Toast Montclair

Do you like your toast with a cheers or nice and warm with melted butter (yum!)?

I like both, but it's a whole different world of fun at Toast in Montclair, NJ.

Forget the chain restaurants and diners, because you won't get any cookie cutter breakfast, lunch, or brunch here at Toast. Completely unaware of what I was about to find, I recently joined a friend for a long overdue brunch at a place simply picked due to its convenient location and positive Yelp reviews for Red Velvet Pancakes. The name alone provides an air of trendiness and fluff, but needless to say, I wasn't disappointed.  

Cute outdoor seating set the scene, and I didn't even take a step indoors. Chai lattes, cappuccinos, bella nutella (french toast stuffed with nutella), and to-die-for red velvet pancakes made Toast a rare 4 star rating on my list of places to feast in NJ.Prices are moderate - not cheap, but not expensive. Definitely take a look at the menu online before going.

Suzi Cakes

Many a bakery has opened on Main Street Boonton, and most have failed. So who knew that a new cute little bakery has been there for a while? Suzi Cakes is clearly easy to miss if you haven't heard of it. I stopped in based on a friend's recommendation, and discovered that Suzi Cakes provides a limited variety of cupcakes, cheesecakes, and cookies.

I had the Cannoli Cupcake, which was OK but not great. It might have been the result of the cold refrigeration, but the cupcake didn't seem super fresh. Still, the flavors were OK and it was a nice little treat that you can't find elsewhere in the area. I also saw a great decorated cake and was told that they can do customized cakes that are pre-ordered.

Prices were decent with each cupcake ringing in at about $2.75... about a dollar less than a Crumbs Cupcake. I hope that business picks up so Suzi Cakes will start to provide a bigger variety of sugary goodness.

Green Rock Tap & Grill

Hoboken is known for its hotspots and incredible nightlife, but for those with casual tastes and tighter budgets it just doesn't have the same appeal. That's why the Green Rock is a rare find in a yuppie town like Hoboken.

To be fair, I feel like I must start this review by being brutally honest. The bar isn't the nicest of venues. It has that odor of old wood that has been marinated in gallons of cheap beer, most likely the result of hundreds of spilled $1 drafts... but I digress. The bar has some tight spaces, and it can be ridiculously difficult to maneuver through the crowd . Also, the ladies room is tiny and is one of the worst that I have ever seen.

Yet the Green Rock does have some redeeming qualities. Most importantly, some fantastic deals. I have only been for happy hour on a Thursday night (actually, make that several Thursday nights) and have enjoyed the $1 drafts from 5-8, at which point the drafts increase to a shockingly high price of $2 a pint. On Thursdays you can also find a 2 for 1 appetizer deal that helps to make it a cheap night out.

If you like the fancy trendy bars and clubs, you will hate the Green Rock. But if you're a fun, go with the flow type of person, give it a shot.

Boonton Lanes

Looking for something to do in NJ, but you don't have a lot of cash to spend? How about a little bowling?

I know, I know. Who goes bowling anymore, right? Honestly, I haven't been bowling in 10 years, but when a friend recently wanted to do something that was "active," this oldie (but goody) came to mind.

Why? Boonton Lanes has several specials that they run throughout the week. If you're tight on cash, Boonton Lanes offers 3 hour bowling sessions on Friday and Saturday nights where you can bowl unlimited games for just $13. If 3 hours is too much for you, you can also check out $1 games on Mondays, $2 games on Tuesday and 25 cent games on Sunday (with a $6 cover charge).

Bar Americain

From diners to medieval jousts to fancy establishments, New Jersey has quite a bit of dining options. But sometimes you just want something that's a little bit different. If you're looking for a fancy dinner but you're tired of all of the local places, I recommend Bar Americain in New York City.

Bar Americain is owned by the renowned chef Bobby Flay, and offers a menu that is unmatched elsewhere. From fliet mignon to leg of venison, the options are vast enough to satisfy the most simple and the most adventurous. Add an array of sides from delicious mashed potatoes to hot potato chips and blue cheese dressing and you're set for one heck of a meal.

Top it off with a bottle of wine from the vast selection (or any of the specialty drinks from the bar) and prepare to not just eat, but to embark on a fantastic experience.

Now let's be honest, I may be a bit biased since I recently enjoyed Bar American for a special anniversary dinner. But don't let that take anything away from this fine dining experience. Bar American truly is on the top of my list for fantastic places to eat.

I should note that if you were thinking "expensive" when I said "fine dining," you'd be right. Bar American will make a dent in your wallet, but I promise it is well worth it.

Hoboken Italian Festival

Summer is drawing to a close and it's time to find some local things to do in NJ (yes, the Benny's have left the shore). Thankfully, it's time for the annual Hoboken Italian Festival!

The schedule is already set for next week's activities, so check it out and let us know what your favorite part of the Hoboken Italian Festival is!:

The schedule for the Feast.

MC: Johhny Maggio

THURSDAY 9/9

5:00 – 7:00:
Garden State Radio
www.myspace.com/ gardenstateradio/

7:00 – 10:00:
Johnny Drama
www.johnnydramanj.com

8:30-9:00:
Annual Pizza-Eating Contest

10:00 – 11:00
Live DJ

FRIDAY 9/10

5:30 – 7:30:
Monte’s Pythons – Great cover band opens the night…back by popular demand.www.myspace.com/montespython

8:00 – 11:00:
Asbury Fever
www.asburyfever.com
SATURDAY 9/11

12:30 – 1:15
Johnny Maggio sings Sinatra, Bennett, Martin

1:30 – 3:15
Alfio – The Voice of Passion
www.alfiomusic.com

3:30 – 4:15
Iliana Incandela
www.myspace.com/Ilianai

4:30 – 6:30:
R3 Bros. – The area’s Newest Italian American sensation
www.r3brosmusic.com

7:00 – 11:00
Opera 3000
www.webisto.com/opera3000/

8:30-9:00
Annual Cannoli-Eating Contest

SUNDAY 9/12

Sunday, 12 Noon – 12:30
Garden State Jazz Orchestra
www.gardenstatejazzorchestra.com

12:30 – 2:30:
Longtooth

3:00 – 4:45
“Krystal – Hoboken’s Own Rock Band”
www.myspace.com/krystalreturns

5:00 – 7:00:
Chiclettes
www.chiclettes.com/

7:00 – 7:30:
Annual Grape Stomp Contest:

8:00 – 9:00:
Jersey Sound
www.jerseysound.com/

9:00 – 9:25
Fireworks Extravaganza
Fireworks (Click image to view fireworks video)

9:25 - 10:00:
Jersey Sound

Labor Day Weekend | Boonton Carnival

Labor Day Weekend can pretty much be summed up in one of two ways: the beach, or some good old fashioned fun.

BBQs, backyard fun and carnivals provide a great deal of fun things to do in NJ for families that want to stay local and may not have a lot of money to spend. One prime example is the Boonton Carnival, which is run by the Boonton Fire Department.

On Monday, September 6, the carnival will be open from 3pm - 10pm and you can expect:

-	Pay-One-Price, unlimited rides (bracelets sold until 8pm only).
-	Super 50/50 Drawing at 9pm.
-	Live Band at 7pm - Fly By Night