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.
Celebrate 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 @MORRISCITYLIFESTYLE
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 PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Jorda Photography
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
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-2: Morris City Lifestyle 1st Toys For Tots Program with Industrious and Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce 3: Morris City Lifestyle 1st Toys For Tots Program with Signature Realty and the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce. 4: Believe, Inspire Grow (B.I.G.) Madison & Chatham pod leaders holiday get together in Madison. 5: B.I.G. Madison & Chatham pod leader Cathy Maloney (left) & pod member (right) holiday get-together. 6: B.I.G. Madison & Chatham holiday get together, Ana Meyer (left) and pod member (right). 7: B.I.G. Madison & Chatham pod holiday get together pod member (left) Cathy Maloney Pod leader (right).
business monthly
Celebrate Valentine's Day at Portofino's BYOB Italian Restaurant!
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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Japanese Head Spa Treatment makes a great Valentine's Day Gift!
Book now for a rejuvenating experience and pamper yourself and your loved one with a Japanese Head Spa treatment in Madison, NJ. Elevate your hair care routine with our Hair & Scalp Therapy. Grow or thicken your hair with Collagene supplement, including biotin and keratin. https://beneaththesurfacespa.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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Look Beautiful
Award winning spa offering massages, advanced facials, anti-aging treatments, organic airbrush spray tan, full body waxing and Xtreme eyelash extensions. We cater to men, women and teens, offer the latest in products and therapies in a warm, inviting, and serene setting.
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
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
TAKE TIME OUT FOR SELF-CARE AND OVERALL WELLNESS
LOVE YOUR LOOK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY
“When people walk in here, they feel like they’re at home,” says Marcia Mehrali, owner of Beneath the Surface Spa in Madison. “It’s very welcoming and calming.” This hidden gem, located down the Waverly Lane alley in Madison, has the tagline, “Walk in and
“WHEN
feel better. She also enjoys educating her clients about the services they may need.
“Some people just want relaxation and that’s fine,” she says. “But I also want them to know about the next steps they can take and the prod-
PEOPLE WALK IN HERE, THEY FEEL LIKE THEY'RE AT HOME.”
float out,” because that’s how their clients say they feel after spending time here.
Since February is all about love, why not show yourself some love?
“Clients always say our spa gives them a very warm feeling,” she says. “When they’re in the rooms on our comfortable beds they say they can feel the stress melt away.”
Since stress isn’t good for any part of our body, decreasing it is especially important for overall physical health, and for feeling good mentally too. It’s so relaxing to have someone massage your face and body.
Plus, if you’re stressed, your face is going to show it. “Clients are often amazed at how much better they look when they let go of that stress,” says Marcia. “The minute they relax, I see their face change, whether it’s from the products or the massage. They look so much younger.”
Marcia originally opened the spa 14 years ago as a way to share her love of skin care and help people look and
ucts they can try to better their skin, although we never pressure anyone.”
The spa has price points for all budgets and also offers packages, memberships and monthly specials to allow clients to try new things.
Since this boutique spa is not part of a franchise, Marcia can offer what works best for her particular clients, who tend to prefer more natural solutions. For example, she used to offer Botox, but soon realized that this wasn’t a service her clients wanted.
The spa can also offer more unique services, such as a Japanese Head Spa. “It’s a facial for a healthier scalp,” she says. “We have a microscope that we use to look at your scalp and then we add different products at different times to remedy any problem areas. We do a before and after so clients can see the difference.”
A healthier scalp produces healthier hair, and can also stimulate follicles, explains Marcia. “I’m helping a couple of men thicken their hair. With one, I didn’t even think he had a follicle in
CONTINUED >
one spot, but when he came back after the second treatment you could see hair there. He was beaming.”
Another service is Fibroblasting. “Fibroblast cells are what blasts off collagen and this helps keep those cells moving,” she says. Other people may choose to do the Pro Cell Micro Channeling Treatment instead because there is less downtime. This treatment increases the production of collagen and elastin to lift and plump your skin for better elasticity. Clients are shown before and after photos so they can see how much it’s working.
“I did this service recently with a client and she sent five friends to me because everyone was saying how great she looked.” Clients generally need only one treatment – at the most two – and results should last up to two years.
