LOVE LOCAL!
Celebrating Local Businesses We Love
FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
FOCUSED, PERSONALIZED CARE
LOCAL SERVICES
SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER
ENTERTAINMENT A SLICE OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD + BEVERAGE
FINDING THE PERFECT MATCH CHOCOLATES AND WINES
Love Local! Celebrating Local Businesses We Love
February - Love Local Issue
I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always torn. I find myself torn between resisting the commercialization of another greeting card holiday and indulging in all the sweet excuses to enjoy the season.
To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? I usually land somewhere a little in between. We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in your local community.
While we teeter between the chill of January Winter and the excitement of Spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. The ones in your home and on your street. In your neighborhood and your community.
“Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community - but it also means loving what is near. Those under your own roof included. So grab a coffee at your favorite local coffee house and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle of wine and some cheese and indulge on a movie night in.
We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month.
Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like.
Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before.
If you are looking to grow your business and advertise with us, or have local stories to share, reach out to John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com or call us at 973-944-1440. We look forward to seeing you around town!
Happy February!
ANA AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @CHATHAMSHORTHILLS
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS
Stephany Aznar, Ben Meyer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Frank DiIorgi
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chris Jorda Photography, Carley Storm Branding
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Dr. Mark I. Khaimov, D.D.S.
At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
city scene
business monthly
Celebrate Love at Portofino's with a BYOB Valentines Day Dinner
Celebrate love at Portofino’s Restaurant in Morristown, NJ! Enjoy an amazing date night with our delicious Italian food in a welcoming destination. Bring your favorite wine (BYOB) and make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable. With 30 years of excellence, Portofino’s is your perfect romantic spot. Reserve your table now for a memorable evening filled with culinary delights and warm ambiance. https://portofinosrestaurant.com/
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Let Mexican Spice Warm Up Your Cold February!
Warm up in February with authentic Mexican food at Mexican Spice in Chatham, NJ. Inspired by Mexico City, our cozy dining area seats 20 guests, perfect for intimate gatherings. Enjoy our delicious dishes in-house, or opt for our mobile food truck and cantina catering for your events. Indulge in flavorful meals that bring the essence of Mexico to your table. Book your catering event, dine in, or order out today! https://www.mexicanspice.net/
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Japanese Head Spa Treatment makes a great Valentines Day Gift!
Evive Spa: Where Wellness Meets Elegance. Indulge in a Valentine's Day escape with a Japanese Head Spa at Evive Spa in Springfield, NJ. Enjoy a 60-minute journey to tranquility. Remove impurities, boost circulation, and promote hair growth while relieving headaches and tension. This luxurious treatment includes scalp massages, shampoo, mini facial, mask, eye treatment, and more. Treat yourself or a loved one to this ultimate relaxation experience!
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La Pergola: Where Love and Fine Dining Meet
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a romantic dining experience at La Pergola in Millburn, NJ. Since 2010, Chefs and Owners Agron and Driola Kaloshi have created a warm, welcoming place showcasing authentic northern Italian cuisine. Enjoy a culinary journey with expertly crafted dishes inspired by Italy. Book your reservation now and make this Valentine's Day unforgettable!
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Professional Eye Lashes @ Chatham's Glaze Salon
Transform your gaze with Paris Lash Academy eyelashes at GLAZE Salon in Chatham. Renowned for their natural, real-looking beauty, these lashes let you create your perfect look—whether it's bold drama, added volume, or a subtle "mascara-on" finish. Lightweight and luxurious, they're crafted for comfort and long-lasting wear. Elevate your eyes effortlessly and experience lashes that enhance your style while staying beautifully you. Discover your lash perfection at GLAZE Salon today! https://glazesalon.com/
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Celebrate Love with Azzurri’s Modern Italian Cuisine in LBI
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at Azzurri Italian Cucina, where tradition meets innovation. Indulge in bold Italian flavors with a modern twist, all within a stunning setting inspired by the tranquil Mediterranean. Nestled on Long Beach Island, Azzurri offers an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for warming hearts even in winter. Whether it’s a romantic evening or a culinary escape, Azzurri is the destination for love and flavor. Reserve your table today at azzurrilbi.com.
