Author: Maggie Leenas

Maggie Leenas is a contributor to New Jersey Monthly's food & drink coverage, and finds the most joy in chatting with NJ chefs, business owners and foodies. Since graduating from Rowan University in 2020, she has returned to Ringwood, her hometown in North Jersey. You can contact her at mleenas@njmonthly.com.
Bellemara Distillery

Bellemara Distillery Opens in Hillsborough; Other Dining News

January 27, 2022

Plus: New Milford has a new bar and restaurant with “energetic nightlife,” while Moorestown now has gourmet hoagies.

Seen in: Eat & Drink, Table Hopping

Banana Loca Shark Tank

Basking Ridge Resident’s Banana Loca Thriving Since ‘Shark Tank’ Success

January 24, 2022

Banana Loca, created by Basking Ridge native Renee Heath, cores and fills bananas. The product appeared on "Shark Tank" in December.

Seen in: Eat & Drink, Table Hopping

Pier Village, New Jersey Dining

New Options Coming to Long Branch’s Pier Village; Other Dining News

January 20, 2022

Plus: Two new restaurants open at American Dream in East Rutherford, while a Hoboken steakhouse is temporarily closing.

Seen in: Jersey Living, Table Hopping

Viva Margarita Mexican Food

Viva Margarita Adds Location in Hackensack; Other Dining News

January 13, 2022

Plus: A new wing joint in Medford is big on giving back, while a Pompton Lakes cheese bar has shut its doors.

Seen in: Eat & Drink, Table Hopping

Carrot ginger bisque

Where to Find Delicious Bowls of Soup in New Jersey

January 11, 2022

Did you know that January is National Soup Month? Well, now you do, and you also know where to find some great bowls in New Jersey.

Seen in: Eat & Drink, NJM Favorites, Table Hopping

Ramen

Retired NYPD Officer Brings His Own Take on Ramen to New Jersey

January 10, 2022

A movie inspired Wayne Carrington to enter the world of ramen. Now his latest restaurant, Vibe N Slurp, offers new twists on the Japanese dish.

Seen in: Eat & Drink, Table Hopping

Steven's Cafe

Steven’s Cafe Opens Second Location; Other Dining News

January 6, 2022

Plus: A new Indian restaurant introduces itself to Carteret, while a South Jersey diner shuts its doors after 60 years.

Seen in: Eat & Drink, Table Hopping

People in a restaurant

The Best Food Events in New Jersey This January

January 4, 2022

From farmers' markets to wine pairings, there is plenty of foodie fun in January.

Seen in: Eat & Drink, Table Hopping

Louis Bayla, the executive chef at Grain & Cane

Chef Louis Bayla Spotlights Fresh, Local, Seasonal Fare at Grain & Cane

January 3, 2022

Chef Louis Bayla uses locally sourced and hyper-seasonal dishes to create a New York City-esque dining experience in the Jersey suburbs.

Seen in: Eat & Drink, Table Hopping

Chickie's in Jersey City

Jersey City Restaurant Reopens as Chickie’s; Other Dining News

December 30, 2021

Plus: A unique ice cream spot has rolled into Rutherford, and Spice C is offering a variety of ramen dishes in Haddonfield.

Seen in: Eat & Drink, Table Hopping