A vibrant, family-owned cafe opened in Cedar Grove this April, serving Latin-inspired food with a modern twist. Located at 509 Pompton Avenue, Gigi’s Cafe is bringing Latin culture to downtown Cedar Grove. Handcrafted coffee, fresh juices, empanadas, bowls, tacos, and house-made desserts are on the menu — all in a lively, music-filled atmosphere, owned by a New Jersey local. Read on to learn more about Gigi’s Cafe in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.
The Inspiration
Owner Liliana (Lily) Lora grew up in the Dominican Republic in a large family under the guise of her grandmother. The house operated like a restaurant, with everything made from scratch and people constantly coming and going.
Photo Credit: Diego Alfaro
Her grandmother was the head chef and strived to make everything perfect — shortcuts weren’t acceptable. This annoyed Lily growing up, but she’s come to appreciate her grandmother’s perfectionism, and it’s even inspired how she runs her businesses.
Read More: Mattarello Bakery + Café: Inside This Italian Bakery in Montclair
Lily’s grandmother was an expert juice maker, using the fruits she grew in her backyard. When family members wanted juice, they’d pick fresh fruits like mangoes and oranges, and Lily’s grandmother would guide them toward more robust flavors if the juices were too watery. She even owned a juice store for some time, where she sold her homemade creations.
When Lily came to the US, she realized how easy and accessible everything is. While she appreciated the convenience, she craved the fresh ingredients that filled her life in the Dominican Republic, and had the idea of bringing something more authentic to New Jersey.
About the Opening
Photo Credit: Diego Alfaro
Opening a restaurant was always part of Lily’s plan, as she already owns a salon in Woodland Park. When she and her husband, Jose Marte, felt ready, she started scouring locations, her eyes set on the space in Cedar Grove.
“I knew I wanted this location. The amount of space and the layout were exactly what I had in my mind,” Lily told The Montclair Girl. “The realtor told me he had a lot of applications, and then he stopped responding for a month. I kept following up, insisting on updates. Finally, he got in touch with the next steps on my candidacy, which took another month. I didn’t give up. If I’m getting after something, I won’t sleep until I achieve it.”
Once she landed the location, Lily’s vision was a warm, welcoming environment. She didn’t want it to emulate the hustle and bustle of other restaurants, where meals can feel rushed. Instead, she wanted a space where guests feel invited to spend time, and she partnered with interior designer Vanessa DeLeon to achieve this.
“I had a vision, but I’m not a designer. I knew what I wanted my guests to feel, which was at home. Vanessa did an amazing job bringing that to life,” Lily shared with MG. The Cafe’s sections are reminiscent of a dining room, a living room, and a library, all serving a purpose. The map on the wall instills a warmth towards home and a sense of belonging in the community.
It took eight months of hard work to get Gigi’s up and running, Lily shared. On April 15, 2025, the cafe opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Cedar Grove Mayor Melissa Skabich and other town council members.
Lily and Jose have made the cafe a family affair, named after their daughter, Gigi. There’s a personal connection to most of its employees, and the couple’s three children help out when they can. The upbeat music and welcoming energy provide a space for good food, connection, and a feel-good atmosphere.
The Eats
Photo Credit: Diego Alfaro
As far as the menu, Gigi’s Cafe specializes in brunch and lunch, with almost the entire menu reflecting Lily’s tastes (and especially the pistachios infused throughout the menu — one of her favorites). Lily’s grandmother’s kitchen inspired everything served, especially the cold-pressed juices and Dominican breakfast items, which Lily had every morning as a child. There are bowls to ‘build’ with rice, beans, meat, and toppings, which reflects a traditional Dominican lunch. The arepas are one of Lily’s favorite menu items — and are inspired by her time visiting her mom in Venezuela.
Photo Credit: Diego Alfaro
Everything is made 100% from scratch, which may cause a longer wait at times, but Lily swears it’s worth it because you can taste the freshness.
See More: gtk Opens New Jersey City Location in Bergen-Lafayette
When to Visit
Gigi’s Cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30AM to 5PM and on Sundays from 8AM to 3PM. It is a BYOB establishment and hosts live music on the weekends. Customers can expect special holiday menus and after-school specials for kids on Monday through Thursday from 12PM to 4PM.
