Stay in the Know: The Top Community Websites in 2010 for Hoboken Locals

Through my blog research of all things "Hoboken" and "New York" over the past few months, I've come across some great Hoboken-based websites to keep Hoboken locals in the know. Although this town is only one square mile, there's a lot of people, places, and things to catch up with on a daily basis.

From cool blogs to pressing news matters, I'm here to break down the best Hoboken community websites of 2010, because these days, you're not cool unless you're connected!

Hoboken 411

Ever wonder who else shares in the pain of Hoboken's public parking problems and political unrest? Look no further than this interactive site that provides up-to-date residential matters such as fires, robberies, and poor parking woes. The site raises questions about local matters, and is designed for residents to engage in matters plaguing our precious town. The site also serves as a mini-Craigslist hub, where you can share real estate listings, sell furniture or NFL tickets, and get connected with other Hoboken residents.

The Hudson Reporter

Covering the more serious and pressing matters in town, this established online newspaper covers up-to-date political, communal, business, and judicial matters in the Hudson County area. This is also a perfect spot to check for PATH advisories with their to-the-minute section online.

Hoboken City Guide

I would consider this a edgier local news site. It covers art, music, and entertainment, while covering upcoming events and local perks in town. The site also gives praise to local Hoboken success stories in their Video or "V" Blog Spotlights.

Hoboken Bar Net

Why did no one think of this sooner? The Hoboken Bar Network creator knows his audience! He recently created the site, along with a five dollar yearly Bar Net VIP card, that gives discounts at some of the best restaurants, bars, and cafes in town on any given day. The site is great to check out for happy hour specials, game day specials, upcoming events, and everyday bar specials. Never miss another Thursday night "flip it or sip it" match at Wicked Wolf or Bingo Wednesdays at Black Bear Bar & Grill ever again!

The Boken Online

The site is a guide to all things Hoboken. It offers recommendations for local food and liquor establishments, PATH Tweets, Hoboken's historical facts, and featured events for the up-coming holidays. And, like myself, the site features a section for out of town happenings saying, "We do have to leave Hoboken sometimes".

Kannekt Hoboken

There's nothing more daunting than entering solo into a new city. Chances are you're out to look for people who share similar interests and values as you have. From religious groups to political discussion groups, there's a place for everyone in Hoboken and Kannekt Hoboken guides you right to them with contact information and address listings. Therefore, if you're looking to join the Hoboken Rotary Club or Hoboken Flip Cup League, this is the place to get connected.

Plus, these are the blogs to keep following in the New Year:

1. Hobokenneighborhoodnews.com

A blog about local happenings and attractions

2. Thehobokenjournal.blogspot.com

A fun social andpolitical blog with a recent article about the influx of Italian-Americans in our town

3. Sayyestohoboken.com

A personal blog dedicated to apartment therapy, cooking, and crafts from within her Hoboken Apartment

The Sixth Borough: The Hottest Hoboken Openings in 2010

Hoboken is rapidly becoming the "New" New York. Since the opening of the W Hotel and residences last year, the town has definitely attracted a posher clientele and has become the destination for New Jersey Nightlife. And, there's no doubt that town favorite, Buddy Valastro, continues to draw in some of the tourist population of New York with his hit show, Cake Boss. But, like any growing city, business owners are beginning cultivate fresh and innovative hotspots to serve Hoboken's ever-growing clientele.

Things are always changing. So out with the old, and in with the new Hoboken hotspots of 2010.

VILLAGE POUR HOUSE

There's no better place for a beer and burger than Hoboken, New Jersey! With its laid back, jeans and a football jersey atmosphere, it's the perfect place to kick back after work or on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Already open in convenient Midtown and Downtown areas in New York City, the Village Franchise owners finally got the location right! Instead of waiting in long lines at The Shannon or McSwiggen's you could walk right down the street to Pour House. Unlike most of Hoboken's bars, it features 300 plus capacity and some of the rarest, foreign beers in the world.

Located at 205 First Street.

W

It's official, the luxury hotel and residence franchise, open in all major cities across the world, has found its next big city, Hoboken, New Jersey. W Hoboken features a flashy club with astounding views of the New York Skyline, the decadent dining at Zylo Steakhouse, the indulgent Bliss Spa, and a destination shopping spot for the latest fashion must-haves at the W Store.

