The economy is tough, and as always, services usually get cut in an urban neighborhood when they are needed the most. At this juncture, health is very important in the community, who which usually is unaffordable in many cases.

On Wednesday August 11, 2010, North Ward residents got help for their health care needs, in a 15,000 square foot facility at 741 Broadway at the crossing of Grafton Avenue in the city of Newark. The facility selected has seen a long history, from being a police precinct to hospital to a health care facility in the past.

Newark Community Health Center, Inc., known as NCHC, is a network of federally qualified health care centers that have been providing comprehensive primary care services to at-risk and underserved individuals and families who reside in the city of Newark and surrounding communities for over 24 years.

What makes IHOP in Newark so different from all the other IHOP's you ask? Well, this location, headed up by Restaurant Manager Greg Mateo, not only serves up great pancakes and coffee but they do it with a cause and mission in mind.

Greg Mateo is a big guy with a big heart! While meeting with him he described a work philosophy that can be implemented in any company. He spoke about how he strives to keep all of his employees on track with their school studies and teaches them daily values that they can use in their life. Most of his staff, comprised of young adults, are from right here in the neighborhood and he treats them and takes them under his wing like they are his own. Greg is very big on giving back to the community and has a strong belief in our youth and empowering them with education and realizing the importance of giving back.

It's been way too hot to stay in the kitchen any longer than you absolutely need to! This week I've put together two easy salad recipes for you to try at home. They are quick and easy delicious and light. The bell pepper slaw would be great side dish with a tasty burger, and why not try the grilled chicken salad with seasonal fruit by itself with a cool glass of ice tea or a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Moscato!

Take it easy, stay cool, eat light - and let's hope for cool breezy nights!

South Orange, NJ

Yanick Ranieri positions me and says, “If you stand under the arches you’ll see the butterfly!” Sure enough… there it was! The Butterfly adorns the bar area of Papillion 25 Martini Bar & Restaurant in South Orange, NJ. As a matter of fact, as you look around the restaurant you’ll find butterflies hidden in different locations - but you have to look for them!

Papillon 25 Martini Bar & Restaurant is one of the more sophisticated bar and restaurants in South Orange, they cater to a more upscale and mature clientele. We visited them on a Thursday evening and the bar area was quite busy with customers sipping martinis. The restaurant was also quite busy with patrons coming in for dinner.