Seen in Jersey City

Jersey Girls Food Tours' Fall Chef Showcase on Tuesday, October 28, 2014

2014-10-24T11:47:00.000-04:00

Jersey Girls Food Tours presents their first annual Fall Chef Showcase on Tuesday, October 28th at Art House Productions (136 Magnolia Avenue in Journal Square) from 7 to 9 pm.

Guests will be treated to a selection of 12-15 dishes from many of Jersey City's talented chefs (GP’s Restaurant, Battello, Orale, Left Bank, VB3, Lighthorse Tavern, Satis Bistro, BROA, White Star Bar, Razza, Cholita Dessert Bar, Milk Sugar Love, Hudson Cakery, ModCup Coffee and Urban Foodie Catering), as well as dessert and coffee.

There will also be live music provided by NJCU Jazz Quintet, art exhibit OBSOLESCENCE on display and a selection of spirits from NJ Beer Co, Don Q Rums, Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur, Jersey Wine Merchants and Selections de la Viña.

Tickets are $75 with all profits going to benefit The Sharing Place. All ages are welcome!

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.JerseyGirlsFoodTours.com.

Three Days of Screenings at the Jersey City International Television and Film Festival Begins This Friday, October 17, 2014

2014-10-13T08:36:00.000-04:00

The Jersey City International Television and Film Festival will kick off will a red carpet reception at Parlay Studios on Friday, October 17th from 6 to 7pm. The first screenings will immediate follow:

Birdwatching in Jersey City
A beautiful documentary by the acclaimed filmmaker John Dunstan, a Jersey City resident

Opening Eyes through Opera
About a local singer, Giselle Bellas, who wants to reach young people through the joys of opera

Dollar Night
Short film by Marco Antonio Martinez which gives audiences a look at the hardships faced by old-time projection theaters being replaced by digital.

The second day of the festival on Saturday, October 18th is a full day of screenings at two locations at WFMU’s Monty Hall, 43 Montgomery Street and the Caroline L. Guarini Theatre, Jersey City Museum (building operated by JCMC-Barnabas Health) at 430 Montgomery Street beginning at noon at both locations. Screenings on Saturday will include:

Gen Silent
This documentary explores the older LGBT community, who fought the first battles for equality, and who are now facing discrimination, bullying and abuse. This is a critically acclaimed film from director Stu Maddux, and is the winner of the Frameline San Francisco LGBT Film Festival Best Documentary Audience Choice Award. It will be shown at the Caroline L. Guarini Theatre at 8:00 pm.

Mala Mala
Electrifying new documentary about an LGBT and drag community of performers in Puerto Rico which is showcased in this round table conversation with performers and filmmakers, Dan Sickles and Antonio Santini.

Not Anymore: A Story of Revolution
A short documentary about why the Syrian people are fighting for their freedom, as told through the emotional words of two powerful characters whose lives have been turned upside down and torn apart by war.

On the final day, Sunday, October 19th, screenings begin at the Caroline L. Guarini Theatre, Jersey City Museum, Montgomery Street from 1:00 – 5:30 pm. Screenings on Sunday will include:

The Last American Guido
In the 90's, Tommy ruled the Jersey club scene. His style, moves, and sheer confidence were unprecedented. Nowadays, Tommy runs an Italian Deli. His hairline has receded, his fashion has faded. When he discovers his fiancée, Stefi had an affair, he's forced back into a world that has passed him by.

Sunday will also include student category entries from local Jersey City film students from NJCU.

Screenings on Friday and Saturday evenings will followed by an after party at the Liberty Prime Steakhouse on Montgomery Street, where you can meet the filmmakers, the JCITFF team, film industry experts and like-minded film aficionados.

Please visit the website at www.jcitff.org for more information. Also visit: http://jcitff.brownpapertickets.com to purchase tickets for all three days.

