9/25/2008 Update/Review:

Have you ever discovered something incredible that was right in front of your eyes? And then became a “#1 Fan?” (no, I’m not talking about Hoboken411…)

I finally got a chance to swing by Zebu Forno on River St. between 1st and 2nd the other day… and BOY am I thrilled I did!

Zebu Forno: A true hidden gem in Hoboken

I often ask people: “If you were stranded on an island forever, and could pick ONE single food to eat for the rest of your life - what would it be?“

My answer is simple: Pizza. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Since Zebu Forno was on my Mile Square long list of things “to do,” I visited them late last week. Took a look around, absorbed the atmosphere, layout and ambiance. Then my neck swung over in an instant as I caught a glimpse of the fresh thin-crust pizza that was near the register.

“Wow, that pizza looks awesome! Thin crust, nice color, cheesy, juicy… Ummm.. Let’s have some of that!” is what my mouth, tongue and stomach all said in concert. I followed suit and ordered a quick slice. Sat down, removed my bag, and took a bite. WOW! The crust was super thin, but still manageable and didn’t fall apart! I took another bite, nice!, the flavor is perfect! Cheesy, just enough moisture and texture… a bit tangy.. bite, chew, bite, chew…

I didn’t eat it fast.. but rather thoroughly to make sure I wasn’t just too hungry or misguided by my “castaway” mentality. Bite after bite I picked up on more aspects about this slice of pizza that were top notch! In fact, as I am trying desperately to describe this in the most accurate “first person” way, my mouth is watering up and I’m recalling the great “finish” the pizza had. The delectable flavor stayed with me for a long time after leaving the cafe.

Anyway, before I bore you with my pizza diary - I went back for three days in a row and ordered the same plain slice (or two) of pizza. Call me enamored if you must - but I was completely ready to crown Zebu Forno as my “favorite pizza in Hoboken.”

I decided that I should do a full review of Zebu Forno - and shall invite an independent reader of Hoboken411 to join me. I added an update to my Twitter/Facebook account - and accepted the first person that could do lunch with me: Deb.

See our full LONG review (including a knock-your-socks-off dessert) - after the jump!

(Hoboken Zebu Forno review, continued…)

Lunch with Deb!

So me and Deb agreed on a day/time to have a “Hoboken411 lunch review” over at Zebu Forno (can anyone suggest a good “nickname?” ZF? Zeebs? Fuh-Fuh-Forno’s?)
We went in with little organization or structure. My objective was simple: Have her taste the plain slice of pizza to see if I wasn’t imagining things, and to “sample” a couple other items.

Zebu Forno is considered more of a “cafe” than a restaurant. There are no waiters or waitresses, there is a standard “fast food like” ordering counter with a menu board, and the food on display. They do however, bring the food to your table. There is also no alcohol served at the “place.”

So we arrive, and immediately place an order for not only some plain slices, but also a “margarita” version - with small blobs of fresh mozz, plus a puffier focaccia-style slice, and a couple panini sandwiches for good measure. Since the weather was nice, and the lunch rush over, we decided to sit outside. They have three tables available at the present time, and seating for about 70 patrons inside.

Plain Slice: Ruler of all

About five minutes later, our food arrives. They brought a tray and stand to place the pizza slices, along with the paninis in baskets - along with a bag of chips (you can get fruit or vegetables instead, if you prefer.) The first slice we tasted was the plain one. It was everything I recalled the previous three visits, and Deb concurred. She said:

“Excellent. Reminiscent of Bronx (or NYC) pizza. The crust was perfectly thin and crispy and light. The sauce was tasty. And the cheese was deliciously browned (my favorite) — amazing! No seasonings or toppings were necessary. Zebu’s plain pizza slice is definitely among the very best in Hoboken. It is certainly in the top-2 for me because it’s so hard to enjoy just one slice!”

