Roasted Eggplant 'Meatballs': Ground, Roasted Italian Eggplant, Lightly Fried, with Sweet Tomato Sauce and Basil
For Memorial Day, I had lunch at VB3 | Villa Borghese III with Jill of Jersey City Beauty Examiner. VB3 is a pizzeria, restaurant and bar located in the Monaco Building at 475 Washington Avenue in Jersey City's waterfront area facing the Manhattan skyline. Free indoor garage parking is a big plus for me. VB3 is also walking distance from the Path train and lightrail.
VB3 is open daily for lunch and dinner, featuring Chef Michael Colletti. No reservations are required and 1/2 priced appetizers and drink specials are available during happy hour Monday-Friday from 5-8pm. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays (and the brunch menu looks incredible so you bet I'll be back for that)!
It was a beautiful day to sit outside, so I'm glad VB3 offers outdoor seating. Jill and I tasted most of the appetizers on the menu, and everything was amazing. The Arancini was delicious, and the Baby Pork Ribs with Balsamic-Rosemary BBQ Sauce were so tasty and slid right off the bone. I love the combination of capers with the Crispy Baby Calamari. I would say those were my top three appetizers.
For our entrees, we decided to split the Baby Spinach & Fennel Salad with Shrimp and Wild Mushroom Pizza with Pecorino, Truffle Oil and Thyme. I loved the combination of both these dishes and I've been craving it ever since. Even though there are so many other dishes I plan on trying on the menu next, I would definitely get this again. I've never had a wild mushroom pizza with truffle oil and it's gone to the top of my list as far as pizza's go. As indulgent as that pizza is, the salad was the perfect balance with fresh, grilled shrimp.
For drinks we tried the Privateer, Watermelon Rita, and my favorite - the Blackberry Smash. We spent all afternoon at the restaurant, enjoying the food, drinks and the weather. Adjacent to the restaurant is VB3 Pizzeria, with artisanal pies and dinners available for eat-in, take-out or delivery. I was happy with everything from our exceptional service to beautiful plating and delectable food. My only regret is that we ate so much we didn't have room for dessert! But I will certainly be back to try some. The House-Made 'Fried Oreos' and 'S'mores' Creme Brulee caught my eye.
I would like to thank Owner/General Manager Joe Russo and the VB3 staff for having us at the restaurant! I definitely plan on coming back regularly!
Arancini: Saffron Rice Balls stuffed with Mozarella
Baby Pork Ribs: Four Hearty Ribs, Slow Roasted, Brushed with Balsamic Rosemary BBQ Sauce, Topped with Pickled Cabbage Slaw
Crispy Baby Calamari: Lightly Fried, Milk Tendoerized Calamari, Tossed with Cherry Peppers and Capers, Drizzled with Citrus Vinaigrette
Brick Oven Chicken Wings: Topped with Roasted Onions & Celery, House-made Hot Sauce, Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese
Privateer: hennessy cognac, coconut water, muddled strawberries, fresh lime juice, agave nectar
Watermelon Rita: avion silver tequila, agave nectar, fresh limes, fresh sour mix, hella smoked chili bitters
Blackberry Smash: death's door white whisky, fleur elderflower, cherry heering, fresh lemon juice, blackberry preserves
Wild Mushroom Pizza: Pecorino, Truffle Oil and Thyme
Baby Spinach & Fennel Salad with Shrimp: Marinated Grilled Shrimp, Dried Cherries, Toasted Almonds, White Balsamic-Cherry Vinaigrette and Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese
- Kim Weling
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