“Chopped” Champ Claude Lewis Opens Freetown Road Project Restaurant in JSQ
2019 was a big year for Jersey City native Claude Lewis. While working as the Executive Chef at Porta, Lewis competed in and was named Champion of the Food Network’s “Chopped” culinary competition, bringing the West Indian flavors from his parents’ native Antigua to a national audience. The Hudson Catholic graduate has since realized another goal – a permanent spot (640 Newark Ave., to be exact) to introduce his neighbors to the flavors of his childhood.
Since a soft open this past December, Freetown has solidified its hours of operation and settled nicely into their quaint, cozy quarters. Also, so nice: in just one month of opening, the community-minded Chef partnered with other organizations to hold a Community day, bringing groceries and cold-weather clothing to neighbors in need.
Lewis offers diners traditional West Indian flavors elevated by modern cooking techniques. Popular dishes include jerk chicken, braised oxtail, chicken and vegetable curries, and fun side dishes like Bust Up Shut Up (West Indian Roti skins) and Chop, Chop (Eggplant, okra, spinach, onions and garlic). The homemade drinks include a delightful limeade, but if you are in the market for something stronger, please take note that Freetown Road is BYOB. The yummy dessert list includes rice pudding, ducana (Antiguan sweet potato dumpling) and our favorite, the scrumptious bread pudding.
Freetown Road Project began in 2015 as a catering company, its name derived from the towns where Lewis’ father and mother grew up — Freetown Road Village and Old Road Village, respectively. So lucky to have this family, their amazing culinary talent, their cultural roots, and their sense of community here in JC!
640 Newark Ave. 201-653-6533
http://www.freetownroadprojectnj.com/