Binge-Watch Tobias

Here are Destination Newark’s summer picks, featuring Tobias Truvillion, to add to your binge-watch list:

A Holiday Chance

Synopsis: The family of the founder of a multi-million-dollar film company experiences some tragic events during the holidays, and two sisters must set aside a life-long rivalry and come together to turn the company around and keep the family intact.

Also Starring: Nafessa Wiliams, Sharon Leal, Vanessa Bell Calloway

Love Dot Com

A man released from prison is torn between a life of crime and a fresh start with a woman he meets while scoping out a potential

Chaley Rose, Phillip Edward Van Lear, Luc-

Synopsis: What seems like a happy accident in the grocery store leads to a perfect "opposites attract" relationship that runs into issues of unfinished business and different priorities.

Also Starring: Preshona Ambri, Geoffrey Boggs, Raheem DeVaughn, LisaRaye McCoy Blackout

Synopsis: Chain of events unfold in a forgotten Brooklyn neighborhood during the blackout of 2003.

Also Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Zoe Saldana, begins. Then he continues, “I’m plant-based, I’m natural, a healer, an athlete and a low-key comedian,” he quips at the end.

It’s this diverse existence that makes Newark the perfect home for Tobias. Sure, Lionsgate is opening a $125 million film studio in Newark, and Newark has been the set for more than a dozen movies in the past five years, to include a Walking Dead spinoff, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Many Saints of Newark, and the Joker. But it’s the vast variety of things to do in Newark and the many people to help that intrigue Tobias.

The well-traveled actor recalls that before he met his wife Michele and moved to Newark all he knew of the area were his friends Queen Latifah, Dupré “DoItAll” Kelly (formerly of Lords of the Underground and

Melvin Van Peebles, Micheal B Jordan, LaTanya Richarson Jackson

Sand Dollar Cove

Synopsis: Real estate development project manager Elli is sent by her company to acquire the beachfront property they've chosen as the site of their new resort. Brody, the charming local, wants to make sure the town's beloved pier remains intact.

Also Starring: Chad Micheal Murray, Aly Michalka, Clare Bowen, Glynnis O’Connor

To Her, With Love

Synopsis: Two teachers fall for each other while trying to save their school's art department.

Also Starring: Skye P. Marshall, Maria Howell, L.Warren Young, Aubriana Davis

The Products of the American Ghetto

Synopsis: A young boy fights to protect his mother from prostitution and ends up joining Atlanta’s drug game during one of the city’s most historic moments,

Also Starring: Darrin Dewitt Henson, Robin Givens, Keith D.Robinson, Momma Dee

Shows

First Wives Club (Season 1) now Newark councilman), Treach of Naughty by Nature and the Sutton family who owned the once popular Je’s Restaurant. “I knew all those legendary Newark cats but when I came over and really started to get to know what the city is really about it really expanded my community leadership and work,” explains Tobias. “I was always doing stuff in the community, but Newark is a different beast,” Tobias proclaims.

Synopsis: TV adaptation of the 1996 comedy about three divorced wives who share a common past.

Now he is entrenched in the community, regularly hosting panels, leading workshops, mentoring young actors and supporting the arts in the city. Even on his days off, Tobias is supporting Newark-based WBGO radio. “My routine is to clean my house on Saturdays while listening to the Rhythm Revue; I have my membership card and my T-shirt,” emphasizes Tobias, noting that he is a big fan of the show (See “Rhythm Revue: The Man Behind the Music” on page 30).

“We all have to give to live,” professes Tobias. “I want people to know you can do this stuff; you can live your dream the way you want. This version of me you see today, I saw it 22 or 24 years ago. I saw it. Now a new vision is emerging,” forecasts Tobias.

As Tobias’ search for self continues to evolve, so does his film career. Up next, Tobias plays the leading man in BET’s First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story, directed by Vivica Fox and starring Michelle Mitchenor. The usual heartthrob says “You’re gonna hate me in BMF,” referring to his hated drug dealer character. “I love the bad guy role. I challenged myself. I pushed it,” promises Tobias.

We will stay tuned! dN

Also Starring: Jill Scott, Michelle Buteau, RonReaco Lee, Mark Tallman, Michelle Mitchenor

Matthew Noszka, Bre-Z, Peyton Alex Smith, Michelle Mitchenor, Woody McClain

In Contempt

Synopsis: Working for a legal aid office in New York City, Gwen Sullivan fights for clients who can't afford to choose their own attorney.

Also Starring: Erica Ash, Christian Keyes, Megan Hutchings, Mouna Traoré, Daniel Kash

Empire (Season 2 & 3)

The Best Man: The Final Chapters (Episodes: “The Invisible Man” & “The Party”) Synopsis: As relationships evolve and past grievances resurface in the unpredictable stages of midlife crisis meets midlife renaissance.

Also Starring: Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Harold Perrineau, Taye Diggs

Tales

Synopsis: Stories told in popular hip-hop and rap songs are transformed into short films in this anthology series.

Also Starring: Irv Gotti,

Synopsis: A hip-hop mogul must choose a successor among his three sons, who are battling for control over his multi-million dollar company, while his ex-wife schemes to reclaim what is hers.

Also Starring: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y, Gray, Trai Byers, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Gabourey Sidibe, Seraya, Grace Byers

Sistas (Season 1)

Synopsis: A group of single black females from different walks of life who bond over their one common thread: Why am I single?

Also Starring: KJ Smith, Mignon, Ebony Obsidian, Devale Ellis, Novi Brown, Chido Nwokocha, Kevin A Walton, Brian Jordan Jr., Anthony Dalton, Crystal Renee Hayslett

Newark-based El Criollo may have been in business for 35 years, but the past three years have taught the family-owned restaurant the power of patience, quick pivots and discovering new resources.