I don’t know what kind of pizza you all prefer - whether it be “brick oven” or “Domino’s” or whatever, but since I really can tolerate all pizza (nothing has ever been “awful” to me - at least in recent memory - oh, except that 7-Star raw bacon disaster from hell pizza) - this plain slice has earned a way into my heart like you wouldn’t believe. There is NOTHING like it in Hoboken in my opinion. Sure, it might be less “hearty” then some other over-sized or double-thick slices - but I say quality over quantity - flavor over volume - taste over value… and most importantly: uniqueness and consistency. How often have you had that experience where, depending on the day or the pizza maker - that a normally reliable standby lets you down? Hasn’t happened yet at Zebu!

But I digress, and we have a whole lunch to touch on.

Spice up the margarita!

OK, the next slice I was eager to try was the margarita version. Frankly, I was a bit surprised. For me, a margarita pie has a few more characters involved other than crust, sauce and cheese. My crew manager (the tongue) was not expecting a slice so simple. Sauce and mozz. While by no means “bad,” my expectations were a bit skewed by other versions of the margarita pie. While it still possessed the award-winning crust - the flavor was a bit mild. I doctored it up with some spices, and enjoyed it more. When I asked owner Jeff Gallucci about the margarita pie - he said that normally (for to-go or for future delivery orders) they’d add some basil to spice it up. I recommended a bit of garlic and/or oregano as well… The reason they don’t put basil on it is because it “wilts” if sitting on the counter for too long.. Hoboken411 reader Deb simply had this to say about the margarita slice: “Not bad, but definitely missed some basil.” So we concurred and moved on.

Paninis and Focaccia

I was certainly a bit focused on the pizza to spend much time on the panini sandwiches - but we had ordered a chicken and a roast beef panini (we split them).

To sum it up briefly: We preferred the chicken (with fresh mozz, romaine lettuce, bacon and italian dressing) over the roast beef (fresh mozz, roasted peppers, arugula, oil and vinegar). The chicken was surprisingly tasty. They bake everything in their multi-purpose three-tiered oven, and it hit the spot in a nice way.

Speaking of “baking” - most everything is made fresh on the premises. All the bread and desserts are done daily. They even have a discounted “day old” bread rack.

(PS - I’m writing this review off the top of my head - and very very late at night - so please excuse the “train of thought” format today…)

We also delved into this extremely thick - yet fluffy Focaccia-style pizza. For being so dang thick, it was remarkably light. I would never qualify this as pizza any day. It’s more like a fresh loaf of bread, with a “hint of sauce and cheese.” Something you really need to be in the mood for. While tasty - probably would appeal more for the carb-lover (and perhaps hungover) types.

Dessert? How could we?

As we were sort of wrapping up, Jeff brings out a complimentary tray of desserts! While extremely generous and nice - what was he trying to do? Kill us?

On this plate was a cheese danish, that flaky sfogliatelli, an elephant ear, and a cannoli. I’m ready to burst - but want to try the cheese danish since that was my first choice. I cut it in half to share, and begin to take a bite. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! It has to be the most sinful, delicious, buttery and amazing cheese danish I’ve ever eaten in my life. Better than any bakery or specialty shop. I cannot describe the look on my face (as well as Deb’s) when we took our first bite. Took us both by complete surprise. When I summarized our impressions to the owner - he “knew” that feeling we had - as well as the other staff on the clock - they even told me that when it’s time for “free samples” for the customers, that they try to pick that danish every time so they can grab a taste too. Unbelivable! If I ever have to bring something to a party or similar - I will bring those and impress the guests. You would too.

As far as the cannoli - I had no desire, but tasted the filling - was pleasantly surprised. I normally am not a big fan of cannolis, but this had a slightly sweeter, more vanilla taste than I expected. Here’s what Deb said about the desserts: “Hands down, my favorite is the danish. A soft, golden croissant meets vanilla-cream cheesey goodness. The cheese danish is sinful yet, somehow, its flakiness and and just-right sweetness shoots one straight up into dessert heaven. Yum! Also, the cannoli was fantastic. Creamy, rich and divinely memorable. A real Italian treat!”

