 57°F |
Today’s Hoboken Photo of the Day is of the former restaurant and bar Lua. Owned by the same owners as currently open Johnny Pepperoni and City Bistro this establishment was closed after the October 2010 collapse of the roadway and walkway due to a massive a massive sinkhole. The repairs have since been completed but Lua still remains closed (at least for now).
When a portion of Sinatra Drive collapsed last October no business was perhaps effected more than Hoboken’s Restaurant and weekend hot-spot Lua. They were forced to shut down during the repair of the roadway. Now that the roadway work is at least completed it would appear that Lua could open again as sidewalk access to their business has been restored on their side of the Street.
It is rumored that they did have business continuity insurance but even so there is no guarentee that it makes economic sense to re-open. Time will tell if this place tries to give it another go. Perhaps a settlement is still in the works with insurers. The whole road collapse was very unfortunate for the ownership as the amount of time lost can never be made up and at least a whole years worth of business has been lost while the rent was still due. At least the owners will have something to fall back on as this establishment is owned by the same group that owns City Bistro.
Here is hoping it re-opens as the few time TheBoken ate there, the food was very good to excellent. The weekend night scene was more for out-of-towners but during the week this was a good space for special Hoboken events. Cross your fingers though ultimately the bottom line will determine what happens to this place.
Below is a section of Sinatra Drive North that has recently been repaired. The walkway along the Waterfont still needs repair and that will probably take a few more months to complete based on progress to date. At least there is no more Hoboken Sinkhole. Good riddance (for now)!
Last night at Lua was the 8th annual shopping mixer and mingle event. The yearly event offers local business owners an opportunity to sell their items to the general public just before the holidays. In addition, the event raises money, clothing donations like coats and gloves and toys for both children and adults. Last night the event saw over 40 vendors plus nearly 1000 shoppers in what seems to be the best event held in the last 8 years.
Lua owner Gina Avoletta with the help of her colleagues Amy and Daniella have been working back breaking hours to make sure last night went off without any hitches. The event is a paid event in which the vendors each pay a $25 fee to be present. In addition to the vendors raffle tickets are sold at $5 each or 5 for $20. Over 50 raffle prizes were handed out last night. All these proceeds go to local charities that assist those in Hoboken, NJ who may not enjoy a joyous Christmas this year. All raffle prizes are donated by both local and surrounding community businesses, Universities and professional sports teams. All vendors were asked to donate a prize as well.
Last night we saw prize packages from the Brooklyn Cyclones (Mets minor league affiliate) Seton Hall University, The NJ Devils, The NJ Nets, Furla USA and more. In addition to the prizes and shopping, event goers were treated to drink specials and a visit from a half naked muscular Santa and one of his sexy female elves who were seen throughout the event selling raffle tickets.
Many local businesses were on hand to show their support this year. The Hoboken Man, Midtown Authentic, Trends Boutique, Massage Envy, Devils May Care, Mastani Arts and more. Last night saw many local shoppers spending lots of money and it appeared local vendors were very happy with the outcome of the event.
In closing I must give a major NJ double fist pump with a spin, somersault, cartwheel followed by 2 more double fist pumps to Gina Avoletta and her staff for making such a wonderful event possible. All the $$$ that were raised and donations received will surely help many in need families in Hoboken certainly enjoy a very MERRY Christmas this year. Joey Panotliano received a proclamation from Hoboken for his efforts to help Hoboken last week, I think another is quite appropriate for Gina and her staff as well, just my opinion of course.
Rory Chadwick
Attention all girls and boys, Lua will be holding their annual Shop Til You Drop mixer on Monday, December 13th from 7-10 this year at Lua. Get in your holiday shopping and support both local businesses in our area. In addition, there will be a coat and glove drive and a drive for toys to benefit local Hoboken families in need. An unwrapped toy for a child would be greatly appreciated. The restaurant will be closed for the day for this event and shoppers and vendors alike will be able to enjoy half priced drinks from the bar all night long. In addition to great shopping, social networking and cocktails, there will be raffles for numerous amazing prizes such as a Louis Vuitton handbag from Midtown Authentic and tickets for 2 for The David Letterman Show (winner picks the date). All proceeds from raffles benefit local charities.
The event is searching for a few more vendors. In addition to vendors the event would like to have a tarot card reader attend, manicurists to perform manicures and make up artists. If you are interested in being a vendor the fee is approximately $25. Contact Gina at ginaacitybistro@aol.com for more information.
A special appearance by a member of Jerseylicious will be on hand to greet all attendees as well as a cladly dressed Santa Claus hunk. Last year nearly 400 people attended and the event was a great success. This year should be better than last year. Lua is located on 13th and Sinatra, along the waterfront.
