out like a certain Cuban place in Edgewater.

[Rosie]

" Actually, it's a not replacing an existing restaurant -- they're waiting for their liquor license. Is it that difficult to get a license in NJ? Does the state limit the number of licenses they issue?

"

Yes. It is difficult and expensive to get a liquor license in NJ. Not any different then taxi medallions in NYC. A license can easily cost $300,000 in some towns. And then you also have the added expense of insurance.