SPORTS + RECREATION
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH BASKETBALL
WHAT STARTED AS A SEARCH FOR A PLACE WHERE GIRLS COULD SIMPLY PLAY HAS GROWN INTO SOMA HOOPS, A THRIVING YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM BRINGING MORE THAN 1,000 KIDS TOGETHER IN SOUTH ORANGE AND MAPLEWOOD
I can always count on two things on Mother’s Day: my girls getting me Reese’s Cups as a gift—they know they are my favorite—and then eating all of them before I get one. I should probably start hiding the candy, but at this point, it feels like part of the tradition. That is motherhood. It is never just about you, even when it is supposed to be. Still, I would not have it any other way.
This month, our cover story on page 12 highlights something powerful happening right here in our community. SOMA Hoops begins with a simple question about where girls can play basketball just for fun, and it grows into something much bigger. What Erica Dagley Galea, Taylor Valentine and so many other women help build is not just a sports program, but a place where girls gain confidence, community and a sense of belonging. It is the kind of story that reminds us how often women step in, see what is missing and create something better for everyone.
That same spirit carries into page 24, where we meet Gina Stempler of Bra Mobile. Her work is practical, personal and unexpectedly empowering, helping women find the right fit in a way that feels supportive instead of stressful. It is one of those stories that goes beyond the surface, because sometimes feeling more like yourself starts with the smallest change, and the right foundation can make all the difference.
And because celebrating women can be as simple as gathering around a table, this month also offers a few ways to make the occasion feel special. Turn to page 17 for our Spicy Mango Margarita recipe—perfect for Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day brunch, a girls’ night or a spring get-together—or head to page 28 for dining inspiration in Newark’s Ironbound that makes any outing feel a little more memorable.
However you are celebrating this month—whether you are sharing your candy, gathering around the table or finding a quiet moment—I hope you feel appreciated in all the ways that matter.
TIFFANY & JAKE SLOWINSKI , PUBLISHERS @THEORANGES.CITYLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Jessie Fernandez | jessie.fernandez@citylifestyle.com
Rose Balisi | rose.balisi@citylifestyle.com
INTERNS
Riley Burns | riley.burns@citylifestyle.com
Dina D’Aiuto
SALES DIRECTOR
Ike Iloh | ike.iloh@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Richard Chachowski, Brian Cicioni, Patti Zielinski, Carly Mac Manus
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
SOMA Hoops, Rich Silivanch, Pedernales Cellars, Blake Mistich, Kartheek Hedge, Brian Cicioni, Terry Doyle
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6
MAY 2026
1: West Orange High School girls basketball team won the NJSIAA North Jersey Section I Group title. 2: West Orange Police hosted “Pizza with a Cop,” bringing the community together at Fortissimo Pizzeria. 3: Three Redwood Elementary students earned first runner-up honors in the NJ Amistad Commission contest. 4: Theresa Lyons, managing partner of Lyons & Associates, was honored by EO New Jersey for Inc. 5000 recognition. 5: Redwood Elementary celebrated Black History Month with a Wild West program highlighting the stories of Black cowboys. 6: Van Vleck House in Montclair hosted afternoon tea, offering a Bridgerton-inspired experience. 7: Olympian Hazel Clark visited Maplewood Memorial Library, sharing her children’s book during the Maplewood Ideas Festival.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
West Orange High School’s competition cheer team took on one of the sport’s biggest stages at the 2026 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship at Walt Disney World Resort. Earning a bid to nationals is no small feat, and this season’s squad did it with grit, athleticism and serious school pride. Their national appearance is a strong reflection of the talent and dedication behind the program.
Silantro Lime Tacos moved from Pine Street to 103 Forest St., Montclair, taking over the former Butler and the Board space. Founded as a food truck and expanded into a restaurant in 2023, the business continues to grow under owner Damian Laureano. The Forest Street location opened in March, while the Pine Street spot remained open briefly during the transition.
