Bergen: December 2017 by Wainscot Media

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 11 | $3.95 | BERGENMAG.COM

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 11 | DECEMBER 2017

HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE n LOCALS

CELEBRATE THE SEASON ABROAD n SWEET TREATS FOR ALL n HOME DECOR THAT LIFTS YOUR SPIRITS

FESTIVE FROCKS

from Donna Moda, Westwood

BERG.1217.cover.indd 2

11/14/17 1:56 PM

JOIN NOW

SAVE 60%

INTRODUCING

Valley Health LifeStyles AT T HE N E W VA L L E Y C E N T E R FO R H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

O P E N TO L E A R N M O R E

ValleyHealthLifeStyles.com

C2_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:35 PM

303 Franklin Avenue

001_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

Wyckoff, NJ 07481

201-848-8489

devonfinejewelry.com

11/15/17 4:40 PM

JOIN NOW

SAVE 60%

INTRODUCING

Valley Health LifeStyles AT T H E N E W VA L L E Y C E N T E R FO R H E A LT H A N D W E L L N ES S O P E N I N G I N M A H WA H I N E A R LY 2 0 1 8

◗

The first 500 people to sign up will receive 60% off the enrollment fee.

◗

Call 201-389-0839 now to reserve your membership.

◗

C3_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 12:02 PM

The LifeStyles fitness center includes: ◗ Six-lane lap pool, warm-water therapy, whirlpool and saunas ◗ Group exercise studios, rock climbing wall, gymnasium and state-of-the-art fitness equipment ◗ Babysitting services, KidStyles fitness program and AfterCare supervised exercise ◗ Walking/running track ◗ The medical fitness difference: qualified staff, physician oversight,

safe and meaningful outcomes

ValleyHealthLifeStyles.com

C4_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 12:03 PM

CHILTON MEDICAL CENTER Ranked

ked

HOSPITAL

ITAL

BY NEW JERSEY DOCTORS

TWO YEARS IN A ROW Source: Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. 2017 Hospital with 350 beds or fewer

Atlantic Health System is proud to bring our best to the communities we serve. 1-888-4AH-DOCS atlantichealth.org

002_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2

11/15/17 4:39 PM

68 Westwood Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675

201.594.0900 DONNAMODANJ.COM

003_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 12:07 PM

CONTENTS

{ DEC 2017 } ENTERTAINING

Don’t stop decorating after the lights go up and the tree is topped.

Features A World of Treats | 52

Every country has a traditional dessert that’s been satisfying sweets lovers for centuries. But you don’t have to travel there to get them.

Hot Dog! | 58

BERGEN chats with Callahan’s owner Dan DeMiglio about food trucks, truffle burgers and the difference a viral video makes.

Total Body Makeover | 66

It’s almost the New Year, so it’s time to get physical—and heed these routines we’ve finagled from fitness experts.

Black, White & Red All Over | 68 The ultimate power colors make for a jaw-dropping fashion statement.

Make A Wish | 74 BERGEN staffers answer the question: What gifts are you looking forward to giving or receiving?

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.TOC.1.indd 4

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 34 96 100

Editor’s Note Health News Be There Where to Eat

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:54 PM

Authorized Dealers Of Fine Watches

58 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631 . 201-894-1825 www.thetimepiececollection.com Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/timepiececollection

005_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:39 PM

CONTENTS

Departments Local Buzz | 25 Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in Bergen County.

For Men Only | 32

Our fashion pro provides great advice to help you score high grades, sartorially speaking, with these formalwear tips.

Style Watch | 36

Top off your winter look with one of these imitation fur coats—and see why faking it has never been so fashionable!

Jewelry Box | 38

The season’s must-have baubles will have you taking a bow.

Home Front | 40

Jewel-toned, “touch me” pieces are giving rise to the season’s most coveted looks for living.

Talk of the Town | 42

There’s lots to love about the NYC bedroom community of Ridgewood.

Escapes | 50

True, for Christmas there’s no place like home. But these festive destinations are delightfully different!

Tastes | 78

Fill your home with the aroma of these festive gingerbread cookies. Your family and friends will thank you!

Power Food | 84

Persimmons can boost brain function, eye health and more—plus ease a hangover.

Spirits | 86

Spiked with mezcal and finished with a pinch of chipotle powder, this four-ingredient cocktail warms you up when it’s freezing outside.

Gatherings | 89

Photos from recent events in and around the county, plus a special BergenFest page.

Restaurant Review | 98

Dining in Bergen can be a memorable experience—especially when the meal is enjoyed during the holidays.

A Bergen Moment | 112 Melissa Milano knows this candid photo will be a “family favorite” for years to come.

40 BERG.1217.TOC.1.indd 6

BERGENMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2 017

11/16/17 1:54 PM

H. William Song, MD

THE CHANGING LEGEND OF THE VAMPIRE One part of the vampire legend that has been present from the beginning and has proved highly resistant to change is the idea that the vampire is irresistible and, even when that attraction is attributed to some other (usually magical) cause, extremely handsome or beautiful. In the Russian folktale “The Vampire,” the creature is “such a fine fellow. The picture of health, regular blood and milk, and smartly and richly dressed” (Pilkington 295). In Gogol’s “Viy,” one of the world’s great horror stories, the female vampire is described as having, “Such terrible, dazzling beauty!” (Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, transl., The Collected Tales of Nikolai Gogol [New York: Pantheon Books, 1998], 182). - Ace G. Pilkington

:EQTMVI*EGIPMJX2. GSQ Omni Aesthetics is an official provider and training site for all PRP treatments including the Vampire Facelift, Vampire Facials, O-Shot, P-Shot and Hair restoration. Dr. Song is internationally recognized for his expertise in cosmetic and regenerative medicine.

007_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:39 PM

delivering

more naturally

joy

It’s what expectant families hope for, and what our doctors and team aim to do: deliver a pampered experience, tailored to an individual’s needs and desires, for the healthiest outcome. Now in-network with Horizon BCBS Insurance

Schedule a one-on-one tour to view our birth unit and connect with a coach at CarePointHealth.org/OB or call 201-821-8819.

008_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2

H O B O KE N • J E R S E Y C I T Y

11/15/17 4:39 PM

009_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:39 PM

Ginger STORES Women, Children & Home

•

&E XPO

WINNER

S D

B ER G E

Merry & Bright No doubt you’re like most of us: There are just not enough hours in the day to complete our growing to-do list. With the demands of work, family and a myriad other commitments, it can be difficult to carve out time for ourselves. So when a special occasion arises on our social calendar—and let’s face it, during the holidays there are plenty of those—it’s the perfect opportunity to make the most of it, and this issue of BERGEN can guide you. First, any memorable evening starts with a memorable outfit—a special ensemble that gives you that “all dolled up” glow. In “Black, White & Red All Over,” on page 68, you’ll find photos of jaw-dropping dresses—from posh gowns to cocktail numbers—from a local shop, of course, in the simple, ultimate power colors. To complement your stunning outfit, you’ll need a statement piece of jewelry. In “Bow Wow,” on page 38, you find a selection of baubles that will have you taking a bow. And to top off your winter look as temperatures plummet, we’ve found some fun faux furs that prove it’s never been so fashionable to fake it! You’ll find them on page 26. Lest the gents think we’ve forgotten them, check out “Formalwear 101,” where one of our fashion pros provides great advice to help your guy score high sartorial grades. It’s on page 32. If you long for a fun evening but have no gala to attend, consider hosting friends at your place. In “Beyond The Tree” on page 60, you’ll find ways to ensure that every room is holiday-ready with festive touches that make spirits soar. To keep things simple (read: easy), serve wine and cheeses or desserts only. In a “World of Treats” on page 52, we serve up sweets from around the globe that you can get right here in Bergen County. Or if you’re ambitious, see “Get Snapping” on page 78, where we offer you three gingerbread cookie recipes that will fill your home with a divine aroma. True, there’s no place like home, but the adventurous among us (and those who choose to eschew tradition this year—or start a new one) pack up their broods and head out of town. In “Your Holiday Reboot” on page 50, you’ll hear about your neighbors’ holiday travels and places you might like to visit too. One Ramsey resident even visited the North Pole! Once the eggnog has ceased to flow and the carols have faded, there’s nothing sweeter than kicking back and relaxing at home. For new ways to cozy up your abode, see our assemblage of velvet pieces in “Crushin’ It” on page 40. These “touch me” furniture and accessories are big on comfort and style. All of us at BERGEN are hoping that your holidays are merry and bright. Enjoy.

O S’ CH ICE AW ER AR AD

2017

{ EDITOR’S NOTE }

F E S T I VA

•

Apparel  Accessories  Shoes  Gifts  Home @GingerNCream, @GingerNCreamKids Free gift wrap. Everyday great prices!

350-368 Center Avenue, Westwood NJ 201.664.2440

010_BERGEN_DEC17.indd8 2 BERG.1217.memo.1.indd

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.com The BERGEN staff loves holidays! Here we are enjoying Halloween festivities.

11/16/17 11/16/17 4:27 3:51 PM PM

011_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:38 PM

JAMES W. GEUDER, M.D. BOARD CERTIFIED VASCULAR SURGEON

NEW JERSEY’S FIRST IAC CERTIFIED VEIN CENTER FREE SCREENINGS AVAILABLE

Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA Art Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO Managing Editor LANCE DEBLER Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS Editorial Assistant ALENA WOODS Contributing Editors LEE LUSARDI CONNOR LIZ DONOVAN LISA GIRARD MARISA SANDORA Contributing Photographer DANIEL SPRINGSTON Editorial Intern MEHNAZ LADHA ART

Art Assistant YVONNE MARKI PRODUCTION

Director of Production and Circulation CHRISTINE HAMEL Production/Art Assistant ALANNA GIANNANTONIO

CHOOSE AN EXPERIENCED TOP DOCTOR FOR YOUR VEIN CARE

VEIN CENTER OF ORADELL 680 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell

201.262.8346 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

BERG.1217.Masthead.1.indd 012_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2 8

BE SOCIAL Join our online community! LIKE us on Facebook: BergenMag FOLLOW us on Twitter: @BergenMag SEE our photos on Instagram: @BergenMagNJ VIEW our boards on Pinterest: HealthandLife SEND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IDEAS TO: Editor, BERGEN, 110 Summit Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645; fax 201.782.5319; email editor@wainscotmedia.com. BERGEN assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials. BERGEN is published 11 times a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645. This is Volume 17, Issue 11. © 2017 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Bergen County: $14 for one year. Single copies: $3.95. Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.

www.veincenteroforadell.com. 11/16/17 12:36 11/16/17 12:27 PM PM

013_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:38 PM

innovation. Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY Associate Publisher MARY MASCIALE ADVERTISING

Senior Account Executives MARY LIMA, JENNIFER SWEETWOOD, MAURA HUNTER TEMPLETON Account Executives BRIDGET JULIANO, PEARL LISS Director, Special Programs LAURA A. DOWDEN MARKETING, DIGITAL & OPERATIONS

Director of Marketing and Digital Media NIGEL EDELSHAIN Marketing Associate RICHARD IURILLI Advertising Services Manager JACQUELYNN FISCHER Senior Art Director, Agency Services KIJOO KIM Controller AGNES ALVES Staff Accountant MEGAN FRANK Manager, Office Services and Information Technology CATHERINE ROSARIO PUBLISHED BY WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN President & CEO MARK DOWDEN Senior Vice Presidents SHAE MARCUS CARL OLSEN

It’s the GPS Edge. Shop where the latest trends in function and style are yours for the asking. GPS has the knowledge, expertise, brands, showrooms, inventory and service to give you a

Vice Presidents NIGEL EDELSHAIN RITA GUARNA CHRISTINE HAMEL

kitchen and bath that’s as innovative as it is beautiful. That’s the GPS Edge.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Please contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

1.800.CALL GPS | gpsliving.com 71 North Washington Avenue Bergenfield 201.244.8500

230 Goffle Road Hawthorne 973.636.9500

160 N State Rt 17 • Paramus 201.322.5000

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to BERGEN, Circulation Department, 110 Summit Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201.573.5541; email christine.hamel@wainscotmedia.com.

Kohler BerganMag 5.677 November.indd 1 014_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2 10 BERG.1217.Masthead.1.indd

11/1/17 3:18 PM 11/16/17 11/16/17 12:35 12:27 PM PM

More Appointments for Busy People Our Primary Care and Specialist Locations: Closter Montvale

Dumont Northvale

Emerson Ridgewood

Paramus Westwood

Convenient Hours â&#x20AC;˘ Walk-ins Welcome

Call 201.666.3900

015_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:38 PM

WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON BERGENMAG.COM RIGHT NOW

Relive the fun! If you missed the fun at BergenFest or simply want to relive the big party, flip to page 86 to see images from the annual event at MetLife Stadium. For even more photos from the expo, visit bergenmag.com/ bergestfest2017, and don’t forget to vote for your favorites for next year. You can find the ballot at bergenmag.com/bestofvoting.

Famous The

Bartolomeo’s AUTHENTIC ITALIAN GOURMET Family Owned & Operated For Over 25 Years

BRICK OVEN PIZZA • CHOPPED SALAD BAR • HOT PREPARED FOODS DAILY We Deliver! Ample Free Parking! Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Catering for All Occasions! 105 NORTH DEAN STREET, ENGLEWOOD, NJ

Win this! Thinking about turning a new leaf and starting a healthy lifestyle? Clean Cocktails: Righteous Recipes for the Modern Mixologist features 100 drink recipes that incorporate all natural ingredients like fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Visit bergenmag.com/ cleancocktails to win a copy of the book compiled by New Jersey residents and holistic health coaches Beth Ritter Nydick and Tara Roscioli.

And win that! Fans of Constance Kopp, rejoice! The beloved protagonist—whose character is based on a former Bergen County sheriff—is back at it, investigating and defending young women against dubious charges in author Amy Stewart’s latest book Miss Kopp’s Midnight Confessions. To win a copy of the book, visit bergenmag.com/ midnightconfessions.

201.567.7002 | Bartolomeodeli.com

BERG.1217.webpage.1.indd 212 016_BERGEN_DEC17.indd

11/16/17 12:34 12:28 PM PM 11/16/17

Twice as Nice for The Holidays

Get 2 for the Price of 1

All Lasers and Aesthetics • SculpSure Fat • • • • • • • • •

Removal JuVa-Shape Ultra Face & Body Contour ClearLift 4D Face, Neck & Eye Lifts Micro-Plasma Peel Away The Years Soprano-Ice Platinum Hair Removal P.R.P. similar to Vampire Facial Derma-Blading Micro-Needling MicroDermabrasion Facials & Peels

CALL NOW 845 623 6140 or lazurlavie.com

It’s “Plastic Surgery Without The Surgery” at Lazur La Vie Where Beauty is a Way Of Life. Since 2005 we have performed over 50,000 Laser and Aesthetic Treatments. We’re dedicated to delivering your permanent results safely, comfortably and affordably. Come see why our clients love us! You will too.

Be beautiful,Cheryl Anne Beauty Aficionado/Founder

017_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:38 PM

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T FORGET TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BERGEN COUNTY BUSINESSES! POLLS OPEN ON DECEMBER 1, 2017 VOTING ENDS APRIL14, 2018 CAST YOUR BALLOT TODAY! GO TO

BERGENMAG.COM/VOTE 018_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2

11/16/17 12:07 PM

019_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 8:46 AM

BERGEN BIZ

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Bright. Blue. Cool. THE NEW VERSION OF GLASHÜTTE Original’s Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in stainless steel is the perfect everyday companion for the man unwilling to settle for less: distinct design, ingenious mechanics, easy usability and great wearing comfort. The latest chronograph launched by the renowned German watchmaker captures the eye with the irresistible allure of its contemporary design: the deep black dial is set off by high-contrast white print and enhanced by the generous use of radiant blue Super-LumiNova, which highlights the white gold hands, Roman numerals and all hour indexes, permitting excellent legibility even in the dark. Legibility is also a distinctive feature of Glashütte Original’s unique Panorama Date. It is positioned centrally in the lower half of the dial beneath the upper-half triad formed by 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters and the small seconds display, in which the power reserve display is gracefully integrated. A substantial, alternately polished and satin-brushed 42 mm stainless steel case adds cool and convincing elegance to this robust, casually stylish and sporty new version. The German manufactory presents the new model with a choice of three different bracelets: the black calfskin model is sewn with blue thread, carefully chosen to complement the dial’s distinguished blue Super-LumiNova. The Senator Chronograph Panorama Date’s automatic movement, the Calibre 37, triggered great excitement when it was launched in 2014: its innovative, compact and highly functional design, exquisite precision and reliable performance earned the new chronograph immediate respect in the world of watch experts and connoisseurs. Now the German manufactory has added this distinctive new version in stainless steel to the elegant inaugural models in platinum and red gold. The manufactory Calibre 37 chronograph movement was developed to meet the German watchmaker’s most demanding standards of functionality, and optimized for everyday use. Its fully integrated, compact construction make it a reliable, precise and aesthetically satisfying companion for day-to-day wear.

020_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2

11/15/17 4:38 PM

COMPREHENSIVE SPINE CARE, PA BOARD CERTIFIED SPINE SURGEONS & PHYSIATRY SERVICES

JONATHAN LESTER, M.D.

RAFAEL LEVIN, M.D., M.S.C.

NOMAAN ASHRAF, M.D., M.B.A.

PHYSICAL MEDICINE and REHABILITATION

CHIEF OF SPINE HACKENSACKUMC at PASCACK VALLEY

ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR MOUNT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER

FEEL BET TER.

021_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

WO R K B E T T E R .

LIVE BET TER

11/15/17 4:38 PM

CUT COLOR WAXING

201.487.1008

www.JandCoHairStudio.com @JandCoHair 022_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2

11/16/17 12:39 PM

TODAY

C ALL

FORMERLY:

023_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

DR. ALFRED GIGANTE

83 F RANKLIN T URNPIKE , W ALDWICK , NJ 07463 w J OINT S PINE R EHAB . COM

11/15/17 4:38 PM

Call for your FREE* Dr. Braver European Bunion Exam or FREE* DrRun Heel Pain Exam! NO MORE BURYING YOUR FEET IN THE SAND!

DON’T SUFFER WITH HEEL PAIN!

WE’LL KEEP YOU ACTIVE!

DR. RICHARD T. BRAVER DR. PHILIP S. MESSENGER DR. GREGORY S. TAMAGNINI • RECONSTRUCTIVE FOOT & ANKLE SURGEONS

Ask us about our FREE screening program*

• BOARD CERTIFIED/QUALIFIED PODIATRISTS • ORTHOTIC SPECIALISTS

PARTICIPATING IN MOST INSURANCE PLANS—PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS

• TEAM SPORTS CONSULTANTS FOR MONTCLAIR STATE AND WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITIES

• SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR TO RUNNER’S WORLD MAGAZINE

*does not include xrays and treatment unless authorized

024_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2

• AFFILIATED WITH HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, PALISADES MEDICAL CENTER, CHILTON HOSPITAL AND HACKENSACK SURGERY CENTER

11/15/17 4:38 PM

{ BERGEN BUZZ }

SHRED AND SLED Campgaw Mountain This mountain in nearby Mahwah offers a variety of trails for novice to expert skiers and snowboarders. Rentals and lessons are available; kids too young to hit the trails can try tubing instead—it’s offered every day at Campgaw. Campgaw Mountain, 200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah, 201.327.7800, skicampgaw.com

Mountain Creek Ski Resort You might recognize Mountain Creek from its waterpark counterpart, a popular summertime destination. But the resort also features one of the largest ski areas in the state, with over 1,000 snowmaking machines that cover the mountain all season long. Mountain Creek is less than an hour drive from Bergen County and suitable for all ages. Mountain Creek, 200 Rte. 94, Vernon, 973.827.2000, mountaincreek.com

Mount Peter Ski Area Did you know Macy’s opened Warwick’s Mount Peter Ski Area in 1936 to show off its winter fashions? Now it’s a family-friendly destination offering free beginner ski/ snowboard lessons on weekends and a ton of fun trails. 51 Old Mt. Peter Rd., Warwick, N.Y., 845.986.4940, mtpeter.com

DID YOU KNOW? Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate during the ski season. On average, Campgaw Mountain uses approximately 8.5 million gallons of water to make snow and cover its slopes. BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.buzz.2.indd 25

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:55 PM

{ BERGEN BUZZ }

VOTE NOW!

