Life + Culture

Family Comes First

Rachel Fuda on Balancing Motherhood and Reality TV Fame Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Michael Lago, BellaCosa Babies For Rachel Fuda, star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey , fame isn’t the finish line—family is. While millions of Bravo fans know her for her polished style, quick wit, and reality TV presence, Fuda remains firmly grounded in her role at home. “Being a mom is what defines me right now,” she shares. “This is a very temporary little-kid phase of life, and I’m...

Health + Wellness

Not Just Another Dentist

How West Long Branch Dental Wins Trust, Not Followers Article by Caroline Fanning | Photography by Andrea Phox Step into West Long Branch Dental’s Instagram feed and you might think you’ve stumbled upon a lifestyle influencer’s page—full of laughter, music, and the occasional dental assistant strutting around in latex glove stilettos. But behind the fun is something far more rare in today’s world of curated content and constant selling: honesty. Dr. Isabel Bastos, the heart of this...

Health + Wellness

Waves of Impact

Brian Shea and the Jersey Shore Masters Swim Community Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Kartheek Hedge, Brian Shea For Brian Shea, the ocean is more than a backdrop—it’s the foundation of a lifelong passion and a central force in nearly everything he does. As the founder of Jersey Shore Masters (JSM), Shea has created a thriving community of open-water swimmers who gather regularly along the coast of Monmouth County to train, compete and connect through a shared love of the sea. ...

Food + Beverage

Blueberry Tart

A golden almond-crusted tart topped with clouds of vanilla cream and bursting with fresh blueberries Article by Marilyn Schlossbach | Photography by Dani Fresh Founder of D'ice Delights in Long Branch, Chef Ulises Fragoso, along with his wife Diana Nevarez, infuses every dessert with heart and heritage. Born in Mexico, Fragoso discovered his love for baking as a child, sneaking tastes of his mother’s orange pound cake batter. His dishes are rich with family tradition—from mole with filet...

Health + Wellness

Reformer Revolution

The Pilates Studio Redefining Fitness Article by Caroline Fanning | Photography by Kartheek Hegde, Studio Pilates International It only takes a few seconds inside Studio Pilates International Long Branch, a reformer Pilates studio located in the city’s emblematic Pier Village, to realize it’s different from your typical fitness space. You won’t find the concrete walls, splashed in black paint and tinted red by LED light strips, of a HIIT bootcamp gym. Or the booming techno music that washes...

Life + Culture

Pup Paradise

Long Branch: The Best Dog-Friendly Town in New Jersey Article and Photography by Melissa Misthal Yes, you read that right. Long Branch is the best dog-friendly town in New Jersey! Having visited this gorgeous beach town for over 20 years, and spending the last 9 years with my dog, Brie, tagging along, we’ve got plenty of reasons to back up this claim. The culture of treating dogs like family members and taking them on adventures has grown in popularity, and Long Branch is perfect for both...

Health + Wellness

A Smile That Lasts

From overcoming childhood fears to creating a stress-free experience, Dr. Saka is changing the way we think about dental visits. Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Kartheek Hedge Dr. Sammy Saka understands that for some, visiting his office is the last thing they want to do. “It’s OK,” he says. “It comes with the territory.” "Most of my patients are afraid," the dentist says. "But instead of taking that as a slant, I see it as a great opportunity to show them how comfortable this...

Event Planning + Services

Marilyn's Tom Kha Ghai

A Thai-inspired soup with a uniquely American twist Article by Marilyn Schlossbach | Photography by Dani Fresh This flavorful Thai dish is a heartfelt tribute to the soups I fell in love with while traveling through Asia. It’s a fusion of two beloved Thai classics— Tom Kha and Tom Yumgoong —blended with a personal twist that brings comfort, spice, and soul to every bowl especially this Father's Day season. Note: Tom Kha means "boiled galangal," and galangal is essential to this recipe...

Arts + Culture

A Glimpse into History

The Coca-Cola Sign Discovery in Long Branch Article and Photography by Michal DiMiceli Two years ago, a remarkable piece of history was uncovered in downtown Long Branch when a vintage Coca-Cola sign, dating back to 1910, was discovered during the demolition of an adjoining building’s exterior on Third Avenue. This historic find, which had been hidden for over a century behind the walls of a neighboring structure, offers a unique look into the city’s past and has become a source of pride for...

Sports + Recreation

Hooked on Father’s Day Fun!

Fishing Father’s Day Gifts and Tips from TAK Waterman Surf n Fish Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by TAK Waterman Surf n Fish Fishing Father’s Day Gifts and Tips from TAK Waterman Surf n Fish As Father’s Day approaches, many people are looking for the perfect gift for the fishing-loving dad in their lives. At TAK Waterman Surf n Fish, the staff is always ready to help with thoughtful suggestions based on a dad's fishing style, experience, and preferences. We sat down with Mike...