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PRINCETON JANUARY 2024 COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG

ECHO

LIFELONG LEARNING AS PRINCETON ADULT SCHOOL MARKS ITS 85TH YEAR, LONG-TIME DIRECTOR ANNE BRENER REFLECTS ON DECADES OF GROWTH AND CHANGE AT THE ORGANIZATION. PAGE 4 Dining guide 2024: What came, what left, and what stayed, page 6; Winter Wellness special section, see insert.

Leading Off: Human Services council, municipal employees, police officers, emergency services, and the many thanks holiday drive donors Princeton residents who made individual

rinceton Human Services thanks donors for their contributions to its 25th Holiday Gift Drive. Princeton Human Services had a successful Holiday Gift Drive in 2023 thanks to the overwhelming number of donors who contributed. This year, the department distributed gifts to approximately 332 kids between the ages of 0 and 12. In addition to donating gifts for the children, donors donated a gift card to each family to help during these difficult times. The department would like to thank Stone Hill Church, Nassau Presbyterian Church, Princeton Police Department, Princeton Firefighters FMBA Local 72 and Lucy’s Kitchen, for their support and contributions to the Holiday Gift Drive as well as Mayor Mark Freda, members of

donations and sponsored children in our drive. This is truly a community effort as everyone works together to ensure that our children in need have gifts to open for the holidays. Human Services has been coordinating this drive for many years and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of all our donors and volunteers that help during gift distribution. Special thanks to our volunteers and staff that helped during gift delivery and distribution days. We look forward to continuing the Holiday Gift Drive next year and providing this service to Princeton families. For more information on how to sign up or to donate for next year, please contact the Human Services office at 609-688-2055 or e-mail rjones@princetonnj.gov.

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Adult School marks 85 years with a new year of classes in session By Patricia A. Taylor

hirty years ago, in the summer of 1993, Anne Brener received an urgent phone call from Nancy Beck. Beck, a board member of the Princeton Adult School (PAS), told Brener that the school’s part-time administrator had just left and someone was needed to fill in the slot. Brener, a Princeton resident who had served on numerous nonprofit boards but never in an administrative position, asked what would be required. “Well for now,” Brener recalls Beck telling her, “You’ll need to check the mail three times a week and don’t worry about anything until September.” Brener took the job. That September 86 courses were offered, and registration was primarily done by the volunteer board. There was no office computer to ease the work involved in recording and sorting the approximately 1,000 paper slips coming in through the mail. That’s where the newly created administrative position originally came in. It had proved its worth the year before Brener came on board, and under her leadership as executive director has become crucial to the organization’s expanded and modernized existence.

As Brener sharpened her administrative skills, she came to deeply appreciate and to be thankful that she was involved with the school and its board. It is the PAS board, she emphatically states in giving credit where she thinks it due, that sets this nonprofit apart from all other organizations. She calls it the academy award of boards. The 36 volunteer members not only create courses but also seek out and convince experts to teach them. This current academic year, the Princeton Adult School is offering almost 300 courses to about 5,000 students. It is larger than many a small college and much larger than Princeton High School in terms of students and courses — but definitely not in terms of the four part-time, paid administrative staff. Brener cannot help exclaiming over the uniqueness that applies to this community resource. She notes that there are probably no more than two other such independent entities in New Jersey. Those communities that do offer adult education — and fewer do so with each passing year — are generally under the aegis of local boards of education. And, Brener firmly believes, no other volunteer organization boasts members who have the connections and willingness to donate both expertise and time to create such a multitude of offerings.

That volunteer, independent concept goes back to the founding of PAS. As described on the organization’s website: “In January 1939, two local women, Ruth Schleifer and Laura Peskin, took their hopes for a ‘leisure hour school’ from idea to reality. With the support and encouragement of B. Woodhull Davis, Supervising Principal of the Princeton Public Schools, Harold Dodds, President of Princeton University and John Mackay,

In its 85 years PAS classes have evolved with the times: from boiler repair and dress making to digitizing analog ﬁles and Indian vegetarian cooking. President of the Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton Adult School was born. Its purpose as stated in the by-laws, was ‘…to offer each year to the adult residents of the Princeton area — regardless of race, color, creed, place of national origin, or sex — a variety of educational courses for their benefit and enjoyment.’”

