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vegan
#HipNJ Social, Dining, Garden State Living, Scene & Heard

#VeganDay 5 of NJ’s Best Vegan Restaurants

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Hey #HipNJ! Today is #VeganDay! To celebrate, let’s take a look at five of the yummiest vegan restaurants in the area!

1.  Veganized, New Brunswick

Located in the heart of New Brunswick, this vegan eatery is the bomb-diggity! Highlights of the menu include their RAWzagna (gluten-free raw zucchini pasta, marinated mushrooms, fresh tomato, nut cheese, sundried tomato puree, pesto) and the BBQ Skewers (grilled seitan vegetable BBQ skewers, herbed white bean sauce, saffron rice, crusted oyster mushrooms with maple dijon). The undisputed fan favorite is the mackin’ cheese pictured above. It looks so good!

2.  Seed to Sprout, Fair Haven & Avon-by-the-Sea

This down-the-shore vegan joint is the real deal. It offers breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner, teaches cooking classes, and operates a bakery located in Wanamassa. They offer a delicious Maui Wowie smoothie (house-made cashew milk, strawberries, mango, banana, coconut, and fresh tumeric) and a Bacon Cheddar Melt (seared marinated tempeh, caramelized onion, coconut bacon, cashew sauce, riddled on a millet-flax bread). Pictured above is the House-Made Tempeh Chorizo Tacos! Yum!

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heart beet burger // 📷: @nachisheel

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3. Heart Beet Kitchen, Westmont

A charming, farmhouse-inspired eatery, Heart Beet Kitchen has a wide range of tasty foods such zucchini noodles with eggplant meatballs or spicy Buffalo cauliflower sandwich on a gluten-free bun. They also offers some tasty deserts such as a chocolate chip dough bar with almond butter, a pumpkin pie, and a matcha chai. The highly-acclaimed Heart Beet Burger is pictured above. Looks tasty!

4. Papa Ganache, Matawan

Vegan baked goods have never sounded better at Papa Ganache, a vegan/gluten-free bakery! While known for their baked goods including biscotti, cheesecake cups, pies, cookies, cakes and more, they also serve other food such as baked ziti, chili, and pizza. Pictured above is their delicious banana chocolate chip walnut bread, which looks super yummy!

5. Veggie Heaven, Teaneck, Montclair, & Denville

Culturally-inspired Veggie Heaven is known for their Asian fusion food. With favorites like the Thai Bang Bang Chicken, Crispy Stuffed Tofu, and any of their sushi options, it’s hard to go wrong here. Pictured above is a few of their sushi rolls which look absolutely delicious!

Any of these options are a fantastic choice for celebrating #VeganDay! Enjoy the day and try some vegan food if you get the chance!

greasy foods
#HipNJ Social, Dining, Garden State Living, Scene & Heard, Tourism

#GreasyFoodsDay 5 of NJ’s Yummy Greasy Foods

Hey #HipNJ! Today is #GreasyFoodsDay! To celebrate, let’s take a look at five of the most mouth-watering, greasy foods found in the Garden State!

1. Fat Sandwich, RU Hungry, New Brunswick

Launched in 1979 and aptly nicknamed the “Grease Truck,” RU Hungry is Rutgers University’s grease epicenter. The first fat sandwich they debuted was the Fat Cat which consisted of two cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, and french fries all on the sandwich. Their current best-seller is the Fat Darrell which consists of chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, marinara sauce, lettuce and tomato. I’ve had the Fat Darrell and can confirm it is delicious! Want to coin your own sandwich? RU Hungry challenges worthy participants to eat any five fat sandwiches in under 45 minutes. Those who succeed get to have their sandwich featured on their menu. Man vs. Food’s Adam Richman tried the challenge and failed. I couldn’t imagine eating five of those monstrous sandwiches in under an hour!

2. Italian Hot Dog, Jimmy Buff’s, Kenilworth

Originally founded in Newark by James “Buff” Racioppi in 1932, Jimmy Buff’s is the home to the famous Italian Hot Dog loaded with two fried hot dogs, peppers, onions and potatoes. I’ve visited the Kennilworth location and can confirm the authenticity, grease, and tastiness this sandwich boasts. This location featured an open kitchen so you can watch all of your sandwich fixin’s being deep fried right in front of you, which only makes your mouth water more before your served. Jimmy Buff’s is one of NJ’s oldest food traditions and there’s no wonder why it’s still going strong today.

3. Maui Burger, 30 Burgers, Branchburg

This relatively new NJ burger chain features 30 delicious, fresh and juicy burgers. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Branchburg location which has a very diner-esque feel to it. I had the Maui Burger, topped with grilled pineapple, smoked ham, teriyaki glaze, cheddar, lettuce, tomato & sweet mayo , and it was SO good! Other burgers that are worth trying include the Trenton Burger, topped with pork roll, American cheese, and ketchup, and the El Paso Burger, topped with roasted pablano peppers, sautéed onions, bacon, pepperjack, guacamole, lettuce & chipotle mayo. Yum!

