Happy March and Happy Women’s History Month. We are in continual awe of the women in Jersey City who help make this town such a diverse, inclusive and fine place to live.

We have written over the past two years with straight up awe for the long-term restaurants that managed to survive the pandemic and for the new ones that have emerged. On the latter end we include and hail Olivia, a gorgeous spot in Hoboken at the tail end of Garden Street.

At the base of 70 Hudson, to be exact. New York City’s beloved Maman Bakery will open on Valentine’s Day. The first Maman opened in Manhattan in 2014 and now has 9 locations all over the city.

Hard to believe but it has been 7 years since Short Grain opened in Jersey City. Located adjacent to City Hall on Montgomery Street, this tiny Asian-inspired eatery became an instant staple. City Hall workers, locals and commuters flocked to the shop for the excellent coffee drinks, Balthazar pastries and healthy and delicious dishes served morning to dinner hours.

Jersey City is a pizza town bar none – that incudes you, New York City. The New York Times has written rhapsodically about Razza and Bread & Salt for excellent reasons of course. But here in JC we know that there are so many other classic Italian joints worthy of praise and writeups.

Taco Bar, you had us at Birria Ramen. Sure, Birria tacos are pretty commonplace these days in new Mexican cuisine. If you have yet to try, Birria is a sweet and savory, slow-cooked beef stew. When put in tacos, the stew is strained and situated gloriously between two taco shells.

Looking to slow down on the screen scroll this year? Maybe Luna de Papel can help. It is a lovely hand-craft art studio in Bergen-Lafayette with classes for both kids and adults. Peruvian-born owner Ruth Salas has her studio stocked with paints, stickers, natural materials, papers, etc.

It’s coming up on the 80th birthday of Miss America Diner, the West Side Avenue classic located steps from the NJCU campus. Students, staff, neighbors, and folks from all walks of life come here on the regular not just for the yummy comfort food but the welcoming, friendly vibe.

The treasured Grand St. tavern is once again open for business, and for all you fans of the original Golden Cicada, you will be pleased to know that the building is in good hands – specifically, Eva Johannesdottir and Gary Keating from The Cliff in the Heights.

Cocktail-ed out after the holiday season? If you are implementing a Dry January, don’t let that impede your social life. Craft mocktails are becoming staples at many dining establishments as there seems to be a growing movement out there to make alcohol less of a required staple for socializing.

Two of our 2022 resolutions: Continue to support small JC businesses and be open to incorporating small-scale new practices to stay centered and reduce stress. We are going to start with a January visit to Iggi Olorun Metaphysical Botanica, a very special little shop on Barrow St. with a long history here in Jersey City.

Send along a skin salve to fight the trials of winter weather with a gift certificate to Walker’s Apothecary. Shalea Walker is a renowned esthetician and makeup artist with over a decade of experience in the fields of beauty and skincare, tending to the skin of celebrities and regular folks alike looking to optimize our skincare routine.

Madame Claude Wine is the ideal place when gifting wine, beautifully wrapped by the knowledgeable staff who will expertly guide you through their selection of wine from around the world. They also have a delightful selection of French delicacies and glassware, all of which they will package into a stunning gift basket.

Marinell Montales and John T. Trigonis are a low-key creative power couple in Jersey City, so it is no surprise that their latest venture, Sure Things, is so special. Situated in a storefront in the Heights that was formerly a hair salon, the space has been meticulously restored to house their collection of fintage (found and vintage) items for sale.

Jersey City does not lack for representation when it comes to coffee culture – great cafes abound in every neighborhood. So, it says a lot that there was so much anticipation for the newly opened Rabble and Lion coffee shop in the Village.