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☀️ Happy Monday, Union County!

Some weeks it's quiet around here. This is not one of those weeks. A Food Network champion is coming back to Clark, four new spots are landing in Berkeley Heights, and there's free live music, farmers markets, a carnival, and a 35mm double feature to fill every evening through Sunday. Let's get into it.

New Openings & Food News

It's a big week for what's coming next in the local food scene, with four new spots on the way to Berkeley Heights, a well-loved Italian restaurant group headed to downtown Plainfield, and a Food Network star returning to Clark. Here's what's cooking.

Vina Is Coming to Westfield
Quimby St., Westfield

A new Vietnamese restaurant is on the way to Quimby Street from the team behind Kirshenbaum Baking Co. The menu is being built around family recipes, including the chef's mom's egg rolls. No opening date yet, so keep an eye out.

Tony Boy's Sandwich House Opening a Cranford Location

This Central Jersey sandwich favorite, known for its oversized Italian-American subs, is bringing a second storefront to 102C North Union Ave. No opening date has been announced yet.

Felina Is Headed to Downtown Plainfield
226 Park Ave., Plainfield

Landmark Hospitality, the group behind the Felina locations in Summit and Ridgewood, is bringing its seasonal Italian menu to downtown Plainfield. No opening date has been announced.

Four New Food Spots Rolling Out in Berkeley Heights
The District at The Park, 300 Connell Dr., Berkeley Heights

Four Spoons Ice Cream Co. (super-premium ice cream) and Doner Shack (Mediterranean street food and kebabs) are both set to open this summer. Following this fall: Cafe Exchange (coffee, wine, and light bites) and Boschetto, a fast-casual Italian spot expanding from its original Montclair location.

Paragon Tap & Table Relaunching in Clark
77 Central Ave., Clark

Big news for Clark. Chef Eric LeVine, a Food Network Chopped champion, is returning after eight years away to relaunch Paragon as an American-Italian gastropub. The relaunch is set for September 10.

Last Week’s Poll

Last week we asked: What do your summer vacation plans look like this year? Day trips and getaways around NJ came out on top with 32% of the vote, followed by staycations at 22%. Another 20% don't have big plans yet, 18% are traveling out of state, and a lucky 8% are heading out of the country. Thanks to everyone who voted!

This Week’s Poll

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Things To Do This Week

Monday, July 27

  • Hot Summer Nights: Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns — 7:00 PM
    Village Green, 356 Broad Street, Summit

    Bring a blanket or chair for a free outdoor concert featuring Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns, with food trucks and free ice cream available during the evening.

Tuesday, July 28

  • Garwood Summer Concert Series: Violette — 6:00–8:00 PM
    Vermella at Garwood Station, 450 South Avenue, Garwood

    Free outdoor performance by pianist and singer Violette. Food trucks on site.

  • Didgeridoo Down Under — 10:00 AM
    Westfield Memorial Library, Westfield

    Free, interactive family show blending Australian music, culture, and comedy.

  • Summer Sounds: Coe Moo Jhee — 6:00–8:00 PM
    Eastman Clock Plaza, Cranford

    Downtown Cranford's free live music series continues.

  • Sweet Sounds Downtown — 6:00–9:00 PM
    Quimby Street & Foundation Park, Westfield

    Westfield's free outdoor concert series returns to both ends of town.

  • Linden Summer Entertainment Series: Karickter Band — 7:00–8:30 PM
    Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 N. Wood Ave., Linden

    High-energy variety band brings free live music to the Promenade.

  • Family Fun and Flix: The Bad Guys 2 — 7:30 PM
    Warinanco Park, Roselle

    Union County's free outdoor movie series continues, movie at dusk. Ice cream truck on site.

Wednesday, July 29

  • Winfield Carnival — July 29–August 1
    Seafoam Avenue and North Stiles Street, Winfield

    The Winfield Ambulance Squad marks the carnival's 75th year with rides, games, food, and nightly raffles.

  • Roselle Park Farmers Market — 1:00–6:00 PM
    Michael J. Mauri Park, E. Grant Ave., Roselle Park

    Fresh produce and baked goods, every Wednesday through October.

  • Summer Concert Series: Mission Dance — 7:00–8:30 PM
    The Grove, 200 Connell Drive, Berkeley Heights

    Free family concert night with a bounce house, food trucks, airbrush tattoos, and a balloon artist.

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Thursday, July 30

Friday, July 31

Saturday, August 1

  • Scotch Plains Farmers Market — 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Municipal Parking Lot, 430 Park Ave., Scotch Plains

    Fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, and flowers, every Saturday morning.

  • Winfield Carnival — 4:00–10:30 PM
    Carnival Grounds, Seafoam Avenue and North Stiles Street, Winfield

    The final night of Winfield’s 75th annual carnival features rides, games, food, raffles, a beer tent, and the Ambulance Squad’s famous ribs.

  • DOGust Special Adopt-a-thon — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
    Home for Good Dog Rescue, 465 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights

    Meet adoptable dogs looking for forever homes during this special DOGust celebration, with a free bag of dog food included with adoptions completed that day.

Sunday, August 2

This Week's Volunteer Spotlight: Literacy NJ Union County

Literacy NJ's Union County office (based in Roselle) trains volunteers to tutor adults working on reading, writing, English, or GED prep. Just two hours a week, with 15 hours of training and a staff match to get you started.

📝 Learn more & apply: literacynj.org/become-a-tutor

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