See ya there
What a perfect day for Monday brunch. Fireworks and cocktails last night, now it’s time for breakfast. Check out the list below of places around Hoboken where you can enjoy a great meal and some bloody mary’s.
Contact restaurants for hours of service:
Anthony Davids- À la carte menu (BYOB)
Madisons- $25 Buffet per person
City Bistro- $19.99 Brunch Special includes unlimited mimosa’s and bloodies
Amanda’s- À la carte menu 
Turning Point- A la carte menu (no alcohol)
Elysian Cafe- À la carte menu ($4.00 mimosa’s)
Maxwell’s- A la carte menu
10th and Willow- A la carte menu
EAST LA- A la carte menu (great waffles)
Gaslight- $14.95 includes two drinks
Brassrail- $15.00 brunch special (pay $10 bucks and get unlimited drinks)
Four L’s- A la carte menu
O’Nieal’s- A la carte menu
NINE- $29.95 includes food and umlimited drinks
TEAK- Brunch buffet
Buskers- A la cart menu (complimentary drinks)
La Isla- Cuban style breakfast (BYOB)
ZYLO- Brunch Buffet with a great view
Zacks- A la carte menu
The Little Grocery- A la carte menu (BYOB)
Did we leave your favorite place off the list? E-mail us at feedback@theboken.com
City Bistro Rooftop Bar is the place to be during these summer afternoon and evenings. Located on 14th Street with limited views of New York City this rooftop offers the best outside seating happy hour in the mile square city. Every drink is half price from 5pm-8pm.
The bar tenders are super cool and their is plenty of bench seating that borders the roof.
The most popular evenings for the roof top are Thursday’s and Saturday’s, this can cause a damper on your evening if you choose to stand in line.
What are you feelings on the best out door spot for happy hour in Hoboken? Do you prefer $1.00 mugs squeezed in at Green Rock or do you like sitting in the lounge area at Trinity looking at New York City?
Share your opinion below by writing a guest comment.
@The Boken
It was a hot a and steamy week in Hoboken but that did not stop people from going out and enjoying the events around Hoboken. With a couple of fundraisers in town this week residents were busy enjoying drinks for charity! Just in case you missed any of the action this week or just want to catch up check out what we posted this week on The Boken Online:
Frozen Margaritas Anyone?
East LA Mexican offers great frozen margaritas in many different flavors. Sit outside on Washington Street or inside by their extra large projection screen.
Meet Hoboken’s Katie Mcgee from The CBS Morning Show
The Boken Online’s guest writer Rory was at it again with another great Hoboken Celebrity interview. Check out Katie Mcgee’s favorite things in Hoboken
Hoboken Farmers’ Market Brings Fresh Produce to Town!
Every Thursday till October you can check out the Uptown Farmers Market. See more information.
ZENA GROCERY & DELI Open for Business
Zena Grocery & Deli is officially open for business. This Mediterranean style deli offers Hoboken residents salads, vegetarian platters, sandwiches and much more
Meet Hoboken’s Katie Mcgee
Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with Today Show correspondent Natalie Morales. I had a great time writing my article and after all the positive feedback I got from the readers, my love for journalism came back a full 360. Last week’s story featured someone we see on TV every morning and this week I am going to do the same this week.
When it comes to Hoboken, local eating, acting on Law and Order SVU and geese issues in the Mile Square City, Katie Mcgee, CBS Morning news entertainment and traffic anchor and HOBOKEN resident was kind enough to take time out of her busy day to chat with me and answer some questions for my story for TheBokenOnline.com.
R.C.- Have you ever visited theboken.com? If not have a look and tell me what you think of the site? Would you use it along with other local sites for local news and happenings?
Mcgee- Yes. It’s a great site. I’m always looking for new ways to keep up with what’s new and going on around town.
R.C.-How long have you lived in Hoboken?
Mcgee- I first moved to Hoboken in 1999…and I have lived here off and on ever since! I love this town.
R.C.- What are your favorite 3 places to eat in this town? And out of the 3 which is your favorite and what is your favorite dish there?
Mcgee- This is a hard question! There are so many great restaurants. I would say if I had to narrow it down to 3…they would be Hudson Tavern, Dino & Harry’s, and Lua. Hudson Tavern is probably the spot I hit the most…it’s a great neighborhood bar/restaurant…and their perogies are amazing! At Lua….you have to have the guacamole…spicy! And Dino & Harry’s…is just a great old school spot…you simply can’t go wrong! I am also a big fan of The Elysian.