4. Cheesesteak & Cheese Balls, Steaks Unlimited, Seaside Heights

Nothing says boardwalk food like a good ‘ol fashioned cheesesteak! Steaks Unlimited has one of the best cheesesteaks on the Jersey Shore. Paired with deep-fried, bread-crumbed coated, cheddar cheese balls, the cheesesteak and cheese balls combo is a Jersey Shore classic! When I visited, I was feeling daring and put cheese balls in my cheesesteak. Best idea ever!

5. Chonut, Kimchi Smoke, Westwood

This new Texas Korean BBQ fusion restaurant boasts perhaps the most intriguing, greasy, and glorious sandwich on this list. Dubbed “100% Ridiculousness,” the Chonut is brisket, smoked Kimchi, Fatboy bourbon chipotle sauce, bacon, cheese, and scallions sandwiched between a sliced glazed donut. Oh my! I have yet to try this delicious monstrosity but it is on the top of my To-Eat list!

Now that I’ve made your stomach growl, go out and celebrate #GreasyFoodsDay at one of these fine establishments!

Garden State Living

July 4th 2018 Recap – Hip New Jersey

Another July 4th has come and gone!  Here is a list of some  unique Independence Day events around the state in #HipNJ! 

50 Star Fire Show Experience, Jersey City

Snoop Dogg was the headline performer for the Fifth Annual Jersey City 4th of July Experience. In addition, the festivity had a carnival, continuous entertainment, beer gardens, and food trucks. The show ended with the world-renowned fireworks company Grucci launching fireworks from multiple barges on the Hudson River.

Pier 13 Freestyle on the Hudson, Hoboken

Pier 13 Hoboken hosted the First Annual Freestyle on the Hudson. This event featured live Performances by TKA and George Lamond along with Musical Guests Anthony D, Anthony Pags and Anthony Dilauri.

Montclair 68th Annual July 4th Parade, Montclair

This year Montclair hosted its 68th annual July 4th parade with exciting performances and live entertainment. There was a parade followed by a Family Picnic in Edgemont Park and a fireworks display in the evening at Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of Montclair State University.

Oceanfest, Long Branch

It is known as the biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore and regarded by some as the biggest in the entire state. Now on its 28th year, Oceanfest celebrated Independence Day with a wide variety of live performances, strolling entertainment and also magic shows. They ended off the night with another fireworks show that they claim is the best in all the Jersey Shore!

Morven Museum & Garden July 4th Jubilee, Princeton

In honor of Independence Day, Morven hosts an event to celebrate our American heritage. This year, the event included a meet and greet with George Washington and Annis Boudinot Stockton as well as demonstrations of early American domestic acts. In addition, people had a chance to create parade flags and pinwheels, listen to live bluegrass music and enjoy a variety of food trucks! 

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular – State Fair Meadowlands, East Rutherford

The State Fair Meadowlands had their Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at Met Life Stadium. They had a fireworks show visible from anywhere on the State Fair Midway. Live performances included The Steve Bayner Hypnotist show and the Extreme Illusions & Escapes. They also had pig racing, sea lions, a cycle circus, petting zoo and a variety of magic shows.

Summit’s 71st Annual Fourth of July Celebration, Summit

Summit’s Fourth of July celebrated 70 years with traditions including the Children’s Decorated Bicycle Parade and the Grand Fireworks Display. With the coming of another year, the Food Truck Festival was expanded and welcomed a variety of new vendors. Entertainment featured The Infernos on the main stage. Carnival rides and children’s entertainment also occurred into the night along with the opportunity to bounce all night long!

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, Wildwood

Wildwood had their annual Fireworks Spectacular yesterday on the Pine Avenue beach. Visible from almost anywhere on the Wildwoods Boardwalk, it was a great time to enjoy the rides, games and stores along the boardwalk in between the special fireworks display!

Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Morristown

Morristown had their annual reading of the Declaration of Independence on the historic Morristown Green. There was also a sing-a-long with Gordon Thomas Ward, a musket salute and guided tours of a Colonial-era graveyard. 

Livingston’s 82nd Annual July 4th Celebration, Livingston

Finally, Livingston’s Celebration took place around Memorial Oval on Robert Harp Drive in Livingston, NJ. It included an Auto Show, Swim Karnival, Pony Rides and CBS-FM Music & Prizes. In addition, there was Pickleball, Cricket Game & Exhibition and KidZone Rides. They also offered family food and live bands in their Beer & Wine Café. They ended the night with their fireworks display.