It’s that time again! Tell us your favorite local bakery, burger joint, deli, day spa, salon, sports bar and more. The winners will be revealed in our September 2018 issue. Voting ends April 14, 2018, so visit bergen mag.com/bestofvoting and cast your digital ballot today! Then stay tuned for more info on BergenFest, where we’ll celebrate the winners.

2018 E H T ST IN BE GEN BERDERS’ REA OICE CH ARDS AW

LIGHT IT UP! Lights on Evergreen “Lights on Evergreen” is a project that was started by Demarest resident Daniel Eisenberg after the passing of his mother in 2010. The display includes more than 100,000 lights synchronized to the radio station 98.1 FM that plays everything from Christmas music to hiphop. This is the show’s final year, so get to 38 Evergreen Pl. and experience the magic before it’s gone.

Benjamin Moore has announced its 2018 Color of the Year: Caliente AF-290! The Montvale-based paint distributor describes the color as “strong, radiant and full of energy,” which seems like the perfect mindset to have while transitioning into the New Year. If your resolution for 2018 is to spruce up your home, take a look at the color palette Benjamin Moore has put together to complement Caliente AF-290. A fresh start awaits!

There’s no need to venture far from home to see a few spectacular holiday light displays— some of the best in the state are a drive away. So just hop in your car and start singing along with us: “Strings of streetlights, even stoplights, blinkin’ bright red and green!”

Christmas on Vanore During the holiday season, Fair Lawn resident Marc DeSomma transforms his house at 38-53 Vanore Drive into a winter wonderland, with more than 23,500 lights sequenced to 25 songs. Holiday favorites range from Sinatra and the Ramones to parodies and holiday mash-ups, all playing on radio station 88.9 FM. 38-53 Vanore Dr., Fair Lawn, facebook.com/ christmasonvanore

38 Evergreen Pl., Demarest, facebook.com/ lightsevergreen/

Christmas on Manhattan Every December, the DeWeil family transforms their Waldwick home into a sparkling showcase. It’s something Ralph DeWeil has loved doing since he was a kid, and now he has passed the tradition down to his three daughters. Decorating is a family affair, and it takes them an entire week to put up hundreds of string lights, inflatables and other dazzling decorations. The display is synced to holiday tunes on 104.9 FM, “Reindeer Radio.” 137 Manhattan Ave., Waldwick, christmasonmanhattan.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.buzz.2.indd 26

COLOR OF THE YEAR

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:41 PM

It’s What WE DO for the People We CARE FOR That’s how we EXCEL. How do you EXCEL? For Matt, it was through determination. For any active high school athlete, it’s almost impossible to make them take time off from the sports or activities they love. For Matt, he had no choice. His recovery from a rare infection (Osteomyelitis) left his hips with a severe case of atrophy where just walking was a challenge, let alone getting back on the court. With the quality care that only EXCEL could provide, Matt was able to regain the strength and stability needed to not only get back to playing basketball at 100%, but able to out-perform even a few of our very own, extremely fit therapists and staff members in a highly intense full body work out. Just another great example of how the dedication put forth by both our patients and our team help make the impossible possible.

PROVIDING THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICAL THERAPY IN BERGEN COUNTY FOR 27 YEARS

THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE AMAZING STORIES WE ARE ABLE TO BE A PART OF.

VIEW THEIR FULL STORY AT: www.EXCELtherapy.com/stories

Fort Lee / Oakland / Hackensack / Waldwick / Cresskill / Rutherford / Montvale / Mahwah / Old Tappan / Hoboken

027_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:37 PM

{ BERGEN BUZZ }

KUDOS

CULINARY CORNER GET US TO THE GREEK One of the hottest new dinner spots in Bergen County is The Greek Flame, which just opened in Haworth. The restaurant serves both cold and hot appetizers like Tzatziki dip with cucumber and spinach Spanakopita; main courses include chicken, shrimp, pork or falafel Gyro or a traditional Greek dish like Moussaka (layers of eggplant and ground lamb) or Yemista (peppers stuffed with ground turkey and tomato sauce). Kayla R., 50, of Lodi was pleasantly surprised by what awaited her as she sat down for dinner on a recent Friday night. “The restaurant serves potato chips instead of bread, and they were delicious!” she says. She advises picking up a few bottles of wine at the liquor store down the street, as The Greek Flame is BYO.

What do NFL players Victor Cruz and Jason Pierre Paul, recording artists Pitbull and JoJo, and actress Danielle Brooks have in common? They all recently appeared at CareOne’s “Starry Night Masquerade” in support of the Fort Lee-based company’s hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico. The charity fundraiser, held at the Skylight Clarkson North in New York City, brought in more than $4 million worth of donations. “Starry Night Masquerade” comes in the wake of CareOne’s recent mission to Puerto Rico in conjunction with RWJBarnabas Health. Those who went on the trip spoke with physicians and patients to evaluate how best to address the immediate needs of the island’s medical community.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

Melissa Morley is on a mission: She wants to challenge society’s definition of the “ideal” body type. The 20-year-old Ridgewood resident, who has been modeling and participating in beauty pageants since she was 15 and recently competed for the Miss New Jersey USA crown in Parsippany, says she’s felt firsthand the pressures of today’s beauty standards. “The amount of negative body-talk that goes on behind the curtains is concerning,” says Morley, who wears a size 8 and is technically a plus-size model. Still, she remains nonplussed by such static—and always looks on the bright side. “Participating in pageants has given me greater confidence in areas like public speaking,” she says. “I’ve learned how to carry myself in an elegant and composed manner and how to perform under pressure.” So what advice does Morley have for other young ladies competing in pageants? Focus on what you can learn and not how you look, because you’re beautiful the way you are. Perhaps even more important, Morley has a message for everyone who’s ever wished they could look just like their favorite Hollywood star. “It’s important to remember how many of the images we see today are heavily photoshopped,” she says, reminding us all that sometimes, what you see isn’t what you get.

The Greek Flame, 147 Terrace St., Haworth, 201.244.6635, thegreekflame.com

ON A ROLL Rolled ice cream has become quite a trend during the past few years: Ice cream makers spread the tasty treat onto a cold metal slab, flatten it, then seamlessly incorporate toppings into the roll. Now Lucky Rolls, a new ice cream shop in Englewood, has put its own twist on the trend. The spot offers cereal ice cream rolls like “Mr. Peanut,” made with Reese’s Puff cereal and Nutter Butter cookie, and “The Cocoa,” with cocoa cereal and a chocolate drizzle. Garnishes include traditional Japanese Pocky biscuit sticks and marshmallows; you can also enjoy some Boba Tea, a popular milky drink with tapioca-filled “bubbles” at the bottom. Lucky Rolls, 2 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201.431.9092, theluckyrolls.com

SHOT OF WHISKEY Formerly Cross Roads, the neighborhood pub Whiskey Roads has just opened in Little Ferry and boasts a menu full of “pub grub” favorites like sweet Thai chili wings, French fries with gravy and fried pickles complete with a dill dip. The bar’s drinks are served in Mason jars and brought to the table on trays made from rustic wood rounds. Its atmosphere is one of the first things Roe Malke, 33, of Fair Lawn, noticed when walking into Whiskey Roads. “It’s just a really comfortable place to hang out,” Malke explains. “I’ve been to the pub a handful of times already and keep bringing new people with me!” Whiskey Roads, 152 Washington Ave., Little Ferry, 201.870.6475, whiskeyroadsneighborhoodpub.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.buzz.2.indd 28

Top photo: CareOne CEO Daniel E. Straus, Executive Vice President Elizabeth Straus and JoJo. Bottom: Jason Pierre-Paul, Daniel Straus, Elizabeth Straus and Victor Cruz. Photos by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for CareOne Management

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:55 PM

We’ve got you covered. • Breast Imaging • Breast Surgery • Cardiology • Family Medicine • General Surgery • Gynecologic Oncology • Hematology/Oncology • Internal Medicine • Interventional Radiology

HNMP Specialities Ad Bergen Mag 2k17.indd 1 029_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

• Multiple Sclerosis Center • Nephrology • Neurology • Obstetrics and Gynecology • Orthopedics • Palliative Care • Pediatrics • Primary Care • Psychiatry

• Pulmonary • Radiation Oncology • Radiology • Sports Medicine • Surgical Oncology • Urologic Oncology • Urology • Vascular Surgery

10/11/17 4:00 PM 11/15/17 4:37 PM

{ BERGEN BUZZ }

DON’T SHOP…

ADOPT!

With so many pups available for adoption in the area, why not bring a furry friend home for the holidays? Look at it as an even exchange: These rescue dogs are in need of a new home, and we’re betting you could use a winter cuddlebuddy.

DANCING MACHINE

MEET ANNA From: Bergen County Animal Shelter Breed: Pitbull terrier Age: 5 years old Sex: Female Temperament: She’s a social butterfly and sweet. Why adopt Anna? She’s got a ton of energy and a lot of love to give.

A Teaneck native is high-stepping his way across the country with a touring version of one of TV’s most popular shows—and just brought his talents back to Bergen County. Kiki Nyemchek, who finished fourth on So You Think You Can Dance, recently performed at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood; there, the ballroom dancer and his fellow hoofers sweated their way through a two-hour show full of fan-favorite routines and brand-new choreography. Nyemchek feels right at home dancing on stage: His parents taught him how to waltz and tango at the Spencer Nyemchek Dancesport School of Ballroom Dancing in Bergenfield, which his father still owns and operates today.

Bergen County Animal Shelter, 100 United Ln., Teterboro, 201.229.4600, co.bergen.nj.us

MEET DEWEY From: CLAWS Adoption Center Breed: Poodle mix Sex: Male Age: 8 years old Temperament: He’s nervous with new people at first but very loyal. Why adopt Dewey? He’s a great companion dog. He’s been through four foster homes already and is more than ready to find his forever family.

SWEET CHARITY

CLAWS Adoption, 63 N. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, 201.768.0200, clawsadopt.org

Here’s an entrepreneur who’s starting early: Lilly Trentacosta, 12, of Dumont. The seventh grader at Dwight-Englewood Middle School recently started a new company, Lillypops, which grew out of a “daddy/daughter day” with her father, Joe. She makes and sells the flavored lollipops herself in a rented kitchen space, with a portion of the proceeds going to local and national charities. Pops can be ordered online at lillypops.us. (“We’re suckers for charity,” the website declares.) They come in six regular flavors—raspberry, cherry, cinnamon, cotton candy, peach and watermelon—and a changing seasonal flavor (a recent one was called “Midnight Snack”). Charities change month to month depending on the need; so far they’ve included the Red Cross, Volunteers of America and the Center for Food Action.

MEET SHASTA From: Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Breed: Pug/Chihuahua mix Age: 1.5 years old Sex: Female Temperament: Shasta is a little shy but loves to cuddle in your arms once she’s comfortable. Why adopt Shasta? She loves being around other dogs and would make a great companion for you and your pets. Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, 2 Shelter Ln., Oakland, 201.337.5180, rbari.org

MEET NINO From: Humane Society of Bergen County Breed: Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix Sex: Male Age: 9 years old Temperament: Nino is very friendly and frisky and loves children. Why adopt Nino? His owner recently passed away, and Nino needs a new family to love. Humane Society of Bergen County, 221 Stuyvesant Ave., Lyndhurst, 201.896.9300, humansocietybergen.org BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.buzz.2.indd 30

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:56 PM

have you heard?

Start hearing!

Professional Hearing Aid Center was founded on two simple truths; that hearing is a vital sense that plays a significant role in your quality of life and that hearing loss affects everyone uniquely. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we work to solve hearing problems one individual at a time.

$1,000

Up to

OFF Select Premier Technology Cannot be combined with other offers. Not applicable to previous purchases. Must present coupon.

Free Hearing Test and Consultation Invisible solutions to fit any budget Now Accepting New Patients

$500

Trade in Allowance for your current hearing instruments Cannot be combined with other offers. Not applicable to previous purchases. Must present coupon.

Mark P. Salvesen, BC-HIS* NJ Hearing Aid Dispenser Supervising License No. 535 Peggy J. Stanlick, BC-HIS* NJ Hearing Aid Dispenser Supervising License No. 1086 *Certified by the National Board of Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. 681 Main St., Hackensack www.professionalhearingaids.net On-site Parking / 201-343-1980

031_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 9:43 AM

{ FOR MEN ONLY }

Formalwear 101 The holidays in Bergen mean you’ll be off to many Black-Tie Optional, BlackTie and White-Tie events. Our fashion pro provides great advice to help you score high grades, sartorially speaking, with these formalwear tips. BLACK-TIE BASICS Black Tie: The words conjure up images of life’s most meaningful moments—weddings, fundraisers and galas. What’s the secret to looking sensational? First, start with a tailored-fit tuxedo, one with either a peak lapel or shawl collar, advises Jorge Hernandez, formalwear specialist at Sal Lauretta for Men in Midland Park. Next, you’ll need a shirt. There is no one correct style— formalwear today is about personal taste. Whether your shirt is pleated, pique or French/plain front, there’s a collar for every man: rounded, wing, point, spread or cutaway. No formal look is complete without an appropriate bow or neck tie and a stud set. (A cummerbund is optional and should be worn with a bow tie only.) MAKE IT YOURS Men can wear a great suit to a formal event, but a tuxedo is special and different. And the key to any formal look is to make it yours. Pair your tux with a French cuff shirt, which can be a classic laydown collared shirt with pleats (which would require studs) or a simple yet elegant fly-front shirt. “Cufflinks are also a great expression of taste and personality,” Hernandez says. “And neckwear says a lot about you and your style. My personal choice is to always wear a bow tie as it reads more formal and stylish.” Need a finishing touch? “Do not forget your suspenders,” he adds. “They will not only keep your pants up (no belt loops on tuxedo pants), but they’re also fashionable and stylish.” Remember, have some fun and let your personal style shine. AVOID RENTALS Avoid renting a garment unless it is absolutely required by a bride or groom. Many rental tuxedos are made with inexpensive fabrics, and the sleeves typically have closed sleeve construction (cheaper) to make alterations easier. “There is nothing worse than wearing a cheap-looking garment,” Hernandez says. Also consider that dry cleaning rarely removes all the dirt, perspiration, etc. from most men’s clothes. Plus, after five events, it would be a wise investment to own your own tuxedo. In fact, Hernandez says, every welldressed man should own at least one tuxedo that gets upgraded every two to three years as styles change.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.menonly.indd 32

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:56 PM

033_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:37 PM

{ HEALTH NEWS } YOGA FOR PMS RELIEF Say “om,” and kiss monthly cramps goodbye. Regular yoga helps lessen the intensity of pain and makes you more relaxed during your period. Experts aren’t sure why, but the deep breathing and meditation aspect of the discipline is thought to have a positive effect on the autonomic stress response.

THE PERFECT POUT A survey of 430 men and women showed that women with a 1:2 ratio of upper to lower lips were deemed most beautiful. —JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery

—The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

DIABETES, BEGONE Prediabetes can often be reversed. Losing as little as 7 percent of your weight can prevent it from becoming type 2 diabetes, according to a study of more than 3,000 adults. —New England Journal of Medicine

THE FIBERKNEE LINK

The number of minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times weekly it takes to reduce cholesterol. —American Heart Association

Folks who eat a high-fiber diet have a lower incidence of knee arthritis, according to two recent studies of more than 6,000 subjects. While there is no direct link between highfiber diets and knee health, researchers posit that the benefits are related to weight and inflammation control. —Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

PEDAL TO HAPPINESS Workers who bike to work reported less stress than those who drive or take mass transit. In addition to being happier, cycling provides a great workout that’s easy on the joints. —International Journal of Workplace Health Management

COULD YOU HAVE IBS? Two out of five American adults suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBSC) remain undiagnosed. If you’re having stomach issues, check with your doctor. —American Gastroenterological Association

STAIRS VS. COFFEE

The main ingredient in turmeric— curcumin—does more than give the spice its color. Researchers discovered that applying curcumin gel to skin that’s been burned lessens pain, reduces inflammation and improves healing. —UCLA

Need an energy boost due to lack of sleep? Women who walked up and down the stairs for 10 minutes at a low to moderate intensity felt more energized than when they consumed 50 mg. of caffeine. —Physiology and Behavior

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.healthnews.indd 34

SPICY RELIEF FOR SUNBURN

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:57 PM

S P E C I A L I Z E D P L A S T I C S U R G E O N S N O W I N YO U R N E T W O R K Edward Hahn Jr., MD , Frank S. Ciminello, MD, FACS, Adam Feintisch, MD

“It was like having a friend instead of a doctor, the personal attention was amazing. The doctors took their time with us to make sure we were comfortable.” –Cimisurgical Patient PROCEDURES OFFERED: Hand Surgery • Breast Surgery • Skin pathology & MOHS Reconstruction Craniofacial & Pediatric Plastic Surgery

1 1 3 W. E ss ex St re e t . S u i te 2 0 4 , M aywo o d , N J | 2 01 . 2 89. 5 5 5 1 | C i m i s u rg i c a l .co m

035_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:37 PM

{ STYLE WATCH } PINK POWDER PUFF JACKET Hazel Boutique, Ramsey, 551.500.9191

STELLA MCCARTNEY MASHA CROPPED FAUX FUR COAT Neiman Marcus, Paramus, 201.291.1920

Faux Finish

SALONI FAUX FUR JACKET WITH EMBELLISHED APPLIQUES Neiman Marcus, Paramus, 201.291.1920

Top off your winter look with one of these imitation fur coatsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and see why faking it has never been so fashionable!

LEOPARD PRINT FAUX FUR COAT H&M, Hackensack, 855.466.7467

BURBERRY FAUX FUR HOODED JACKET Burberry, Paramus, 201.518.0082

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.stylewatch.indd 36

MARBELLA FRINGE JACKET BY NICO NICO Anthropologie, Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.4321

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:58 PM

We are proud to announce that we will now be offering social skills groups in addition to our home-based ABA therapy at our Comprehensive Behavior Supports Paramus NJ location.

Home-based ABA Therapy Parent Training Social Skills Groups

037_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

201.283.9600Â

26 PARK PL, PARAMUS, NJ 07652 tthomas@cbsny.org

11/15/17 4:36 PM

{ JEWELRY BOX }

MULTI-STRAND CORAL NECKLACE WITH DIAMONDS Neiman Marcus, Paramus, 201.291.1920

DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE BOW PIN Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack, 201.457.2000

GIRLS IN PEARLS IMITATION PEARL DROP EARRINGS Kate Spade, Ridgewood, 201.689.6204

TED BAKER BROOK BOW STAINLESS STEEL STRAP WATCH Lord & Taylor, Paramus, 201.909.0400

Bow Wow! The season’s must-have baubles will have you taking a bow.

MIRIAM HASKELL 8MM FAUX PEARL BOW BRACELET Saks Off 5th, Paramus, 201.291.1949 ALL WRAPPED UP BOW RING Kate Spade, Ridgewood, 201.689.6204

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.jewelrybox.indd 38

DECEMBER 2017

11/15/17 1:59 PM

Advancing Care. Here. At Good Samaritan Hospital.

Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Program

As a member of Westchester Medical Center Health Network, we are better equipped to care for you.

The Surgical Weight Loss Institute

With innovation, investment and improved access to Hudson Valley’s leading specialists, we’re proud to deliver expertise, experience and compassionate care—in the heart of our community.

Total Joint Replacement Center Emergency Department The Center for Breast Health Bobbi Lewis Cancer Program The Stroke Center

Find a doctor at goodsamhosp.org Westchester Medical Center Health Network includes:

Advancing Care. Here.

WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER I MARIA FARERI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL I BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER MIDHUDSON REGIONAL HOSPITAL I GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL I BON SECOURS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ST. ANTHONY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL I HEALTHALLIANCE HOSPITAL: BROADWAY CAMPUS HEALTHALLIANCE HOSPITAL: MARY’S AVENUE CAMPUS I MARGARETVILLE HOSPITAL

039_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:36 PM

{ HOME FRONT } FLORET ACCENT CHAIR Anthropologie, Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.4321

REGENCY HEADBOARD Urban Outfitters, Paramus, 201.556.1840

DURALEE VELVET FABRIC SWATCHES (DV16204-246 and DV16068-451) Designer’s Studio, South Hackensack, 201.440.8855

CRUSHED VELVET PILLOW IN COBBLE Safavieh, Paramus, 201.291.0200

CROSLEY CRUISER RECORD PLAYER West Elm, Paramus, 201.261.2552

Crushin’ It

CHAS EMERALD VELVET OTTOMAN Pier 1 Imports, Edgewater, 201.941.4769

Jewel-toned, “touch me” pieces are giving rise to the season’s most coveted looks for living. ADELLE SOFA grandinroad.com

CLARICE VELVET FLOOR PILLOWS Urban Outfitters, Paramus, 201.556.1840

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.homefront.indd 40

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:58 PM

Amazing

Results from an

Amazing Dentist

before

after

TRAINED Ongoing training from Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) The very latest cosmetic procedures Trained in the oral/physical healthy connection Headache, sleep apnea and TMJ therapy Treats gums, muscles and jaw joints to perfectly align bite and smile

AWARDED ‘Top Dentist’ - Consumer Research Council of America A New Jersey Top Dentist: NJTopDentist.com Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and The International Association of Comprehensive Esthetics

EXPERT CARE

Marlen Martirossian, DDS

Friendly, relaxing, spa-like experience The latest diagnostic equipment Convenient before/after work or school and Saturday appointments

Cosmetic, Restorative, and General Dentistry

MOVE UP TO A DENTAL EXPERIENCE THAT WILL LEAVE YOU SMILING. TO READ OVER 500 MORE 5 STAR REVIEWS FROM OUR PATIENTS, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT RIVEREDGEDENTAL.COM.

201.343.4044 • RiverEdgeDental.com 130 Kinderkamack Road • River Edge, NJ

041_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:36 PM

{ TALK OF THE TOWN }

HOUSING COSTS The median home value in Ridgewood is currently $691,600—up 1.8 percent over last year and predicted to rise 1.6 percent within the next year, according to Zillow.

WELCOME TO

Ridgewood

LOCALS LOVE

With its bustling downtown, top-notch schools and train providing easy access to New York City, it’s easy to see why so many people moving to Bergen County choose Ridgewood. Boasting about 25,000 residents in just under six square miles, the village is known for its tight-knit community where you’re likely to see your neighbors at town-sponsored events such as the farmers market in warmer months and the tree-lighting ceremony in December. Dutch settlers arrived in the area in the late 1600s, with activities centered around the Reformed Church located near the intersection of today’s East Saddle River Road and East Glen Avenue. Ridgewood was mainly farmland until wealthy businessmen from Manhattan began building lavish summer homes around 1848, once the train made the area more accessible. When the Ridgewood station (then called Godwinville station) was built in 1853, the center of town migrated to Ridgewood Avenue adjacent to the train tracks. At one point, all Ridgewood students attended the Beech Street School, built in 1894 on what is now called Cottage Place, and

that historic building is still used as the district’s administrative headquarters. Nowadays, six elementary schools, two middle schools and Ridgewood High School serve students, with the school system earning an A+ rating by niche.com. Recreation areas abound in Ridgewood, with school and recreational teams playing at Veterans Field, behind the library, and Citizen’s Park, across from George Washington Middle School, which is also a popular sledding hill in winter. In summer, Graydon Pool attracts residents to its sandy shores, and the Ridgewood Duck Pond sports a playground and dog park in addition to access to a popular six-mile bike and running path. Memorial Park, in Van Neste Square, offers quiet respite in the center of town. Speaking of town, residents enjoy shopping at an eclectic mix of stores such as Mango Jam and Pazzazed for gifts, Victor’s for menswear, Alba and Suite 201 for women’s clothing, Town & Country Apothecary for cosmetics, Bookends for books and visits from well-known authors, and Fox’s for a bargain. Ridgewood also borders retail-heavy Paramus, with plenty of shopping to be found along Route 17 and at several malls in that neighboring borough.

FUN FACTS

DINING

n Van Dien Avenue is named after actor Casper Van Dien’s great-great-grandfather, and the actor grew up in the village. n Lester Stable (above), site of the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, once housed the animals of the Lester farm, one of the last remaining farms in the area. When Andrew Lester died in 1976, the town purchased the land and vowed to preserve it. n Bestselling crime novelist Harlan Coben lives in Ridgewood. n Actor Robert Sean Leonard (shown) graduated from Ridgewood High School and currently resides in the village. n Sunday Today and Morning Joe host Willie Geist, son of CBS News correspondent Bill Geist, also grew up in Ridgewood.

Ridgewood boasts a vibrant dining scene. On the more upscale side is Village Green, Latour, Cafe 37, Roots, Brasserie de Novo and Radicchio. For any night of the week, Cravings, S. Egidio, From Scratch, White Maple, A Mano, Park West Tavern, Pearl and Lisa’s Mediterranean Cuisine are crowd pleasers. On the casual side, East Coast Burger Company, Country Pancake House, Raymond’s, Brooklyn’s Coal Burning Pizza, Organic Tofu House, Tito’s Burritos and The Daily Treat earn high marks. New to the scene are Blu Sushi, Manjal Indian Cuisine, Shumi, Samba Bowls and b.good.

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME Approximately $147,823, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

Clockwise from top: Yvonne Marki; Araya Rebirth; Village Green

There’s lots to love about this NYC bedroom community.

nC atching a flick at the Bow Tie Cinemas Warner Theater n Enjoying a massage at Araya Rebirth n Van Dyk’s Ice Cream n The Fourth of July parade and fireworks show

DID YOU KNOW? Sit back and breathe a sigh of relief: Ridgewood was once named the sixth safest city in the United States by NeighborhoodScout, a national database of neighborhood analytics. BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.TalkTown.Ridgewood.indd 42

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:59 PM

043_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:36 PM

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE IN STUDIO AND ONLINE! ONLINE BOOKING AND SHOPPING AVAILABLE! NOW OFFERING: VEGAN ORGANIC PEDICURES $35

WINNER •

&E XPO

2017

S D

ARAYA-REBIRTH.COM

201.445.7005

O S’ CH ICE AW ER AR AD

B ER G E

10 GARBER SQUARE RIDGEWOOD, NJ 07450

EXQUISITE HAND CRAFTED ELEGANCE MADE FROM THE MOST PRECIOUS MATERIALS

CELEBRATING OVER 17 YEARS IN BUSINESS PAMPERING THE COMMUNITY.

MASSAGE THERAPY MEMBERSHIPS AS LOW AS $70 A MONTH.

Give the Gift of Relaxation...

F E S T I VA

•

LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN RIDGEWOOD 21 OAK STREET, RIDGEWOOD, NJ 07450 201.445.3189 | LEVATOEYEWEAR.COM

THIS HOLIDAY

GIVE THE DUX® BED

AND RECEIVE UP TO $1,500 TO FEATHER YOUR NEST NOVEMBER 24 – JANUARY 2, 2018 Purchase any DUX bed during our holiday promotion and receive up to $1,500 toward all DUXIANA® fine European linen, down, headboards and bedroom accessories.*

EXCLUSIVE RETAILER FOR

DUXIANA RIDGEWOOD 63 East Ridgewood Avenue 201-670-4488 DUXIANA SUMMIT 354 Springfield Avenue 908-522-8200 www.duxiana.com * Value dependent on bed size and model. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. For a complete reward chart visit duxiana.com/holiday-event-2017

Ridgewood_BERGEN_NOV17.indd 1

11/16/17 12:36 PM

Surgical:

Non-surgical:

• Laparoscopic and Robotic Myomectomy • Endometriosis • Ovarian Surgery

MonaLisa TouchTM Vaginal laser for treatment of vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and lichen sclerosis

VotivaTM Feminine rejuvenation, vaginal tightening internally and externally, and urinary incontinence

• Hysteroscopic Surgery

Dr. DeNoble is a board certified gynecologist providing the full range of gynecologic care, and is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

• Pelvic Floor and Prolapse

SculpSureTM Non-invasive fat reduction

• Labiaplasty

RIDGEWOOD

• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Laser Hair Removal

Shaghayegh DeNoble, M.D., FACOG Advanced Gynecology and Laparoscopy of North Jersey, PC 20 Wilsey Square, Suite C, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Office: 201.957.7220 • Fax: 201.977.6747 • www.advancedgynnj.com

Country Pancake House & Restaurant Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week

Our restaurant is as unique as the pearl…

Thank You

FOR MAKING/ VOTING US BEST PANCAKES IN 2017

HOME OF THE HEARTY PANCAKE It’s worth the trip from anywhere to the famous Country Pancake House & Restaurant. Customers leave our restaurant with a smile on their face and a doggie bag in hand. SUN-THURS 6:30AM–9PM | FRI & SAT 6:30AM–10PM 140 East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201.444.8395 | countrypancakehouse.net

Ridgewood_BERGEN_NOV17.indd 2

Pearl creates a new menu each day using protein and produce from local farms and markets. Nonna Carmela from Sicily makes fresh pasta daily (gnocchi, Cavatelli, etc.). Open 7 days for dinner • 3 course prix fix menu Sunday thru Thursday $26.95 PARTY ROOM AND GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE NOW ACCEPTING HOLIDAY RESERVATIONS

Pearl Restaurant Italian American Nouvelle Cuisine

17 SOUTH BROAD ST. RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY 201.857.5100 PEARLRIDGEWOOD.COM

11/16/17 12:36 PM

10 O OFF FF

Wen Y W he o n u S With Yo p th u enith is Sp d th ad en $5is d 0 ad $5 or 0 M or o M re or e

$1 $0 h

COMING UP IN

M or

t n e m n ig s n t o n e C m n ig s n o C t n e m n ig s n o C t n e m n ig s Con

W S u Yo

LUXURYDESIGNER DESIGNER LUXURY LUXURY DESIGNER

LUXURY DESIGNER

O S’ CH ICE AW ER AR AD

•

MAGAZINE

&E XPO

WINNER

2017

S D

B ER G E

RIDGEWOOD

s 0 0 Oth thi nd $5 1 i $ pe en

FFad

L F E S T I VA

•

TALK OF THE TOWN FEATURED COMMUNITIES:

2015 READERS’ 2015 CHOICE

2016 REAFIRST DERS’PLACE CHO CONSIGNMENT ICE SHOP

READERS’ FIRST PLACE CHOICE

CONSIGNMENT

FIRST PLACE SHOP

CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE 30 Cottage Place Ridgewood, NJ 07450

5X WINNER

11-6 CONSIGN E Hours: N T BMon O U10-5, T IRidgewood, QTue U E11-6, Wed 30MCottage Place NJ 07450

t n e m nCCoonssiiggnnment Thur 11-7, Fri 11-6, Sat 11-5, Sun Closed

30 Cottage Place 07450 (201) Ridgewood, 389-6900NJNJ | 07450 SavvyChicConsignment.com 30 Cottage Place |Ridgewood, 389-6900 SavvyChicConsignment.com C O(201) N S I389-6900 G N M E|N T BOUTIQUE (201) SavvyChicConsignment.com Hours: Mon 10-5, Tue C O N S I G N M E N T B O U T I Q U E11-6, Wed 11-6 Thur 11-7, Fri 11-6, Sat 11-5, Sun Closed

WINNER

(201) CO N S389-6900 I G N M E| NSavvyChicConsignment.com T BOUTIQUE

CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

JANUARY: MAHWAH FEBRUARY: FRANKLIN LAKES MARCH: PARAMUS APRIL: FORT LEE MAY: RAMSEY JUNE/JULY: RUTHERFORD

30 Cottage Place Ridgewood, NJ 07450 30 Cottage Place |Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (201) 389-6900 SavvyChicConsignment.com (201) 389-6900 | SavvyChicConsignment.com

LUXURY DESIGNER Unique LUXURY DESIGNER Holiday Gifts

Mahwah

Ramsey

JEWELRY

Hand Hooked Cozy Wool Pillows

Leffy Elf

Montvale Franklin Lakes

Saddle River

Old Tappan Alpine

Ridgewood Paramus

Tenafly Fair Lawn Hackensack

Fort Lee Teterboro

Real MLB Game Used Baseball Bat Bottle Openers

Frasier Fir Candles

Teaneck

Edgewater

East Rutherford

The very best handmade cards you can give.

BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING INCLUDED OPEN Tue – Sat 10:30a.m.–5:30p.m. Open Mondays in December

GIFT • HANDMADE • HOME

6 Wilsey Square • Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201-857-5004 826 Franklin Avenue • Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 • 201-485-8022 www.pazzazed.com

Ridgewood_BERGEN_NOV17.indd 3

Bergen Mag 1/4 PAGE

For prime advertising positions opposite “town” editorial contact: THOMAS FLANNERY, Publisher 201.571.2252 Thomas.Flannery@wainscotmedia.com

11/16/17 12:36 PM

“Fantastic authentic Italian food. Great setting, great menu options. Something for everyone. Let’s not even mention the cheese Wheel!! –Mary B. BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY OR EVENT TODAY! ALSO TAKING HOLIDAY AND NEW YEAR’S EVE RESERVATIONS!

201-528-7142

TRATTORIA GIOTTO info@trattoriagiotto.com 15 PARK AVENUE, RUTHERFORD, NJ 07070

TRATTORIAGIOTTO.COM

FOR OVER 46 YEARS, Aronsohn Weiner Salerno & Kaufman P.C. and its predecessor firms have provided quality advice and legal representation to clients in a wide range of practice areas. The Firm has exhibited a tradition of leadership and continues a commitment to provide clients – both individuals and corporations – with passionate and skilled legal representation in every case. Clients have established long-standing relationships with the Firm based upon a history of achieving results in the most cost-effective fashion.

ARONSOHN WEINER SALERNO & KAUFMAN P.C. Court Plaza South—East Wing 21 Main St., Suite 100 Hackensack, New Jersey 201.487.4747 aronsohnweinersalerno.com

047_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

CELEBRATING

46 YEARS EST. 1971

The Firm’s attorneys have been awarded numerous honors and distinctions. Richard H. Weiner was awarded the 2015 Professional Lawyer of the Year Award by the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law. For several years including 2017, Mr. Weiner has also been listed as one of New Jersey’s top 100 lawyers by New Jersey magazine. Partners Richard H. Weiner, Gerald R. Salerno and Barry L. Kaufman have all been selected to the Best Lawyers in America* list for the past several years. *The Best Lawyers in America list is issued by Best Lawyers, LLC. A description of the selection methodology can be found at https://www.bestlawyers.com/About/ Nominations.aspx. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

11/16/17 12:44 PM

NEW JERSEY LUXURY AT ITS FINEST

ADVERTISE 2018

CONTACT: Shae Marcus, Group Publisher shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com | 856.797.2227

048_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2

11/15/17 4:36 PM

Don’t just optimize your website. Optimize your entire online presence with BigFish.

bigfish DIGITAL MARKETING FOR LOCAL PONDS

BigFish is an integrated, digital local marketing system involving more than 300 steps. We create videos for your business. We write and publish articles about you online. We do reputation marketing of your business. And we optimize everything for Google—all for a price that’s less than many businesses pay for traditional SEO. If you need more traffic to your website and more calls and visits to your store or office, contact Shae Marcus about BigFish, (856) 797-2227, shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com

049_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/15/17 4:36 PM

{ ESCAPES }

YOUR HOLIDAY REBOOT

True, for Christmas there’s no place like home. But these festive destinations are delightfully different! By Marisa Sandora

Your own home and hearth are undoubtedly where you first think of spending Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. These family-centered holidays mark the continuity of our lives, the hallowed traditions that remain reassuringly the same each year while kids keep growing (and parents graying). But what if, just this year, you need a break from “the same”? Then take out that suitcase and prepare to make some brand-new memories! Consider a Christmastime trip to one of these places...

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.escapes.indd 50

ROVANIEMI, LAPLAND, FINLAND

OK, it’s not actually the North Pole. But the Finnish town of Rovaniemi, four miles south of the Arctic Circle, has anointed itself Santa’s hometown, and we don’t hear the Clauses complaining. Check out Santa Claus Village, where besides buying all manner of Christmas ornaments and decorations, you can take photos and chat with the man himself and send letters from his post office (bearing the official Arctic Circle postmark). You can even visit Santa’s reindeer at the Raitola Reindeer & Husky Farm. Another attraction nearby is Santa Park, a Christmas-themed cave where you can see Santa’s elves at work, taste gingerbread cookies baked by Mrs. Claus, ride on the Magic Train and take in a Christmas-themed show. Of course, when you’re this far north, there are also the Northern Lights to enjoy. Sign up for aurora text alerts (aurora-service.eu) so you don’t miss anything! If Finland seems a bit far, never fear. Your Claus escape has an escape clause: a destination that doesn’t require a passport, the holiday-themed town of North Pole, Alaska. There you can visit St. Nick in the Santa Claus House (complete with live reindeer), street lights are decorated in candy-cane motifs and streets bear names like Kris Kringle, Mistletoe, Donner and Blitzen.

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:59 PM

BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK, PALESTINE

Each year in the advent season, thousands of Christians flock to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and the town is decked out in gorgeous Christmas decorations to welcome the throngs. Manger Square, the city’s focal point, is flanked by the Church of the Nativity (one of the world’s oldest churches, said to be built on the site where Jesus was born to Mary) on one side and the Mosque of Omar on the other. (The town is now mostly Muslim.) The Jewish sacred site of Rachel’s Tomb is also here (Rachel was Jacob’s wife and Joseph’s mother), as is Shepherds’ Field, where the angels are believed to have visited shepherds and announced the birth of Christ. Christmas is a magical time to visit Bethlehem, but the town (administered by the Palestinian Authority) is only about six miles from Jerusalem, so you can easily see that historic city and other sites in the Holy Land as well during your trip.

NUREMBERG, GERMANY

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC, CANADA

Wandering through a traditional European Christmas market can be magical, with interesting wares for sale in beautifully decorated stalls, mulled wine to sip and the scents of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts in the air. So plan a visit to the most famous one of all, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. This very old market (dating to the early 17th century) is strict about allowing only handcrafted wares from regional manufacturers, so you’re bound to find something special to take home that you won’t find anywhere else. For example, there are gorgeous ornaments for the tree and the famous Prune Men, little figures created from prunes and wire that were invented as a makeshift holiday gift for children in the 18th century. When you’ve worked up an appetite, try the famous Nuremberg grilled sausages or Nuremberg lebkuchen, the city’s famous gingerbread, which has been baked locally for more than 600 years. Other sites to check out in the historic city include the Nuremberg Toy Museum, the German Railway Museum, the Nuremberg Castle and (we leave it to your judgment) the Nazi party rally grounds, where a memorial stands today.

