May 2015 archive

Little Town Social

exterior-3

Photo credit: Kyle Orlando

Most of us were fans of Little Town, the brainchild of Michael Sinensky and Sean McGarr in collaboration with Albie and Chris Manzo of RHONJ fame. The brand has been re-imagined as Little Town Social, which brings their orginal idea to the next level by moving the location a bit out of the tourist/frat-boy zone and more into a neighborhood spot. That’s not to say it’s dive-y, boring, or where you bring your grandparents. Anything but. Little Town Social operates on the key word “social,” where people gather over high-quality shared plates at communal tables or at the bar.

LittleTownSocialOpening2

Photo credit: Thomas Ling

The former Village Pourhouse space at 205 First St. has been revamped into a sophisticated gathering spot with a more intimate feel involving dim lighting and warm tones. The bar is still 360 degrees with 32 TVs, and features a mix of classic and artisinal cocktails, such as the Ellen Arthur Cosmo (Absolut, Cointreau, passion fruit and lime juice), which I tried and was pleased that it was not sweet like a regular 90’s Cosmo. Guests have the option of 30+ beers on draft from microbreweries in addition to rotating seasonal specials. There is an extensive selection of bourbon, scotch, and tequila as well.

IMG_20150519_192945116

LTS’ menu is all about small plates and sharing, a concept that is not currently popular in Hoboken restaurants. Executive Chef Sarah Sproule is intense on the farm-to-table concept, sourcing everything as locally as possible and combining ingredients in innovative, flavorful ways.

Click below to continue reading about what the menu has to offer… (more…)

Jersey City Ward Tour 6/7

wardtourjc

It’s that time of year again, Jersey City—when we get our bike on and ride throughout the six wards of Jersey City in the sixth annual JC Bikes Ward Tour. The festivities begin at 11am at Exchange Place on Sunday, June 7th. (Raindate is Saturday, June 14th.)

Enjoy a 16-mile ride on streets closed to traffic at an easy 10mph pace (with rest stops and a police escort). One finished at Exchange Place circa 1pm, celebrate with a street festival featuring live music, food, drinks, vendors and other entertaining attractions.

Registration is free, with a $5 suggested donation to fund BikeJC’s efforts to make cycling better, safer, more accessible and more fun in Jersey City.

Ward Tour sign-in begin at 9am at Exchange Place. It’s recommended to get there before 10am so you can situate yourself and hype up before the tour.

Be inspired. Helmets REQUIRED.
JCG

Newport Carnival 5/17

newport_carnival

The Spring Carnival is taking place in Newport Green this Sunday, 5/17.

Festivities begin at 11am with the opening of the Newport Carousel, followed by plenty of spring-time activities like a petting zoo and mini golf!


See you there!
JCG

 

 

Pershing Field

pershing

Pershing Field (201 Central Ave.) is 20 steps away from my house and therefore my immediate recreation center.

Pershing Field has a baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, an indoor ice skating rink (roller rink in summer) and a swimming pool. The indoor facilities have recently been refurbished, but the basketball courts and tennis courts could use some work with new paint and netting, as well as the outdoor “track” made of dirt.

pershingfield

I run on the sidewalk perimeter for my workout, and if I’m ambitious, attack the monkey bars on the playground.

PershingplaygroundAt Pershing Park, there is something for everyone, and people of all ages in the community play here. It’s a great and inexpensive place to go ice skating; swimming is a small fee for residents. People walk their dogs or kick abound soccer balls in the open grassy spots. If the weather’s fair, there is action at Pershing until 10pm year-round, and part of that is because the park is so well-lit.

Get your summer on,
JCG