A Taste of Portugal
Written: Sep 02 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very ethnic neighborhood, great food, interesting stores
Cons: Litter lines the streets
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| amor2filho's Full Review: Newark |
If anyone has ever had the desire to go to Portugal but you just can't seem to make the long trip, try going to the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey instead. The Ironbound section of Newark is a large ethnic neighborhood which is made up mostly of Portuguese people. A lot of them first generation. Ferry Street is the main strip which runs down the Ironbound section. It even has the nick name "Portugal Avenue.". In the summer months, there are festivals, feasts and parades especially attributed to the Portuguese heritage.
The reason for the name "Ironbound" is that this section of Newark (Zip Code 07105) is completely surrounded by train tracks. It also has the nick name "Down Neck" mainly used by the people who live there.
Before I met my husband, I thought of Newark as a large city that was know for being the stolen car capital of the world. I had only even been to Newark Airport. Being that my husband is from "Down Neck" and is 100% Portuguese, we went there a lot and he enjoyed showing me around. It's amazing how the Portuguese are fixing the city up. When I first started going there with my husband, there were a lot of abandoned warehouses. Now there are new European style houses going up everywhere!
The only complaints I have about the Ironbound section is that it is not kept clean. It's so disappointing to see garbage line the streets of an otherwise, lovely area. Also, you may see a homeless person or someone begging for change (but it's rare.) It is actually quite a safe neighborhood!
Ferry Street is easily accessible from Penn Station, Newark. Once you exit the "Raymond Blvd." side of the train station, make a right, cross Raymond Blvd., make your next left and you are at the beginning of Ferry Street. You will quickly notice how just about everything you see is Portuguese. From the banks, to the cafes, bakeries, stores and restaurants. Almost everywhere you go you will hear people speaking their native language.
The Portuguese restaurants in the Ironbound section are to die for! I especially enjoy Iberia, (famous for it's shellfish dishes) which is located on the right side of Ferry Street, just a short walk if you are coming from Penn Station. I love sitting in the bar area of the restaurant with it's rustic look and authentic Portuguese charm. There is no dress code here although the waiters are dressed in black tuxedos. There is very attentive service and you are served huge portions of delicious food for a great price. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Then, there are the cafe's and bakeries! Oh how I enjoy those Portuguese desserts! You can get a Galao, (similar to a latte) espresso or even a soda imported from Portugal. There is always fresh bread made two or three times daily. You can even get a delicious sandwich served grilled or cold on a freshly baked Portuguese roll. Usually, they have a steaming pot of Caldo Verde, (cabbage soup) a Portuguese tradition!
Also, on Ferry Street, you will find so many different stores selling souvenirs and goods made in Portugal. I love that I can buy the 19 & 1/2 carat Portuguese gold at just about any jewelry store. Then, the liquor stores carry all the different Portuguese beers and wines. You can find just about any Port Wine or Vinho Verde (Green Wine) that Portugal is famous for.
When I go to the Ironbound section of Newark, one thing I always end up doing is going to the Portuguese food store (Seabras.) One of them is located on Monroe Street (right off Ferry.) Here, you can find tons of products imported from Portugal that you won't find anywhere else. I even buy some of the Portuguese baby foods here (my son LOVES them!) They have loads of salted cod fish. You can get all different sausages, suckling pig, goat and rabbit. I enjoy buying a bag of Portuguese olives or lupini beans right from the barrel. I think it's fun to experiment with different foods!
Even if you are in Manhattan, Newark is only a 15 minute train ride away. If you are interested in the Portuguese heritage, then give the Ironbound in Newark a try. If you go to one of their wonderful restaurants, I can almost guarantee you won't be disappointed!
I have been to Portugal twice since I've been married and I absolutely love it. Although I can't say that the Ironbound in Newark can replace a trip to Portugal, I can certainly say that it will give you a pretty good "taste of Portugal".
Have a fun trip!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
amor2filho
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Member: ~Laura~
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC **USA**
Reviews written: 47
Trusted by: 34 members
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God must LOVE stupid people ~ He made SO many of them ;-)
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