Taphaus Beer Garden at 2 Second Street Gearing Up to Open

Jersey City will soon have a second beer garden opening up at 2 Second Street, the Crystal Point condo building right along the waterfront.

Taphaus recently launched their Facebook page and has been releasing sneak peeks at their draft selection for when they open.  Given their seasonal selections so far it appears they are aiming for an early fall opening.

Update (10/14/14): According to folks via Reddit, Taphaus is now open!

JCFridays: End of Summer Lot Party to Benefit Jersey City Ties on Friday, September 5, 2014

Jersey City Ties together with The Thirsty Quaker is throwing a special JC Fridays event next Friday, September 5th from 5 to 10 pm at 494 Monmouth Street (next door to The Thirsty Quaker).

The End of Summer Lot Party is free to attend with live music, sketch comedy and food, wine and beer for purchase.

Proceeds will benefit Jersey City Ties, a young professionals community service organization based in Jersey City.

Koro Koro Opens at 538 Jersey Avenue, Featured in Village Voice

After a successful Kickstarter campaign Koro Koro has now opened at 538 Jersey Avenue between Columbus Drive and Newark Avenue (steps away from Choc O Pain).

In addition to a selection of soups and salads, Koro Koro offers a wide variety of Japanese rice balls (including several vegan options) such as Indian, Miso Beef, Cuban and Spicy Salmon.

Koro Koro has also been featured in this article in the Village Voice: Inside Koro Koro, a Kickstarter-Funded Rice Ball Cafe Now Open in Jersey City.

Newport Half Marathon on Sunday, September 21, 2014

Jersey City runners: it's that time of year again!  The Newport Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 am.

Registration is now open via www.newporthalfmarathon.com

As in previous years, the course is a mostly flat, scenic route through downtown Jersey City, Liberty State Park and along the waterfront.

Not up for 13.1 miles?  Party with Purpose is hosting their first annual Jersey City 5K race on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6 pm along the Jersey City waterfront.

Signs of Progress at Porta on Newark Avenue

Porta at 135 Newark Avenue

Porta's newest location at 135 Newark Avenue is beginning to take shape!

Although the pharmacy sign still stands, the former Fenny Pharmacy building is now completely unrecognizable with a stylish wood exterior and roof deck.

Porta is now projecting an opening date in October 2014.

Historic Firehouse Made Famous By Snooki & JWoww For Sale

The historic 1860s firehouse at 38 Mercer Street that served as the location for MTV's show Snooki & Jwoww is now up for sale for $2.5 million.

For a peek at the impressive and unique property, take a look at the listing.

Jersey City has several historic firehouses that have been converted to residential homes such as 14 Bright Street and 278 Sixth Street which was recently for sale for $1.85 million.

Update (8/25/14): Forgot to mention the 218 Central Avenue firehouse, home to the HGTV Kitchen Cousins' firm Brunelleschi Construction.

Korean Restaurant Ahri's Kitchen Coming to 227 Seventh Street in Hamilton Park

It was recently announced on JCList and Reddit that a new Korean restaurant, Ahri's Kitchen, will be opening at 227 Seventh Street which is at the corner of Seventh and Erie (current location of the 7th Street Deli).

Ahri's Kitchen will serve authentic Korean dishes (take a sneak peek at their menu on their website) and will be BYOB.

They are aiming for a soft opening December 1st and will launch a Kickstarter campaign on September 1st.

Update (9/2/2014): Ahri's Kitchen's Kickstarter is now up!

Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza

Starting last Tuesday one block of Newark Avenue stretching from Barrow Street to Grove Street is now closed off to traffic during designated hours to create a cars-free pedestrian plaza.

On weekdays from 3 pm to midnight and all day on weekends pedestrians can leisurely enjoy a treat from Downtown Yogurt, read a book from Word on one of the colorfully decorated picnic tables in the street, dine at the extended outdoor seating areas of LITM or Skinner's Loft. There's even a piano donated by Mayor Fulop that you can play or listen to.

Despite a few traffic flow adjustments, the plaza has been quite popular among residents and businesses. The plaza is currently on a three month trial run, so time will tell if it is here to stay.

Blue Lotus Now Open in Hamilton Park, Groupon Available

Blue Lotus, an Indian restaurant, has opened in the spot previously occupied by Ginfi at 131 Erie Street in Hamilton Park.

Groupon is offering a deal at Blue Lotus: $27 for a meal for two or $54 for a meal for four.  There was a take-out option that has already sold out.

Panera Bread Opens at the Newport Centre Mall

As previously reported, Panera Bread is now open at the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City.

The new Panera is not in the food court but instead located on the first level of the mall (in-between the Foot Locker and Lenscrafters).  There is ample seating with tables outside the entrance as well as booths inside the restaurant.

The dining options at the Newport Centre Mall have been steadily improving lately with the addition of this Panera, Dunkin' Donuts, Teavana, Starbucks and a renovation of the food court to come this fall 2014.

6th Borough Market is Back Tomorrow, Sunday, August 10, 2014

The 6th Borough Market returns tomorrow, Sunday, August 10th from 11 am to 5 pm to their new location on Montgomery Street and Marin Boulevard (behind City Hall).

In case you've missed their past events, the 6th Borough Market is a family friendly, highly-curated vintage, crafts, food and children activities open market that promotes community & local artisans.

The 6th Borough Market is a free event that takes place on one Sunday a month, with only 3 upcoming dates scheduled this year!  August 10th, September 14th and October 19th.

This Sunday's market will include many great vendors such as Cholita Dessert Bar, Beekman Lane, Surf and Turf Truck and Do You Tea? (mention this Tweet for $5 off $10) and many more!

Statewide Jersey Peach Pie Contest at Riverview Farmers Market on Sunday, August 3, 2014

The Riverview Farmers Market at Riverview Fisk Park in the Heights is participating as the only Hudson County venue for the statewide Jersey Peach Pie Contest today, Sunday, August 3rd.

Amateur bakers can submit their home-baked peach pie or peach cobbler made with New Jersey peaches for a chance to compete in the statewide contest.

The tasting and judging will begin at noon with the winners to be announced by Mayor Fulop at 1:30 pm.

There will also be peach-themed events and activities for kids and adults, as well as special peach-themed items at the farmers market!