“Make-up” Week
by Kurt Epps—The PubScout
No, I didn’t apply any face paste.
The title refers to a wedding celebration that was supposed to have taken place in Italy, but the response to Covid prevented that from happening.
Instead, we journeyed to NJ to have a “make up” celebration, and what a great time it was! That the “Delayed Reception” took place in a Jersey City brewery was icing on the cake, but you likely have neither the time nor inclination to see pictorial testimonies to that craziness. Suffice it to say that none of us went to the hoosegow.
We did, however, go to many other places, and this is a brief account of our experiences at those places that were distinctly NOT breweries. Should you ever find yourself in Jersey City, you’ll likely enjoy these as much as we did.
Luna Restaurant
A ten-minute walk from the new Hilton Canopy Hotel, we visited here basically because it carries the name of our first granddaughter. A former bank (the vault is in full view), it has a decent beer list, and exceptional wine list, and quite frankly, fabulous food. The missus had “scrumptious” Vegpanadas—twice, actually, because we returned there on our final night in town. I thoroughly enjoyed my Luna Burger the first night, but waxed positively poetic about the Cacio e Pepe (made with house-made pasta) on the second night. My brother-in-law said his spaghetti and meatballs were outstanding, and my sister-in-law, a salmon lover and expert, declared her salmon dish to be “absolutely the best salmon she’s ever had anywhere.” Considering she’s a world traveler, that’s no small recommendation. The service was both efficient and friendly, and Luna deserves both your consideration and our highest recommendation.
Grace O’Malley’s Pub
Located in the pedestrian mall just five minutes from The Hilton Canopy, this testament to the famous Irish Pirate Queen provides the exceptional and unique ambience you’d expect from a quintessential Irish pub. Ditto the pub fare. Both times we visited, we thoroughly enjoyed the fish and chips, and one order will satisfy two people—unless they’re big fish and chips fans—in which case they’ll be pleasantly sated with their own plates. The beer list is more than respectable, and the service is speedy and friendly. (Ask for Marlene, tell her Kurt sent you—then run like hell.) That its manager and one of its principal owners were the sons of a high school classmate of mine (way back when the Dead Sea was just sick) made for some interesting discourse, too.
McSorley’s Old Ale House
Just a quick PATH ride will take you to 9th St. in NYC, and the legendary pub is about a 15 minute walk from there. If you’ve ever been to McSorley’s, you’ll need no further comments from me.
If you’ve never been to McSorley’s, you have my deepest sympathies. Just go. And remember to “Be Good or Be Gone.”
Hudson Hall
I reviewed this magnificent beer hall when it first opened, and if you want to experience what a 1940’s Czech Republic beer hall was like, this is a must visit. Keep in mind that the Czechs are the #1 beer consumption folks per capita in the world, and if you’re adventurous, ask for a Pilsner Urquell in all three styles. The food is good, the ambience is incredible and the beer—well…see above. We actually had the “pre-reception” party there on Saturday night in a private back room (with a tiled ceiling, no less), even though the sign on the window about it being a “Private Party” was missing the “y.” Be assured that, except for one rather humorous incident in the men’s room when my son and I collaborated to change my granddaughter’s diaper (sans changing table), which forced a security guard who saw only four male feet in the same stall to admonish us, “private parts” were kept under wraps. We also hit The Hall on Monday for a “farewell party,” and everyone said goodbye to us. Even the security guard.
In sum, our visit supplied us with far too many pictures and videos ( which we hope don’t go viral), ample amounts of beer, great food and memories which will last forever.
Or at my age, at least until tomorrow.
Cheers!
The PubScout—immersed in the craft beer scene since 1996
As always, feel free to share!
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