The Jefferson / Hudson County

[Rosie]

CONGRATULATIONS to Chef Michael Coury for receiving a VERY GOOD from restaurant reviewer David Corcoran in the New Jersey section in the New York Times, May 29, 2005.

[Curlz]

What she said!

[cibo susci]

Thank you very much. I am very proud!!!

[markk]

I had my first meal at The Jefferson last night. I had resisted because Hoboken is pretty much a culinary wasteland, and I didn't believe the posts.

But the other day I posted elsewhere about a great meal I had at Lupa in New York, and Michael Coury replied that it's one of his favorites. So I had to try The Jefferson, and I'm glad I did.

Everything was outstandingly good. There were two of us, and we decided to graze on appetizers. We had the "Antipasto for Two", the Soft Shell Crab, the Buffalo Mozzarella with Heirlom Tomato, the Fritto Misto, the Roasted Mussels, the Braciole, and the daily special Tuna Sascimi. There wasn't a mis-step in the bunch.

Standouts were the caponata, and the peas with pancetta and mint on the Antipasto for Two; the soft shell crab was outstanding as well; and the Braciole was meltingly tender, the mushroom ragu hauntingly delicious.

And in conversation with Chef Michael, I learned that he indeed worked at Lupa. However, as we discussed privately (my dining companion and I, that is), this kind of cooking isn't something that can be learned - rather, I'd say that Michael honed his formidable craft at Lupa. As has been mentioned on this thread, he's clearly a chef with a great talent, and indeed a passion, which comes through on the plate.

And not surprisingly, this is echoed in the service. Everybody there, from the hostesses to the waiters to the bus people, was friendly, helpful, and caring.

And not surprisingly, again, was the wine selection. We had (several bottles of) a delicious Pinot Bianco from the Alto Adige, at a refreshing price - one that in fact encouraged 'seconds'. That his thoughtfulness extends to the wine selection is one more mark of a great chef and restaurateur.

Everything here was characterized by sheer professionalism, a very sure hand in the kitchen, and a generosity of spirit. This is a great restaurant. We'll be back!

Edited May 28, 2005 by markk (log)

[jwjojo]

Ate at the Jefferson last night after reading all the good reviews, and at the request of a friend who lives in Hoboken. Everyone is right...very good. We had the goat cheese ravioli and the seared Tuna. They both were very good. We had the Brooklyn Weiss beer on tap and it actually went well with these two choices. The wine list was a little out of range for us....and I am too cheap to pay the mark up :)

The service was fine, and the decor is lovely. It does get a bit loud due to it being a smaller space. I ordered decaf coffee after the meal that I had to return it was so bad. They get their coffee from Empire which is usually excellent, but not last night..don't know why.

I would go again.

[Rosie]

We returned to the Jefferson and had a wonderful dinner. When seated olive oil, whipped ricotta cheese with lemon and delicious bread from Sullivan St Bakery was brought to the table.

Started off with a light and refreshing arugula salad and baked artichokes topped with garlic and mozzarella.

Lowell had the fluke with lemon risotto and I had grilled wild salmon with asparagus and a potato pancake. All of the dishes were scrumptious.

For dessert we had cheese. We had an excellent bottle of Italian red wine—Plazzo Della Torre--that was $28. We went to Total Wine to buy it today and it sells for $15.99. Not a bad mark up.

Executive Chef Michael Coury is indeed a treasure. Do try this restaurant if you haven’t experienced his cuisine. For reservations call 201-386-9955.

[Hank]

We returned to the Jefferson and had a wonderful dinner. When seated olive oil, whipped ricotta cheese with lemon and delicious bread from Sullivan St Bakery was brought to the table.

Started off with a light and refreshing arugula salad and baked artichokes topped with garlic and mozzarella.

Lowell had the fluke with lemon risotto and I had grilled wild salmon with asparagus and a potato pancake. All of the dishes were scrumptious.

For dessert we had cheese. We had an excellent bottle of Italian red wine—Plazzo Della Torre--that was $28. We went to Total Wine to buy it today and it sells for $15.99. Not a bad mark up.

Executive Chef Michael Coury is indeed a treasure. Do try this restaurant if you haven’t experienced his cuisine. For reservations call 201-386-9955.

