Along with being the ultimate comfort meal, brunch is made to satisfy any craving during the most important times of the day. From savory eggs and crispy bacon to sweet pancakes and fluffy French toast, a breakfast or lunch-esque feast is sure to be a delightful indulgence. Crave + Co., located at 184 South Livingston Avenue, is a new brunch spot in Livingston that serves some delectable delights that live up to its name while also delivering a high standard of service. Keep reading to see what Crave + Co.’s menu consists of, as well as how comfort came to be such an important part of owner Joshua’s motivation to open.
Behind Crave + Co.
Joshua Martin moved to West Orange, New Jersey, when he was 13 years old to join his mother from the Dominican Republic. He was raised by his grandparents, and he cites their influence for his hard-working spirit and love for food experiences in the Garden State.
“One of my fondest memories is of a small café in Montclair that I frequented for many years,” Joshua told The Montclair Girl. “There was something magical about walking in there — whether it was the warm atmosphere or the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the delicious breakfast and lunch offerings. The café became a place of inspiration for me, witnessing the conversations and connections that unfolded over a simple cup of coffee. It was there that I found my true motivation and a deeper appreciation for the small joys in life.” After 14 years in the food industry and remembering this memory, Crave + Co. was born.
Read More: Behind Leone’s: An Italian Staple in Montclair Since 1996
While the restaurant is small in size and mighty in flavor, the atmosphere in Crave + Co. exudes comfort in a sophisticated yet relaxed way. Crave + Co. proves that a little bit goes a long way in a tiny space: a wall of flowers with an LED sign reading, “What are you Craving?” introduces guests to the comforting meal they’re about to enjoy.
Joshua can be seen rushing from the back coffee bar to greet every customer in the restaurant. The staff are welcoming and helpful, too, as they are always refilling water glasses and making sure every table is spotless for new parties arriving. “What sets Crave and Co. apart from other places is the love and intention behind every interaction. For me, this is more than just food — it’s an expression of love. It’s how I want people to remember me: not just for the dishes we serve but for the connection we create, the warmth we offer, and the care that goes into every meal,” said Joshua.
The Menu
The menu at Crave + Co. gives visitors a wide variety of sweet and savory selections to choose from for both beverages and entrees. Fresh-made juice creations like the Pink Lady (strawberry, apple, lemon, carrot, + honey) are available all day long with vanilla and strawberry-flavored lattes. When it comes to food, breakfast serves up some greatly balanced plates like Your Way! (three eggs “your way,” bacon, fresh orange, home fries, or side house salad) and Ala Burrata Toast (poached egg, burrata, mashed avocado + charred corn, pickled red onions, chive oil, citrus vinaigrette, rye toast and house salad) that will fill up any hungry customer.
Photo Credit: David Pelle
Its Dubai Pancakes — an Instagram-able favorite — is an original dish as other eats like handhelds, flatbreads, and salads are up for grabs. With chorizo and avocado as affordable options for sides, any entree choice can become a fun one.
Joshua and his team at Crave + Co. have already proven their purpose in the community in a short amount of time. “When people walk through our doors, I want them to feel like they’re coming home, like they’re part of our family, and like they’ve experienced something special. This is my way of making a lasting impact — one that goes beyond the taste of food and lingers in the heart. The joy of seeing people enjoy our food and sharing something new with them is what keeps us motivated every day,” Joshua said.
See More: Alessio’s to Open Casa Italia Gourmet Market in Hoboken
Crave + Co. is looking to start taking reservations in the coming weeks, but wait times aren’t long for parties under 10 people. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8AM-4PM. It is closed on Monday.
Blood Drives in Essex County, New Jersey for 2025
Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to save lives, support those in need, and make a meaningful impact in the community. In Montclair and the surrounding areas, 19 different blood drives are happening from March to August. Read on for blood drives in Montclair + Essex County for 2025.
Types of Blood Donations
According to the American Red Cross, there are four types of blood donations — all of which are necessary to save lives.
Whole Blood Donation: This kind of donation is the most common type of donation and consists of collecting a full pint of blood — plasma, red cells, platelets, and all. This donation typically takes one hour to complete.
Power Red Donation + Double Red Blood Cell: Power red donations, which are also referred to as double red blood cell donations, involve safely giving two units of red blood cells instead of one, which is the usual amount collected during a regular red blood cell donation. During this process, which can take about one and a half hours, the cells become separated from the other components of the blood. The red cells collected from a power red donation are usually given to trauma patients, and newborns, and used in emergency transfusions.
Platelet Donation: In a platelet donation, only the platelets are taken from the blood. This process can take anywhere from two and a half hours to three hours. "A single donation of platelets can yield several transfusable units, whereas it takes about five whole blood donations to make up a single transfusable unit of platelets," according to the American Red Cross.
Plasma Donation: This kind of donation involves donating just the plasma, which is separated from the other blood components during the process. Plasma donations take about an hour and 15 minutes and are used during trauma situations to help stop a patient from bleeding.
Read More: Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair
Blood Drives in Essex County, New Jersey
March
Millburn High School | 462 Millburn Avenue, Millburn
March 1st | 9AM - 3PM
Millburn High School will hold an American Red Cross blood drive on March 1st. This drive will only collect power red and will run from 9AM to 3PM. As of this writing, three timeslots from 1PM to 3PM are available. To schedule an appointment, see here.
