Mod Cup Coffee graces Hoboken with tasty java!

Do you love coffee as much as we do here at Hoboken411? Well be prepared for a treat when you encounter the Mod Cup Coffee Truck!

The latest member of the brigade of mobile food vendors in Hoboken, Mod Cup “microbatch coffee roasters” are definitely worth checking out.

I spent some time with owner Travas and his partner Justin last week, and was amazed at their passion for the craft of coffee roasting and brewing. They take this art very seriously (in a fun way of course), and is way beyond what you’d expect. (See him describe Mod Cup in his own words after the break!)

For one, they will pummel you with facts about the whole coffee industry, how to achieve the best flavor, the differences in beans, the brewing process and much more. It’s completely worth paying them a visit to experience that first hand. Take my word for it, a pleasurable experience for sure. This cart will be around town during the warmer months – rain or shine, as it’s convertible with an umbrella-like awning that can be installed. Naturally it wasn’t necessary during the nice day I hung out with them.

Mod Cup is Hoboken’s first mobile coffee roaster!

Additionally, they bought a retro 1969 Citroen van, which is currently “in the shop,” getting retrofitted to become an actual mobile coffee roasting truck. Their goal, hopefully, is to get other local businesses to carry their hand-crafted selections of beans and roasts. Also available on their cart is “concentrated” brewed coffee, which you can take home and enjoy at a convenient time.

You can get slow-brewed coffee (either hot or iced), as well as espresso and even teas. They’ll gladly offer you samples before you order.

One thing the customers will need to be aware of though (and this might pose a challenge to the Mod Cup guys as well), is that this is NOT your usual cup of coffee, say from McDonald’s, a Hoboken diner, Dunkin’ Donuts or even Starbucks for that matter. This is sort of the way coffee was meant to be made and consumed.

The flavors are rich, deep and sophisticated. Upon first taste, one might even think something is wrong with it (especially if they normally drink crappy piss-water). I had an iced Americano – and it practically knocked me off my feet by the complexity. Not a drink you “chug” whatsoever. Small sips. The “finish” stays for a very long time. At first I was a bit worried because of my own Starbucks addiction, but by the time I finished later in the day, they had already won me over.

Good luck, Mod Cup!

Description: Mod Cup Microbatch Coffee Roasters.
Address: Varies (follow them for updates)
Online: modcup.com – Twitter

Click to read even more about Mod Cup!

Technorati Tags: coffee, coffee roasters, Coffee Truck, Espresso, fresh coffee, Hoboken, Lunch Truck, microbatch, mobile vendor, mod cup, New Jersey, NJ, Tea

The Bacon Truck coming to Hoboken, NJ!

Bacon – whether by lunch truck, brick & mortar or hot air balloon – is God’s gift to the world of humans! And almost straight from the heavens we have The Bacon Truck, coming soon to Hoboken!

Owner Jeff Pinette dreamed up this business which is quite unique. Not because they focus on Bacon, but pork-related treats from “responsible hog-friendly” farmers located in the northeast.

Another great thing about The Bacon Truck (beside the bacon) is the fact that they’re anti-GMO. We won’t get into that now, but the drums are beating louder against modified foods just for the sake of corporate profits.

Jeff said, “The Bacon Truck supports sustainability and responsible practices. Over time, The Bacon Truck will establish connections with farmers who take pride in working hard to resist a system that taints our food every day. They overcome obstacles and industrialized process to bring you the best food. As a mobile vendor, we are thrilled to carry their product to places they normally wouldn’t able to reach. As a result, you get the best quality – actually getting food the way it was supposed to be. Even more profoundly? It’s served with Bacon!”

Good luck, and we cannot wait for bacon! Stay tuned!

Description: Bacon, pork and everything in-between. From local responsible farmers.
Address: Varies – check online for latest.
Phone: (860)368-9342
Online: Facebook

Technorati Tags: Awesome Bacon, Hoboken, Jeff Pinette, local farms, New Jersey, NJ, non-GMO, The Bacon Truck, The Bacon Truck Hoboken, The Bacon Truck NJ

Little Town NJ – official grand opening April 18th

Located on the gorgeous Hudson River waterfront at 310 Sinatra Drive – Little Town NJ is set to officially be open on Thursday, April 18th – starting at lunch (11am).

Had a chance to get a preview of the menu over at Little Town NJ this week. Here’s our 60 second review:

• Little Town Rice Balls: A Jersey twist on the mundane. Risotto, taylor ham, American cheese, seasonings fried crisp. They said this is by far their number one favorite item on the menu so far. Hit the spot!
• LT Grilled Oysters: These had tremendous flavor – and I avoid seafood, so that means a lot.
• Frankie’s Clams: Clams over linguini done the the way “Ole’ Blue Eyes” would have eaten them. Had a nice kick to the sauce too.
• Grilled Eggplant Caprese: Their homemade mutz at Little Town rivals the best in Hoboken. On the saltier side, was packed with flavor and the pesto sauce was a subtle touch along with the balsamic.
• Hackensack Sliders: If you long for the taste of hamburger sliders like White Manna in Hackensack, these are for you. Only much better!
• Deep Fried Oreos: I’ve never had these in my life. All I can say is I was blown away. Once a year indulgence for me. Tip: Kindly ask the server for a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance this experience.

What else is happening at Little Town NJ in Hoboken?

For one, check out their menus:

• Little Town NJ Lunch Menu
• Little Town NJ Dinner Menu

They have a wide array of offerings, while sourcing much of the tasty food right here in the Garden State.

I’m looking forward to trying their wings, tenderloin and chicken savoy dishes!

They’ll also offer weekday happy hour specials from 11am to 8pm – which is a bonus.

