December 2022: Cover Search Winners

Our popular photo contest can be found in this month’s issue—and the cover picture is a testament to the creativity and genius of these photographers. This year, we had 1,315 submissions. In each category, our expert judging panel chose the winner and runner-up, including two repeat winners: Dennis Maida and Dean Purdy. The contest is open to amateurs, professionals and students. 

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GARDEN VARIETY

David Krumholtz: ‘Leopoldstadt’ Role Allowed Me to ‘Reconnect With My Own Judaism’

The Wyckoff resident, well known for his role as Bernard the Elf in the Santa Clause movie, is playing the patriarch of a well-to-do Jewish family in Broadway’s Leopoldstadt.

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10 Great Books to Gift This Holiday Season

Captivating novels and nonfiction tomes by Jersey authors—or about Jersey people—make for the perfect present.

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‘Hip Hop Nutcracker’ Fuses Drastically Different Genres

The show, celebrating its 10th season at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, sets contemporary dance to Tchaikovsky’s classic score.

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The Glassboro Man Who Sailed the World With No Navigational Help

A new book chronicles Marvin Creamer’s 29,400-nautical-mile adventure, which set off in Cape May 40 years ago.

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Holiday Gift Guide: 20 Trinkets and Treasures Your Loved Ones Will Adore

Presents for partying, unwinding, keeping cozy and more.

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Edison Student Leads the Charge on Recycling Used Batteries

Sri Nihal Tammana has facilitated the recycling of more than 200,000 batteries. He says it’s something everyone can do “for the good of the planet.”

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Asbury Park’s Mercy Center on a Mission to End Generational Poverty

The organization works to combat hunger and provide education, immigration services and more for families in need.

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FEATURES

NJ’s Top TikTok Stars Are as Unique as Our State

“It’s loud, it’s brash, it’s very honest”: On New Jersey TikTok, our quirks and characters resonate with people inside the Garden State and out.

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The Winners of New Jersey Monthly and Unique Photo’s 2022 Cover Search Contest

Check out the captivating results of our annual search for local photographers’ best work.

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How New Jersey Shaped Stan Lee Into a Marvel Legend

Lee created such pop-culture icons as Spider-Man, Iron Man and Black Panther. Amid his centennial, we look back at his influential Army days at Fort Monmouth.

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Stan Lee Was ‘A Big Fan’ of DC Comics Competitor Joe Kubert

The Marvel legend contributed to his competitor’s Just Imagine… series, which featured the work of comic-book star—and NJ art-school founder—Joe Kubert.

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New Jersey Boasts Sacred Waters for Striped-Bass Fishing

When striped bass follow bait into local waters, anglers from all over show up to try landing them—no expensive boats or tackle needed.

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HOME & GARDEN

A Summit Home Decked Out for the Holidays

Each Christmas season, blogger and self-taught decorator Kelly Elko transforms her hundred-year-old house into a winter wonderland. 

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EAT & DRINK

Restaurant Review: At Vidalia in Lawrenceville, an Italian Chef Shines

Salvatore Scarlata is just as devoted to his dining room as he is to his kitchen.

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Feast Your Eyes: How Chefs Set Enticing Tables

It’s not just what’s on the plate that whets the appetite. These New Jersey chefs know everything in a tablescape counts.

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Why You Should Try a Sparkling Red Wine This Holiday Season

Roasted ham and beef briskets call for a bubbly with more oomph than a delicate white or rosé can deliver.

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Have You Tried Nikkei Cuisine? This Ramen Spot Is a Great Place to Start

7 Doors Down Ramen Co. in Bloomfield blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques.

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Add CAFÉ Seventy-Two to Your Brunch Rotation

Options at this Ewing eatery include inventive eggs Benedicts, hearty bowls and sweet treats such as cannoli French toast.

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Atlantic Offshore Fishery Boasts Ocean-To-Table Freshness

Seafood reigns at this charming spot in Point Pleasant Beach.

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EXIT RAMP

Feeding the Soul: A Family Dining Tradition Forges Bonds Far Beyond the Table

This writer’s foodie parents instilled a lasting love for New Jersey’s restaurant scene in their children—especially at Christmastime.

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