24 Montclair Area News Stories This Week | May 11, 2025
This past week has brought rain, spring blooms, and local headlines in the Montclair and the surrounding areas. It’s been another busy week in Essex County, and we’ve got all the Montclair news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: Turtle Back zoo launches educational programs for local homeschooled students; a labor dispute between a union and NJ Transit may shut service lines down completely on May 16th; and Velvet Lush Studio makes a comeback to Montclair with a new shop. Read on for all the news in Montclair and the surrounding Essex County towns for the week ending May 11th, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected] and we'll consider it for coverage.
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Labor Dispute May Shut Down NJ Transit Lines Completely on 5/16
- Flight Delays + Cancellations Disrupt EWR Amid Technological Issues
- Turtle Back Zoo Launches Educational Classes for Homeschooled Students
- Best Buddies Northern NJ's Annual Fundraiser Raised Funds for Programs
- Montclair Public Library Begins Renovations with HVAC Updates
- Family Supper in Bloomfield Announces Closure
- Velvet Lush Studio Returns to Montclair with New Shop
- West Orange School District to Reorganize Middle Schools for Upcoming Academic Year
- Beyond the Boogie Dance Company Announces Opening of 3rd Studio
Newark Mayor Arrested for Allegedly Trespassing at NJ ICE Detention Facility
Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center after an argument with agents. Members of congress here for a scheduled visit, were shoved after trying to include Baraka in conversations after he gained entry through the gate.@news12nj #newark @News12NJ pic.twitter.com/6UDQWiIhQ7
— Amanda Lee (@amandaleetv) May 9, 2025
Newark Mayor and a Democratic candidate running for New Jersey Governor, Ras Baraka, was arrested on Friday, May 9th, for allegedly trespassing at Newark's Delaney Hall, which "quietly" started housing migrants detained by ICE earlier this month, according to CBS News. This came after what News 12 reporter Amanda Lee claimed on X was an argument with agents. Mayor Baraka was with U.S. Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez. "Members of Congress here for a scheduled visit were shoved after trying to include Baraka in conversations after he gained entry through the gate," Amanda Lee said."We’re at Delaney Hall, an ICE prison in Newark that opened without permission from the city + in violation of local ordinances," U.S. Rep Bonnie Watson Coleman also shared on social media. "We’ve heard stories of what it’s like in other ICE prisons. We’re exercising our oversight authority to see for ourselves." New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy claimed this arrest to be "unjust" and called for his immediate release. He was released hours later.
Labor Dispute May Shut Down NJ Transit Lines Completely on 5/16
In late April, 87% of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers leaders + Trainmen leadership (BLET), the labor union representing NJ Transit engineers, voted down a tentative agreement with NJ Transit, which would have permitted locomotive engineers to make $172,856 beginning on July 1st, 2027, with the highest-paid locomotive engineer earning $286,000, citing the need for higher wages. BLET has proposed a salary increase of $314,174 in 2027, and unless BLET leaders and NJ Transit come to a new agreement, the union has threatened to strike on Friday, May 16th at 12:01AM. This would lead to a full shutdown of all NJ TRANSIT rail services, including the Metro-North Railroad west of Hudson service. NJ Transit has estimated that this strike would affect 350,000 daily NJ Transit travelers, with 70,000 New York-bound commuters who transfer from NJ Transit rail to PATH trains at Hoboken Terminal and Newark Penn Station being the most impacted. The agency has drafted a contingency plan to provide alternative services like New York bus routes and Park + Ride, but it is estimated that only 20% of people would be accommodated. Those who can work from home during this period are encouraged to do so. Visit thehobokengirl.com for more.
Flight Delays + Cancellations Disrupt EWR Amid Technological Issues
In mid-April, The Montclair Girl reported that Runway 4L-22R, one of Newark Airport's largest runways, would be shut down from April 15th to mid-June. While customers were forewarned about possible delays flying in/out of EWR, it took a few days for the full brunt of the work to be felt by fliers. Since the week of April 28th, there have been over 100 flight delays and cancellations each day at Newark Liberty International Airport, leading United Airlines and Delta Air Lines to cancel many flights. This all stemmed from a technological issue that occurred on April 28th, when air traffic controllers from the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, which directs planes to Newark Liberty International Airport, lost radar and radio communication with incoming flights. They were “unable to see, hear, or talk to them,” Galen Munroe, spokesman for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), first shared with The New York Times. According to Bloomberg, communications were lost for 90 seconds. Click here for more.
