In 2019, Peter Genovese ate his way around New Jersey with a vengeance.  All that research culminated in rankings of the best dishes/sandwiches/meals he ate in 2019 - which, according to Peter, makes them the best dishes you should eat in 2020! These "bests" are spread all over the state map, and the culinary map. Seafood, steak, ribs, pizza, burgers, grilled cheese, tacos and empanadas. Puerto Rican, Italian, Mexican, Korean, Indian and Greek. He ate widely and well. And, while this is not a list of the state's best restaurants, it is a list of the best things he ate all year. Coming in at "Lucky #13" is The Blue Monkey Tavern's spicy grilled shrimp, with chopped avocado, cucumber, celery, tomato and cilantro tossed in hot sauce. "It may have been the best appetizer in the entire N.J.'s best bar showdown over the summer."

Mayor Brennan sent congrats on Twitter to Merchantville’s own Phil Manganaro, Chef/Owner of Park Place Cafe & Restaurant, for his well deserved recognition as one of the 24 most important people on the NJ restaurant scene. We’re lucky to have such talent and shows that Merchantville is a great place to work play and live! In a recent US Today article on eating your Christmas tree they noted that at Park Place Restaurant in Merchantville, you can enjoy seared scallops with roasted porcini, essence of White Pine and pine ash. Or turbot, poached in olive oil and served with the ash of White and Pitch pines. "It's about tying it all together, for me," said Chef/owner Phil Manganero. "Mushrooms grow under the pine trees, so it makes sense to me." As one of the decade’s 24 most influential people in the NJ restaurant scene Phil has made an indelible mark on New Jersey's ever-evolving dining experience. Our food scene is as good as any in South Jersey and looking to grow soon! 

Wind Symphony of Southern New Jersey will perform a holiday concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Merchantville, 10 West Maple Avenue, on Saturday, December 14th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. The concert will begin with a musical tribute to Leon DeLoach, a thirty-year member of The Wind Symphony who passed away in September of this year. The program will include Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and traditional Christmas music as performed by Mannheim Steamroller, the Canadian Brass, and the United States Marine Band. A free will offering will be taken before the concert. Free parking is available behind the church, and an elevator provides handicapped access to the church.

Aunt Charlotte’s Candies will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2020 to celebrate the life of their mother, Virginia (Bunny) Oakford, who passed away on December 10, 2019. There will be a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and a service immediately following at The First Presbyterian Church, 10 West Maple Avenue in Merchantville. The family invites and welcomes friends and neighbors who would like to attend this memorial. Complete details available through Falco, Caruso & Leonard Funeral Homes.

The Observer has published their last issue of 2019. It includes articles about Merchantville's BOE discussion on School Choice and keeping the current maximum level of 44 School Choice students from other public school districts; the closure and loss of McFarlans Market after a nine year run in the downtown; the appointment of Officer James Burkhardt as LEAD job at school due to Officer Talarico stepping down; welcome to two new businesses - A Milli Little Things and La Guadalapana Restaurant; and, reviews of the Turkey Trot and MES Talent Show.

Last evening the Merchantville Community Center was rededicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Organizations that use the center regularly, as well as friends of the center, were in attendance as Mayor Brennan gave a special thanks to the Camden County Improvement Authority for their support through funding and management of this project which included major structural repairs to the drainage system, accessible bathroom facilities, basement storage and the addition of an expansive terrace. In January the Borough announced that the Community Center would undergo extensive renovations over the next several months. The project will began around the third week of January and and was completed in the summer. During renovations the back section of the building as well as the playground area will not be accessible during this entire period.