Modern Family Dentistry's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, October 23, 2014

2014-10-10T08:09:00.001-04:00

Modern Family Dentistry, a new dental practice at 551 Jersey Avenue, is celebrating their opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Fulop on Thursday, October 23rd at 4:30 pm.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is open to the public and will be followed by a grand opening reception at the office where attendees will have the opportunity to see Modern Family Dentistry's brand new facilities and meet the doctors.

Pier 13 to Host Comedy Show to Benefit Liberty Humane Society on Saturday, October 18, 2014

2014-10-10T07:54:00.001-04:00

The 5th annual Hoboken Comedy Festival is wrapping up with a final show at 3 pm next Saturday, October 18th at Pier 13 in Hoboken (rescheduled due to rain from October 4th).

The comedy show will benefit Jersey City-based Liberty Humane Society, which was the sponsoring charity of the Festival.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.HobokenFestival.com.

Restaurant Crawl at Yelp’s Passport to Newport Event Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7, 2014

2014-10-06T09:04:00.001-04:00

Yelp is throwing their first ever Yelp’s Passport to Newport event tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7th.

The event is a a restaurant crawl along the Jersey City waterfront in the Newport section of Jersey City with 8 participating: restaurants

Battello
Bertucci's
Cosi**
Dorrian's
Fire & Oak
Komegashi Too
Loradella's Family Pizzeria**
Skylark On The Hudson

Each participating restaurant will be serving tastes of their signature dishes and a fall-inspired cocktail using Tito’s Handmade Vodka and attendees will be able to vote for their favorite drink in a contest at the end of the night (**alcholic cocktails will not be served at these locations).

For more information and to RSVP, please visit http://www.yelp.com/events/jersey-city-jersey-city-yelps-passport-to-newport

Update (10/10/14): The winner of the favorite drink of the night was Battello's "Wrath of Grapes" featuring Tito’s Vodka, Concord grape syrup, chai tea and banana nectar!

Check out some photos from the event after the jump.

Photos by Mark Wyville

Hamilton Park BBQ Festival Tomorrow, Saturday, September 27, 2014

2014-09-26T08:35:00.003-04:00

The 5th annual Hamilton Park BBQ Festival is tomorrow, Saturday, September 27th from noon to 8 pm!

The festival will take place at 232 Pavonia Avenue (right across the street from Hamilton Park).

As in past years, there will be delicious food served up by a wide variety of vendors (including local favorites GP's Restaurant, Milk Sugar Love and Union Republic), kids activities, live music performances and an arts and crafts fair.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Hamilton Park Conservancy.

Hoboken Comedy Festival to Support Liberty Humane Society

2014-09-25T15:19:00.000-04:00

The 5th annual Hoboken Comedy Festival begins next week for 7 days of comedy with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Jersey City-based Liberty Humane Society.

The festival will run from Monday, September 29th through Sunday, October 5th will an impressive line-up of comedians.

The Festival donates $1 per head directly to Liberty Humane Society, for each of the shows, and passes direct donation bins throughout performances to raise money for the charity.

In addition, this year, the Hoboken Comedy Festival and Pier13 have teamed up to host a dog-friendly outdoor show on ~~Saturday, October 4th~~ Saturday, October 18th at 3 pm with a suggested $10 donation to Liberty Humane Society.

For the full line-up and to purchase tickets please visit www.HobokenFestival.com.

Update (10/10/2014): The Hoboken Comedy Festival Pier 13 event has been rescheduled for this Saturday, October 18th from 3 to 6 pm.

Liberty Humane Society’s Bark in the Park Fundraising Event on Saturday, October 11, 2014

2014-09-22T15:06:00.002-04:00

Jersey City-based Liberty Humane Society is gearing up for their biggest fundraising event of the year: Bark in the Park!

This year's Bark in the Park will take place in Hoboken’s Church Square Park on Saturday, October 11th from noon to 5pm.