Turtle Back Zoo Launches Educational Classes for Homeschooled Students
Turtle Back Zoo, located at 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, is now providing homeschool classes to students ages 6-12. The program, which is "designed to boost scientific literacy and knowledge of the natural world," as per its website, includes visits to South Mountain Reservation, Reservoir, or Zoo, depending on the class. Classes are held on one Wednesday per month from 11AM to 1PM in the Berson Family Center. The next event, titled Creatures Great and Small, will be held on May 14th and teach attendees about the world's biggest and smallest animals.
Best Buddies Northern NJ's Annual Fundraiser Raised Funds for Programs
Photo Credit: Julia Morriss
Under the nonprofit Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Best Buddies Northern NJ held its annual Friendship Walk on May 4th at Seton Hall University. This event served as a fundraiser to benefit Best Buddies programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. Over 50,000 people at 80 different events across the globe joined in on the fun. "We raised vital funds and awareness to sustain and expand our local Best Buddies programs," the website reads. "We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event. With your support, our mission of friendship and inclusion is stronger than ever!"
Montclair Public Library Begins Renovations with HVAC Updates
On April 22nd, the Montclair Township Council authorized up to $5 million in borrowing for upcoming renovations at the Montclair Public Library and Bellevue Avenue Branch. At the main library, located at 50 South Fullerton Avenue, renovations include HVAC updates, a roof replacement, a new solar project, and upgrades to the building envelope and windows, according to Montclair Local. At the Bellevue Avenue Branch, located at 185 Bellevue Avenue, this consists of water infiltration fixes and a restoration of the courtyard. HVAC upgrades are already underway at the main library. This week, crews began removing the old equipment, with new systems set to be installed in late May or early June.
Family Supper in Bloomfield Announces Closure
Photo Credit: Family Supper
The Bloomfield restaurant and a meal service, Family Supper, known for its family-style, oven-ready dishes, will close its doors at 870 Broad Street on May 16th. "...Our family will be taking a breather to decide what comes next for the business and the Broad Street kitchen," Family Supper shared in a statement. The spot will continue serving locals until its final day.
Velvet Lush Studio Returns to Montclair with New Shop on North Willow Street
Photo Credit: Tiffany Montesino
The California-inspired clothing and accessory boutique, Velvet Lush Studio, which closed its Walnut Street site a while back, has returned to the area at 83 North Willow Street, just around the corner from its previous Montclair locale. The spot opened back in December 2024 and has since expanded to include fine jewelry, permanent jewelry, and a hot and iced espresso station. "We will also continue to be a hub for all creatives with our in-store events and workshops," owner Tiffany Montesino shared with The Montclair Girl.
West Orange School District to Reorganize Middle Schools for
Upcoming Academic Year
The West Orange Public School District, which is grappling with a multi-million-dollar budget shortfall for the 2025-2026 school year, has announced that it will reorganize its middle schools to house grades 6 to 8 in each. "Aligning our middle schools so that Edison, Liberty, and Roosevelt host students in grades 6, 7, and 8 is a thoughtful approach to enhance our middle school experience and balance the budget for the 25/26 school year, as well as realizing sustainable savings year after year," West Orange Superintendent Hayden Moore wrote in a letter. A notice will be sent to families about student placement and orientation schedules on May 30th.
Beyond the Boogie Dance Company Announces Opening of 3rd Studio
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The Montclair-based dance school, Beyond the Boogie Dance Company, has announced the opening of a new space at 602 Valley Road, Montclair. This expansion marks Beyond the Boogie's third studio, with the other two located right next door at 603 and 604 Valley Road. To celebrate, the spot will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring community fun, entertainment, and dancing, on Saturday, June 7th at 12PM.