Starting at the end of April will be the “Farm to Table” Buffet Brunch – Saturdays and Sundays from 9am till 3pm. All you can eat buffet (again from local NJ farmers, etc) for $22.95. Not bad!

Want to reserve a space for your next party or event? Just email NJ@littletown.com and they’ll take care of you. You can also call (201)716-7070 for more information.

Enjoy the newest hot spot in Hoboken!

Flashback: Hoboken411 and the owners took a three day tour of New Jersey back in 2012 to find the best!

Read all the recaps here: Day One – Day Two – Day Three. Also Chris Manzo and Albie Manzo – who live above at 333 River Street are part owners of this establishment.

Click to see previous Little Town NJ updates…

Technorati Tags: (201)716-7070, 310 Sinatra Drive, Albie Manzo, April 18, bar, Caroline Manzo, Chris Manzo, Grand Opening, Hoboken, Little Town, Little Town New Jersey, Little Town NJ, Little Town NY, Local Drink, Local Fare, Manzo Brothers, New Jersey, NJ, quays, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Restaurant

Blue Ribbon Liquors opens again in Hoboken after Hurricane Sandy

Here’s another post Hurricane Sandy update about a friendly neighborhood liquor store & bodega from Hoboken411 reader Katharine:

“With so many closings after Super Nightmare Sandy, I was thrilled to see Blue Ribbon open back up last week. I’m genuinely excited that our neighborhood store is back open.

They had a hard run and for a while it looked like it was closed for good from the flooding and damage. The family that runs it is truly lovely and the wine options are better than some liquor stores (I’m looking at you, Hoboken Discount Liquors). They now have new floors, fridges and freezers fully stocked with the standard bodega meets yuppies rations.

It was great to hear a steady stream of “Congratulations” from other customers while I was finding my wine.”

We stopped by a few days ago to snap these photos – and picked up a bottle of Malbec for only $5.99! Good prices indeed! Welcome back to the ‘hood, Blue Ribbon!

Description: Blue Ribbon Liquors, beer, wine, and more. Neighborhood bodega.
Address: 450 1st St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Telephone: (201) 792-2294

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Technorati Tags: (201)792-2294, 450 1st St., Blue Ribbon, Blue Ribbon Liquors, Hoboken, hoboken411.com, Liquors, New Jersey, NJ, reviews

Studio Z Salon closes uptown Hoboken NJ location

Well – it seems that Hurricane Sandy dealt another jab to the Hoboken economy.

While Studio Z Salon was seemingly doing great (with a 2nd location downtown at 80 Hudson St.) – the spot uptown is suddenly vacant. They mentioned in early November 2012 that they would be “renovating” the 1200 Grand location, but it doesn’t look like much is going on in this spot at the moment. In fact, the doors are not only LOCKED, but chained up as well.

Hoboken411 reader AustinPowers said it might not have been voluntary:

“Last week, some signs appeared on the windows, one that said “Studio Z has not paid rent in a year – shame on you.” Doors were locked up on the outside. Very strange, had just been in there the previous week, and was enjoying the good service that Amy gave. There were indications that they lost a lot of business after the hurricane.”

Ah, the fragile business climate here in Hoboken. Studio Z Salon here one day – gone the next. Hopefully their downtown spot is running more smoothly!

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Technorati Tags: Beauty Parlor, closed, Doomed, hair salon, Hoboken, Hurricane Sandy, Studio Z, Uptown

FURgeddaboutit Hoboken Dog Walking & Pet Services

I’ve known a lot of dog walkers in Hoboken over the years. Most of the time, you’ll find that they’re all pretty average, with some fringe cases where they’re not so good, and then the ones that stand out as exceptional.

The traits that exceptional dog walkers typically have in common is true passion and love for dogs. Not just passing the time or trying to make a “quick buck.”

Hoboken Realtor Maria Soprano has been involved with dogs for many years (including working with Liberty Humane), and she has started FURgeddaboutit Hoboken Dog Walking and Pet Services. She is one of those exceptional dog lovers and is undoubtedly a reliable care-person for your four-legged friends!

Read more below!

Passionate Hoboken pooch-lovers at FURgeddaboutit dog walking

Maria Soprano classifies herself as a true animal lover (and owner as well.) Born and raised in Hoboken, she’s had pets all her life… Dogs, cats, turtles, hamsters – even a pigeon!

She has over 3 years of professional walking experience (she’s bonded and insured), and has spent over 7 years involved with Liberty Humane. As far as her future aspirations, Maria said “My dream and goal is to eventually open a non-profit animal rescue charity. I’d love to have the opportunity to rescue animals that have been neglected or abused.”

“We can help you with all your pet needs whether you’re looking for daily dog walks, pet sitting, cat sitting, dog boarding, overnight in-home pet sitting, vet or grooming visits whatever it is, we will take care of you and your pet. If you require a special service which is not listed here, just let us know and we will be more than happy to accommodate your pet’s needs.”

Maria also doesn’t walk your dogs in large groups (unless the customer requests it), and will assign a dedicated walker for your dog. Not a whole impersonal gang of different walkers like other companies in Hoboken. This also will improve any security liabilities in your apartment. She rigorously vets out her walkers (background checks), and has established FURgeddaboutit company procedures they must follow.

FURgeddabout it also has online scheduling for their clients as well – with daily notes and other notable info about your pet (poops, incidents, etc.) Rates are inline with the local area standard, and she also offers sitting services as well. Check her out at www.furgeddaboutit.com or call her at (201)401-1509.

Description: Dog walking, pet sitting and other pet services. Cats included.
Address: Hoboken, NJ area
Online: www.furgeddaboutit.com
Phone: (201)401-1509

Technorati Tags: dog walking, FURgeddaboutit, Hoboken, Liberty Humane Society, Maria Soprano, New Jersey, NJ, Pet Services, Pet Sitting, Pets