LENT FOR LUNCH: Jola Polish Deli — Pierogi

by Christopher Halleron

I happen to be Roman Catholic. Throughout the course of everyday life, it’s safe to say that I’m not always the most pious person. I’m not the worst, but I could probably do a bit better.

With that in mind, I like to hedge my bets every Lent by honoring the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays.

That might sound like a bit of challenge—but when you live in a foodie’s paradise like Hudson County, New Jersey, it’s so easy it should be a sin unto itself…

This week, I stopped by Jola Polish Deli (110 Hutton Street, JC Heights).

This one is only for the strong-willed, because the second you walk into Jola you’re facing an array of delectable kielbasa and a phenomenal selection of other meats. Jola Polish Deli is, after all, a deli.

But if you keep your head down and stay focused, the truly penitent are rewarded with Jola’s pierogi selection—potato, spinach, mushroom, even blueberry!

“You can boil them, or fry them in oil or a little bit of butter until they’re golden brown,” says Marta, behind the counter.

Foodies in the Heights swear by Jola Polish Deli for their delicious selection of pierogies, soups and more—all updated daily on the shop’s facebook page.

“We also do fish fillets, potato dumplings, and vegetarian soups,” says Marta.

It all sounds delicious—but I’d be lying if I wasn’t also making a mental list of what sausages I want to pick up when I come back tomorrow. Stay strong.

Stay tuned for another “Lent for Lunch” excursion next week—being the good Catholic boy I am…

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Christopher M. Halleron is the Publisher/Editor of hMAG.
As a columnist and journalist, he has covered various aspects of life here in the ‘greater Hoboken area’ and beyond for the past two decades.
His opinions are his own.