Since nutrition is important as well when it comes to great looking skin and hair, collagen supplements that also contain biotin and keratin and have a 73% absorption rate are available at the spa and on its website. The type of collagen offered is the only one in the prescriber’s digital reference, which means that
“THE MINUTE THEY RELAX, I SEE THEIR FACE CHANGE…”
clients can ensure there are no contraindications with any medications they’re taking by checking with their doctors.
Beneath the Surface Spa has been named one of the best Spas in New Jersey by Best of NJ the last few years, which is rewarding for Marcia. She is also thrilled about being chosen to be on the entrepreneurial reality show, The Blox, which she will start filming in May.
“It’s like a game show, but you learn too from highly successful business people. You’re given a task in the morning and then you have to complete that task with a group. They pick a winner from each group at the end of the day.” The Blox is streamed, including on Facebook. Make an appointment soon, and enjoy floating out the door feeling and looking your best.
BeneathTheSurfaceSpa.com
A TRENDZ-Y PARTY
LUXURY BRIDAL SUITE AND PARTY ROOM THAT PROVIDES FUN AND BEAUTY AT THE SAME TIME
At the age of 12, Raul Grippaldi was cutting men’s hair in his father’s salon in Argentina. In 1996, he opened Trendz Color & Design Salon in Florham Park.
“I love both the artistic part of it and working with my hands,” he says. “When I came to the U.S., I started doing ladies’ haircuts and color and I always liked how I made people feel.” Raul still provides services to clients, and is a true expert in hair extensions.
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY
Trendz is a large modern salon well known for its precision haircuts, beautiful styles, and superior color services, as well as high-quality hair extensions, manicures/pedicures, waxing and facials. Now, it’s also known for its high-end Bridal Boutique where brides and bridal parties can get ready in a luxurious, comfortable, and private space.
This large and airy suite with its five stations is large enough to comfortably hold up to 20 people who can either use the talented stylists, nail technicians and makeup artists already at the salon, or bring in their own. The bride and her attendants are also welcome to bring in their preferred cocktails and foods, and the salon can provide requested culinary
“IT'S A VERY FRIENDLY SALON, AND A HAPPY PLACE TO BE.”
delights and soft drinks through a catering service they use as well.
“Instead of renting a hotel room or another venue to do their hair and makeup, they can get ready at Trendz in a more comfortable place,” says Raul. The salon will open early for bridal parties whenever needed so everyone can be ready on time. “We sometimes open at 6:00 in the morning,” says Raul.
The Bridal Boutique does double duty as a party space for other fun adult get togethers such as a girls’ night out, birthday parties and bachelorette parties
where people can take advantage of some of the salon’s many services. Once again, hosts and guests are able to bring in and enjoy their favorite foods and cocktails, or request food and soft drinks through the salon.
Trendz’s 35 stylists have a wide range of specialties, so clients with different hair types and textures can sit back and relax knowing that the person handling their hair is an expert. In addition to their own training, the team is able to attend the many classes the salon offers, so they are always up on the latest skills and trends.
One of the newest additions to its amazing team is Sherisa Jafferally, who has a wide range of expertise in facials and skin care treatments. Since beginning her career, she has continued to hone her skills, working with the latest technologies in skin care.
Sherisa has diplomas in aesthetics, and has taken numerous private education classes and seminars with international plastic surgeons and skin-care specialists. She is a state board-certified aesthetician and also holds certificates in pre/ post-surgery care and treatments, lifting facial points, and medical cosmetology techniques. She loves to share what she’s learned with her many clients.
Trendz Color & Design Salon also offers wonderful spa packages that include manicures, pedicures, mini-facials and spray tans. What an indulgent way to spend a few precious hours!
In addition to all this, clients can find a nice array of high-quality hair products to use at home. It really is a one-stop beauty shop.
Being in business for 28 years at this location has allowed Raul and his stylists and technicians to foster close relationships with many of their clients. “It’s a very friendly salon, and a happy place to be,” he says.
To find out more, reserve the suite, or make an appointment for a more beautiful you, go to TrendzSalon.com or call 973-377-5552.
