Lou's Guide to Central Jersey

My name: Lou
My age: 30
My profession: College Textbook Sales
City/town: South River, NJ (Central Jerz)
Relationship status: Single
Sexuality: Gay
Member name: Phenomenalnite

What are some of the things you love most about South River?

It's a small town with lots of cultural flair from the Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish community But what's great about my town is the accessibility to the all the great small towns nearby.

Are any famous people from your town?

Janet Evanovich

If someone came to Central Jersey for just four hours, what is the one thing he should do?

I think a Weird NJ (a great magazine for all of the odd and creepy hotspots of NJ) outing is must. I suggest you start with the ruins of the old Bethlehem Steel munitions plant forgotten in the woods.

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends?

Ria Mar is great for Portuguese. Martino's is amazing for awesome Cuban food. Meola's is the place for the best Italian dishes. Or if you feel like Mediterranean food, then you have to go to Efe's.

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date?

Try the Tomato Factory (BYOB), or any of the aforementioned places.

What about these restaurants appeals to you?

They're small businesses, have great service, and provide excellent menus. You'll be satiated and romanced in these great hideaway eateries.

What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs?

I suggest Paradise in Asbury Park. It's the bees knees for the best gay scene and right next to the boardwalk of the Jersey Shore.

What are your favorite gay parties or events in your town, if any?

Pride in Asbury Park is a major deal. There is a strong community and you get the greatest acts  in front of the Convention Center.

What is the crowd or scene like at those places?

The crowd is hot. The people are hot. And the fun is just what you want.

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out there (or isn't there one)?

There isn't one in my town, but just a quick drive and you'll find a spot in Asbury. Or go to Hoboken. Another great place and just a stone's throw from the city.

What is the gay community like there?

Honestly, it's a major "fast love" scene, but the gay scene is by far the friendliest around. Making new buddies is no problem here.

Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene?"

I'm not a part of any scene, nor can I be limited by one. I'm eclectic by nature and I'm just pretty fluid where ever I go.

Where do you shop for clothes?

Jersey is the place for shopping. You have the Jackson outlets, Jersey Garden Mall, Freehold Mall, Woodbridge Mall, Menlo Mall, Paramus Mall, Short Hills Mall (for those who like the finer things), Quakerbridge Mall. If you want small town shops then go to  Princeton, Red Bank, Shrewsbury, or Morristown.

Where do you go for other forms of entertainment -- live theater, concerts, movies, art exhibits?

Man, Jersey has a scene for the arts. Asbury Convention Center, PNC Bank Art Center, Prudential Center, State Theatre, Liberty Science Center, Camden Aquarium and the list goes on.

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "must-dos" you'd recommend?

A great long weekend would be to eat at all of the places I mentioned. Shop at all of the places I mentioned. Go to the Jersey Shore. Go to Paradise for a Saturday night on the town. And then settle down with Mass in Metuchen on Sunday. :)

Is there a local cocktail that's popular in your town?

Clydz is a great place for Martinis. But the Olive Branch has a great Happy Hour with $1 drafts and .50 cent pizza slices.

Where do the hot boys in your town tend to hang out?

They are all over. You can find them where ever the shops are, but most especially at the shore.

If you had to describe the "average gay boy" style of your town in two words, what would they be?

I think I see an abundance of tight Abercrombie shirts and sandal wearing gay dudes. They look like they are from California, but with a more uppity attitude.

Do you have any local celebs?

Yep. Springsteen. Lauryn Hill. And the band, Thursday to name a few.

What bar has the cutest/hottest bartenders?

Geez. I never really look, but I think Paradise has its fair share of hotties.

Do gay men and lesbians hang out together in your town or is that just unheard of?

Not in my town in particular. It's kind of unheard of.

Has your town ever had a "gay scandal?"

Nope. But you have heard of Gov. McGreevey? That was a few towns over.

What was the last vacation you took? It was 7 years ago. Where did you go? London, Ireland, Paris. Where do you most want to go? Spain.

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