If you’d like to experience oldworld European charm without having to hop the pond, visit Quebec City for Christmas. Its historic district’s cobblestone streets and 17th-century architecture are transformed each year with lights, decorations and lots of snow, creating an enchanting effect that gets everyone in the holiday spirit. The German Christmas Market and the Old Port Christmas Market offer interesting gifts and local food, and children can meet Santa Claus at the Quartier Petit Champlain, a popular outdoor shopping area. Attend Christmas Eve mass at one of the beautiful old cathedrals, and experience the service in French like a local. If you can extend your stay, plenty of activities take place on New Year’s Eve, with concerts, a giant Ferris wheel, performances by avant-garde dance troupes and hopping outdoor bars—plus a fireworks show to end the night.

“My husband and I spent a Christmas in Patagonia. Seeing glaciers that might not be around forever was a really transformative experience. Celebrating Christmas in a lodge with complete strangers from all over the globe really made an impression on me as well. We were so far from home but all celebrating the same holiday, and I think we all felt more connected than if we’d been there at another time of the year.”

—Jiffy Vermylen,

Ridgewood

“We visited Rovaniemi, Finland, because my family loves to travel and was looking for something different. We snowmobiled to see the Northern Lights, took a dog sled ride through the Arctic tundra, met with Santa and his elves and even ate reindeer for Christmas dinner.”

—Abby O’Connell,

Ramsey

“Having left South Africa with my parents and sister in 1979, we have frequently traveled back to visit family. It’s the peak of the summer in December, so Christmas is usually spent poolside or on the beach with a braai (BBQ) after services in a local Anglican church.”

—Stacy Strohmenger,

Ridgewood BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.escapes.indd 51

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 1:59 PM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.treats.indd 52

DECEMBER 2017

11/15/17 8:39 AM

{ GLOBAL GOODIES }

A WORLD OF TREATS

Every country has a traditional dessert that’s been satisfying sweets lovers for centuries. But you don’t have to travel there to get them. By Lisa Girard What can one learn about the nations of the earth by sampling their cherished native desserts? We’re not sure, but we know the research process is a delicious one. On the following pages, join us for a delectable international tasting tour of nine countries and the after-dinner palate pleasers—from puffy pastries to piquant pies—that they call particularly their own. Methods of preparation have been modernized, but they remain largely true to their origins—dipped, rolled, sprinkled, baked and/or fried to a blissful fare-thee-well that will have dessert lovers licking their lips.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.treats.indd 53

DECEMBER 2017

11/15/17 8:39 AM

Romania Chimney Cake

Known as kürt skalács in the native tongue, chimney cakes date back to the 15th century, when they were baked over hot coals in the medieval kitchens of Transylvania. These truncated treats have since become popular throughout Eastern Europe and are a perfect combination of crisp and fluffy. To create them, dough is rolled into an even strip, wrapped around a wooden or steel cooking roll and baked to crusty perfection. Their cone shape gives them a distinctive appearance, while the slightly sweetened yeast dough and walnut cinnamon-sugar topping make them nearly impossible to resist. Once a popular wedding treat, chimney cakes are now part of everyday meals, baked to a shade of golden brown that would make Dracula salivate.

The Chimney Cake Factory Food trucks serving New Jersey 908.839.0111 thechimneycakefactory.com

Argentina Pastelito

South Africa Koeksister

Dolce & Salato Bakery 102 W. Palisade Ave., Englewood 201.731.3646 dolceandsalatofood.com

Order online: Koeksister & Co. knoeksisterco.co.za

Central to Argentine culture, pastelitos are often shown in artists’ renderings of the 1810 revolution that led to the nation’s freedom from Spanish rule. More than 200 years later, these puffy pastries remain a staple of Argentine dessert fare and are seen as a symbol of independence when served during celebrations of May 25 aka May Revolution Day. Pastelitos are made primarily of pastry dough and either sweet potato puree or quince paste, a sweet, thick jelly derived from the pulp of quince fruit. And though it’s tempting to cheat with ready-made squares of puff pastry or—heaven forbid—wonton wrappers, true pastelitos are made from dough that is kneaded well and rolled to ¼16 of an inch. They are then formed to resemble stars and submerged in hot oil, separating into many layers for that classic “flower” formation. Never has a history lesson tasted so good.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.treats.indd 54

Warning: Koeksisters are likely to cause sticky fingers and can be extremely habit-forming. Pronounced “cook sisters,” these South African donuts are sweet and crunchy with hints of cinnamon, ginger and lemon. With a name derived from the Dutch word “koekje”—often interpreted as “cookie”—they are not only sold by vendors on the streets of Johannesburg and other cities but have also made their way onto the shelves of many South African grocery stores. Koeksisters were originally brought to the region by Malaysian workers and are now enjoyed as a mid-day snack (or for breakfast, for those feeling particularly decadent), but they’re also special enough for birthdays and holiday parties. The baking process involves braiding thin strips of dough into a rope shape, which is submerged in hot oil and dipped into a bowl of irresistible sugary syrup or honey. Note: Koeksisters are best served with a cup of hot tea and plenty of wet napkins.

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:01 PM

VAT

Russia Vatrushka

Iran Kolompeh

France Kouign Amann

Taste of Home 13-34 River Rd., Fair Lawn 201.398.1990 russianfoodnj.com

Fattal’s 975 Main St., Paterson 973.742.7125 fattals.com

Sook Pastry 24 S. Broad St., Ridgewood 201.493.2500 sookpastry.com

From Russia (with love) comes the vatrushka (pronounced vat-ROOSH-kah), a round pie topped with sweetened cottage cheese and usually sprinkled with raisins or dried fruit. The name is thought to derive from the word vatra, meaning “fire” in many Slavic languages, a reference to the way this treat is baked in a wood-fired oven. Vatrushkas vary in size from five-inch personal-sized to almost three feet in diameter and are typically baked using a sweet yeast bread dough, though there are savory options made with unsweetened dough and topped with onion or ground meat. To liken it to a cheese Danish doesn’t do this delicacy justice. It’s closer to a pirozhki (Russian for “small pie”), with one major difference: While pirozhki are closed, vatrushkas are openfaced, or “sunny side up”—their thick, creamy topping in full view. No guilt, though, because cottage cheese is good for a diet, right? That’s what we keep telling ourselves.

Kolompehs are like snowflakes: No two are exactly alike. These delicate dessert pies are crafted in many sizes and formats, the top layer of dough carved either by hand or with a wooden stamp—some mass-produced, others hand-carved family heirlooms handed down through generations and often depicting bucolic nature scenes. Referred to as edible works of art, kolompehs originated in Kerman (also spelled Kirman), the capital city of Iran’s Kerman Province, where they were traditionally baked with local oils, Persian walnuts, cardamom, sesame and wheat flour. Today, industrially produced kolompehs have become popular souvenirs and are prepared with a variety of nuts and sometimes hints of cloves, saffron and rose water, and decorated with pistachio or sesame powder. The best part? These fragrant, flaky pies are made without sugar, deriving their sweetness from Medjool dates. All flavor; no regrets.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.treats.indd 55

Tracing its origins to France’s northwest cultural region of Brittany, kouign amann is not a dessert for the calorie counter. Pronouced kween ah-mon, its name translates from the Breton language as “butter cake,” with traditional recipes calling for almost as much butter as dough. Invented around 1860, kouign amann was traditionally served as slices from a large cake, though the trend has been toward individual cupcake-sized pastries, particularly in North America. It is considered the perfect (and most decadent) French breakfast pastry, a denser version of the croissant but with a healthy dose of sugar. Some say it’s more about technique than ingredients, as kouign amann is made from layering dough with sheets of butter, then folding it, rolling it out and repeating multiple times to create hundreds of layers. As it bakes, the butter-sugar mixture forms pockets of sweetness in the moist center, while the outside remains crispy, with a caramel-like coating around the edges. We’ll have ours with a café au lait, s’il vous plaît.

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:15 PM

Italy Origlietta

Australia Lamington

China Taro Bun

Carlo’s Bakery 12 Wilsey Square, Ridgewood 201.962.9080 order.carlosbakery.com

Whole Foods Market 45 Vervalen St., Closter 201.367.9099 wholefoodsmarket.com

Kook Hwa Bakery Cafe 365 Rte. 17, Paramus 201.265.8484

Origliettas are almost too pretty to eat. (That’s almost.) These lesser-known cousins of Italian desserts like cannoli, zeppoli and tiramisu are just as delectable—they’re rolled around a stick into an accordion shape and deep-fried in olive or seed oil. The result is a convoluted confection whose honey coating makes it that much more mouthwatering. And while some bakers fry them to a golden brown, others go for a translucent finish that means they’re sure to melt in your mouth. Origliettas originated in Sardinia, known for its elegant and irresistible desserts, and are a favorite treat at carnivals and other celebrations. Yet some would insist they’re best served in an Old World trattoria or on a quaint outdoor patio with a view of the crystal-clear Mediteranean Sea. One thing is for sure: Put them out at a party, and they’ll be gone before you can say “Arrivederci!”

As legend has it, the lamington was created quite by accident in the late 1800s. A maidservant of Lord Lamington, a Brit who served as the eighth governor of Queensland, mistakenly dropped the royal’s favorite sponge cake dessert into a bowl of melted chocolate. To keep his fingers from getting too messy, the governor rolled the confection in coconut, and the rest, as they say, is history. Known as the “National Cake of Australia,” this favorite is still a luscious combination of tender sponge cake, chocolate icing and shredded coconut, though there are variations that include a raspberry sauce coating and/or a layer of cream or strawberry jam between spongy halves. Affectionately called “lammos,” these “bloody, poofy, woolly biscuits” (as Lord Lamington actually described them) are so popular Down Under that in 2006, July 21 was declared National Lamington Day. How many desserts have a day all their own?

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.treats.indd 56

From the street carts of Beijing to the bakeries of Chinatown, these buttery buns are a delightful combination of chewy texture and light sweetness—they’re recognized mostly for their vividly purple filling, but there’s no food coloring on the ingredients list. The purple comes from taro, a vitamin-rich natural root vegetable that’s a dietary staple in Asia. To make this drool-worthy dessert, the sticky bun dough is brushed with an egg wash before baking to achieve a shiny gold coloring and can be topped with a few sliced almonds for an enticingly nutty flavor and crunch. Yet it’s really about the taro, which is sweeter than red bean paste but less sweet than custard or cream. The root is cooked to a pudding-like consistency and used as a filling, formed into a multi-layer marble shape or rolled inside the dough for a pinwheel effect. In any form, it’s a joyous celebration of purple yum.

DECEMBER 2017

11/15/17 8:39 AM

057_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 12:42 PM

Photos courtesy of Callahan's

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.tastemaker.indd 58

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:02 PM

{ TASTEMAKER }

HOT DOG!

BERGEN chats with Callahan’s owner Dan DeMiglio about food trucks, truffle burgers and the difference a viral video makes. By Alena Woods

Photos courtesy of Callahan's

Three generations, two food trucks, one viral video—that’s Dan DeMiglio’s recipe for success. The owner of Callahan’s in Norwood, he brought his grandfather’s hot-dog joint back to life in 2014 with unshakable commitment—and has been rebranding the restaurant and serving one-of-a-kind dishes like the Stuffed Truffle Mac n’ Cheese Burger and Ghost Pepper Cheese BBQ Wings ever since. Now, after gaining a major following online, the Bergen native’s eatery will be featured on a brand-new Food Network series. You’re the third-generation owner of the hot-dog joint. Tell me about the Callahan’s journey. That’s right—I’m the grandson of the original owner, Artie Castrianni, who bought Callahan’s back in 1950. Not a lot of people know that in 2014, the trademark and licensing of Callahan’s were going to expire. I literally had just a month to save the business. So instead of giving up, I bought a food truck and drove around selling hot dogs and raising money. I sold 2,000 hot dogs that first day and made enough to renew that licensing. It was hard work—I was exhausted! You’ve got an Italian name. Where did “Callahan’s” come from? When my grandfather purchased Callahan’s, he was working at a restaurant but wanted to own his own place. After multiple attempts, he finally convinced the two Callahan sisters who owned the local gas station/burger joint to sell him their business. This place was his “American Dream,” and it made sense to keep the already well-known American name. What’s it like being the sole owner of Callahan’s? Stressful but rewarding. I financed Callahan’s all on my own when I was bringing the brand back to life. My staff is amazing: The employees I hire work with me, not for me— that’s what I always say. During peak foodtruck season, I have 12 full-time workers. I’ve put a lot of myself into this place. When and why did the Food Network reach out to you? About two months ago, after finding us on social media. Our Facebook and Instagram pages and a viral video are basically why we’ve become popular again. What happened with the video? Insider Food has a Facebook page where they post videos of new and cool food trends. The

girl who makes all the videos saw our Stuffed Truffle Mac n’ Cheese Burger (pictured on opposite page, bottom right) online and reached out to us. So she came out and we made one for her. Little did we know that the next day we’d get 4,000 new followers on Instagram. That video has had more than 5 million views—my phone died three times from all the messages I was getting! I can’t even describe how amazing that felt. It’s great to see my investment paying off. What can you tell us about the Food Network project? It’s kind of under wraps right now. But basically, the Food Network is airing a brandnew show that features ingenious spins on food that people already love. They were particularly interested in the truffle burger we sell, since it’s not something people have seen before. Fans can expect the episode to air in late winter or early spring. What was the filming like? Fun but exhausting. The crew filmed from 9 a.m. straight through to 5 p.m. Since the storefront is so small, it got a little cramped, but no one really minded. I was in production with the NBA for 10 years, and I know how stressful this kind of work can be, but the Food Network cameramen were young, vibrant and great to work with. Happy, too, because they got to try all of the food! Were the filmed interviews random or planned beforehand? They were pretty random, to be honest. I posted on social media telling our “Callahan’s Kids” (as I like to call our customers) that the Food Network would be at our place and there was a chance they could be interviewed. We actually had a fan drive all the way from Virginia that day, just for the chance to get an interview. He walked in the door right at 5 p.m. and actually snagged an interview. I can’t be sure it’ll end up in the

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.tastemaker.indd 59

episode, but that’s the kind of customer base we have. I always say you’re only as good as the people around you, and our regulars are the best. How has business been since you went viral? Just amazing. I’ve literally had messages from people in Japan telling me how they like their burgers made and asking if I can ship some to them. Half of the messages are in a different language, so I can’t even read them, but I just appreciate that people reach out. Callahan’s put Norwood on the map. People associate the town with Callahan’s and vice versa; we have people coming to visit from all over the state. What has your family’s reaction been to the success of the restaurant? Back in 2000, before my grandpa passed away, I promised him that I would take Callahan’s to another level. He’s always with me in spirit—I wear his dog tags every day and never take them off. The rest of my family is really proud of me and can’t believe the impact of social media. Our original customers only knew Callahan’s as a hot-dog joint, but now their kids and grandkids are coming in. It’s a whole new generation; they’re the ones ordering our popular burgers and posting the photos online. What’s next for Callahan’s? We’ve had the chance to work with amazing companies like Buzzfeed, World Star, Insider Food and now the Food Network. We are now teaming up with UberEats, a new service being provided by the ride-sharing app Uber. It’s a food delivery service for area residents and another way to get to our customers. Oh, and we’re going to add a third food truck to our “fleet of craziness.” Keep an eye out for us at Van Saun’s Winter Wonderland and during our food truck season, which starts up again in early April.

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:02 PM

{ ENTERTAINING }

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop decorating after the lights go up and the tree is topped. Let the warm feeling of the holidays flow throughout your home with festive touches in every room. Decorating a Christmas tree is a deeply rooted tradition for many Bergen County families: Kids hang ornaments, parents sip on egg nog, Bing Crosby sings in the background. But what can you do when all the stars and mirrored balls are in place? Our answer: Unleash your holiday spirit into every nook and cranny of the home. From a dining room table topped with seasonal candles to a staircase adorned with playful childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stockings, the options abound when creating your own holiday spectacular!

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.HolidayHouse2.indd 60

Photos by living4media/Szczepaniak

BEYOND THE TREE DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:24 PM

Photos by living4media/Szczepaniak

The warm glow from tabletop candles and tree ornaments creates a cozy and intimate mood for dinner on Christmas Eve. BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.HolidayHouse2.indd 61

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:24 PM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.HolidayHouse2.indd 62

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:25 PM

{ ENTERTAINING }

This page: Red votive candles mirror the decor on the Christmas tree and serve as the perfect centerpiece for the dinner table. Opposite: Colorful, cozy socks (you can stuff more goodies in larger ones) are a festive alternative to traditional stockings and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.HolidayHouse2.indd 63

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:25 PM

{ ENTERTAINING }

Every year my family hides a pickle-shaped ornament on our tree, and whoever finds it gets an extra Christmas gift!” —Michael Kaefer, Ramsey

This page: Personalize a tree by choosing ornaments in a variety of colors, shapes and materials. Opposite: Let the holiday spirit branch out into other rooms. Small decorations on a bedroom wall can bring much-needed joy while you’re wrapping presents.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.HolidayHouse2.indd 64

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:24 PM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.HolidayHouse2.indd 65

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:25 PM

{ HEALTH }

TIPS FOR A TOTAL BODY MAKEOVER What will you wear on the beach? Less! So it’s time to get physical—and heed these five routines we’ve finagled from fitness experts, aimed at crafting the sleekest, most presentable you. Read on.... By Lee Lusardi Connor

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.fitness.indd 66

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:03 PM

Striking while it’s hot. Mixed martial arts (MMA) is among the fastest-growing sports in the world, thanks in part to the sculpted physiques of superstars like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey. “MMA fighters have broad shoulders, slim waists and well-defined arms. A lot of people want to train to look like that,” says Patrick Henigan, an American Council on Exercise (ACE)-certified trainer and owner of Jacksonville Fitness Academy in Jacksonville, Fla. “Some elements of MMA, like wrestling and jiu jitsu, are too dangerous for the average person,” he says. “However, the ‘striking’ sports—boxing and kickboxing—provide an opportunity to learn a new skill, burn a ton of calories and sculpt your body.” While most people think boxing is mostly a matter of arm strength, Henigan explains, it actually involves the entire body— shoulder, rib cage, hips, legs. The same is true for kickboxing, a combination of karate and boxing. HIIT with a twist. HIIT stands for highintensity interval training—workouts of 30 minutes or so that include short bursts of intense activity punctuated by brief recovery periods. HIIT has been gaining in popularity as new research supporting its benefits is published, according to Pete McCall, ACE senior exercise scientist and San Diego-based certified personal trainer. Now some HIIT offerings tap into the energy-boosting powers of music: The Zumba company has partnered with ACE to create STRONG by Zumba, a non-dance, HIIT-inspired workout that emphasizes music more than choreography (the company hopes it will bring more men into the Zumba fold). Similarly, the popular Masala Bhangra program based on Indian dance has just launched a 20-minute HIIT-inspired workout. Called Transformation, it combines classic moves like burpees and squats with intervals of Bhangra and Bollywood dance moves. A downloadable version is available for $11.99 at masalabhangraworkout.com. Climb time. Do you need to be efficient with your workout time? Then don’t focus on isolation movements (like bicep curls and bench presses) that develop specific “glamour” muscles. Instead, go for complex movements—those that use two or more joints, such as pulling a sled or doing a full-body row, advises Jason Walsh, Hollywood’s go-to action trainer, who has worked with such A-listers as Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone. Climbing is one of the most effective complex movements, Walsh says, and it’s the basis of a group cardio concept he founded called Rise Nation BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.fitness.indd 67

(rise-nation.com). The program mainly uses the Versaclimber, a machine that provides a fast “vertical workout” that simulates climbing. “It burns twice as many calories as any other piece of equipment out there, and it recruits more muscles as well,” Walsh says. “It’s effective and efficient—and you can get in better overall condition by doing a workout for as little as 30 minutes, three times a week.” Putting the “fun” in functional. If you define a “summer-ready body” as one that’s fit for active fun, consider functional fitness training. This workout emphasizes core stability and motions needed for daily life. “It’s old-school stuff—picking things up, putting things down, doing pushups and squats—but it’s gaining in popularity,” says Tricia Brouk, owner of Brouk Moves, an in-home personal training company based in New York City. “Really, it’s what people pay tons of money to do at CrossFit classes.” One of Brouk’s favorite moves is the Farmer’s Carry. “I could give you two kettlebells and, if you carry them correctly for 100 feet, you will be working on posture, core, balance, strength and endurance all at the same time.” To get your functional moves down, you could hire a personal trainer or take a few sessions with a trainer at a gym. “Most important, grab someone—a friend, a partner, a spouse—and make yourself accountable,” Brouk says. “You’ll be more inspired to do functional training if you have somebody to throw a ball at.” I stream, you stream. We’ve had fitness videos and online workouts for quite a while, but now we have instructor-led group classes that are live-streamed from the studio for the home screen of your choice. “You get the energy of a live class from the comfort of your own home,” explains McCall. If your time zone or schedule don’t sync up with a live class, many services offer video-on-demand libraries of classes that you can access at your convenience. “Some people are just more comfortable working out at home rather than going to a gym,” McCall says. “On the downside, you won’t necessarily have access to all the equipment, such as medicine balls or dumbbells, that they might be using in the class.” Check out dailyburn.com, which offers more than 600 kinds of workouts; booyafitness.com, with everything from Yoga Boxing to Body Weight Sculpting and beyond, including personalized workout plans; or lesmills.com, which offers every type of on-demand workout imaginable, including its own trademarked classes like BodyPump, Sh’Bam and BodyAttack.

