Stepping in this month for a busy Phoebe is guest writer and pal Patches, a 13-year-old cockapoo residing in Hamilton Park. He and his owner would like to send an appreciative shout out to Raymond and Meredith, the duo behind Waggy Butts Mobile Grooming.

Even though the State of NJ has declared real estate an essential business and still allows us to show properties, the number of actual showings is down dramatically. In fact, our showing system shows that they are down almost 70% throughout the state.

You are likely already sharing book recommendations among friends, but here are some more to throw in the mix. We are revisiting works from two celebrated writers with Jersey City roots – Heights resident/acclaimed author Val Emmich and the late, great historical writer and novelist Thomas Fleming, who was born and raised in Jersey City during the infamous reign of Mayor Frank Hague.

Like you, all of us at the Moorefield Group are beyond grateful to the first responders, police, firefighters, grocery workers, nurses, doctors and every person in the medical profession on the front lines battling COVID-19. We know how lucky we are to be able to stay home and limit our risk of contraction and/or spreading the virus.

Ordering delivery or takeout is one of the easiest and instant ways to help our hard-hit local restaurant community. We are balancing regular meal orders with reclaiming time in our own kitchen, rediscovering culinary goals and projects that were shelved back in the busy days of pre-COVID life.

In this month’s newsletter, we recommend the acclaimed books of JC Heights resident Val Emmich to add to your at-home reading lists.

KPOT Hot Pot and Barbeque opened 7 months in an unassuming storefront at the Old Colony marketplace on Grand Street. The funky grey décor and fun pop music provide a great backdrop to this fun dining experience, great for both groups and date nighters looking to mix it up a bit!

In addition to the smoothies, fresh juices, kombucha, coffee and coffee alternatives on tap, Plant Base offers a ready to eat menu of plant-based food and house-made cheeses. You can also shop for gifts like body care products and crystals, and bulk items such as nuts, grains, pasta, products, crystals and cleaning products that are packaged and sold to leave zero negative imprint on the environment.

Formerly the home of the beloved Journal Square Pub, the space was passed on from owner Joseph Barone to two other Jersey City natives, Sebastian and Frank Cupo. They’ve retained the friendly, all-are-welcome vibe while creating some splashy new design elements (love the disco ball!), amazing craft cocktails and a fantastic food menu, courtesy of Hooked’s Tory Aunspach.

Rosita’s Yah is a fabulously fresh and healthy café that’s opened on the border of Journal Square and McGinley Square. This vegetarian/vegan spot is serving breakfast burritos, home-made pastries and desserts, tacos, burrito and acai bowls, and scrumptious side dishes too, like hummus or guacamole with chips.

Artfully displayed works for sale include framed and unframed paintings, prints, drawings and photographs, fiber art, masks, ceramics and handmade jewelry.  Note to artists out there: Covetables is always seeking new artists in all media. 

Since a soft open this past December, Freetown has solidified its hours of operation and settled nicely into their quaint, cozy quarters. Also, so nice: in just one month of opening, the community-minded Chef partnered with other organizations to hold a Community day, bringing groceries and cold-weather clothing to neighbors in need. 

Located on a busy stretch of JKF Boulevard, Falafel Station is such a welcome addition to the ever-growing Journal Square food scene. Hailing themselves as purveyors of the best Falafels in New Jersey, Falafel Station offers a modern mix of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean street food dishes that includes not just falafel but shawarmas (lamb, chicken or beef), kabobs, soup, salads, street fries, desserts and coffee.