The event will begin with a half-mile fundraising walk around Hoboken (participants with or without their dogs) followed by a fun-filled fair at Church Square Park with vendors, contests, crafts, demonstrations and more!

Registration is now open for walk participants online. Can't make it to the event? Consider being a "virtual walker" or support this year's mascot Mackenzie!

Many pet-friendly and family-friendly activities are planned for the fair at Church Square Park including special guests MC Aaron Berg, comedian, actor, and pet advocate; Jorge Bendersky, Professional Dog Stylist and Celebrity Dog Groomer; Ada Nieves, Pet Fashion Couture designer and host of our fabulous Pet Fashion Show; Laura Waddell of K9 Problem Solvers for an Ask the Trainer session; Jersey City Police Department K9 unit for a demonstration; dog agility demonstrations and training; shelter adoption center; a bouncy house, face painter and craft station for the human kiddies; shopping at vendor tables and food trucks; discounted micro-chipping; a pet trick and costume contest.

Businesses interested in being a part of Bark in the Park 2014 can visit www.libertyhumane.org to download the business partnership packet and forms or email Jessica(at)libertyhumane.org for more information.

Reminder: The Newport Half Marathon is This Sunday, September 21, 2014

2014-09-16T16:31:00.004-04:00

The Newport Half Marathon is scheduled for this Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 am at 100 Town Square Place (steps away from the Newport PATH station).

Registration is now open via www.newporthalfmarathon.com

As in previous years, the course is a mostly flat, scenic route through downtown Jersey City, Liberty State Park and along the waterfront.

Councilwoman Candace Osborne will announce the start of this year’s race and Mayor Steven Fulop will be participating.

Winnings and records will be awarded immediately following the race during the Post-Race Party with refreshments, a local DJ and several prize drawings for gift cards and event tickets.

Liberty Humane Society's Bayonne Barks Event This Saturday, September 13, 2014

2014-09-10T08:18:00.002-04:00

Jersey City-based Liberty Humane Society is throwing a one-day event, Bayonne BARKS, in Bayonne at City Park (16th Street, Lower Level) this Saturday, September 13th from 10 am - 3 pm.

The event will feature:

Low cost pet wellness clinic (vaccines and microchipping on-site)

Bring-your-own-dog-wash

Ice cream social

Raffles and prizes sponsored by PetFoodNetwork.com

"Name Your Own Price" pet adoptions (dozens of adoptable cats and dogs will be on site and you can set your own adoption fee)

28th Annual Park Fest & Flea Market on Saturday, September 13, 2014: Vendors Wanted

2014-09-08T08:27:00.000-04:00

The Riverview Neighborhood Association's 28th Annual Park Fest and Flea Market will take place this Saturday, September 13th 10 am to 5 pm at Riverview-Fisk Park in the Heights (Palisades Avenue between Griffith and Bowers).

Interested in vending? To register, please visit:
http://riverviewneighborhood.org/28th-annual-park-fest-flea-market/

In addition to vendors, the festival will feature children’s and art events, a DJ/live music and much more!

JC Fridays Event at The Art House on Friday, September 5, 2014

2014-09-05T15:05:00.002-04:00

The Art House at 148 First Street in Jersey City

The new luxury rental building The Art House at 148 First Street will be hosting a special event today, September 5th, as part of JC Fridays.

The exhibition will include the debut of the gallery spaces at The Art House featuring 12 floors of original artwork from local Jersey City artists.

The showcase is the latest installment of The Art Project, a collaboration of The Shuster Group, curator Jim Pustorino, the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation and the City of Jersey City to promote local artists by displaying and selling their works to help inspire underserved youths through advanced visual arts courses.

The event will take place from 5 pm to 8 pm and is open to the public.

