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I’m a true lover of all things Parisian – the waft of a fine fragrance, the scent of smoke from freshly rolled cigarettes, the gathering of friends, and of course, endless glasses of fine wine. To me there’s something truly beautiful about a dimly lit room filled with careless whispers – murmures insouciants – laughter, and of course, cheese. So in my longing to relive my nights spent in Paris, I am constantly on the hunt to find places that embody that je ne sais quoi – that certain something – evoking warm French fuzzies. I am happy to report that Jersey City does not disappoint on that front and you can most certainly step out your front door and find yourself instantly transported 2,600 miles away. These are my top picks:

Third and Vine

Located in the heart of The Village on 3^rd St., you enter through an unmarked door and are immediately enveloped into a warm and welcoming environment. This charming spot serves a wide array of wines – yellow, pink or purple – and the menu changes often reflecting a diverse selection from around the globe. They currently have a Refošk on the menu that while not French, is certainly delicious and goes down quite smooth with a little effervescence.

In addition to wine, there is cheese, lots of cheese, and charcuterie. Jamie the Fromager does an excellent job providing distinct choices with equally unique accouterment. Like the wine, the cheese menu changes often, and you don’t need to be a cheese expert to order. Jamie is happy to assist and you will surely be delighted. If you’re in the mood for something a little more, Chef Lynn will fill your belly with his fresh baked mac and cheese served in a cocotte, or his spicy duck grilled cheese with Gruyere. The meatballs atop polenta are equally as addictive and reminiscent of Buvette in Pigalle.

Third and Vine is great for a date or fun to just hang with friends, or even by yourself. I’m there at least once a week and always leave excited for my return.

Madame Claude Bis

Madame Claude’s is a Jersey City institution from the original BYOB café to the wine shop in Hamilton Park. The French owners, husband and wife, Mattias and Alice, bring rustic French charm in their more recently opened location Madame Claude Bis on 4^th St. Everything here is unequivocally French from the dark, idyllic interior with chalkboard signs to the cocktail and wine list.

One of the signature cocktails appropriately titled The Madame is served warm and contains Absinthe, orange bitters, honey, lemon juice and cinnamon and is sure to carry you off into the 1920s in Paris with Picasso, Hemingway, and Fitzgerald by your side. The house wines are also on point and a served from a wood barrel on tap. You can order a glass or carafe of blanc, rouge or rosé.

One of the best features of Madame Claude’s is the bread and butter. And what I am really saying here is the BUTTER. The butter takes you to a different dimension with that first sweet, creamy bite, and will certainly have you globbing it onto your bread. I highly recommend asking for some even if only partaking in cocktails. Trust me.

Thursday night features live music with jazz band Manouche Bag. Come order some wine, or a lot of wine, eat some mussels and a crepe – La Gratinée aux Champignon for me – and have a great time.

PS Wine Bar

Newest to the JC scene, PS Wine Bar is in the basement of Pet Shop. Serving natural wines from independent farmers, like Azienda Agricola Rapillo, an organic farm in Italy. I tried the Rosso del Marito and then tried it again, just to be sure I liked it as much as the first glass. The vibe is dark and laidback with wood, exposed brick and velvet-adorned furniture. Perfect for times when you don’t want to be seen or want a scene.

PS Wine Bar is also offering some wine classes on natural wines with food pairings which could make for an educational and spirited night out.

So while Newark Ave. may not exactly be Rue Oberkampf, Jersey City is sure to satisfy your appetite for a taste of Paris nightlife.

There’s certainly something special about that first sip of a Bloody Mary. Whether you’ve got the uglies from reveling the night before, or you just want to brunch with the best of them, a good Bloody is essential. Everyone has there own way of preparing the cocktail, but the basics remain the same – vodka, tomato juice and combinations of other spices and flavors like Worcestershire, Tabasco, pickles, lemon, cayenne and horseradish.

I am a personal fan of the Bloody Mary and crave them pretty much on a weekly basis. Thankfully, a few of my favorites can be found right here in the great JC. So the next time you’re in need of a hangover cure or just want to indulge in savory, sweet, salty, sour, umami treat, check these out.

White Star on Brunswick offers two different types of Bloody Mary’s the classic and a pickled version. I like them equally for their complexity, uniqueness, and strength, and I will order both depending on my mood. They have a moderate density and a good ratio of tomato to vodka. The classic has a spicy kick with a nice blend of horseradish, whereas the pickled is a little more sweet and herbaceous from the pickle brine, but still has the tasty horseradish goodness.

Skinner’s Loft does not disappoint with a more traditional spicy Bloody Mary. This is an OG with a Tabasco kick. It is smooth and light in texture and goes does down a little too easy – you cant have just one.

Amelia’s is one of my favorite brunch spots to order in (it delivers perfectly and fast). However, when I do make it out of my apartment and into the bistro, it is usually for one of their $4 brunch Bloodys. They are spicy and awesomely priced. Pair these with the Lobster Hash or Shrimp and Grits and you are good to go.

Madame Claude’s stepped up their game when they acquired a new home across Brunswick and became Madame Claude Bis. Now fully adorned with a beautiful bar, their spicy Bloody Mary is one to not be missed. It is a medium texture and full of heat, sometimes they even come adorned with jalapeños.

Last, but not least, is Marco and Pepe. Marco and Pepe serves their Bloody Mary’s with Tito’s and their own house made mix. It is spicy and can be made spicier upon request. This was the first Bloody Mary I had in Jersey City, so I may be biased, but this is definitely one of my favorites. It is very light and thinner in texture. I love to add a squeeze of both lemon and lime, and order a few extra olives on the side.

And if leaving your cozy abode just seems too daunting, try making your own pitcher with my Bloody Mary recipe:

• 32 oz tomato juice (I like R .W. Knudsen Organic Tomato Juice)
• 2 cups vodka (Tito’s preferably)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons horseradish
• 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) hot pepper sauce (A&B American Style or Tapatio)
• 2 pinches salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup of pickle brine, olive juice or pepperoncini juice

In a large pitcher, stir together tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Garnish with your fav accouterments and serve over ice.

Cheers!

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