“Kettlebells are great for cardio, strength and flexibility training. Here's a fun exercise you can do with them at home: the Kettlebell Figure-8, which targets your arms, back and abs. Keep your legs a bit wider than hipswidth apart and lower yourself into a mini-squat. Grab the kettlebell with your left hand and swing it around the outside of the left leg and then back between the legs. Pass the kettlebell to your right hand and swing it around the right leg. Repeat left and right for 45 to 60 seconds.”

—Fariba Sylvander,

personal trainer and wellness coach, Rutherford

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:03 PM

{ HOLIDAY STYLE }

BLACK, WHITE & RED ALL OVER

The ultimate power colors make for a jaw-dropping fashion statement. Photography by Daniel Springston

Wardrobe courtesy of Donna Moda, Westwood

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.fashion.indd 68

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:04 PM

Black one-sleeve dress with velvet bow.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.fashion.indd 69

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:04 PM

{ HOLIDAY STYLE }

Black strapless satin dress.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.fashion.indd 70

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:05 PM

Red patterned dress with leather belt.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.fashion.indd 71

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:05 PM

Red satin cocktail dress with belt.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.fashion.indd 72

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:05 PM

{ HOLIDAY STYLE }

Black floor-length ballgown with floral embroidery.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.fashion.indd 73

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:05 PM

{ STAFF PICKS } Stephen Vitarbo, art director: Taft boots. This small Brooklynbased company searched for the best shoe factories in the world and found them in Spain. The craftsmanship and quality of these boots are second to none. You can only get them online (no retail markup), which means you get beautiful shoes at beautiful prices.

Rita Guarna, editor-in-chief: I love Workman Publishing’s Gallery desk calendars. The photography is beautiful so it’s like having an art book on your desk. They’re perfect gifts for co-workers or as part of a theme gift. I’ll be giving me “Italy,” so I can daydream about going back there.

Make A Wish

We didn’t sit on Santa’s lap, but BERGEN staff members still have holiday lists. Our team answered the question: What gifts are you looking forward to giving or receiving this season? Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, everyone deserves to unwrap something this holiday season. What are you pining for—a chic new sweater or necktie? Perhaps the latest iPhone or gaming system? In the spirit of giving, we share what we hope to find under the tree—because sometimes the gifts that one wants are oftentimes the very best ones to give others. Yvonne Marki, art assistant: I’ve always wanted a Fuji Instax or a Polaroid OneStep camera. Anyone can take pictures with their phone, but these cameras create instant memories in a fun format that can be shared or framed instantly.

Alena Woods, editorial assistant: The Plum & Bow Cat Pillow is a gift I might actually ask for and get for my sister, who just moved to Virginia. We both have our own spaces to decorate after graduating from college, and she and I are notorious cat lovers. What’s cuter than a painted cat pillow for your bedroom? Functional and a sweet, homey touch.

Darius Amos, associate editor: A Tateossian bracelet is something nice that any guy can use almost daily. I wear a watch every day, so a double wrap leather bracelet on the other wrist would offer balance and complement the look. It’s very understated but high quality—and it would go well with most casual or formal outfits.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.staffpicks.indd 74

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:06 PM

1105 Mt. Kemble Ave., (Rt. 202) MORRISTOWN, NJ

973.425.5500

G I

R N

E T

E E

N R

B I

A O

U R

M S

THE ART OF FINE DESIGN AND FURNISHINGS SINCE 1952

HQ 101 Washington St.

H I S T O R I C PAT E R S O N , N J

973.279.3000 584 Rt. 17 North (@ Racetrack Rd.) RIDGEWOOD, NJ

201.857.3600

G R E E N B A U M I N T E R I O R S . C O M

075_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 12:46 PM

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

THREADS WESTWOOD Don’t forget to grab your holiday shopping list, and be sure to check it twice! For all your friends who have been naughty or nice we have stylish gifts for any age! Cozy knits Sleek leather looks Velvet crush details Fingerless gloves Pom Pom hats Fuzzy jackets And much much more! 149 WESTWOOD AVE., WESTWOOD, NJ 201.664.1697

CAFÉ ITALIANO RISTORANTE & BAR If you haven’t dined out lately, or if you’ve been looking for a place with a unique atmosphere to take someone special, then you owe it to yourself to visit Cafe Italiano Ristorante & Bar, one of the best Bergen County NJ Italian restaurants, located in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. We offer the most authentic Italian pasta and risotto, fresh seafood, milkfed veal, steaks, and chops, creative chef specials in a cozy and charming atmosphere. 14 SYLVAN AVE., ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ 201.461.5041 CAFEITALIANO.NET

COOKIES BY DESIGN Cookies by Design offers freshly baked hand decorated cookie gifts and treats that can be personalized for any occasion. The perfect gift for Christmas, Hanukkah and the Holiday Season! Local and Nationwide Delivery! Visit www.cookiesbydesign.com or call 201.567.1206.

125 N DEAN ST., ENGLEWOOD, NJ 201.567.1206 COOKIESBYDESIGN.COM

THE DIAMOND EXCHANGE The Diamond Exchange is a family owned and operated jewelry store celebrating thirty plus years in business. Located in the heart of Bergen County, New Jersey on Route 17 North. The Diamond Exchange offers an elegant retail environment. Owner Tony Iacona provides personalized highly experienced service. Tony is a certified gemologist who is a graduate of Gemological Institute of America. Tony’s passion to create bold, cutting edge jewelry designs are evidenced by the exquisite handpicked collection of brilliant diamonds and an amazing selection of handcrafted mountings. The Diamond Exchange uses state-of-the-art computer technology that few jewelers in the country have; insuring absolute precision on every custom piece they create.

174 ROUTE 17 N., PARAMUS, NJ 201.261.1303 THEDIAMONDEXCHANGE.NET

HOLIDAY_SpSect_BH_1217_REV.indd 60

11/16/17 3:30 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

T.S. MA CHINESE CUISINE CYCLESPORT There’s nothing better than a new bike for Christmas.

PRESTO WINE USA

Cyclesport has the Area’s largest selection, priced right, and a top-notch staff to help you with all things cycling. Voted one of the top 100 bike shops in the USA 10 years in a row.

Presto Wine USA offers the evolution of wine by the glass dispensed from our one-way disposable KeyKeg system. It gets rid of oxidation and leads to a fresh pour from the first glass to the last glass. Wine On Tap eliminates the need for wasteful bottles, plastic, cardboard, corks and packaging all together. Leading to cheaper garbage pickups and reduced storage.

Serving you daily: M-F 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm. 1 HAWTHORNE AVE., PARK RIDGE, NJ 201.391.5269 CYCLESPORTONLINE.COM

PRESTOWINEONTAP.COM

Treat friends and family to fresh, healthy and authentic Chinese cuisine with a T.S. Ma gift card. Our mission is to provide you with healthy and nutritious food without sacrificing any of the flavors, which is why we only use the freshest and highest quality ingredients. We offer a wide variety of vegetarian and glutenfree menu options for those with dietary restrictions. For dine-in, delivery (online ordering available) and catering options please visit our website www.TSMACC.com. WYCKOFF SHOPPING CENTER 637 WYCKOFF AVE., WYCKOFF, NJ 201.891.8878 TSMACC.COM

SALT BREEZE SALT THERAPY AND WELLNESS SPA

THE GEM MINE

Give the gift of breathing easier and clearer skin!

There’s something for everyone, in every price range, at The Gem Mine—creative artistdesigned silver, gold, & quality craft jewelry... gemstones, minerals, fossils, shells...crystals, carvings, bookends...vintage jewelry—and much more! The Gem Mine is truly unique. Visit us and see for yourself.

Safe for all ages and massage services also available.

For centuries, halotherapy has been used to naturally relieve the symptoms of respiratory and skin conditions ranging everywhere from asthma to eczema. Cleanse the airways, relieve inflammation and soothe irritated skin in our adult or children’s salt cave rooms. Receive 25% off: SALTYHOLIDAY17

Holiday hours M-F 9:30-7, Sat. 9:30-6. Sunday 12/24 10-2. 65 WESTWOOD AVE., WESTWOOD, NJ 201.722.8676 THEGEMMINENJ.COM

HOLIDAY_SpSect_BH_1217_REV.indd 61

5-05 SADDLE RIVER RD., FAIR LAWN, NJ 201.254.9492 SALTBREEZENJ.COM

11/16/17 3:30 PM

{ TASTES }

GET SNAPPING Fill your home with the aroma of these festive gingerbread cookies. Your family and friends will thank you!

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.tastes.indd 78

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:07 PM

FESTIVE HANGING COOKIES Yields: 40 cookies

INGREDIENTS

n1 batch of light gingerbread dough (see this page) n 1 batch of Royal Icing (see page 81) FOR THE LIGHT GINGERBREAD DOUGH n ½ cup light molasses, golden syrup or honey n 1 cup light brown sugar n 1 4 Tbs. unsalted butter n zest of one lemon n 4 tsp. ground ginger n 2 tsp. ground cinnamon n ½ tsp. ground nutmeg n ¼ tsp. ground cloves n 1 tsp. baking soda n 4 cups all-purpose flour n 1 tsp. salt n 1 lightly-beaten egg

EQUIPMENT

n Christmas cookie cutters n string or ribbon

DIRECTIONS

FOR THE LIGHT GINGERBREAD DOUGH Pour the light molasses into a large saucepan with the sugar, butter, zest, and spices and melt over low/medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to boiling. Remove from the heat and beat in the baking soda. The mixture will froth up at this point as the baking soda reacts—mix briefly until combined, then let cool for 15 minutes. Sift the flour and salt, then fold into the mixture in batches. Beat in the egg until just combined. Do not overwork the mixture, or the cookies will spread during baking. The dough will be very sticky to begin with, but do not add any flour. Scrape out of the bowl onto a clean surface and knead together until just smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 hour. FOR THE COOKIES Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut a large piece of parchment paper and roll out the gingerbread on top of it to ¼ inch. Using any Christmas-themed cutters, cut out pieces of dough and use a palette knife to transfer them to the lined baking sheets. Leave space for them to spread a little. Using a straw, press one end into each of the cookies where you would like to thread a ribbon to hang, twist the straw, and pull away to remove a circle of dough. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes until hard—this second chill helps them to hold their shape and pattern better while baking. Bake in the oven in batches for 6 to 10 minutes depending on size, until golden brown at the edges. Let cool, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Add a little water to the royal icing until you reach soft peak consistency. Spoon the icing into a piping bag fitted with a fine nozzle. Decorate the cookies with dots, lines and swirls, then add the sprinkles. Let cool completely for 4 hours before tying with ribbon and hanging.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.tastes.indd 79

For first-time cookie decorators, I recommend not buying frosting tips. Simply make a fine cut at one corner of the piping bag, and you’ll be able to pipe out detailed decorations onto the cookie. The larger the hole, the thicker the line of frosting. This is more cost-effective for people just trying to have fun in the kitchen!”

—Michele Braun, owner

of Mimi’s Cookies, Waldwick

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:07 PM

{ TASTES }

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.tastes.indd 80

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:07 PM

GLASS-PRESSED SANDWICH COOKIES Yields: 20 sandwich cookies

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

FOR THE BUTTER FROSTING n 1 4 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened n 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted n 1 tsp. vanilla extract n pinch of salt

Cut a large piece of parchment paper and roll out the gingerbread on top of it to ¼ inch. Now select from your drinking glasses the ones that have the most beautiful patterns on their bases. Press one at a time into the dough firmly enough to leave an imprint but not so hard that you squash the whole cookie!

EQUIPMENT

Then use a round cookie cutter approximately 3 inches in diameter to cut around the imprinted patterns. Use a range of sizes to make your collection of cookies look more eclectic. Use a palette knife to transfer the cookies onto the lined baking sheets. Leave space for them to spread a little.

n 1 batch light gingerbread dough (see page 77)

na ssorted drinking glasses with embossed bases n round cookie cutters of various sizes

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place in the freezer for 5 minutes until hard. Bake in the oven in batches for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown at the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes on the pans, then carefully transfer with a palette knife to wire racks to cool completely. Beat the butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and salt together with a handheld mixer until light and fluffy. Pipe or spread the butter frosting onto the bases of half the cookies and sandwich together with the remaining cookies.

These recipes all use light gingerbread dough, but you can make dark dough as well, which instead calls for dark molasses. There is a definite taste difference: Dark gingerbread is richer. I also like the deeper color because white frosting really pops on the cookie.”

—Jacquelynn Fischer,

freelance caterer, Woodcliff Lake

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.tastes.indd 81

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:07 PM

{ TASTES }

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.tastes.indd 82

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:07 PM

RUSSIAN DOLLS Yields: 45 cookies

INGREDIENTS

n1 batch of light gingerbread dough (see pg. 77) n 1 batch of Royal Icing (see below) FOR THE ROYAL ICING n 2 cups confectioners’ sugar n 1 lightly beaten egg white n ½ tsp. lemon juice n 1 tsp. water

DIRECTIONS

FOR THE ROYAL ICING Sift the sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the beaten egg white and lemon juice. Whisk on low speed, so you do not incorporate too much air into the icing, for 2 to 3 minutes until you have a smooth, but not wet, stiff peak consistency. It should be dense and spreadable but hold a stiff peak. If it looks dry and crumbly, add a little water. Transfer to a bowl and cover with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. The icing can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

DIRECTIONS

FOR THE COOKIES Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut a large piece of parchment paper and roll out the gingerbread on top of it to ¼ inch. Using Russian doll cutters, cut out pieces of dough and use a palette knife to transfer them to the lined baking sheets. Bake in the oven in batches for 6 to 10 minutes depending on size, until golden brown at the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes on the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Add a little water to the royal icing until you reach soft peak consistency. Transfer ¼ cup to a small bowl, then cover the large bowl with a damp cloth and set aside. Add a little peach coloring to the icing and pipe small round circles for the doll faces. Add a little extra water to the remaining peach icing to make flood icing—a think but runny consistency. Spoon into the circles to fill the faces.

After adding the red icing outline onto the edge of the cookies, let it dry for about 30 minutes. This makes a thick border that will hold in the flood icing—so named because as you pipe the icing, it spreads to the edges and ‘floods’ the cookie.”

—Jacquelynn Fischer,

freelance caterer, Woodcliff Lake

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the remaining white icing to a separate bowl, cover with a damp cloth and set aside. Add a little red food coloring to the large bowl of icing until you have a punchy red. With a fine nozzle, pipe a smooth red outline around the cookies. Add a little more water to the red icing to make flood icing, then use it to carefully fill the centers. Keep any remaining icing covered with a damp cloth. Let set completely for 4 hours or overnight. Using a paintbrush and the reserved white icing, paint decorative patterns on the dolls’ bodies and around the faces. Paint little red lips on the faces and tiny dots for nostrils. Use a drop of black coloring to paint eyes and eyelashes. Leave one final time to set for 2 hours.

Reprinted with permission from Gingerbread Wonderland by Mima Sinclair, Kyle Books. No reproduction, copy or transmission of this publication may be made without permission from the publisher.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.tastes.indd 83

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:07 PM

{ POWER FOOD }

Perfect Persimmon

The flavorful fruit can boost brain function, eye health and more—plus ease a hangover. With fall’s pumpkin craze winding down, it’s time to direct our attention to a different treat: the persimmon. This medium-size fruit looks similar to an oddly shaped tomato, ranging in color from light orange to red with a green leaf on top. There are two common commercially available types of persimmon: the nonastringent variety called fuyu (pronounced foo-you), which has a firm texture that’s similar to that of an apple and is typically eaten raw, and the astringent variety, called hachiya (pronounced ha-CHI-ah), which is more often used for cooking due to its tart taste (for one to enjoy it raw, the fruit would have to be well ripened and very soft). Both are of Asian origin, but the varieties available domestically are mostly produced in California. American persimmons, a less common astringent variety, are much smaller than the Asian types and can be grown successfully in New Jersey. Power Up Persimmons are relatively high in calories—a 168-gram fruit rings in at 118 calories, due mostly to its high sugar content. But it’s also chock-full of good stuff. It has 6 grams of fiber (more than an apple) and contains 55 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, which works to improve vision, reduce the effects of aging, and support bone health. It’s also high in vitamin C (21 percent DV), which boosts immune function and helps the body absorb iron, the bone-building manganese (30 percent DV), and vitamin B6 (8 percent DV),

which helps with brain function. It’s rich in antioxidants, including carotenoids, which benefit eye health, and tannins, which may promote heart health. Another perk: A 2008 study published in Advances in Horticultural Science claimed the antioxidants in persimmons may ease a hangover. Buy/Store/Serve Persimmons come into season from October to December; they can picked and purchased while unripe and left to ripen in the home. Look for fruits with a firm skin that’s not bruised or dented, and store them in a paper bag at room temperature until they soften. Take note that once ripened, they need to be eaten quickly or they will spoil. As mentioned, astringent types need to be very ripe before they are edible. Paul Buxman, a persimmon farmer featured on Martha Stewart, described a ready-toeat hachiya as feeling like “an egg with the shell removed.” He recommends carefully slicing off the top and scooping the flesh out. This variety is typically used in baking, in cookies, cakes and pies. Fuyu can be eaten while it’s still crunchy. Slice it as you would an apple, and serve it raw, on its

own or in salads. It goes well alongside apples, pomegranates and autumn vegetables—yes, even pumpkin. Did You Know? Captain John Smith must have learned the hard way that the astringent type of persimmon is not to be eaten before it’s fully ripened. Speaking of the American variety, he’s famously quoted as saying, “If it be not ripe, it will draw a man’s mouth awrie with much torment.” —Liz Donovan

FAST FACT Native Americans enjoyed persimmons, eating them raw, drying them and making them into drinks, according to the Encyclopedia of American Indian Contributions to the World. BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.powerfood.1.indd 84

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:08 PM

WHERE YOU’RE ONLY A STRANGER ONCE

Brady’s keeps its patrons coming back for more with a comfortable décor, smooth service and a first-rate, outstanding blend of traditional Irish and American cuisine.

