Dining Out | Urban Agenda Magazine

The Bernards Inn Has Nothing to Wine About

Meet Wine Sommelier Terri A. Baldwin of The Bernards Inn

By Erika Moritz

The Bernards Inn, located in Bernardsville, N.J., is often recognized and appreciated for its extensive collection of fine wines. The Inn’s wine director, Terri A. Baldwin, developed the collection thoughtfully, offering a range of tastes and flavor. Aside from being the Inn’s wine director, she is also a wine sommelier.

“I believe education is very crucial to understanding and fulfilling the true enjoyment of wine. My personal goal is to use my knowledge to be a trendsetter in the wine world,” said Baldwin. more

Top Ten Places to Dine Al Fresco in Monmouth County

By Erika Moritz

Summertime is in full swing and that means it's time to dine al fresco. A meal in the breezy evening air surrounded by a beautiful view and relaxing ambience is unbeatable and Monmouth County has an unlimited number of spots that provide just that. Here are ten places you must visit before summer ends. more

Destination: Red Bank “The City by the Sea”

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

In the early 1800s, the southern banks of the Navesink River bustled with steamboats, sailboats, and commercial fishermen transporting shellfish and local crops to New York City. In 1908, the area was incorporated into the town of Red Bank, whose name is attributed to the clay found along its coast. Come 2017, you’ll still find sailors and fisherman along these red banks, but you’ll also find young professionals on their way to stand-up paddle yoga. Indeed, some of Red Bank’s 12,200 residents start their day floating on the Navesink River with Flow Paddle Yoga. Others grab a Rook Coffee before walking their dogs past the shops on Broad Street. more

Chatham to Hold Annual Fishawack Festival on Saturday, Chatham Borough Farmers’ Market to Follow

Simon the Illusionist dazzles the audience with his magic tricks.

By Doug Wallack

On Saturday, June 10, the Chatham Borough Department of Community Services will hold the annual Fishawack Festival in downtown Chatham. Inaugurated in 1971, the festival — which takes its name from the Lenni-Lenape term for the Passaic River — is a day-long celebration of the region’s culture and history. The festivities will include local art exhibits, live music and dance performances, a car and truck show, a petting zoo, a climbing wall, an exhibition on Lenni-Lenape history, and more. more

Urban Insider: Princeton Reunions

By James McPhillips/JayMcPhillips.com

Princeton Reunions is next week, so today we’re tipping our hat to Old Nassau.

A modern locale steeped in history.

Known as one of the most prestigious towns in the country, Summit, New Jersey was first settled around 1710 as a region of small farms. With the 1837 addition of the Morris and Essex railroad line, the town became increasingly commercialized and by the late 1800s, it was considered the premiere weekend resort area for wealthy city-dwellers. Summit, aptly named for its location atop the Second Watching Mountain, quickly became known for its rural charm. Due to its close proximity to New York City, many families built summer estates in the town to enjoy the fresh air and natural landscape. more

Destination Montclair

Photo Credit: Audrey Blake Breheney

“The Parkslope of New Jersey”

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

On the east side of the Watchung Mountains sits Montclair, New Jersey, an unhurried, charming town in Essex County that’s lined with thousand-year-old trees and architecturally significant homes. It boasts six historic districts and 43 locations on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Charles Shultz House, known as the Evergreens. A three-story Victorian mansion built by a respected New York architect in 1896, the home provides unobstructed views of the city skyline, marking the close connection between the suburb and New York City. Many Montclair residents commute to and from Penn Station for work, and with them come metropolitan influences. The small town is home to 39,000 people, seven train stations, two cinemas, a theatre, an art museum, and an endless array of cultural experiences. more

Matcha Madness

What started as a centuries old tea in Japan is becoming America’s latest food trend

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

“Matcha, matcha man…” So maybe that’s not how the song goes, but with seemingly the entire food industry “going green,” the new lyrics seem appropriate. A tea that has been integral to Japanese culture for hundreds of years is having a major moment in the United States. Why? In short, because it’s colorful and healthy, and in the age of rainbow bagels and diet fads, what more could Americans ask for? more

Say Cheese!

