Chef Jim Connolly is nothing short of brilliant!  Whether it's cooking up one of his newest flavors or keeping a tight rhythm on his drums, Connolly is up to par. Having lived on Newark Street for about ten years, Jim has seen the ins and outs of the Mile Square.

Jim's move to Hoboken was only natural after living in Morris County first and then Jersey City. "I wanted to be closer to the city," he said. "To get that NYC experience, especially as a Chef."  Jim's passion for cooking started while he was in high school.  He started off as a dishwasher at Kelly's Station Boonton, "which is a common story," he laughed.  From there Jim moved up in the ranks and was cooking on a "hot line" by the time he was 16.  After taking a culinary class his senior year of high school, Jim went on to culinary school at Academy of Culinary Art of Atlantic City.  This was a two year program with an internship, and Jim received his associates degree upon graduating.

Working in production kitchens for nearly twenty years, Jim has seen the ups and downs of the field.  Jim's favorite thing about the job is "being able to think creatively and tactically."  The negatives?  "There just really isn't as much camaraderie in the kitchen as there used to be," he said.  Which is why Jim got away from that scene and moved to Stevens Institute of Technology.  He is a chef here, and absolutely loves it; and everyone loves his food!

A typical day in Jim's shoes is busy yet exciting.  "I plan my menu a week in advance, so I know exactly what to do," he said.  "I like to attack the work of the day," he continued, "clean as I go, and build flavors. I'm always tasting and testing everything," he added with a smile.  Jim said that "Everything I do is in my head."  Meaning that all of his past experience, including school and work, allows him to create food without needing to look at a recipe.  Not the typical 9-5 job, Jim "never gets to sit down," as he's constantly on his feet running around.  Monday through Thursday, Jim makes lunch and dinner, plus desserts, soups  and sides.  And on Friday, he prepares a fabulous brunch!

So why Hoboken? "I love the close-knit community, and how everyone interacts with one another," said Jim.  He also commented that over the summer, he "loved the Pier Sessions," which featured local original bands performing on the waterfront. Jim often spends his time outdoors in the Mile Square, riding his bike, usually from Hoboken to Jersey City along the waterfront.  "The new path that they opened is great!" he said.

And of course he's got to check out Hoboken's bar scene. His favorites? DC's Tavern and Louise & Jerry's. He's drawn to DC's because "the owners were both in bands," said Jim, "so we have that musical connection."  One of Jim's other 'hot spots' is Louise & Jerry's.  Pat, one of the bartenders, always lures him in.  "He'll share his private stock of Budweiser cans!" laughed Jim.  How can you resist that?

The only thing he wants more of in Hoboken is "definitely parking."  He also suggested that he would like to see "more bars that feature original bands."  He recalls when The Shannon used to have local bands perform.  "But then they remodeled the back room, and it's all different," said Jim.  What about less in Hoboken?  "Less lines at Carlo's Bakery" he joked, "But I am sure the business is really great for Hoboken."  Jim also added that "I would really like to see some better pizza, I feel it's a bit overrated."

Jim's life in the Mile Square can be described quite simply.  "It's great to walk to everything," he said.  "I like the feeling of a 'real town', unlike living in the suburbs; Here we have a Main Street!"

So when Jim isn't busy creating culinary masterpieces, what is he up to?  He  enjoys checking out other local bands and listening to their music.  "I always like discovering something new," he added.  Jim is also a huge Giants fan.  The last game he attended was the Sunday night Eagles vs. Giants last year. Jim prefers to watch the game from the comfort of his couch, as opposed to being at the game.

From his time as a chef and active Hoboken resident, Jim also has another life as a drummer for the band Mercury Morning.  "I would say, we sound like a cross between Muse, Radiohead and The Killers; Influenced by classic rock, indie, alternative, and ourselves," he said with a smile.  Jim began playing the drums in 6th grade.  With the lack of time due to his work at the restaurant, he stopped playing for some time.  Later, Jim gained experience working in casino and private hotels.  "Those were always nights and weekends," said Jim, "so I literally had no time."  Jim's roommate was a bass player in a band, and one day his drummer didn't show up.  At this time, Jim had landed a job in corporate catering where he ran an executive dining room.  "I had the nights and weekends off for the first time since I first had started working," said Jim.  He volunteered to sit in for the missing drummer that night.  "I realized how much I really loved playing, I went out that weekend and bought a new drum kit," said Jim with a smile.  Well, the missing drummer didn't return the next week, and Jim was asked again to rehearse with the band.  "It's a great stress reliever, just sitting there pounding away on your drums."

Jim started out playing covers and eventually moved on to original music. His favorite part about being in a band is "being the backbone of the music, and adding to the dynamic of it."  The least appealing part would be "moving equipment to a gig."  A typical day for the band is usually pretty positive.  "The guys and I really don't mind rehearsing," said Jim.  "We love to play, and we'll often play twice a week!"  When a gig is coming up, they form a set list and rehearse those pieces.  "Everything is original."  While the band rehearses, Jim listens to a metronome in his headphones.  "It gets our music tight and we keep a constant tempo," he said.

Mercury Morning performed Wednesday evening (12/15/10) at Whiskey Bar.  Check out the band's facebook and myspace for upcoming shows.  And be sure to check hMAG's events page, they'll be on there!

Want some more insight into the mind of this musically inclined culinary master?  Jim has an idea for a television show: "I want to do a cooking show live, and I'll have musical guests on my show sitting at the counter, an Emeril-like set up.  We'll discuss music and cooking. The new bands that will sit through my show will get a chance to perform one of their original songs live."  All of this was said with a huge smile across Jim's face, "People could call in and ask the bands questions. Maybe I'll even cook food that the bands could take on the road. Ya know, to save them money!" Hello, Food Network, are you getting all this???

To add to his future goals, Jim cannot wait to finish recording the band's newest album.  "It should be finishing in the upcoming year, probably within six months," said Jim.  "But we plan on having three of our singles done by January."

So he's great with knives, great with sticks, and great with TV show ideas!  This guy has really got his Mile Square lifestyle nailed down.  Be sure to check back with updates from Mercury Morning's three new singles.

Photo of band by Stephen Bailey

Every week hMAG posts Faces articles featuring someone from the community because, after all, hMAG is all about the community.

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