Uncle Giuseppe's Italian Marketplace opens in NJ

Growing up in Union City, I lived with my grandmother for a while when I was 15. I remember every morning that woman who was in her 80s would take her pull-cart from her house on 30th up Bergenline Avenue and buy the groceries that would become dinner.

She would stop at Pontecorvo's market on 32nd Street, then visit a butcher, then Spiekerman's bakery for the fresh bread and desserts.

It was the best part of her day as it combined exercise, social life and great food.

That's the experience of shopping at Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace in Morris Plains.

Uncle Giuseppe's originally started at East Meadow Parkway in New York and now has several locations including this one in Morris Plains. Their mission statement hasn't changed much from the old days.

Uncle Giuseppe's Morris Plains, Jordan Jansson Photo

"Your shopping experience at Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace mirrors the way our grandparents used to shop – where you enjoy visiting each of your trusted neighborhood stores and markets," the company's website says.

Uncle Giuseppe's Fish Counter, Jordan Jansson Photo

Uncle Giuseppe's Meat Counter, Jordan Jansson Photo

Uncle Giuseppe's Prepared Food Counter, Jordan Jansson Photo

At Uncle Giuseppe's you can either buy the ingredients to make your specialty or try one of theirs.

"We want to make shopping enjoyable again – complete with Italian music, samples, and friendly associates," the company says.

If you're a foodie like I am who loves great Italian — and as an Italian knows the difference — then coming to Uncle Giuseppe's is like Christmas morning!

Check out what else they have to offer.

Make your own Salad or Sandwich bar

Uncle Giuseppe's Make Your Own Salad Bar , Jordan Jansson Photo

The Espresso Bar

Uncle Giuseppe's Espresso Bar, Jordan Jansson Photo

The Espresso Bar also offers gelato

Gelato at Uncle Giuseppe's Espresso Bar, Jordan Jansson Photo

You can pack your own beans to take home.

Coffee Beans at Uncle Giuseppe's Espresso Bar, Jordan Jansson Photo

They have a chocolate counter, filled with treats, they also make popcorn.

Uncle Giuseppe's Chocolate Counter, Jordan Jansson Photo

The Bakery shelves are packed with cakes, cookies and everything you can imagine.

Uncle Giuseppe's Bakery, Jordan Jansson Photo

You can check out the new Uncle Guiseppe's at 1711 NJ-10 in Morris Plains, NJ.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Steve Trevelise only. Follow him on Twitter @realstevetrev.

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The Ultimate Guide to New Jersey Brewpubs

From the website that gave you the "Friendliest bars" and places to watch the game, comes the ultimate guide to New Jersey brewpubs.

So what's a "brew pub"?

According to Thompson Island's Article on the differences between a craft brewery, microbrewery, brewpub & gastropub, it says:

"A brewpub is a hybrid between a restaurant and a brewery. It sells at least 25% of its beer on-site in combination with significant food services. At a brewpub, the beer is primarily brewed for sale inside the restaurant or bar. Where it's legally allowed, brewpubs may sell beer to go or distribute it to some offsite destinations."

New Jersey has tons of Brewpubs, some of which have been around for years and some that have just opened in the past year.

Here is a full list of the 21 brewpubs in New Jersey according to New Jersey Craft Beer: