Heads up, Jersey City! Beloved NYC-based bakery and café, Maman, is coming to town.
With several adored locations in NYC, Toronto, and Montreal, the sixth borough is more than prepared to welcome Maman with open arms (and drooling mouths). Home to an extensive list of quality restaurants, Jersey City adds another to its repertoire. The café will officially open its doors at 70 Hudson St. on Valentine’s Day.
What is Maman?
Influenced by recipes from the South of France, Maman opened its first location in Soho in 2014. Partners Benjamin Sormonte and Elisa Marshall founded the café with Michelin-starred Armand Arnal in the kitchen. Eight years later, Maman (French for “mom”) is thriving more than ever. Since its opening in Soho, Maman has taken its cozy vibes and healthy recipes to 10+ locations in the U.S. and Canada. Now, Jersey City is lucky to call itself Maman’s newest home.
Jersey City’s Grand Opening
Get ready to enjoy Maman’s fan-favorites, like the Smashed Avocado Tartine salad and Truffle Croque ‘Maman’ sandwich. You can also look out for celebrity-endorsed (thanks, Oprah) to-die-for desserts, like the Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie. A cocktail bar and outdoor sidewalk seating add to the restaurant’s allure. If the food and ambiance aren’t enough to pique your interest, the opening—from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.—is considered a “Pay As You Please” day. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Welcome Baby, an organization that provides low-income mothers with a comprehensive package containing everything they and their newborns need.
But, I can’t wait until then!
If you’re already craving Maman’s delicacies, you’re in luck! The café will host a “je t’aime Jersey City” event. There will be two weekends of Valentine’s Day pop-ups. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Feb. 4 through Feb. 6 and Feb. 11 through Feb. 13, you can enjoy a selection of festive pastries and drinks from Maman’s limited-time-only menu.
je t’aime Jersey City menu
Image by Maman
In addition to Maman’s classic pastries, you can enjoy a White Chocolate Raspberry Rose Cookie ($4.50), a vegan Cupid’s Arrow Apple Pear Danish ($5), and a Je T’aime Cookie Sandwich ($5.50). If you’re looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift, Maman is also offering a gift-wrapped Cookie Bouquet of 8 Maman cookies ($48).
Special drinks will make an appearance on the menu as well.
The Blue Velvet is a white chocolate ganache with butterfly pea flower tea. Chamomile-induced whipped cream, blue velvet cake crumbles, and an edible butterfly top this festive drink.
Image by Maman
The Cherry on Top is made of a homemade dark chocolate cherry ganache. Fresh whipped cream, brownie crumbs, and a morello cherry sauce are topped with a delicious homemade chocolate-covered cherry candy.
Want to surprise your Valentine with a not-too-basic gift? We recommend the Be My Clementine drink, a winter citrus dark chocolate ganache, creamsicle whipped cream, flourless clementine cake crumbs, and a clementine chocolate heart encompass this romantic drink.
Maman Jersey City officially opens its doors on Feb. 14, 2022. One of over 10 locations, the concept and menu are inspired by the South of France. With each Maman café having its own unique style, the Jersey City location will be sure to wow New Jerseyans far and wide.
About the Author/s
Helen is an editorial intern at The Digest. A senior at Drew University, she enjoys cooking and listening to music. When she's not working in the kitchen, she's typically catching up on pop culture news.
