New Jersey is famous for its diners, but how do you decide which is the best one? For some Hoboken residents, it could be as simple as travelling uptown to the iconic Malibu Diner, and sampling a piece of cheesecake. One company has put together their own contest inviting people to do just that, and the results could lead to some bragging rights for the Hoboken city landmark.
The uptown diner on 14th Street originally began serving Hoboken residents in the 1940s, and has stayed solidly in place as Hoboken has changed around it. The diner also got a bit of unwelcome publicity in 2009 after former Mayor Peter Cammarano’s campaign accepted a bribe from an undercover FBI informant after dining in the uptown establishment in 2009. Through thick and thin, the diner has been there, but it wasn’t always called the Malibu Diner.
“Everyday is different. You never know what’s going to happen.” – Nick Babalis, owner of the Malibu Diner
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A low-key contest
Though the cakes and pies contest may be a statewide competition, owner Nick Babalis wasn’t aware that his diner was involved in the contest until recently.
“I don’t even know what the nomination process was,” Babalis said last week. “I received a solicitation in the mail about the contest.”
However, he hopes his diner does well in the statewide showdown. The Malibu has been nominated for serving the best cakes and pies of all the diners throughout New Jersey. Though he may not know how, Babalis said there is definitely a reason why they were nominated.
“I’ve received a ton of compliments over the years about our cheesecake,” Babalis said. “Our cheesecake really is the best.”
The Malibu Diner is one of 33 diners nominated in the “best cakes and pies” category on Palisades.com. Those who vote in the contest are eligible to win an afternoon with Food Network Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman from the show “Ace of Cakes” at the diner that wins the contest as New Jersey’s favorite. The winner in each category will be recognized with a plaque for their victory in the contest.
Babalis, who is proud of his pies, really hopes the excellence of the Malibu’s cakes carries the diner to victory.
“The pies are a decent comfort food, like apple pie, blueberry pie, but the cheesecake is really where we stand out,” he said.
The contest is part of Palisades Insurance statewide series of contests in New Jersey called “Drive with a Smile.”
Babalis said that there would be an easy choice if another category was selected for the contest.
“Definitely our burgers,” he said. “Our burgers are pretty good.”
A day in life of the ‘Bu
Babalis took ownership of the diner 12 years ago, and the diner has been recognized with awards previously.
“The breakfast was once recognized as being in the top 10 of all the diners in North Jersey,” he said.
Out of all the things that make diner ownership special, Babalis said it’s the fact that he’s not sure what is going to happen when he shows up at work.
“The day to day trials and tribulations [make it special],” Babalis said. “Everyday is different. You never know what’s going to happen. It’s not like working in an office; you add a little flavor to your life.”
While the diner is located away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and closer to where visitors leaving the Lincoln Tunnel first cross the city limits, the Malibu has been able to survive for approximately 60 years while other establishments have since moved out of town or gone out of business.
“It’s the people,” Balabis said. “It’s a local place. It’s been here for a long time and I think it will survive and last just as long as other places come and go.”
While some people may disagree, Balabis said the Malibu is a place where people could essentially eat everyday.
“It’s simple, comfort food,” he said. “You can’t have Chinese food or Japanese food or pizza everyday. But you can have something different here. In a time like today when the economy is in the toilet, people are always looking to save a few bucks here and there.”
Though your doctor may not recommend a daily dose of diner food, when you do choose to head uptown for a bite to eat, make sure to try the cheesecake. And then, if you feel obliged, cast a vote; but don’t let someone influence your vote with a little cash when you head to the parking lot.
Ray Smith may be reached at RSmith@hudsonreporter.com