Sayonara Sally, Mo Pho Don’t Go & Sunday’s Street Fair

It’s true. After decades of feeding Fort Lee residents, Sally Ling’s is no more. It appears that the lease was not renewed. As of yet, we don't know if Sally intends on re-opening in Fort Lee.

The restaurant's closing is a true loss to the town. Nobody could ring in the Chinese New Year quite like Sally Ling’s, and for most kids, this was their first experience eating Chinese food. Needless to say, it was a neighborhood joint that fed us as children, and went on to feed our children. But like so many other business owners in town, Sally was forced to leave. I’m learning from family-run stores all over town that in this bad economic cycle, landlords don’t care if sales are down--rents are still going up.

Next in line for a possible closure is Mo Pho Noodles located at 212 Main Street—another staple in town for many years. Quite a few of the regulars of Mo Pho have reached out to me because the owner is afraid she will not be able to remain open in Fort Lee when her lease expires. Again, business has been slow, but she is quite sure her rent is going up. I’m meeting with the owner to do a longer story, but please, let’s band together as a community and support Mo Pho in the same way that you came out to support Joeyness, another local favorite.

If you’ve never been to Mo Pho, you have no idea what you’re missing. Their crunchy shrimp and pork spring rolls and chicken summer rolls are out of this world, especially at this time of year when you might not feel like cooking. They also have vegetarian dishes, and according to our friend Max, a regular customer at Mo Pho, “they have the finest roast duck this side of the bridge.” So please visit the owner, K.T., and support her restaurant.

Ready, Set, Street Fair

This Sunday is the annual Fort Lee Arts & Music Festival which is always a great day in our town. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Main Street will be closed from Lemoine to Center Aves. so that artists, vendors and bands can take over.

Every year we splurge and buy some great original local art. Not only do we take away one-of-a-kind pieces, but it’s a great way to support our artists.

In addition to bands and artists there will be jewelry vendors, food and the one and only, our very own, Johnny Meatballs pushing his rolling meatball cart, or “Meatballs on a Roll,” as Johnny likes to say. The kids will love the free face painting. And our fire department will be on hand with free fire hats and balloons for the kids as well. So don’t miss it!