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.
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Outside Ridgewood’s J Mart
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Other angle. This nigiri was excellent, especially for takeout. J Mart is proud of the experience their Itamae and it shows.