Located at 225 River Street

200 LOUNGE

Hoboken, a town made for the out-of-college dive bar drinker, is about to meet it's match. 200 Lounge features renowned DJ's from around the country who are featured at some of the best nightclubs in New York City.

What to expect? On any given Friday or Saturday night, expect the hottest beats, sizzling violin featurettes, champagne sparklers and bottle service from some scantily dressed attendants. But, it is one of the only places that charges more than $5 to get in.

Located on 200 Washington Street

1 REPUBLIC

I tried the truffled mac & cheese with marscapone and goat cheese - I thought I died and went to comfort food heaven! Recently opened in November 2010, this bar is a great new hangout on Washington street. With its pool table and dart boards, it's a perfect setting for an after work gathering with friends.

STACKS

As soon as the bars in Hoboken close, you can suddenly catch you fellow party-goers under harsher, florescent lighting as they order they're 3am meal - it's quite entertaining actually. But, utterly turned off by late night runs to Johnny Rockets, McDonalds, or Cluck U Chicken, I recently ran into late night heaven at Stacks. This pancake haven hosts a large range of belgium waffles, breakfast snacks, and, of course, their delicious pancakes for your late night snack attacks!

Located at 506 Washington Street

MIDTOWN AUTHENTIC

Rory Chadwick, the owner of Hoboken's Midtown Authentic, knows what women and men really want; high end designer fashion at affordable prices. As a frequenter of many New York consignment shops, I can say that these authentic designer duds are priced to sell. Ranging from the newest Chanel handbags to rare Christian Louboutin pumps, a girl's fashion fantasies may soon become a fashion reality!

Located on 728 Washington Street

WICKED WOLF TAVERN

Famous for their Wednesday night trivia night, this is the perfect place to meet up with a group of friends. Thankfully, this is not the typical Hoboken Sports Bar one would expect; it's a bit quieter and draws in professionals after the 5pm rush hour. With open views of the Manhattan Skyline and its neatly decorated atmosphere, this is sure to be a riverside keeper!

Located at 120 Sinatra Drive

HOBOKEN'S NEWEST PIER

Every Hoboken resident, at one point or another, has hung out on their beach towel in the summertime at the Frank Sinatra pier. As one of my close friends once put it, with its frisby and football players and dog walkers, it looks like a scene straight out of a J Crew catalogue. Whether you like to run or just chill out with a book, Hoboken has yet again opened another pier on the waterfront at 3rd street, adjacent to the Frank Sinatra pier on 1st street. The new pier comes equipt with running paths and a playground for the kids.

The Bucket List's Top 5 Hoboken Resident Celebrities of 2010

Hoboken is not only a town of up and coming young professionals, ya know. This mile square town plays host to a handful of celebrities too. Like us, they too enjoy the solace of small town living, but enjoy the convenience of New York City's trendy traffic. According to thebokenonline.com, since the opening of the W residences, there have been rumors that LL Cool J, 50 Cent, and a handful of NFL players all shack up in pads with stellar skyline views!

I mean, Frank Sinatra's not the only one to bring Hoboken some hometown cool.

Fast Forward to 2010, we've come to see some great celebrity traffic ourselves, check out the Bucket List's Top 5 local Celebrities who make their presence known in the Hoboken community, sometimes in more bad ways than good.

Hear what these Hoboken locals have to say about living in Hoboken!

1. Cake Boss' Buddy Valastro

There hasn't been a character since Frank Sinatra himself to put Hoboken, New Jersey on the map quite like Buddy Valastro! This old-fashioned, Italian-American baker gives homage to his small town upbringing in Hoboken, New Jersey on his hit TLC show, Cake Boss. Carlo's Bakery has been family-owned in its prime 95 Washington Street location for the past 100 years. On any given day, at any odd hour, you can catch tourists and fans as they line up outside of the store to taste some his old-fashioned Italian baked goods. And, the only part of the family-run bakery that has demanded change during their 100 years in business is the impressive 10,000 square foot baking studio only a floor above the bakery, built to serve the demanding, ever-growing clientel, including Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus.

Last year, after much persistence, I had the opportunity to interview the family man about his unexpected fame and how he put Hoboken on the map.