At Mexican Spice, we believe every celebration deserves a touch of magic. That’s why our Taco and Cantina trucks are ready to come to you, bringing an authentic Mexican fiesta right to your doorstep. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, graduation, corporate event, or any special occasion, we’ll make your party unforgettable!
At Enriched Aesthetics our mission is valuing our commitment to quality care. We strive to provide an enriching experience, which will enhance and compliment your natural beauty, inspiring you to become the best version of yourself. At Enriched Aesthetics, we use the latest innovative technologies, enriched with the highest quality care, while promoting teamwork and creative thinking among colleagues, making us the premier destination for your aesthetic needs.
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
A Handmade Date Night
Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.
A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.
From-Scratch Pasta
what you need
Lavender Bath Salt Blend
what you need
16 ounces Bokek Dead Sea Salt 20 drops lavender essential oil
what you do
In a mixing bowl, add drops of the essential oil to the bath salt and mix well; store in a glass jar. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the scented salts to a bath for a relaxing experience. SeaSalt.com
Yield: 1 pound
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
4 large eggs
what you do
1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight.
2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent.
3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com
Dark Chocolate Truffles
what you need
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
what you do
1. Bring the cream to just a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla, stir until smooth and set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature.
2. Beat chocolate at medium speed until thick and light-colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish, smooth and refrigerate 2 hours until firm.
3. Pour cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl, and using a melon baller or small ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of chocolate. Roll in cocoa powder until coated and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Recipe from FoodNetwork.com
THE LURE OF SCOTTSDALE
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
FROM RELAXATION TO SHOPPING TO GOLF TO SIGHTSEEING, THIS DESTINATION HAS IT ALL
The endless skies of blue are interrupted only by cacti rising majestically from the ground, arms reaching skyward, and palm trees, which are often adorned by lights that twinkle when the sun sets. There are vistas of open desert, rising mountains, and even the lush green of the locale’s many golf courses. And, of course, there are the vibrant shopping, dining, art, and event scenes, too.
Scottsdale is a city located in Metro Phoenix in Arizona, which as a whole is nicknamed “The Valley of the Sun” for its more than 330 days of sun each year—one of the reasons the area is a draw for visitors. With few rainy days, it’s easy to plan your daily activities without worry. Yes, though, the summer gets hot. But the rest of the year? Perfection.
Scottsdale is a mix of a resort destination, city, and suburbs, with more open desert the further north you venture. To the south is Downtown Scottsdale —also known as Old Town Scottsdale—which is a mix of old Southwestern charm (including the legendary cowboy saloon, Rusty Spur Saloon); modern eateries from famed chefs; lots of shopping at small boutiques and specialty shops; the Arts District , which is filled with art galleries; and even tasting rooms from Arizona wineries located along the famed Scottsdale Wine Trail
Nearby is Scottsdale Fashion Square , one of the nation’s premier shopping destinations. While you’ll find many usual retailers there, there are also more than 40 luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, and Louis Vuitton.
Heading north are open-air shopping destinations Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons , which sit across the street from each other. Take the afternoon or evening to stroll through, exploring the shops, restaurants, and activity destinations such as the indoor mini-golf destination Puttshack
What else is there to see and do? Plenty.
CULTURE
The beauty of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert led famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), to build Taliesin West , his winter home and desert laboratory, in a mountainside in East Scottsdale. Today, there are daily tours of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and events are offered often.
However, Wright’s architecture isn’t the only art in the area. Beyond the Arts District in Downtown Scottsdale, there is public art all around the city, from sculptures to murals, so definitely keep your eyes open!
There are also museums such as Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West , a Smithsonian Affiliate, which showcases items from the Greater Western region, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art , affectionately known as SMoCA.
On Thursday evenings, there’s a free public ArtWalk in the Arts District, where galleries stay open later. Wander the streets and galleries, often against a backdrop of live music and even artist appearances.
NEARBY
While there’s so much to do, see, and experience in Scottsdale proper, there’s also much to see nearby. Make sure to experience the Musical Instrument Museum (affectionately known as the MIM), which is the world’s only global instrument museum. Desert Botanical Garden features an array of desert plants, and Phoenix Art Museum has an impressive collection of art. And, of course, the Phoenix Zoo is a perfect place for both kids and adults alike.
