There’s A New Traffic Signal On Hooper Avenue In Toms River

Work to install a new traffic signal to help safely guide pedestrians across Hooper Avenue in the County seat in downtown Toms River is now complete.

According to the Township Press Release, “This signal and the creation of the crosswalk by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office are all part of the steps we are taking to provide safer access to the Ocean County Courthouse and the Ocean County government buildings that line Hooper Avenue,” said Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Engineering. “We needed to make these changes to this section of Hooper Avenue to create a safer traveling environment and to accommodate the construction of the new Ocean County Justice Complex annex.”

            In addition to the recent installation of a Jersey barrier down the center of Hooper Avenue from Washington Street to Madison Avenue, a new traffic signal located by 119 Hooper Avenue has been installed in order to alert motorists of a crosswalk created for pedestrians. The signal can be changed by pedestrians by pushing a button on the sidewalk. Signage has been installed with instructions.

The pedestrian crosswalk over Hooper Avenue which connects the Ocean County Parking Garage to the Ocean County Justice Complex will be closed beginning Sept. 25 now that the traffic signal and crosswalk have been installed.

Pedestrians can also cross Hooper Avenue at the signalized crosswalks at the corner of Washington Street and Hooper Avenue and at Madison Avenue at Hooper Avenue.

The two traveling lanes in each direction of Hooper Avenue from Washington Street to Madison Avenue were decreased to one lane traveling north and one lane traveling south and the speed limit was reduced to 25 miles per hour. The outer lanes of Hooper Avenue were barricaded off from vehicle traffic.

 As part of the work, the Hooper Avenue entrance into the Ocean County Administration Complex at 101 Hooper Avenue is also now closed to motorists. Parking for County services and other downtown areas can be accessed from Washington Street or Hadley Avenue.

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            “We have a significant number of people using the various government buildings each day in downtown Toms River, whether it’s the Administration Building, the Ocean County Courthouse, the Justice Complex, and a host of others,” Kelly said. “It’s imperative that we make these changes to improve safety in the area for both motorists and pedestrians while construction work is underway.

“We urge everyone working or visiting the downtown area to adhere to these changes,” Kelly said. “Safety is of the utmost importance and we need everyone to be vigilant of the changes.”

Here are 7 places in Toms River that do a great version of Arancini. These are homemade deep-fried rice balls, filled with meat, cheese, and/or vegetables, and covered in sauce.

According to The Mediterranean, Arancini (pronounced “aran-chini”) is a Sicilian street food made of risotto that’s rolled into a ball, stuffed, breaded, and gently fried. When you bite into an arancino (the singular name for these golden beauties), you’re met with layers of flavor and texture. First comes the crispy outer layer, followed by a creamy risotto, and finally a center of melted cheese that stretches on for what seems like miles. These culinary treats take some effort to prepare, but they are truly a delight to eat. Perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer with a simple Marinara Sauce.

Arancini is believed to have originated while Sicily was under Arab rule, beginning in the 9th century. During this time, Middle Eastern foods including rice, citrus fruits, and spices were introduced to the locals. Arancini was fried, most likely to preserve transport. 

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While many of us have a deft hand in the kitchen and would love to make our own versions of these Italian Rice Balls, not many of us have the time or quite the skill to make the perfect serving. Maybe that's why over the past few years more and more establishments outside of traditional Italian Restaurants are taking their shot at making their own Arancini dishes. Yup, Arancini has become almost as ubiquitous as mozzarella sticks in many restaurants today. However, as a local Toms River fellow, I wanted to know what places in town make the freshest, tastiest, most authentic Sicilian Rice Balls in town. So here in no particular order, are the 7 places. 

The former owners of the legendary Rockafella's in Ortley Beach opened this comfy, cozy storefront restaurant a couple of years back in the same plaza as the beloved Breaking Bread and it has really taken off!  I've had their Arancini a few times and what I really love about them is how perfectly the risotto inside is prepared. Not an easy feat.  Plus the accompanying sauce is off the charts delish. Check out their menu here

One of the premiere places in town to get authentic homemade Italian dishes catered for your event, or just to grab a great lunch or dinner item! The menu is extensive and includes everything from burgers to artisan sandwiches and Italian desserts. You can get your Arancini 2 ways here: Risotto ball has just cheese. Rice ball has cheese plus beef
and a pork ragu in the center... Madone!  Both are served with marinara.

Perhaps my favorite Toms River pizza place outside of my Silverton home base. They do everything great and I especially love their extensive gluten free menu. their rice balls, as they call them on their menu, are big boys. a whopping 6 ounce ball filled with beef, peas, and cheese. Served with a side of sauce all for just 5 bucks, it's a deal anyone can wrap their teeth around! They also to a vegan version and gluten free upon request.

This Toms River favorite has finally found a home in Silverton, after moving around town a couple of times. They do it all from Sunday Sauce to homemade Ricotta Lemon Zest Cheesecake. However you have to start your meal with their amazing  Arancini Duo: 2 Deep Fried Rice Balls one filled with Bolognese Sauce & the other with Prosciutto & Mozzarella Cheese. Oh Lawd! If you want potato and no meat, try their potato croquettes, Arancini's French Cugine! 

I like these guys because they are not afraid to try new and different things so supplement their standard menu. Take for instance their Pesto Rice Balls on the everyday menu. 3 for $7.50 is a delicious deal and a great change of pace with the pesto. Earlier this summer I got to try this creation below. Damn good!

These folks have been serving Ocean County for over 30 years and this location has great food and very reasonable prices. Try the rice ball or rice ball parm with a cup of their from scratch tomato sauce. you won't be disappointed. One of Rockin' Robyn Lane's favorite places too!

This Jack Of All Trades place has great food and even live entertainment. Their scratch made rice balls are outstanding and are just one of many delicious apps you can choose from. And yes, they are indeed a bakery with amazing desserts.