Fiore's in Hoboken, New Jersey
This week’s “Guest Nomad” is ScenebyLaurie. Laurie’s two passions are traveling and New York City and her blog is her way of sharing and experiencing more of both with fellow enthusiasts. Her goal is to uncover unique and lesser known spots that only locals know about and visitors want to learn. She moved to New York after college and has been enjoying all it has to offer ever since, and traveling as often as she can fit it in around her marketing job. Her jaunts include Morocco, China, Spain, Italy, Canada, Ireland, Greece, Paris, Mexico City, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda and a year long tour of the US. You can also follow her on Twitter.
Not all New Yorkers will cross the river to experience the great stuff packed into the square mile that is Hoboken, but they’re missing out since it’s been ranked the top US city for the “Over 30 and Singles Scene” twice by Money Magazine (2007, 2008).
And then last year the Mile Squared’s popularity was sealed when Buddy Valastro became the Cake Boss on TLC putting Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop on the map and drawing crowds in such numbers that lines still form around the block. And if that wasn’t enough, Chef Omar at La Isla just beat out Bobby Flay in a Stuffed French Toast Throwdown!
With its growing popularity and population, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to please all tastes. But some of the best spots are the less flashy ones that have been around the longest and still have the taste and feel of Hoboken’s original Italian heritage.
Fiore’s Deli: Fiore’s take out deli is famous for their amazingly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, which they’ve spent 96 years perfecting. But it’s how they pair it with roast beef that has earned them a cult following on Thursdays and Saturdays, the only days you can get the made-in-heaven Roast Beef, Mozzarella and Gravy hero. The hero is also a 30 Rock TV star; it was Liz Lemon’s sandwich on the “Sandwich Day” episode during season two. The secret to Fiore’s success is that the bread, mozz, and roast beef are all freshly made that day. Get there before they run out, which is usually by 2PM. There are no menus, so if you want to stray from their famous offering, be brave and ask for anything, they’re game to make it.
Antique Bakery, Marie’s and Dom’s Bakery: The Italian bread made by these aficionados is especially great since they’re the last bakeries in the area to still use coal ovens. They have over 150 years of bread making history between them. The coal oven gives the bread a perfect consistency inside, and a crunchy outside. Baguettes and panellas are the mainstay but most delicious are the focaccia, sausage, pepperoni, and olive stuffed breads. They’re mostly wholesale, selling to Hoboken restaurants and delis. Fiore’s Roast Beef, Mozzarella and Gravy hero sits atop Dom’s freshly baked roll. Being mostly wholesale, their retail spaces leave a bit to be desired, but don’t be put off since their breads are delectable.
Leo’s: The main dining area of Leo’s restaurant has the quaint feel of your Italian grandmother’s kitchen complete with red and white checked table cloths. Leo’s offers a very low key ambiance, and specializes in simple, straightforward classic Italian dishes, with excellent prices and fresh pasta options. Definitely order one of the daily pastas specials (listed on the chalkboard) which are homemade and always tender and flavorful. It’s cash only, but conveniently they have an ATM.
Giorgio’s: Giorgio’s is on the other side of town from Carlo’s and definitely a worthy competitor. This Italian bakery is old school in the best possible way and offers delicious pastries, cookies and cakes. Walking in feels like you’re walking back in time, the kind of place of memories and great smells. If you want an authentic Italian alternative to Carlo’s, possibly even better, and don’t feel like waiting in line or dealing with the hype, then take a walk uptown to Giorgio’s.