The website continues: “On January 16, 1939 — the first evening of classes — 500 people had registered for the 20 classes offered on Tuesday nights in the public school. Difficult economic times and a world on the brink of war were reflected in the course offerings. The first lecture series was called ‘World Politics.’ Courses in literature, music, art, and French were joined by classes in boiler repair, dressmaking, typing, and modern homemaking.” Courses in literature, music, art, and French remain offered to this day. Given the increasingly cosmopolitan nature of the Princeton area, language courses have expanded to include Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and even sign language. A subject not even thought of in 1939 but now with the highest enrollment concentrates on English Language Learning (ELL). Eleven courses, from “Beginner Level” to “Advanced Conversation” are offered in what was formerly known as English as a Second Language (ESL). Boiler repair is no longer featured in the catalogue, but “Wood Working,” “Digitizing Your Analog Files,” and “Introduction to Glassblowing” are. Modern homemaking appears under the guise of Food and

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Drink, where one can learn about beer tasting at the Ivy Inn, “Indian Vegetarian Cooking,” “Holiday Cookie Making,” or even join chefs from Blue Point Grill in making some of the most popular menu items at the restaurant. The lecture series, now named in honor of the late Claire R. Jacobus, “a worker bee and former board president,” notes Brener, has been a component throughout the PAS history. Whereas the first lecture series dealt with world politics, the spring 2024 series covers another form of politics in that it highlights power and its destructive forms in our society and the world. While the numbers of students and classes have steadily and smoothly expanded since the adult school first opened 85 years ago, COVID’s appearance resulted in a striking and permanent change. On March 4, 2020, New Jersey’s first confirmed COVID case was reported. The PAS board, having already started work on courses for fall 2020, quickly recognized that an innovative approach was needed to ensure the continuity of the school. Enter Debbie Washington, director of operations. Four months after that first official COVID appearance, she had converted all courses — including those still being nailed down in June — into a Zoom format for the fall 2020 session. Thousands of students responded and so did the instructors. The response was so favorable

handled online, some students feel more comfortable using the paper form on the inside back page of the catalogue. Under Brener‘s supervision, course catalogues are produced yearly — in both paper and digital formats. Thousands of printed copies of the Spring 2024 catalogue will soon be in the mail and sent to residents in Princeton and the greater Princeton area (about 30 percent of PAS students have come from outside Princeton over the past decades). The cover, highlighting the organization’s 85th anniversary, is designed by Sofia Schreiber, Princeton High School class of 2021. “We always try to get a PHS student, grad, or local teacher to create for us,” Brener notes. The Spring 2024 catalogue goes online in conjunction with the paper mailing. Prospective students can view either one to select and then register for one or more classes offered this spring. Some classes fill up quickly, and there is a waitlist button on the website (but not available in the print format). Credit cards are only accepted for online registration. For any further questions or assistance, call 609-683-1101. The exceedingly personable Brener would probably appreciate a break from opening paper registration forms. Princeton Adult School, www.prince tonadultschool.org

Anne Brener joined Princeton Adult School in 1983 as a part-time administrator and is now its executive director, preparing for the organization’s 2024 course offerings.

that a significant portion of classes are now offered via this format. It has allowed PAS to greatly expand the geographical area of its reach for both students and instructors. While the bulk of the in-person classes remain at Princeton High School on Tuesday evenings, the virtual courses are held on many different days. Lilianne Youssef has now joined the staff as office assistant to help those registering

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for and signing in to Zoom-based classes. And with funds coming in through registration and donations and going out for expenses such as security, insurance, rent, and instructor payments, Nicole Solarek handles the necessary accounting duties. Some things, however, have remained constant over the decades. Brener still finds herself opening letters. Though about 90 percent of course registration is

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Dining guide 2024: What opened, what closed, what’s here to stay By Rebekah Schroeder

he Princeton food scene refreshes its palate for 2024 with a reflective roundup on everything that kept on moving in, out, and along.

What Stayed? Nassau Diner, 82 Nassau Street The Nassau Diner pays “homage to American comfort food with a contemporary twist” by incorporating both classic and international elements in its bold brunch menu. Nassau Diner debuted in October 2022 as the latest addition to the lineup at Genesis Hospitality Group, the Hamilton-headquartered company that owns Proof Pizza, Bread Boutique, Chez Alice Patisserie, the Peacock Inn, and other Princeton restaurants. Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 609- Maman, on Hulfish Street, offers a sunny ambiance in which to sit and enjoy a cup 493-0132 or nassaudiner.com. of coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Photo by Isabelle.N.Photography.

