The new hospital will be the heart of a 40-acre health and wellness campus – a one-stop destination for inpatient care, outpatient procedures, and appointments with many Valley doctors.
Everyone admitted to The Valley Hospital in Paramus will receive their own room, enhancing patient privacy and providing a superior environment for your loved ones to spend time with you.
More than 30 percent of Valley’s Paramus campus will feature green space. At the new hospital, gardens, lawns, and walking pathswill provide a beautiful, park-like setting. Best practices for energy efficiency, space utilization, waterconsumption, and use of natural light will be incorporated.
ValleyHealth.com/NewHospital
Care Like No Other ® is Coming to Paramus in 2023!
Nationally renowned speaker, Dr. Andrew Spector of Gentle Dentistry has committed to providingminimally invasive comprehensive care with the most advanced technology available. Excellence in aesthetic dentistry is Dr. Spector’s deepest passion, which comes from understanding a patient’s desires and delivering the perfect aesthetic outcome.
Dr. Spector’s vision, and his 26-year relationship with one of the nation’s most distinguished dental laboratories, ensures impeccable results. Assisted by the use of today’s most advanced technologies, including 3D imaging, CAD/CAM technology and advanced laser care, you can be assured of an exceptional experience.
As a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and past Clinical Associate Professor of Implantology at NYU, his work has been featured on television networks ABC, NBC, CBS, NJ12 and in the New York Times.
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Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.
At 33, singer-songwriter Rory D’Lasnow jokes that he belongs in a past musical generation. But the crtics think he’s got a future.
Look sharp for holiday parties by topping a patterned sportcoat over a sleek quarter-zip sweater.
Red’s not the only shade that makes the season merry and bright.
Checkerboard is a timeless pattern that becomes of-the-moment with fun finds like these.
Skating and hitting the ski slopes aren’t the only activities that turn cold weather into a plus. Have you tried these five ideas?
Vegetarians might want to turn the page, but carnivores will adore these three meaty entrées, each a delectable choice for your holiday table.
Oysters offer tempting taste, great nutrition and—if you believe it—a legendary assist in the bedroom.
A poinsettia champagne cocktail is a sweet signature sip for all the season’s get-togethers.
Before making the move across the country to California, where the groom is from, this Jersey girl got married in her hometown of River Vale to be closer to family and friends.
Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.
A Franklin Lakes mother captures a sweet moment of her husband guiding his son as he places the star atop their Christmas tree.
Quick as a wink, it’s holiday time again. As we approach Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, many of us have gifts to buy, decorations to put up, entertaining to plan, cooking to do, social events to attend and families to reunite with. There’s joy in these traditions of the season—but there’s potential worry too. What if something doesn’t go perfectly?
Such are our hopes for the holiday season that it’s easy to feel that the tiniest flaw in things is a threat to our happiness. But let’s not let the quest for perfection become the enemy of potential joy.
Take a lesson from someone in this issue. If anyone needs to get things right, it’s a Rockette. For nearly two decades, Nicole Baker Luftig of Upper Saddle River has been one of those precisely choreographed dancers at Radio City Music Hall, getting her kicks helping to make the holidays special for tourists and area residents alike. She still feels “butterflies” (read: stress) with each new holiday season. Once, during a musical number, her tap shoe came off, and she had to recover it without breaking ranks in the lineup. But on page 68 she shares her keep-cool strategy with a Rockette newcomer—Mallory Nolting of Wood-Ridge—and we get to listen in. “I like to take some deep breaths, stay calm and most importantly have fun,” says Luftig.
Our pages can’t guarantee you a stress-free holiday, but they do offer some good ideas you can put to use. If you want to “get away from it all,” for example, your first destination should be page 74, where you’ll find five not-so-obvious winter recreation possibilities, each within an easy drive. Inflation got you down on shopping day? See our Special Report on page 70, which explains the problem and offers wallet-friendly tips for fighting it. Of course you want to stay healthy in this winter—on page 36 you’ll read about four wintertime conditions and how to protect yourself against them. And if information can be one antidote to stress, inspiration is another. That’s what we offer in “All Dolled Up,” our fashion spread photographed at American Dream beginning on page 64. (Our team couldn’t resist posing with Shrek while scouting the location!)
Whatever holiday you celebrate, don’t forget to celebrate yourself and your family a little bit too. And remember that often the merriest moments turn out to be those serendipitous ones that weren’t in the script. Give yourself a bit of perspective—that’s one gift no one has to take back and exchange.
Enjoy this festive season, and this issue of BERGEN!
Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.comWealth
Wealth
Managing Director, Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P
Pallas Capital Advisors
Achieving financial comfort and giving you back the precious commodity of time
Managing Director, Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P
Achieving financial comfort and giving you back the precious commodity of time
Financial Planning | Investment Management | Family Office
Managing Director, Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P
Financial Planning | Investment Management | Family Office
Managing Director, Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®,
Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P
Managing Director, Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P
Achieving financial comfort and giving you back the precious commodity of time
Financial Planning | Investment Management | Family Office
Pallas Capital Advisors Welcomes
Managing Director
Financial Planning | Investment Management | Family
Whether you are selling a business, inheriting wealth, or looking ahead towards retirement, we work in close collaboration with our investment team and outside advisors to ensure your plan is created efficiently and effectively with your defined objectives in mind. As your life changes and evolves, your plan grows with you -and as stewards of your wealth, we’re with you every step of the way.
Financial Planning | Investment Management | Family Office
Managing Director, Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P
Whether you are selling a business, inheriting wealth, or looking ahead towards retirement, we work in close collaboration with our investment team and outside advisors to ensure your plan is created efficiently and effectively with your defined objectives in mind. As your life changes and evolves, your plan grows with you -and as stewards of wealth, we’re with step of the way.
Whether you are selling a business, inheriting wealth, or looking ahead towards retirement, we work in close collaboration with our investment team and outside advisors to ensure your plan is created efficiently and effectively with your defined objectives in mind. As your life changes and evolves, your plan grows with you -and as stewards of your wealth, we’re with you every step of the way.
Financial Planning | Investment Management | Family Office
Managing Director, Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P
Whether you are selling a business, inheriting wealth, or looking ahead towards retirement, we work in close collaboration with our investment team and outside advisors to ensure your plan is created efficiently and effectively with your defined objectives in mind. As your life changes and evolves, your plan grows with you -and as stewards of your wealth, we’re with you every step of the way.
Whether you are selling a business, inheriting wealth, or looking ahead work in close collaboration with our investment team and outside advisors is created efficiently and effectively with your defined objectives in mind. evolves, your plan grows with you -and as stewards of your wealth, we’re the way.
Whether you are selling a business, with our is created effectively evolves, with you
| Investment
Whether business, inheriting work in close our investment is created efficiently effectively with and evolves, your -and as stewards of your wealth, we’re with you every step of the way.
1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2101 | Park Ridge, NJ 07656 551.277.2686 | pallascapitaladvisors.com eric@pallascapitaladvisors.com
Drive, Suite 2101 | Park Ridge, NJ 07656 551.277.2686 | pallascapitaladvisors.com eric@pallascapitaladvisors.com
1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2101 | Park Ridge, NJ 07656 551.277.2686 | pallascapitaladvisors.com eric@pallascapitaladvisors.com
1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2101 | Park Ridge, 551.277.2686 | pallascapitaladvisors.com eric@pallascapitaladvisors.com
Maynard Drive, Suite 2101 | Park Ridge, NJ 07656 551.277.2686 | pallascapitaladvisors.com eric@pallascapitaladvisors.com
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Contact us to schedule a meeting
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Achieving financial comfort and giving you back commodity of time
Achieving financial comfort and giving you back the precious commodity of time
Health experts predict a severe post-pandemic flu season here in New Jersey. The best defense for you and your family against the germs? The flu shot, says Ohan Karatoprak, M.D., director of Family Medicine at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck. Dr. Karatoprak shares a few more tips below, which were first featured in our Bergen Buzz weekly e-newsletter.
Get your flu vaccine now. “The flu shot lasts six months, and the season begins in December,” notes Dr. Karatoprak. However, you can get your flu shot well into November or even later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, since “flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May.”
Book your flu vaccine at a local clinic or pharmacy. If you can’t get an appointment for the vaccine with your primary care pro vider (or if you don’t have a PCP), many pharmacies around the county offer easy access to these shots. You can walk in during business hours or book an appointment online for your family members.
Schedule a high-dose flu vaccine if you’re over the age of 65 This medication, called Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, contains four times the antigen of the standard flu vaccine, thus offering older individuals better protection. It’s recommended only for those in this age bracket for the 2022-23 season.
Vaccinate all children over 6 months of age. This has been the CDC’s recommendation since 2010. Your pediatrician should have shots available; otherwise, some pharmacies and hospitals will vaccinate children over the age of 3. Pregnant women should also get a flu shot once per pregnancy; this protects the mother as well as the baby, who will get antibodies if administered during any of the three trimesters.
Continue to wear a mask and wash your hands well. In fact, Dr. Karatoprak advises that we continue to wear masks at all large, indoor gatherings and wash our hands for 20 seconds, since many of us are prone to touching our faces (and thus spreading germs through our nose and mouth) without even knowing it.
Want to see more content like this every week? Sign up for our free e-newsletter, delivered to inboxes every Friday, at bergenmag.com.
OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.