DaVinci’s Brick Oven Pizza closed in September after more than 25 years at 223 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair, and the space found new life with Farm House Fried Chicken. Owned by Dan Campeas and Dayanna “Day” Ordonez of Dan & Day’s Burgers & Shakes, the restaurant opened in April 2026, serving fresh, locally inspired fried chicken and classic comfort sides to Uptown Montclair residents and visitors.
HOW SOMA HOOPS AND THE SOMA BASKETBALL BOOSTERS ARE REDEFINING YOUTH SPORTS
“YOUTH SPORTS DON’T HAVE TO BE TOXIC OR EXCLUSIVE. THEY CAN BE JOYFUL, ACCESSIBLE AND COMMUNITY-DRIVEN. WE’RE PROVING THAT HERE.” —TAYLOR VALENTINE, FOUNDER OF SOMA HOOPS
In South Orange and Maplewood, a simple question sparked a movement: Where in our community is there a place for kids to play basketball for fun?
For parents like Erica Dagley Galea, the answer was once frustratingly unclear. Her daughter loved the game, but opportunities were limited, often coed programs where only one or two girls showed up or advanced travel leagues that were not the right fit for beginners. Rather than accept the gap, a group of parents decided to build something new.
That decision led to the creation of SOMA Hoops, now one of the largest recreation basketball programs in New Jersey, and the SOMA Basketball Boosters, a nonprofit designed to ensure access, equity and opportunity for every child who wants to play.
“This started because there was a void,” says Taylor Valentine, founder of SOMA Hoops. “We live in two towns full of kids, but there was no place where you could just show up, play basketball, have fun and feel like you belonged.”
What began with 11 girls playing in a borrowed league has grown into a program serving more than 1,000 children, with 41% of participants being girls, a number that exceeds national averages for youth recreation sports.
“KEEPING GIRLS IN SPORTS MATTERS. IT AFFECTS CONFIDENCE, MENTAL HEALTH AND SELF-ESTEEM. IF WE CAN BEAT THOSE STATISTICS HERE, THAT’S HUGE.”
—ERICA DAGLEY GALEA
At its core, SOMA Hoops is about basketball. But its impact reaches far beyond the court.
The program emphasizes participation, fun and community over pressure and performance. Games are held at the same time each week. Parents volunteer as coaches, referees and mentors. Older players support younger ones, and high school students gain leadership experience by refereeing games.
“We keep it simple,” Valentine emphasizes. “Parents support. Coaches coach. Players play. And the focus stays on the kids.”
For girls, that environment is especially powerful. National studies show nearly 70% of children drop out of sports by age 13, at about twice the rate of boys. SOMA Hoops is working to change that narrative locally by making the game accessible and welcoming at every level.
“Keeping girls in sports matters,” Galea shares. “It affects confidence, mental health and self-esteem. If we can beat those statistics here, that’s huge.”
As the program grew, so did the need to support families beyond registration and gym time. That led to the formation of
the SOMA Basketball Boosters, a nonprofit founded by parents including Tracy Flanagan and Delia O’Donnell.
The Boosters focus on removing barriers, financial, social and informational, that can prevent children from participating.
If a family cannot afford registration fees, the Boosters cover the cost. If a child needs sneakers or equipment, they provide it discreetly. They also fund equipment for local schools, support physical education teachers and invest in high school programs so children have opportunities at every stage.
“We want every child to be able to touch the game,” Flanagan says. “Whether that’s once in gym class or all the way through varsity basketball.”
The organization also prioritizes inclusion. Through its Buddy Ball program, created in partnership with the South Mountain YMCA and led by Nicole Josey, a YMCA leader and local parent, neurotypical and neurodiverse children play basketball together, laying the groundwork for future unified sports at the high school level.
Women play a central role in shaping the culture of both organizations.
O’Donnell, the Boosters’ director of communications and marketing, explains the goal is to keep kids, especially girls, engaged as they grow older.
