We arrived at Maritime Parc in Liberty State Park, Jersey City at dusk. While we dined, we watched as the colors of the New York skyline changed. Once dark, we were thrilled by the sight of New York City and the illuminated Freedom Tower. Along with the alluring views, the food here is exquisite. We were enchanted.
MARITIME PARC, JERSEY CITY
Opened in September 2010 under the direction of chef/owner Chris Siversen, Maritime Parc has been listed in New Jersey Monthly‘s Top 25 Restaurants since 2011. The views, the service and most importantly the food all excelled.
A basket with multigrain, Italian and cranberry-walnut bread from Balthazar Bakery was placed on the table along with a bowl of pickled-red onions, slivered carrots and feta in a brine that was so good that we bypassed the sweet butter and dipped the bread into the tangy sauce.
A combination of Bibb lettuce, thinly sliced radishes, apples, string beans, broccoli, cucumber, yellow and red grape tomatoes and scallions created a multi-textured and colorful chopped salad that was topped with a garlicky herb dressing. Dishes with a poached or fried egg attract me, so I opted for the asparagus, farm egg, prosciutto and baby arugula with an aged gouda-caper vinaigrette. Varied textures and a combination of flavors added to the enjoyment of this dish with the crispy-edged fried egg, oozing yolk, salty prosciutto, al dente asparagus and peppery arugula; a knockout.
Fresh garganali seafood pasta swimming with an abundance of bay scallops, crab, shrimp, corn, scallions and red pepper in a lemon-thyme reduction was a belly-busting impeccable assemblage. What we also loved about this dish is that it introduced us to a new ingredient. Sprigs of Rock Chives Cress sprinkled on top of the pasta provided a decorative element as well as a mild garlic flavor that was much more interesting than a sprinkle of parsley would have been.
Black sea bass was accompanied by a white-bean puree, Maitake mushrooms and a green basil coulis; an interesting presentation with fish that tasted as if it just jumped out of the water. A side of roasted baby carrots and Brussels sprouts was presented in a red ramekin.
Turley lovers should be sure to check out the seven 2012 Turley’s found on the wine list. Also, meat eaters are not forgotten with chicken, duck filet, wild boar ragu and a burger on the menu.
Pastry chef John Sauchelli had enticing options for dessert, but we opted for the whimsical Lime in the Coconut. It was comprised of a macadamia-nut cookie topped with tequila sorbet and surrounded by lime sauce, diced papaya and a smattering of chopped candied walnuts. By this point, the New York skyline was fully lit, boats were leaving the marina with partiers and the Safersteins felt as if our ship had come in.
After dinner, remember to validate your parking ticket and then drive down to the water and walk through the Empty Sky New Jersey September 11 Memorial, which is lined up with the Freedom Tower. It is an exhilarating and sobering experience.
PSST! On Thursdays Maritime Parc has an Oyster and Beer Bash that includes a half-dozen oysters; choice of burger (scallop, salmon, Mangalitsa pork, or the beef Maritime Parc); and choice of beer or glass of wine for $20. No, that is not a typo. It’s all for $20.
Shout out to New Yorkers—there is a ferry from Wall Street that will take you directly to the restaurant or you can dock your boat at the Liberty Landing Marina.
Maritime Parc
84 Audrey Zapp Drive
Liberty State Park
Jersey City
201-413-0050
Pickled vegetables with feta.
Chopped salad
Garganali seafood pasta topped with Rock Chives Cress.
Photos courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
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