If you think it's hard flagging a taxi in New York City, try finding one in suburban New Jersey – especially on New Year's. To help you make it home safe and sound, Patch compiled a list of the local taxi companies that will be open past midnight. We've organized the list according to price, from least expensive to most expensive. A taxi might cost a little extra, but driving drunk never pays. Westfield Taxi: 908-389-0011 Happy Fox Taxi Service 908-451-1803 Quick Taxi Service 908-222-3760Prices start at $15 for a five-mile trip. Roselle Park A&B Taxi908-380-9741$15 for five-mile trip before …
On Saturday, Patch shared residents' best New Year's Eve stories, today we've got the worst New Year's story. From being tossed out of restaurants early to having a party spontaneously show up at the door, residents from Westfield, Cranford, Clark, Garwood, Scotch Plains and Fanwood shared their stories. Check ou the video
For the first day of 2011, Patch has decided to look back and talk to residents about their best New Year's Eves. From special parties to laid back nights with friends, those in Cranford, Clark, Garwood, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and Westfield shared their memories with Patch. Check out the video.
Westfield 16 Prospect serves their full dinner menu until 11:30 p.m., and the bar is open until 2 a.m. Musician Joe Regan performs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ana Beall's Tea Room on Westfield Avenue is offering a special New Year's three course menu. Seatings begin at 4:30 p.m. and if you show a ticket to the Westfield Symphony Orchestra concert tonight, you receive 10-percent off the $25 a head price. The menu includes a choice of soup and salad, one of four entrees and a dessert. Entrees are braised short rib, spicy chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, penne pasta with crabmeat and shephard's …
Just as "It must be 5 o'clock somewhere" enables us to make a cocktail at any time of the day, "It must be New Year's Eve somewhere" gives parents of young children a chance to set the schedule for ringing in 2011. Why wait for the ball to drop at midnight in Times Square when it most likely means everything else will drop? Years ago, we wondered, why not celebrate with any other city east of us at a more reasonable hour? Then we can send the kids to bed and have our own celebration. We choose France because their midnight is our 6 p.m. How civil! We do all the same countdowns, horn blowing …
New Year's Eve is a night to remember the year gone by and celebrate the one to come. But often the excitement can go too far. Local police departments have shared tips for ringing in the new year safely and responsibly. Westfield Police Officer Jeff Johnson said the primary concern on New Year's Eve is always drinking and driving. "If you're going to have a drink, don't drive," Johnson said. "Make sure you have a ride with someone who has not been drinking. It's just common sense. Anything can happen on New Year's Eve, so I would recommend using your best judgement." New Providence Deputy …
Finding the perfect champagne to ring in the New Year can be an unnecessary source of stress. Would you rather have dry or fruity? What are your guests preferences? Is there a champagne that will leave you feeling significantly lifted, rather than lifting a significant wad from your wallet? Fear not, oenophiles! Patch has you covered on all things sparkling and toasted. Before you buy, a little history: champagne is created exclusively in the Champagne region in France. The beverage first earned acclaim and renown due to its association with the anointment of French kings. While true …
Us journalists have a reputation for drinking. Being New Years Eve, we felt it simply our duty as the torchbearers of local journalism to visit a bar in Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Springfield and Westfield, and ask each establishment to craft a cocktail that would represent the character of that particular town. Hence, we present to you four cocktails that you can use to both wow your friends and represent your hometown pride: WESTFIELDThe Drink: Lillet and Champagne Where You Can Find It: 16 Prospect, located at 16 Prospect Street. $9. The Creator: Tim Boyle, owner of 16 Prospect. Ingredients…
The countdown is on. Only a few days left if you're holding a New Year's Eve party this Friday. Patch spoke to area food and party experts around the area to put together some helpful tips to make your party the most memorable of 2010. Maria Tisdall of Cheese ... Please in Cranford said that cheese and crackers is a staple for any New Year's Eve party. She recommends using unique cheeses that may spark guests to talk about them. "It's always nice to have something at your party that inspires conversation," Tisdall said. She recommends Saint-Andre, goat cheese and brie. And don't forget about …
Are you still looking for something to do on New Year's Eve? Well, if you like Broadway music, you're in luck. The Westfield Symphony Orchestra will be performing The Great American Songbook – a review of American musical theater classics featuring four nationally-renowned soloists. "The concert has become a musical event eagerly anticipated by much of central New Jersey and has gained incredible momentum over recent years," said David Wroe, the Symphony's artistic director. Soprano Michele Ragusa, who recently starred as Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein, Penny and Hope in Urinetown and Evelyn…
Here we are, in the celebratory final week of December, and for most of us that means looking forward to some of life's greatest pleasures: spending time with family, giving and receiving presents, and perhaps enjoying the first picturesque snowfall of the year. But we all know the reality of the holiday season. Time with family means a 45-minute conversation with crazy Aunt Shelley; giving and receiving presents means dealing with stampeding crowds at the mall; and the first snowfall of the year means shoveling six inches off your driveway so you can make it to work by 7:30. The holiday …
To help celebrate the day after Christmas, Patch brings you video of Christmas music being performed downtown in the days leading up to the holiday. A group of carolers dressed in classical garb, strolled around downtown singing carols, while Celtic musicians performed and the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts brought out the long horns. The music was brought to Westfield by the Downtown Westfield Corporation. Check out video of the holiday music.
