Rosie will be on vacation until mid-February—guest blogger Melody Kettle will post in her place.
The other half of Union Republic ownership, chef Gregory Torrech, was on his game, too. We were surprised to see courses like sweetbread tortellini with parmesan brodo, at an eatery that offers six ramen bowls and a ramen burger. “We are all together,” said Torrech, explaining the creation of dishes that have roots the world over. Case in point, Nani’s pierogies. The pierogi was inspired by a recipe from Union Republic’s chef de cuisine’s grandmother. The elevated version of the Polish comfort food was topped with a crisp and tangy apple slaw. The thin dough was filled with a luxuriously creamy center of whipped potato and cottage cheese. A winner!
Another standout from the tasting menu was the butternut squash and uni soup, chock full of umami and wintry goodness. Other dishes included crusted and deep-fried pork jowl topped with a traditional deviled egg and house-cured duck bacon, and pan-seared tilefish with beets three ways. The sixth course featured a new ramen: crispy pork shrimp, with leeks, saffron aioli in a spicy broth. Dinner wrapped up with a crisp and marshmallowy house-made moon pie. 340 3rd St., Jersey City 201-279-5094.