Book your holiday party today! bradysramsey@hotmail.com

5 WEST MAIN ST., RAMSEY NJ

201.327.9748

bradysatthestation.net

085_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 1:15 PM

{ SPIRITS }

Goin’ South

Spiked with mezcal and finished with a pinch of chipotle powder, this four-ingredient cocktail warms you up when it’s freezing outside.

SPIKED MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE INGREDIENTS

n 4 oz. high-quality chocolate milk n 2 oz. mezcal n 1 pinch ground chipotle chile, plus more for garnish n G rated chocolate, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Bring chocolate milk, mezcal and a pinch of chipotle powder to a slight simmer in a saucepan. Meanwhile, fill a mug with hot water; when the mug is warm, pour out the water and add the hot chocolate. Garnish with freshly grated chocolate and chipotle powder. Serve immediately.

Mezcal has a smoky flavor to it, which pairs really well with the smokiness of the chipotle. Since this liquor is so strong, the chocolate’s sweetness should help balance out the drink.” —Melissa Calderwood, bartender at Blue Moon Mexican Café, Woodcliff Lake

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.spirits.indd 86

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:16 PM

GIVING IS RECEIVING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

PLEASE JOIN US THIS

Give The Gift Of History And Hospitality To The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern ✮ Award winning wine list ✮ Seasonal American menu ✮ Historic neighborhood gem, perfect gathering place for family and friends ✮ Private Dining rooms for family celebrations and business events ✮ Monthly wine, seasonal cocktail and craft beer tastings

Holiday Season R E S E R VA T I O N S

BUY A $100 GIFT CARD AND RECEIVE A BONUS $10 GIFT CARD BACK AS THE GIFT GIVER!

EDGEWATER 201-224-2013

FAIR LAWN 201-703-3500

MAHWAH 201-529-1111

Featuring

OUR REGULAR MENU, PLUS HOLIDAY SPECIALS & DESSERTS

ONE EAST FRANKLIN TURNPIKE HO - HO - KUS, NJ 07423

201.445.4115

HOHOKUSINN.COM

ADVERTISE THE BERGEN GUIDE 2018 ISSUE

TAP THE POWER OF NEWCOMERS. New homeowners spend more money in their first six months than a typical consumer does in three years. The Bergen Guide will be mailed to new homeowners and placed in locations where new movers and pre-movers can obtain complimentary copies. Benefit by having newcomers become your customers before they’re locked in by your competitors.

CONTACT THOMAS FLANNERY, Publisher 201.571.2252 Thomas.Flannery@WainscotMedia.com

087_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 3:22 PM

BE A SPONSOR

MEET OVER 4,000 AFFLUENT RESIDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AT 3 AMAZING EVENTS. 2017 VENDOR SPACE SOLD OUT. CALL EARLY TO GUARANTEE YOUR SPACE. IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY CALL:

THOMAS FLANNERY, PUBLISHER

201.571.2252

THOMAS.FLANNERY@WAINSCOTMEDIA.COM

IN CENTRAL NEW JERSEY CALL:

SHAE MARCUS, PUBLISHER

088_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 2

856.797.2227

SHAE.MARCUS@WAINSCOTMEDIA.COM

11/16/17 12:06 PM

{ ON THE TOWN }

Gatherings

Photos by David Yang

From BergenFest in MetLife Stadium to a benefit walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, Bergenites show up and support their friends and neighbors.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.gathering.2.indd 89

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 3:17 PM

{ ON THE TOWN } 1

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS The Community Chest and the Tenafly High School Key Club embraced the motto “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” partnering with local businesses and service organizations to celebrate Tenafly Community Night. Residents came together at Tenafly’s Riveredge Road and were introduced to the borough’s businesses and resources; the Tenafly Police and Tenafly Recreation departments sponsored the event. 4 Cathy Lee, Lauren Kim, Lindsey Kim, Danielle Sung

The Community Chest (1–4); NEDA (5–6); Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County (7–8)

THE COMMUNITY CHEST The non-profit organization in Englewood launched its 2017-2018 annual campaign with an Oktoberfest celebration at the Englewood Field Club. Participants enjoyed beer tasting from Hackensack-based Alementary Brewing Co. and various raffles. The funds raised will support local organizations that address health issues, hunger, arts programming and the environment. 1 William and Patricia Johnson, Angie Castella, Jami Toolen 2 Trevor and Nicole Jadoo 3 Jennifer Harper, Karen Romaine, Lindsey Hakim

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.gathering.2.indd 90

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:09 PM

NEDA WALK

The Community Chest (1–4); NEDA (5–6); Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County (7–8)

Bergen County residents walked in unity across the Brooklyn Bridge for the annual NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) Walk. The event allowed eating disorder survivors to share their stories and raised more than $125,000 for the organization. 5 Emma Becker, Olivia Schutz, Nick Badilla, Alena Woods 6 Alex Schutz, Olivia Schutz, Myumi Kalinowski

8 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERGEN COUNTY Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County Women Build Committee, in partnership with Lord & Taylor, hosted “Fall into Fashion” at the store’s Paramus location. The show highlighted the season’s warmest trends while spotlighting the kick-off to the Habitat Bergen Women Build Program, which encourages women to help build in their local communities and spotlights the homeownership challenges faced by female heads of households. 7 Kim Sarno 8 Raquel Kelly, Jennifer Polidori, Jenny Caraballo, Julia Antoine, Ana Almanzar, Susan Cautahen, Danuvia Munoz, Gloria Bello BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.gathering.2.indd 91

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:09 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ASK THE

DENTAL

PROFESSIONAL

QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ANSWERS BY LEADING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

AskDentalPro_Bergen_1217_REV1.indd 92

11/16/17 3:52 PM

[A] At Dental Arts of Hackensack, we take care of nervous dental patients of all ages every day by treating them just like we would want to be treated at the dentist. In addition to our compassionate and highly-trained staff, our office is outfitted with the most advanced dental technology to make restorative, cosmetic and general dentistry procedures not only more comfortable and less invasive, but also faster so you can begin to smile faster. To ensure precision and speed, we use advanced technology, such as CEREC, which is a digital dentistry technique for same day dental restorations. Our 3D imaging technology evaluates bone quality and quantity that a normal digital X-ray may not reveal. For certain dental procedures, we’ll use Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA) to ensure painless visits. We’ll inject a single tooth using a computercontrolled local dental anesthetic system. STA eliminates the “bee sting” feeling and minimizes numbness to a patient’s face. Laser dentistry is perfect for patients who dislike needles, drilling or numbness. The advanced methods of laser dentistry, using the WaterLase and other dental lasers, help with cavity diagnosis and removal, curing and hardening bonding materials and whitening teeth. Laser also helps care for periodontal and gum issues, canker sores, root canal procedures and tongue-tie release without anesthesia or sutures. All of our procedures are done in-house and under one roof so our patients can feel relaxed and know they are in the best hands possible.

M E E T T H E D E N TA L H E A LT H P R O F E S S I O N A L :

Adelfi E. Molina, d.d.s., fagd

ASK THE DENTAL PROFESSIONAL

How do you take care of apprehensive dental patients?

Dr. Molina has been practicing since 1988 and since then, she’s demonstrated her compassion and dedication in everything she does. Dr. Molina holds two dental degrees, the first from P.U.C.M.M in her native home in Dominican Republic. When she came to the United States, she received a second degree in dentistry from New York University. In 1994, Dr. Molina joined the Bronx Lebanon Hospital and completed two years of general practice residency, then became chief resident and a member of the attending staff for four years. • Academy of General Dentistry Fellowship Award, recipient • American Dental Association (ADA), member • International Congress of Implantologists, member • The World Clinical Laser Institute, member • The New Jersey Dental Association, member • Bergen County Dental Society, member SERVICES OFFERED: Dental Procedures: • Restorative Procedures • Crowns • Porcelain Veneers • Inlays and Onlays • Dental Implants • Laser Dentistry • Single Tooth Anesthesia • Periodontal Therapy • Endodontics

• Orthodontics For All Ages • TMJ • Invisalign • Sinus Lifts Cosmetic Procedures: • Botox • Lip Augmentation • Cosmetic Fillers • Zoom Whitening

DENTAL ARTS OF HACKENSACK

176 Summit Ave., Hackensack, NJ | 201.525.0202 | dentalartsnj.com

AskDentalPro_Bergen_1217_REV1.indd 93

11/16/17 3:52 PM

ASK THE DENTAL PROFESSIONAL

How can a dentist help me with my sleep disorder? [A] Lack of sleep is an epidemic in the U.S. Sleep regulates every bodily function and when disrupted, our bodies are greatly affected in every way. If metabolism doesn’t work correctly, it can lead to obesity and heart problems. Diabetics with sleep apnea may find their blood sugar levels affected. Poor sleepers can have a lack of sex drive. Millions of dollars and productivity hours are lost because poor sleepers may miss work, school, or doze off during the day because their brain receives inadequate oxygen. In turn, that can cause accidents of all kinds. Finally, sleep disorders can lead to depression. Dentists are now at the forefront of sleep solutions. I became involved with sleep treatments in 1996 in response to the traditional CPAP treatment (a device used to open airways in patients while sleeping). We developed a small orthotic appliance which evolved into the MicrO2 Sleep and Snore Device, which effectively brings the lower jaw forward resulting in an opened air pathway. We fit the device to the mouth using scans and impressions that are far more precise than prior versions. This results in a more effective, mobile and comfortable device that’s inconspicuous, so patients can easily comply. The scientific research behind the device backs up the results. In addition, we work with physicians to help diagnose and alleviate sleep disorders. Everyone receives a high level of personal attention and a review of their medical history, including sleep issues, so patients can make the best choices for a healthier life.

M E E T T H E D E N TA L H E A LT H P R O F E S S I O N A L :

Michael T. Varallo, d.m.d. • Founder, HoHoKus Dental Associates • Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry graduate • International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics, member • Academy of General Dentistry, speaker • World Clinical Laser Association, associate fellow • Nantucket Dental Society, founder of the organization that annually holds Continuing Education seminars for dental professionals HoHoKus Dental Associates is an award-winning office and among the most technologically advanced dental practices in Bergen County. STATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICES INCLUDE: • Preventative/Diagnostic • Restorative • Periodontics • Endodontics • Prosthodontics (bridges, crowns, dentures) • Oral Surgery and Implants • TMD-NTI • Invisalign • Sleep Apnea • Pediatrics • Esthetic Dentistry/Bleaching • Fluoride

HOHOKUS DENTAL ASSOCIATES

625 North Maple Ave., HoHoKus, NJ | 201.670.9076 | hohokusdental.com

AskDentalPro_Bergen_1217_REV1.indd 94

11/16/17 3:52 PM

[A] When it comes to providing the highest quality dentistry in the most effective and efficient way, we know that being ordinary is just not good enough. In today’s technologically advanced, fast-paced world, ordinary care leads to ordinary results. At Midland Park Family Dentistry we strive to be anything but ordinary. The difference will be evident across every facet of our office — from our warm and friendly front office, to our tranquil patient seating area, to our well-appointed, tech-enabled treatment rooms; our experienced and knowledgeable team provide services that patients have dreamed about for years. Whether it is our ability to deliver a crown and bridge in one visit without messy impressions and temporaries, check for lesions with our zeroradiation cavity detector, or restore a broken tooth or cavity without the use of anesthetic or drill with our Solea laser, the most beneficial service I can offer my patients is personalized service and care. Our Solea dental laser is an isotopic CO2 dental laser that is unlike any other in dentistry. This is the only laser approved by the FDA for both hard and soft tissue, allowing us to deliver virtually anesthesia-free, drill-free, blood-free, and pain-free procedures. From simple filling prep to complex surgeries, Solea can also be used on teeth with previous fillings. The experience is so different, that you will find it hard to believe you were just at the dentist. The greatest testimonial from my patients is them not knowing what tooth or area of the mouth was worked on. Compared to using a traditional dental drill for fillings, Solea can repair a tooth in a fraction of the time. My patients and I have traveled through life together; experiencing both the joy and sorrow it can bring; we’re more than just a practice, we’re a family. My assistant and hygienist have worked alongside me for more than 30 years. With me for more than a decade, the front office staff understand and share in my commitment to provide our patients with superior care and customer service. They take the time to get to know our patients to ensure that they not only feel appreciated and comfortable, but so that we can deliver an experience that meets their individual needs. While we believe that the care we provide, and the way in which we provide it, has differentiated us from the pack, we invite you to stop in to see and feel the difference for yourself.

ASK THE DENTAL PROFESSIONAL

What makes your dental practice different from other practices?

M E E T T H E D E N TA L H E A LT H P R O F E S S I O N A L :

Tony Caramico, d.m.d. • Fairleigh Dickenson University, graduate with honors • University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Doctor of Dental Medicine degree • UMDNJ’s Geriatric Dental Medicine, recipient • Academy of Laser Dentistry, member • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, member • American Dental Association, member • Cerec Doctors Academy, mentor • New Jersey Dental Association, member • Academy of General Dentistry, member • Bergen County’s Top Dentist 2017 • New Jersey Monthly Top Dentist 2017 STATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICES INCLUDE: • General and Laser Dentistry • Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease • Pediatric Dentistry • Crowns with CEREC • Dental Fillings with SOLEA • Root Canal Treatment • Tooth Extractions • Cosmetic Dentistry • Digital Imaging • Dental Implants • Oral Appliance Therapy and Sleep Apnea

MIDLAND PARK FAMILY DENTISTRY

662 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, NJ | 201.447.5555 | midlandparkfamilydentistry.com | team@midlandparkfamilydentistry.com

AskDentalPro_Bergen_1217_REV1.indd 95

11/16/17 3:52 PM

{ ON THE TOWN }

Be There

The weather might be frightful, but there is plenty to enjoy—both indoors and out—this month in Bergen County. DEC 1–24 Kids of all ages can take PHOTOS WITH SANTA at the Paramus Park Mall and tell him what they would like for Christmas. Parents can make reservations online to skip the line and save 30 percent on a photo package. Santa will be at his workshop in the South Court from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Admission is FREE; the cost of photo packages varies. To reserve your spot, visit paramuspark.com.

DEC 1–JAN 1 WINTER WONDERLAND returns to Van Saun Park in Paramus Fridays through Sundays until Jan. 1. The event features open-air ice skating, unlimited carousel rides, zoo events, food trucks and more! There will also be an indoor/outdoor beer garden for guests ages 21 and over. Tickets: $14 (online), $16 (at the venue). Visit co.bergen.nj.us for more information.

DEC 3 Dance Theatre of New Jersey is performing THE NUTCRACKER at the Bergen Academies auditorium in Hackensack. Show times are 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets: $20. Head to dancetheatreofnewjersey.com for more information. DEC 7–9 Want to expand your horizons this winter? Try your luck at the open auditions for IT’S ONLY A PLAY, held by Bergen County Players in Oradell. The show is centered on a New York City playwright whose latest play is his first on Broadway in over a decade. Tensions begin to run high between the producer, director and the playwright himself. Looking for more info? Email Peter Colletto at kilgore218@gmail.com.

DEC 9 Avoid the malls and head to Brookside School in Westwood for the annual MOM-PRUH-NUR VENDOR EVENT. Local business owners will be selling their handmade goods from 12 to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the school. Admission: FREE. Learn more at mom-pruh-nur.com. DEC 10 The All Seasons Chamber Players, a Demarest-based music ensemble, will be performing its FRENCH CARNIVAL concert at the Ridgewood Public Library from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The audience will be treated to French compositions like “Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals” and “Loeillet Sonata in B Minor.” Admission is FREE but donations will be accepted. For more information, head to allseasonschamberplayers.org.

Dec. 1–Jan. 1 WINTER WONDERLAND

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.bethere.1.indd 96

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:11 PM

DEC 10 Spend AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH KRISTIN CHENOWETH at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood. The award-winning actress originated the role of Glinda in the Broadway hit Wicked and has appeared on hit TV shows like Glee and Pushing Daisies. Chenoweth will be performing some of her biggest hits and discussing her experiences both on and off the stage. Tickets: $69–159. To learn more, visit bergenpac.org.

DEC 10 Meet Jolly Old St. Nick and take a

DEC 14 Join the Midland Park Continuing Education Program for a day trip in New York, beginning with a stop at the New York Botanical Gardens’ Train Show followed by lunch at Emilia’s in the Bronx. Participants will also get a tour of the Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown, one of the Hudson River’s most elegant mansions. This day of fun is open to adults from all across the county. Tickets: $119. Register online by Dec. 12 at ramseyadultschool.com.

DEC 17 Check out FROM THE

tour of the historic Old Stone House in Ramsey during ST. NICHOLAS DAY. From 1 to 4 p.m., children of all ages can visit the museum, take photos with St. Nick and tell him their holiday wish lists. Afterward, visitors can explore the rooms of the Old Stone House, which are filled with antique toys, furniture and other historical artifacts. Admission: FREE. More information can be found at ramseyhistorical.org.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR TO THE 1960s REVOLUTION!, the Ridgewood Schoolhouse Museum’s exhibit on display Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. until Dec. 17. The exhibit features objects, artifacts and costumes from the Ridgewood Historical Society and the town library. Admission: FREE. Head to ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org for more information.

DEC 13 Does this time of year leave you

DEC 17 Spend the afternoon with Tiny Tim and

feeling overwhelmed? Sign up for the HOLIDAY REBOOT course, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at the YWCA of Bergen County. Health and wellness coach Anna Sandbank will offer strategies and tips for managing stress, restoring balance and reconnecting with your joy. Admission: FREE for WEN members and $15 for non-members. Learn more at ywcabergencounty.org.

Scrooge at A CHRISTMAS CAROL, presented by the Sundog Theatre. The show will be performed at both 1 and 4 p.m. at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, and tickets are available for purchase online. Tickets: $15–29. Visit bergenpac.org for more.

DEC 19 The Congregation B’nai Israel Temple in Emerson is hosting its CHANUKAH GIVE

Dec 19 CHANUKAH GIVE & GET PROGRAM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.bethere.1.indd 97

& GET PROGRAM at 5 p.m. for all school-age children. Come enjoy freshly made latkes and apple sauce, light Chanukah candles and make crafts that will be donated to those in need. Admission: FREE. Learn more at bisrael.com.

DEC 20 Join the Mahwah Library at 5:30 p.m. for a game of LIFE-SIZE CANDYLAND in the Winter Room! Earn small treats as you make your way trough the Gumdrop Mountain, Lollipop Woods, Peppermint Forest and the Ice Cream Sea, all the way to Candy Castle! This game is sure to be fun for the whole family. Admission is FREE but registration is required at mahwahlibrary.org.

DEC 27 The Allendale Library children’s librarian does a lot of crafts over the course of the year and uses her leftover supplies for a unique END OF THE YEAR CRAFT. She will be piling the craft tables high with the year’s unused materials. Drop in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to make a craft you missed during 2017 or to create something entirely new! Admission: FREE. Visit leememoriallibrary.org for more information.

Send event listings to: BERGEN, 110 Summit Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645; or email us at editor@wainscotmedia.com. Listings must be received two months before the event and must include a phone number or website that will be published. Share events online by clicking the “Submit an Event” link below the Community Calendar at bergenmag.com.

Dec 17 FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR TO THE 1960s REVOLUTION!