Thai Delight, 180 Nassau Street

Thai Delight continues to offer the tan- to 10 p.m. 609-279-9000. What was formerly known as Lil Thai talizing tastes of Thailand through both Pin, the smaller, more casual sister restaucounter-service dine-in and takeout for Maman, 43 Hulfish Street rant from the owners of Thai Pin in Law(Palmer Square) lunch and dinner. rence, has rebranded as Thai Delight with Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 11:30 a.m. Wander down to Maman (stylized new leadership but many of the same staff. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 “maman”), a downtown French-inspired

bakery and café, for coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, quiches, and other light bites. This cozy Palmer Square storefront at 43 Hulfish Street opened in November of last year as the company’s 24th location; now, they serve up seasonal beverages like the frozen forest matcha latte and holiday hazelnut cappuccino with a truly festive flair. Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekends, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kitchen closes at 4 p.m. daily. 609-285-2974 or mamannyc.com/locations/princeton.

MTea Sushi & Dessert, 86 Nassau Street MTea Sushi & Dessert opened on November 11, 2022, serving exactly what its name promises, but with a freshness-forward approach to its menu of fruit, milk, and other boba teas, sushi rolls, poke bowls, and cakes. Maneuver down the corridor past the tempting dessert case, where you order, and the chefs prepare food to find MTea’s secret weapon of extra, sunny seating at its back patio. Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 848-668-3296 or mteaprinceton.com. See DINING, Page 8

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RWJUH Hamilton January Healthy Living / Community Education Programs GOT STRESS?

Wednesday, Jan. 3; 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

When you experience stress, your body produces physical and mental responses. Gain valuable insight about how others deal with similar situations.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Wednesday, Jan. 3; 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Supportive discussion group for those caring for a loved one who is aging or has a chronic illness-shared experiences can be healing.

GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Thursdays, Jan. 4 and Jan 18; 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

If you have lost a loved one or been separated from your support system, you can find comfort and begin to cope better by interacting with others.

KIDS IN THE KITCHENFROSTED WONDERLAND

Thursday, Jan. 4; 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Healthy eating starts early! Empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves! For children 5 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $5 per person. Taryn Krietzman, RDN

CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Monday, Jan. 8 and 22; 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Jan. 8: Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress Jan. 22: Importance of a Medical Living Will

ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS Monday, Jan. 8 and 22; 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 8: Balancing Caregiving, Family & Work

Jan. 22: Strategies for Keeping Your Loved Ones Engaged

SWEET SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP Monday, Jan. 8; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5; 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for one of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER Tuesday, Jan. 9; 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

This support group explores how our emotional ties to our “stuff” can create clutter and affect our mood.

DIZZINESS? VERTIGO? – UNDERSTANDING WHY MANY ADULTS DEVELOP DIZZINESS Wednesday, Jan. 10; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Dizziness and imbalance are amongst the most common complaints in older people, and are a concern as it puts you at a higher risk of falling. Although the causes of dizziness in older people are multifactorial, peripheral vestibular dysfunction is one of the most frequent causes. Join Audiologist, Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D.to understand more about the causes and treatments of dizziness.

WHAT’S EATING YOU?

Monday, Jan. 15; 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Support group for people experiencing emotional eating. Peer support is key. We offer a safe space to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP Tuesday, Jan. 16; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.

WHAT’S IN STORE IN 24 VISION BOARD WORKSHOP Tuesday. Jan. 16; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Create a vision board for the year ahead of what you would like to manifest in 2024. Please bring scissors, all other materials will be provided.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Wednesday, Jan. 17; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Quieting your mind, even just for a short while can have profound effects on both your body and your mind. Come learn to lower the volume of your minds chatter. No experience necessary.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, Jan. 17: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Support and information for family and TAKE HOME COLORECTAL SCREEN friends of people with Alzheimer’s. Monday, Jan. 15; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Learn about ways to keep your colon healthy and possibly prevent colorectal cancer. You will be given a test to do at home and mail back.

HEALTHRYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE Wednesday, Jan. 17; 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Drum your cares away with our Drum Circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress

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reliever. Drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS,CMP $15

Thursday, Jan. 25; 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

WHAT IS SEPSIS?

