Being forced to stay in the house can be a bit maddening but this quarantine has helped to bring families together and has pushed businesses to think outside the box and into new creative territory.
Lemonade Outta Lemons
Many local establishments have turned to social media with offers of DIY food kits and crafts for the whole family. This not only provides patrons with fun filled entertainment but also affords another revenue stream for struggling restaurants.
For a fun night of pizza making, check out Carmine’s Pizza in Netcong, NJ. The third-generation Morris County pizzeria is selling a $10 pizza-at-home kit with all of the ingredients to make a large pie. They are just one of many local pizzerias offering a DIY pizza kit. Maybe buy an extra kit to practice that pizza toss—but watch out for the ceiling fan.
Sweet Creations
For a sweet treat, try Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe in Westfield, NJ, for their $25 kit of a dozen animal-shaped cookies, with assorted icing and sprinkles. See if you can stay within the lines and who knows, maybe you can even start your own quarantine reality show, The Art of Painting Cookies.
Virtual Cocktails
DIY food is not just for kids! Adults, consider checking out Asbury Park’s newest cocktail destination, Laylow, from the privacy of your dining room and sign up for the $10 Virtual Cocktail Making Class. Zoom some friends for a fun and informative virtual hangout. All sales from the class go directly toward supporting the bar team.
Color for a Cause
Finally, consider supporting the Smith Restaurant Group and their employee relief program. Smith oversees three Porta locations, three Brickwall locations, Pascale & Sabine, and Little Buddy. The group now offers specialized coloring pages, which can be downloaded for $5 per page. Grab one for the kiddos and know that you are helping to support employees in need. If you download two or more coloring pages, you’ll receive an email for a coupon for a free Margherita pizza from Porta, good to use when the doors reopen. Check out the coloring book here.
Soon we will be back to visiting our favorite brick & mortar locations, but in the meantime take advantage of some of the options shown here. Also, follow all of your favorite restaurants and bars on social media to see if they are offering similar items.
More DIY Kits to Support
Pizza
- Lorenzo’s, Sussex
- Zio’s Pizza, Little Ferry
- Rome Pizza, Dunellen
- Bicycle Club, Englewood Cliffs
Desserts
- The Cake Fairy, Harrington Park
- Devour Desserts, Mantua
- Splurge Bakery, Millburn
- Polkadot Cake Shop, Lyndhurst
Options like these are popping up all over the state, so check with your local pizza shop, bakery, or other area eateries to see what might be in store for you on the DIY front!
