The Place for Jersey City News

About Julian Coltre

Julian is a writer, blogger and broadcaster who is a life long New Jersian and frequenter of Jersey City. His writing and reporting usually begins with food, drink or lifestyle pieces but he's never afraid to dabble in the world of hard news. A graduate of Hofstra University and Columbia Journalism School, Julian has also had bylines in The Jersey Journal, New Jersey Globe and NY Table.

Entries by Julian Coltre

Cellar 335: Where Cocktails, Food, and Experience Flow

December 16, 2019 in , , /by

Make your way into Cellar 335 at any point in the year and you’re bound to see a difference in several variations of tiki vibe: During the holidays a sign outside will say “sleighs and leighs,” and the interior will be decked with all the boughs of holly people expect during the holidays; during the summer the vibrant smells and flavors of cocktails that you’d enjoy while sitting on a beach in Honolulu fill the space. However, no matter what time of year hungry and thirsty customers come to the restaurant, the one thing that they can rely on is an experience.

Neighborhood Restaurant Gems

November 11, 2019 in , , , /by

In almost every neighborhood there’s a spot that showcases the best of flavor and preparation, a culinary gem. For me, a restaurant qualifies as a   “neighborhood” gem when it’s not widely known outside its environs; when, despite its modesty, its food and flavors can compete with anyone’s; and when you are made to feel welcome the minute you walk through the door. I consider these restaurants neighborhood gems:

Welcome to the Golden Cicada

October 14, 2019 in , , /by

Yet, amidst all the extravagance you’ll see a building that is so out of place it feels as though someone just dropped it in from the outskirts of town. On the outside of the building is nothing more than a neon sign with the words “Golden Cicada.”  While it might not look like much, it’s one of the most beloved bars in Jersey City, and it has captured the spirit of the community for decades.