Local Services

Samba

A Taste of Brazil in the Heart of Montclair Article by Nick Hall | Photography by Samba Montclair Upon stepping inside Samba Montclair, you’re immediately transported somewhere else. Antique copper pots and cutting boards line the walls, while dried florals and dream catchers dance across the ceiling. Nestled just off Montclair’s bustling Church Street, Samba is the creation of chef and owner Ilson Gonçalves. His culinary roots trace back to Blumenau, Brazil, and those influences are infused...

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...

Food + Beverage

Save Money & Eat Healthier

The Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Article and Photography by Cara Zamorski Eating healthy is a priority for many families, but rising grocery costs can make it feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions I get as a health and nutrition coach is: "Do I really need to buy everything organic?" The answer is no—and thanks to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), we have a smart, science-based guide to help us make informed, budget-friendly choices at the store. Each year, the EWG...

Life + Culture

Dish It Out with Dina

How a Jersey girl turned Sunday dinners, family roots, and resilience into a cookbook that feeds both body and soul. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Michael Lago For Dina Deleasa-Gonsar, food has always been more than a meal—it’s a bridge between generations, a reason to gather, and a source of comfort. Growing up in an Italian-American family in New Jersey, Sunday dinners weren’t just tradition—they were sacred. “Sunday dinner was every week for us, and it rivaled people’s...

Food + Beverage

Song’ E Napule

A Taste of Naples in Downtown Rutherford Article and Photography by Brian Cicioni Song'E Napule sits in the geographic center of Rutherford's main commercial thoroughfare. This half-mile pedestrian-friendly stretch between the NJ Transit station and Lincoln Park has a small-town America feel and no shortage of Italian restaurants. Yet this pizzeria, which also has a sizable selection of pasta dishes and small plates, is not just an Italian restaurant. It's Neapolitan. Song' E Napule translates...

Food + Beverage

Plant-Powered!

Living a Vegan Lifestyle with Chef Dianne Wenz Article by Hilary Russo | Photography by Dianne Wenz When it comes to eating healthy, there’s a lot of information on the table these days. From cutting carbs and counting calories to following the latest trends that have you making peanut butter cups out of cauliflower. Yes, this is a thing. But what if eating well means nourishing your body in a way that feels satisfying and supports the planet? For Dianne Wenz a New Jersey local, this is...

Travel

Fall in Love With Cape Cod at Ocean Edge Resort

Experience timeless New England charm, coastal luxury, and unforgettable adventures at Cape Cod’s Ocean Edge Resort. Article by Nicholas Hall - Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Writer | Photography by Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club As Patti Page’s classic tune suggests, “If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air…You're sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod.” We can confirm the Cape delivers on all counts — from winding roads to lobster stew, offering something for everyone. If you’re wondering...

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...

Shopping

Yes, You Can Wear White After Labor Day

Breaking the Rules and Looking Good Doing It: A Guide to Wearing White in Fall and Winter Article by Nick Hall | Photography by Suit Supply, Abercrombie, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Reiss Despite what you may have heard—or what some sartorial traditionalists may try to convince you—it is not illegal to wear white after Labor Day. While many people, especially in coastal towns, still cling to this old-school rule, the truth is: it's outdated and doesn't reflect modern fashion sensibilities. ...