Month: August 2021

At the start of the pandemic, we didn’t know what was in store for us and our communities. The following Jersey City small businesses either thrived during the pandemic or opened up as a response to the changes. These shops and services are creative, unique and open for business! 

Small Businesses in Jersey City: Gifts 

The most thoughtful gifts are often locally made by hand. These new small businesses carry personalized gifts and interesting takes on traditional pieces. In a world of online shopping and next day delivery, you can count on a lot of “the same” when it comes to regular purchases. Supporting these shops is a refreshing break from all the monotony. Plus it’s good to have some new stores in mind when gift giving season arrives and you want to keep the stress at bay. 

• Kanibal & Co. – From refurbished home pieces to apparel and home goods, Kanibal has it all. In addition to whimsical gifts, you can find monthly craft classes where 100% of the cost goes back to the instructor. It’s fun, it’s modern and it’s local.  
• Clean Pieces – This streetwear clothing brand was launched in 2020 during the pandemic and has thrived. Their timeless pieces are influenced by hip hop, graffiti and delicious color schemes to create unique high-end fashion.
• The Lucky Honeybee – When you’re feeling stressed, head to the Lucky Honeybee. Their thoughtfully designed eco-friendly apothecary goods will help you restore your serenity. Owner Melissa Glick says they pay attention to the environmental factors in all their products so you don’t have to! 

Yummy Offerings 

For gifts or treats for yourself when you need a lift, these Jersey City small businesses will leave you feeling happy and satisfied. Think beyond the traditional fruit basket with these delicious temptations.

• Klado: House of Brigadeiros – If you’ve never had the pleasure of having a Brigadeiro, think about them as a cross between a fudge and a truffle. Handcrafted in small batches with high-quality international ingredients, Brigadeiros make an amazing gift. Bring to parties or as a thank you to someone you love. 
• The Cottage – An artisanal market with a flair for the delicious. Open daily from 6am-6pm, The Cottage serves up everything from eggs to pastries to smoothies and sandwiches. You’ll enjoy their BYOB option and occasional live jazz. 
• Hudson Hound – This contemporary Irish pub offers craft beers as well as a full menu of all-day fare. The wide variety of food is only one of Hudson Hound’s draws: the full Irish breakfast and Sunday roasts are just two of the types of events that Jersey City loves. 

You Didn’t Know You Needed…

These Jersey City small businesses focus on self care and making the most of your living situations. Everyone can benefit from feeling good about themselves and loving their living space.

• Maximizing Tiny – This design service is ideal for apartment-dwellers, those who work at home and anyone who wants to use small spaces well. Schedule a discovery call today with Shamika Lynch, Jersey City mom and entrepreneur to find out how to make the most of your home. 
• Pholk Beauty – The local skincare community refers to Pholk Beauty as “the soul food of skin” with its rich and luxurious ingredients. Take their skin quiz or chat with a consultant online. Begin to learn how to care for your skin in ways you never knew before. 

For the Little Ones

Shopping local for baby gifts is a must, but these businesses find a unique market to appeal to new parents and carers of young children.

• Slumber Bee Teepee – These themed sleepover packages are a little girl’s dream come true. Slumber Bee sets up beautiful teepees for parties, overnights and other events. Choose your theme and add-ons like a candy table, balloons or a spa kit. 
• Bright and Baby – Two certified neonatal intensive care nurses with over 10 years of experience offer classes throughout pregnancy and to support new mothers. From Baby 101 classes to breastfeeding and pumping basics, Bright and Baby helps new parents feel more confident and supported. 

Supporting Your Community 

The pandemic hurt many local businesses all over the country. But Jersey City has always been a force when it comes to spirit and support. A year and a half in, are the tides turning for mom and pop shops? Studies say yes. Intuit Mint Life reports that over 82 percent of consumers say they’d spend more to support local businesses after the pandemic. There are so many reasons to shop local these days, it’s almost a no-brainer. So head downtown to a local brick-and-mortar or even shop online to support nearby folks. Finally, take a look at this handy list of Jersey City businesses coming in Fall 2021 to keep your eyes and ears open for these great new places. 

The sights, sounds and tastes of summer are all around us. No matter what’s your eating style, most everyone agrees that grilling is a must this season. Depending on your comfort level, decide how simple or complex you’d like to go. Check out these grilling recipes and decide for yourself where you’d like to start. Your family and friends will thank you. 

7 of the Best Grilling Recipes for Summer

No more ho-hum run-of-the-mill burgers for you this summer. Spice things up with these exciting grilling recipes that are easy to make and fun for a change. Most recipes have minimal ingredients for simplicity and room to relax, but are powerful when it comes to flavor. 

Korean-Style Hasselback Ribs – Inspired by the boneless short ribs at Cote, NYC’s premier Korean steak house, these are to die for. Between the hot pepper and the ginger, you’re in for some serious flavor and meat that falls off the bone. 

Grilled Romaine Salad with Maitake Mushroom – You’ll love the Japanese-inspired Caesar dressing on this surprisingly hearty dish. Keto friendly and vegan-adaptable, this is a summer grilling treat. 

Killer Inside-Out Burger – This Guy Fieri staple has become a classic. The Worcestershire Tomato Ketchup can be made chunky or smooth and velvety. Either way, your tastebuds will lose their minds.   

Mexican Street Corn – Made with only three main ingredients, this Elote recipe is simple and very delicious. If you can’t find Cojita cheese, Queso Fresco or Parmesan also work well. It’s a world away from the boiled-on-the-stovetop corn on the cob you grew up with! 

Miss Ollie’s Jerk Chicken – The reviews on this grilling recipe are out of this world. Classic Jerk Chicken uses pimento wood. If you can’t find it, use another hardwood.  

Grilled Shrimp Boil Foil Packets – Traditional shrimp boils are quite the involved process! But this recipe cuts down on steps and allows for the easiest cleanup. With prep time topping out at 10 minutes, you’ll have more time to enjoy the buttery Old Bay goodness later. 

Marinated Pork Shish Kabobs – These flavorful and tender kabobs can be prepped ahead of time for easy entertaining. It’s no wonder that some of the simplest recipes this summer are the biggest crowd pleasers!  

Upgrade Your Gear

Does your grill situation need help? If you’re still getting by with your father-in-law’s hand-me-down grill, you’re missing out. Having access to an easy-to-use grill makes all the difference. Check out the best charcoal grills of the year as well as the top rated gas grills to find out what works for you. Once you get into grilling, up your game by looking into reverse searing, smoking and more. Play around with marinades and rubs, get the kids involved, see what you like. 

Bringing Family and Friends Together

Ever since humans discovered fire, people have been uniting over cookouts and barbeques. Not only does grilling have health benefits, there’s just something about being outside as much as we can that makes it feel good. Happy grilling!