Last Friday ChicpeaJC turned one. It was the most insane/emotional/overwhelming day since I started my blogging career…I started my day at 5am and waited with much anticipation to post an interview I’ve been waiting for since I started; My article about Mayor Steven Fulop.
After it was shared on social media and the storm had passed, it was time to get myself together for my big one year party at Union Republic.
During the day the outpour of support and love I received from friends, family, local businesses, colleagues and followers was absolutely incredible. Thanks guys for the love, it really means so much!
A few months ago, on my flight back from a short trip to visit my family in Tel Aviv, I realized that I would be reaching my one year milestone on May 8th. At first I wasn’t going to make a fuss about it but after looking back at all I’ve accomplished in the past year I decided I wanted to do something special. I wanted to throw a party for the people and businesses who opened up to me and allowed me to share their story with the world.
Now where would I throw such a fabulous event? At one of my favorite eateries, Union Republic. They have great food, great drinks, classy space and I have a great relationship with Noah and Greg, the owners. When I approached Noah, he was so into the idea!! #ChicpeaJCTurnsOne at Union Republic on May 8th at 9:30pm. It was happening.
I wanted the party to have all the various elements of things I write about; fashion, music, art, food and fun of course! I thought it would be cool to have some of the local street artists that I’ve written about do some live painting at the party. I got in touch with Mr. Mustart to help me put it together, he enlisted Distort and Clarence Rich to be paint live at the party.
I enlisted “Stylish Peep” DJ Pastiche to DJ the party, I’ve seen him at many events and he is the type of DJ that is open to many different styles of music. I knew he would keep everyone’s ears happy for the night.
A month before the party, I got really overwhelmed with everything going on and all my other duties, I needed help. I enlisted girl boss of Allure Events Consultants and babe Marelyn Rivera to help me out. I can honestly say, without her I wouldn’t have made it through the past month. She talked me off a ledge a few times and pretty much helped with all aspects of the party. I LOVE HER, SHE IS AWESOME, IF YOU NEED AN EVENT PLANNER HIRE HER ASAP.
I knew Union Republic would have the food and drinks covered, but we needed desert and lots of it. I called up Emma and asked if she could make some treats for the party. Emma told me she really wanted to do a desert table, and I gave her free reigns. The result….
How cute? I couldn’t even handle it. Emma completely nailed it. All night I noticed people biting off my head! All the treats were eaten except for the cake. I’ve been eating chocolate cake every single day, and I am proud of it. Chocolate cake cures all.
Let’s talk about my outfit real quick… I wanted to wear something made locally, and I wanted something only for me. I reached out to Tina and Vicky, girl bosses of Cash and Cream to make me a custom outfit. Tina designed this amazing skirt and gave me a white crop top to wear with it. It was the perfect party outfit, and made my tush look pretty darn good. #bootybootybooty.
The cuff I wore was given to me by photog Jennifer Sutton, it’s called the becker Cuff by Stella & Dot and you can buy it online here: www.stelladot.com/jennifersutton
This party was a private event, as much as I wanted to invite all of Jersey City, I wanted to make sure all the people I’ve written about and collaborated would come. I really wish I could have opened up this event to everyone, especially all the loyal followers and readers but it would have been too crazy and not to mention expensive!! Next year, I will change it up and dedicate the part to all the wonderful people who are on this journey with me. #chicpeajcturnstwo
The party started around 9:30pm and what a great turnout! everyone rocked it on the zebra carpet!
EATS! Union Republic had the most delicious bites….
Menu
EARTH
LIFE’S A GARDEN. DIG IT.
micro vegetables, edible soil, buttermilk
CHICPEA CROSTINI
lemon-ricotta hummus
SEA
GRAVLAX
house cured smoked salmon, shallot crème fraiche, toast
HAKE CEVICHE
soy-lime vinaigrette & chive
LAND
PORK BELLY
house dijon, granny smith, fennel
They even made custom drinks!! One was the “chicpea” and one was called the “garbanzo”. I love them.
Look I am on a cup! #bitchimfamous
At around 11:00pm “stylish peep” and Sneaker Room Curator, Hayoner went on the mic and introduced me to everyone. The first thing I said “no this is not a barmitvah” LOL. Anyway, I thanked everyone for coming and also did a fun award ceremony and gave awards to the most viewed posts in each category. Here are the winners!
Favorite Eats Post- Grandma Downtown
Favorite Restaurants Post- Broa
Favorite Arts Post- Andy Mac
Favorite Stylish Peeps Post- The Big Hair Girls
Favorite Story Post- Of God & Gucci
Favorite Shops Post- Virile Barbershop
Mazal Tov to all the winners! But after that night, Mayor Fulop won for most viewed post!
Time to party….
It was such a great party with so many stylish people!! Well done Jersey City!!!
Selfie time….
Special thanks to all the people who helped make this night and this year happen!!
Union Republic
Marelyn Rivera- Allure Events Consulting
Thomas Carlson (JCAST)
Emma- Milk Sugar Love
DJ Pastiche
Magnets.com
Neverland Productions (Video of the Party coming next week!)
Jennifer Sutton Photography
The Hubby (he put up with me this year and deserves a medal)
BFF Kyra Huxel
Tina from Cash and Cream
Photog Chris Capaci
Photog Greg Pallante
Jayne Freeman (Editor, Birth Educator/Therapist)
Distort, Clarence Rich and Mr. Mustart
Last but not least…. I want to thank…
Squats.
I kid!!
Wow. What a great party! Thanks to all who came out. It was so much fun!
Enjoy the expansive gallery!!
This looked like so much fun. Loved the desserts and the menu! I want to be at next year’s….
I’ve been following your blog from the very beginning. Congratulations on your milestone. Great job keeping us up to speed on all that is fit to know.