December 2019: The Photo Issue
The picture is perfectly clear: New Jersey residents love to photograph their state. Perhaps it’s a matter of pride. Or perhaps it’s an instinctual, artistic urge to document the state’s abundant natural beauty and extraordinary manmade wonders.
Whatever the case, New Jersey Monthly and Unique Photo are pleased to have attracted some of the best photography in the Garden State for our Cover Search 2019 contest. This year’s contest garnered 811 entries, a 28 percent increase over last year’s inaugural competition.
You can view the winning photos in this issue here. (You’ll also enjoy the accompanying commentaries by our resident photo buff, deputy editor Eric Levin.) To see all 811 contest entries, click here.
Garden Variety
How This Director Brings Extra Energy to Ballet Productions
Gabriel Chajnik infuses the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater’s repertoire with rock and theatrical elements.
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The Unique Harmony of the New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus
The group, originally founded in 1991 as a secretly gay choir, takes pride in its openness and diversity.
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Rowan’s Secret Sauce to Helping Students in Need
University president Ali Houshmand’s homemade hot sauce has generated almost $130,000 in revenue for the school’s emergency scholarship fund.
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NJ Service Delivers Household Products—Without Plastic
Loop, launched by the Trenton-based recycling company TerraCycle, envisions a waste-free future.
Read moreSteve Adubato: Only in NJ
How Is Jersey Faring in the Fight Against Climate Change?
PSEG’s Ralph Izzo sounds off about clean energy, domestic efficiency and the need for a national vision.
Read moreFeatures
Meet Karen Kessler, Master of Celebrity Damage Control
Her Warren-based PR firm, Evergreen Partners, helps rescue reputations at risk.
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Jazz Pianist Emmet Cohen’s Keys to Success
Just 29, the Montclair-bred musician has earned the admiration of fans and fellow artists.
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Peruse the Winners of Our 2019 Cover Contest
In partnership with Unique Photo, we present the contents of our highly anticipated Photo Issue.
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Preparing for Takeoff: A Sneak Peek at Newark Airport’s New Terminal
A modern replacement for Terminal A is rising at Newark Liberty. The promise: smoother security, more amenities and less waiting on the tarmac.
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What’s the State of Our State Fish?
Brook trout have been squeezed out of much of their natural habitat. Here’s how the finicky little fish is hanging on in New Jersey’s most pristine waters.
Read moreGiving Back
How HomeFront Supports Families in Need
The Mercer County–based center assists the homeless with housing, job training and child care in a nurturing environment.
Read moreStylephile
Holiday Gift Guide: 15 Treasures, Treats and Trinkets
Coax smiles from everyone on your list.
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Capture a Home’s Story with a Custom Portrait
Montclair-based illustrator Kristine Lombardi paints whimsical likenesses of residences and businesses, set in the season of your choice.
Read moreHome & Garden
A Guide to Celebrating Christmas in Cape May
New Jersey’s premier showcase for Victorian splendor turns up the old-fashioned charm with a full month of seasonal festivities.
Read moreEat & Drink
Faubourg Reviewed: Modern French Cuisine in a Stunning Space
Two high-ranking Daniel Boulud veterans bring panache to the plate—and to a building that had long been a shell.
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De Martino Reviewed: Cuban Cuisine with a Lively Twist
After his parents’ Somerville staple, Martino’s Cuban, closed in 2018, Martino Linares set out to reimagine authentic family dishes on his own turf.
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A Peek at Monster Sushi’s Extensive Menu
The small-but-mighty Morristown eatery boasts a long list of rolls, as well as ramen dishes, teriyaki dishes and udon noodle hot pots.
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In Pennington, a Quaint Staple for Light Fare
Emily’s Café offers sandwiches, salads and soups, plus coffee and house-baked desserts.
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At Los Chulos, Can’t-Miss Tacos and More
The Pennsauken eatery offers generous mains and a selection of funky options (quesadillas with corn fungus, anyone?).
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Lidia Bastianich Toasts Jersey Artisans
The culinary superstar caps her PBS holiday special with a foraged and wood-fired feast at Ironbound Hard Cider’s farm in Hunterdon County.
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Houston’s Reviewed: Where Desserts Save the Day
The Hackensack branch of this pricey national chain over-delivers with memorable desserts. Could it be to compensate for other shortcomings?
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Exit Ramp
What Does It Take to Become a Radio City Rockette?
Iselin resident Maranda LeBar, 26, opens up about performing in Radio City Music Hall’s revered Christmas Spectacular.
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