Despite a hectic schedule since the show's premiere in 2008, the 32 year-old baker, always finds time to give back to his fans and his community. Buddy, in his signature white bakers coat, tells me, "I felt like it was my obligation to go out and greet those people in line. My dad taught me to always be true to who you are and make time for people. They waited on the line to see the bakery, to see me, so it's the least I could do."

Viewers watch every week as Buddy puts his skills, pricision and perfectionist touch to every project, especially in his work for Hoboken's social events, such as the inaugural cake he made for the inauguration for Hoboken's new mayor, Dawn Zimmer.

Buddy is humbled by his dedicated fans and commits to giving back to those who have made

him who he is today, America's Cake Boss. Now, when Buddy drives into Hoboken each day, the reflection of his hard work and dedication to his father's bakery are represented in the billboards on just about every street corner in Hoboken. Buddy smiles and says, "Hoboken's been great to me, seeing Hoboken love me back is just awesome."

2. Natalie Morales of the Today Show

Having recently woken up at 5a.m. to be at the set of ABC's Good Morning America last week, I'm taking the time to appreciate a woman who wakes up in the brisk hours of the early morning to get to the set of NBC's Today. As a National News Correspondant for the show, she's famous for covering the 2001 World Trade Center Attacks, the 2000 Presidential Election, and the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Recently, my good friend, and Hoboken local, Rory Chadwick,

caught up with the busy news correspondent to talk about living in

Hoboken.

On Hoboken dining: "My tops would be Cucharramama. I love the authenticity of the South American cuisine. I recently had my birthday dinner there and had an incredible appetizer to start which was a small pepper filled with sweet potato puree and topped with a Manchego Cheese sauce. Amazing. The Chef from Cucharramama recently cooked at the White House for the Obamas, that’s how good it is."

On Hoboken politics: "I’m disappointed, as so many in Hoboken are, over what has been one too many political disasters in town. It is infuriating as well to know our tax dollars are not being put to better use. I can’t believe there are not more schools and playgrounds being built as our town continues to bust at the seams."

On Hoboken living: "Running through town along Frank Sinatra Drive and hanging in Hoboken’s parks with my kids. We also enjoy “stooping” with the neighbors — meaning a glass of wine, the kids playing, and all of us hanging out on our stoops."

For the full interview with Rory, go to thebokenonline.com

3. NY Giants football star, Eli Manning

What makes more sense than to have a famous Giants football player living in a town composed of Giants fanatics? Eli Manning, brother of NFL

QB, Payton Manning, supposedly lives riverside in the Maxwell Place complex, however fans have rarely caught him on the streets. Despite his busy scheduling, he has been caught on camera at the bar scene, and like most men his age, he was caught with glazed-over eyes and a cute blonde back last year, typical! Well, although the 2008 MVP is often busy at work, you can always catch him on every screen at the bars during Sunday Football.

4. Comedian and Actor, Danny Aiello

Dany Aiello often frequents the upstairs lounge at Tutta Pasta, located at 200 Washington Street, with his outrageously funny comedy sketch routines. But, once upon a time this funny man had featured roles in some of the best movies of all time including Do the Right Thing, Moonstruck, and The Godfather Part II. So, this is one celebrity you can pay your way to see. For upcoming events at Danny Upstairs Lounge check out dannysupstairs.com

5. The Howard Stern Show's, Artie Lange

Today, this satellite radio personality is known for bringing some of his improvisational comedy to the infamously raunchy

Howard Stern show. He was also part of the original Mad TV cast and known for his stand up shows around the country. But, on any given weeknight, he frequents Hoboken hotspots such as City Bistro, right down the street from his Hudson Tea Building

residence. Yet, locals have often caught the notoriously boozed up character in one of two compromising positions. Danny Aiello has often recruited the actor to appear in his comedy show at Tutta Pasta as well.

These resident celebrities have been spotted at some of the hottest nightlife spots, out

to decadent dinners, and out in Hoboken's parks. They know there's nothing better than taking in the New York Skyline from the Hudson River. And, after all, what's cooler than shacking up in Frank Sinatra's hometown?

At Home in Hoboken: 5 Holiday Hosting Essentials

Baby it's Cold Outside...

The City has been hit with some of the coldest weather of the Season this December, so why not host a Holiday party with your closest friends in your swanky Hoboken Pad! It's not too late to RING IN THE SEASON with the perfect at-home Holiday Party!