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:11 PM

{ ON THE TOWN }

December Dine Out: 3 RESIDENT REVIEWS

Why should we have all the fun? You deserve to take a break and eat out—then tell us about Bergen’s best eateries.

Dining—particularly with good company—is something that can literally be savored for hours. These BERGEN readers share their holiday dining experiences, from tempting appetizers to mouth-watering entrees (there’s no fruitcake here!). There is plenty to “unwrap” and discover at these eateries.

JANICE IS JUST RIGHT

From the front, Just Janice is nondescript— it blends in with the other storefronts along Sheridan Avenue in Ho-Ho-Kus. But inside this hidden gem is sensory overload, specifically for your olfactory organs and taste buds. Owner Janice Tinari has operated the restaurant under different names over the years, but many of the offerings have remained constant. Though the menu boasts various seasonal options, other selections provide the perfect warmth and comfort typically associated with a holiday dinner. Mahwah resident Melissa Seiden, 44, recalls a dinner she enjoyed with her husband last December. They split two appetizers, Parmesan truffle fries and a Caprese salad that Seiden describes as “divine.” “The fresh mozzarella was complemented perfectly by the savory prosciutto,” she says. The entrees, however, were the stars. From the menu that also included seafood, chicken and pasta dishes, Seiden and her husband went with the pork osso buco and a perfect medium-rare ribeye. “The osso buco was fall-off-the-bone delicious, and it was served with a creamy vegetable risotto that was to die for,” she says. Reservations at Just Janice are recommended, and the restaurant is BYO. “Carlo Russo’s Wine and Spirits is conveniently nearby,” Seiden says, “so it’s easy to pick up a bottle if you want to wine and dine.” Just Janice, 23 Sheridan Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201.445.2666, justjanice.net

BIBI’Z: THE PLACE TO BE

With a melting pot of dining options in downtown Westwood, Bibi’z Restaurant & Lounge is the cream of the crop. It’s a popular destination for the happy hour crowd (there’s a cozy and chic bar area), but the food is truly what sets it apart from others. Owner Ida Assaf crafted a healthful menu that combines the best of light Mediterranean fare and rich, flavorful decadence. “You can start with something light like stuffed grape leaves, then follow it with a hearty rack of lamb,” notes Khalid Durian, 39, of Westwood. He dined with his girlfriend at Bibi’z during the holidays last year, taking advantage of the restaurant’s Christmas Eve specials. The couple started with lamb meatballs and sesame-crusted tuna. Both dishes were gluten-free, ideal for Durian’s girlfriend, who has Celiac disease. “The plates were perfect in size and shareable,” he recalls. “We didn’t want to fill up before our entrees arrived.” For their main course, Durian had a juicy ribeye while his girlfriend ordered the pan-seared scallops with mushrooms and Brussels sprouts. “It was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had,” he recalls. “It came with a sweet potato that complemented the rich, buttery flavor of the meat.” Reservations at Bibi’z are recommended. The restaurant offers Christmas Eve brunch and dinner menus as well as a New Year’s Eve special and party. Bibi’z Restaurant & Lounge, 284 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.722.8600, bibizlounge.com BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.restaurantreview.1.indd 98

THAT’S L’AMORE!

Locals love Café L’Amore because it dishes out some of the area’s best pizzas from the front of the restaurant. In the back, however, diners come from all over Bergen for fine Italian dining. How well-liked is it? The always-packed parking lot speaks volumes. Inside the cozy dining room is a mix of longtime fans and first-timers, enjoying a range of dishes—pastas, steaks, seafood and pizzas. “I absolutely love the assortment,” says William Hester, 35, of Ridgewood, who visits Café L’Amore regularly with his parents. When they dine, the Hesters always start with an order of fried calamari and grilled Portobello mushrooms. “The mushrooms are large, and the size of the order is generous,” Hester says. “And the burgundy sauce gives them a zest that really hits your taste buds.” For one dinner around the holidays, Hester recalls ordering from the specials menu. “I had an amazing wild salmon that was stuffed with crab meat,” he recalls. “It was covered with a tangy wine sauce that just gave the dish an extra oomph.” Though it’s easy to fill up on apps and the main course, saving room for dessert is a must. “The choices from the dessert platter are all so tempting,” Hester says. “The cannoli is a can’t-miss, but you also can’t go wrong with a slice of carrot or chocolate cake.” Reservations at Café L’Amore are recommended, and the restaurant is BYO. Valet parking is provided. Café L’Amore, 455 Ramapo Valley Rd., Oakland, 201.337.5558, cafelamore.com

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:12 PM

Open 24Hours n Bar & Bakery

breakfast lunch dinner n

StateLineDiner.com 375 State Rt. 17 Mahwah, NJ n

201.529.3353

ADVERTISE IN REACH BERGEN COUNTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST AFFLUENT RESIDENTS. These are consumers with the most buying power, giving you the best potential for growing your business.

CONTACT

099_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

THOMAS FLANNERY, Publisher

201.571.2252

Thomas.Flannery@wainscotmedia.com

BERGENMAG.COM

MAGAZINE

11/16/17 1:11 PM

{ ON THE TOWN }

Where To Eat

Getting three square meals a day has never been easier—Bergen County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings. IL MULINO 132 Veterans Plz. 201.384.7767 ilmulinodumont.com

EAST RUTHERFORD ANNABELLA'S HOUSE OF MOZZARELLA 900 Paterson Plank Rd. 201.804.0303 annabellasmozz.com

EDGEWATER BAREBURGER 78 The Promenade 201.941.2273 78-promenade .bareburger.com BAUMGART’S CAFÉ 59 The Promenade 201.313.3889 baumgartscafe.com FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com GREEK TAVERNA 55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com

THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE 15 The Promenade 201.366.4065 ophedgewater.com PIER 115 115 River Rd. 201.313.2155 pier115barandgrill.com REBECCA’S 236 Old River Rd. 201.943.8808 new.rebeccas edgewater.com RIVER PALM TERRACE 1416 River Rd. 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com ROBERTO’S II 936 River Rd. 201.224.2524 robertosii.com

ENGLEWOOD AKAI LOUNGE 11 N. Dean St. 201.541.0086 akailounge.com BAUMGART’S CAFÉ 45 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.6267 baumgartscafe.com

ALLENDALE

BERGENFIELD

CARLSTADT

CRESSKILL

ALLENDALE BAR & GRILL 67 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com

BAMBOO GRILL 54 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.5951 bamboo-grill.com

BIGGIE’S CLAM BAR 430 Route 17 South 201.933.4000 biggiesclambar.com

DELVINA RESTAURANT 172 Piermont Rd. 201.816.0239 delvinarestaurant.com

HAVEN RIVERFRONT RESTAURANT & BAR 2 Main St. 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com

CHAPALA GRILL 52 S. Washington Ave. 201.387.2107 chapalamexican grill.com

IL VILLAGGIO 651 Route 17 North 201.935.7733 ilvillaggio.com

FARMHOUSE CAFÉ 15 E. Madison Ave. 201.266.8931 farmhousecafenj.com

JACK'S LOBSTER SHACK 1040 River Rd. 201.224.2808 jackslobstershack.com

CLOSTER

EMPANADA MANIA 62 S. Washington Ave. 201.374.2150 empanadamania.com

AZUCAR CUBAN CUISINE 171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.660.7977 azucarcubancuisine.com

HANAMI 41 Union Ave. 201.541.7575 hanamirestaurant.com

KINARA 880 River Rd. 201.313.0555 kinararestaurant.com

TOMMY FOX’S PUBLIC HOUSE 32 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com

BUON GUSTO 534 Durie Ave. 201.784.9036

SAMDAN 178 Piermont Rd. 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurant.com

LE JARDIN 1257 River Rd. 201.224.9898 lejardinnj.com

LOCALE CAFÉ 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 locale208closter.com

UMEYA 156 Piermont Rd. 201.816.0511

SEAR HOUSE 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612

GRANT STREET CAFÉ 25 Grant Ave. 201.385.1705 grantstreetcafe.com

MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET 541 River Rd. 201.840.9311 mitchellsfishmarket.com

DARUMA 45 N. Dean St. 201.567.9600 darumaenglewood.com

NAMASTE 1086 River Rd. 201.224.9777 namasteedgewater.com

EMMA 34 E. Palisade Ave. 201.227.6103 emma34.com

ALLENDALE EATS 101 W. Allendale Ave. 201.825.0110 allendaleeats.com ALLENDALE STEAKHOUSE 95 W. Allendale Ave. 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhouse nj.com MASA SUSHI & GRILL 81 W. Allendale Ave. 201.934.6616 masasushiandgrill.com SAVINI 168 W. Crescent Ave. 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com

WAGON WHEEL RESTAURANT 16 S. Front St. 201.384.9464

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.WTE.1.indd 100

DUMONT

100

BENNIE’S 54 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.5700 benniesofenglewood.com BIDDY O’MALLEY’S 36 N. Van Brunt St. 201.608.5545 biddyomalleys.com CASSIE’S 18 S. Dean St. 201.541.6760 cassiespizzeria.com CHAT KAEW THAI 4 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.0343

Syros Taverna; Poetic Print & Design Co.

Syros Taverna in Englewood

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:12 PM

LA’MEZZA 63 Nathaniel Pl. 201.569.2662 lamezzarestaurant.com LAS MARAVILLAS DE TULCINGO 3 84 W. Palisade Ave. 201.568.1980 PINTXO Y TAPAS 47 N. Dean St. 201.569.9999 pintxotapas.com RED, WHITE AND PASTA 21 East Palisade Ave 201.731.3223 redwhiteandpasta.com ROSE’S PLACE 126 Engle St. 201.541.0020 roseslebanese restaurants.com SOFIA 36 Engle St. 201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com SYROS TAVERNA 51 E. Palisade Ave. 201.541.0020 tavernasyros.com TANI SUSHI 44 E. Palisade Ave. 201.567.7888 taniofenglewood.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS CAFE ITALIANO 14 Sylvan Ave. 201.461.5041 cafeitaliano.net CLIFFS STEAKHOUSE 18 Sylvan Ave. 201.944.0233 cliffssteakhouse.com

FAIR LAWN DAVIA 6-9 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.797.6767 EMPIRE HUNAN 38-16 Broadway 201.398.0988 empirehunannj.com

Syros Taverna; Poetic Print & Design Co.

GOTHAM CITY DINER 39-10 Broadway 201.398.9700 gothamcitydiner.com THE HABIT BURGER 3101 Promenade Blvd. 201.475.3800 habitburger.com MEI SUSHI 14-20 Plaza Rd. 201.398.9882 meisushi.com

OCEANOS OYSTER BAR & SEA GRILL 2-27 Saddle River Rd. 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com

GLEN ROCK GLEN ROCK INN 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com

RIVARA’S BAR & GRILL 6-18 Maple Ave. 201.797.4878 rivaras.com

GREEK TAVERNA 175 Rock Rd. 201.857.4528 greektavernausa.com

MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.221.2030 maggianos.com

THE RIVER PALM TERRACE 41-11 Route 4 West 201.703.3500 riverpalm.com

JALAPEÑOS MEXICAN GRILLE 930 Prospect St. 201.445.2362 jalapenosmexgrill.com

MORTON’S 1 Riverside Sq. 201.487.1303 mortons.com

ROSE’S PLACE 32-01 Broadway 201.475.8800 rosesplacenj.com

NECTAR CAFE 175 Rock Rd. 201.857.0825 nectarcafenj.com

THE OCEANAIRE 175 Riverside Sq. 201.343.8862 theoceanaire.com

SAGE RESTAURANT 17-15 Broadway 201.797.0500 sagefairlawn.com

ROCCA 203 Rock Rd. 201.670.4945 roccanj.com

PICCO TAVERN 160 Prospect Ave. 201.880.8750 piccotavern.com

FORT LEE

TANI SUSHI & ASIAN GRILL 206 Rock Rd. 201.612.1188 taniasiangrill.com

POITIN STILL 774 Main St. 201.487.1515

BIG RED TOMATO 1205 Anderson Ave. 201.224.6500 brtnj.com BOILING POINT 124 Main St. 201.461.0444 CINCO DE MAYO 2428 Lemione Ave. 201.947.4780 CITY PERCH 2023 Hudson St. 201.582.7101 cityperch.com

HACKENSACK BANGKOK GARDEN 261 Main St. 201.487.2620 bangkokgarden-nj.com CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com

G.W. GRILL 2139 Hudson Ter. 201.947.2440 gwgrill.com

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY 197 Riverside Sq. 201.488.0330 thecheesecake factory.com

IN NAPOLI 116 Main St. 201.947.2500 inapoli.com

CHIT CHAT DINER 515 Essex St. 201.820.4029 chitchatdiner.com

JD'S STEAK PIT 124 Main St. 201.947.2500 jdssteak.com

COACH HOUSE DINER 55 Route 4 East 201.488.4999 coachhousediner hackensack.com

PRIME & BEYOND 501 Main St. 201.461.0033 primeandbeyond.com SANTORINI TAVERNA 20 Central Rd. 210.947.2055 santorinitaverna.com

GARFIELD LA FORTALEZA 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 lafortalezamex restaurant.com

SOFIA’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 220 Boulevard 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterraneangrill. com

HAWORTH ALESSANDRO’S 157 Terrace St. 201.385.8544 alessandrosnj.com

LOU’S TAVERN 74 Broadway 201.666.1600 MATSU SUSHI & GRILL 140 Broadway 201.722.9388 matsunj.com OSSO BUCO 343 Broadway 201.664.1600 ossobucogrill.com STICKEY’S BBQ 321 Broadway 201.664.4227

HO-HO-KUS

ANDIAMO 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net

ALBERT’S CAFE AMICI 4 Sycamore Ave. 201.389.6377 albertscafeamici.com

TERRACE STREET CAFÉ 149 Terrace St. 201.338.4720

CATCHY CAFÉ 614 N. Maple Ave. 201.445.6400 thecatchycaterer.com

HILLSDALE

HO-HO-KUS INN & TAVERN 1 E. Franklin Tpk. 201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com

THE CORNERSTONE 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com

HO-HO-KUS SUSHI CAFÉ 29 Sheridan Ave. 201.670.7677 hohokussushicafe.com

SOLARI’S 61 River St. 201.487.1969 solarisrestaurant.net

DELLA CUCINA RISTORANTE 100 Park Ave. 201.722.8880 dellacucinanj.com

JUST JANICE 23 Sheridan Ave. 201.445.2666 justjanice.net

STONY HILL INN 231 Polifly Rd. 201.342.4085 stonyhillinn.com

DOMANI 387 Washington Ave. 201.722.8881 domanirestaurants.com

WHITE MANNA 358 River St. 201.342.0914

GOLDEN DYNASTY 295 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.358.8685 goldendynastynj.com

ROSA MEXICANO 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com RUDY’S 107 Anderson St. 201.489.4831 rudysrestaurant.com

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

THE SICILIAN SUN 604 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.3494 siciliansun.com ST. EVE’S 611 North Maple Ave. 201.857.4717

BENDIX DINER Route 17 North & Williams St. 201.288.0143 BENSI 459 Route 17 South 201.727.9525 bensirestaurants.com

CUBBY’S BBQ RESTAURANT 249 S. River St. 201.488.9389 cubbysbarbeque.com

THE HEIGHTS BAR & GRILL 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338

HOUSTON’S 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 hillstone.com

MT. FUJI STEAKHOUSE 193 Route 17 South 201.288.2800 mtfujirestaurants.com

CINCO DE MAYO 116 Broadway 201.722.1172 cincodemayo hillsdale.com

THE CROW’S NEST 309 Vincent Ave. 201.342.5445 crowsnest.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.WTE.1.indd 101

LOTUS CAFÉ 450 Hackensack Ave. 201.488.7070 lotuscafe hackensack.com

IVY INN 268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com

101

Volare's in Rutherford

DECEMBER 2017

11/15/17 1:58 PM

{ ON THE TOWN }

NORTHVALE CLASSIC DINER 247 Livingston St. 201.767.6267 northvaleclassic diner.com

Morton’s in Hackensack

MAHWAH

MONTVALE

BON APPETIT 180 Franklin Tpk. 201.512.1144 bonappetitmahwah.com

ALDO & GIANNI 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.391.6866 aldoandgianni.com

MAHWAH BAR & GRILL 2 Island Rd. 201.529.8056

BELLISSIMO 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com

NAGOYA 1007 MacArthur Blvd. 201.818.9933 nagoyacuisine.com

FIRE & OAK 100 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.307.1100 fireandoak.com

NONNA’S 11 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com

GEN SUSHI & HIBACHI 14B Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.930.9188 gensushinj.com

RIVER PALM TERRACE 209 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.529.1111 riverpalm.com

HEARTH & TAP CO. 125 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.307.6300 hearthandtap.com

ROXANNE’S 150 Franklin Tpk. 201.529.0007 roxannesrestaurant.com

MOMMA’S KITCHEN 15 Grand Ave. 201.746.9777 mommaskitchennj.com

SANGRIA 1033 MacArthur Blvd. 201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com

NEW MILFORD

STATE LINE DINER 375 Route 17 North 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com

MIDLAND PARK ARTURO’S 41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co FIONA’S RISTORANTE 118 Godwin Ave. 210.857.5800 fionasristorante.com

JERSEY BOYS GRILL 704 River Rd. 201.262.5600 section201.com

NORTHVALE BIDDY O’MALLEY’S 191 Paris Ave. 201.564.7893 biddyomalleys.com BRADY’S FOX HUNT INN 201 Livingston St. 201.784.8047 THE GREEK VILLAGE 254 Livingston St. 201.750.8570 greekvillagenj.com

TASTE OF SPAIN 493 Tappan Rd. 201.767.8904 tasteofspain restaurant.com

NORWOOD COUSINS PIZZA 450 Livingston St. 201.767.4300 cousinsnorwoodnj.com

SUBURBAN DINER 172 Route 17 North 201.261.2605 suburbandiner17.com

BONEFISH GRILL 601 From Rd. 201.261.2355 bonefishgrill.com

RAMSEY

BOBBY’S BURGER PALACE 610 Bergen Town Center 201.368.7001 bobbysburger palace.com THE CAPITAL GRILLE 1 Garden State Plz. 201.845.7040 thecapitalgrille.com CHAKRA 144 Route 4 East 201.556.1530 chakrarestaurant.com

DIMORA RISTORANTE 100 Piermont Rd. 201.750.5000 dimoraristorante.com

EL CID 205 Paramus Rd. 201.843.0123

RAGAZZI 530 Livingston St. 201.660.7950 ragazzirestaurantlounge. com

THE FIREPLACE RESTAURANT 718 Route 17 North 201.444.2362 thefireplacerestaurant.com

OAKLAND

GRAND LUX CAFE 1 Garden State Plz. 201.909.0399 grandluxcafe.com

CAFÉ L’AMORE 455 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.5558 cafelamore.com CENZINO 589 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.6693 cenzinos.com PORTOBELLO 175 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8990 portobellonj.com TROVATO’S DUE 4 Barbara Ln. 201.337.0813 trovatosduenj.com VALLEY STABLES 588 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.664.0800 valleystablesnj.com W’S GRILL 20 Elm St. 201.651.0005 wsgrilloakland.com

PARAMUS ANTHONY FRANCO’S PIZZA 556 Route 17 North 201.447.3999 afpizza.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.WTE.1.indd 102

BIAGIO’S RISTORANTE 299 Paramus Rd. 201.652.0201 biagios.com

KIKU 365 Route 17 South 201.265.7200 LEGAL SEA FOODS 1 Garden State Plz. 201.843.8483 legalseafoods.com

