Questions about Ethnic Offerings/Recreation in NJ (Jersey City, Elizabeth: to live, restaurants)

[darkone]

I am currently in Atlanta and have taken a break from the 70 degree weather this weekend to stop by this forum and find out about some aspects of the ethnic offerings in NJ that might be analogous to what is found in Atlanta. If someone is familiar with the Atlanta area, please let me know:

Is there an equivalent of the Buford Highway Farmer's market in NJ (or close by in NY)?

Is there an equivalent of the Global Mall (South Asian Mall with food court and shops all enclosed)?

Is there an active tennis league similar to ALTA in terms of size and scope?

How about the number of authentic Mexican and Korean restaurants (such as those found on Buford Hwy.) ? I hear a lot about Pizza and Chinese of course, but I'm more interested in the above.

Thanks for your help, as I am trying to see whether NJ has similar ethnic venues and recreational offerings to the ones that I currently enjoy in the Atlanta area.

[athensvaasi]

(Darkone, I currently live in Atlanta as well. Thought I would get you some info while we wait for the NJ residents to provide more accurate info.)

South Asian / Indian -- there is an overwhelming number of options in Edison, NJ. In NY, I believe the area is Jackson Heights.

East Asian / Korean -- There are 5 H-Marts in NY, and 6 in NJ. So I suspect there should be plenty of these options.

The South / East asian population of the USA came to NY metro, before they came to the Atlanta metro. So I am guessing there will be many more options in the NYC/NJ/Philadelphia area.

[BrownstoneNY]

South Asians are concentrated in Middlesex County, especially Edison, and also in Jersey City in Hudson County. But you will find South Asian markets and stores scattered around all of North Jersey as there are significant South Asian populations in all of the suburbs.

Koreans are concentrated in Bergen County, particularly Palisades Park, which will probably be majority Korean in the 2010 Census. Koreans are more concentrated than South Asians, but there are some offerings all around the state.

Authentic Mexican is all over NJ. There are no particular areas of Mexican concentration, but Mexicans tend to live alongside other Hispanics (who are more common; most Hispanics in NJ are from the Caribbean).

Ethnic offerings are much more common in North and Central Jersey than in South Jersey, which attracts a lot fewer immigrants.

[CaptainNJ]

there are some pollo tropical restaurants for that authentic carribean fare

[juca_cruz]

Originally Posted by BrownstoneNY

Authentic Mexican is all over NJ. There are no particular areas of Mexican concentration, but Mexicans tend to live alongside other Hispanics (who are more common; most Hispanics in NJ are from the Caribbean).

Not necessarily is all over NJ, I’ve found good authentic Mexican food only in Passaic (El Aguila - I usually go for Bread and pastries, but once in a while I order for to go) and New Brunswick (where I’ve seen a lot of Mexicans) and a couple of places in Bound Brook (close to the train station - the place is called: Mis Amigos) and Somerville.
If you want to try Costa Rican food you’ll find it in Manville, Bound Brook (a.k.a. Little Costa Rica ) and Somerville.
There is one Cuban Restaurant in Somerville (Martinos), if you want to try Peruvian, Ecuadorian or Colombian you can go to Plainfield or Elizabeth (where their Latino population is mainly from these countries)
Good luck

PS
I heard rumors that in Elizabeth there are a couple of good Mexican places (I'll find out )