If you haven't jumped on the PATH train to Jersey City recently—or, let's face it, ever—you may be surprised to find that the city's dining scene has been blossoming of late. Chef-restaurateur Dale Talde, the Three Kings restaurant group (with John Bush and David Massoni) and Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri have doubled down on JC as the next dining destination, opening Talde Jersey City and Carrino Provisions. Unfortunately, the latter closed last week, only to be very quickly reborn as Bell + Gray, a seasonal comfort food spot that imparts classic American dishes with international flavors and tweaks.
Somehow, the team was able to transform the restaurant in a very short amount of time, removing what was previously a large market section up front and replacing it with a dining area and bar. There are TVs playing baseball games and sports programs, but the space has an airier aesthetic than most sports bars. Washed brick and mix-matched tables lend a homier appeal for a leisurely dinner; there's also a courtyard (for these last few warmish days) and a Wine Cellar that's for private events.
Talde's menu is full of the kinds of dishes our bodies crave during the winter months, like Tagliatelle ($14) with bolognese, Fish and Chips ($17) with a rouille tartar sauce and Freebird Fried Chicken ($21) with a side of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant opens at 11 a.m., presumably to catch that football crowd. Talde's Pork Slope sports bar has fun with pub grub, and it's not different here. Snag six Crispy Chicken Wings ($9) in a smoked molasses and chili sauce with gorgonzola ranch for dipping, Mini Meatball Hoagies ($9) and B&G Fries ($12) topped poutine-style (sorta) with mushroom gravy and fontina.
8 Erie Street, Jersey City; Dinner Sunday thru Thursday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Lunch Monday thru Friday 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. & Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