“I want my children to know there will always be a place for them to play,” she says. “Even if it’s not varsity or travel, there should be a safe, supportive space where they belong.”
Galea, who also runs the resource platform Ask Me About Girls Basketball, helps parents navigate the often-confusing landscape of youth sports.
“The youth sports landscape can be difficult to manage,” she shares. “If you have a daughter who wants to play locally, I want to help you know where to go.”
That philosophy extends off the court as well.
Student photographers, volunteers and interns gain real-world experience through the program, building skills that translate far beyond sports.
In just three seasons, SOMA Hoops has become the largest recreation youth program in South Orange and Maplewood. But leaders say growth has never been the goal. Impact has.
The hope is that the model can inspire other communities searching for healthier, more inclusive ways to approach youth sports.
“Youth sports don’t have to be toxic or exclusive,” Valentine says. “They can be joyful, accessible and community-driven. We’re proving that here.”
For the girls running drills, making baskets and high-fiving teammates each week, the message is clear: The court belongs to them.
For more information, visit somahoops.com
“THIS STARTED BECAUSE THERE WAS A VOID. WE LIVE IN TWO TOWNS FULL OF KIDS, BUT THERE WAS NO PLACE WHERE YOU COULD JUST SHOW UP, PLAY BASKETBALL, HAVE FUN AND FEEL LIKE YOU BELONGED.” —TAYLOR VALENTINE, FOUNDER OF SOMA HOOPS
• 2 ounces tequila (blanco works best)
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce orange liqueur (such as triple sec)
• 2 ounces mango nectar or mango puree
• ½ ounce agave syrup (optional)
• Tajín or chili-lime seasoning for rim
• Ice
• Fresh mango slices and lime wedges for garnish
Skip the tequila and orange liqueur and replace with sparkling water or mango juice for a refreshing alcohol-free version. Shake the mango nectar, lime juice and agave with ice, pour into a Tajín-rimmed glass and top with sparkling water for a bright, citrusy sip everyone can enjoy.
For more recipes like this, follow us on Instagram @gardenstatecitylifestyle
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CARLY MAC MANUS
Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to gather with friends, enjoy vibrant flavors and celebrate the start of warmer days. With Mother’s Day arriving just after, it is also a lovely time to raise a glass to the women who make life sweeter, stronger and a lot more fun. Here in New Jersey, May signals the return of patio season, from backyard barbecues to breezy evenings down the Jersey Shore.
This Spicy Mango Margarita delivers the perfect balance of sweet citrus and heat. Fresh mango and lime bring brightness, while a chili-lime rim adds just enough kick to make every sip memorable. It is colorful, refreshing and festive enough for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, yet pretty enough to serve at a Mother’s Day brunch or backyard gathering. Pair it with tacos, grilled seafood or a simple bowl of chips and guacamole for an easy sip that feels like a little celebration of spring.
1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a margarita glass and dip the rim into Tajín or chili-lime seasoning.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, mango nectar and agave syrup.
4. Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
5. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a slice of mango or a lime wedge.
A bright, tropical cocktail perfect for spring entertaining.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
If there were ever an unofficial beverage of choice for Mother’s Day, wine would be hard to beat. A go-to drink for millions of moms worldwide, wine remains one of the most popular beverages for good reason.
Often viewed as a more approachable alternative to hard liquor cocktails, wine also offers a vast range of styles and varietals. Whether your preference leans toward a full-bodied Merlot or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, the world of wine provides something for nearly every palate.
Wine, of course, is deeply shaped by where grapes are grown. While iconic regions such as Napa Valley, Tuscany, Burgundy and Bordeaux tend to dominate conversations, Texas Hill Country is increasingly earning recognition as a serious player in American wine production.
Located in central Texas, the Hill Country is best known for its rolling hills and rugged terrain, a stark contrast to the flat plains often associated with the state. In recent years, however, the region has also emerged as a destination for culinary exploration, driven in large part by its rapidly evolving wine industry.
