Month: March 2021

Going out to eat was one of our community’s most beloved activities before the pandemic. With the stay-at-home orders in New Jersey last spring, the phrase “Covid dining” took on meaning. 

We are finally—a year later— returning to some semblance of normalcy and we at Liberty Harbor couldn’t be more excited. Jersey City has remained strong over the past year with community spirit, delicious takeout and curbside services. But now we’re thrilled to share an updated list of the best dining in and out options in the area for this spring. 

Indoor Dining Developments

As of March 19, New Jersey will increase its Covid dining capacity to 50%. This increase up from 35% is the next step in the right direction. The lively, thriving and familiar entertainment life you know and love is coming back. Governor Murphy made the announcement in conjunction with NYC’s restaurant capacity doing the same thing. All community members are being asked to remain vigilant in terms of mask wearing at all times (except when you’re at your table with your party) hand washing and social distancing. This, along with the indoor dining curfew that was lifted in February, makes for a social night with friends or a long-overdue date night possible! 

The Best Outdoor Dining Setups in Jersey City

While we cautiously and carefully return to indoor dining, experts still recommend gathering outdoors whenever possible. And who wouldn’t want to, as the weather gets warm? Here are the best restaurants in our area who are doing very cool things to stay current, stay safe and ensure you have a memorable experience. 

Date Night Locales

Let’s face it—most of our date nights have been nonexistent during the past year. Takeout and candles at home were fun at first, but it’s lovely to be able to escape to an intimate setting. Plan to visit these eateries if a long-overdue rendezvous or a good talk with a close friend is in order. 

• Battello – Outdoor dining at this place can’t be beat if you’re looking for a date night restaurant. The waterfront views with a perfect view of NYC are just a backdrop to exquisite seafood, pasta or brunch. Check their website for upcoming live music events. 
• Dullboy – Make a reservation for an intimate evening or brunch at Dullboy. Known for their food artistry as well as their skill in marrying the perfect balance of flavors, Dullboy delivers an enjoyable and plate-sharing experience. 
• Matthew’s Food and Drink – For a lovely atmosphere and everything from comfort food to light fare, Matthew’s is a great date spot. If you haven’t been out of the house other than takeout, it’s time to treat yourself to a cozy spot for conversation and 

Getting the Band Back Together 

And then sometimes you just want to see your friends, not on a video call! While social distancing is still a must, these local spots are welcoming you with open arms and a glass of whatever floats your boat. 

• 902 Brewing – A large rooftop space gives a feeling of openness and freedom. Cool Jersey City views and fun brews are what this place is all about. Grab some friends and watch the sunset as you sample some PATH Pale Ale or Chilitown Crusher.
• The Boil – Perfect for a meet-up with friends, The Boil specializes in seafood. It’s a fun, New Orleans-inspired place to enjoy your favorite cocktail or savory dish. Most favored dishes include crawfish, lobster and crab. Don’t forget to try their warm-you-up Gumbo while the weather is still cool. 
• Harry’s Daughter – Transport yourself to the Caribbean for some great food with friends. The hanging lights and palm trees are just some of what makes this a great spot for atmosphere. You can enjoy some coconut shrimp and rum punch while you recount the past year’s ups and downs. 
• Frankie – Stop by Frankie’s for happy hour and snacks like flatbread or a full dinner with a delicious lobster roll or zucchini noodles. This colorful and upbeat spot has a vibe of hope and community we all need this spring. 

Warm Outdoor Dining During Covid

It’s still spring, after all. And sometimes the nights can be cooler than just a wrap’s worth. If you’re looking to sit outside but still want to keep a bit warmer, check this great place out. You’ll be cozy as you enjoy your delicious food with your mates.

• Amelia’s Bistro – Stay warm by the heaters while you browse the extensive menu here of delicious New American Cuisine. Amelia’s Bistro also features many gluten free choices so your dinner, lunch or brunch is fabulous no matter your preference. 
• Ani Ramen House – The pods that provided a warm winter escape are still up and running at Ani Ramen. Come enjoy their famous Bao Buns and Ramen bowls as we welcome spring while still keeping snug but socially distanced. 
• Bistro La Source – Savory spring flavors and hand-selected wines enchant diners at Bistro La Source. If you’re looking for seasonal ingredients and a touch of France, make a reservation today. 

New Jersey dining during Covid has remained strong, and will continue to thrive with warm weather. There’s no substitute for eating good food with the company of family, friends, and our neighbors. Grab your significant other or meet up with some actual face time with friends. Just stay on top of the current Covid guidelines and always wear your mask. 

Our LH March Madness Bracket Challenge is BACK. Take a shot at choosing the winning teams, and have the chance to win some neat prizes.

RULES

Liberty Harbor’s March Madness Bracket Challenge- Official Contest Rules and Regulations***

Enter to win one of three prizes:

First Prize: A PS4 Console and the NBA 2K21 PS4 Video Game

Second Prize: $100 Gift Card to Zeppelin Beer Hall and the NBA 2K20 PS4 Video Game

Third Prize: $50 Gift Certificate to Jersey Wine and Spirits

HOW TO ENTER

Using the link http://www.pickhoops.com/LibertyHarbor, create an account for yourself, then you will be asked for the group password: Liberty Harbor. Then enter in your predictions by clicking who you think will win each matchup. After selecting your winners fill out the entry form and include a prediction for the final score of the championship game. This prediction will be used in the event of a tie. Be sure to like Liberty Harbor Residences on Facebook and share your entry using #LHMarchMadness! *Brackets will be available at 11AM EST Monday, March 15th. Online bracket entry closes Friday, March 19 at 12;05 PM EDT. The winners will be announced Tuesday, April 6th, after the NCAA Championship game.

No purchase necessary to enter. The only qualifications to enter this contest is your participation and you must be a current resident of Liberty Harbor Residences. No monies or contribution are required for entry.

The contestant must be a current resident of Liberty Harbor Residences.

This contest is sponsored by Liberty Harbor Residences, located at 50 Regent St, Jersey City NJ 07302

Eligibility

The March Madness Bracket Challenge is open to persons the age of 21 and  who currently reside at Liberty Harbor Residences.

Current and former employees of Liberty Harbor and other companies associated with the promotion of the contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies, as well as immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee, are not eligible.

Contest Period

The brackets can be entered starting March 15, 2021 at 11am EST. Online bracket entry closes Friday, March 19 at 12;05 PM EDT. The contest ends on April 5th once the Champion Game is over.

The winners will be announced Tuesday, April 6th, after the NCAA Championship game.

The winners will be contacted using the email address they entered when they submitted to the contest.  If the winner cannot be contacted within 7 days of the contest end, an alternate winner will be chosen.

Prize Information

Three winners will receive one of three prizes:

First Prize: A PS4 Console and the NBA 2K21 PS4 Video Game

Second Prize: $100 Gift Card to Zeppelin Beer Hall and the NBA 2K20 PS4 Video Game

Third Prize: $50 Gift Certificate to Jersey Wine and Spirits

Other Rules

Liberty Harbor reserves the right to document the results of the contest in both written and visual formats for promotional materials in-store, on the blog, website and other social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, etc.), and other published media created by Liberty Harbor.

Our residents’ privacy is extremely important to us. We will not sell or give out any personal contact information to outside parties without express permission of the winner. Promotional materials will not reveal personal information about the winner without express permission of the winner.

Agreement to Official Rules

Participation in the contest constitutes full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these official rules and the decisions of the sponsor (Liberty Harbor), which are final and binding. Winning the prize is contingent upon being compliant with these official rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.

*** Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply. Liberty Harbor reserves the right to alter and/or add to exceptions and limitations, if necessary.

For many of our friends and loved ones, this has been the longest winter. One of the resounding takeaways we’ve learned from these uncertain times has been how important nature is to us. So we cannot wait for spring, which is just around the corner. But there are ways to bring nature inside—right now! Plants and flowers have so many benefits. Grab your notepad and pencil and make a list of how to brighten your world and celebrate spring with an indoor garden. 

The Benefits of Indoor Gardening

For years, people have decorated with plants. Living things are an inexpensive way to brighten a room, plus they have other benefits we are starting to understand more. If you’ve ever noticed that you feel better when you spend more time in nature, you’re not alone. Here are the top reasons humans thrive when they share a living space with plants:

• • Plants purify the air – Studies show that having between three and six plants in a living space greatly reduces the toxins in the air. 
  • Mental health – Plants make us happy, plain and simple. Just spending time around growing things relieves stress, boosts creativity and increases productivity. Numerous studies show that the psychological effects of indoor and outdoor plants are quite positive. 
  • Connection with nature – Especially since the dawn of the pandemic, people have been finding solace with flowers and plants. Bringing the garden indoors means that serenity exists in the place we are most. 