Don't think just because Christmas is over that there aren't anymore deals you can get at businesses in downtown Westfield. In fact, business owners say the week after Christmas is a busy time. At Sole shoe store you'll be able to buy boots from 20-50% off. Children's shoes will also be marked down by 25-50%. The price for handbags will be cut by 30-50%. "I'm hoping that people are holding onto their cash and they're going to splurge after Christmas," said Sole owner Anna Mastroianni. You can also find deals at J. Winthrop & Company gift shop and Sadie women's clothing store. Sadie owner …
In celebration of Christmas, Patch wanted to what was the best Christmas gift residents have received in the past. Heading out to Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Clark, Garwood and Cranford, we heard a range of answers to this question. Check out the video.
What is your Christmas wish? A simple question that brings about a variety of answers. From gifts to peace on Earth, area residents covered the range of answers when Patch asked them this question. Check out the video.
The last minute holiday shopping season is in full force in downtown Westfield Friday as shoppers cram stores to pick up a gift. Parking lots were crowded and lines were common in most stores as residents aimed to pick up just one last gift. Check out photos of the day.
With Christmas fast approaching, downtown Westfield has been packed with those looking to complete their holiday shopping. Patch went out to see how it's going. Question How is your holiday shopping going? Answers "Still have a few last minute items to get and then I'm finished!" - Susan Hallander"Hopefully I'm finished, it's all been very exciting!" - Owen Reilly"I finished all my holiday shopping early this year! It was fun!" - Alison Kaiser"Shopping is my favorite part of Christmas even though I tend to do it all last minute." - AJ Metrocavage"Done. I spent way too much money!" -Danny …
He's a long way from the North Pole and the U.S. government will help you track him tonight. Taking a break from their normal duties to keep the United States and Canada safe, the North American Aerospace Defense Command is tracking Santa's travels all day on Friday into Saturday. You can follow his progress here.
If you are looking for a church service to attend for either Christmas Eve or Christmas, Patch has put together a list for Westfield churches. St. Helens Roman Catholic ChurchChristmas Eve3:45 p.m.5:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.9:30 p.m.Midnight MassChristmas9:15 a.m.10:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. Holy Trinity Roman Catholic ChurchChristmas Eve4 p.m. Children's Liturgy6 p.m.9:30 p.m. 10 p.m.Christmas8:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.NoonSt. Paul's Episcopal ChurchChristmas Eve4 pm. Children's Liturgy10 p,m.Christmas10 a.m.Presbyterian Church in WestfieldChristmas Eve5 p.m. 8 p.m. 11 p.m.First Baptist ChurchChristmas Eve7:30 p.m.…
The lights, the tree, the gifts, the cooking, the baking, the visiting or visitors – sometimes the holidays don't seem very merry at all. With the increased activity comes increased stress that can wreak havoc if you let it. This year, we're preparing in advance to fend off the holiday blues. We turned to an expert: Dr. Dennis Sandrock, a Clark psychologist, has seen how quickly the holidays can frazzle even the most even-keel folks. First and foremost, says Sandrock, is to set realistic expectations. Here, he shared with us his best tips for reducing holiday stress: Create your own personal…
