The UC Scoop - March 18, 2025

The days are getting longer, the weather’s warming up, and there’s no better time to explore all the exciting things happening around town! In this week’s issue, we’re diving into a couple of recent restaurant openings, a few interesting places to try, spotlighting upcoming events, and giving you the inside scoop on a DIY terrarium class that’s perfect for plant lovers. Whether you’re craving a fresh dining experience or looking for a fun weekend activity, we’ve got plenty to share.

Let’s get into it! ☕🌿

Did you know that Warinanco Park, one of Union County’s most beloved green spaces, was designed by the Olmsted Brothers—the same brothers who designed Central Park? Established in the 1920s, this scenic park (205 acres) has been a community favorite for generations, offering everything from walking trails and picnic areas to sports fields and stunning cherry blossoms in the spring. Whether you're taking a stroll or enjoying a weekend outing, Warinanco Park is a true local gem! Between late March and early April, you can also see the cherry blossoms there.

Here’s the poll of the week.

124 Route 27,
Rahway, NJ 07065 (Lincoln Plaza)

Agapi Greek Restaurant opened its doors in early 2025 in Rahway and brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to Union County with a menu crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients. This family-owned eatery offers traditional Mediterranean dishes like spanakopita, grilled octopus, and chicken gyros, alongside specialties such as pork tomahawk and spanakorizo. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, Agapi is a BYOB spot perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. Open Monday through Saturday, the restaurant recommends reservations on weekends and also offers online ordering for pickup and delivery. Whether dining in or taking out, Agapi delivers an authentic taste of Greece with every bite.

1519 Main St,
Rahway, NJ 07065

Fork is a modern and stylish addition to Rahway’s dining scene, offering an elevated experience with a menu of inventive appetizers and refined entrées. Opened in January 2025, this contemporary eatery features a sleek 16-seat bar and a 70-seat dining area designed to transport guests to a New York City-style setting. The menu boasts creative bites like cacio e pepe arancini and sushi pizza, alongside entrées such as linguine carbonara and Alaskan cod wrapped in prosciutto over butter-whipped potatoes. Fork also offers a weekday happy hour from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM, making it an ideal spot for after-work drinks and small plates. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated night out or a casual bite in a trendy atmosphere, Fork delivers a memorable dining experience in the heart of Rahway.

157 East Westfield Avenue,
Roselle Park, NJ 07204

House 157 Restaurant and Bar brings a global fusion dining experience to the heart of Roselle Park. Known for its creative menu that blends flavors from around the world, this stylish eatery offers a mix of small plates, signature entrees, and handcrafted cocktails. The inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot for casual dining, date nights, and social gatherings. Recognized as Roselle Park’s Small Business of the Month in September 2024, House 157 has quickly become a local favorite. Whether you're in the mood for bold flavors or just a laid-back evening with great drinks, House 157 delivers a fresh and exciting culinary experience.

1252 Stuyvesant Ave,
Union, NJ 07083

Lagar Restaurant & Bar brings the rich flavors of Portugal to Union, NJ, offering a warm and inviting dining experience. Specializing in authentic Portuguese cuisine, the menu features fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional dishes like bacalhau à lagareiro (salted cod with olive oil and garlic) and picanha (Brazilian-style sirloin steak). With a full bar serving Portuguese wines and handcrafted cocktails, Lagar is the perfect spot for a casual meal, a special celebration, or a night out. The restaurant's spacious dining area and lively atmosphere make it a local favorite for both families and friends looking to enjoy a true taste of Portugal.

Cranford, NJ
March 29, 2025, 1-4pm

Downtown Cranford is hosting a new event, "Pasta La Vista, Baby!", on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Participants can stroll through downtown and enjoy pasta samples from at least 15 local restaurants. Tickets are $15 and include a $5 Downtown Cranford gift card. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to bring boxed pasta donations for Cranford Family Care.

Union College of Union County,
Cranford, NJ
March 20, 2025, 12:00pm

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend a live speaking engagement titled, “Learning to Speak Up” featuring educator, storyteller and activist Annie Tan as keynote speaker. The free and informative event will take place on Thursday, March 20th, at 12:00 p.m. at the Student Commons area, nestled within Union College of Union County, NJ’s Cranford Campus, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) has announced this year’s theme as “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme highlights the collective strength and impact of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they serve as an inspiration for past, present, and future generations.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is inviting artists aged 60 and above, residing in Union County, to participate in the 2025 Senior Art Exhibit. Both professional and non-professional artists can submit one original artwork, created between April 2022 and April 2025, in categories such as acrylic painting, craft, digital art, mixed media, oil painting, pastel, printmaking, photography, sculpture, watercolor painting, and works on paper (drawing).Key dates and details include:

Entry Deadline: Sunday, April 13, 2025. Online registration is required. ​Get more information here.

Downtown Summit, NJ

​The Summit Spring Fling is scheduled for Friday, April 4, through Sunday, April 6, 2025, during various store hours in downtown Summit. This event marks the beginning of the spring season with a weekend filled with shopping deals, dining specials, and in-store promotions. Attendees can look forward to exclusive discounts, live music performances on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and opportunities to win prizes by scanning QR codes in participating stores. Prizes include a $250 Summit VISA gift card and an overnight stay at the Albion Summit.

Rahway Recreation Center
275 East Milton Avenue,
Rahway, NJ
April 11, 2025
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Recognized as one of the largest tasting events in the NJ/NY Metro Area, Rahway's Taste of Spring features over 40 eateries and bakeries, along with 40 stations of national distributors offering fine wines, boutique beers, and aperitifs. The event also includes live music, providing a festive atmosphere for attendees. ​

Ticket Information:

Reeves-Reed Arboretum,
Summit, NJ
Sunday, April 13, 2025, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Celebrate spring at the Daffodil Day Festival 2025, where over 50,000 daffodils will be in full bloom! Enjoy a day filled with spring-themed crafts, live music, food vendors, market stalls, art exhibits, and a visit with the Green Goats.

The event is free for members and children under 3. Tickets are $15 for non-members. Advance registration is required (no walk-ins!).

Can't make it to the festival? Visit during Daffodil Days (April 1–15, excluding April 13) to explore the breathtaking blooms at your own pace!

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