Newark’s Independence Park Sees Over $4.8 Million in Improvements
Essex County has invested over $4.8 million to upgrade Newark's Independence Park, located at 218 Van Buren Street. Locals can now enjoy a new playing surface at the park's athletic fields, a new soccer field, and other site improvements like synthetic turf, enhanced drainage, and updated fencing, benches, lighting, and landscaping. These projects are part of Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo's ongoing initiative to provide modern upgrades to recreation facilities in the county park system. "Even though Independence Park is one of the smallest parks in our system, it is one of the most heavily used," County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo said in a statement. "Because of the density of the population and development in Newark’s Ironbound, this park literally is the backyard for our residents."
Introducing The Montclair Girl's Summer Bucket List 2025
With summer approaching, locals may be itching to get outside and enjoy the weather. The Montclair Girl has created a free and downloadable summer bucket list of activities featuring 50 local things to do, including outdoor adventures, foodie spots, must-attend festivals, and more. Readers can expect to find ideas like walking the South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail, attending the Montclair Pride Festival, and paddle-boarding at Verona Park. Download our guide to a local Montclair and Essex County summer here.
Essex County College Reopens Reimagined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library + Learning Center
After two years of construction, Essex County College reopened its renovated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library and Learning Center at 303 University Avenue, Newark, in late April. The 16,000-square-foot space now features "open sightlines, sustainable designs, and a blend of collaborative and quiet spaces enhanced by adaptable technology," according to a statement shared by the college. "This new center was designed with students in mind to offer flexible learning spaces that together foster an environment of learning and discovery," Essex County College President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye said during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Let this new center be a beacon of opportunity, of progress, and of what we can achieve when we work together for the common good."
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Opens Millburn Location
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, known for its artisanal dairy (and dairy-free) creations, has opened its newest location at 35 Main Street, Millburn, in the same building as Willow + Whisk. The Millburn site is now Van Leeuwen's fourth New Jersey location, with the first being in the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, the second on Grove Street in Jersey City, and the third coming soon to Washington Street in Hoboken. The spot opened its doors from 11AM-11PM on Thursday, May 8th, 2025. $1 scoops were served from 3PM-5PM, and the first 100 customers also received a free tote bag. Click here for more.
Ballistic Vests Have Been Added to Bloomfield Fire Department Vehicles
To protect firefighters in potentially dangerous situations, Bloomfield firefighters will now carry ballistic vests, also known as bulletproof vests, on fire department vehicles. "These vests are a proactive safety measure and reflect our continued commitment to the well-being of our personnel and the community we serve," the Bloomfield Fire Department said on Instagram.
Bloom in Montclair Rebrands to Korean-Inspired Burger Spot
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The French-Korean-inspired restaurant Bloom, located at 648 Bloomfield Avenue in Verona, has rebranded to a Korean-inspired burger spot called WooSmash. The new restaurant, still owned by the same individual, soft-opened on May 2nd. The same chef from Bloom is now cooking up burgers made with Chef Woo’s special sauces and recipes, as well as chicken dishes, shakes, and other classic bites.
The Arts Council of Livingston Opens New Art Gallery
The Arts Council of Livingston, a group established by the Livingston Township Council, whose mission is to "make the arts more visible in Livingston and the surrounding areas," as per its website, recently opened a new gallery space at 240 East Northfield Road. In honor of its opening, the ACL at Evergreen Farm is showcasing a town-wide exhibit called "The Originals." Featuring the work of 36 local artists, photographs of the pieces will be displayed on town benches along South Livingston Avenue from the end of May until October, according to Patch.
Essex County Sheriff’s Office Appoints First Black + Woman Acting Sheriff
Essex County welcomed its first black woman acting sheriff last week after Sheriff Amir Jones named two top officials to new leadership roles within the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. Of the Newark Police Division, Deputy Chief Arthur Jorge has been appointed Acting Executive Undersheriff, and Captain Zipporah Thomas-Jenkins has been promoted to Acting Chief, "making history as both the first woman and the first African American woman to hold this position in the department’s history," the sheriff's office said in a statement shared with Patch.
