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☘️ Hello, UC neighbors!
St. Patrick’s Day arrives this week, and Union County has plenty happening around it. Local pubs will be pouring Guinness and serving up Irish favorites, while the weekend brings some fun community events—from Cranford’s pasta-themed “Pasta La Vista, Baby!” food event to a Spring Bird Walk at Reeves-Reed Arboretum for early signs of the season.
We’ve also highlighted a new taco place and a few hidden gem restaurants around Union County that deserve a spot on your dining list.
Let’s see what’s happening this week.
New in Summit
Tacoria
353 Springfield Avenue, Summit
Popular Mexican street-food chain Tacoria recently expanded to Summit, bringing its tacos, burrito boxes, and fresh-made salsas to downtown. The New Jersey-based brand started in New Brunswick and has been steadily growing across the state.
📍 1051 Raritan Rd, Clark
A cozy BYOB Italian restaurant known for its house-made pastas, seafood dishes, and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Bistro 1051 has built a loyal following among locals who appreciate its consistently good food and relaxed setting.
📍 104 N Union Ave, Cranford
A chef-driven seafood spot in downtown Cranford featuring oysters, creative small plates, and seasonal dishes. The restaurant offers a modern take on coastal cuisine and has quietly become one of the area’s standout dining destinations.
📍 131 Irving St, Rahway
Located in a restored historic building in downtown Rahway, Irving Inn Social serves elevated American comfort food alongside craft cocktails. The stylish space and thoughtful menu have helped make it one of Rahway’s standout dining spots.
🗳️ Last Week’s Poll Results
Last week we asked:
Which Union County town is your go-to for a night out?
In the newsletter poll, Westfield came out on top, earning 46% of the votes, followed by Cranford, with Rahway and Summit trailing behind.
But the story got more interesting on Instagram.
Over there, Cranford edged out Westfield, suggesting the two downtowns are clearly the favorites for dining and nightlife across Union County.
Both towns have vibrant restaurant scenes and lively downtown areas, so the rivalry may continue.
This Week’s Poll
Tax season is here. How are you filing this year?
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Did You Know?
☘️ Corned beef and cabbage isn’t originally a traditional Irish dish. In Ireland, cabbage was usually served with pork or Irish bacon. Irish immigrants in New York began pairing cabbage with corned beef in the late 1800s because it was affordable and widely available from Jewish butchers in their neighborhoods.
Here are a few spots to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this week:
Darby Road Public House – An Irish-style gastropub serving classics like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and Irish breakfast plates alongside a strong selection of beers.
Dowling’s Irish Pub – A classic neighborhood Irish pub in Roselle Park serving shepherd’s pie, corned beef, fish and chips, and plenty of Guinness on draft.
Got a local tip?
📩 Send your scoop to [email protected] or message us on Instagram @ucscoop.
A word from Suzanne:
Local Real Estate: What I’m Seeing in the Market This Week
This weekend I hosted an open house in Cranford, and more than 20 groups came through over Saturday and Sunday. That level of traffic usually signals strong demand, and we’re expecting multiple offers on the home this week.
The bigger story across Union County right now is inventory. There simply aren’t enough homes on the market, and that scarcity continues to push prices higher.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling this spring, it’s shaping up to be a very competitive market.
If 2026 is your year to buy or sell, preparation now makes all the difference later. Reach out to Suzanne McMahon to start mapping your next move.
🎬 All March: Food & Book Drive
The Cranford Theater is giving back in two meaningful ways this month. In celebration of the opening of Elvis, the theater is hosting a Food Drive to support local families in need, inspired by Elvis Presley’s well-known generosity. At the same time, in honor of Read Across America, they’re running a Book Drive to help provide books to children and schools who need them most. Donations can be dropped off during regular operating hours — no movie ticket required, just a giving heart.
New Jersey Makers Day
New Jersey Makers Day returns March 20–22, with several Union County libraries hosting hands-on activities for kids and families. Local events include maker stations, STEM experiments, engineering challenges, and creative building projects designed to celebrate invention and learning. Libraries in towns like Westfield, Summit, and Cranford are participating, making it a great weekend opportunity for families to explore science, technology, and creativity together.