Newark Liberty International Airport | 3 Brewster Road, Newark
March 11th | 9AM - 3PM
The American Red Cross Association will host a blood drive to collect whole blood and power red on March 11th at the Newark Liberty International Airport. This will take place at the Terminal A Delta Airlines from 9AM to 3PM. See this link to schedule an appointment.
Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
March 12th | 3PM - 8PM
Montclair Art Museum will host this blood drive on March 12th from 3PM to 8PM. Hosted by the American Red Cross Association, this drive will collect whole blood and power red. Click here to set up an appointment to donate.
Prudential Center | 165 Mulberry Street, Newark
March 15th | 9AM - 2PM
Essex County locals can head to the Prudential Center on March 15th to donate whole blood only. This drive will run from 9AM to 2PM. See this link to schedule an appointment.
Nutley Masonic Lodge #25 | 175 Chestnut Street, Nutley
March 18th | 2PM - 7PM
The American Red Cross will have a blood drive to collect whole blood and power red on March 18th at the Nutley Masonic Lodge. This will occur from 2PM to 7PM. See here to set up an appointment to donate.
Montclair State University | 1 Normal Avenue, Upper Montclair
March 27th | 11AM - 4PM
Our local university is pitching to host a blood drive on March 27th. This will take place at the Student Center and will run from 11AM to 4PM. The American Red Cross will collect both whole blood and power red at this drive. Schedule an appointment at this link.
April
East Orange Public Library | 21 South Arlington Avenue, East Orange
April 4th | 2PM - 7PM
This blood drive will collect whole blood and power red and will happen at the East Orange Public Library on April 4th. The drive will occur from 2PM to 7PM. Schedule an appointment to donate here.
Bnai Keshet | 99 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
April 8th | 12PM - 5PM
Locals can head to this synagogue to donate blood on April 8th from 12PM to 5PM. The American Red Cross will collect whole blood and power red. To set up a time to donate, see this link.
Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
April 9th | 2PM - 7PM
The Montclair Art Museum will host another drive for the American Red Cross on April 9th from 2PM to 7PM. Both whole blood and power red will be accepted at this drive. Those looking to donate can schedule an appointment here.
Montclair State University | 1 Normal Avenue, Upper Montclair
April 10th | 11AM - 5PM
Montclair State University will hold a blood drive on April 10th from 11AM to 5PM. This drive, hosted by the New York Blood Center, will take place in the Student Center Ballroom on campus. Whole blood and double red cell will be collected at this drive. To schedule an appointment, see this link.
Nutley Masonic Lodge #25 | 175 Chestnut Street, Nutley
April 15th | 2PM - 7PM
The American Red Cross will have a blood drive to collect whole blood and power red on March 18th at the Nutley Masonic Lodge. This will occur from 2PM to 7PM. See here to set up an appointment to donate.
May
Glen Ridge Vol. Ambulance Squad | 3 Herman Street MPR, Glen Ridge
May 2th | 1PM - 5PM
The New York Blood Center will host a blood drive to collect whole blood and red blood cells at the Glen Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Squad on May 2nd. The drive will take place from 1PM to 5PM. To schedule an appointment, see this link.
Temple Ner Tamid | 936 Broad Street, Bloomfield
May 8th | 2PM - 7PM
This blood drive will take place at Temple New Tamid on May 8th from 2PM to 7PM. The drive will accept donations of whole blood and power red. See here for more information and to schedule a time to donate.
Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
May 14th | 11AM - 4PM
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Montclair Art Museum on May 14th from 11AM to 4PM. Both whole blood and power red will be accepted at this drive. Those looking to donate can schedule an appointment here.
Nutley Masonic Lodge #25 | 175 Chestnut Street, Nutley
May 26th | 2PM - 7PM
Those looking to donate blood can join the American Red Cross on May 26th. This blood drive, which will collect whole blood and power red, will take place at the Nutley Masonic Lodge and run from 2PM to 7PM. See here to set up an appointment.
June
Essex County Historic Courthouse | 470 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Newark
June 9th | 10AM - 3PM
The American Red Cross will be at the Essex County Historic Courthouse to collect both whole blood and power red on June 9th. This drive will take place from 10AM to 3PM. Locals can schedule an appointment at this link.
Newark Liberty International Airport | 3 Brewster Road, Newark
June 10th | 9AM - 3PM
The American Red Cross Association will host a blood drive on March 11th at the Newark Liberty International Airport at Terminal A Delta Airlines. Whole blood and power red will be collected from 9AM to 3PM. See this link to schedule an appointment.
August
Nutley Masonic Lodge #25 | 175 Chestnut Street, Nutley
August 19th | 2PM - 7PM
On August 19th, the American Red Cross will host a blood donation drive at Nutley Masonic Lodge. The drive will collect both whole blood and power red donations and will run from 2PM to 7PM. To learn more and to schedule an appointment, click here.
See More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round
Temple Ner Tamid | 936 Broad Street, Bloomfield
August 19th | 2PM - 7PM
This synagogue in Bloomfield, located on Broad Street, will hold a blood drive on Tuesday, August 19th from 2PM to 7PM. The drive will accept donations of whole blood and power red. See here for more information and to schedule a time to donate.
