Yep the holidays are different this year, but the glorious tradition of gift giving remains. So, whether you are dropping off gifts locally or mailing them to loved ones afar, may we kindly suggest two small and beloved businesses to support while supplanting the sweet tooths of those on your list.

As the cold weather creeps up on us, comfort food is calling. Not just any comfort food mind you, but the authentic Italian American kind, the food that Jersey is famous for. Stuffed breads.

Café Esme owner Daniela Arbu has opened a second eatery at the base of the KRE Building at 485 Marin. Just like her lovely café, Sage Eats is a slam dunk.

So, what is it exactly? Think of good old classic Southern banana pudding, elevated several notches. The pudding base is whipped into a super light mousse and sandwiched between layers of soft cookie wafers and fruit.

The very glamorous Vanity Ray, self-described as the Broadway Barbie of New Jersey, is hosting Virtual Drag Bingo for Art House Productions this month.  Held the first three Fridays of November, these themed Bingo nights give you and yours a chance to spice up (or resume) your Friday night Cocktail Hour via Zoom.

The fab folks behind the Grind Coffee Shop have expanded their Jersey City footprint with The Grind General Store, located at 293 Suydam Avenue in beautiful Bergen-Lafayette.  Think of it as the ultimate corner store of your dreams.

Per Governor Phil Murphy’s executive order, all 6.3 million voters in New Jersey should receive a mail-in ballot. Mail-in ballots should arrive by October 5 and if you will return your ballot via mail, it must be sent back/postmarked by Nov. 3.

Vegan AF opened in March and we give our hats off to them for being yet another awesome set of entrepreneurial restaurateurs in JC who have found a way to open in 2020.

As of September 1st, New Jersey gyms are authorized to re-open with restrictions in place. Capacity is limited to 25 percent, and face masks are mandatory for all members and staff.

A bike-share program between JC and Hoboken is happening at last. A joint press release from Mayor Fulop and Hoboken Mayor Bhalla laid out the plans, which we summarize for you inside:

Jersey City’s Con Vivo Music is the coolest chamber music ensemble around. Since 2007, this collective of musicians from NYC and NJ have operated with a singular mission – providing free, world-class concert music to all regardless of class, location, or income.