BIN 14 and AMANDA’S, HOBOKEN
Not only was there no traffic but we also parked for free on our last trip to Hoboken. We were meeting friends at Amanda’s and the restaurant validates your parking sticker for up to three hours (this does not pertain to guests who are seated between 5 and 5:30 PM for the early-bird dinner special).
With extra time before our reservation, we went to Bin 14, at 1314 Washington St in Hoboken for a pre-dinner drink. This restaurant, owned by chef Anthony Pino, who is also the proprietor of Anthony David’s in Hoboken, has always been a favorite of the Safersteins. It was bustling on a weekday night, and we got the last seats at the bar. With 80 wines by the glass, offered as 2-, 4- and 6-ounce pours and flights, as well as bottles, one can have a delicious drinking experience here. The food is terrific, too, and dining is always a treat. We ordered two glasses of wine and a cheese platter; perfect for taking the edge off of our hunger.
Bar at Bin 14
Then we walked to Amanda’s, owned by Eugene and Joyce Flinn for over 20 years and named for the granddaughter of the restaurant’s original owner. They also own Elysian Cafe and Schnackenberg’s Luncheonette, both in Hoboken.
We love the mismatched plates for the table setting, and our favorite place to sit is by the fireplace and French doors. Although the restaurant can seat up to 130, the seating is spread out over a few rooms, allowing for an intimate experience. The menu has something for everyone, ranging from the faro-and-wheatberry salad (large enough to share); to creamy polenta with mushroom ragout and a three-cheese sauce; and a terrific mushroom soup. Fish can opt for salmon, cod, scallops or a spicy seafood stew, and chicken, steak and lamb are available for carnivores. Vegetarians can choose porcini pappardelle with vegetables or a variety of meatless sides. The best bet here, where diners get a lot of bang for the buck, is the early-bird special, which includes dinner for two for $32 or $16 per person from Monday through Saturday with 5 PM and 5:30 PM seatings. The wine list includes a selection of house wines priced at $20 per bottle. Reservations: 201-798-0101.
Pan-roasted salmon with Beluga lentils, caramelized fennel, Meyer lemon and Picholine olive relish.
Photos courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
Amanda’s
908 Washington Street
Hoboken
201-798-0101
Bin 14
1314 Washington Street
Hoboken
201-963-9463
Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].