The Jersey Devil: Film Shot in Jersey City to Premiere at the Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre on Wednesday, September 24, 2014

2014-09-04T11:43:00.000-04:00

The film The Jersey Devil will have its world premiere on Wednesday, September 24th at the Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. For tickets, please visit: http://thejerseydevil.brownpapertickets.com/

The Jersey Devil is a comedic film that was shot at various locations around Jersey City including Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre, the Brightside Tavern, New Jersey City University and City Hall. Executive producers are Jersey City locals Michael Billy and Jarl Haugedal.

The premiere is being sponsored by the upcoming Jersey City International Television and Film Festival which currently open for submissions.

Categories include: Feature Films, Animated Films, Short Films, Student Films, Indian Cinema, LGBT, Horror (no slasher), Documentary, Television Pilots and Webseries. Your work will be evaluated by a jury of professional media experts from the television and filmmaking industry, as well as media professors from New Jersey City University.

For more information about submitting your work: http://jcitff.org/submissions.html

The festival will take place between October 17th - 19th with screenings throughout the city followed by awards to be presented on the final evening.

JC Fridays at the Jersey Statuary on Friday, September 5, 2014‏

2014-09-03T09:34:00.001-04:00

Earlier this summer Margo and Walter Parks, owners of the Jersey Statuary building, opened their doors to pay tribute to former owner Ralph Ghibesi with an evening of art and music.

The event was so successful they are throwing a second event this Friday, September 5th as part of JC Fridays, a city-wide celebration of the arts in Jersey City organized by Art House Productions.

There will be a painting exhibition by Jeankarlos Cruz and concerts by classical pianist Florencia Guzman (at 6 pm) and the NYC based Brazilian group Matuto (at 7:30 pm).

The Jersey Statuary building is located at 53 Congress Street in the Heights.

Taphaus Beer Garden at 2 Second Street Gearing Up to Open

2014-08-26T13:03:00.001-04:00

Jersey City will soon have a second beer garden opening up at 2 Second Street, the Crystal Point condo building right along the waterfront.

Taphaus recently launched their Facebook page and has been releasing sneak peeks at their draft selection for when they open. Given their seasonal selections so far it appears they are aiming for an early fall opening.

Update (10/14/14): According to folks via Reddit, Taphaus is now open!

JCFridays: End of Summer Lot Party to Benefit Jersey City Ties on Friday, September 5, 2014

2014-08-26T12:15:00.000-04:00

Jersey City Ties together with The Thirsty Quaker is throwing a special JC Fridays event next Friday, September 5th from 5 to 10 pm at 494 Monmouth Street (next door to The Thirsty Quaker).

The End of Summer Lot Party is free to attend with live music, sketch comedy and food, wine and beer for purchase.

Proceeds will benefit Jersey City Ties, a young professionals community service organization based in Jersey City.

Koro Koro Opens at 538 Jersey Avenue, Featured in Village Voice

2014-08-26T10:01:00.000-04:00

After a successful Kickstarter campaign Koro Koro has now opened at 538 Jersey Avenue between Columbus Drive and Newark Avenue (steps away from Choc O Pain).

In addition to a selection of soups and salads, Koro Koro offers a wide variety of Japanese rice balls (including several vegan options) such as Indian, Miso Beef, Cuban and Spicy Salmon.

Koro Koro has also been featured in this article in the Village Voice: Inside Koro Koro, a Kickstarter-Funded Rice Ball Cafe Now Open in Jersey City.

Newport Half Marathon on Sunday, September 21, 2014

2014-08-26T08:06:00.000-04:00

Jersey City runners: it's that time of year again! The Newport Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 am.

Registration is now open via www.newporthalfmarathon.com

As in previous years, the course is a mostly flat, scenic route through downtown Jersey City, Liberty State Park and along the waterfront.

Not up for 13.1 miles? Party with Purpose is hosting their first annual Jersey City 5K race on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6 pm along the Jersey City waterfront.

Signs of Progress at Porta on Newark Avenue

2014-08-25T12:54:00.001-04:00

Porta at 135 Newark Avenue

Porta's newest location at 135 Newark Avenue is beginning to take shape!