So, here's your To-Do List, make sure to CHECK IT TWICE!

1. Send out the Invites

Spice up the guest list with a diverse group of friends. Don't invite existing friends who already know each other. Invite people who you think might be interested in meeting the others in your inner circle, because nothing feels better than creating new friendships!

Paperlessport.com allows you to send unique and individually designed graphics to send out to your esteemed guest list online!

2. Spice up the Entertainment

Whether you hire a professional DJ, a three-string quartet, or score the ultimate Holiday Soundtrack, the right music is CRUCIAL! Some sound advice for my Hoboken collegetes, don't forget to send out an homage to Hoboken's, Frank Sinatra. "The Voice" is sure to set the mood for all of your guests.

3. Stock the Bar

There's nothing better than ringing in the Holiday Season with some superior Bubbly!

Sparrow Wine and Liquors, located at convenient downtown and uptown Hoboken locations, are stocked with some of the best and most interesting spirits in town.

Don't forget to spike the egg nog and garnish your martini's with some green.

For more hints, check out including the egg-white cocktail featured at Details.com with expert advice from some of the most affluent bartenders in the country.

And FYI, in case I'm invited to the party, I love a tall glass of bubbly Veuve Champagne, please!

4. Hire the Help

Your Holiday Party isn't the time to showcase your culinary genius! Don't get stuck in the kitchen and miss out on all the fun! If you have the funding to hire the white-glove service, it's ideal to hire a bartender and a catering team to serve your highly esteemed guests!

Here's a List of the Best Caterers in Town:

The Hoboken Gourmet Company

The catering company has created delicious Christmas and New Year's catering menus filled with delicious bites!

Located at 423 Washington Street

Anthony David's Gourmet Specialties

This cozy hole in the wall, located at 953 Bloomfield street, hosts a unique, but ever so enticing menu of traditional samplings- and their crab cakes are out of this world!

Cucharamama

Unbeknown to many Hoboken residents, Cucharamama is a South American eatery located at 233 Clinton Street, but its also one of my favorite spots to dine in Hoboken. Get South American cooking straight from their wood-burning ovens to the comfort of your home this Holiday Season. The restaurant can also supply a full service staff for you and your guests.

5. Don't Forget to Decorate!

Trim the tree, take out the white linen, light the votive candles, and turn on the LED Christmas lights. Nothing is more essential than treating your guests to some sparkling eye candy this Holiday Season. Whether you are going for a chic Winter Wonderland look with silver and white tones or a heartwarming home with warm wreaths and mistletoe, nothing is more important than creating a memorable atmosphere that your guests will never forget!

For more tips on Holiday decorating check out Colin Cowie's essential guide to preparing your home this Holiday Season.

This isn't your mandatory office holiday party, this is a Hoboken house party! So, when preparing your Holiday Party this Season, be sure to make it an event your loved ones will never forget. Good luck and let's ring the Holiday Season in with some style!

The Hoboken Commuter's Ultimate Wish List: The 10 Coolest Gifts to Give (and Get) this Holiday Season

This Holiday Season, give your friends and family something they could really use to ensure that they're connected, comfortable, and caffinated in their 2011 PATH travels! From cool gadgets to commuting essentials, I'm here to break down the ultimate list in commuter gift giving this Holiday Season!

I'm making the list, be sure to check it twice to ensure your Hoboken commuter opens the perfect gift!

1. Eliminate the Unnecessary PATH Noise: The Ultimate Headphones

These days, you can't get on a PATH train without seeing everyone with the white Apple

earphones. But, let's face it, they fall out of your ears so easily and the sound quality isn't that great right? Don't look over-the-top with those huge headphones for that crisp sound quality, check out the new Etymotic customized ear phones! The $100 dollar price tag include a trip to your local audiologist so they can tailor the bud earphones to each individual aural canal. Three weeks later, you receive these state-of-the-art headphones at your doorstep.

Check out the bespoke headphones at etymotic.com $100

2. Rise & Shine: The Coolest State of the Art Alarm Clock for your Hoboken Pad

Let's face it, how many times has your phone died in the middle of the night and you've missed your alarm for work in the

morning? Nothing is more important to jump-starting your day than waking up on time for your commute. It's time to invest in an alarm clock, but let's keep it cool and stylish, shall we?