Meet NJ-Based Cheese Sommelier, Nadine Ryan of Common Lot Restaurant

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

When it comes to selecting cheese, I have two options: extra cheese or extra, extra cheese. As sophisticated as my process sounds, it’s evident that my affinity for cheese clouds my decision-making skills. Fortunately, there are individuals whose job is to guide people like me through the over 650 varieties of cheese, and Nadine Ryan is one of them. more

Mother’s Day Weekend 2017

Photo Credit: @crystalspringsresort

From cruises to 5Ks, Urban Agenda outlines a myriad of events in New Jersey to celebrate Mom.

Get your glam on at this evening of pampering, food, and entertainment

Calling all ladies! Downtown Somerville is rolling out the red carpet for an evening of entertainment, pampering, shopping and dining at its second annual “Girls’ Night Out” event on Thursday, May 11 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. more

Celebrate Easter With These Northern NJ Restaurants

Photo Credit: @leclubavenue

Hop over to a stress-free Easter brunch or dinner at these NJ eateries

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

For some reason, everything tastes better when you’re not the one cooking. This Easter, free yourself from the homemade honey-baked ham and head to one of these local eateries for fresh and creative menu offerings. more

Urban Insider: Color Me Hoppy

Photo Credit: @dylanscandybar

Shop the latest Easter treats from Dylan's Candy Bar.

Photo Credit: @laurasykora in K-DEER leggings.

Friday, March 31

10:30 to 11 a.m.: Wee Ones Laptime at Westwood Library in Westwood, NJ. Perfect for babies – age 2. Free to attend.

11 a.m.: Yoga class at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, NJ.

7 p.m.: Book signing with Andrew McCarthy at Books & Greetings in Northvale, NJ. McCarthy is an actor, director, and travel writer. more

Put the ‘Pub’ in Public Garden

Wines from Bordeaux come to Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit.

"A wine without a soul is just a beverage." Why not take a wine taster's virtual tour of France, with a special stop in Bordeaux, at Reeves-Reed Arboretum's Put the 'Pub' in Public Garden Wine Tasting? more

Plate to Date: The Huntley Taverne’s Pork Chop and Bourbon Cocktail

Buckle up for this culinary adventure in Summit, New Jersey

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

The Huntley Taverne is a rustic eatery with cathedral ceilings, a wraparound porch, and two wood-burning stoves. It is the ideal spot to grab a drink and savor seasonal tavern-style cuisine. Among their culinary delights is the Asian Plum Grilled Pork Chop. more

This Week in Bergen: March 20-26

Photo Credit: @eatdrinkerie in Rutherford, NJ

Monday, March 20

3:30 p.m.: Open Bounce at Bounce U in Paramus, NJ. www.bounceu.com/paramus-nj/

Tuesday, March 21

7 p.m.: NHL Hockey: NJ Devils vs. NY Rangers at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. www.prucenter.com
more

Booked: The Grand Summit Hotel

Summit, New Jersey is a modern locale steeped in history. Known as one of the most prestigious towns in the country, Summit was first settled around 1710 as a region of small farms. With the 1837 addition of the Morris and Essex railroad line, the town became increasingly commercialized and by the late 1800s, it was considered the premiere weekend resort area for wealthy city-dwellers. more

Urban Insider: Good Libations

Photo Credit: @mouthfoods

Gifts with Spirit from Mouth.com

Photo Credit: @smittenkitchen

Ice Cream Cook Books, Taco Cook Books, Smoothie Cook Books Galore!

We all know that sugar is the real way to the heart.

Spicy Chocolate Bark with Chipotle Almonds

(Photo: Foodie Crush)

Who says Valentine’s Day can’t have some spice? This museum-worthy almond bark will certainly add some kick to your day. Get the full recipe at Foodie Crush.

Image courtesy of Thames & Hudson

Caz Hildebrand, author of “HERBARIUM,” recommends herbs to keep you well throughout the winter months.

