It’s been another memorable week in Hudson County! While we may still be battling a Thanksgiving food coma, things certainly haven’t slowed down around town. Between Charritos relaunching their downtown location, Mayor-elect Bhalla announcing his transition team, and the revelation of HG’s Best of Hoboken + Jersey City finalists there certainly has been news for all interests. Grab your coffee {and maybe a slice of leftover pie – apples are a fruit…}; here are the top Hoboken + Jersey City news stories of the week for you to peruse on this Sunday AM:

Charritos Opens New Vegan + Vegetarian Restaurant

In case you missed the news earlier this week, Charritos has re-opened their downtown location as a vegetarian/mostly-vegan restaurant. The downtown location was quietly closed down nearly two and a half months ago as the Arias family {the culinary masterminds behind the restaurants} prepared for the relaunch. The new menu features items such as enchiladas verdes, empanadas, burritos, chiles rellenos, and more. As with the other Charritos locations, the downtown restaurant is BYOB — so don’t forget to swing by Sparrow Liquors on your walk over.

 

Mayor Elect Bhalla Reveals his Transition Team

Last week, Mayor-Elect Ravi Bhalla announced the members of his transition team, which will be chaired by Phil Cohen {who currently serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment}. The team will include four of the other candidates from this year’s mayoral election including Michael DeFusco, Anthony Romano, Karen Nason, and Ron Bautista as well as two new Council Members. Each Committee Chair is in charge of preparing three of more recommendations for the 2018 year. Additionally, Mayor-Elect Bhalla has encouraged any Hoboken residents that are interested in joining the Transition Team to send an email to Cohen identifying their area of interest and the committee they are interested in serving. Mayor Dawn Zimmer also announced that she will appoint John Allen {who ran for City Council} to serve as Chief of Staff. Allen is is an attorney who specializes in the representation of governmental bodies, and he will begin his new position effective December 4, 2017.

Spirits & Cheer for The Madison Rose Heart Project

Black Rail Coffee and Grapeful will be hosting Spirits & Cheer for The Madison Rose Heart Project on December 10th from 2PM-4PM. The Madison Rose Heart Project is a non-profit foundation that was founded in honor of Madison Rose, the daughter of two Hoboken residents. Madison was diagnosed with the CHD, HRHS (Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome) specifically, in utero at 20 weeks. Tragically, Madison passed away suddenly on September 2016 while in the NICU while waiting for her new heart. Tickets for the event can be purchased online and will cover wine, coffee cocktails, chocolates and small bites. Event attendees are asked to bring new infant items to be distributed by The Madison Rose Heart Project to CHD families in the surrounding NYC metro area. 

Satya’s Birthday and Baking Mama Raises $800 for St. Judes

Baking Mama, a local dessert favorite for delectable baked goods, hosted an extra-special day at their Hoboken shop last week. Sataya, a four-year-old cancer survivor, teamed up with Baking Mama to celebrate her birthday and fundraise for childhood cancer research. All proceeds of Satya’s customized macaron, pictured above, were donated to St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital. Following the close of business, owner Tina Rivera posted that sales totaled over $800!

Mamoun’s Falafels’ New Location on Washington St. is Open

Mamoun’s Falafel, a local staple for quality Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food, has moved to 300 Washington Street. Mamoun’s Falafel announced their move on Instagram last week, noting that their new location is in a newer building and only a few blocks away from their original restaurant. Mamoun’s Falafel serves a varierty of sandwiches {vegtarian available}, kebobs, hummus, falafel, grape leaves and more. Their menu is also available for takeout so if the walk to the new location is a just a bit too far this winter you can still get your falafel fix by ordering online.

Secaucus Potential Site for a State-Funded Microgrid

According to NJ.com, Hudson County is set to begin a study to determine whether the Meadowview Complex could house a state-funded microgrid, which would provide power to vital buildings and facilities in emergencies. Microgrids are independent systems powered by on-site generation to provide provide electricity, heat, and cooling should local power grids shut down. The board will be providing $150,000 of funding for the study, which will be completed in six months. The study will evaluate technologies such as limited fuel cells, solar and dispatchable generation and other new electric infrastructure. The Meadowview Complex was selected as the project’s center because it houses a number of critical facilities, including the county 911 call center, the Meadowview Psychiatric Hospital, Alaris Health at the Fountains, and the Hudson County Juvenile Detention Center — which is being re-purposed as the new site of the Hudson County Regional Public Safety Academy.

Gringo’s Taquerian Now Serving Brunch and Offering Takeout

Gringo’s Taqueria is now officially offering brunch AND takeout to its patrons. Located at 12 Coles Street, Gringo’s Taqueria serves up Mexican inspired American cuisine. Using simple ingredients with complex flavors Gringos’s is a “fusion of ancient techniques and modern dining sensibility,” according to their website {and our tastebuds from a recent visit}. Brunch will be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM-3PM. Should you decide to dine-in, Gringo’s has one-of-a-kind cocktails & spirits, live entertainment, and a piñata room. But, if you just need some tacos in the comfort of your own home, a takeout order can be placed here.

Update on the Union Dry Dock

Despite NJ Transit’s efforts to close on the sale of the Union Dry Dock, the City of Hoboken continues to fight to acquire the land that was once used as a boat repair facility.The City, under the orchestration of Mayor Zimmer and Mayor-Elect Bhalla, is working to complete its own appraisal of the land and has promised to pursue all options necessary to acquire the property. A letter was sent to NJ Transit and its board members outlining Hoboken’s position on the matter, but NJ Transit has since advised that they intend to allocate $12 million in its budget to purchase the property. Should any residents wish the express their opinion, they are invited to attend the next NJ Transit board meeting on December 13th.

Hoboken Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Holiday Decorating Contest

The Hoboken Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual holiday decorating contest for local storefronts. Participating shops will be judged on three categories: Interpretation of the Sinatra Based Theme, Wow Factor and Curiosity Generating Factor, and Inclusion of the Retailer’s Service. The top three winners will win $500, $300, and $200 respectively. Registration closes on December 8th and can be completed online. Judging will take place from December 13th-17th and winners will be announced on December 22nd.

Best of Hoboken + Jersey City {2017} Finalists are Announced

The results are in! After sorting through over 1,000 entries we have narrowed down the top three finalists in each of the 47 categories featured in the Hoboken Girl’s Best of Hoboken + Jersey City Awards. Voting for the finalists is currently open and you can vote once per day through December 14th at 11:59PM. We will 8be announcing the winners in each category after December 15th. Remember – vote early and vote often {well at least one per day in this case}. You can cast your vote daily here.

And that’s the latest Word on Washington Street news roundup for your Sunday.

Have any news tips? Email hello@hobokengirl.com to let us know — we appreciate it!