Move over apple cider donuts; the VMAs are officially Jersey’s biggest news of September.
On Tuesday, September 12, MTV’s Video Music Awards are coming to the Prudential Center in Newark. Outside of celebrating the year’s biggest music videos, the ceremony will feature live performances from 2023’s top vocal talents. Currently on the list to grace the Essex County stage? Doja Cat, Demi Lovato and Shakira.
AKA: For one night only, Newark will be putting its “hands in the air” for Lil’ Wayne —instead of the TSA.
#lit.
Music’s biggest stars are coming to Newark
Now, though the stars don’t know it (except maybe the Jonas Brothers, as they hail from the Garden State), they really lucked out with the location of this year’s awards. Newark is one of Jersey’s top food cities, and dancing, singing and getting upset when another artist wins an award burns a lot of calories. Fueling up before the show — or refilling afterwards — then, is a must.
So, for convenience to the celebs, we’ve created a guide to where they should dine around the city. From East Newark to the Ironbound, here’s what we came up with.
Diddy: Tops Diner
Diddy‘s been in the music industry so long that MTV is “will be recognizing” him for his “legendary career” at this year’s awards. Tops Diner is similarly a legend that has been dominating the Jersey Diner scene for decades. Both entities are household names with longstanding reputations, and each are well-respected in their fields. “I’ll Be Missing You,” for example, is just as classic as a good-old Tuna Melt.
And, since the rapper’s favorite food is french toast? An all-day breakfast spot kind of just makes sense.
Go: 500 Passaic Ave, East Newark; 973-481-0490, thetopsdiner.com.
Shakira: Fornos of Spain
Shakira is one of the most famous Spanish-speaking singers in America, and Fornos of Spain is one of the most famous Spanish restaurants in Jersey. Further, both are class-acts characterized by beauty and talent. “Whenever, Wherever,” then, the two are meant to be together.
When Shakira visits Fornos, we recommend she order the Paella Del Mar, Lobster Cannelloni or Salmon Madrid. The singer is said to love seafood, and those are definitely the best fish entrées on the menu.
Go: 47 Ferry Street, Newark; 973-589-4767, fornosofspain.com.
Miley Cyrus: Blueprint Café
Miley Cyrus is sometimes vegan, sometimes not, just like the menu at Blueprint Café. In 2020, she gave up the vegan lifestyle to become a pescatarian, a decision she cited to the brain fog the diet caused her. Eating animal products, however, still upsets the star, so, often times, she chooses not to.
Blueprint Café is a health-centric café that serves all sorts of vegan and non-vegan options. If Miley wants to eat plant-based, then, the spot offers Vegan Chik’n and Corn Waffles, Tofu Scrambles and Apple Cinnamon Pancakes. And, if she “needs” her “omegas”? They’ve got Fish Tacos, Calamari Sandwiches and Salmon Kebabs.
Go: 369 Raymond Blvd, Newark; 973-732-0421, blueprintcafelounge.com.
Kelsea Ballerini: Nasto’s Ice Cream Co.
Kelsea Ballerini is sweet like sugar, so it only feels right that she should grab a cherry-topped cone at Nasto’s Ice Cream Co. Often seen sporting bright colors, the singer gives us major sprinkles vibes. We bet, if she were a food, she’d be swirl of soft-serve.
According to this Sounds Like Nashville news article, Ballerini once worked in a cupcake shop where she “indulged in the sweet pastries on more than one occasion.” Assuming the star might want to eat dessert before dinner, then, doesn’t seem like too much of a stretch.
Go: 236 Jefferson St, Newark; 973-589-3333, nastosicecream.com.
Lil Wayne: Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet
Lil Wayne was looking pretty ripped in one of his recent Instagram pictures, so it’s probably safe to say bro’s been working out lately. And if there’s one thing gym dudes love? It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet is definitely the best buffet in Newark and — since its Asian-inspired — its loaded with all sorts of carbohydrates (fried rice, lo mein, etc.) and protein (clams, beef, etc.) for energy and muscle growth. If Wayne hits the spot before the show, then, he’ll look shredded if he takes his shirt off.
And we have a very good feeling he’s going to take his shirt off.
Go: 293 Ferry Street, Newark; 973-589-1108.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can’t find her in Jersey’s best restaurants, she’s probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram:@karanicolev &@northjerseyeats, join ourNorthJerseyEats Facebook group, and sign up for herNorth Jersey Eats newsletter.