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

Have a cough or achy joints from the cold? As the prime time for harsh weather and even harsher sicknesses, winter can wreak havoc on the body. Our aches and pains usually take us to the drugstore to buy medicines, creams, and the like, but there are natural ways to promote wellness during the winter months. In her newest book, Herbarium, Caz Hildebrand provides a directory of 100 herbs along with a colorful illustration of each that includes facts like its botanical name and place of origin. more

The Referend Bier Blendery: Where the Wild Brews Are

Photo Credit: Justin McLeod

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

December was a boozy month for the town of Hopewell, New Jersey. It marked the grand opening of two new breweries: Troon Brewing on the property of Double Brook Farm (130 Hopewell Rocky Hill Road) and The Referend Bier Blendery located on 1595 Reed Road. You might think this could lead to a “Battle of the Brews,” but in reality, it’s a welcomed coincidence according to James Priest, owner and founder of The Referend. more

The Montclair Speakeasy

Enjoy libations, jazz music, and local bites on January 28

By The Numbers: New Years Eve in Times Square

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

New Year’s Eve is only 1 day away, but we all know the true countdown begins at 11:59 p.m. in Times Square when the famous Centennial Ball descends 141 feet to ring in 2017. This year, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon will push the button to release the crystal geodesic sphere. As part of their 10-year “Greatest Gifts” series, Waterford Crystal manufactured crystals with a particular theme for the upcoming year to add to the Ball. more

Make Your Holidays Sweeter with Peppermint Marshmallows

Deck your holiday treats with Dandies Marshmallows

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

Just about everyone has a great affection for marshmallows. They connect us with childhood experiences like campfires, making s’mores, and drinking hot chocolate. We love a classic vanilla ‘mallow, but we also appreciate a company that offers a twist on the original. Dandies Marshmallows does just that. Their marshmallows are made with all natural ingredients and are Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, and kosher. They also come in an oh-so festive peppermint flavor to ensure this year’s holiday treats meet Santa’s standards. Below, Urban Agenda shares some of Dandies’ Peppermint Marshmallow recipes to try out. more

Urban Insider: The Sporting Life

Photo Credit: @esstockholm

These field jackets for women will never go out of style.

Inspiration in the Big Apple: The New World Trade Center Transportation Hub

By Ellen Gilbert

Designed by the Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the World Trade Center Transportation Hub is now the third largest transportation center in New York City. It serves 250,000 Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) daily commuters and millions of annual visitors from around the world. At approximately 800,000 square feet, the Hub's concourse will ultimately connect visitors to 11 different subway lines; the PATH rail system; the Battery Park City Ferry Terminal; the National September 11 Memorial & Museum; World Trade Center Towers 1, 2, 3, and 4; and Brookfield Place (formerly known as the World Financial Center), which houses the Winter Garden. more

Destination Morristown

Acorn Hall

Birthplace of the telegraph and home to NJ’s best meatballs.

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

Morristown, New Jersey has the conveniences of a city and the charm of suburbia. Along with access to mass transit and a walkable downtown, the Morris County town boasts Victorian-era homes, respected public schools, and historic sites. Among its estimated 18,594 residents are young professionals happy to find a culturally vibrant area where they can raise their families and arrive at Penn Station in an hour’s time. more

How to Decorate Your Holiday Party

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By Sarah Emily Gilbert

“A touch of glitter works wonders. You will be spreading this sparkle for days…” – Egil Matiss, owner of Eggsotic Events.

How do you throw a party that’s larger-than-life? Larger-than-life decorations. Eggsotic Events based out of Hampton, New Jersey helps people in the New York/New Jersey area celebrate life’s greatest moments with their event décor and lighting design services. These party professionals can turn the seemingly craziest ideas into unforgettable events. Along with his team of experts, Eggsotic Events owner, Egil Matiss has created everything from a custom red carpet for the James A. Michener Art Museum to an oversized wall of live flowers for a wedding proposal at the Mondrian SoHo. more