EXCEPTIONAL
DENTISTRY BY SPECIALIZED DENTISTS
Dr. Azizian, DDS & Dr. Sallustio, DDS
Dr. Sallustio and Dr. Azizian practice a full scope of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry. With a focus on implants, crowns, bridges and porcelain veneers, Dr. Sallustio and Azizian help patients regain confidence in their smile. The doctors also provide life changing treatments includng same day All-on-4 implants and bridges, prosthetics for oral cancer, trauma and congenital defects including cleft lip and palate. Consider a consultation with Drs. Sallustio and Azizian to analyze your smile.
FOCUSED, PERSONALIZED CARE
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
Family law attorney Sandra Fava established her own practice in September of last year and she couldn’t be more thrilled. “After nearly 20 years in big law, I decided I wanted to be able to give my clients more focused, personalized service,” she says.
Sandra Fava, ESQ at
“To have other people recognize all the hard work and receiving these awards gives me a tremendous feeling of pride.”
Fava Law is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and since becoming an attorney, Sandra’s life has changed dramatically. She is married with three children, and has gone through a harrowing health journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer during COVID.
“I needed to have more control over my schedule and be able to find my own balance without having to worry about the bureaucracy,” says Sandra. Her children love going to the office and seeing her name on the door. “My oldest is 12 and he wants to be a lawyer too like me and my husband. When I got my business cards, he asked for some so he could take them to school and give them out to the other 6th graders!”
His friends told their parents and she received a lot of support from them. “Other moms and dads reached out and offered congratulations. It was really nice to have people encouraging me and saying all these wonderful things,” she says.
Sandra is known for her compassionate care of her clients and their children, and fortunately, she found an associate who shares her ideals. “When I met Iselle Chiariello, I just knew she was going to be the right fit with my clients and with my approach, and have the same mindset about service and work.”
Speaking of service, Sandra is a big believer in giving back. She’s a trustee with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Morris/Sussex counties, and for the last three years has hosted a Pink Party fundraiser at her home that benefits the Breast Cancer Research Fund. This past October, the event raised $12,000. She also hosts her own podcast, Life After Love Gone Wrong.
Nearly all of her clients followed her to Fava Law, and she has many new ones thanks to word of mouth and referrals. It’s no wonder. She’s been awarded Best Lawyer, Super Lawyer, Leading Woman Entrepreneur and more.
“To have other people recognize all the hard work and the long hours I put into my career and receiving these awards gives me a tremendous feeling of pride,” says Sandra. “My father told me very early on that the only thing you really have is your integrity, and if you can make sure you keep that throughout your life with whatever you do, it’ll be the best reward possible. Teaching my kids that is super important.”
Sandra enjoys educating, and here, just in time for Valentine’s Day, she provides some tips on making love last:
Keep Your Expectations Realistic: Embrace your partner’s imperfections and remember that no one is perfect.
Make Your Relationship a Safe Place: A loving relationship should be a sanctuary - a space where both partners feel secure, respected, and understood.
Focus on the Positives, Not the Negatives: Dwelling on the negatives can poison the well of love.
Team Up - Especially in a Crisis
Pay Attention to the Small Stuff: It’s the little things that count.
Have Fun and Laugh Together: Find joy in shared moments.
Be Present: Dedicate quality time to your partner.
Allow Each Other Room to Grow: Give your partner the freedom to evolve and discover themselves.
FavaLawNJ.com
ARTICLE BY FRANK DIILORGI
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER
MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINS FORCES WITH TOYS FOR TOTS
This past holiday season was a little brighter thanks to the MillburnShort Hills Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s iconic Toys for Tots Program—and it was nothing short of magical. With a mission to bring joy and hope to children in underrepresented New Jersey communities, five local chamber member businesses transformed into festive drop-off locations, each radiating with the spirit of generosity. Participating businesses in Millburn-Short Hills
Signture Realty Phyllis Moriello and Michael Gomes
Erica Russo & Anna Colatruglio M&T Bank, Millburn
“Our Board members are passionate about making a difference,” said Ana Meyer. “This program reflects the very best of what our Chamber stands for: collaboration, generosity, and community spirit.”
