Local Services

Readers' Choice

FOOD & DRINKS EDITION—OCTOBER 2026 Article by Greater Long Branch City Lifestyle | Photography by Scala’s Pizzeria, Anjelica’s Restaurant Along the Greater Long Branch coast, good food is part of the experience. From a fresh bagel before a beach day to pizza, coffee and a memorable dinner, this month’s Readers’ Choice: Food & Drinks Edition highlights the local spots that give residents and visitors another reason to enjoy the area. The selections capture the range of flavors and dining...

Food + Beverage

The Sweet Potato, Two Ways

Discover the surprising history, versatility and delicious possibilities of sweet potatoes, from savory sides to decadent desserts and everything between. Article by Chef David Burke With the arrival of fall, sweet potatoes are about to have their annual moment. So this felt like the perfect time to show just how versatile they can be. Sweet potatoes have a bit of an identity problem. They’re not potatoes. They’re not yams. Yet somehow, they’ve spent centuries being mistaken for both. They...

Event Planning + Services

Celebrations Made Personal

How Eclipse Events transforms celebrations into unforgettable experiences through personalized entertainment, creativity and human connection. Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by Eclipse Events Michael Spinnato’s passion for music started early, with a turntable in a Brooklyn basement. As a teenager, Spinnato became captivated by a neighborhood DJ who showed him how two records could blend seamlessly and transform the energy of a room. Soon after, his father helped him buy his first DJ...

Food + Beverage

Stirring Up Something Special

From family kitchen memories to inspiring thousands through homemade cooking. Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by Andrea Phox Photography, Keegan McManus Before Keegan McManus ever cooked professionally, he learned the power of food in a crowded family kitchen. Growing up as a triplet in a large blended family, the New Jersey native saw early on that the kitchen was more than a place to prepare meals. It was where stories were shared, memories were made and people came together. ...

Food + Beverage

Bringing Ireland Across the Atlantic

Inspired by her Irish roots, Mary McGinty created a one-of-a-kind mobile pub that delivers authentic charm throughout New Jersey. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Mary McGinty About two decades ago, Mary McGinty began exploring her Irish roots and discovered just how deeply her family history was tied to Ireland. “I didn’t realize how Irish I was,” McGinty says. She later embarked on more than a dozen trips to Ireland to trace her heritage, visit the churches of her ancestors, lay...

Entertainment

From Jersey to Center Stage

Regene Seven Odon’s journey from local talent to national tour life in Kimberly Akimbo proves passion—and persistence—can take you anywhere Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Arceo Photo, Chelsea Lauren, Regene Odon Since September 2024, Regene Seven Odon of Neptune has been traveling the country on the national tour of Kimberly Akimbo , the critically acclaimed Broadway show that follows a teenage girl with a rare, rapid-aging disease as she navigates her dysfunctional family and...

Health + Wellness

Stand Tall, Dress Well

How posture shapes confidence, movement, wellness, and lasting first impressions every day. Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by Kartheek Photography Style is often defined by clothing, accessories or the latest seasonal trends. But before anyone notices a tailored blazer or a great pair of shoes, they notice something else: the way you carry yourself. At Eastern Coast Movement Performance Institute in Ocean Township, the team believes posture may be one of the most overlooked elements of...

Local Services

Clean Cars, Strong Connections

How Glow Express Car Wash combines speed, service and community to stand apart. Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by Nev Photography For many people, a car wash is simply another errand—a quick stop between work, school pickup and weekend plans. But for Michael Roberts, head of multi-site operations at Glow Car Wash, the experience is about much more than clean vehicles. It's about creating meaningful connections, building community and making customers feel valued long after they leave...

Local Services

Readers' Choice

STYLE EDITION—SEPTEMBER 2026 Article by Greater Long Branch City Lifestyle Style is woven into the way we present ourselves and the spaces we call home. From carefully selected wardrobes to thoughtfully organized interiors, this month’s Readers’ Choice: Style Edition highlights the Greater Long Branch businesses helping residents create spaces and looks that feel intentional, functional and personal. Chosen entirely by reader vote, these winners represent the local experts and creative...

Style + Beauty

Effortless Everyday Style

Discover how Hazel Boutique helps women build versatile wardrobes with effortless style, timeless pieces and confidence for every season and occasion. Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by Jay Patel Fashion trends may come and go, but the best wardrobes are built on pieces that make everyday life feel effortless. At Hazel Boutique in Belmar, that philosophy has transformed a hometown shop into a beloved fashion destination, where confidence matters just as much as the clothes on the rack. ...