Everyone, the party has officially started. Mayor Cory Booker has arrived! And we’re going to ask him questions only WE could ask him.
Mayor Cory Booker and Managing Editor of Glocally Newark, Janelle Noble
So, Cory, how did you hear about Glocally Newark?
“I have to say, Desiree, my communications director, actually sent me to the site, and her enthusiasm about it was infectious. And when I saw it, the site made me so proud.”
What made you proud about it?
“To see what was on the site, people talking about Newark in a way that was so inghtful. People who were talking about Newark like they knew it backward and forward. Their knowledge of all the different neighborhoods was impressive. It was real, it was authentic, and it was connected. And by connected, I mean it was connected to the real Newark, to the streets and the community, and it was connecting others to our city.”
And the interview continues...
So now to the good stuff. If it’s 10:30 at night and you have a serious craving, where do you go?
“I hate to tell you this, but I end up at the Pathmark on Bergen St. over by UMDNJ. If I’m feeling naughty, I get the cookie dough or the Ben and Jerry’s. If I’m feeling nice, I get some tofu (I’m a vegetarian.) But I can tell you the best pancakes in Newark–well, there are actually two places– the SECOND best pancake is the Newark IHOP on Bergen St. But the BEST pancake in all of Newark is Burt’s on the south side of South Orange Ave. near Bergen St. It’s not open all the time, but it’s the best place in Newark. And I’m a pancake connoisseur.
What is one word you would use to describe the lifestyle in Newark:
“Authentic.”
And, that’s a wrap with Cory. But the party still goes on…
Glocally yours,
Cleo Sunshine and Anna Marie
June 26th, 2009 at 7:43 am
It’s effing cool that the mayor supports the site.
June 26th, 2009 at 8:24 am
I feel a sudden urge for pancakes. . . .
June 26th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Well I stick with my french toast and I just do the central diner.
June 26th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Second that. Central is classic Newark. Stopped by to see my girls this morning and picked up some egg sandwiches for the fellas and coffee.
June 26th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I attended the event and was very happy to see such a beautiful and diverse crowd of people in downtown Newark (past 6:00pm).
I do have to say though, you must admit, sipping free drinks and eating delicious h’orderves is not real Newark. It certainly is something to aspire to but, with all that’s going on just blocks away, I, a real Newark, find it difficult to say it was “Real Newark”. In fact, many of the people I spoke with, were from out of town and out of state.
Again, this isn’t to take away from was was an exciting beginning in Newark. This is simply about keeping perspective.
Kudos to Glocally Newark!
June 26th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Eric,
Depends on how you define “real Newark.” Do you have to live in Newark? What if you work in Newark? What if you just regularly go to Newark to eat, visit galleries, go to shows, concerts and events? What if you volunteer at Newark nonprofits? What if you’re an artist whose work is showing in Newark? It’s all real. And it all needs to be real Newark and the future of real Newark. To put a new spin on an old axiom: No city is an island. A city is made up of its residents, yes, but also everyone who contributes to its economy, culture, spirit and soul, including workers, visitors, developers, property owners, artists, tourists, commuters and so on. Newark is a crossroads of the world with its airport, highways, and transit. Let’s not be exclusionary. I see “real Newark” as an inclusive and growing place.
June 26th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
The marinated grilled chicken breast at the Central Restaurant (Central at Halsey) is the best.