Hudson County sizzles with scores of bars and restaurants, and every time one closes, there's a new and interesting establishment to replace it.

Still, it is always with sorrow when we have to bid farewell to some of our more popular or long-lasting eateries. Some of the establishments we said good bye to this past year included: The Jefferson, First Street Bar & Grill, and Dipper's in Hoboken; as well as Oddfellows in Jersey City.

Below is a list of some of the recent openings in 2006 and new places to look forward to in 2007.

Openings

In July, Ana's Kitchen, 5104 Park Ave., in West New York gave residents a reason to not cook, with large home-cooked meals available for eat-in or take-out. The food is an eclectic mix of Portuguese, American, and Italian.

Braddock's, 5117 Tonnelle Ave., is North Bergen newest Irish American Bar & Restaurant that offers culinary delights from Chef Peter Halberg.

Seize the day at Carpe Diem, 1405 Grand St., which opened this summer in Hoboken. This classy pub has two floors of fun, an interesting menu, and dartboards on both floors.

Fifth & Front, 780 Fifth St. in Secaucus is a neighborhood bar and grill that offers locals homemade food at reasonable prices.

Gringo's Basic Food, 7626 Broadway, in North Bergen run by owner/chef Richard Warnock who serves up culinary delights. This cozy restaurant features wholesome, careful prepared meals and is BYOB.

The Harbor Bar & Brasserie, 500 Harbor Blvd., in Weehawken offers tasty American cuisine (pizza, sandwiches, salads, and more), plus a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. This spacious, elegant restaurant and bar can hold 292 people.

Mikie Squared, 616 Washington St., opened this spring in Hoboken. This cozy bar and restaurant features a varied American cuisine including sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, and more.

O'Connell's, 111 Montgomery St., in Jersey City offers customers a different sort of Irish pub. There are three different areas in this spacious restaurant including: the front room pub area, the elegant dining room, and the chic upstairs bar and lounge.

The Seafood Cottage, 216 Broadway in Bayonne, is a cozy restaurant that features fresh seafood, soup, and salads. In addition, they offer chicken dishes and fabulous macaroni & cheese.

Locals cheered when The Shannon, 106 First St., in Hoboken re-opened its doors in time for its 50th anniversary. This family owned and operated Irish pub has two rooms of fun including: a pool table and five dartboards.

Upcoming

Already in the works are places that are scheduled to open in early 2007. The Clinton in Hoboken, is scheduled to open soon. One of the owners is David Carney, who also owns the upscale Madison on 14th and Washington.

The Park Avenue Grill in Union City will bring a little uptown vibe to the neighborhood with a classic, cozy pub feel.

After a long wait, the Shades, 720 Monroe St., in Hoboken plans to open its doors this New Year's Eve.

The Sushi House on Washington Street near 14th Street will give uptown Hoboken residents a reason to cheer - no more traveling downtown for sit-down sushi.

These are sure to add to the exciting dining and nightlife scene in Hudson County! Keep reading the Current for more updates.