third time's the CHARM : Hard Grove Cafe

RER 7.6.13

We took another go at the Cuban restaurant, Hard Grove Café in Jersey City for a date over this heatwave weekend. This time it was early, we were not desperately hungry, and it was hot. Last time, was a second chance (take a peek at what I had to say) and my first adult adventure there is recorded on yelp. This time was most comfortable. It was not crowded or loud, but it was just right. We could talk over the Spanish music, and we could hear isolated conversations of other guests, but it was nothing we could not handle.

RER 7.6.13

We ordered two drinks: One, a beautifully colorful and sweet mango mojito, decorated with a lovely pale stalk of sugar cane. Two, a less interesting looking coconut rum infused lemonade, garnished with only a wedge of lime.

RER 7.6.13

For an appetizer, we stuck to what we loved, the codfish cake fritters. They are crunchy, fatty, salty and fishy, all in a good way. The cakes are absolutely delicious with a dousing of fresh lemon juice and a tiny tiny bit of tartar sauce. For some reason this time the fritters were even better than I remember. A great start.

RER 7.6.13

Because of my indecision, the server helped me chose my dinner, and we landed on the “catch of the day,” which that day was tilapia. I opted for the fish lightly breaded and baked with onions and peppers; the server said this was best, only it wasn’t. It had no flavor whatsoever, the fish was just white, flaky fish with no feeling or love. The peppers and onions were salty and buttery, but not even enough to compensate for the lack luster fish. Good thing the rice and beans had some life (and my boyfriend is a doll and switched plates with me).

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He ordered the mofongo with pork pieces. We have had mofongo before, and pork pieces as well, but somehow that night at Hard Grove, we got the best of both worlds. The display was mildly difficult; the smashed seasoned plantains came in a towering wooden vessel, pilón, while the tender pork bites with sharp white onion came in another little pot. There was not even enough room on the plate to mix the two and combine the flavors before putting it in our mouths. Both were delicious and flavorful, trying to make up for the lost tilapia. The pork was juicy and fatty, drenched in juices with a little tang. And the mofongo was garlicky and chunky, creating a starchy counter to the fatty meat.

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Even though this was a better experience—the food was better, the environment was better—I still feel like Hard Grove was lagging. The service was a little slow, but nice. They took forever to clear off our dirty dishes, which is a pet peeve of mine. But our server was really nice, answering all our questions and making inquiries about drinks. Overall, it is much better to go to Hard Grove earlier in the evening, especially on the weekends if you are looking to eat and not to party. I have a feeling I will be back there again...

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7.8.13

RER 7.6.13