Events This Week
Monday, March 16
Woodcock Talk & Walk - 6:00 PM
Lenape Park, 130 Kenilworth Boulevard, CranfordJoin Union County naturalists to learn about the American woodcock before heading outdoors to watch the bird’s famous spring “sky dance,” a fascinating aerial courtship display that happens at dusk.
Tuesday, March 17
450 Park Ave.,Scotch Plains
One of Union County’s biggest St. Patrick’s celebrations returns to Darby Road with a multi-day festival featuring live music, Irish dancers, food specials, and a large outdoor tent. Expect a lively crowd and plenty of Guinness.
Wednesday, March 18
Cream Tea at the Arboretum - 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Avenue, SummitEnjoy a traditional afternoon cream tea with scones and light treats in the beautiful setting of Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Advance registration is required.
Thursday, March 19
Union College of Union County, 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford
Award-winning author, historian, and Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi presents a talk on the courageous heroines of Elizabethtown and nearby communities whose sacrifices and patriotism helped shape America’s fight for independence. The program highlights the role local women played during the Revolutionary War era.
Arboretum After Hours - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit
Enjoy an evening at Union County’s only arboretum as the grounds stay open late for visitors to explore the gardens at sunset. Arboretum After Hours offers a relaxed way to experience the historic estate and early signs of spring.
Friday, March 20
The Diary of Anne Frank - Fri (Mar 20) & Sat (Mar 21) 8:00 PM • Sun (Mar 22) 2:00 PM
Westfield Community Players Theater, WestfieldWestfield Community Players presents the moving stage adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank, telling the story of Anne and her family hiding in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II.
Saturday, March 21
Pasta La Vista, Baby! - 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Downtown Cranford
Downtown Cranford hosts a pasta-themed food event featuring tastings, restaurant specials, and pop-ups throughout the downtown area. It’s a fun afternoon for pasta lovers to explore local eateries and enjoy Italian-inspired bites.
Spring Bird Walk - 8:00 – 9:30 AM
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit
Start the morning with a guided walk through the arboretum to spot early spring birds. Local birding experts help identify species and share tips for birdwatching. Open to beginners and experienced birders alike.
Four by Four – Young Playwrights Showcase - 2:00 PM
Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave., CranfordThe Theater Project presents four short plays written by winners of the 2026 Young Playwrights Competition. The pieces will be performed script-in-hand by New Jersey teens, followed by a discussion with the playwrights and audience. This is a free public event.
Sunday, March 22
Before the Banner: Patriotic Music in Early America - 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Miller-Cory House Museum, Westfield
Explore the songs Americans sang before The Star-Spangled Banner became the national anthem. The program highlights colonial-era music, Revolutionary War anthems, and how music helped shape early American identity.
Mark Your Calendars
Daffodil Day Festival
🗓 Sunday, April 12, 2026 - 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Reeves-Reed Arboretum
This annual celebration showcases the arboretum’s famous Daffodil Bowl with more than 50,000 blooming daffodils, along with spring crafts, music, food vendors, and family activities.
Bloomfest! Cherry Blossom Festival
🗓 Sunday, April 12, 2026 - 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Branch Brook Park
Celebrate spring at Bloomfest, the grand finale of the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors can stroll through more than 5,000 cherry blossom trees—the largest collection in the United States—while enjoying live music, cultural performances, food vendors, a crafter’s marketplace, and family activities throughout the park.
🤝 Volunteer Spotlight: Community FoodBank of New Jersey – Hillside Warehouse
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside is the state’s largest anti-hunger organization, serving dozens of partner pantries throughout Union County. Volunteers can help pack and sort food donations, assemble emergency meal kits, or assist with warehouse logistics — vital work that helps feed thousands of local families each week. Shifts are available for individuals, families, and corporate teams, with flexible scheduling and a welcoming atmosphere.
🔗 Learn more and sign up: cfbnj.org/volunteer
The UC Scoop Bulletin Board
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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
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