• Cooking and medicinal purposes – Having the freshest ingredients for your dinner right at your fingertips, inside? Nothing beats that. And you don’t need to be a healer to benefit from the many plants and herbs that can treat physical issues.

How to Make a Garden

First, decide what your goals are. Would you like to design an outdoor container garden for your deck or patio? Creating an outdoor living space you love with plants can last through fall temps. Maybe you’d like to begin with a small kitchen garden containing popular herbs, and see how that goes. Or maybe you’d like to try your hand at herbal remedies and healing plants. It’s best to begin a little on the smaller side if you’re new to the world of growing things! Luckily for everyone, you can dip your toe in the water of gardening and experiment without too much of an investment or time commitment. 

Designing an Outdoor Container Garden

March is not too soon to begin designing your outside living space! Warm weather is just around the corner and you’ll want to plan your goals and ideas and see what you need to buy. Urban gardens are becoming more popular as people spend more time at home. As interest in sustainable living grows, people want to know where their food is coming from. Starting out with container gardening is a great way to begin. To begin planning…  

• Look at your space. Are you dealing with a large space, a space already filled with many items of furniture, a grill, other objects? You don’t want to overcrowd, but container gardens can also provide privacy and a sense of balance. 
• Examine your lighting situation. If you are in an area that has many trees, bear in mind that the leaves will alter your sunlight amounts. If you’ve been at your residence for years or you’re a veteran gardener, you know what kind of sunlight you’ll have when April and May roll around. 
• You can design by plant shape, height or bloom and foliage color. Check out these ideas for artistic , plus visit a nursery like 14th Street Garden Center for inspiration. 
• Imagine picking your ingredients for dinner right on your back deck! Grow herbs and veggies in containers and you can harvest from June until October with the right planning. 

Creating a Kitchen Garden

The kitchen is the room we spend most of our time in, and the place that everyone seems to gather, despite our best intentions! If you love to cook, you know there’s nothing better than having fresh ingredients. Here are the best types of plants to grow in your kitchen garden – right at the windowsill! 

• Starting seeds indoors – March is the perfect time to begin seedlings in the warmth of your home. Begin annuals, vegetables or herbs right on your kitchen table and when the frost date passes you’ll be ready to transfer outside. 
• Indoor kitchen garden – The sky’s the limit when it comes to what kind of indoor garden paradise you want. You can buy a kit or build your own gardening station, complete with growing lights. The gadget geek in your life will love these garden systems that offer so many ready-to-grow options. 
• Herb garden – Every great chef needs an herb garden. The most popular herbs to grow are basil, chives and oregano. Parsley is a must for Italian cooking and the flavors of rosemary and thyme are an aromatic “welcome home.” 
• Inside veggies – Grow celery from stalks or scallions by your kitchen window. Salad greens, including microgreens, are a popular pick for urbanites. 
• Alive with color – Plants like tomatoes and peppers can actually be grown indoors, as long as you have enough sunlight. An indoor lemon tree is a lovely addition to any home with their vibrant green leaves and accents of yellow. 

Plants that Heal

Not only do plants help the mind and the decor, they can also help the body. The healing properties of plants and herbs have taken on new interest in recent years. It’s best to consult a professional whenever anything is consumed as a medication. With that in mind, growing your own healing plants in an indoor garden is a satisfying and useful hobby. Look in to these popular kinds:

• Aloe vera – This beautiful and easy-to-grow succulent has long been known for its healing properties. Everything from minor cuts to burns and useful for burns and skin moisturizing, this plant is easy to grow and is also known as a superfood. Try it in smoothies or drinks.
• Ginger – If you need an aid with digestion, turn to knobby old ginger. This old standby helps with everything from nausea to inflammation. Try a cup of fresh ginger tea instead of your coffee for a healthy cool-morning drink. 
• Plants that purify air – If your home is your refuge from the uncertain and often stressful world, make it a better place to breathe. A wide variety of air-purifying plants are available to brighten and freshen your home. Not only will they improve air quality, but plants like Boston Fern, English Ivy and Snake Plants are fantastic for decorating. 

Dream, Plan, Create an Indoor Garden

Part of the fun of gardening, whether you’re an urban city dweller, a veteran victory gardener, or just trying some herbs out for the first time, is planning your garden. These gardening journals not only provide a place for your ideas to get brewing, but they also provide great gifts for your loved ones.