An overdue quickie on a fantastic Japanese market and sushi “counter” in New Jersey
If you think this blog only eats at $500 sushi shrines, the joke’s on you. I also eat at $400 sushi shrines. But when those aren’t available/I’m broke there are a number of ways I get a change of pace.
One of my favourites is visiting Japanese markets, which are thankfully plentiful in North America’s largest metropolitan areas. So plentiful in fact, that there are a few I hadn’t visited that were on my list.
That list included New Jersey’s J Mart, a small market in Ridgewood New Jersey that – most interestingly – features an even smaller sushi counter tucked in the back.
By the way take my assessment of interesting with a grain of salt. I’m literally about to sit down to watch the Goosebumps reboot on Hulu.
I visited last month and wanted to share a mini-blog with you loyal legends because it’s absolutely worth a visit.
What’s a mini-blog? No clue. Let’s just say pictures with some pithy captions. The Goodnight Moon of sushi.
J Mart – particularly their $24 or $29 lunch sushi sets – is recommended.
Outside Ridgewood’s J Mart
Inside J Mart – this is much smaller than Mitsuwa but it’s family run and has almost everything you need. Straight ahead is the sushi counter and seafood section.
The back left of the market is a sushi counter. It’s run by Saito-san, who has been involved in ownership of the market.
Locals come to the sushi counter for their lunch specials. This is the menu. I suggest ordering in advance – prep takes about 15-20 minutes when busy.
The $24 Sushi Deluxe set. Negitoro up top, Ikura, Ama Ebi, Uni/Ika on left. Chu Toro, Hamachi, Akami, Ika with shiso, Hotate on right.
Other angle. This nigiri was excellent, especially for takeout. J Mart is proud of the experience their Itamae and it shows.