Although the pharmacy sign still stands, the former Fenny Pharmacy building is now completely unrecognizable with a stylish wood exterior and roof deck.

Porta is now projecting an opening date in October 2014.

Historic Firehouse Made Famous By Snooki & JWoww For Sale

2014-08-25T09:54:00.001-04:00

The historic 1860s firehouse at 38 Mercer Street that served as the location for MTV's show Snooki & Jwoww is now up for sale for $2.5 million.

For a peek at the impressive and unique property, take a look at the listing.

Jersey City has several historic firehouses that have been converted to residential homes such as 14 Bright Street and 278 Sixth Street which was recently for sale for $1.85 million.

Update (8/25/14): Forgot to mention the 218 Central Avenue firehouse, home to the HGTV Kitchen Cousins' firm Brunelleschi Construction.

Korean Restaurant Ahri's Kitchen Coming to 227 Seventh Street in Hamilton Park

2014-08-25T09:36:00.003-04:00

It was recently announced on JCList and Reddit that a new Korean restaurant, Ahri's Kitchen, will be opening at 227 Seventh Street which is at the corner of Seventh and Erie (current location of the 7th Street Deli).

Ahri's Kitchen will serve authentic Korean dishes (take a sneak peek at their menu on their website) and will be BYOB.

They are aiming for a soft opening December 1st and will launch a Kickstarter campaign on September 1st.

Update (9/2/2014): Ahri's Kitchen's Kickstarter is now up!

Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza

2014-08-25T09:27:00.000-04:00

Starting last Tuesday one block of Newark Avenue stretching from Barrow Street to Grove Street is now closed off to traffic during designated hours to create a cars-free pedestrian plaza.

On weekdays from 3 pm to midnight and all day on weekends pedestrians can leisurely enjoy a treat from Downtown Yogurt, read a book from Word on one of the colorfully decorated picnic tables in the street, dine at the extended outdoor seating areas of LITM or Skinner's Loft. There's even a piano donated by Mayor Fulop that you can play or listen to.

Despite a few traffic flow adjustments, the plaza has been quite popular among residents and businesses. The plaza is currently on a three month trial run, so time will tell if it is here to stay.

Blue Lotus Now Open in Hamilton Park, Groupon Available

2014-08-25T08:54:00.001-04:00

Blue Lotus, an Indian restaurant, has opened in the spot previously occupied by Ginfi at 131 Erie Street in Hamilton Park.

Groupon is offering a deal at Blue Lotus: $27 for a meal for two or $54 for a meal for four. There was a take-out option that has already sold out.

Panera Bread Opens at the Newport Centre Mall

2014-08-25T08:44:00.005-04:00

As previously reported, Panera Bread is now open at the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City.

The new Panera is not in the food court but instead located on the first level of the mall (in-between the Foot Locker and Lenscrafters). There is ample seating with tables outside the entrance as well as booths inside the restaurant.

The dining options at the Newport Centre Mall have been steadily improving lately with the addition of this Panera, Dunkin' Donuts, Teavana, Starbucks and a renovation of the food court to come this fall 2014.

6th Borough Market is Back Tomorrow, Sunday, August 10, 2014

2014-08-09T09:21:00.002-04:00

The 6th Borough Market returns tomorrow, Sunday, August 10th from 11 am to 5 pm to their new location on Montgomery Street and Marin Boulevard (behind City Hall).

In case you've missed their past events, the 6th Borough Market is a family friendly, highly-curated vintage, crafts, food and children activities open market that promotes community & local artisans.

The 6th Borough Market is a free event that takes place on one Sunday a month, with only 3 upcoming dates scheduled this year! August 10th, September 14th and October 19th.

This Sunday's market will include many great vendors such as Cholita Dessert Bar, Beekman Lane, Surf and Turf Truck and Do You Tea? (mention this Tweet for $5 off $10) and many more!