South Jersey's Sober Party Girl

Atlantic City just turned up the heat—literally! Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars celebrated its third year, and of course I had to go back. My last visit (an anniversary splurge that cost about $500… totally worth it) was unforgettable. Between the fiery open kitchen and a hologram Gordon welcoming you in, it’s a full-on experience from the second you descend the glowing stairs into “hell.” Happy Hour Heaven (or… Hell?) What better way to start dinner than with a Herotini happy hour! Hell’s Kitchen AC offers a bar on the casino level that serves up their Herotini Mint Condition. The star of the night? Their Mint Condition mocktail —a dreamy mix of peach, watermelon, coconut, and lime with the freshest mint I’ve ever tasted. One sip, and I was hooked. (Confession: I may have had more than one. Zero regrets.) The Hero Campaign knows how to throw a party with purpose. Between raffles, swag, and auctions of signed chef gear and even a $250 Caesars dining credit! The energy was hi...

The Hero Campaign knows how to throw a party—and this time, they brought the fun to G ourmet Italian Cuisine & Pizzeria in Galloway, NJ for another unforgettable Herotini Happy Hour . Right as I pulled into the lot, the Galloway Police Department made a statement with their Hero Campaign Patrol Car parked proudly out front. It’s not just for show—it’s a rolling reminder of the mission: Be a Hero, Be a Designated Driver. Inside Gourmet, the vibe was just as welcoming. Happy signage pointed the way, and the Hero Campaign crew was ready with raffle tickets, swag, and plenty of smiles. The food spread was pure comfort: crisp salads, cheesy ziti, fresh pizza, and more. But my sweet tooth was pulling me toward the dessert table filled with cupcakes, cannolis, chocolate-covered strawberries, and bite-sized cakes that looked too pretty to eat. (Spoiler: I still ate them.) But let’s be honest, the mocktails were the stars of the show. Gourmet nailed it with three Herotini creations: 🍊 ...

What do you want to do tonight? For the first time in my life, I had a real answer! The local nonprofit organization Heart of Surfing was hosting a fun and lively fundraising event at Historic Smithville’s Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light Restaurant and Tavern. We parked in their dirt lot and walked up to Heart of Surfing lighting up Historic Smithville with raffles, mocktails, mermaids, and music—all in support of a great cause.  After dropping in some raffle tickets into the fishbowl of prizes, we went to enjoy dinner. On our way we ran into organizers Cindy and Bob Fertsch! The Fertsch family started Heart of Surfing for their son, Jamie, who loved to ride the waves. Heart of Surfing is dedicated to creating positive, inclusive experiences for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Through recreational activities like surfing, skateboarding, scootering, roller skating, ice skating, and more, they provide opportunities for fun, confidence-building, and commun...

  Let’s keep the good times rolling with another Somers Point tradition—Gregory’s Bar. Back in July, I was craving good food and, of course, a Herotini (because what’s summer without one?). Luckily, Somers Point has plenty of spots that support the Hero Campaign’s Herotini Challenge, and Gregory’s was calling my name. Confession: Gregory’s and I have had a love/hate relationship in the past. But listen—when there’s a Herotini on the line? I always come back. A Little Gregory’s History Gregory’s has been around since 1908 , (fun fact: my favorite year!) and it’s got stories to tell. From Prohibition days to a recent Taco Tuesday feud with Taco Bell (we love the drama!), Gregory’s has seen it all. According to their website the bar is run by Joe and Paul, both graduates of the Culinary Academy at Atlantic Cape Community College. They’ve kept old favorites like Pop’s homemade snapper soup and whole lobster dinners, while adding their own twists to keep things fresh. Walking in, you’...