Papa John’s coming to Hoboken? Probably not.

Spotted this odd sighting the other day. A Papa John’s Pizza tractor trailer! What could it be doing in town?

I thought, “Oh my, another nail in the originality of Hoboken!” Could it be true? A Papa John’s pizza place opening up in Hoboken? I mean we already have chain pizza in Domino’s – so it’s not out of the question!

However – I put two and two together, and remembered that there are several Papa John’s pizza places surrounding Hoboken in Union City and Jersey City (which does deliver to Hoboken – 201-222-6767).

So I was relieved to determine that the truck was simply traveling through Hoboken to get to their next destination. Whew!

Remember, Papa John’s is to pizza as McDonald’s is to hamburgers!

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Technorati Tags: Dominos, Hoboken, Jersey City, New Jersey, NJ, Papa Johns, PHOTO OF THE DAY, photography, pizza, truck, Union City

Verde Vita Italian Cafeteria coming to Hoboken, NJ

Forgot to mention this the other day! As Sole Salon is planning to move from 1212 Washington to 1222 Washington in a couple months, there are already plans in place for what will fill the void at the old location: Verde Vita Italian Cafeteria.

Sound familiar? It’s because Mario, the owner of Italian Handbag & Accessory store Viola Vita is opening it up!

I asked Mario – with many new businesses opening up uptown, like Bwe Kafe – Red Lion Coffee – and the upcoming Rosticeria Da Gigi, how he would fit into the competitive space?

He said this new “cafeteria” will be as close to an authentic Italian Cafe that you can get here in Hoboken. A throwback to simple traditional times. Real Italian pastries (actually over-nighted from Italy daily), and coffee/espresso that only comes in one size. No “grande,” “Venti,” “Trenta” or the like. About the only thing that won’t be imported from Italy, would be the breads – however, those will come from area Italian bakers.

Mario’s initial estimates have the new cafeteria operational by the late summer, early fall. He’s actually one half of a partnership in the new eatery – and will continue running Viola Vita. And if the same amount of passion is put into this business as his current store, he should do just fine!

Description: Italian Cafeteria poised to open late Q3 early Q4 2013.
Address: 1212 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone: TBD
Online: TBD

Technorati Tags: 1212 Washington Street, Espresso, Hoboken, Italian Cafeteria, Italian Pastries, New Jersey, NJ, Verde Vita

Poplar Wood Farm opens new pole barn

Earlier this year, we featured local Port Murray, NJ Farmer Al Esposito and Poplar Wood Farm on Hoboken411. In doing so, we helped them raise enough money to build their new barn to help them keep up with demand. Was a fantastic experience helping a great project like this become a reality.

Last weekend, they held their “Barn opening,” and invited those who either contributed to the Kickstarter project, or partake in their 2013 Community Supported Agriculture Program (CSA). We all got a tour of the facility – which was in two locations about 4 miles apart, and were six and 10 acres in size. Their smaller “home” farm consisted of a greenhouse where they get the plants started, as well as a chicken coop. The larger property is where the final products are grown. The new barn was on the smaller property, and was designed to facilitate the cleaning, sorting and packaging of the fruits, vegetables and flowers. Previously it was a laborious process which involved shuttling material back and forth.

Poplar Wood Farm grows enough fresh (non-GMO) produce to provide for 60 families who are enrolled in the CSA program, as well as weekly farmers markets in Hoboken, Jersey City and Pennsylvania.

The day was fun. On top of learning how the farm works inside and out, the different varieties of plants, as well as the challenges they faced – we were also entertained by a small acoustic band. Farmer Al and his family were a great bunch of hard-working people that we were glad to meet.

You want to support a local NJ farm? Head over to the Uptown Family Farmers Market every Saturday this spring and summer!

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Technorati Tags: Al Esposito, Build the Barn ant Poplar Wood Farm, Family Farmers Market, Garden Street Mews, Hoboken, Hoboken411, Jersey Fresh, Kickstarter, New Jersey, NJ, Organic Vegetables, Poplar Wood Farms

Bicycle Friendly Community signs spotted in Hoboken

Did you know that the “League of American Bicyclists“ decreed that Hoboken is considered a “Bicycle Friendly Community?”

