The Ashford
145 Newark Avenue
Jersey City NJ
2019

Spacious, warmly-lit stop with high ceilings offering New American fare plus cocktails, beers & TVs.

https://www.theashfordjc.com/

The Ashford embodies the social dining experience by encouraging guests to come early and stay late.

This premier restaurant, bar, lounge, and rooftop showing all your favorite sports. The Ashford is situated on the pedestrian plaza in downtown Jersey City. We are steps away from the Grove Street Path Station, 7 minutes from Manhattan. With a decorative tribute to New York's 1920's you will find yourself immersed in a glamorous speakeasy dripping in gold and red accents against leather banquettes. The opulence continues as you look up at the 50 foot ceilings through the glow of chandeliers. Featuring a menu with creative twists, our dishes range from hearty entrees to shared small plates with a selection to appease even the pickiest of eaters in your party.


During the Venice Carnivals in the past the streets of Venice were full of the people wearing masks which allowed them to protect their identity and remove any social differences. Besides, masks allowed a wearer hide his identity during licentious and dissolute activities.

Masking became a tradition because, during early Carnivals, people put on masks to be able to mingle outside their class and keep their reputation untarnished. Float riders are required to wear masks by law in keeping with the mystery and tradition, and many krewes never reveal who their king or queen is.


https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history/traditions/mardi-gras-masks


Whether they cover the wearer’s eyes or whole face, masks add an element of mystery and intrigue when worn, especially around this particular holiday in the city. It’s safe to say that masks are one of our favorite Mardi Gras traditions.

When did the mask tradition start though, and why?

Masks have been worn by different societies for centuries. Some groups wear them for rituals, some for celebrations, and still others for the performing arts. Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritual celebrations. New Orleans has been celebrating Mardi Gras for hundreds of years, and is the largest masked party in North America.

In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints. When wearing a mask, carnival goers were free to be whomever they wanted to be, and mingle with whatever class they desired to mingle with. However, they were also considered to be a diversion for poor people, and women who wore masks had their reputation questioned.

Today, everyone wears masks during Mardi Gras. In fact, float riders are required to wear masks by law. On Fat Tuesday, everyone is free to wear masks, adding to the excitement and magic of celebrations throughout the city.