←

Had dinner here this evening and must say that it was quite good. My wife summed it up by saying "New Jersey is alive and well." (Rosie, I hope that you are listening.) Our fish, the salmon and tuna, were perfectly prepared and expertly served. We spoke with Michael for a while both before and after our dinner and let him know how very much we enjoyed his cooking and that we would certainly be back very soon, especially with our friends and family. I also let him know that I found out about him from eGullet. If I had one complaint it was our coffee which he said he knew about and was making a change. It was really quite bad. Not to forget the wine list which is in my opinion very fairly priced. We had a 2003 Barbera D'Asti for $34.00 that was bursting with fresh fruit. Also, being able to park in the open parking lot a block away (and free at that if you remember to have the restaurant validate your ticket) is a great plus over other places in Hoboken where it is almost impossible to park.

[Rosie]

I'm listening Hank!! Thanks for your posting.

[Tamara]

Just figured I'd note that Jefferson is participating in the summer Hudson Restaurant Week again!

Details on calendar.

Tamara

[jrichman]

Does anyone have a menu for the Jefferson that they can post???

[Rosie]

This is an old menu from Nov. '04 but it gives you an idea of the type of food that Chef Coury serves.

DINNER MENU

SERVED:

MONDAY 5:00PM -10:00PM TUESDAY- SATURDAY 5:00PM-11:00PM SUNDAY 3:00PM-10:00PM

ANTIPASTI (Apps)

MUSSELS / OLIVE OIL / SEA SALT / 9

ARTICHOKES / BAKED / GARLIC / MOZZARELLA / 8

BUTCHER’S SELECTION OF SALUME / ASK SERVER FOR TODAY’S SELECTION / 12

ROASTED CLAMS / CASINO VINAIGRETTE / 12

MUSHROOMS / 3 WAYS / PORTOBELLO RABE PESTO / RICOTTA SALATA / COOKED SHITAKES / 8

FLUKE SASCIMI / PRESERVED LEMONS / ESTATE OLIVE OIL / SEA SALT / 9

PAVONI BEANS / PUREED / GRILLED TUSCAN BREAD / 7

BRACIOLE / BRAISED / MUSHROOM RAGU / 8

SPIEDINI / ANCHOVY / TOMATO / CAPER / 10

PULPO / OVEN DRIED TOMATOES / PAVONI BEANS / CHICKORY / 9

MEATBALLS / TOMATO / PECORINO / 7

INSALATA (Salads)

FENNEL / ORANGE SEGMENTS / PECORINO / POMEGRANATE / 6

MIXED GREENS / RADICCHIO / ONIONS / EGG / BACON / 8

MARKET MIXED GREENS / LEMON VINAIGRETTE / 5

TALEGGIO / MIXED GREENS / PEAR / PINE NUT / BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE / 10

PRIMI (PASTA)

CHITTARA / OVEN DRIED TOMATOES / THYME / BOTTORGA / 13

RICOTTA GNOCCHI / SAUSAGE RAGU / 12

BUCATINI AMATRICIANA / CHILES / TOMATO / BACON / 12

SPAGHETTI / CLAMS / SCALLIONS / BACON /12

PUMPKIN RAVIOLI / BROWN BUTTER SAGE / ANISE BISCOTTI / 13

RIGATONI / BAKED / 3 CHEESES / MEATBALLS / 14

EXECUTIVE CHEF – MICHAEL COURY

- 20% GRATUITY WILL BE ADDED FOR PARTIES OF 6 OR MORE –

- $3 SHARING CHARGE FOR SPLIT SECONDI’S AND SPLIT PRIMI’S WITHOUT ORDERING A SECONDI -

WWW.THEJEFFERSON.NET

SECONDI (Main)

FLUKE CARTOCCIO / SQUASH / CLAMS / SAFFRON / 20

OXTAIL / BRAISED / SWEET POTATOES / ROOT VEGETABLES / 19

SALMON / GRILLED / PUMPKIN ORZO / BEET MUSTARDO / 18

_ FREE RANGE CHICKEN / LEMON PEPPERED POTATOES / PEPERONATA / 18

FLORENTINE 20 OZ. T-BONE / GRILLED / CREAMED SPINACH / 29

RACK OF LAMB / RABE SALAD / LEMON / 28

VEAL CHOP / GRILLED / SHITAKE SALAD / CHINZANO / 28

CONTORNI (Sides)