Thanks to its elevation and favorable climate, the Hill Country offers conditions well suited for viticulture. Frances Money, owner of Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten and a Fredericksburg resident, notes the region’s climate shares similarities with parts of Spain— particularly in its ability to support Mediterranean grape varieties.
As a result, Fredericksburg and the surrounding area have become one of the most active wine regions not only in the Southwest but nationwide. With more than 100 wineries located throughout Gillespie County and beyond, the Hill Country offers an expansive range of tasting experiences for visitors.
The region is known for producing wines across the spectrum, from sparkling whites to bold, structured reds. Among its specialties are Tempranillo, a dry red grape commonly associated with Spain, and Viognier, a floral white varietal that thrives in the Hill Country’s climate.
With the area’s growing prominence, visitors are no longer short on standout vineyards to explore.
Ponotoc Vineyard’s Weingarten offers an approachable entry point, combining small-batch local wines with a relaxed, Europeanstyle weingarten atmosphere. Unlike many Hill Country wineries that require a drive into rural areas, Ponotoc is located in downtown Fredericksburg, surrounded by independent shops, restaurants and boutique hotels.
“A go-to drink for millions of moms worldwide, wine remains one of the most popular beverages for good reason.”
For those willing to venture beyond town, the Route 290 Wine Trail provides access to dozens of vineyards spread throughout the Hill Country. The trail features everything from intimate, family-run wineries to expansive estates spanning hundreds of acres.
Becker Vineyards, one of Fredericksburg’s original wineries, pairs a welcoming atmosphere with an extensive wine lineup. Over the years, Becker wines have been requested for political fundraisers hosted by figures ranging from George W. Bush to Barack Obama. The vineyard has also earned numerous accolades, including honors from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Sommeliers Choice Awards. Monthly library tastings, often paired with artisanal cheeses, provide a deeper look at its vintage offerings.
—Richard Chachowski
Among the most notable stops is Pedernales Cellars, a scenic property set on 150 acres of farmland. Established in 1995, the winery focuses on estate-grown fruit sourced from the Hill Country and the Texas High Plains, offering visitors a range of regionally driven wines.
Heath Vineyards rounds out the list with a distinctive claim: it is the only certified champagnery in Texas. Founded more than 40 years ago, Heath is also among the region’s oldest vineyards. Today, it offers a wide selection of wines, including sparkling varietals, dessert wines, dry reds and crisp whites. An on-site restaurant and views of the surrounding acreage make it a popular stop along the Route 290 corridor. Ultimately, the Hill Country’s appeal lies in its variety. With more than 100 wineries spread across the region, there is no single “right” place to visit. Like the world’s most celebrated wine regions, Texas’ Hill Country offers something for every wine lover—whether your preference is Bordeaux, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir or something in between.
Let’s be honest. Most women are wearing the wrong bra.
Gina Stempler knows this because she was one of them.
“I went into this industry at 50 years old wearing the wrong size bra,” she says with a laugh.
Fifteen years later, she has built a business around fixing that exact problem.
After seven years running a brick-and-mortar lingerie boutique, Stempler reinvented her business as retail trends shifted and the pandemic reshaped the shopping landscape. Instead of competing with online giants, she leaned into what the internet could not offer: expertise, personalization and privacy.
The result is Bra Mobile, an appointment-only, at-home bra fitting service designed for busy women who want support without the fluorescent dressing room.
“I realized if I, as an expert, couldn’t successfully buy a bra online, how could the average person?” she emphasizes.
The issue, she explains, is not a lack of bras. It is a lack of trained fitters.
“There are manufacturers that have been in business for over 100 years. They know what they’re doing,” she shares. “The disconnect is getting the right bras to the right women.”
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARTHEEK HEDGE
Here’s how it works.
Stempler stores inventory nearby, packs carefully selected options into suitcases and arrives at a client’s home. Beforehand, she may ask for a casual photo—not for scrutiny, but to better estimate size and shape. From there, it is one-on-one time.