John M. Tuntevski Appointed as New Interim Township Attorney for Montclair
John M. Tuntevski is now the new interim township attorney for Montclair after the council approved his appointment in a 5-1 vote in late April. The single"no" came from Mayor Renee Baskerville, who stated "I am opposed to this because individuals did what I call ‘pick a pal’ attorney and decided because someone had been here on two occasions before, and they were rushing to hastily bring in an interim attorney that they were going to pick a pal without considering any of the other people." Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen referred to the Mayor's perspective as a "complete mischaracterization," and other members defended that position. John M. Tuntevski will serve as the interim township attorney for 120 days beginning on May 1st, or until a new township attorney is appointed.
Montclair Art Museum's First Annual Food Truck Festival + Cocktail Crawl Happening on 6/8
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Locals are invited to Montclair Art Museum's first annual Food Truck Festival + Cocktail Crawl, taking place on Sunday, June 8th from 12PM to 6PM at 3 South Mountain Avenue. Twelve different food trucks will be in attendance, and the cocktail crawl will feature three bars serving specialty cocktails and beer. Attendees can look forward to art activities, lawn games, and complimentary access to all museum galleries. MAM members will also receive a complimentary drink ticket. All proceeds will go towards to museum's annual fund, which covers operating expenses like staffing, exhibitions, and building upkeep. "This fund keeps the lights on—it keeps the Museum running," MAM Digital Content Strategist, Alex Pavljuk, told The Montclair Girl. Tickets purchased in advance are priced at $5 per person or $20 for families of up to five people, and day-of tickets cost $10 per person or $25 per family. Children under five can enter for free. Purchase tickets at this link.
Volunteer-Led Group Launches Free Biking Program for Belleville Residents
The volunteer-led bike share program, Belleville Guerrilla Bike Share (BGBS), is a newly launched initiative aiming to make biking in the Belleville area more accessible. The group worked with Montclair Guerrilla Bike Share to recently place two bikes in the town for locals to freely use for whatever and whenever. BGBS shared with The Montclair Girl that it hopes to provide three more bikes in the near future. Learn how to retrieve the bikes at this link.
Montclair Residents Voice Concerns to Township Council Over Clary Anderson Arena Issues
In late April, Montclair Township Council Members discussed closing the Clary Anderson Arena at 41 Chestnut Street, citing major safety concerns. Town manager Stephen Marks, who visited the arena two weeks back, shared that the space had "many code violations as well as life/health safety hazards." He noted that a section of the roof leaks into the utility area, exposing its mechanical systems and electrical sub-panel to the elements. No vote was taken that night on whether or not to close the arena, but on May 6th, local residents flooded the recent council meeting to voice their opinions. Some argued that the arena could be a source of revenue for the township, while others suggested that the council act on the $6 million in funding that was previously approved in May 2024. A township spokesperson told Montclair Local that the town never issued the bonds, meaning the money is not "immediately available." "We have an incredible facilities team and they’re working very closely with members of the community and the Clary Anderson individuals,” Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville told Montclair Local. "And I trust them implicitly to come back with a decision that will provide something that will be the most beneficial for the most people."
Historic Olmsted Oak Tree Returns to Anderson Park in Montclair as a Bench
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Last summer, Anderson Park in Montclair lost a 250-year-old Olmsted Oak tree during a storm. Now, the historic tree is back in Anderson Park, but as a bench carved by Montclair artist Charlie Spademan. The piece was initially proposed by local resident Bob Silver and was installed on May 7th near the site of the former tree. The stump can still be found at the spot where the oak fell, and, according to Montclair Local, has become a fun play space for kids.
Impact100 Essex Grants $100,000 to Local Non-Profit
Photo Credit: Impact 100 Essex
Impact100 Essex, a women-centered organization that awards grants to local nonprofits that serve underrepresented communities across Essex County, annually grants $100,000 to non-profit-driven projects that align with the Impact100's mission. For its eighth year, Impact100 granted $100,000 to Perinatal Health Equity Initiative (PHEI), a "grassroots community organization...dedicated to actively working towards eliminating healthcare disparities in black infant and maternal health," according to its website, on May 2nd. These funds will go towards PHEI's future opening of New Jersey’s first Black maternal health clinic. "grant. Because of this grant, our community is going to have a vital resource providing equitable and safe clinical care for Black moms from pregnancy and beyond," Dr. Nastassia K. Harris, Founder and Executive Director of Perinatal Health Equity Initiative, said in a press release shared with The Montclair Girl. "This grant is for our mamas."
