With warmer weather finally here and a pleasant Memorial Day weekend forecast, residents and visitors are taking advantage of one of the area’s greatest resources: James J. Braddock North Hudson Park. Following extensive renovations and upgrades over the past few years, the park is better and more inviting than ever, with its spectacular lake, inviting trails, children’s playground, numerous ball fields and courts, veteran’s memorial, and striking James Braddock statue.
 
And now there’s a great new reason to visit: Nature’s Park Café opened in September inside the lake house, offering a wide selection of delicious meals and snack options. Their vast international menu features everything from pancakes to quesadillas, croissants to empanadas, Jamaican beef patties to Greek yogurt.
 
Enjoy coffee or tea, a smoothie, juice or protein shake made from all natural ingredients – maybe paired with some avocado mash or a tasty dessert like mango Italian ices. Four legged friends aren’t forgotten either, with a variety of pet treats available.
 
Owner Madelin Zapata from North Bergen previously ran successful restaurants in Manhattan. This is her first venture in New Jersey. She renovated a portion of the lake house to accommodate the restaurant, with plans to install indoor seating upstairs in the near future.
 
Located at 5 Lakeside Drive South Nature’s Café is currently open every day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours during the summer.
 
For curbside pickup order ahead at www.naturesparkcafe.com and then call 201-861-8600 from the rotunda and they will deliver the food straight to your car.  

Additional Photos in Online Gallery