BIGGIE’S CLAM BAR 1315 Route 17 South 201.962.9099 ramsey.biggiesclambar. com BRADY’S AT THE STATION 5-7 W. Main St. 201.327.9748 bradysatthestation.net CAFÉ PANACHE 130 E. Main St. 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com VARKA ESTIATORIO 30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

RIDGEWOOD A MANO 24 Franklin Ave. 201.493.2000 amanopizza.com BAMBOO HOUSE 28 S. Broad St. 201.447.3111 BRASSERIE DE NOVO 37 Chestnut St. 201.444.4910 novomediterranean.com DIM SUM DYNASTY 75 Franklin Ave. 201.652.0686 dimsumdynastynj.com

LISA’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE 28 Oak St. 201.251.8686 lisasmediterranean cuisine.net MALEE THAI 2 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.612.7797 MEDITERRANEO 23 N. Broad St. 201.447.0022 mediterranean ridgewood.com PARK WEST TAVERN 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com PEARL 17 S. Broad St. 201.857.5100 pearlridgewood.com PICCOLO BISTRO 29 Chestnut St. 201.882.1111 piccolobistro.net RIDGE THAI 50 Chestnut St. 201.493.9929 ridgethai.com ROOTS STEAKHOUSE 17 Chestnut St. 201.444.1922 rootsteakhouse.com SAKURA BANA 43 Franklin Ave. 201.447.6525 restaurantpassion.com

GEN SUSHI 15 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.493.1988 gensushinj.com

STELLA ARTISAN ITALIAN 18 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.857.2677 stellaitalian.com

KAILASH 22 Oak St. 201.251.9693 kailashindiancuisine.com

S. EGIDIO 17 N. Broad St. 201.389.3525 sedigiopizza.com

THE ROTUNDA 503 Garden State Plz. 201.843.7693

LA LANTERNA CAFÉ & GRILL 29 W. Ridgewood Ave. 201.444.5520 lalanternaof ridgewood.com

VILLAGE GREEN 36 Prospect St. 201.445.2914 villagegreen restaurant.com

SHAKE SHACK 479 Route 17 South 201.241.2381 shakeshack.com

LATOUR 6 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5056 latourridgewood.com

STEAK ’N SHAKE 700 Paramus Park 201.262.4969 steaknshake.com

LEON MEXICAN CUISINE 16 Chestnut St. 201.857.0297 leonmexican.com

MANTRA 275 Route 4 West 201.342.8868 mantranj.com MILLER’S ALE HOUSE 270 Route 4 201.342.4800 millersalehouse.com

102

WHITE MAPLE CAFÉ 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.447.1953 whitemaplecafe.com WILD GINGER 31 Chestnut St. 201.857.3830 wildgingerrw.com

Morton's; Bacari Grill

MADELEINE’S PETIT PARIS 416 Tappan Rd. 201.767.0063 madeleinespetit paris.com

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:12 PM

RIVER EDGE

TEANECK

BABYLON 606 Kinderakamack Rd. 201.646.0005 babylonrest.com

AL’S CHARCOAL PIT 540 Cedar Ln. 201.530.7786

FUKI 828 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.225.0160 fukisushi4u.com SANDUCCI’S 620 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com

RIVER VALE ARMANDO’S 688 Westwood Ave. 201.722.5820 armandostuscan grill.com CRECCO’S CAFÉ 655 Westwood Ave. 201.664.7200 creccoscafe.com CUBAN EDDIE’S 216 Rivervale Rd. 201.497.6888 cubaneddies.net

RUTHERFORD CAFÉ MATISSE 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 cafematisse.com PASIANO’S 132 Park Ave. 201.935.5755 paisanos.com SABOR PERU 8 Highland Cross 201.935.7378 saborperunj.com VOLARE’S 7 Station Square 201.438.9404 volaresrestaurant.com

AMARONE 63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net B V TUSCANY 368 Cedar Ln. 201.287.0404 bvtuscany.com CLASSIC QUICHE CAFÉ 330 Queen Anne Rd. 201.692.0150 classicquiche.com COFFEECOL AREPA BAR & GRILL 1126 Teaneck Rd. 201.357.2700 DOGHOUSE 1415 Palisade Ave. 201.530.7733

ROSE PERSIAN 1150 Teaneck Rd. 201.569.3600 rosepersian restaurant.com

WESTWOOD

SANCHEZ MEXICAN RESTAURANT 267 Degraw Ave. 201.357.2838

BAT BARRY’S 170 Center Ave. 201.666.2200

VEGGIE HEAVEN 473 Cedar Ln. 201.836.0887 veggieheaventeaneck.com VICTORIA’S 336 Queen Anne Rd. 201.801.0888 victorias-cafe.com

TENAFLY AXIA TAVERNA 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com

ETC. STEAKHOUSE 1409 Palisade Ave. 201.357.5677 etcsteakhouse.com

SAYOLA RESTAURANT 50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurant.com

NOAH’S ARK 493 Cedar Ln. 201.692.1200 noahsark.net

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

REGINA’S 827 Teaneck Rd. 201.862.1996 reginassteakhouse andgrill.com

BIBI’Z 284 Center Ave. 201.722.8600 bibizlounge.com

SHELLY’S VEGETARIAN CAFÉ 482 Cedar Ln. 201.692.0001 noahsark.net

EAST 1405 Teaneck Rd. 201.837.1260

NOBO WINE & GRILL 493 Cedar Ln. 20.692.1200 nobowineandgrill.com

BACI ITALIAN GRILL 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.8687 baciwestwood.com

CAFFÉ ANELLO 425 Broadway 201.786.8137 caffeanello.com GRANITA GRILLE 467 Broadway 201.664.9846 HANAMI 301 Center Ave. 201.666.8508 hanamirestaurant.com HARMONY TEA ROOM 224 Fairview Ave. 201.664.2608 harmonytearoom.com THE IRON HORSE 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 theironhorse.com

MEZZA 20 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.8822 mezzawestwood.com

THE BARN 359 Sicomac Ave. 201.848.0108 thebarnoriginal.com

OSAKA SUSHI 441 Broadway 201.722.8687 osakasushinj.com

BLUE MOON MEXICAN CAFÉ 327 Franklin Ave. 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexicancafé. com

P.J. FINNEGAN’S 274 Fairview Ave. 201.664.7576 POMPILIO’S PIZZERIA 223 Westwood Ave. 201.664.9292 pompiliospizzeria.com ROLLING PIN CAFÉ 341 Broadway 201.666.4660 therollingpincafe.com THAI WEST 22 Jefferson Ave. 201.497.6981

WOODCLIFF LAKE BLUE MOON MEXICAN CAFÉ 42 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.782.9500 bluemoonmexican café.com

WOOD-RIDGE MARTINI GRILL 187 Hackensack St. 201.939.2000 martini–grill.com

THE BRICK HOUSE 179 Godwin Ave. 201.848.1211 thebrickhouse wyckoff.com CAFÉ AMICI 315 Franklin Ave. 201.848.0198 cafeamiciwyckoff.com GIOVANNI’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.6666 giovannispasta andpizza.com THE PLUM & THE PEAR 393 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8793 theplumandthe pear.com

WYCKOFF

T.S. MA CHINESE CUISINE 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.8878 tsmacc.com

DOG HOUSE SALOON 270 Pascack Rd. 201.722.1820

JACK’S CAFÉ 325 Broadway 201.666.0400 jackscafenj.com

3 CHICAS MEXICAN KITCHEN 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.848.4700 3chicas.com

WYCKOFF THAI 314 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8855 wyckoffthai.com

LILI’S BISTRO 251 Pascack Rd. 201.664.5454 lilisbistronj.com

THE MELTING POT 250 Center Ave. 201.664.8877 meltingpot.com

ALDO’S 640 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.2618 aldosofwyckoff.com

For our complete list of dining options, visit the “Where to Eat” section at bergenmag.com.

BACARI GRILL 800 Ridgewood Rd. 201.358.6330 bacarigrill.com

IT’S GREEK TO ME 487 Broadway 201.722.3511 itsgreektome.com

Morton's; Bacari Grill

Syros Taverna in Englewood

Bacari Grill in Washington Township

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.WTE.1.indd 103

103

DECEMBER 2017

11/16/17 2:12 PM

ElderCare_SS_1217_final.indd 104

11/16/17 12:18 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

A GUIDE TO CARE AND ASSISTANCE FOR SENIOR LIVING

ElderCare_SS_1217_final.indd 105

GU I D E

SENIOR

11/16/17 12:18 PM

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE

BUCKINGHAM AT NORWOOD

Care & Rehabilitation Center

e Th

se ou h t n pe

OW N s i

EN OP

THE BEST JUST GOT EVEN BETTER

BUCKINGHAM AT NORWOOD CARE AND REHABILITATION

Buckingham at Norwood Care and Rehabilitation offers superior personcentered short and long term care and services on their beautiful campus. Since 2009 Buckingham has been consistently rated a 5 Star Facility by Medicare and US News ranked Buckingham “among the best homes in the country” 2011—2017. Brentwood Subacute Center at Buckingham recently opened The Penthouse—our newly renovated top floor showcasing individual suites, comfortable lounge areas,the latest in modern healthcare design and offering the outstanding clinical care and rehabilitation outcomes for which Buckingham is known. Call our Admissions Department for more information: 201.768.6222. 100 MC CLELLAN ST., NORWOOD, NJ 07648 201.768.6222 WINDSORHEALTHCARE.ORG/BUCKINGHAM

Experience The Penthouse—the exclusive new rehabilitation floor at Buckingham. Now the best rehab in Bergen County is also the most beautiful!

The Penthouse showcases the latest in modern healthcare design, featuring: • Generous individual suites • Comfortable visiting lounges • Casual dining at Penthouse Kitchen • En-suite private bathrooms & showers • and much more!

5 Star Rated by Medicare windsorhealthcare.org

Call For More Info: 201-768-6222

CAREONE PARAMUS

Harmony Village at CareOne Paramus offers next generation assisted memory care programs designed to help residents maintain the best quality of life and optimal cognitive and physical functioning. Now leasing apartments, Bergen County’s only dedicated assisted living memory care facility will offer 24-hour certified nursing care, dementia specialists and innovative technology. 187-189 PARAMUS RD., PARAMUS, NJ 07652 551.275.7213 HARMONYVILLAGEPARAMUS.COM

100 McClellan Street, Norwood, NJ 07648

ElderCare_SS_1217_final.indd 106

11/16/17 12:18 PM

HER JOY. YOUR PEACE OF MIND.

In perfect harmony.

NEXT GENERATION MEMORY CARE ARRIVES NOVEMBER 2017 Progressive, personalized care. Experienced, compassionate people. True, enduring peace of mind.

VILLAGE at

CareOne Paramus

ElderCare_SS_1217_final.indd 107

Learn more about Bergen Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only next-tier memory care center opening in November 2017 by visiting HarmonyVillageParamus.com or calling 551-275-7213.

11/16/17 12:18 PM

 Quality Award Winning 

Mill Gardens Assisted Living  Spacious Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments  Beautiful, Residential Setting  Concierge Service  Private Transportation  24-Hour Care Staff  Restaurant Style Meals  Daily Activities Schedule  Dementia Care  No Move-In Fee

www.millgardens.com

Mill Gardens at Midland Park

36 Faner Road, Midland Park • 201-493-7400 • Fax 201-493-7374

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE THE LESTER SENIOR HOUSING COMMUNITY

Discover the Memory Care Suite at Lester Senior Housing Community. The new Memory Care Suite at Lester offers compassionate, person-centered care for older adults with dementia-related diagnoses. With 12 apartments in an intimate, supportive environment, the suite also has a community room for activities, private dining room, lounges for socializing, a quiet room, and landscaped outdoor space. The carefully designed floor and the personalized care focus on residents’ comfort and wellness of mind and body.. For more information, contact David Rozen: (973) 929-2725 or davidr@jchcorp.org. 905 ROUTE 10 E., WHIPPANY, NJ 07981 973.929.2725 | JCHCORP.ORG

MILL GARDENS AT MIDLAND PARK Mill Gardens is located in a residential neighborhood. Each of the three styles of apartments is bright and sunny and larger than most, with private bathrooms

ElderCare_SS_1217_final.indd 108

and equipped kitchenettes. Care staff is on the premises 24 hours a day. The daily events calendar includes field trips, exercise classes, and social programs. Residents have access to transportation, shopping, healthy meals, clean laundry, medical services and other daily needs. Call 201-493-7400 to schedule a tour or for more information. 36 FANER RD., MIDLAND PARK, NJ 07432 201.493.7400 | MILLGARDENS.COM

PROMENADE SENIOR LIVING

Family owned and operated, Promenade is dedicated to the wellbeing of its residents, providing an ideal environment for your loved one to age gracefully. With multiple communities of different sizes, specialties, and prices, Promenade offers comprehensive and enthusiastic support for your loved one. Between each of our communities, you can find the assisted living, memory care, independent senior living, social-model senior day, and home care programs that best fit your loved one’s needs. VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE AREA 888.370.9222 | PROMENADESENIOR.COM

11/16/17 12:18 PM

Resident Lil with her daughter Debbie, Director of Community Relations

F d P fe Fit

55+ HOUSING â&#x20AC;¢ INDEPENDENT LIVING LICENSED ASSISTED LIVING â&#x20AC;¢ LICENSED MEMORY CARE SENIOR DAY PROGRAM

50+ SENIOR HOUSING ASSISTED LIVING

ASSISTED LIVING MIDDLETOWN, NY

845.341.1888

TUXEDO PARK, NY

845.351.0000

ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE PEARL RIVER, NY

845.735.6846

MIDDLETOWN â&#x20AC;¢ NEW WINDSOR â&#x20AC;¢

ASSISTED LIVING

CHESTNUT RIDGE, NY

845.620.0606

845.341.1888 845.569.2540

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT

ElderCare_SS_1217_final.indd 109

PROMENADESENIOR.COM 11/16/17 12:18 PM

Aaah-sisted Living Lester Style

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE

Elegant assisted living is waiting for you at the Lester Senior Housing Community, with hotel-style amenities, luxurious surroundings and services that support healthy minds and bodies.

Our residents enjoy: • Delicious glatt kosher dining. Prepared under the Supervision of the Vaad HaRabonim of MetroWest NJ • Cultural, social and educational programs including: Engaging social events with musical entertainment, yoga and zumba classes, stimulating lectures, balance and mindfulness guided imagery relaxation techniques, and much more. • On-site medical/health care/rehabilitative services.

VAN DYK HEALTH CARE AT RIDGEWOOD

The most important factor in selecting the best care provider is knowing they truly care. Whether you require short-term care to get back home more quickly, or if you need long-term care, you can trust that Van Dyk Health Care at Ridgewood will treat you like family. You’ll have confidence in knowing that you’re in good hands—backed by our reputation for providing the highest level of care at the lowest possible cost for over 64 years. 304 S. VAN DIEN ST., RIDGEWOOD, NJ 07450 1.800.VANDYKS VANDYKHEALTHCARE.COM

We also offer supportive, individualized dementia care in our beautiful, intimate Memory Care Suite.

Ask About Our Respite Stays

Flexible, short-term respite stays with supportive services for seniors, when caregivers or family will be away. It’s a great way to sample the Lester lifestyle! Contact David Rozen for more information or to arrange a tour: 973-929-2725 or DavidR@jchcorp.org.

The Lester Senior Housing Community 903-905 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ www.jchcorp.org • 973-929-2725 Owned and Managed by the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ADVERTISE SENIOR LIVING GUIDE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION MARCH 2018 ISSUE

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

GUI D E

SENIOR ElderCare_SS_1217_final.indd 110

Retirement and 55+ communities, assisted living centers and senior healthcare providers.

A GUIDE TO CARE AND ASSISTANCE FOR SENIOR LIVING

Reach Bergen County’s most engaged residents— we target affluent Bergen County households. Over 50% of our readers are over 45 years old, including couples with elderly parents. Our readers have an average household income exceeding $200,000 and can afford to look into the many senior living options available.

CONTACT THOMAS FLANNERY, Publisher 201.571.2252 Thomas.Flannery@WainscotMedia.com

11/16/17 3:40 PM

START YOUR FREE* SUBSCRIPTION TODAY & YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR SPECIAL EMAIL PROMOTIONS! *FREE TO RESIDENTS OF BERGEN COUNTY.

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK  BergenMag FOLLOW US ON TWITTER  @BergenMag SEE OUR PHOTOS ON INSTAGRAM

 @BergenMagNJ

111_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPECIAL OFFERS, CONTESTS AND NEWS!

11/16/17 2:24 PM

Photo: instagram.com/lmm_photo_graph; instagram.com/thesweetcaffeine

{ A BERGEN MOMENT }

For any parent trying to capture a photo of their little one, getting them to sit still is nearly impossible—as was the case for me on this winter day. Cue the hot chocolate with whipped cream and a peppermint candy cane! Although not a technically perfect image, this is a family favorite, and I hope it will be shared for generations to come.” — Melissa Milano, LMM Photography & The Sweet Caffeine, Wyckoff lmmphotographybymissy.com thesweetcaffeine.com

BERGEN Magazine Volume 17, Issue 11 (ISSN# 2573-8151 and USPS 025-351) is published 11 times a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645. Postmaster: Send address changes to Subscription Department, Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645. Periodicals postage paid at Montvale, N.J., and additional mailing offices.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1217.moment.1.indd 112

112

Send us your Bergen Moment! Email your photo and a short description to editor@wainscotmedia.com.

DECEMBER 2017

11/14/17 2:06 PM

Where beauty, artistry, creativity, and technique come together... Get ready to reveal the new you! drspiro.com

@spiroplasticsurgery

973.736.5907

ABDOMINOPLASTY (enhanced contour tummy tuck) BREAST ANOMALIES AND ASYMMETRY CORRECTION BREAST AUGMENTATION BREAST LIFT BREAST RECONSTRUCTION (post mastectomy) BREAST REDUCTION BREAST REVISION (correction of surgery done elsewhere)

EYELID SURGERY FACE AND NECK LIFT (customized SMAS composite with fat grafting “natural face”) FAT GRAFTING (Buttock Augmentation) GYNECOMASTIA LIPOSUCTION RHINOPLASTY (NOSE SURGERY) TOTAL BODY LIFT

NON-SURGICAL

SURGICAL

101 Old Short Hills Rd. Suite 510 West Orange, NJ

COOLSCULPTING - FAT REDUCTION BOTOX and FILLERS (Vollure Volbella) KYBELLA - FAT REDUCTION MEDICAL GRADE SKIN CARE (Peels and Products) HYDRAFACIAL MD

American Cancer Society Diamond Ball 2013 Honoree - Speaker at the 2016 American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery International Meeting (Cosmetic Breast Surgery) - Best of Essex: Best Medical Spa 2014 - A New Jersey Monthly Perennial Top Doc Selection

C5_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1

11/16/17 11:45 AM

LEADING THE NATION IN NEUROSURGERY

Among the Top 5% of U.S. Hospitals 2018 HealthgradesÂŽ Recognitions

Top quality care. Again and again. The Valley Hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades for superior clinical performance in neurosurgery. For two consecutive years, Valley has received the Healthgrades Excellence Award and achieved distinction as a Five-Star institution for cranial neurosurgery. In addition, Valley is the only hospital in New Jersey to be named among the top 5% of hospitals in the nation for cranial neurosurgery in 2018, and has been among the top 10% in the nation in this category for two consecutive years. Giving you the highest quality neurosurgical care is our top priority. We believe it is why patients choose us. Again and again. www.ValleyHealth.com

C6_BERGEN_DEC17.indd 1 17-VHS-0447 Again and Again Ads_2018 Healthgrade Neuro_Bergen Mag_9x10.875_v2.indd 1

11/16/17 12:00 PM 10/24/17 3:19 PM