R.C.- You work as an on air Traffic and Entertainment Reporter for “CBS 2 News This Morning.” Last week I interviewed Natalie Morales of the Today Show and asked her what her typical morning was like. Can you tell me about your typical morning? When do you wake up, how do you get to work, how do you prepare the show, etc.
Mcgee- My day starts early! The alarm goes off at 2:45 am….and I’m out the door and at work by 3:30. I drive myself to work…with a cup of coffee firmly in hand! When I get to work…the first thing I do is record my entertainment reports for 1010 WINS. After that…it’s hair and make-up time. I have a traffic producer I work closely with…we have a computer that links us to the traffic information…and we decide which stories we will cover. She builds the maps and sets the camera shots…and I write each hit. We start on the air at 4:55am…and I have a hit every 10 minutes or so. It’s busy…because traffic is constantly updating and changing. We are on the air until 7am…with local cut-ins during “The Early Show” at :25 and :55 after the hour until 9am. After that…it’s entertainment prep time. But my on-air duties for the day are done! I am usually done for the day by 11 or 11:30.
R.C.- Have you ever committed an “on air” blooper or 2? If so can you share with my readers about what it was?
Mcgee- Yes! Let’s face it…it’s early! You do your best…but sometimes the brain is not as awake as you’d like! When I first came back to doing traffic…I threw to “Chopper 4” instead of “Chopper 2 HD”…and I didn’t even realize I had done it! When there is a snow storm…it usually means a really long day. I have been guilty of not remembering whether it should be “good morning” or “good evening”! And this hasn’t made it on air…but there have been quite a few times where I remember last minute that I’m not at the desk for a hit…I should be at the chroma key/weather wall…and I have to run across the studio. I haven’t wiped out…yet!
R.C.- I see that in your spare time you have appeared on Law and Order SVU as a reporter. Myself being an avid viewer of the show I have to ask how you got started on acting for the show?
Mcgee- I was a theater major in college…and my first ambition was to be an actor. I fell into the news business almost by accident…it was being in the right place at the right time when opportunity knocked…but I still love acting. A few years back…I had an acting manager I was working with…and that’s what led me to “SVU”. Everyone there is great!! I have also done quite a bit of soap work…mostly as a reporter. Not much of a stretch, but I welcome every opportunity I get!
R.C.- For my female readers, is Chris Merloni just as good looking in person as he is on the show lol?
Mcgee- Haha..yes he is. But he is also a nice guy…and the ultimate professional.
R.C.- When you do not work and it is down time for you do you hang out in Hoboken or do you like to travel around the area?
Mcgee- I tend to hang out in/around Hoboken. Though being a Jersey Girl…I love the shore. There is nothing more relaxing than the sound of the ocean.
R.C.- What are some of your hobbies?
Mcgee- I love to read…I love to cook. After a long day…spending time in the kitchen is actually something I find soothing. I also have a 2 year old Golden Retriever named Norman. He’s thoroughly entertaining! And a 15 year old cat…who is not Normans biggest fan!
R.C.- Many Hoboken residents own cars. I have to assume you do as well. Do you park in a garage or on the street? Have your ever received a parking ticket?
Mcgee- I do own a car, and I park in the garage in my building. I don’t think I’ve ever had a parking ticket…but the first several years I lived in Hoboken, I parked on the street. It’s amazing how creative you can get when you need a parking space in this town!
R.C.- Lately Hoboken has been seen on TV quite a bit. Cake Boss, 9 by design has filmed here, etc etc. Being in the media world yourself do you see Hoboken as a town that can expect more TV time in the future?
Mcgee- I think that there should be more tv/film shot here. First of all…you can’t beat the city views from this side of the river. Secondly…Hoboken offers the best of both worlds…a city feel…with a small town vibe. There is a lot that could be done.
R.C.- If you were in charge of Hoboken for a day what would you do to improve the community?
Mcgee- Well…my immediate reaction would be to deal with the geese. There are several gaggles of geese that have chosen to call my neighborhood home. They are adorable…especially the babies…but they are, how can I say it, messy. There are so many children and dogs that are running and playing in the area…and it seems like it would be a health issue. I don’t know what the answer would be…but I would be on the case!
R.C.- I wanted to be a fireman or a NY Yankee growing up and I became the farthest thing from either. Growing up did you want to become a journalist or did you want to become something else?
Mcgee- As I mentioned earlier…my original dream was to be an actor. A very long story short…I realized in my mid-twenties that after bartending and running around to auditions…I was feeling burned out. I was ready for a career. I happened to be watching the local news as I was having this internal heart to heart with myself, and thought…this is something I think I would really enjoy doing every day. I worked hard..took a radio job covering local school board meetings and the like…and in a very short amount of time I started in TV news. I have always believed that when you make a decision in life, a firm call on what you want…if you put in the time and make yourself available to new opportunities…they will come.