Details.com breaks down the ultimate "4 Clocks that Rock". My favorite,

The LA 73 Dolmen LCD Clock Radio by Lexon, $150 at lexonusa.com, featurin

g a earth-friendly bamboo casing with LCD Screen and Ipod adapter to wake up to your favorite tunes!

3. No Excuses: The Powermat Wireless Battery Charger

Never run out of battery power on your wireless de

vice again! This is perfect for the on-the-go Hoboken commuter. Get the wireless charging mat and receiver for your IPhone, IPod, Blackberry, and other wireless devices. The device attaches to the back of the phone and charges the phone instantaneously!

Starting at 39.99 at Powermat.com

4. Bring Your Friends and Family to Work Day: Digital Photo Travel Mug

Turn the traditional coffee mug into a something sentimental. Instead of keeping your loved one's pictures stuffed in the wallet for keepsake, keep them out on your coffee mug. This way, there's something to remind you of something besides your daily commute and a long day at the office!

Remember, like your Facebook account, you'll want to keep the partying pictures to a minimum.

Don't forget to stuff the stocking with starbucks gift card for extra measure.

Available for $24.99 at Thinkgeek.com

5. Don't be Shy! Get Minty Fresh with Colgate Wisp

There's nothing more uncomfortable than entering an early business meeting with that morning coffee breath. I always find myself running out of gum or mints at the most inconvenient times. Wisp can be used without water and actually cleans teeth, unlike gum or mints, and leave your breath smelling minty fresh! (Also great for nights out).

As Colgate puts it, "Don't get caught without it!"

Available at Drugstore Nationwide $8 for a 16 Pack

6. Men, Time to Tech-Up Your Style withThe USB Cufflinks

Carrying your heavy laptop into the City is nothing short of a pain in the neck, literally. Guys, can now whip out any file with the flick of a wrist! Make Fashion Functional: these stylish cufflinks carry a portable USB card with 2GB capacity for storing files. This is a neat way to breed the blazer cufflink and the USB card to make one techie Holiday Gift!

Available at Cufflinks.com for $195

7. The Ultimate Tech Consol for Work... and Play: The Apple IPad

This is perhaps the most popular gift to give (and get) this Holiday Season. With the ability to upload magazines, newspapers, books, music and videos, it's perfect for all-in-one, on-the-go entertainment on the PATH or buy the stand and create the perfect at-home entert

ainment consol. Why not punch the PATH Advisories website in as a homepage to keep your fellow PATH rider well connected into the New Year.

Starting at $499 at Apple.com

8. Ladies, Here's A Treat for the Feet: The Compact Dr. Scholl's Fast Flats

From personal experience, there is nothing worse than treading the long walk to and from work in those fashionably high heels. Yes, they are stunning and make your legs look amazing, but they are just so impractical! So, don't be the female commuter who pairs a pencil skirt with dingy gym sneakers. Ladies, please pick up these stylish (and inexpensive) fast flats for your girlfriends. They are comfortable, compact, and durable

$12.99 Available at Walmart and Wallgreens locations

9. Send them on a Virtual Trip to The Islands: Bob Marley's Legend (Remastered)

When your fellow commuter can't escape the winter blues this Holiday season, nothing is better than a PATH trip with Bob Marley - load up their ipod or ipad with these great mood-lifting tracks!

Available for 7.99 on ITunes Legend Remastered Because

Nothing makes you feel like you're on the beach with a Corona like "Is This Love"

10. THE ULTIMATE GIFT: The Unlimited PATH Smartlink Card

Wouldn't it be nice if we found a lifetime unlimited PATH Smartlink card under the tree this Christmas? If only Santa were that generous! Give your fellow commuter the gift you know they'll use in 2011. Jump start their New Year Travels with a

Smartlink gives riders more bang for their hard earned bucks! If you're constantly going in and out of the City like I am, you know this pays off.

One Month pass for only $54 at pathsmartlinkcard.com.

After that, your friend can easily refill online from the comfort of their home or office without waiting on the hectic line at the MTA machines.

