Dining Out in Jersey City with Jersey Girls Food Tours

March 2, 2017 newjerseyisntboring

It’s no secret that there are plenty of amazing restaurants in New Jersey…so why just visit one in a day? That is the beauty of Jersey Girls Food Tours, a food tour company based out of Jersey City, that takes you on a unique culinary tour where you can visit multiple restaurants, drink cocktails, and make new friends.

Partners and foodies Alessia Aron and Janis Borroto grew their company out of a love of food. Jersey Girls Food Tours currently does the majority of their tours in Jersey City, with plans to expand to different cities and towns in New Jersey coming soon. Both women are very passionate about what they do, and will take you on a fun and delicious tour you will never forget.

Janis and Alessia. Photo Courtesy of JerseyGirlsFoodTours.com

I had the opportunity to join their “Best of Downtown” Tour, which included 5 fairly new restaurants all within walking distance, all of which were amazing. Warning: this post may make you hungry!

Stop 1: Wurst Bar (516 Jersey Ave, Jersey City)

Our first stop was at Wurst Bar, a bar and restaurant that resembles a butcher shop. It’s a really cool spot. They specialize is different kinds of bratwursts (hence the name) and sausages.

While we were there we enjoy Jersey’s own Iron Bound Cider paired with one of their signature sandwiches, the “Hound Dog” an Elvis inspired Beef Frank with Bacon, Sweet Plantains, and Thai Peanut Aioli. SOOOO good.

We also got to sample their Haus Poutine, french fries with cheese curds and ale gravy. If you’re vegetarian, this is still a great spot since all sandwiches and poutine specials may be substituted with a veggie sausage and veggie gravy.

Stop 2: Van Hook Cheese and Grocery (528 Jersey Ave, Jersey City)

I LOVE cheese so going to Van Hook Cheese and Grocery was one of my favorite visits. We got to hang in the back and have a cheese tasting with one of the owners. Jersey Wine and Spirits also hooked us up with delicious Prosecco to pair with our cheese.

Van Hook Cheese and Grocery is a family-owned cheese and specialty grocery store that focuses on high quality, local products. And yes, you can sample before you purchase!

Stop 3: Porta (135 Newark Ave, Jersey City)

I had been to the Porta in Asbury Park, but I must say that the one in Jersey City stands out on it’s own. We started our visit with their house made mozzarella, which they make daily.

We also shared a Cavolo Nero Salad, a salad made with Tuscan kale, shaved sunchoke and watermelon radish, chile garlic crostini,Parmigiano Reggiano, with a lemon garlic dressing.

You can never go wrong with a pizza at Porta, and they make their pizzas in hand built pizza ovens made in Naples.

Their pizza is actually certified by the president of the world’s authority on Neapolitan pizza, the Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani. So if you’re looking for authentic Italian pizza…Porta is the place for you. We sampled their classic Margarita Pizza.

Stop 4: Talde (8 Erie St, Jersey City)

Talde is a casual Asian-American restaurant which was started by Chef Dale Talde of Top Chef fame. The restaurant also features a full bar menu with house made cocktails, beer, and wine.

We got to try their Pretzel Pork and Chive Dumplings served with a spicy mustard. Simply amazing!

What’s really cool about Talde is their speakeasy, located in their basement. They have a fully stocked bar down there and host DJs there for an evening of prohibition fun.

Stop 5: Pasta Dal Cuore (527 Jersey Ave, Jersey City)

Last but not least on our tour was Pasta Dal Cuore, an Italian restaurant which also makes it’s own fresh pasta. Owner Elena Cartegena began working on her dream of opening her own pasta shop while attending culinary school at ALMA.

We started our visit with the “Suppli”, Roman-style risotto cones with Bolognese and mozzarella in the middle, balsamic reduction and an eggplant caponata jus.

And Spinach Ricotta Ravioli made with lemon butter and sage.

Once our tour commenced, we were given AMAZING chocolate chip cookies from Jersey City’s own Bang Cookies to take home. I ended up eating mine in the car…and trust me, it was one of the best cookies I’ve ever had.

With Jersey Girls Food Tours, you never need to worry about getting an identical tour. They go to different restaurants, or try different items off of their menu so if I go again (which I intend to) I know I am looking forward to a new and special experience.

For Additional Information on Jersey Girls Food Tours be sure to check them out on their Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.