For the last couple of days, tiny bits of white foam (granules around the same size as rock salt) have been blowing all over the Van Vorst Park neighborhood, apparently from the construction site at Jersey Avenue & Grand Street. There are now men with large industrial vacuums walking along York Street, trying to vacuum it up, but it's everywhere -- on stoops, between the cracks in the sidewalk, along curbs, in gardens, all over the grass & soil in Van Vorst Park. There's no way these guys are going to get it all.

I'm don't have any background in science, but I have to think this is an environmental hazard. Does anyone have more information, or have an idea of what can be done about this?

Thanks in advance for any insight or info.

i went into Carry Pharmacy today for some Benadryl, and they tried to charge me sales tax. When I pointed out the OTC medications are tax-exempt in the state of New Jersey, the sales clerk shrugged and said that no one has ever told her that before. I spoke with the manager, who insisted that only prescription drugs are tax-exempt. I looked it up on my phone and tried to show the manager, but he wouldn't even look at it, and said that he'd "ask his distributor" about it.

So, I'm guessing that people in the neighborhood have been getting overcharged for who knows how long. Just a heads-up that if you happen to buy something there, make sure they don't charge you tax.

I wound up leaving and going elsewhere, which is too bad, since I like supporting local mom & pop businesses, but I did wind up going to another indie drugstore on Jersey Avenue.

Hi everyone,
I'm looking for about 1000 square feet of office space downtown. Can anyone recommend a commercial realtor, or suggest the best place to look for a space? Many thanks in advance.

According to statistics by the Craft Council, there are approximately 38 million knitters in the United States. Contrary to what many believe, knitting is hardly trendy: it's been around in its present form since at least the 14th century. I learned as a young girl, and while I put it aside for many years, I started knitting again when i became a mom (which I think is fairly common). The term "knitting cafe" can certainly be seen as a marketing hook, but I stopped by this weekend and was pleased to find a friendly neighborhood yarn shop. Patricia's Yarns in Hoboken just celebrated its fourth anniversary (and has already moved once to a larger space); there are three thriving yarn shops in Montclair, huge craft stores like AC Moore and Michael's do booming business in Secaucus, so why shouldn't this shop fare well? If the owner listens to what her customers want, there's no reason she shouldn't build up a good, loyal clientele. I'll certainly patronize the shop, and if she's willing to carry the yarns i usually buy (and she certainly seems so), I'll become a loyal customer. It's a helluva lot more convenient than running to the Upper West Side or downtown on my lunch break (that is, when I actually get a lunch break).

all the best,
regina

Hi there,
Can anyone kindly recommend a good roofer? The roof on my bay is damaged and a chunk of it came off during today's storm.

thanks in advance!

I took my kids to dinner there last Sunday night and we had a lovely time. We sat at the communal table in the back, my kids ordered from the bar menu, my boyfriend and I ordered off the regular menu, and our food was terrific. It can definitely get pricey, but the service and food are really quite good and they're VERY kid-friendly.

We got the cauliflower pasta and an order of the miso-glazed monkfish. the kids got a variety of things (swedish meatballs, deviled eggs, salad) and we all enjoyed our dinner thoroughly. Well certainly go back.

I agree. I'm very tough on Polish food, having grown up with a mom who only served homemade pierogi, blintzes, etc. and the food here is excellent. Much better than Tania's, in my humble opinion. I also appreciate the fact that Sava is open late during the week and has Sunday hours, unlike Europa (the Polish grocer/deli on Jersey).

I swear, I give up. I've been registered to this forum for a few months, but just started posting a few days ago. I find it remarkable that genuine enthusiasm for good food is immediately taken as "shilling." I also belong to Chowhound and eGullet, where I've been posting for a long time. I've been in downtown Jersey City for eleven years, and have found many of our food options to be complete and utter crap (at least in my humble opinion). Now that there are a number of places serving great, affordable food, I'm excited about it and want to share that with our neighbors. I'm not a shill, I don't work for a restaurant. I'm a music publicist who really likes to eat, and likes to share my enthusiasm with like-minded folks. People shouldn't be so cynical, especially when a positive comment is posted about a restaurant that's doing well. It's not like everyone else is saying "oh, the food there is crap" and then one dissenting voice pops up with "yay! I think the food is great!"

Finding good, authentic, CHEAP Mexican food makes me very happy. Tortilla soup is one of my faves and isn't often found on local menus.

I think people need to lighten up.

Jack Wind at Margulies, Wind and Herrington, 15 Exchange Place, 201-333-0400. I worked with him a few years ago and he was terrific.

I second the wish for vegetarian options, but I do love their food. If you're ever there when they're offering the Tortilla Soup (it's only offered as a mid-week special) and you're not a vegetarian, i highly recommend it. Mmmmm!

I know you asked for a recommendation in Jersey City, but just in case you want to try a great pediatric dentist in Tribeca (very easy to access from Jersey City), Renee Wild on Hudson Street (corner of Jay) is terrific. She's been looking after my two children for years, and her office is great about processing insurance. She has Saturday hours a few times a month. Good luck!