Happy New Year Baristaville!
Back in 2010, we ran a poll asking you to vote for your favorite “Ironbound” restaurant. Fornos of Spain, located 47 Ferry Street in Newark, emerged victorious.
Soon thereafter Hot From The Kettle began planning the journey “down neck.” We received help from Vince Baglivo, Director of Communications at the Ironbound Business Improvement District.
To enrich our Ironbound tour, I enlisted further assistance from Baristaville locals and Down Neck enthusiasts, Donato DiGeronimo, Anne Bruyere-Prince, and Frank Gerard Godlewski to join us on our trip. (pictured from left to right: Frank Gerard Godlewski, Anne Bruyere-Prince, Melody Kettle, Donato DiGeronimo )
We were graciously welcomed by manager of Fornos, Andres Rodrigues and his father, owner, Camillo Rodgriues. I went behind the bar with veteran bartender, Fernando Loys, who has been making Sangria for over thirty years, and learned the secret to their utterly divine red Sangria.
We then had the pleasure of being treated to an additional pitcher of blue Sangria made with white wine and blue curacao, while feasting on delicious Valencia Paella.
For a little local history and the secret to Forno’s Red Sangria, click play.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrjdJp1ZX0s
Stay tuned for “Down Neck Part Two.” In the meantime, let me hear your suggestions for where Hot From The Kettle should visit in the upcoming months?
Looks great Melody, but where was the food? My choice for the next trip would be Casa Vasca, I think you will really like it.
Kevin – I agree, Casa Vasca was my first choice, the Fornos coming in second. The food section will be in Part II.
don manuel or campino would get my vote.
Hi Kevin (hey there Anne!),
Thanks so much! I had great company for this video, and Anne’s correct, the paella appears in Part Two.
When I made the arrangements for our Down Neck trip, Casa Vasca, which came in second place, was not amenable to shooting until late January. I do, however, look forward to getting to Casa Vasca sometime in early spring.
Perhaps in the meantime we’ll run that long awaited “Best Burger” Poll.
Great segment! thanks Melody.
So jealous! My last trip to Fornos was over a year ago with a group from Roche. What a great way to spend an afternoon (not to mention the company’s money!).
Nice job, Melody! Great to see Anne, Frank and Donny, too. Certainly, Down Neck is one of my fave places to eat. We usually go to Iberia.
Tony DaCaneca was another favorite back in the day.
Fornos is good, but is more Spanish than Portuguese. I have been working on a long term photo project on the Ironbound and can tell you one of the best authentic restaurants is Seabras Marisqueira at 87 Madison St. About 2 doors in from Ferry. You can either sit around the large bar or sit at large tables, often communal in nature.
fototed,
I agree. Seabra’s Marisqueira is my favorite and I am there often. I love to sit at the bar or the tables in the window. Their food is great. They have a seafood platter for 4 that I think is the best bargain in NJ.
Donato
Fornos? Ick. Over-sized portions to justify the price. Last time I ate there, the two of us who actually ate our paella both had stomach troubles that night and the next day. The third who ordered it coudlnt even eat hers b/c the shells were so broken up! The sangria is good, but the food is mediocre at best.