Happy Monday, UC neighbors!

If you’re reading this with a second cup of coffee and a view of snowbanks taller than your mailbox, you’re not alone. The blizzard that started yesterday officially turned Union County into a winter postcard and now we’re all digging out, shoveling sidewalks, and debating whether it’s too early for comfort food round two.

We’ve also rounded up events happening across Union County as things reopen and reschedule because even a blizzard can’t stop this community for long.

Fluffy Fluffy
100 North Union Avenue, Cranford

A sweet new spot is about to land in downtown Cranford. Fluffy Fluffy is coming soon bringing its signature Japanese soufflé pancakes to Union County. If you’ve ever seen those tall, jiggly, cloud-like stacks all over social media, that’s them. These pancakes are whipped to airy perfection, cooked low and slow, and topped with fresh fruit, cream, and decadent sauces. Many locations also serve mille crêpe cakes, cheesecakes, and specialty drinks like matcha lattes and fruit teas. The brand has built a following across the U.S., often drawing lines during opening weeks, so expect some buzz when doors officially open. Cranford’s dessert scene just got a little fluffier.

Is there a favorite restaurant that you would like to share with us? Send your scoop to [email protected]

Last week we asked what you do when a new restaurant opens in Union County, and the cautious crowd won. 42.5% of voters said they prefer to wait a few months before trying a new spot, while a strong second group said they’ll go once they see a few reviews. Only a small number rush in on opening week or stick strictly to their regular favorites. It seems most of you like a little proof before booking that reservation.

Snow totals varied across Union County — and we want to see how your neighborhood stacked up.

How have 70,679 everyday investors joined in on the billionaire’s asset class?

A Klimt painting sold for $236 million—the most expensive modern artwork ever sold at auction.

A Kahlo broke the auction record for a female artist at $54 million.

Obvious outliers, sure, but the 2025 fall auction season signaled the postwar and contemporary art market could be entering a bull run.

Why?

Of course, who can afford to spend millions on a painting, right?

But now it’s easy to fractionally invest in art by legends like Banksy and more, thanks to Masterworks.

They acquire it, securitize it, offer shares, and eventually look to sell it.

Net annualized returns like 14.6%, 17.6%, and 17.8% for works held over a year.

See why members have allocated $1.3 billion across 500+ works:

Skip waitlist

_{*According to Masterworks data.  Investing involves risk. Past performance not indicative of future returns. See important disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.}

If yesterday felt historic, New Jersey has seen its share of snow legends.

The Great Blizzard of 1888 buried parts of the state under up to 40 inches of snow, snapping telegraph lines and shutting down rail travel for days. It was one of the storms that pushed cities to move utility lines underground.

The Blizzard of ’96 is still the benchmark for many locals. More than two feet fell across much of the state, highways closed, and power outages stretched for days. For a lot of families, it became the ultimate snowed-in memory.

More recently, Winter Storm Jonas in 2016 dropped close to three feet in some areas of New Jersey, bringing transit to a halt and emptying grocery shelves before the first flakes landed.

New Jersey sits in the sweet spot for nor’easters, where coastal moisture meets cold inland air. So while this week’s storm feels big, it’s part of a long, snowy tradition.

Discovered a hidden gem, new restaurant, or cool event? We’d love to feature it in The UC Scoop!

📩 Send your scoop to [email protected] or message us on Instagram @ucscoop.

A blizzard may pause showings for a few days, but it rarely slows the spring market for long. Inventory across Union County remains limited, and well-prepared buyers are already positioning themselves for when new listings hit.

If you have questions about buying or selling this year, now is a smart time to plan. Give Suzanne a call.

Who it helps: Furniture Assist based in Springfield helps families transitioning out of homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and others in need of essential home furnishings across Union County.

What you can do: Support Furniture Assist by helping sort donations, assemble furniture, organize the warehouse, or assist with client appointments. It’s a practical, hands-on way to help turn empty spaces into livable homes. Individual and group volunteers are welcome, and advance registration is required.

Visit our bulletin board sponsors:

Suzanne McMahon - Real estate agent serving Union County

Nature Behind Glass - Custom miniature terrariums and guided workshops - Local pickup in Scotch Plains

Wear The Whimsy - Sustainable fashion, made easy

→ Contact us if you’re interested in adding your business to our bulletin board.

→ Email: [email protected]

Share The UC Scoop with your friends and family. Send them over to theucscoop.beehiiv.com

We’d love your feedback. If you discover a new restaurant/cafe or event we should know about, email us at [email protected]

P.S. Want to sponsor The UC Scoop, feature an event, offer a reader’s deal? Let’s chat! Email us at [email protected]