Tasting My Way Through Bloomfield
Photographed by Hillary Shope
Nestled between Newark and Montclair, Bloomfield has been on the rise as a vibrant community celebrating history, culture and good food. Edible Jersey experienced a taste via a recent food tour. Here’s some of what we saw, who we met and what we ate!
One Saturday earlier this summer, I laced up my walking shoes, slathered on some sunscreen, and attended Bloomfield Center Alliance’s (BCA) Food Tour (with 30 other hungry and excited folks!)
The event was led by foodie-herself, Emily Manz, president of EMI Strategy, a boutique firm specializing in events, strategies, and research for economic development and tourism, with the main goal of driving commerce to small businesses downtown. Emily hosts food tours, this one in partnership with Bloomfield Center Alliance, a non-profit community development organization that, according to its website, “manages the downtown Business District for the benefit of the merchants, business owners and residents of Bloomfield”.
Downtown Bloomfield is literally blooming (get it?!) with storefronts, restaurants, and shops opening on every corner. I really enjoyed getting to meet the owners and/or chefs at each location because it was a chance to hear from those most passionate about the food they are bringing to the community.
If you haven’t already, I really encourage you to try new restaurants in your neighborhood, support local chefs, and try something you’ve never had before. Life is full of so much flavor, and with it comes an opportunity to learn about the culture and history of every cuisine (and maybe even make a friend along the way!)
7 Doors Down Ramen Co
271 Glenwood Ave.,
Bloomfield
BYOB, does serve mocktails
@7doordownramen
Our first stop along the tour was actually one of Bloomfield’s newest additions - 7 Doors Down Ramen Co, which serves Nikkei food, a cuisine that combines Peruvian flavors with Japanese techniques.
7 Doors opened in May of this year. Lawrence Talis is Executive Chef and Luis Blasini is Head Chef. The tasting included Coconut Shrimp Bao Buns, topped with spicy mayo, cured cabbage, pickled chili and scallion (all of which was ridiculously good) and Papas A La Huancaina, a beautiful bowl of crispy, fried potatoes, sharp cheddar, aged parmesan, aji amarillo (a Peruvian Chili paste), black olive and saltine. I loved both dishes so I recommend you try both, but there’s something extra special about the uniqueness/saltiness of the Papas A La Huancaina.
If you’re looking for a special dining experience, they have four counter seats for $100 per person, which come with a seven-course meal of whatever the chef decides to make that day! First come, first served.
Heading into 7 Doors Down Ramen Co for the first tasting
Coconut Shrimp Bao Buns
Papas A La Huancaina
Bucco
61 Washington St.
Bloomfield
BYOB
@buccorestaurantbloomfield
Next up was Bucco, a delicious Italian American Kitchen and restaurant legacy that’s been passed down generations at different locations. We enjoyed Bucco’s outdoor dining and relished the shade under their cheerful red umbrellas. At this stop, we had eggplant rollatini and a four-cheese fried rice ball. Owners Frank Bucco and Jennifer DenBoer opened Bucco in Bloomfield in April 2019. Prior to that, Bucco’s father ran the restaurant in Clifton for two decades.
Ollyn Lettman, Executive Director of Bloomfield Center Alliance, talks about Downtown Bloomfield while we enjoy Bucco’s outdoor seating
Eggplant Rollatini & Four Cheese Fried Rice Ball
After enjoying every last bite of homemade italian (and leaving absolutely no trace of the delicious marinara sauce on my plate), it was time for a refreshment. We made our way down the street, toward Bloomfield College, an absolutely stunning campus, and popped into SO JUICY!
SO JUICY!
24 Broad St.
Bloomfield
@sojuicybloomfield
SO JUICY! is a new restaurant in Bloomfield specializing in hibatchi, poke bowls, seafood and bubble teas. Vinnie Liu, founder of So Juicy, opened the restaurant in January of this year and since then it’s been serving up an extensive menu, making it a great destination if you’re dining with a large group.
I enjoyed a Strawberry Fruit Tea, but they had tons of other offerings, including Dirty Brown Sugar Milk Tea, Caramel Milk Tea and more. Food-wise, we enjoyed a sampling of some of their poke ingredients (like crab, seaweed, and shrimp), stuffed nicely into fried pockets similar to pita bread but thinner.
Our sampling at SO JUICY!
Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House
409 Franklin Street
Bloomfield
Serves seasonal cocktails & beer
@bloomfieldsteakhouse
Our last and final stop was Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House. We enjoyed our tasting on their outdoor patio as a band was setting up for an afternoon of live music. We ate their empanadas, made of flaky pastry filled with beef, cheese, and spices with a spicy chipotle mayo dipping sauce (YUM). After eating all afternoon, I wasn’t sure I’d have room for the last stop, but lo and behold, I had absolutely no problem housing it.
Beef Empanadas. Photo Courtesy: Emily Manz, EMI Strategy
Attendees enjoying food while listening in to learn about the history of the restaurant
This food tour was such a fun experience. Emily and Ollyn offered helpful insight during the tour and the restaurants were fantastic. This was only a tiny taste of what Bloomfield has to offer, so I can’t wait to go back.
Interested in learning more about upcoming activities? Check out what Bloomfield has to offer:
@placecelebrating
@bloomfieldcenter
Editor’s Note: Food tours are a wonderful way to explore, experience, and taste the Garden State. Usually led by a guide who lives in, or is exceptionally familiar with, the area, the tours offer a unique opportunity to meet chefs, restaurateurs and food/beverage artisans and learn about a destination’s history and culture while enjoying wonderful cuisine. A number of tour companies throughout NJ offer tours year ‘round in Jersey City, Newark, Asbury Park, Lambertville, Collingswood and everywhere in between. You’ll find a few of our favorites at www.NJFoodTourTrail.com. Travel - and eat! - like a local!
