Taco Bar, you had us at Birria Ramen. Sure, Birria tacos are pretty commonplace these days in new Mexican cuisine. If you have yet to try, Birria is a sweet and savory, slow-cooked beef stew. When put in tacos, the stew is strained and situated gloriously between two taco shells.

Looking to slow down on the screen scroll this year? Maybe Luna de Papel can help. It is a lovely hand-craft art studio in Bergen-Lafayette with classes for both kids and adults. Peruvian-born owner Ruth Salas has her studio stocked with paints, stickers, natural materials, papers, etc.

It’s coming up on the 80th birthday of Miss America Diner, the West Side Avenue classic located steps from the NJCU campus. Students, staff, neighbors, and folks from all walks of life come here on the regular not just for the yummy comfort food but the welcoming, friendly vibe.

The treasured Grand St. tavern is once again open for business, and for all you fans of the original Golden Cicada, you will be pleased to know that the building is in good hands – specifically, Eva Johannesdottir and Gary Keating from The Cliff in the Heights.

Cocktail-ed out after the holiday season? If you are implementing a Dry January, don’t let that impede your social life. Craft mocktails are becoming staples at many dining establishments as there seems to be a growing movement out there to make alcohol less of a required staple for socializing.

Two of our 2022 resolutions: Continue to support small JC businesses and be open to incorporating small-scale new practices to stay centered and reduce stress. We are going to start with a January visit to Iggi Olorun Metaphysical Botanica, a very special little shop on Barrow St. with a long history here in Jersey City.

Send along a skin salve to fight the trials of winter weather with a gift certificate to Walker’s Apothecary. Shalea Walker is a renowned esthetician and makeup artist with over a decade of experience in the fields of beauty and skincare, tending to the skin of celebrities and regular folks alike looking to optimize our skincare routine.

Madame Claude Wine is the ideal place when gifting wine, beautifully wrapped by the knowledgeable staff who will expertly guide you through their selection of wine from around the world. They also have a delightful selection of French delicacies and glassware, all of which they will package into a stunning gift basket.

Marinell Montales and John T. Trigonis are a low-key creative power couple in Jersey City, so it is no surprise that their latest venture, Sure Things, is so special. Situated in a storefront in the Heights that was formerly a hair salon, the space has been meticulously restored to house their collection of fintage (found and vintage) items for sale.

Jersey City does not lack for representation when it comes to coffee culture – great cafes abound in every neighborhood. So, it says a lot that there was so much anticipation for the newly opened Rabble and Lion coffee shop in the Village.

Café Dolma is a true gem. It is tiny and beyond charming – the standalone building on Grand Street transports you to a European-style feel where people actually take time during the day to linger over amazing food and great coffee.

There are two new Asian eateries on Washington Boulevard in Newport. Menya Sendaime is a Jersey-based Japanese Ramen chain with 5 locations in total including Old Bridge, Paramus and 2 restaurants in Fort Lee. Chef Tan serves Hunan-, Szechuan- and American-style Chinese specialties.

It’s official! Coles St. Park is now open to the public. This follows the very recent ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor, Council and City officials, community members and Manhattan Building Company, the local developers who funded the construction of this $2.5 million project. Located on Coles St. near the Hoboken border, the Park’s 1.5 acres extend from 16th to 18th Streets.

The Power Plant Café by BoyceMode is now up and running at 60 Columbus Ave., at the ground floor of Club Base Gym. The all-vegan offerings of smoothies, juices and to-go meals are designed to fuel your body and mind with a balanced offering of nutrients that also taste flat-out delicious. As some of you might concur, it’s not so easy to make a vegan macaroni salad that tempts all.

We wrote awhile back about Tia Planta – the fabulous plant store/kiosk in McGinley Sq. that is owned and operated by JC’s very own Plant Aunt, Shayla Cabrera. As her business continues to boom, other local women are following her lead, either by cultivating their own gardens or branching out with their own business.