By: | September 5, 2025 | Dining | Colts Neck
by Emma Sylvia
Something that out of staters often underestimate is just how good the food can be in New Jersey. From a classic pork roll, egg and cheese to slices of pizza that can stand up to anything New York has, New Jersey – biases aside – has some of the best bites in the entire country, and nothing beats getting a group of friends and family together around the dining room table for a sizzling hot meal. Theresa Arpert, a Monmouth County native, knows this better than anyone – as her career path has lead her from the world of politics to opening her own catering business, Luce Del Sole.
Arpert is a Colts Neck local, having been born and raised there. “Monmouth County is truly a special place to live,” she says, “and Colts Neck in particular has that sense of community. It’s unmatched. Anywhere else you go, it’s nothing like Colts Neck.”
There was a brief stint when Arpert didn’t live in Colts Neck – she attended Fordham University in New York City, before attending Seton Hall Law School and commuting from Marlboro while doing so.
“I never ended up practicing law,” Arpert reminisces, “and instead, a few days after I graduated, I went back to politics.” Just two days after her last final, Arpert jumped on her first campaign, working as an intern for Shaun Golden and Christine Hanlon. She’s worked on other successful campaigns, like the legislative race for District 11.
While politics remained a passion, Arpert found herself drawn back to her other passion — cooking.
What’s Cookin’?
Arpert launched her catering company, Luce Del Sole, just a few months ago. She jokes that she’s “retired” from politics, but she is still involved – however, Luce Del Sole is her new full time focus.
“Cooking was always my passion,” she says with a smile. “Through undergrad and law school, I always found people and events to cook for.” She was influenced by her mother growing up, with every meal being an opportunity for togetherness and family. Inspired by her mother’s search to always find time to cook for others, Arpert has been cooking for events, and has frequently been the guest asked to bring a dish to a get-together.
“When I decided I’m not going to be doing politics much longer, I thought, ‘I should really make this my thing.’ People like to come to my house and try my food. So, I decided to dive in and do what I’m passionate about.”
Growing up with an Italian father — and a mother who joked that she was Italian in a past life — Arpert primarily cooks Italian and Italian-American food. “But it’s branched into anything. I like to try to make everything,” she notes.
Currently, Arpert is working with her summer menu, which has been an instant hit – especially her signature mac and cheese.
A One-Woman Army
Thanks to her past work in politics, Arpert’s had something of a built-in clientele, but with her company just starting, she’s excited to continue to branch out not just all over Monmouth County but throughout the state. “I want, in this beginning phase, for everyone to be very happy,” she says. “I want them to enjoy the food. I want them to feel like they’re a part of this. I want it to be more than catering.” Aside from the food, Arpert helps her clients plan her events from start to finish. “It’s important to me, at this beginning stage, to promote the business in all capacities.” Her goal, in the next five years, is to build out her company to have a real team, abounding with drivers, a marketing team and sous chefs.
Right now, Arpert has used her knowledge of building websites, and promoting via social media to get Luce Del Sole off the ground. “I wanted to challenge myself: Can I, from the ground up, build a business?”
“Now that I’ve started this business, I’ve completely fallen in love. I don’t see myself doing anything else. Now that I’m doing it, I don’t think I can go back,” she says.
Like any Italian from New Jersey will tell you, where there’s food, there’s comfort. “My favorite part of this is bringing comfort to people,” she notes. “I get such a thrill when someone’s tried something I made and says, ‘This is the best I’ve ever had.’” Bringing someone joy through cooking is something at the crux of Arpert’s character. After cooking for fun and herself for years, she’s ecstatic to bring people a menu of comfort.
Right now, she says that her mac and cheese, sourdough and tiramisu have been her clients’ favorite dishes. “I don’t have a favorite,” she remarks. “For me, I get the enjoyment out of what the other person enjoys. It’s figuring out what they most want and seeing that result.”
New Beginnings
Arpert is especially glad to bring her cooking to nonprofits and organizations in Monmouth County. She recently worked with 180 Turning Lives Around, a nonprofit that supports victims of domestic violence, and will be working with them again for an upcoming barbecue.
Arpert would never have found this opportunity unless she took a chance on herself and changed course. Reading a book by Ina Garten, she read how the author worked at the White House when she decided to open her first restaurant.
“It’s never too late to change course and follow your passion. I’m 30, and people my age – particularly young women – might be in a job or trying to figure out what they’re doing and aren’t fully satisfied. Find what you love, what you’ve always wanted to try, and go for it. Give it a shot.”
Even if you’re chasing your dreams on a part time or volunteer basis, there’s no time like the present to start doing what you love. “I never thought doing this, as much as I would love it, would bring me so much fulfillment.” From the legislative branch to the stovetop, Arpert has found her calling, and doesn’t plan on letting go of the reins any time soon.
To find out more about Luce Del Sole, visit lucedelsolecatering.com or visit @lucedelsolecatering on Instagram and Facebook
