Story of My Life - New Jersey

So being back in Jersey City was definitely breathtaking. I got to see the snow fall where my family still lives after all these years, walk along the Hudson where our house hovers and breathe the air that I longed for this past year in Korea. There have been many changes to the area, mostly upgrades, but the best part is being able to still find the same spots that I longed for since moving to Korea.

One of my ultimate favorite breakfast spots is Wonder Bagels, on Sip Ave, but of course there's one right by my house on 440 and Danforth now. Wonder Bagels bakes up the freshest breads and pastries to be served everyday. They cater to a pool of workers and attract the noses and taste buds of all ages. Nothing explains the texture and smell of the classic bagel with cream cheese at Wonder Bagels! Everyone knows how hard it is to get a good bagel in Korea so being able to get an EVERYTHING bagel was amazing. Toasted with cream cheese to perfection.

In addition to great bagels, Filipino food in Jersey City is amazing. The food is literally just home cooked with different dishes everyday at my two favorite places: The Philippine Bread House by Dickinson High School on Newark Ave and Rowena's on West Side Ave. There is just so much to choose from with fresh breads, BBQ skewers, and of course stewed goodies.

Another well recognized location in the are is Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken. Carlo's Bakery always has a line for the famous fourth generation baker, Buddy on Cake Boss of TLC. Recognized for his funny goofy attitude and great Italian pastries, locals and tourists wait on lines that can be two blocks long just to sample his deliciousness.

Being back home meant that I had to take a visit to Rutgers, where a lot of memories of food are held. If you are familiar with the area, the number one thing that stands out to you is fat sandwiches from the Grease Trucks. Of course, there are a ton of Grease Trucks now, but nothing beats the original RU Hungry? That is the one place to get a fat sandwich (sandwich stuffed with all sorts of fried goodies and topped with a sauce) from. I am definitely considering bringing this concept to Korea just because it is AMAZING.

A few of the other popular locations in the Rutgers area includes Noodle Gourmet (for Chinese food), Thomas' Sweets (for ice cream and chocolates), and my ultimate favorite, I's Cafe (for bubble tea). Iris makes the best bubble tea in town and is always offering deals and discounts. She beats out the others by mixing all sorts of different teas and flavors together. She's not scared to experiment and is the most friendliest boba bar tender I have met thus far! Nothing beats a quick conversation with a tea specialist that pretty much remembers your favorites, even after all these years of not visiting!

One last location in the Jersey area that is worth mentioning is Sushi Palace, an all you can eat sushi buffet. The difference of this sushi buffet compared to others is that they allow you to order everything fresh rather having it sit out for a while. The best part is that Sushi Palace does not limit that things that you can order. Most all you can eat sushi restaurants only allows for you to order an unlimited amount of sushi, but Sushi Palace includes appetizers, sushi, sashimi, and desserts! Nothing beats a full-on unlimited amount of Japanese food.

Although many may not be a fan of the Jersey area and don't believe it to be recognized for much, is is one place to take a visit if you are in the New York area for the well-recognized foods and shopping. You sure will be able to save on luxury items because of the difference in tax! I sure stacked up on that prior to coming back to Korea!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Carlos Bakery

Carlo's Bakery of Hoboken, New Jersey, is known for the show Cake Boss on TLC. Furthermore, the Italian bakery has been around since 1970, famous for the freshly baked Italian baked goods and Buddy Valastro, fourth generation baker. 

Carlo's Bakery is a short walk, located two blocks from the Hoboken Path station along the main road of Washington. When walking to the bakery, you can barely miss it because there is practically always a line outside, many times reaching the next block. I definitely got lucky today with just small a line inside the bakery. The best part for locals is being able to skip the line and ordering goods, be sure to have your ID ready to show for though. 

Because there is so much hype behind the bakery, I was definitely excited to try it. I admit the cakes are extremely appealing and looks delicious, but I am a bit disappointed with the taste. I was warned prior to entering the bakery. I decided to take the risk anyway because I was already there and didn't have to wait in line. 

For a bakery in Hoboken, pricing may seem to be a little high, eight bucks for a cupcake, brownie and a cookie. I am definitely a fan of icing on a cupcake, but Carlo's Bakery uses whipped cream, with the exception of beautifully designed cupcakes. I ordered the chocolate peanut butter cupcake which has very minimal peanut butter taste other than the peanut butter cup that is placed on top. I feel that the baked goods are average, but everyone goes because of the hype of the show. I have yet to try the Italian pastries and I highly doubt I will return if there is a line just to try their other baked goods.