Thursday, Jan. 18; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Learn about this life threatening response to infections with our Chairman Dept. of Emergency Services and a Medical Staff Officer, Lasanta S. Horana, MD, RWJUH Hamilton.

CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH Monday, Jan. 22; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Sound healing uses instruments like singing bowls, gongs, drums & chimes to create an atmosphere promoting deep rest, nervous system re-balancing, & emotional release. Participants sit or lay in a comfortable position while the practitioner takes you on a sound journey for mind, body & spirit. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow to make yourself comfortable. Adriana Hansen, RYT200, SHA1. Fee: $15 per person.

CREATING HABITS THAT STICKA JOURNEY TO SELF-LOVE Tuesday, Jan. 23; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Join Erin Bogdan, trauma-informed authenticity & confidence coach, for an interactive & engaging workshop to learn how to pour into you so that you can create a life of alignment, purpose, & impact.

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, Jan. 24; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

For those Certified in Reiki (at any level) to share the gift of Reiki with other practitioners. Give a session; get a session. Please bring a small sheet and pillow.

Join a community of women as we discuss relevant topics and find purpose, meaning and community.

DANCE IT OUT!

Friday, Jan. 29; 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Don’t let the winter blues leave you out in the cold. Warm up and feel energized through body movements. Never miss a chance to dance! All ages welcome, no experience required.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Wednesday, Jan. 31; 9:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Join the Red Cross as they host a blood drive to save lives. Donations made during this blood drive will automatically enter you in the Red Cross Super Bowl LVIII giveaway. The winner will receive a trip to SB LVIII for you & a guest. Prize includes travel, hotel, $1,000 gift card, pre-game activities & more! Scan the QR Code to schedule your appointment to make a life saving blood donation. *All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31; 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

TAI CHI CLASS

Thursday, Jan. 4 and 18; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

A MATTER OF BALANCE: A 4-WEEK SERIES

Mondays & Wednesdays, Jan. 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31; 1:00 to 3:00 pm

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, Jan. 9 and 23; 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Jan. 9 and 23; 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

NEW - CHAIR YOGA Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org to learn more.

*Registration and free Membership required to attend the Better Health Programs

Tuesday, Jan. 9; Noon to 12:45 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, is introducing Chair Yoga to our Better Health Program. Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those

who haven’t moved their bodies for a while, recovering from an injury or have mobility/balancing difficulties.

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SETH D. ROSENBAUM, MD, MMM, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, RWJUH HAMILTON ON COLDS VS. FLU

Thursday, Jan. 18; 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 11; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Specializes in Infectious Disease. January brings cold symptoms and Dr. Rosenbaum will thoroughly review differences between the multitudes of winter illnesses.

RULES OF THE ROAD: INVESTING IN RETIREMENT Tuesday, Jan.16; 10:00 to 11:00 am

Edward Jones’ 10 Rules of the Road to investing. Investing strategies to help reach their long-term goals. What they can do now to enjoy retirement. Ty Robinson, Edward Jones

Thursday, Jan. 16; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 25; 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

GAME TIME

DR. ALI HOSTS A “JEOPARDY PARTY” LUNCH Friday, Jan. 19; Noon to 1:30 p.m.

A new Jeopardy focused on Innovations in Medicine. Tables will compete as teams as we test your knowledge. Don’t panic, this will be fun and interactive and there will even be prizes along with lunch.

WINTER SAFETY TIPS WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY Tuesday, Jan. 23; Noon to 1:00 p.m.

MEN’S HEALTH, LUNCH & LEARN WITH DEEP TRIVEDI, MD

A spill, a slip, a hospital trip. Learn the do’s and don’ts in wintry weather with physical therapist Chris Robinson, PT, DPT.

Join us for a frank conversation led by Deep Trivedi, MD, Board-Certified in Urology with a special interest in multiple urologic areas including stone disease, benign prostate hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction/low T, incontinence, cancer and sexual/reproductive health. Men and Women are welcomed.

IT’S FREEZING OUT! LET’S BREAK THE ICE! Tuesday, Jan. 30; 2:00 to 3:00 pm

A new year marks a wonderful opportunity to make new acquaintances! Join together with new and familiar friends and participate in activities that will help us get to know each other better. Registration is required.