No interruptions. No sales pressure. No guessing.
Clients can try bras on with their own wardrobe. That wedding guest dress. That summer linen top. That strapless jumpsuit.
“It’s wonderful,” she notes. “They have my undivided attention.”
And the reaction is immediate.
“I can see it in their faces,” she says. “Once you’re in the right bra, it makes a world of difference.”
Beyond aesthetics, she notes real health benefits. Proper support improves posture, reduces back strain and creates a more confident silhouette. It is not about lace unless that is what a client wants. It is about foundation.
As spring turns to summer, women are shopping for lighter fabrics, wedding attire, beachwear and special events. Stempler encourages women to think seasonally.
Rotate bras daily. Do not buy multiples until you test one. Wash gently. Never put bras in the dryer.
“Wear it. Make sure you’re happy with it,” she explains.
Her clientele spans generations— first bras for teens, everyday essentials for working mothers, wire-free comfort for those who prefer it, strapless styles for events and supportive options for mature women.
“It’s very personal,” she says.
Stempler’s long-term dream is ambitious: a Bra Mobile in every county.
“I would love to franchise,” she smiles. “There is a need for what I’m doing.”
She receives inquiries from across the country—and even internationally—from women searching for someone who can finally get it right.
For now, she continues one appointment at a time.
In a culture obsessed with visible transformations, Stempler’s work happens quietly—underneath it all. But for the women she serves, the impact is visible in posture, presence and self-assurance. Because sometimes confidence does not start with a new dress. It starts with what is underneath it.
BraMobile
Phone: (973) 568-8141
Instagram: @Bra_Mobile
Email: gina@bramobile.com Livingston, NJ
Newark’s Ironbound District offers a flavorful mix of bakeries, barbecue, seafood and festive spots for a memorable meal out.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN CICIONI
Newark’s Ironbound District is just about 20 minutes from West Orange, but it feels like a real getaway. With more than 170 restaurants packed into a walkable stretch of neighborhood streets, it offers one of the most vibrant dining scenes in New Jersey and an easy option for Mother’s Day, a girls’ day or a date night that feels a little more special.
Centered around Ferry Street, between Penn Station and Interstate 95, the Ironbound has long been known as “Little Portugal,” a nod to the large Portuguese community that has shaped the neighborhood since the 1950s. Restaurants, bakeries and cafés opened by local families turned the area into a cultural destination, and that energy still defines it today. Alongside Portuguese staples, the district is also known for Brazilian cuisine and a growing number of Ecuadorian restaurants.
Part of the Ironbound’s charm is that it still feels like a discovery. Portuguese food has never had quite the same spotlight in
the United States as French or Italian cuisine, yet here it is everywhere and done with confidence. From casual cafés to lively dining rooms, menus are filled with dishes such as flaming sausage, salt cod, garlic shrimp and clams sautéed with olive oil, garlic and lemon. Many cafés also serve Portugal’s beloved Delta coffee, which makes the neighborhood just as appealing for a slow morning as it is for a celebratory dinner.
Whether you are planning brunch with your mom, dinner with your daughters or a night out with friends, these are a few spots worth knowing.
For anyone arriving by train at Newark Penn Station, Nova Alianca is often the first Portuguese bakery in sight and a perfect place to begin. The bakery opens early, making it ideal for coffee and something sweet before exploring the neighborhood.
The must-order is the pastel de nata, Portugal’s signature custard tart. Flaky, buttery and lightly caramelized on top, it is best enjoyed with a strong espresso or a galão, a Portuguese-style latte. For a more casual Mother’s Day outing, this kind of stop makes the whole day feel easy and unhurried.
If you have time, it is also worth visiting Pão da Terra and Teixeira’s Bakery along Ferry Street. Pão da Terra feels smaller and more tucked away, while Teixeira’s has a larger market section stocked with imported breads, cakes and jams. It is also a great final stop for cheeses, sausages and other Portuguese staples to bring home.
