Sparkle on the Hudson

There are two holidays during the year when I crave sparkle. Christmas brings it easily with all things glittery, twinkly, flickering and glimmering. The whole holiday is filled with shimmer! I also crave major sparkle on July 4th. The more fireworks, sparklers, glittery flag t-shirts and fizzy cocktails the better. So accompanied by two sets of parents, we headed to The Waterside Restaurant in North Bergen, NJ for a four course price fix dinner and a hope that we would catch some of the Macy’s 34th Annual Fireworks in all of their sparkling glory.

Let me start by saying The Waterside has undergone a major overhaul in the past year. Inside the open dining room there are gorgeous Manhattan views through floor to ceiling windows. Sleek lines, Mahogany wood, and pretty glass panels complete with waterfalls that separate the bar from the dining room are all very Miami Beach. Our table for six was directly in front of a huge window where we could see the glistening New York skyline. Scenic sparkle.....I was happy.

All of the food we ate throughout the entire evening was nothing short of amazing. The service was timed perfectly and the courses were not rushed, which could be difficult during busy holiday dinner service. The restaurant also has a terrific wine list (we ordered an argentine torrontes and a brunello di montalcino).

The first courses at our table included Caesar salads for four people and avocado, corn and red bell pepper salad for the other two. All fantastic.

Second courses of grilled octopus salad (scrumptious); a precious cherry tomato salad served alongside some slices of buffalo mozzarella (delightful); slices of prosciutto di parma with melon (yummy); and baked tagliolini bolognese with bechamel sauce and a cheesy, crispy crust (the winner hands down) were all generous and delicious.






The main courses ranged from crispy baby chicken with rosemary jus, to super fresh halibut with buttery leeks and fried potato wedges, to chilean sea bass and creamy mushroom risotto topped generously with shaved truffles, to perfectly cooked rack of lamb. Delectable...each and every morsel of it.


Last but not least, dessert courses of fresh fruit with whipped cream, ice cream selections and cheesecake were all tasty ends to our superb meals.
Just as we placed our dessert orders, the Macy’s fireworks lit up the sky over the Hudson. The Empire State Building was glowing in red, white and blue in the background and the famed “Golden Mile” was covered in a massive shower of golden sparks. Breathtaking sparkle.

I experienced what should be an illegal amount of holiday sparkle on Sunday and I’m still recovering. The New York City skyline and its twinkling lights, the dimly lit boats anchored in the Hudson, the outdoor patio at The Waterside complete with Sinatra music, the dining room’s cozy glow, the massive fireworks display directly outside our window, the charismatic and charming restaurant staff, and the four courses of food delights all sparkled in a big way. I wanted 4th of July sparkle and boy oh boy - did I get it. Thanks Waterside!