By Tara Ryazansky Photos by Max Ryazansky
B22 – Bayonne
V
ie and Jordan Balocating greet me at the door of their studio at B22 – Bayonne. The space is small but curated with a chic
style. “It’s our tiny home,” Vie says. “It’s cozy and humble, but it’s everything we need.” “I like the openness of it,” Jordan adds. “There’s a lot of room in the middle to do a workout.” He often uses the space to do YouTube workout videos, though they both enjoy the gym in the building as well. The couple moved in last year when B22 Bayonne was brand new. “We’re just about to renew our lease,” says Vie. Before that, they lived in Jersey City where Jordan grew up. Vie is from Bergen County originally, but finished college in Jersey City. The couple always knew about Bayonne. “It’s just the next town over,” Vie says. “I have a friend who grew up here, and lives here now, who always said it was quieter.” “I play basketball a lot and I like to play in different places. Bayonne has good parks to play basketball in,” says Jordan, who teaches
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health and physical education at All Saints Catholic Academy of Bayonne. “We always go to Staten Island because Vie’s mother is there, so we would always pass through.” Because of that connection, the couple had some favorite spots in Bayonne before they even moved here. “We always liked going here for food,” Vie says. “We love Wasabi Thai because they have a lot of selections there. Even prior to moving to Bayonne, we went there so much that now we’re friends with the chef. He knows me when I call by my voice. We’re regulars.” “Jordan is vegan, so he likes House of Flavor,” Vie explains, adding that living on Broadway makes it easy to get to many of their local favorites. “So many new places have opened here. We like this bakery called Double Batch. I get almost all of our holiday desserts and birthday cakes there. Mezcal is a cool spot if you want to grab Mexican and happy hour with friends.” Vie mentions that going out and life in general is more affordable in Bayonne. “It’s cheaper than Jersey City. That’s the banner that Bayonne should have hanging,” she says with a laugh. “It’s just as diverse and it’s up and coming, too, but slightly cheaper than Jersey City, so come on over!” Jordan and Vie share their space with three roommates as well: their cats, Lily Pancakes, Matata Cookie and Prince Oreo.
