A week before he was leaving for the International Cannes Film Festival in France, former Days of Our Lives star Tobias Truvillion sat down with the team at Destination Newark to explain why he calls Newark home, and what makes him come back, no matter how far away acting takes him.
Born in Queens, New York, the heartthrob moved to Newark about 10 years ago to settle down with his wife, Michele, who is a Newark native with her own share of film and TV credits including New Jersey Drive and Eddie Murphy’s animated series, The PJs. Acting since the age of 23, Tobias has played in more than 70 film and TV roles including First Wives Club, The Best Man, Law and Order, Chicago P.D., New Amsterdam, FBI, and most recently, The Equalizer.
The vegan/plant-based actor took us to a few of his favorite spots when he is at home:
Plants and Poets Café
505 Clinton Ave
Newark, NJ
The Gant-Gilbert Arts Creative is an artist hub located in the Clinton Hill section of the city. One of Tobias’ favorite spots is located within the newly-constructed building. Tobias knows by heart the star-studded menu at this quaint cafe, which specializes in vegan dishes named after legendary artists, singers, poets and leaders. Tobias is a fan of the Amiri Baraka lentil soup, Chuck Berry smoothie, Naughty by Nature salad and the Patty La Melt!
“Electric Avenue”
547-551 Central Ave
Newark, NJ
This strip of Central Avenue, coined ‘Electric Avenue’ by Tobias, has three vegan eateries that the plant-based actor regularly frequents: Blueberry Café Juice Bar & Vegan Grille “is a staple,” says Tobias, whereas the neighboring Zucchini Bar “is more eclectic and has more variety such as breakfast like chickpea eggs.” Next is Magic Cones Vegan Ice Cream Parlor “that has the best plant-based, coconut-based ice-cream.”
Tobias also holds healing circles for those seek-ing wellness guidance at Aqua Phit Water Bar & Gym, which is located in the storefront next door to the eateries.
John F Kennedy Aquatics Center
211 West Kinney St
Newark, NJ
One of Tobias’ hangouts year-round is the JFK Pool at the City of Newark’s recreation center. The Olympic-sized pool is the largest indoor/outdoor pool in New Jersey and has a retractable roof. “Don’t sleep on the JFK pool,” warns Tobias.