“There’s always a solution,” said Natalia Villanueva, co-owner of El Criollo, which serves Puerto Rican cuisine. “We learned that we can’t panic.”

In March 2020, as the world shut down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Villanueva felt the same sense of worry that other restaurant owners felt. Yet she realized that if her family wanted to keep the doors open, they would have to operate differently and focus only on delivery and catering.

Today, the restaurant is running at full capacity. There are 17 employees– five more than when the pandemic shut it down in 2020. In addition, the restaurant and event space is more popular than ever, with more patrons desiring larger celebrations.

Although El Criollo has been able to survive the pandemic, other restaurants were not so fortunate. Since the shutdown, establishments such as the historic Bragman’s Delicatessen closed their doors. Kai Campbell, owner of Bragmans and several other eateries in town says that Bragman’s is renovated and ready to reopen soon. Meanwhile, Pulaski BBQ Restaurant in the Ironbound section was listed for sale at $599,000 for the business and building, and most recently the owners of the iconic Iberia Tavern and Restaurant in the Ironbound closed its doors and sold the property.

by Femi Lewis

Specific challenges constantly threaten the livelihood of eateries: rising costs, debt repayment, and a slow job market. A recent survey conducted by the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association revealed that 82% of New Jersey eateries are less profitable than in 2019, while 4% have been more profitable.

“Restaurants are at multiple ends of the spectrum. Some still need support coming out of the pandemic as a result of changes in office attendance (people are still working from home), while some are thriving and finding new niches,” said Emily Manz, Invest Newark’s Senior Vice President of Business Development. “As residents and also people that work in Newark we need to make sure we are eating locally, catering locally, and supporting local entrepreneurs.”

Yet despite these threats, restaurant owners are consistently discovering the power of innovation. The owners of Iberia sold to a developer who is planning to build a $1 billion project on the property, and Campbell says ‘Burger Walla closed in September to make way for a new store,” noting that The Yard, his third restaurant that sits in the middle of Military Park, is still thriving.

“The restaurants and business owners are key drivers and a huge part of our local economy,” Manz said. “They create jobs and positive experiences for people here. They make Newark tick.”

As a result of participating in the Business Accelerator Program through Invest Newark, Villanueva’s family has a different outlook on business. “We had a set way of doing things and I needed to work on the business, not in the business,” she said. “We realized we are a big business.”

EDITOR’S PICK | Where to Eat?

Interested in dining in Newark? In addition to mainstays that have weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, here are also a few new places to eat that reflect the diversity of Newark.

Swahili Village

2 Center Street swahilivillages.com

(973) 494-7379

Directly across from NJPAC, Swahili Village provides diners with a swanky yet inviting ambiance. With a diverse South African wine collection along with Kenyan cuisine ranging from Red Snapper to Oxtail Stew, Swahili Village’s menu is a great reflection of East Africa.

Taino’s Kitchen

849 Mount Prospect Avenue/ 85 Halsey Street

Ordertainos.com

(973) 732-3344

With two locations–one in North Newark and another in Downtown Newark, Taino’s Kitchen is accessible and tasty. Serving up traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, the menu includes items such as rice and beans, empanadas, stew chicken, and pork chops.

Brick City Vegan

915 Broad Street

(973) 733-0011

Who says tasty food can’t be healthy? Brick City Vegan serves up savory plant-based burgers such as Black Eye Pea, Sweet Potato and ChickPea that will make you forget about your love of a traditional cheeseburger. Fruit shakes, fries, and plantains also round out this wholesome, inexpensive eatery.

Vonda’s Kitchen

183 W. Kinney Street www.vondaskitchennj.com

(973) 732-4532

There’s nothing better than a plate of fish and grits. And you can get it at Vonda’s Kitchen, a soul food eatery located in the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District. Customers praise the flavorful, large portions of items such as sweet potatoes, collard greens, beef short ribs, and seared salmon.

Helping Hands Supports Local Communities and Restaurants

One of the ways many restaurants were able to stay afloat through the pandemic was through Newark Working Kitchens. The social impact initiative was established by Newark-based Audible in April 2020. Partnering with 24 local restaurants, Newark Working Kitchens has been able to serve 1.5 million meals to more than 10,000 atrisk residents.

Not only has Newark Working Kitchens helped residents, but it has also pumped more than $15 million into Newark’s restaurant economy. No participating restaurant in the program has closed and some, such as Uncle Willie’s Wings, have expanded. The business opened in 2019 by Walter Green and has expanded to two more locations.

In

Spanish Tavern

103 Mcwhorter Street spanishtavernnewark.com

(973) 589-4959

Seafood paella is one of the most popular items on the menu at Spanish Tavern, but there are a few other delicious menu items. Featuring wine and food from Spain, customers enjoy devouring Paella Valencia and flan.

City Rub Smokehouse

118 Stockton Street Cityrub.com

(862) 237-7528

If you’re looking for a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere coupled with great food and drinks, City Rub Smokehouse is a tasty option. Southern BBQ ribs, chicken, and brisket combos coupled with hefty sides of mashed potatoes, beans, and cornbread will leave you satisfied.

Nico

Kitchen + Bar

One Center Street njpac.org/venue/nicokitchen-bar

(973) 297-5855

If you ever find yourself at NJPAC or in the area and are looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, you don’t have too go far! Nico Kitchen + Bar serves delicious American food for lunch, dinner, and drinks during happy hour. From salads, wings, and pizza, to pasta, burgers, and steak, Nico has whatever you are craving. dN