As a 10-year long Jersey City resident, I have explored just about every corner of the infamous waterfront, which boasts what many consider to be the best views of New York City. From the park bench-lined promenade of Exchange Place to the sprawling lawn of Liberty State Park, there are plenty of places to take in the Manhattan skyline, and what better way to enjoy it than with an Italian-inspired picnic?
A robust spread of meats, cheeses, salads, and wine pack and travel well, and are easily enjoyed without any need for extensive preparation or fancy utensils. Luckily, Jersey City is peppered with an excellent array of small purveyors who make and carry some of the best Italian provisions possible. I have rounded up my top picks for where and how to curate a serious spread for an aperitivo picnic at the promenade or in the park!
Van Hook Cheese & Grocery: I am always greeted with a big hello anytime I walk into this shop, which makes shopping for cheese that much sweeter! This friendly family-run Downtown cheese and grocery store is a one-stop-shop for building the superb salumi spread. Their extensive and always changing selection of cheeses, meats, and unique provisions keep me coming back several times a week. For an Italian-inspired picnic, Owner Carl Chastain recommends a hard cheese that will withstand warmer temperatures, like Trebbiano, a hay-wrapped Tuscan sheep’s milk cheese that reminds me of pecorino. For semi-soft and soft cheese fans, go for the Taleggio-style Quadrello di Bufala from Bergamo or the triple cream, velvety La Tur, All three pair perfectly with light and crisp summer and frizzante wines. Also not to miss is their sliced to order Pio Tosini prosciutto di Parma!
Van Hook cheese board (ph Stephanie Rizzolo)
Cangiano’s Marketplace: Continue down towards Hamilton Park for a quick stop at Cangiano’s Marketplace, another family-owned operation who is serving up prepared Italian foods, super-sized sandwiches, and pantry provisions. Stop at their deli counter and grab a still-warm ball of their fresh mozzarella, made in house daily. For a heartier aperitivo spread, don’t miss their prepared food case where you can stock up on olives, artichokes, and salads by the pound.
Riverview Wines: To round out your picnic, pop up to the Heights for a quick stop into Riverview Wines, a natural wine shop owned by Laura Marchetti. Her inviting corner shop is a neighborhood gem, carrying an impressive selection of Italian esoteric wines. For white wine drinkers, she recommends the fruity, slightly fizzy Passerina del Frusinate from the Lazio. For something drier and more assertive that pairs well with prosciutto and stronger cheeses, she reaches for a bottle of the Lambrusco Grasparossa from Emilia. Finally, for a wine that is near and dear to her heart, the Rosato di Sangiovese from Laura’s native Le Marche is the answer for rosé fans looking for something fun and fruity with a twist of seashell minerality that speaks to the region’s terroir.
Riverview Wines (ph Stephanie Rizzolo)