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more Januar y 2024 | Princeton Echo7

DINING, continued from page 6

What Opened? Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli, 136 Nassau Street Despite its iconic status as a collegeoriented town, Princeton went without a downtown grocery store for years before Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli opened in March, combining the best of a specialty retailer and supermarket at the Nassau Street space once home to Panera Bread. This one-stop shop stocks a plethora of fresh, pre-prepared, and frozen foods, but some highlights include the grab-and-go

section with onigiri, a filled triangular rice ball wrapped in nori, sushi, and bento boxes. No matter what time of day you’re looking for a breezy bite or a last-minute addition to a recipe, Maruichi is a bustling hub for ready-made meals, snacks, baked goods, tea, noodles, fruits, vegetables, matcha, soups, condiments, and more. For a full overview of the selection and frequent sales at Maruichi, read the U.S. 1 News story “Let’s Try . . . Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli” from May 24, 2023. Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 609285-2976, facebook.com/maruichiprinceton, or maruichius.net.

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Aspendos Mediterranean Cuisine, 182 Nassau Street

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 609423-2811 or aspendoscuisine.com.

Aspendos Mediterranean Cuisine opened in early October at 182 Nassau Street and serves lunch and dinner. The name comes from the ancient Greco-Roman city Aspendos, also known as Aspendus, which is located in Southern Turkey and renowned for its preserved amphitheater. Aspendos marks sibling owners Bilal and Celal Bodur’s fourth foray into the culinary world, with the brother restaurateurs using their more than 20 years of food industry experience to create a Mediterranean menu honoring Turkish culinary traditions. The Aspendos website, aspendoscuisine.com/menu, features fare like Anatolia-style hummus with beef pastrami, crispy octopus with roasted eggplant spread, fresh salads, and main entrees. Plant-based Princetonians can try a grilled mushroom entree featuring a mashed potato puree and crispy leeks in a glazed truffle dressing and a vegetarian kebab. There are also oven-baked options like the pontus flat bread, served with “traditional Koloti cheese, ground beef and dry egg yolk zest on top,” a Mediterranean take on a margarita pizza, and a rib flatbread with smoked ribs, mashed potatoes, and a peanut powder jus sauce.

Starbucks, 301 N. Harrison Street, Princeton Shopping Center The staple Seattle coffee chain expands from its sole downtown spot at 100 Nassau Street to a second location a short distance away in the Princeton Shopping Center. Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. princetonshoppingcenter.com/retailer/starbucks.

Pastiamo Pasta Bar & Cafe, 301 N. Harrison Street, Princeton Shopping Center The latest addition to the Princeton Shopping Center is Pastiamo Pasta Bar & Cafe, which held its soft opening on November 27 and promises “a taste of Italy” with a familiar face at its helm. Pastiamo’s owner is Princeton’s own Francesca Casapietra, better known as the Italian half of Le Kiosk Princeton at the Carnevale Plaza, 255 Nassau Street, which serves up fast-paced food from focaccia flatbreads to crepes with a fusion of Italian and French cuisine. Le Kiosk’s co-owner Michel Spencer brings his French influence to the spot’s blend of European eats, but Casapietra — who is from Genoa, Italy — is now taking her culinary flair to the Princeton Shop-

ping Center with a pick-your-own style menu for a personalized pasta experience. Step up to the board for a handwritten menu where customers can pick a pasta and sauce of their own choosing, with fresh pasta options like ravioli, gnocchi, tagliatelle, and dry varieties including spaghetti, bucatini, mezze penne, as well as less common options like trofie, a thin twisted pasta, and elicoidali, a rigatonilike tubular shape. Look out for other chef specials, such as a chef ’s special sauce or menu items like purple cauliflower carbonara Customers can order at the counter, where an array of mouth-watering focaccias and Italian pastries beckon to be purchased, and taken either to go or for dine-in. There are nine sauces currently offered on a regular basis, such as pesto, walnut,

puttanesca, cacio e pepe, carbonara, little neck clams, ragu, butter and sage, and all’arrabbiata. Casapietra said that she looks to expand the hours in 2024 after they recruit and train more crew, but hope to hire servers to waitress tables. Other menu items include antipasti like charcuterie and burrata, sandwiches using that house made Genoa-style focaccia, salads, and vegetable pies, described as puff pastry layered with a choice of savory filling. Hours: Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. princetonshoppingcenter. com/retailer/pastiamo or instagram.com/ pastiamopastabarprinceton.

