You may remember Carolyn D’Elia from our Hoboken Girl Social at Lulus in June — she was tinkling the ivories and singing songs that resemble Lana Del Ray and other soulful melodies. She’s been a singer and musical artist for 17 years, and she has several singles out on iTunes as well as being a regular at Open Mic Night at Northern Soul. So, of course we had to feature her as Hoboken Girl of the Week to get a little peek into her life in the mile square!
What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken?
When I was younger my best friend and I took the Staten Island ferry to New York City and I had my first falafel at Mamoun’s Falafel. I think back on that day, and I always remember how awesome it was. So when I moved here, I was so thrilled to know we have an authentic location in Hoboken. I just love going in there. They have the best, most delicious, healthy food and it tastes exactly the same as when I was 13. I am vegan and this spot caters to my lifestyle.
What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?
I always find such neat things in Dor L’Dor. Really current pieces. Really great pricing.
What do you love most about Hoboken?
I love the residents here. Hoboken has some of the greatest people. I literally make 20 new friends every time I’m out. People are just so nice and so chill. There is a really supportive vibe here for artists.
What is your favorite thing to do in Hoboken?
Hoboken is a great city to wander around. We have neat little hidden shops and coffee joints all over the place. I just found a perfect new art store with all my oil painting needs on a walk the other day. I’m always wandering here.
How long have you lived and/or worked in Hoboken?
I have lived here for 6 years. When I first moved here I was scared I would be alone a lot and miss my sisters. It was almost the total opposite. Since then, I have met so many beautiful people from girlfriends to local business owners. It is a really kind-hearted city.
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?
A lot of nights I take a walk around Hoboken with my headphones on, and I listen to a new mix of something I’m working on or some new music I want to get into. I go up 1st past all the bars {which is perfect people watching} and then down Monroe and then take a right and walk to the water. This is my favorite part of my walk – our view of Manhattan gives me goosebumps. I’ve yet to get over that view in the 6 years I’ve been here. It gets me every time.
What is your favorite place to workout in Hoboken?
I am an avid runner so I love running along the water. I can stare at New York twinkling across the Hudson and literally get lost for a few miles. I also love Hot Yoga, and so I hit up Real Hot Yoga, which just opened, and of course Surya.
Where do you go out with friends in Hoboken?
We have zero shortage of places to go here. I love our movie theatre, it has such comfortable seats. I absolutely love Pier 13 in the summer. I have been going to Northern Soul for the incredible music and art scene on Wednesdays. And I have met so many great friends at the W Hotel and Green Rock, but we don’t have any favorites. Part of the fun of living here is that it’s hard to run out of places to go. Did you know Hoboken had the first US brewery in the 1600s? And Hoboken has the most bars per square mile in the U.S. — this town really knows how to party.
What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken?
I want to say parking for crying out loud. For me, I think the city has everything it needs except more musicians. I hope people see this and it brings them out to join the music scene here because I see so much talent in this town.
You can find Carolyn singing on Wednesdays at Open Mic at Northern Soul. She recently performed at the Imagine Party on October 9th at Lightbox in New York City where The John Lennon Foundation honored his 75th birthday and raised money for the Lennon Bus. She also put out a cookbook called Vodka is Vegan. As an avid vegan, she wanted to show people that being meat free can be really fun and really delicious. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Want to be featured or know someone worthy of being the Hoboken Girl of the Week? Email hello@hobokengirl.com.