included EVIVE Spas, Industrious (with Chatham + Short Hills & Morris City Lifestyle), La Pergola, M&T Bank, and Signature Realty. Together, they rallied their employees, customers, and the broader community to fill donation boxes with toys for children in need. “This program is about so much more than toys,” said Ana Meyer, President of the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce and publisher of the Chatham + Short Hills Lifestyle and Morris City Lifestyle magazines. “It’s about spreading joy, building community, and that children receiving these toys experience the magic of the holidays.” A Tradition of Giving For decades, the Chamber has been a pillar of the Millburn-Short Hills business community. Representing a diverse group of local entrepreneurs, the Chamber fosters collaboration and promotes economic well-being. This year, the Board wanted to deepen its impact by aligning with a reputable cause that resonates with the season of giving. Toys for Tots, with its rich history of delivering holiday cheer to disadvantaged children since 1947, was the perfect partner. The Magic Behind the Mission The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is a nationwide initiative, conducted in over 800 communities. It’s not just about collecting toys; it’s about delivering hope and ensuring that children feel cherished. Each local campaign begins in October, with drop-off sites collecting new, unwrapped toys. These gifts are later sorted and distributed by community coordinators, with the support of social welfare
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agencies, churches, and local organizations. Board Members Leading the Way The success of this initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of the Chamber’s dedicated Board of Directors; Ana Meyer (Chatham + Short Hills City Lifestyle), Rick Davis (Cooperman Barnabas), Carl Mink (Millburn Camera), Elvira Chaus (New York Life), Leigh Schaedel (The Paper Mill Playhouse), Juila Cheng (EVIVE Spas), Ross Fields (London Jewelers), Steve Grillo (Explore Millburn-Short Hills), Breana Grosz (The Mall at Short Hills), John Meyer (Morris Media Solutions), Samir Patel (Blue Code Networks), and Erica Russo (M&T Bank). A special thank you to Leigh Schaedel’s contributions from The Paper Mill Playhouse for donating two tickets for their 2025 “Mystic Pizza” performance and M&T Bank along with Signature Realty for filling their donation boxes multiple times over. “Our Board members are passionate about making a difference,” said Ana Meyer. “This program reflects the very best of what our Chamber stands for: collaboration, generosity, and community spirit.” A Holiday to Remember As the toys began to pile up, so did the excitement. By mid-December, the Chamber’s inaugural holiday giving program had exceeded expectations, collecting hundreds of toys for children in need. The impact of this effort will ripple far beyond the holiday season. So, if you happened to have spotted a collection box brimming with brightly unwrapped toys you were witnessing the magic of a community coming together. And thanks to the MillburnShort Hills Chamber of Commerce, their participating members, that magic is sure to shine even brighter next year! Consider joining the chamber and continue making a difference. https://www.millburnshorthillschamber.org/
Tom (L) and Kaya (R)
John Meyer Chatham + Short Hills City Lifestyle
Finding The
Perfect Match
Enhance the delectable flavors of chocolate and wine
If you want to delight your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, give them a gift of premium chocolates. To really make an impression, pair those with the right bottle of wine.
As with savory foods, certain wines can bring out the flavors of chocolate in a most extraordinary way. Since there are many different varieties of chocolate – milk, dark, and white – and many types of wines, there are certain important criteria to follow to ensure that you enhance both flavors, and not overwhelm or dilute them. To save you the time of taste testing and matching on your own (although that would be enjoyable), wine and chocolate experts have already done the work for you.
For instance, they have found that for a delicately flavored milk chocolate, a heavy full-bodied red will eradicate its subtle flavors. Or, for an intensely flavored chocolate, such as bitter dark chocolate, the delicate flavors of a light white wine will be overshadowed.
It’s also important to match the sweetness of the wine with the sugar content of the chocolate. Dark chocolate is best paired with drier wines, while white and milk chocolate should be served with sweeter wines. These will enhance the flavors of both instead of competing against each other. And it’s always better to go a step up in sweetness than a level down.
While Valentine’s Day often calls for Champagne, it’s best to abstain while consuming chocolate. Although delicious, its dry and astringent nature doesn’t pair well with the confection.
There are many varieties of dark chocolate from slightly bitter to very bitter. That has to be taken into account when selecting the best pairing since both dark chocolate and wine contain tannins, and the intense concentration of these on the palate would not be favorable. So, be sure to pair a high-percentage cocoa chocolate with a more full-bodied wine such as a Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Grenache or Malbec. A nice vintage port would also work well.
