The first words often spoken about Maritime Parc are about its off the beaten path, yet spectacular location. For me it was a dark and stormy night, to cold to linger outside, so my first impression was the chic inviting bar. I was happy to warm up with a well made Bourbon cocktail.
Off to a good start, of what became a very special evening, that did include winding roads, spectacular views, and also an amazing Chef Tasting with paired wines that we will not soon forget.
Whether you get here by boat, car, cab or light rail, Maritime Parc is really worth the trip.
An invite to a press dinner was not to be ignored so on a quiet Friday evening Diana and I joined friends in the media to experience Executive Chef/Owner Chris Siversen’s culinary creations. He and his very accomplished staff are exceptional.
As I said the night started with cocktails from the bar, which are all named after shipwrecks that still sit below in nearby waters. The creator is Greg Seider, owner and bartender at the East Village’s popular Summit Bar.
Mine, called the Undaunted, was made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Bitter Truth Apricot cordial and Lemon juice. Very fine, went down too easy.Also sipped the Brunette, with Pear Hanger One vodka, Raspberry Hanger One Riesling, 'Classique', 2011 by Domaine Paul Blanckodka, Sileni Sauvignon Blanc, Passion Fruit, Agave, and topped with Ginger Ale.
Your dinner at Maritime will always start with freshly baked bread and a medley of pickled vegetables of the season, compliments of the chef.
Tonight we had pungent Beets with sauteed Shallots, fresh Parsley and Feta Cheese. Served with Pasqua Prosecco Brut from Treviso, Italy.
Following this was an elaborate and sumptious tasting menu paired with perfect wines.
First the fish. Maritime Parc is a waterside restaurant first and foremost.
Hamachi Sushi/Carpaccio with Green Grapes, Yuzu and Chive Oil.
Served with Gyotaku by Domaine Mittnacht Freres an inspired Alsatian Cuvée of Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat Blanc, Pinot Grigio made to be enjoyed with Sushi and Sashimi.
Hot Smoked Salmon,Corn Bilini with Horseradish Cream and Pickled Mustard Seed.
The wine Riesling, 'Classique', 2011 by Domaine Paul Blanck et Fils. Another fine wine from an Alsatian producer we love, with roots back to the 17th Century. A lovely wine.
Black Cod, Lobster Fingerling Potato Hash in a delicate yet flavorsome sauce.
Poured was a delightful Chablis Premier Cru by Vincent Dampt 'Cote de Lechet' 2010. The Dampt family has a long tradition of winemakers, in fact both Vincent's father, Daniel Dampt, and grandfather, Jean Defaix, also own highly-regarded estates in Chablis.
Maritime is on land so of course we had some meat.
Braised Kung Bao Style Pork Belly , with Sake and Soy, Peanuts, Butternut Squash, and Honey.
Served with a magnificent Veramonte Ritual Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir 2010, a vivacious wine from Chile, that earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Local Sea Scallops, Braised Short Ribs with a French Sauce Gribiche
With Primus Carmenere 2010 from the fertile Colchagua Valley, Chile, South America. These Chilean wines got me very excited about this region again. Outstanding.
Showing no mercy, two signature potato dishes were brought to the table. It would be impolite not to try them. So we did.
Maritime Parc Famous Fries, Duck Fat Fries with Garlic and Parsley. Bet you can't eat just one.
Mashed Potato Doughnuts, oh boy....
And of course the desserts, by artful pastry chef, Elizabeth Katz, were amazing. Here are two of the six we enjoyed.
The team of Maritime Parc is devoted to local ingredients and with dessert they served this lovely ice wine, a Vidal Blanc, from award winning New Jersey vineyard, Tomasello Winery.
The action is alive in the open kitchen.
While a peaceful calm prevails in the dining room.
If I were to have one word for executive chef, Chris Siversen's, food I would say "SENSUAL." In discussing his approach Chris expressed that he likes to stand back and let the food speak for itself. While I think this is true to some extent, I would say he is a vigorous coach, inspiring his well sourced ingredients to be absolutely all they can be.
If location,location,location has anything to do with the restaurant business then Maritime Parc has a tremendous advantage. Granted you can only really get here by car, cab or boat. Actually it is also a 10 minute walk from the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, not recommended in heals. But once there the view of lower Manhattan is nothing short of breathtaking.
The thing, that is just one small part of the story. There are pleny of places with great views, that I would frequent. But the chef and staff at Maritime Parc make it a destination you will find yourself wanting to go to again. If nothing else for a drink and small bite after a walk or ride around Liberty State Park.
84 Audrey Zapp Drive
Liberty State Park
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Winter Restaurant Hours:
Mon – Wed | Closed
Thurs – Sat | 5:30 – 10pm
Sunday Brunch | 11:30am – 5pm
"A green oasis in the middle of Metropolitan northern New Jersey. With the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, Liberty State Park is one of the state's most dramatic parks." Liberty State Park
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
Man these dishes look great. I've got some serious hunger pangs right now. But thanks for posting this, my friend is starting this really cool pub and is looking to get a brew pub license in California to get it going.
Posted by: Steve Lockwood | 03/01/2013 at 11:40