South Jersey's Sober Party Girl

Let me paint the scene: the cars are covered in a thick dusting of yellow pollen, my eyes are watering, my nose is somehow stuffy and running at the same time, and I am down yet another box of Benadryl. Are allergies kicking anyone else’s butt right now? Because I don’t think I’ve seen a day this week where I haven’t coughed up a lung. How many of those do I have again? Either way, I coughed them all up. GROSS. 🤧🌼 So what’s the best way to treat yourself and escape the pollen for a bit? A brunch trip, of course. After many people read about my recent brunch adventures, I kept hearing the same thing: “You have to try Queen Bean!” Located in Vassar Square in Ventnor City, this cozy bistro focuses on fresh, local ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have a full barista setup, it’s a BYOB spot (always a win), and according to their website, the heart of the kitchen is Chef Sal, who prioritizes high-quality local ingredients to create wholesome dishes with a little extra...

Is it? Could it be? IT’S SUMMER!!! Okay… not quite. We were played like a fiddle again. This past week was just another little teaser of what’s coming in a month or so. But honestly, I’ll take a few warm, sunny days over none at all. It gives me hope, and an excuse to chase mocktails, waterfront views, and good food. Earlier this week, we spent the first truly beautiful day doing exactly that. We headed to Somers Point to soak up the sunshine and enjoy brunch right on the bay at Caroline’s by the Bay , and we arrived at the sweet spot: brunch time. For more than 25 years, Caroline’s by the Bay has been a go-to destination for locals and visitors looking for bayfront dining, live entertainment, and year-round indoor and outdoor seating. They host trivia nights, karaoke, and special events, making this spot feel like more than just a restaurant; it’s a full-on social hub. In late 2023, Las Olas Taqueria teamed up with Caroline’s to bring a fresh Cali-style Mexican twist to the menu, a...

When I first met my husband, I quickly learned that his family history was tied to something pretty iconic in Hammonton. The original Columbia restaurant. His father was the mastermind behind the town-famous Red Roast Beef sandwich , and people would pack the dining room just to get their hands on one. Most days, the sandwiches sold out before closing. Friends from Hammonton still talk about those days with big smiles and even bigger appetites, remembering how they would devour two or three sandwiches at a time because they simply couldn’t get enough. Sadly, Joe’s father passed away before I ever had the chance to taste that legendary secret recipe myself. But recently, something exciting happened. The Columbia II , still proudly family-owned and operated, decided it was finally time to bring the famous Red Roast Beef back. And let me tell you, this is big news in Hammonton. Shout out to Donna, Shelia, and the rest of the family for serving up amazing food and smiles for so long. ...