The Hudson Current
Hal Wastes His Wages

Hal actually wastes his wages

Christopher Halleron
Columnist - 04/15/2008

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in the early days when I started writing this column, it actually had a concept...

The plan was to take the paltry tithe I'm given for this piece, spend it at a local establishment, and simply document the experience. It was an uncomplicated idea that should have provided perpetual fodder for an interesting column week after week.

But alas, I've strayed from that concept somewhat over the years, instead taking critical potshots at moms, Bostonians, pigeons, the homeless, fantasy sports, celebrities, politicians, and even my own fat arse.

But from time to time I like to come back to basics and actually do my job.

Normally it takes a jolt of some sort - I'm at a restaurant where the food and service are so remarkably good that it's deservedly worthy of remark.

A week prior, my missus and her little coven went for a "girls' night out" dinner at 3Forty Grill (340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken), thankfully leaving me free to do anything but.

Nothing against 3Forty; I'd just rather not be caught in the cackling crossfire of some Spice Girlish estrogen fest when I could very well be couch-bound on my ever-expanding tush as I watch monkeys learning how to use weapons on nature (has anyone else seen this?!?! It's some scary $#!+...).

Nevertheless, when she realized she couldn't order everything at once, she waddled home DEMANDING that I take her to this venue in the near future so she could set her sights on the rest of the menu (in her defense, she was eating for two - more on that later...).

'd been to 3Forty before for drinks but never eaten there. And I eat out all the time, but never at 3Forty. No reason - it's just one of those things where I had circumstantially failed to ever go there for dinner. It's been there for years - hell, I even know the owner - but it just never dawned on me to go there for a meal.

Well, you can see where this is going, because it was absolutely phenomenal. From the lobster crepe to the salmon steak, the food was top-notch. And for a notoriously miserable bartender like me to give kudos to the service speaks volumes. Our waitress was so engaging and attentive that she actually made me believe she cared - who knows, maybe she did...

While 3Forty often has the stigma of being a bit clubby, even on a Saturday night the dining room's atmosphere is relatively non-obtrusive. Make no mistake, this is a great venue for any occasion - be it a romantic dinner, the folks are in town, or a night out with the whatevers.

And despite being exceptional in everyway, it doesn't take too much of the cushion out of your back pocket. Which is good, because you'll inevitably be headed back to check out the other entrees you almost got the first time.

There! I actually did a restaurant review. Granted, I couldn't do it without mocking my pregnant wife and fear-mongering armies of monkey warriors, but it's still nice to get back to basics...

 

The Star Ledger
Friday, February 23, 2007 - by Nawal Qarooni

3FortyGrill, named for its address at 340 Sinatra Drive, is a swanky bar and restaurant so ideally located, it makes sipping martinis feel special. Situated right on the Hudson River, the view of the Manhattan skyline is breathtaking — even if you're used to it.

One side of the large space is littered with dimly lit dining tables where you can choose from an impressive array of meals (stuffed swordfish with quinoa, horseradish-crusted salmon). On the other side, divided from the eating section by the host station, are cushy black sofas and deep blue lighting from behind the bar that makes you feel sexy no matter what you're wearing.

Martinis range in price from $10 to $12 and cover the gauntlet in variety: four different appletinis, 11 super-sweet dessert types, nine martinis that bring to mind chilling on the beach in a skimpy suit and 13 "3FortyGrill Favorites." Among the best were the Almond Joy (it tastes exactly like the candy) and Playa Del Mar, made of Cuervo Gold, Triple Sec, and cranberry, pineapple and lime juices.

London-born restaurateur Jerry Maher, who also owns Odd Fellows bar and grill near the Hoboken train station, said he was going for a "W lounge Manhattan feel" when he opened about three years ago. "I thought, with the demographic in Hoboken changing, that there really was no place to go in much of New Jersey with that experience," he said. (Read full article)

 

The Star-Ledger
Friday, April 8, 2005 - by S.J. Gintzler
At 3 Forty Grill in Hoboken, the mood is hip, the food, chic. Innovative American fare such as crispy red snapper with jumbo asparagus, a seafood rice pilaf, asparagus cream and mango coulis is served in stylish surroundings. A spectacular view of the New York skyline is an added attraction. (read more)

The Hudson Reporter
2005 - by Caren Lissner
Delicious, unique American fare on the waterfront
The food at 3 Forty Grill in Hoboken is so unique that you'll want to bring friends and sample several plates. After all, for your appetizer, how could you choose between a warm, sweet puff of ripened Brie cheese surrounded in a lake of raspberry syrup, or the yellow fin tuna three ways? (The latter comes pepper crusted, tartare, and in an avocado maki roll.) (read more)

Hoboken.Com Reviews
12/12/03 - by Courtney Kritch
"For all of the anti-Manhattanites who've been waiting for Hoboken to step it up in the Bar Biz, meet the new hotspot on Sinatra Dr., 3 Forty Grill." (read more)

Hudson Reporter Drink of the Week Ocean Bottom
01/29/04
"Why now? Since Hobokenites love their martinis, the Ocean is strong enough to keep drinkers buzzing during the winter months. " (read more)

The 3 Forty Grill brings a chic sensibility to the waterfront
11/16/03 - by Tom Jennemann
"Hoboken's newest addition to this lounge/restaurant scene is the city's first waterfront fine dining restaurant, 3 Forty Grill, which, in addition to a menu that features upscale eclectic cuisine with a strong accent on seafood, also incorporates a raw bar and a thoroughly modern martini lounge." (read more)

Digital City Restaurant Guide
Fall 2003
"When the W Hotel comes to Hoboken -- and there is talk that it will -- they will have 3 Forty Grill to thank for prepping the locals for a new level of luxe. " (read more)