If your fall plans start with ‘where should we eat?’ we’ve got a few ideas. Le Bistrot just opened in Westfield, Paragon returns to Clark on Thursday, and La Braise African Grill celebrates its Springfield grand opening Saturday. There’s plenty beyond the table, too: a final night at Scotch Plains’ Italian Festival today, Union’s Greek Festival later this week, and garden painting and forest bathing in Summit over the weekend.

Friday also marks 25 years since September 11. We’re pausing to remember the sixty Union County residents who died, with details below on the public remembrance ceremony at Echo Lake Park.

On the community side, we’re exploring an idea: dinner with fellow UC Scoop readers at a local restaurant. Would you pull up a chair? Let us know in this week’s poll.

Sixty Union County residents died on September 11, 2001. Twenty-five years later, we remember our neighbors and gather to honor their lives.

Union County 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony — Friday, September 11, 11:00 AM
Union County September 11th Memorial, Echo Lake Park, 143 Mill Lane, Mountainside

The public ceremony includes speakers, reflection and the unveiling of a new memorial plaque. Many towns also hold observances; check your municipality’s website for details.

Paragon
77 Central Ave, Clark. Opens Thursday, September 10.

Chef Eric LeVine returns with partners Purvi and Akik Shah to relaunch Paragon as an American Italian gastropub. Expect chicken scarpariello, veal Milanese, osso buco-style short rib, wings and the familiar burgers. The reopening falls exactly twelve years after the original debuted.

La Braise African Grill
247 Morris Ave, Springfield. Grand opening Saturday, September 12.

Celebrate Springfield’s newest spot for flame-grilled African flavors, seasoned grills and vibrant sides.

Le Bistrot
103 Quimby Street, Westfield. Opened September 5.

A French family brings a taste of home to Quimby Street with this new neighborhood bistro. Expect classic French cooking, seasonal dishes, and desserts in a welcoming setting. Follow @lebistrot_westfield for the latest updates.

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
801 W Edgar Road, Linden

Union County’s first Raising Cane’s opened August 17, the chain’s ninth New Jersey location.

Of 73 diner-poll votes, eggs and home fries won with 52%, followed by Taylor ham/pork roll, egg and cheese at 21%. “Something else” drew 18%, beating pancakes (5%) and waffles (4%) combined. Somewhere a griddle is taking this personally.

Living through COVID reminded us how much we need real, face-to-face connection. Sometimes, it starts with sharing a meal.

Imagine dinner at a Union County restaurant with five other UC Scoop readers—a chance to meet new neighbors. Think conversation, not networking or dating.

We’re exploring a dinner club, not announcing a launch. It would be a paid experience; pricing and locations are still to be determined.

Would you consider joining? We’d love to hear your comments.

Discovered a hidden gem, new restaurant, or cool event? We'd love to feature it in The UC Scoop!

📩 Send your scoop to [email protected] or message us on Instagram @ucscoop

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County remembrance ceremony: 11 AM at Echo Lake Park; details above.

The county’s Adopt-a-Park program helps neighbors care for local green spaces. Volunteers remove litter, tackle invasive plants, plant trees and shrubs, and maintain bird boxes. Individuals and school, community or workplace groups can participate. Call 908-789-3683 to discuss a location and project with the coordinator.

🤝 Learn more & get involved

Looking for something different to do with friends, coworkers, or your favorite plant person? Nature Behind Glass brings guided terrarium-building workshops to groups around Union County.

No green thumb required. We supply the plants, glass and materials — you build your own miniature landscape to take home.

Interested in joining an upcoming workshop? → Email us.

A quick note: Nature Behind Glass is a project by the creator of The UC Scoop.

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