Dark Chocolate
Made from less cacao but with a high amount of sugar, milk chocolate is a favorite among many chocolate aficionados and much easier to pair with a wide variety of wines since the milk content makes it milder.
Lighter, fruitier wines and reds with a lower alcohol content pair well, as do fortified wines like Muscat or Tokay. A Lambrusco, Riesling, Moscato Noir, and other aged reds also work. A ruby port would be a nice complement too.
While not technically a “true chocolate,” it’s still a favorite of many. Made from cocoa butter, a high concentration of sugar and cream, white chocolate is delectably sweet and due to the cream, high in fat. It’s this fat that brings out the flavors and notes of a sweet wine.
Wines such as a Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and a Moscato d’Asti pair nicely. A rosé port is also a nice accompaniment to this type of chocolate.
When choosing the best pairings, it’s important to factor in what other ingredients are in the chocolate, such as nuts, fruit and caramels. Most aged sparkling reds pair very well with flavored chocolates. For a dark raspberry, a good choice would be a Cabernet, while a dark orange would be nice with a Botrytis Semillon. Pair a citrus-infused white chocolate with a Sauvignon Blanc and a hazelnut chocolate with a Brachetto d'Acqui for a flavorful and delicious combination.
Milk Chocolate
White Chocolate Flavored Chocolate
A SLICE OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
When Broadway playwright and actress Sandy Rustin called director Casey Hushion during the pandemic to collaborate with her on another play, Casey couldn’t have been more excited. “We’ve been friends for years, live in Maplewood, and had just worked on Clue together at Paper Mill Playhouse, where we found that we had this incredible chemistry,” she says. “We enjoyed Clue so much and were really eager to find the next thing together.”
That next great thing was Mystic Pizza , a musical based on the successful 80s movie starring Julia Roberts. “I can’t believe the songs that we were able to get to be part of this show,” she says. “It’s spectacular.”
Beginning performances on January 29 at Paper Mill, the audience will be dancing in their seats to Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now and many more originally recorded songs by Cyndi Lauper, John Cougar Mellencamp, Wilson Phillips, The Bangles, Belinda Carlisle, and Bryan Adams.
Mystic Pizza , she says, reaches across generations. For those who watched the film when it came out, they will be filled with nostalgia, while at the same time being able to share it with older and younger family and friends.
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Amazing Broadway-caliber shows close to home
“It’s about sisterhood, about family and your chosen family and friendships,” says Casey. “It’s about community as well and is a very open hearted, warm, and joyful show.”
As usual, Paper Mill Playhouse has a lot more in store for theatergoers. After Mystic Pizza closes, Take the Lead and Disney’s The Little Mermaid will finish up the 2024-2025 season. The 2025-2026 season is on target to be just as exciting.
Casey has been a director for 25 years and especially loves working at the Playhouse. “My first show here was Beehive during the pandemic. It’s been a creative home for me and the people are so incredible. It’s my absolute favorite place to work, and it’s six minutes from my house.”
In addition to Clue and Mystic Pizza , she directed Jolly Holiday, Murder on the Orient Express , and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical . “I feel so lucky because my kids, family friends and the whole Maplewood community are able to easily come and see the shows,” she says. “It’s right in our backyard, and the quality of the shows are Broadway level without a doubt.”
Another thing that makes this gem of a theater a real draw is its beautiful building and grounds. In nicer weather, theatergoers can spend intermission outdoors viewing a meandering stream and watching koi swim in a little pond.
Paper Mill also provides unique experiences that complement their shows. Before Mystic Pizza even opens, fun 80s & 90s events will be on tap at The F.M. Kirby Carriage House Restaurant, located right next to the theatre. Then, since the main characters in the play are Portuguese-American, Chef Jacques will be featuring a menu with Portuguese Kale & Linguica Soup and Iberian Lamb Stew & Olives. For dessert, diners can enjoy delicious Chocolate Pizza and Fruit Pizza!
As successful as the theatre is, there are always plans to make it better. In October, it kicked off a $43.7 million capital campaign to create an even more amazing experience. The theater is counting on their generous donors, subscribers, and single ticket buyers to complete the renovations over the next three years. Get your tickets now for Mystic Pizza or one of the other phenomenal shows on tap. Go to PaperMill.org or call 973-376-4343.
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