POTATOES / LEMON PEPPERED / 6

BROCCOLI RABE / GARLIC / OLIVE OIL / 6

CREAMED SPINACH / 6

PUMPKIN ORZO / 5

MEATBALLS / 5

BRACIOLE / TOMATO / REGGIANO / 8

PANINI (Pressed Sandwiches)

MOZZARELLA / TOMATO / BASIL / 8

PROSCIUTTO / TALEGGIO / CHICKORY / 12

FRIED FLUKE / LETTUCE / TOMATO / MAYO / 11

GRILLED SAUSAGE / SPICED BEAN PUREE / GOAT CHEESE / 11

PIATTI (Daily Specials)

MONDAY - VEAL SALTIMBOCCA / PROSCIUTTO / CHICKORY / 19

TUESDAY – GRILLED SAUSAGES / BROCCOLI RABE / BRAISED BEANS / 18

WEDNESDAY – BRANZINO / BRAISED FENNEL / LEMON JAM / 22

THURSDAY – ROASTED PORCHETTA / ONION / FENNEL / 21

FRIDAY – STUFFED CALAMARI / CHATTARA / 18

SATURDAY – OSSO BUCCO / SAFFRON RISSOTO / PINE NUT GREMULTA / 23

SUNDAY – NONAS SUNDAY SUPPER / RIGATONI / OXTAIL / MEATBALLS / CHICKEN /18

EXECUTIVE CHEF – MICHAEL COURY

- 20% GRATUITY WILL BE ADDED FOR PARTIES OF 6 OR MORE –

- $3 SHARING CHARGE FOR SPLIT SECONDI’S AND SPLIT PRIMI’S WITHOUT ORDERING A SECONDI -

WWW.THEJEFFERSON.NET

[Curlz]

I think it's a shame that they don't post the menu(s) on their web site. In fact, it still says Opening November 2004.

[cibo susci]

We have the website done and it will be coming up in about 2 weeks. I will do a product and recipe of the month. Where have you been Curlzs???

[jrichman]

Recently, made it to the Jefferson for a great meal....The place itself it quite nice and there is also a really comfortable and relaxing area out back where we chose to eat (really can't find that in Hoboken, as the outside seating is normally out front only). Before we were seated, the host was kind of pushing us to sit out front as opposed to the back, kind of strange considering that there were plenty of tables available out back...well we got seated out back and the table we were sat at was quite small, almost seemed to be a table that should be in a bar used for drinks, but we managed....we started off with the bread with olive oil and the whipped ricotta, the bread was delicious, and the whipped ricotta was good, not really my type of spread for bread though....next we had the grilled calamari for an appetizer which was very good, it kinda had that good charcoal bbq taste that you get, it could have used a little more seasoning / dressing but still pretty good, next time I want to try the buffalo mozzarela or the artichokes - suggestions anyone??? As for the main course I got the salmon and my girlfriend got the fluke - I thought that the salmon was absolutely delicious, cooked just as I liked it, and the sides went really well with the dish, as for the fluke I only had a taste and thought it was just OK, my girlfriend thought the same, but I thought the risotto was delicious..as for desert the chocolate 3 ways was absolutely amazing...so overall a really good place, next time I'll get a different appetizer though...and probably try a different main course (although it will be tough to not order the samlon as it was delicious!) - I'll be back....hey has anyone had any of the sandwiches the crab po boi looks good!!! Also, one final note, very good, knowledgable waited, however they seemed a little understaffed, quite often our waiter would come to our table answer a question and before we knew it he had to run off somewhere before he could finish with us.....but still a great place and I'll definitely be back real soon!!!

[Hank]

We went for Brunch yesterday to celebrate a birthday, 12 of us in all, and had a fabulous time. The service we received was wonderful, the kids went wild over the marshmellow and peanut butter paninas's and also their pizza's and all the grown ups thoroughly enjoyed everything they ordered. As a gift to us all for dessert Michael sent to the table two large plates of beautiful petite fours that disappeared in seconds with plenty of ooh's and aah's. What a SMART business man besides being a very fine chef. Being brunch and a celebration we drank NV Veuve Cliquot yellow label which, at $57.00 is practically retail.