Unexpected surprise: Mozzarella cheese

As I was trying the Chicken Panini, I had sort of “deconstructed” the sandwich to individually taste each main element - the chicken (very good), the mozz (amazing) - and I asked where they got the Mozzarella cheese from. They make it in house!

(Shaking my head in disbelief) I said “what?” and Jeff said “Yeah, the chef just finished making a batch!” Mind you, this was as I was ready to leave - and he insisted that I try a slice. I said “I did that already on the panini - I’m stuffed!” He persisted and began cutting a sliver off the warm blob of fresh-made mozzarella. A cute girl was standing next to me at the register and I said: “You have to please try this - I need a second opinion.” She obliged and ate a piece with me.

I was again overwhelmed at the creaminess and flavor of the cheese. Perfectly salted with excellent texture. Ironically - the girl that was next to me was coincidentally related to an original owner of Luca Brasi’s Deli on First Street. She said (my brother, husband, boyfriend - I forget) “He makes this at home - and it tastes essentially the same. VERY good!” So that my friends, says a lot about the quality of the cheese at Zebu Forno’s!!!

Other important Zebu Forno notes:

• Since opening six-months ago - they never had delivery. If it hasn’t started already, you should be able to order anything - including pizza, via delivery!!
• The coffee was amazing. All coffee is supplied by Kobrick’s Coffee over in Jersey City (on the Hoboken border.) Their house blend is a custom 5-bean mix that is exclusive to Zebu Forno - and you HAVE to try the Coconut Cream flavor - addictive!
• They also serve soup (with fresh bread). One recipe that interested me was the “Baja Chicken” which has a little “kick” apparently. I will try that the first sub 50-degree day this fall/winter.
• They make practically everything in house - with the exception of some of the crumb cakes. Try the raspberry version. They had one out for sampling the second time I was there… again - addictive!!!
• Free Wi-Fi in the entire establishment, and several small LCD TV’s - you can even watch the games there, if you so choose!

Conclusion

The restaurant (or “place” or “cafe” or “establishment”) is still in their first year, but I got a “warm and fuzzy” feeling being there. Sure, it’s not a standard restaurant type business - but you always have a “you’re welcome here” impression when you walk in.

Not only is the owner an obviously dedicated and caring person, the staff is very friendly and accommodating. I perceived that they all enjoyed working there, and had a “team” mentality. A HUGE PLUS when I choose what places to become a “regular” at.

On top of the “grand slam” plain slice, cheese danish and great coffee - there are a host of other enticing items I’d like to sample. The quiche looks amazing, the soup sounds mouth-watering, and the plethora of sinful treats they have will certainly have me coming back for more trials.

The one crappy thing about Zebu Forno is the location. Mind you it’s essentially downtown, near the PATH and by the waterfront (Pier A Park). But the off-set nature of the building makes it hard to “stand out.” Additionally, it’s not necessarily on a “beaten path” that many pedestrians take on a regular basis. Luckily they’ll survive with the corporate building across the street - the upcoming W Hotel - and hopefully, this down to earth positive review on Hoboken411!

Please - if you haven’t tried them yet - give it a shot soon. If you have to pick one of three things, here they are in order: Plain pizza, Cheese danish or a cup of coffee.

Good luck Jeff and Zebu Forno!!!

4/8/2008 Update:

Hoboken411 reader “CWebs” sent a few pics in, and tried the pizza so far. Here’s his initial first reaction: “Good, though a little dry and pricey. The food in general looks good and is baked/made on the premises.”

Others have had some good reviews too. See the comments section for more.

4/3/2008:

A few days late of making in within “Q1 2008,” Zebu Forno is now open! Check it out at 110 River Street.

Hoboken Zebu Forno opens

Zebu Forno, the European-style bakery and cafe, has opened its third New Jersey location in Hoboken.