FERRY
At Ferry Street Barbecue, a satisfying meal can still be found for less than $15, which feels increasingly rare. On busy days, smoke drifts out from the entrance while rows of flattened chickens turn over charcoal grills just inside.
This no-frills favorite is known for Portuguese-style grilled chicken served with generous portions of rice and fries. The chicken is marinated overnight and brushed with Afro-Portuguese piri piri sauce as it cooks, giving it a smoky flavor that often does not need anything extra.
The open kitchen adds to the experience, and the restaurant has become iconic enough to earn a mural on the building at Ferry and Congress. Other neighborhood barbecue favorites include McWhorter Barbecue, Elm Street Barbecue, Picnic Barbecue and Market Barbecue No. 2.
For a more elevated meal, Adega Grill remains one of the neighborhood’s most popular choices. The name means “cellar” in Portuguese, and the space balances a polished atmosphere with the energy of a busy neighborhood restaurant.
Set on one of Ferry Street’s liveliest blocks, Adega works especially well for a celebratory Mother’s Day dinner, a date night or a dressed-up evening with friends. Rooftop seating makes it even more appealing around sunset.
The cocktail list includes playful options like “Stunner,” “When Life Gives You Lemons” and “Hot in Here,” while the wine program leans heavily into Portugal, Spain and the broader Iberian Peninsula. For guests unfamiliar with the list, the staff is usually happy to guide the way.
The Ironbound’s charm is that it still feels like a discovery.
Seafood is a major part of dining in the Ironbound, and Seabra’s Marisqueira has been one of the neighborhood’s best-known destinations since 1989. The atmosphere is lively and unfussy, with neon beer signs, big platters and the kind of menu that encourages sharing.
The restaurant also benefits from something surprisingly valuable in the Ironbound: parking. It shares a garage with Adega Grill, which makes it an easy choice for visitors driving in.
The menu reflects both Portuguese and broader Iberian influences, with everything from shellfish platters to paella and fried calamari Sevilla-style.
For a girls’ night or a Mother’s Day meal built around conversation and shared plates, one of the frutos do mar seafood platters makes an easy centerpiece. Octopus, or polvo, is not included and is worth ordering separately.
For out-of-town guests, or for locals in the mood for a simple staycation, the Ironbound’s location between Newark Liberty International Airport and Penn Station adds to its appeal. While there are no hotels directly in the neighborhood, the DoubleTree near Penn Station offers convenient walking access, and several Airbnb rentals are available nearby for a more local feel.
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRY DOYLE
to every arrangement.
When you walk past a field of wildflowers, have you ever noticed how they relate to one another? Each stem is an individual, with varying heights, different textures and a range of stages. Some are budding, while others are in full bloom.
Enter the magical world of Josi Stone, founder of Wildly Floral Co. in South Orange, who designs arrangements inspired by nature.
For more than a decade, Stone, who began as what she describes as an “extreme hobbyist,” immersed herself in the work of floral artists she admired. She studied Instagram accounts, attended workshops and honed her eye for design. After the birth of her third child in 2017, she decided to take her hobby to the next level.
She started small with flower parties, and encouraged by the community’s enthusiastic response, opened Wildly Floral in 2018.
“My designs are inspired by the way plants and flowers move and change in the wild. Nothing is static or overly manicured. Depending on the season or the stage of growth, everything is a bit different,” she says. “I want things to evolve in the vase. The way your flowers look the day you receive them will not be the same as the next day or the day after. As some flowers fade, others come into full bloom.”
“There are many ways to achieve nature-inspired design, but one of the biggest is playing with height,” she continues. “You never walk by a field of wildflowers where everything is facing the exact same direction at the exact same height.”
Stone’s designs are also driven by color.
“I’m a real nerd for color theory,” she says. “When I’m sourcing flowers, I start with the color palette and then determine texture and shape.”