Just as Christmas observers have eggnog and gingerbread, their Jewish brethren too have a signature delicacy for their December holiday. Jelly donuts, called “sufganiyot” in Hebrew, are fried and dipped in oil and traditionally consumed on Hanukkah to honor the small amount of oil that miraculously served the Maccabees for eight nights. You can get great kosher donuts for the season right here in Bergen County, even if jelly isn’t your filling of choice. Here’s where to go, depending on what you crave:
• If you want a tried-and-true jelly donut…try Zadies Bake Shop in Fair Lawn. Its sole flavor of the season is jelly, but the folks here do it very well— and only sell these bad boys in December. In fact, people from all over northern Jersey line up every year to get a dozen of these signature jelly donuts.
• If you want variety…try Butterflake Bakery in Teaneck. Owner Richard Heisler tells BERGEN his team spends 14 or 15 hours a day frying before and during Hannukah so that supply keeps up with demand. The flavors here change seasonally, but expect to see some fan faves for 2022, including Oreo, lemon meringue, caramel, pizza—and the “drunken donut” filled with booze for those 21 and up.
• If you want an Israeli twist… try Breads Bakery in Tenafly. In addition to such flavors as strawberry and dolce de leche, Breads is bringing back its Mediterranean-inspired lotus donut, which flies off the shelves. P.S.: Add a few Oreo or chocolate M&M donuts to your order to bring home for the kids.
• If you want something new…try Liv Breads & Artisan Bakery in Englewood. This Israeli-inspired, Millburnbased store set up shop in Englewood this year. And you’re in for a treat with its signature sufganiyot, made not with fried dough but with brioche buns, which are filled with strawberry jam, Nutella or dulce-deleche. Bonus: They’re not fried, so they won’t get stale or greasy as typical Hanukkah donuts do. “Many customers are more than happy to leave the oil to the latkes!” co-owner Elana Livneh tells BERGEN. These sufganiyot will be available in Englewood starting Sunday, Dec. 18, the first night of Hanukkah.
DID YOU KNOW? More than 141 million cards are sent for Mother’s Day in the U.S., according to the folks at Hallmark. But the holiday only ranks third on the list of top greeting card holidays. Christmas tops the list with 1.6 billion cards, followed by Valentine’s Day (151 million).
DID YOU KNOW? The tallest Christmas tree in New Jersey last year most likely resided in downtown Ridgewood. The village’s 65foot Norwegian spruce was the centerpiece of the town’s holiday display, but it was still smaller than the tree at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, which stood tall at 82 feet.
What could be more relaxing at this time of year than sitting by the fireplace with friends and family? Well, put a glass of eggnog in everyone’s hands. This sweet treat is almost like drinking a milkshake, but it’s extra special because we typically drink it during only one month of the year. With that in mind, BERGEN asked George Chicolo III, an Allendale-based mixologist and owner of On the Fly mobile bartending service, to share an eggnog recipe that will make any holiday event a memorable one:
SPIKED EGGNOG Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 cup turbinado cane sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 large orange peels
• ½ apple
• ½ tsp. ground ginger
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp. ground cloves
• 2 Tbs. vanilla extract
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Proper 12 Irish whiskey
• Frangelico
Directions:
In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar and salt. Slowly add 2 cups of milk and add the rest of ingredients. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until it reaches 165° Fahrenheit. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
Strain the mixture milk into a separate mixing bowl and place in refrigerator until cool.
Once cooled, add the heavy whipping cream and stir until it thickens. Serve in a glass and add 1 oz. Proper 12 Irish whiskey and ½ oz. of Frangelico. Garnish wth a stick of cinnamon.
time of the year,” but is it? An implicit pressure to decorations, cooking, entertaining and seeing family— instead of a joy. Feelings of grief or loss may come up as maybe you had a tough 12 months in ’22. If all those you the blues, take heart: You’re not alone. can be taxing on our emotional well-being,” says psychotherapist who practices in Ridgewood. Here are cope with all the jolliness of the season when but in the spirit: your triggers. Austein says this involves recognizing what stresses you out and how it makes you How does your body react when you’re stressed? type of thoughts do you have? Then try to avoid prompts as much as possible.
boundaries. “Decide what makes you feel comfortable and stick with it,” Austein advises.
“Discuss this with a friend or a partner for extra support.” Setting boundaries can involve, for instance, declining invitations for holiday parties or events that you off emotionally.
meditation. Meditation has been shown to help our attention on something calming. You can an app like Calm or find a simple grounding deserve to take a breather!
expectations for your holiday season, Austein family this year or forgo the office gift slack. This too shall pass.
What gifts are you hoping to unwrap this year? A cozy hoodie or a pair of boots, perhaps? A new e-bike, or the latest GoPro camera? In the holiday spirit, BERGEN staff members share below what we hope to receive—because sometimes the things one yearns for turn out to be great ideas for giving to others too. (That’s our excuse for hinting, anyway.)