The Hoboken Zebu Forno opens each day at 7:00 a.m., and closes at 10:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Zebu Forno’s menu includes fresh-baked breads, muffins, bagels, and pastries; breakfast sandwiches; omelets; homemade soups; handmade thin-crust and Focaccia pizzas; Panini sandwiches, wraps and other hot and cold sandwiches served on home-baked breads; fresh salads; quiche; gelato; fresh fruit cups; espresso drinks; a variety of coffees and teas; and a soft drink selection that includes Boylan’s soda on tap. All menu items and baked goods are available for takeout, augmented by a selection of pastas, sauces, olive oils, other grocery items, and Zebu mugs and accessories that are merchandised throughout the store. Catering services are also available.

With its oven and baking preparation area situated at the front of the store to allow patrons and passersby to view the baking process first-hand, the new cafe incorporates the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that Zebu Forno has become known for. Seating for 56 patrons is offered at conventional tables, stool-height tables and at groupings of Indonesian roll back leather easy chairs.

Walls are adorned with original murals by New Jersey artist Gregg Hinlicky, including a major piece celebrating great artists of the past, all with ties to New Jersey or New York. The work features the likenesses of Aaron Douglas, Mark Rothko, Alfred Stieglitz, John Sloan, Alex Raymond, Roy Lichtenstein, Lee Krasner, Winslow Homer, Frederick Church, and Tamara de Lempicka. Numbered guides to the artists depicted on the murals are provided on colorful bookmarks available at the counter.

The eclectic atmosphere is rounded out by such features as rustic wood plank floors, a ceiling design that is two-thirds exposed, low voltage track lighting, exposed brick walls, flat screen TVs, satellite music, and free Wi-Fi.

While Jeff Gallucci and other family members will take an active role in all aspects of the Hoboken Zebu, the cafe’s day-to-day operations will be directed by general manager Danielle Kapner, formerly a pastry sous chef for four years at the Gotham Bar and Grill in New York City. She will lead a team of 15 to 20 full- and part-time employees.

“We are excited to introduce Zebu’s great food, drink and relaxed atmosphere to Hoboken,” said Jeff Gallucci. “Residents of this vibrant city and daytime workers will find Zebu a perfect place to gather for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or unwind for mid-afternoon or late-night snacks. And for those heading to the PATH, ferry or any of the nearby office buildings, we also offer the ability to grab a quick cup of coffee, bagel, muffin or pastry to-go. We look forward to greeting our new neighbors in the weeks ahead.”

3/3/2008 Update:

Zebu Forno is slowly progressing. They have four weeks left to meet their Q1 2008 deadline for opening.

Thanks to “cwebs” for today’s biz pic updates!

11/6/2007:

Replacing the defunct Saladworks that couldn’t last despite being smack dab in front of a giant office building, is Zebu Forno. The Marineview Plaza trio of storefronts will once again be complete, as they join Citibank and Subway along the strip that faces the J. Wiley headquarters. Expect them to be open by Spring 2008.

Hoboken marks their third location, on top of the original in Red Bank, and another in Holmdel. It’s owned and operated by Gallucci Associates, who’s previous work includes Balducci’s and Dean & Deluca.

Zebu Forno’s bakery and cafe offers “fresh-baked breads, muffins, bagels, and pastries; breakfast sandwiches; omelets; homemade soups; Panini sandwiches, wraps and other hot and cold sandwiches served on home-baked breads; handmade thin-crust pizzas; fresh salads; quiche; gelato; fresh fruit cups; espresso drinks; a variety of coffees and teas; and a soft drink selection that includes Boylan’s soda on tap. All menu items are available for takeout, augmented by a selection of fresh-baked goods, Zebu travel mugs and other branded items merchandised throughout the stores.”

See the Zebu Forno website for more information.

Tags: Bakery, Cafe, Hoboken, Zebu Forno