Apparently bike lane paint qualifies you as a Bike Friendly City

Here’s what this group “bicycle advocates” has to say about Bicycle Friendly Cities:

“The Bicycle Friendly Community Program (BFC) provides a roadmap to improve conditions for bicycling in your community and offers national recognition for communities that actively support bicycling. A Bicycle Friendly Community welcomes cyclists by providing safe accommodation for cycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation. Each application to the Bicycle Friendly America program is reviewed by a panel of national bicycle experts and several local reviewers are consulted to share their on the ground perspective of the applicant.”

It seems like every group has some kind of “activist” representation these days. Turtle lovers. Seniors who power-walk. Those who love wearing sweat suits 24 hours a day. And these “eco-friendly” bikers. What ever happened to just fending for yourself, and assuming all risk? Why all this fluff anyway?

And I’ve personally witnessed many “bike activists” in town blatantly run red lights, fail to signal, and speed down sidewalks. So why are we catering to them anyway?

Hoboken is not friendly to bikes, pedestrian, or cars!

In case you didn’t know – Hoboken is a very VERY tight city. Most of the roads that have these silly bike lanes are worthless. And you can’t even walk on the sidewalks, really – because you’ll get mowed down by a drunk driver.

Either they’re too narrow, have potholes that have the moon green with envy, and are constantly ignored by pretty much every driver in town. Not because they hate bikes, because NO ONE USES THEM and we need the space for DOUBLE PARKING!

I’m going to submit my credentials as a “national bike expert” and become president of this bike league.

The first thing I’d do is recommend dissolving the League of American Bicyclists and give them all more useful hobbies to fill their spare time (like reading history books – because their bike rules won’t mean squat during the crisis that’s coming.) Next, I’d repeal all laws that have the word “bike” in them. And replace with one single rule: Bike at your own risk!

Technorati Tags: Bicycle Friendly Community, bike lane, Hoboken, League of American Bicyclists, New Jersey, NJ

Slider Shack coming late 2013 to Hoboken, NJ

The spot that is currently Marie’s Bakery at 138 Park Avenue (or you could also say 261 2nd Street) is going to be renovated into the Slider Shack.

Slider Shack hopes to ride the mini hamburger wave

Even though dozens of restaurants in Hoboken already offer versions of the “slider” hamburger (mini meat sandwiches), Slider Shack hopes to earn regular customers with their custom recipes (as well as mini-buns from Marie’s).

As you can see – the interior of this location is far from being ready, but they hope by building hype now, people will already love them before tasting a bite.

“Slider Shack Hoboken will be opening up in the Summer/Fall of 2013. Housed in the landmark, Marie’s Bakery, Slider Shack will be renovating while keeping the tradition of Frank Sinatra’s favorite bakery by providing all of our gourmet sliders on Marie’s world-famous buns. Follow us in our journey from restoration to the grand opening. Slider Shack is proud to join the community of Hoboken by providing gourmet sliders and sides using only top quality and fresh ingredients. See you soon!”

Slider Shack will not just be meat burgers, however – as they plan to offer a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu – as well as delivery, which should help since they’re off the main drag.

In the end – even though people can already enjoy sliders anywhere, Slider Shack will have to accomplish at least two things in order to survive. One, offer products that are unique and tasty, and two: for a good value to ensure repeat business.

Good luck Slider Shack!

Description: Slider Shack Hoboken. Mini sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Address: 138 Park Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030 (former Marie’s Bakery)
Phone: TBD
Online: slidershackhoboken.com – Twitter – Facebook

Technorati Tags: 138 Park Ave., 261 2nd Street, Coming Soon, hamburgers, Hoboken, New, New Jersey, NJ, Slider Shack, Slider Shack Hoboken, Sliders

Possible strong storms on Thursday in Hoboken

Hoboken weather watch – keep in mind if you’re planning any activities tomorrow, that forecasters are suggesting the possibility of some strong thunderstorm type weather.

Hopefully no tornadoes spawn like that deadly F5 in Oklahoma. Whew!

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Technorati Tags: 2013, Hoboken, Hoboken Weather Watch, May 23, New Jersey, NJ, thunderstorms, Thursday