Food + Beverage

October is Garden State City Lifestyle Restaurant Month!

Explore New Jersey's Best Bites: Exclusive October Offers, Chef Specials, and Culinary Surprises Await Article by Garden State City Lifestyle | Photography by Michael Lago, Liz Polo - My Havanna Photography It’s our first annual Garden State City Lifestyle Restaurant Month, and we’ve partnered with top New Jersey restaurants to bring exclusive specials to you throughout October. From fine dining to casual bites, these offers are our treat to you. Visit any of these featured establishments...

Food + Beverage

Garden State Harvest

Risotto with Butternut Squash, Sage & Crispy Pancetta Article and Photography by Garden State City Lifestyle There’s something magical about fall in New Jersey. The air turns crisp, the boardwalk crowds fade, and the landscape transforms into a patchwork of deep reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges. Farmers’ markets brim with fresh-picked squash, apples, and herbs, making it the perfect time to create dishes that warm the heart and highlight our state’s seasonal bounty. This Garden State...

Health + Wellness

The Veggie Lady of Monmouth County

How Karyn Moskowitz Is Turning Fresh Food into Community Power Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Karyn Moskowitz At first glance, Karyn Moskowitz might seem like just another friendly face in Ocean Grove. But to hundreds of families across Monmouth County, she’s better known by a different name: The Veggie Lady. As the coordinator of the Building a Healthier, More Equitable Community Initiative (BHEC) at Interfaith Neighbors , Moskowitz isn’t just distributing food—she’s...

Food + Beverage

The Jersey Girl Guide

Turning Local Life Into a Must-Follow Movement Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Estelle Massry What began as a closet clean-out during the pandemic is now one of New Jersey’s most engaging lifestyle platforms. Mackenzie Malpass, Jersey Shore local and the creator behind The Jersey Girl Guide , has turned her eye for style and love for local spots into a curated feed of food, fashion and fun. “The Jersey Girl Guide started as a fun side project — just a place to post things I...

Food + Beverage

Pasta, Passion & Purpose

Chef Bill’s Culinary Journey With Piatto Di Pasta Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Michael Lago For Chef Bill , food has always been more than a profession — it’s a calling rooted in tradition, family, and community. His culinary journey began at age 11 in his father’s pizzeria in Garfield, New Jersey, where he started out answering phones and taking orders. As soon as he was tall enough to reach the ovens, he was making pizzas himself. Eventually, he ran the shop, carrying with...

Entertainment

‘Born to Run’

Exhibit Honors Springsteen’s Long Branch Roots Article by Lindsay DeAngelis + Carly Mac Manus | Photography by The Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Ed Gallucci, Billy Smith, Buddy DeSantis, The Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center marked the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” with a summer exhibition highlighting the Jersey Shore city’s influence on the legendary album. The exhibit, which opened Aug. 18 with a reception Aug. 19, was presented in collaboration with Monmouth...

Local Services

Phox’s Phiggie Bars

A Family-Inspired Twist on Tradition Article by Marilyn Schlossbach | Photography by Andrea Phox When Andrea Phox steps into her kitchen, creativity is just as present as it is behind her camera lens. Known for her dynamic photography and international workshops, Phox has also developed a unique recipe that blends family tradition with the unexpected bounty of her own backyard. For 20 years, Phox’s fig tree has produced more fruit than she could ever imagine. Unsure of what to do with the...

Food + Beverage

Long Branch’s Secret Eats

Four insider dining experiences that locals love — and hope you won’t tell too many people about. Article by Caroline Fanning | Photography by Reyla, 2nd Floor, Cardinal Provisions, My Kitchen Witch You don’t need us to tell you about Tim McLoone’s, The Butcher’s Block or Anjelica’s—you can Google “best restaurants Long Branch” for that. Instead, I’m sharing how to eat like a true insider on the Jersey Shore: curated, little-known experiences not often advertised. These are the best-kept...

Life + Culture

Ivy Harrington

Miss New Jersey USA 2025 shows it’s never too late to shine. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Jessielyn Palumbo, Carlos Velez, Anthony M. Gomes When Ivy Harrington was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025, she didn’t just claim a title—she affirmed a journey. At 30 years old, Harrington made history as the oldest titleholder the state has ever crowned, and with it, she’s redefining the narrative around beauty, purpose, and perseverance. But for Harrington, the victory is just one...

Food + Beverage

Garden State Glam

A signature cocktail for our September Style Issue Article and Photography by New Jersey City Lifestyle Refined, layered, and unmistakably New Jersey in its elegance and edge. Concept: Inspired by the rich tapestry of New Jersey's landscapes — from the coastal charm of the Jersey Shore to the sophistication of Bergen and the historic charm of Hunterdon County — this cocktail captures the essence of early fall in the Garden State. It's a drink that marries tradition with modern flair...