It’s been a busy week in Jersey City for celeb-spotting and movie making. Earlier this week, we reported on The Greatest Beer Run Ever, starring Zac Efron, Bill Murray, and Russell Crowe filming in Van Vorst Park. Hoboken Girl recently found out that another star-studded project will be working in town this week. Armageddon Time stars Sir Anthony Hopkins and Anne Hathaway and will be filming in Jersey City.
About the Project
The film is written and directed by James Gray, and the plot is an autobiographical story according to Hollywood Reporter. It will explore James’ upbringing in pre-Reagan era Queens. James grew up in Flushing, Queens in a Jewish, Eastern European family.
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The film has been described as a coming-of-age story, and in a previous interview, James said that the project “[is] very much about people, about human emotions and interactions between people, and I want it to be filled with warmth and tenderness. In some sense, yes it’s about my childhood, but an illustration of familial love really on every level. I’m of the belief that most people do their best and that they try their best under difficult circumstances and in some sense that’s a beautiful thing and very moving to me.”
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Other actors attached to the film include Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jeremy Strong, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway.
The cast and crew have been spotted filming in Queens in 1980’s era clothing and cars.
Filming in Jersey City
A Facebook post from the City Government alerted neighbors of road closures due to the filming in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood.
The road closures can also be viewed via the city’s interactive map that shows real-time closures and detours. A closer look at the map shows several lifts will be in place, and two stoplights will be shut off. The road closures will be in place from 7AM Friday November 12th to 7AM Saturday November 13th.
A casting notice calling for extras and background actors indicates that filming will take place in Jersey City and Bayonne. The notice reiterates that it is a 1980’s period piece, so for those looking to get an extra role, be prepared to have a throwback hairstyle for a few days.
It’s unclear if Hathaway or Hopkins themselves will be in Jersey City, but safe to say we’re keeping a lookout.
HG will keep readers posted with further updates. Please be sure to send any celeb sightings to @thehobokengirl on Instagram or email us at [email protected].
A Guide to Ramadan in Hoboken + Jersey City for 2025
The month of Ramadan, which commemorates prophet Muhammad's first revelation in 610 AD, falls on the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. For 2025, the holiday starts on February 28th and ends on March 29th. The last day of Ramadan is called Eid al Fitr or "Festival of Breaking the Fast.” In Hoboken and Jersey City, there are all kinds of events to celebrate this holy month. The Hoboken Girl has also compiled a list of restaurants where locals can order food for Iftar (breaking of the day’s fast). Read on for more about Ramadan and how to celebrate locally in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey.
Giving Back
In addition to fasting and praying, another big part of Ramadan is charity. As one of the five pillars of Islam, giving away is a regular part of the religious practice carried out throughout the year. And during Ramadan, followers usually double down on their charity efforts.
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ICNA Relief USA's New Jersey chapter is located in Somerset and is a Muslim organization that provides "caring and compassionate service to victims of adversities and survivors of disasters," per the website. Every year, ICNA Relief hosts a Ramadan food distribution event to donate food boxes to those in need. For 2024, the organization distributed 27,000 boxes. This year, individuals are encouraged to carry on this tradition of giving. Those looking to give back can sponsor a food box or donate $75 to support the making of a food box. See more information here.
Read More: 2025 Blood Drive Dates for the Hoboken + Jersey City Area
Breaking Fast
Of course, for many people who observe Ramadan, one important daily ritual is Iftar, or breaking of the day’s fast. It happens at the call to evening prayer at sundown, and people often start it with some dried dates, along with a few bites of other finger food. A full meal follows after the evening prayer. In some countries, Iftar takes the form of elaborate banquets shared with extended family, friends, or even the entire neighborhood, and the preparation may start two to three hours before the meal. Restaurants also prepare Iftar specials for those who prefer to eat out for the big meal. Mosques, where the evening prayers take place, often arrange daily free Iftar for those in need. In some large cities, mosques, cultural institutions, or NGOs also organize iftar parties that allow people of other religions to explore Muslim culture.
Restaurants to Celebrate
Gypsy Grill | 187 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
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Gypsy Grill has an extensive menu and serves traditional Middle Eastern fare with an Egyptian twist. Alongside comfort foods such as hummus, baba ganouj, falafels, and moussakas, there is a wide variety of grilled meat. Gypsy Grill also serves a catering menu, which includes a falafal tray, a dolma tray, a meal platter, and more. See the restaurant's full menu here and the catering menu here.
Khokha | 60 Sip Avenue 2B, Jersey City
Khokha, a new eatery as of December 2024, serves up a completely halal menu of fast-food favorites like burgers, chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, and more. Patrons can find signature items like wagyu beef burgers, topped with chimichurri, jalapeño aioli, and romaine, as well as Pakistani-inspired options like the paratha rolls, which can be made with crispy chicken, pulled beef, or plant-based meat. For those who eat a plant-based diet, this restaurant has plenty of options, such as the Anda Shami, which comes with a chicken + split chickpea patty topped with omelet, cabbage, masala, ketchup, garlic sauce, and tamarind sauce.
Korai Kitchen | 576 Summit Avenue, Jersey City
Photo Credit: Alisha Rana
This famous Bangladeshi eatery, which received a James Beard Nomination in 2024, has been the go-to spot to celebrate Ramadan in years past. Previously, the restaurant served a “Ramadan Special,” providing some of the most typical fast-breaking seasonal dishes from Bangladesh. Details regarding this special menu have yet to be announced, but as of this writing, the restaurant serves its usual dine-in menu and a customizable catering option, which can serve up to 10 people. To inquire about catering, see here.
Rumi Turkish Grill | 67 Greene Street, Jersey City
Rumi Turkish Grill is known for its authentic Turkish cuisine and halal options. The menu includes traditional dishes like lamb shish kebab, mini dumplings stuffed with beef, and Turkish pide. One of the standout halal dishes is the combo platter, which features a variety of meats, including lamb adana, chicken shish kebab, and kofte.
See More: Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair
Local Happenings
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Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Feast at Town Hall Park
Town Hall Park
402 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ
The Township of Kearny will host a Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Feast at Town Hall Park on March 1st from 4:30PM to 6:30PM at 402 Kearny Avenue.
Inter-Faith Ramadan Iftar 2025 at City Hall Council Chambers
City Hall Council Chambers
280 Grove Street 2nd floor, Jersey CIty, NJ
This intercultural celebration will take place at the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, on March 4th at 4:45PM.
Ramadan Story Time + Craft at Hoboken Public Library
Hoboken Public Library
500 Park Avenue, Hoboken
Join Ms. Nouara for a special Ramadan Story Time and Craft at the Hoboken Public Library on March 16th from 10:30AM to 11AM.
Children’s Ramadan Craft at Pavonia Branch Library
Jersey City Free Public Library Pavonia Branch
326 8th Street, Jersey City, NJ
Make a children's Ramadan craft at the Pavonia Branch Library of the Jersey City Public Library on March 17th from 3:30PM to 4:30PM.
