December 2017: Growing Up in NJ

New Jersey celebrities share fond memories of youth in the Garden State.

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Growing Up

Growing Up: Memories of Childhood in NJ

New Jersey celebrities share sweet memories of youth in the Garden State.

The exterior bar behind the restaurant draws a crowd in warm weather, but also some complaints from neighbors about noise, which the owners have tried to address.

The Crosby in Montclair is a Nightspot that Hits the Jackpot

Partners have turned a single block in Montclair into a restaurant fiefdom, culminating in the smash opening of their pub, the Crosby.

The Spoilers of War, created by Ian Alexander from Due Mari in New Brunswick.

Bartenders Come Out Smokin’ at Iron Shaker Competition

Creativity was on tap as Garden State mixologists crafted storied cocktails at the fifth annual Iron Shaker competition.

Students enjoy a sunny break from classes outside the Pitkin Education Center, the main academic building at Bergen Community College in Paramus.

Community Colleges are Lowering the Cost of Education

Community colleges are positioned as an antidote to the staggering costs of most four-year schools. Here’s how they fill this growing need.

Steve Jenkins, athletic director at Bloomfield High School, laments that athletic programs often are judged solely on the basis of wins and championships.

High School Athletic Directors Always Have Their Heads in the Games

For high school athletic directors, the workload and the stress are greater than ever.

TV Host Daisy Fuentes is a Jersey Girl Through and Through

The Harrison native and entrepreneur talks about Latin representation, her animal rights advocacy and the instant kinship she feels with New Jerseyans.

Patrick Rosal hopes recognition will open the door for others.

Poet Patrick Rosal Paves His Own Path to Success

Patrick Rosal, an Edison native, recently won the 2017 Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize for his latest book, “Brooklyn Antediluvian.”

At a Giants Game in 1987, A Former President Was a Good Sport

Richard Nixon was welcomed to a New York Giants game on December 19, 1987 against the Green Bay Packers.

Just 16 years old and 135 pounds, weightlifter Naomi Kutin, raised in Fair Lawn as an Orthodox Jew, has made a habit of crushing stereotypes.

16-Year-Old Powerlifter is Redefining Girl Power

Naomi Kutin, a Teaneck native and powerlifter, is the subject of the documentary “Supergirl.”

You'll find soulful Italian cuisine at Angeline in Atlantic City.

Symon Says, ‘Mangia Bene’: Angeline in Atlantic City

Inspired by his mom’s home cooking, Iron Chef and The Chew co-host Michael Symon brings Italian gusto to the Borgata.

Steak, Confident and Old School: Edward’s Steakhouse

Edward’s Steakhouse was shuttered by Sandy’s storm surge, but the restaurant has come back strong, from its dry-aged steaks to its house-made icebox cake.

Tim McLoone’s Rebuilt Rum Runner in Sea Bright

After Hurricane Sandy, the restaurateur needed four years to rebuild his Sea Bright restaurant, elevating it a cautionary 14 feet above ground level. Has McLoone elevated the food and service as well as the structure?

Restless in the Restroom

We asked women how they feel about those places where they “freshen up.” They did not paint a pretty picture.

Our Holiday Gift Guide Has Something For Everyone on Your List

Celebrate the season with gifts that are sure to delight.

For The Gals On Your Holiday Gift List

Every little thing to make her heart sing.

Symon Says, ‘Mangia Bene’: Angeline in Atlantic City

Inspired by his mom’s home cooking, Iron Chef and The Chew co-host Michael Symon brings Italian gusto to the Borgata.

Aperitifs in The Spotlight

Aperitifs, which are relatively low in alcohol and semidry, with herbal notes, make ideal appetite stimulants.

Steak, Confident and Old School: Edward’s Steakhouse

Edward’s Steakhouse was shuttered by Sandy’s storm surge, but the restaurant has come back strong, from its dry-aged steaks to its house-made icebox cake.

Trash Talk

Holiday-tipping etiquette and other sanitation insights from my friendly garbage guy.