A Guided Day in Newark

Actor Tobias Truvillion takes us on a tour of some of his favorite spots when he’s at home.

1stStop

Gant-Gilbert Arts Creative

505 Clinton Ave.

Newark, N.J.

The Gant-Gilbert Arts Creative is an artist hub located in the Clinton Hill section of the city. Two of Tobias’ favorite spots are located within the newly-constructed building:

At Plants and Poets Café, Tobias knows by heart the star-studded menu at this quaint cafe, which specializes in vegan dishes named after legendary artists, singers, poets and leaders. Tobias is a fan of the Amiri Baraka lentil soup, Chuck Berry smoothie, Naughty by Nature salad and the Patty La Melt!

You don’t have to go any further than behind the Plants and Poets café to find his other hangout, BlkBoxNwk Studio, an art gallery and performance space where Tobias conducts his Tru Acting workshop periodically for rising actors.

2ndStop

“Electric Avenue”

547 – 551 Central Ave.

Newark, N.J.

This strip of Central Avenue, coined ‘Electric Avenue’ by Tobias, has three vegan eateries that the plant-based actor regularly frequents: Blueberry Cafe' Juice Bar & Vegan Grille “is a staple,” says Tobias, whereas the neighboring Zucchini Bar “is more eclectic and has more variety such as breakfast like chickpea eggs.” Next is Magic Cones Vegan Ice Cream Parlor “that has the best plantbased, coconut-based ice-cream.”

Tobias also holds healing circles for those seeking wellness guidance at Aqua Phit Water Bar & Gym, which is located in the storefront next door to the eateries.

3rdStop

John F Kennedy

Aquatics Center

211 West Kinney St.

Newark, N.J.

One of Tobias’ hangouts yearround is the JFK Pool at the City of Newark’s recreation center. The Olympic-sized pool is the largest indoor/ outdoor pool in New Jersey and has a retractable roof. “Don’t sleep on the JFK pool,” warns Tobias.

With Newark a booming location for film production, living downtown Newark affords certain luxuries to the veteran actor. For instance, The Best Man: The Final Chapters was filmed in the city, and one of Tobias’ scenes was filmed at a farmer’s market in Military Park.

When asked ‘Is that the life, or what?’ Tobias decides to go deeper. “Let me break it down for you… I’m in the middle of a love triangle with Deborah Cox and Jill Scott (on the set of First Wives Club in New York). They are the goddesses… I leave that, and I come home (to Newark) to shoot The Best Man and the first day on set I’m in a scene with Regina Hall and Sanaa Lathan. And on top of it all, I rode my scooter to work, not even 10 minutes from my home. You couldn’t tell me nothing!” exclaims the actor with a hearty laugh.

Trained in theater, having begun his career as “Shango,” in the theatrical musical “Oya,” which earned him a prestigious AUDELCO Award for Best Male in a Musical, Tobias has no problem jumping in and out of character. After theater, Tobias became Vincent Jones, the camera techniques from these guys and how to control my performance. I was coming off the stage; I was big and broad and (over) using my voice. But being up against these juggernauts of the game really developed me,” reflects Tobias about how he sharpened his craft.

It's no wonder Tobias effortlessly goes into character during the photo shoot for Destination Newark. He instinctively knows we want a sexy cover shot, so he invokes that for the camera. But all you have to do is have a vegan meal with him, or simply ask him for any bit of advice and he will give you such a warm, welcoming vibe that you will quickly take note that he is a spiritual being who is multidimensional.

“I’m many things; I’m a light-bearer, a brother, a husband,” Tobias