Above left, Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli offers a wide range of instant noodles, along with numerous other items ranging from fresh produce to baked goods and prepared sushi. Above, Sakrid Coffee celebrated the grand opening of its second location, in the former Princeton Packet building at 300 Witherspoon Street. Sakrid photo by Bianca Visual.

storefront opened at the corner of Nassau and Chambers streets in 2019 with the understanding that little joys in life like espresso are sacred. The coffeehouse’s second location, which opened on Witherspoon Street in October, is situated in the former building of the Princeton Packet newspaper. The Witherspoon site was originally intended to be both a cafe and a roasting facility, but the latter fell through when Princeton’s Zoning Board rejected the Sakrid Coffee Roasters, 300 company’s application on the grounds that Witherspoon Street they could not approve a manufacturing Sakrid Coffee Roasters’ first Princeton operation in a commercial district.

Hours: Mondays through Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. sakridcoffee.com/princeton-witherspoonst.

What Closed? Ani Ramen / Mochinut, 140 Nassau Street The Ani Ramen at 140 Nassau Street might have attempted to double its appeal with the addition of a dessert kiosk run by the donut chain Mochinut, but the noodle See DINING, Page 10

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unceremoniously during 2023 — its exterior still displayrestaurant has already shut its doors after less than a year. ing the name “Shanghai Park.” As the Daily Princetonian’s Ethan Caldwell and Amy Ramen Stop, 244 Nassau Street Ciceu reported on November 15, both establishments Japanese restaurant Ramen Stop (stylized “RAMEN “had several risk factors that posed a danger to public health” and were “in violation of numerous public health STOP by Nagomi”) closed in 2022. The “Nagomi” in protocols designed to prevent foodborne illnesses,” its title refers to the popular Japanese restaurant Ramen Nagomi, which has locations in the Quakerbridge prompting its sudden closure. Mall, Freehold, and New Brunswick. Ramen Stop was La La Lobster, 63 Palmer Square West intended as a “premium fast-casual” version of Ramen La La Lobster’s Princeton storefront opened in Feb- Nagomi, but the only one remaining after Princeton’s cloruary 2022 at 63 Palmer Square West with fresh “wild- sure is listed on the company’s website as Ramen Nagomi caught” seafood options like lobster and shrimp rolls, Easton Avenue, yet is still on Google and social media as tacos, and gluten-free rice bowls, as well as the titular Ramen Stop. crustacean’s macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, soups, Positive Vybz Island Grill, 182 Nassau Street dips, and more. Now where the aforementioned Aspendos MediterraAs of press time, the La La Lobster in Princeton is nean Cuisine opened was the Positive Vybz Island Grill, marked as “permanently closed” on the restaurant’s a Jamaican-Caribbean restaurant that, after originally Google page. The franchise has other locations in Yardley and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, as well as a shop in Cape based in Somerset, moved to Princeton for a July 2021 opening but closed the following year. May, New Jersey.

Shangshi, Princeton Shopping Center

What’s to Come?

Shanghai Park Restaurant in the Princeton Shopping Center was beloved in Princeton, but after undergoing renovations and a possible change in ownership, the reviews, according to Google, dropped in quality. Similarly, Shangshi [stylized as Shangshi (International Global Dining)] opened as the site’s “new management” during its debut some time in 2022. Shangshi offered Cantonese specialties rather than the former’s Shanghainese menu, but despite the new faces, Shangshi never completed its transformation and closed

To say the town has been “buzzing” to visit Triumph Brewing Company’s new home in the former Princeton Post Office in Palmer Square since the brew pub closed its successful Princeton location at 138 Nassau Street would MTea Sushi & Dessert has proven a popular spot for milk, fruit, and boba teas as well as sushi rolls and be an understatement. desserts. Although Triumph initially announced it would reopen in 2023, the site remains under development. Ac- Design Guild released a video installing custom bancording to its new Instagram page, instagram.com/tri- quettes at the site. umph_postoffice, owner Adam Rechnitz shared that it For more updates, see the Triumph page on the Princwas hiring back in June; that same month, the Princeton eton Design Guild website, pdguild.com.

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From the entire staff here at Community News Service, we would like to wish all our readers and customers a very Happy New Year. May 2024 bring you good health, happiness and prosperity.

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