R.C.- For my readers that are sports fans are you a Mets or Yankees fan? Knicks or Nets? Jets or Giants? Devils or Rangers?
Mcgee- I am a huge sports fan!! LOVE the Yankees!!! This past fall was so much fun…#27!!! I haven’t followed basketball or hockey in years…but I would say I’m a Knicks and Rangers girl. Football is my favorite sport…locally I root for the Jets. But, for my own safety…I will keep “my” football team to myself!!!!
R.C.- Sex in the city 1 vs Sex in the city 2, as an entertainment reporter which one of the movies do you think was better?
Mcgee- Ok…this might be the hardest question! I adored the series…all of my friends and I knew which one of the girls we were! That was the right show…at the right time…and it just worked! As for the movies…I have seen both. I didn’t love either one…but I thought “SATC 2” was more fun. Campy and cheesy…but fun. That being said…as much as I will miss the characters, I think it might be time to say goodbye.
R.C.- In closing would you have any advice for my readers who are in pursuit of a job in the media / journalism world?
Mcgee- Make sure you love it. This, as many others, is a changing industry. Job requirements are constantly changing…and there has been a lot of talk about what the future of print/tv journalism will be. I think, though, as long as you have a passion for something…you will find a way to do it, and hopefully do it well.
We love ourselves a good ol’ lazy Sunday brunch. On a recent sunny Sunday, we had the pleasure of sitting outside, taking in the breathtaking NYC skylines, and enjoying brunch at Lua.
Lua doesn’t have the typical brunch menu that you may find at other standard brunch spots in town. While you can order the usual brunch favorites such as Eggs Benedict and the Chopped Salad, there are other items, like the Huevos Rancheros and Venezuelan Eggs that can help give your morning that Latin flare it’s been lacking.
We got seated immediately upon arrival (outside table of 6 – but we went right at 11:00am), and ordered our iced coffees, cocktails, and entrees shortly after. While the service was on the slower side, we were happy to soak up the NYC views and enjoy a few cocktails. The provided bread basket was a wonderful surprise full of muffins, pastries and other goodies that kept us busy while we were waiting.
Brunch is served both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am – 3:30pm. Since the weather isn’t looking too promising this Sunday, try sitting outside today!
| Brunch Menu | |
| Spanish Eggs | 9 |
| chorizo, manchego cheese, roasted peppers, fresh herbs | |
| Steak & Eggs | 14 |
| skirt steak, eggs any style, chorizo, rice, black beans | |
| Pancakes | 8 |
| banana, strawberry, dulce de leche | |
| Huevos Rancheros | 11 |
| black bean & jalapeño jack quesadilla, eggs any style, ranchero sauce | |
| Venezuelan Eggs | 9 |
| scrambled eggs, tomatoes, onions, peppers, arepa, black beans, queso blanco | |
| Egg White Frittata | 9 |
| low fat mozzarella, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes | |
| French Toast | 9 |
| brioche dipped in pineapple juice, cream of coconut, cinnamon batter, sautéed pineapples, fresh berries | |
| Benedicts (served with homefries) |
|
| Classic Eggs | 10 |
| canadian bacon, english muffin, hollandaise | |
| Avocado | 10 |
| english muffin, chipotle hollandaise | |
| LUA Benedict | 10 |
| arepa, poached egg, salmon, caper dill hollandaise | |
| Sandwiches and Salads | |
| Wraps | |
| all prepared with flour tortillas, jalapeño, jack cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo shrimp – 13, beef – 13, vegetable – 10, chicken – 11 |
|
| Chicken BLT | 10 |
| sour dough, chipotle mayo, french fries | |
| LUA’s Nicoise | 15 |
| spicy tuna, mesclun, coconut ginger vinaigrette | |
| Flat Bread | 8 |
| eggs over easy, avocado, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo; choice of fries or salad | |
| Spanish Caesar | 10 |
| avocado, hearts of palm, cherry tomatoes add: chicken – 3, beef – 4, shrimp – 5 |
|
| Calamari Salad | 10 |
| organic green slaw, cashew nuts, ginger glaze | |
| Chopped Salad | 12 |
| banana, shrimp, cucumber, tomato, cashew miso vinaigrette | |
| Grilled Steak Salad | 15 |
| sirloin steak, cabrales cheese, mushrooms, balsamic chili vinaigrette | |
Photography & Design Assistance By AST Photos.