[Tamara]

We also JUST posted the Jefferson prix-fixe menu for Restaurant Week.

[Curlz]

We have the website done and it will be coming up in about 2 weeks.  I will do a product and recipe of the month.  Where have you been Curlzs???

←

Running like a nut between work and life! But not to worry, Chef--I'm due for a visit SOON. Glad to hear that the website is being updated!!

[Lreda]

Called to make a reservation for tomorrow but they only take them for 5 or more. We're looking to dine early, 6:30 or 7 pm. Think we'll have a long wait on a holiday weekend?

[cibo susci]

No there will be no problem.. Come on in and have a great time.

[Lreda]

Thanks. Looking forward to it.

[Curlz]

Finally made it back to The Jefferson this week, and was quickly reminded that it had been too long since my last visit. Despite the humidity, we opted to sit on the back patio, which is really lovely...small trees, white lights and a few market umbrellas really give the space a nice feel. There's also music playing (at an unobtrusive volume, I might add), and a fan/a.c. unit over the door to the restaurant helps keep the air moving out back. Little touches like brightly colored glass tiles used as coasters for the water bottles just added to the atmosphere of being on someone's back patio--something I miss a lot this time of year, thanks to (grrr) apartment living.

I had completely forgotten about the early bird special--3 courses for $18.01, which is a great deal, imo. I went for it, and chose the artichoke app that I've had before, the goat cheese and spinach ravioli with pine nuts in a sage and brown butter sauce, and vanilla gelato. My mom is a vegetarian, and she lit up when our server mentioned the day's pasta special: strozapretti (sp?) with grilled eggplant, asparagus, tomatoes and other veggies. She also managed to 'help' with my artichokes.

Chef stopped by to say hi just as we were finishing the app and upon hearing that Mom was excited about the forthcoming pasta, he told us to sit tight, as he wanted to send something out for us. A little while later, our server brought us the pizza of the day, which was wonderful--a thin, oblong crust that had been grilled and topped with the lightest tomato puree, sea salt and arugula, and just enough mozzarella di bufala (mentioned during specials as buffalo mutz by our waiter, which I loved b/c it was so Hoboken) to remind you that it's not always all about the cheese. Suffice it to say that we loved it. The rest of the meal was also terrific; the thing I love about Michael's food is that it's such simple combinations that result in such wonderful flavors. I don't leave there feeling like I can't move or eat the next day--if anything, I leave thinking about when I can get back there to try something else on the menu!

Great news, btw--Michael said that the revised web site is now up and running...you can check it out here. He also said that they'll be hosting another wine dinner in August, as the last one was so well-received.

I was really thrilled to see how busy the restaurant was as we left around 8:30pm; every space (the back patio, main room, bar area and the tables out on Washington Street) was hopping, even though there was still room for a few more people. One of the things I love about this place (IN ADDITION TO THE FOOD, OF COURSE) is that you can pop in wearing jeans or nice shorts, or you can go dressed for a night out--either way, it's comfortable and welcoming at The Jefferson.

I'll remind everyone that you really don't have the "parking in Hoboken sucks" excuse here--they validate for a few hours at the big lot at the top of Washington Street, a half a block away.

[Rosie]

The Jefferson received 3 stars from SJ Gintzler in the Friday September 9, 2005 Star Ledger.

[Curlz]

A co-worker just brought me a copy of the review; congratulations to Mike and the rest of the crew at The Jeff!! I was there for dinner this past Sunday, and was amused to hear a couple seated near us tell their waitress "Tell your chef he should open one of these in St. Augustine (FL)! We don't have anything this good down there." They had just been walking around Hoboken and said it smelled good, so they decided to try the place.

Here's the review from NJ.com.

[tommy]

"susci and sascimi".

Corcoran refers to the above as "cutely named". Gintzler calls it "cleverly named".

3 stars in the Star Ledger out of? the website doesn't make mention. so, you know, it's even more meaningless. 3 out of 3 i would think.

curlz: i spent 10 minutes trying to find this online. couldn't. i was probably thrown off by the decidedly un-food-like title of the article.

Edited September 9, 2005 by tommy (log)

[Rosie]

I believe it is 3 out of 4 stars.