The act of giving flowers is rooted in human connection, she notes. While occasions such as Mother’s Day, birthdays and personal milestones often drive floral purchases, Stone notes the best reason to give flowers is no reason at all.
“You can even send flowers to yourself as an act of love,” she shares. “When you send flowers to a loved one, even just to say ‘Happy Tuesday,’ you show you care. That action of love then sits on their table for the next week, and every time they walk by they are reminded that you are thinking of them.”
To keep the love flowing year-round, Wildly Floral offers flower subscriptions for pickup or delivery on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis.
“My designs are inspired by the way plants and flowers move and change in the wild.”
– Josi Stone
Flowers are more than eye candy. They take on a whole new dimension through interaction. Wildly Floral offers a variety of experiences, from workshops with seasonal flowers at the shop or other locations to creative concepts such as the Build Your Own Bouquet stem bar for celebratory events like baby showers, bridal showers and birthdays. The shop also hosts a “Friend Date” event that celebrates platonic love. Its popular Lunch Break program, offered in partnership with a local restaurant, brings a creative spark to the workweek.
“You choose a half-hour time slot between noon and 2 p.m. and place your lunch order in advance,” explains Stone. “When you arrive, you create your own custom mini vase arrangement, and your pre-ordered lunch is packed and ready for you to take and enjoy afterward. It’s a small group, about four or five people, and I share floral tips and tricks. It gives you something joyful in the middle of the day.”
Stone also delights in helping customers select flowers that match the personality of the recipient and offers pet-friendly and lower-pollen options.
To extend the life of arrangements, Stone recommends cutting the bottom of stems at an angle to maximize the surface area that absorbs water and monitoring the water level and quality.
“The stems will drink the water right up, and people often do not notice,” she says. “It’s important to make sure there is always clean water in the vase. If it starts to get cloudy, dump it, wash the vase and add fresh water.”
“It’s important to make sure there is always clean water in the vase. If it starts to get cloudy, dump it, wash the vase and add fresh water.”
– Josi Stone
Stone, who has lived in Maplewood for about a decade, notes the congenial relationship between the two towns where she lives and works.
“I love walking around the small town,” she emphasizes. “The people are creative and friendly. I have great relationships with other business owners, and everyone is generous about sharing knowledge and experience.”
Get inspired by Stone’s designs and view upcoming events at wildlyfloral.co.
WILDLY FLORAL CO.
Address: 9 Scotland Rd. South Orange, NJ 07079
Phone: (973) 630-2895
Website: wildlyfloral.co
MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS
West Orange Public Library, 46 Mt. Pleasant Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052 | 4:00 PM
West Orange Public Library offers free math help for middle and high school students, covering algebra, geometry, calculus and SAT prep. Sessions are led by a volunteer tutor and are available on a drop-in or sign-up basis. More information at tinyurl.com/WOPLMATHHELP.
MAY 3RD
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052 | 10:00 AM
Get up close with animals during an exclusive morning program at the Berson Family Center. Participants enjoy an educational presentation and animal encounter followed by a light pastry breakfast. This family-friendly experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the state’s most popular wildlife facilities. More information is available at turtlebackzoo.com/events/prairie-dogs-and-pastries-spring-2026
MAY 16TH
Presby Garden Party
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, 474 Upper Mountain Ave., Upper Montclair, NJ 07043 | 11:00 AM
Celebrate the peak spring bloom at this elegant garden party featuring more than 10,000 irises. The program includes live music, nature interpretation among rare flowers and a seasonal luncheon. It is a premier horticultural destination highlighting the botanical heritage of the Essex County park system. Event details are at presbyirisgardens.org
MAY 17TH
Springfield Avenue and Rutgers Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040 | 11:00 AM
This large-scale festival features more than 150 artists, crafters and local vendors in the heart of Maplewood. The event offers live musical performances, a children’s ride zone and international food stalls. It is a hallmark spring celebration drawing thousands to the South Orange-Maplewood border.
