How to Turn Your NJPAC or Prudential Center Night Out Into the Ultimate Feast

There is nothing quite like an autumn evening out in downtown Newark. Right now, Essex County’s entertainment calendar is buzzing with world-class live performances at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and blockbuster arena events at the Prudential Center.

From catching world-class musical journeys like the captivating sounds of a global icon or a magnificent symphonic experience at NJPAC to packed, high-energy nights just down the street at the Prudential Center, a great night out usually follows a familiar script: getting dressed up, heading downtown, losing track of time, and realizing by 10:00 PM that you are starving.

Instead of scrambling for late-night options or settling for fast food on your drive home, here is how savvy Newark locals are pairing their event calendar with effortless, soul-satisfying West African dining.

1. The Pre-Show Gathering: If you are hosting friends at your place before heading out to NJPAC or the Prudential Center, rushing to cook a multi-course meal can put a damper on the evening.

Instead of going that route, you can order a party tray or a sharing combination of smoky jollof rice, fried plantains, and tender grilled meats from Ounje Alabeke. While keeping everyone energized and happy, this approach ensures you don’t get stuck behind a stove.

2. The Post-Show Warm-Up: The temperature drops quickly once you step out of a crowded venue into the crisp autumn night air. At the point of walking back to your car or waiting for a ride after a late show, you realize the need for comfort food that instantly warms you up from the inside out.

What you need is to walk through your front door to a steaming, aromatic bowl of rich, savory Egusi paired with soft pounded yam. It is the ultimate reward after a long, exciting night out.

You don’t have to disrupt your evening plans to eat well. So while you're getting ready or even while intermission is happening, you can pull out your phone, visit ounjealabeke.net, and schedule your order for pickup or delivery to match your exact timeline.

Explore our menu and place your online order today, so you don't let a fantastic night out in Newark end on an empty stomach.