Take Five from the Daily 9-5: Warm Up @The Best Hot Chocolate Spots in The City

'Tis not the season to be scrounging on the extra calories, but I beg of you, don't go to Starbucks for the hot chocolate this Holiday Season. Sure they have the festive red and white paper cups, but they have not refined the hot chocolate making precision as well as the following New York eateries. Run into the City and try one of these hot chocolate drinks and you'll be sure to get into the Holiday Spirit!

1. Hot Chocolate in The Palm Court the Plaza Hotel

Christmas time in the City is all about tradition. While you take your yearly trip into the city to check out traditional sites such as Rockafeller center, the Swavorski Star, and the Holiday window displays at Fifth Avenue's flagship department stores, stop into The Plaza Hotel for a cup of their perfectly steamed hot chocolate. As world-renowned as spots such as Bergdorf Goodman and Tavern on the Green, this spot is sure to fit into your classic New York City Holiday outing.

Also, be sure to check out The Shops at The Plaza. The newly redesigned center is on the basement floor of the hotel and features the amazing photography of Peter Lik at the Peter Lik Gallery and clothing boutiques such as Nicole Romano and Emanuel Ungaro.

Located at Central Park South

2. Dylan's Candy Bar

If you're looking to feel like a kid in a candy store this Holiday Season, go no further than Dylan's Candy Bar. Created by Dylan Lauren, a.k.a. Ralph Lauren's daughter, the three level shop is filled from ceiling to floor in all things sweet, becoming a candy haven for people of all ages! On the top floor you can find her deliciously rich, and uniquely flavored hot chocolate drinks, perfect for an outing with the kids!

Located at 1011 3rd Avenue

3. Serendipity 3

Home to some of the best comfort food in New York and a record-breaking $25,000 gold-infused chocolate mousse, this spot is an Upper East Side favorite for locals and a host of celebrities. While I know many of us aren't about to drop 25k on a dessert, why not gather up a group of friends to share in on the humongous frozen hot chocolate- an original twist on a classic favorite!

Located at 225 East 60th Street

4. City Bakery

Home of THE BEST chocolate and vegan chocolate chip cookies in the world, City Bakery also makes one of the creamiest hot chocolate recipes I've had the pleasure of trying! Topped with a thick, homemade marshmallow, you are sure to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Don't forget the side order of their chocolate chip cookies!

Located at 3 West 18th Street

Take Five from the Daily 9-5 @The Bryant Park Holiday Market

Now that the Holiday Season has officially taken off, and our stomach's are coated with Holiday cheer from the massive amounts of Thanksgiving stuffing, it's now time to start our Holiday shopping!

And, yes, this is the grueling, once a year task we all begin with a big *sigh*. If any one is like me, with fall semester final exams, a hectic work schedule, and a daily commute into the city, you know we have little time to worry about giving the perfect gift this Holiday season!

Then we procrastinate and we procrastinate until it comes down to final countdown. We just find ourselves spending more money and buying gifts we never really intended to buy for our loved ones. This is why I have found a quick and easy stop for busy Hoboken commuters to find the most unique and cheap gifts your family and friends are sure to love!

Amongst the festive Bryant Park Ice Skating rink and The Bryant Park Cafe, you will find Bryant Park's Holiday Market; a endless marketplace of one-of-a-kind boutiques selling everything from fine art to houseware to sports gear.

What to look for at the Market:
Sabon: soaps, suds, and scrubs to give you that spa pampered feel
(Hint, hint Mom and Dad)

Brooklyn Made: Brooklyn bound gifts fit to suite your favorite hipster
Holiday Tree: Unique decorations to adorn your family's tree for generations

Kizmet Yoga Gear: All the gear you need to kickstart the new you in 2011

New West Knifeworks: featured in November's Details Magazine, the multifunctional knife for every cut


Whether you chose to sneak a peak during your lunch hour or gander under the brightly lit holiday lights after work with Lily O' Brien's famous hot chocolate shots.

Remember to pick up some of the most delicious eateries for last minute stocking stuffers:
The Sweet Shop
Sigmund Pretzel Shop
Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Baid Man
Kettle Corn NYC
Country Herbs & Many More


So, this year try something different and less stressful. Rather than waiting until last minute to find the perfect gift for your loved ones, get a head start this Holiday Season @the Bryant Park Holiday Market!


Check out the website for a complete list of Shops @the Holiday Market .