We enjoyed chatting with her. Good beers/cocktails, too.


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Oh, and the name comes from Aesop's Fables.

We were there last night and spoke to owners (same owners as AJ's). They said the space will be re-opening as Fox & Crow in about a week. They're going for a sort of pub-and-parlor concept, with the bar in front and a cocktail lounge area in the back.

The interior really does look great. Supposedly they hired the same designers who did the Kitchen at Grove Station downtown.

If you're thinking of the corner of Summit and Zabriskie: Sunday was the opening of 942 Summit. It's a shared workspace/storefront for 3 businesses: Bloomsbury Sq (bath/body products), Do You Tea? (tea, obviously), and Who's Gluten-Free (baked goods). It's well worth a visit if you're interested in any of these things.

I think Mama's was located at another corner of Summit -- a block or two down.

HERE'S A PIC FROM CONGRESS AVE.

graffiti

My spouse and I have been to Mama's twice so far: first for coffee and cake, then back a few days later for dinner (potato pancakes, dumplings). Everything was really tasty, and the owner is super-friendly and hard-working. I'd definitely recommend checking it out.

If you're in the Heights, you can bring them to the Riverview Farmers Market in Riverview-Fisk Park (Palisade Ave between Griffith and Bowers). The Market's information table is accepting used books every Sunday in August, 9 am - 3 pm.

The books will be sold at the RNA Flea Market in September (as a fundraiser to cover the operating costs of the market).

This 18th-century house on Palisade Ave:

http://www.cityofjerseycity.org/vanvorstfarmhouse.shtml

(Of course, you said "unofficial"... in which case, how about White Mana on Tonnele Ave.?)

On adjusting to city life: "There is no real grocery store within walking distance, so 'half our day is spent at Whole Foods.'"

Were they able to walk to a supermarket back in Mesa, Arizona? I doubt it.

Anyway, the NYT's "Hunt" articles are always good for a few laughs. Thanks, GrovePath. ;)

Can anyone suggest a local contractor who installs yard fences? We're considering having ours replaced this summer (with either a chain-link or basic wood-stockade fence).

Or, if you've had something similar done lately, would you mind giving a rough idea of the cost? Thanks!

@CatDog, You miss my point. Not competing with *themselves,* competing with other businesses.

People in JC have a choice: go out in Manhattan, or stay local and go out in JC. People in Philadelphia don't have a much bigger city with hundreds/thousands of bars right across the river. There's a lot of talk when something new opens in or around Center City, because it adds to their options.

Anyway, I'm willing to give this place a try, because I happen to like having local options.

2nd CSURugbyHooker's remark. Lots of recent college grads and young professionals living downtown now, lively bar/restaurant scene. It actually makes more sense for them to open in Philadelphia than in JC, since Philadelphia isn't competing with NYC.

Sounds like another Tommy's...?

I second the post above: Cinco de Mayo (also on Central) has really good food. Better than Charrito's, I think, even if they're not wearing cutesy folk costumes and making the guacamole tableside with a big stone mortar and pestle. (I can do without all that.)

Meowmix, I like your style. I wish I could afford Doyle & Doyle! but Pippin is fantastic, and more reasonably priced.

If you're looking for vintage costume jewelry, check out Another Man's Treasure (just off Grove St.) or Hoboken Antiques (Washington St. in Hoboken). For high end, real "estate" jewelry, you may have to go into Manhattan.

This is *excellent* news. The owner is smart. Can't wait to see how it all comes together... we've lived in the Heights for 5 years, and we're getting a little tired of scheduling occasional trips down to Basic Foods in Hoboken (a great place, but not exactly convenient).

Update on my ongoing search for a good facial in downtown JC: I made an appointment with Lynda, who was on the staff at Skin Organix before it closed. She's currently doing facial treatments in her own studio in JC. I was very happy with my experience there. The facial was very thorough and personalized, and the price is quite reasonable. I definitely plan to return. Just passing this information along...

You can contact Lynda through her website:
http://www.lyndadamico.com/

We just bought a place in the Heights. Richard Massey at Wells Fargo in Hoboken steered us through the mortgage process quickly and smoothly. Very helpful guy.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
321 Washington Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Office:201-714-555

... and now I'm back, wondering... does anyone know where Lauren (former Skin Organix facialist) might be working these days? There was a rumor that she'd switched to a day spa in Hoboken. I'd like to track her down... thanks.

My husband and I both go to Dr. Gerstenfeld (two doctors, actually -- father and son) on Washington St. in Hoboken. It's a really simple office, but they do a great job. Very personalized treatment.

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That was such a great show, for every reason. I'm happy to see anything at the Loew's, just for the atmosphere, and Beck really was excellent. Memorable.

Another fan of Basic Foods in Hoboken. We've been going there for years, even after we left Hoboken for JC Heights. The prices can be very reasonable, because certain items (cereal, tea) go on sale regularly.

Getz, That sounds *just like* our experience. The support staff in the Zoning office seemed to have no idea what we were talking about, and after getting frustrated by the their rudeness over the course of several phone calls, we contacted our council-person. He helped us out and we got the letter.

Ihatethiscity, Yep, we couldn't help laughing when we heard about Zoning's computers being hauled away today. The irony. Of course, who knows how many innocent JC residents are going to be further messed up by their documents being wheeled away in those machines...

Thank you, everybody! We've confirmed this with a phone call and sent a request for the letter, to Anthony Lambiase in Zoning. I appreciate all the input.

My husband and I (first-time home buyers) are finishing up our application for a mortgage, and at the last minute, the bank has requested a "rebuild letter." Does anyone know exactly which city/county office handles this kind of request? or how long it would take? Thanks...

We have a similar need as the previous poster, so, just bumping this up a bit... thanks...

Carlo's gets all the publicity, but Giorgio's in Hoboken (further down, Washington between 11th and 12th) is a wonderful family-run bakery. The storefront is less glitzy than Carlo's, but if you're more interested in the actual quality of the cake itself, rather than fancy decoration, check them out.

Also, since someone mentioned it above, Payard in Manhattan recently closed.

(...or, even someone good in Manhattan, actually. Thanks!)

Would anyone be able to recommend a good doctor who specializes in allergies? An office near Journal Square or Grove Street would be really ideal... Thanks!

I've eaten at Pedro's with friends a few times and I like it. (Great roast chicken and cafe con leche, good sandwiches.) It's usually pretty quiet. I don't know why it doesn't get more business.

Are you thinking of Sabroso's -- the other, busier place? I haven't gone there yet.