Darius Amos, “I’m a wannabe yet to pull the Jordan 1 middies. which look similar, have the Jordan logo. I prefer and gray, but object to unboxing a classic blackand-red pair.”
Stephen Vitarbo, “I mean, look art! You could burlap sack wearing Taft they work even with a stylish and a sportcoat. these on my every year, building up the collection.”
and it’s gotten to the point where I’m embarrassed to be out in public (or on video calls) using headphones that aren’t wireless. The horror! I’d love a pair of AirPods for Hanukkah, preferably the all-new AirPods Pro, with initials on the case. It’s It’s time.”
With so many puppies and kittens available for adoption in the area, why not bring a furry friend home in time for the festive season? These rescue animals are in need of a new home, and we’re betting you could use a snuggle buddy. Of course, remember to discuss with your family all the responsibilities before you adopt. If you’re ready, consider one of the three 2-year-old males below—or contact the organizations for other adoptable animals.
Meet Happy Chappie
From: Ramapo-Bergen
Animal Refuge Inc., 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, 201.337.5180; rbari.org Breed: Smooth fox terrier mix
Temperament: Happy Chappie is an athletic and energetic 22-pound dog who loves adventure.
Meet Klaus
From: Cat Crew Rescue, Oradell, 201.965.4434; petfinder.com Breed: Domestic shorthair
Temperament: Shy at first, Klaus warms up quickly and is a playful boy. He would do best in a home with another cat.
Meet Parker
From: Bergen County Animal Shelter, 100 United Lane, Teterboro, 201.229.4600; petfinder.com Breed: Pointer Temperament: Parker is a playful adult dog who does well at the vet, being handled and playing dress-up in cold temperatures. He requires a special diet to control inflammatory bowel disease.
For Laura Rose, owner of Washington Township’s Township Theatre, the 1946 Frank Capra classic It’s a Wonderful Life is still the greatest Christmas flick ever. “There are many positive messages in it, and it truly embraces the spirit of the season of love, giving thanks, family and friends,” she explains.
“For a few years, a couple would rent out one private viewing of the film by their friends invite them to home afterward for a holiday But more recent filmmakers have also sought their wings with holiday fare, and some of have attained classic status too. Below you’ll of some top family-friendly holiday films you with this year—and where they’re streaming. omit your favorite? Tell us on Instagram at @bergenmagnj.)
• A Charlie Brown Christmas (Apple TV Plus)
• Elf (HBO Max)
• Four Christmases (HBO Max)
• Jingle All the Way (Starz)
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (HBO Max)
• The Holiday (Netflix)
• Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (Disney+)
• It’s a Wonderful Life (Amazon Prime)
• Love Actually (Paramount+)
• The Santa Clause (Disney+)
• Serendipity (Paramount+)
Our county is the shopping hub of New Jersey, and that doesn’t just mean big-box chain stores in Paramus. You’re missing out if you don’t also check out the smaller shops and boutiques this holiday season. In them you can find distinctive—often surprising—gifts ranging from home décor to hair accessories to knickknacks, and it feels good to support your neighbors by “shopping local.” Here are seven little Bergen stores that punch above their weight:
• Creative Den has a vast selection of curated items, including accessories, home décor, apothecary products and kits and clothes for babies and kids.
—227 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201.882.1422; shop.creativedenllc.com
• Ginger Home, an offshoot of the women’s clothing store
Ginger N’ Cream, sells candles, servingware, home decor and everything else your holiday hostess’s heart could desire.
—350 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.664.2440; gingerncream.com
• The Little Locust has themed clothing (think holiday hoodies), pet presents, jewelry and the like.
—100 W. Pleasant Way, Maywood, 201.880.4271; thelittlelocust.com
• Market House is “a platform for local artists,” selling handcrafted items, mostly wellness-centric goodies such as bath salts and perfumes, as well as décor and jewelry.
—172 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.364.7671; markethouseshoplocal.com
• Pazzazed has handpicked gifts for all occasions, including New Jersey-themed finds and funny accessories.
—826 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201. 485.8022; 6 Wilsey Sq., Ridgewood, 201.857.5004; pazzazed.com
• The Purple Bow is where to go to check a few items off your kids’ list for Santa, from clothing to backpacks to craft kits to toys.
—1444 Queen Anne Rd., Teaneck, 201.855.8040; thepurplebowteaneck.com
• The Table at Latona’s sells artisan tabletop and home décor— things a recipient will have for years. The folks here also do wedding and gift registries to simplify your shopping.
—26 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201.612.6600; thetableatlatonas.com
With so much to do leading up to the holidays, you may not yet have secured plans with the kids during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. A brief excursion can work wonders in refreshing your point of view, and there are fascinating destinations within easy reach—these four, for example:
• American Museum of Natural History, New York. If you haven’t seen either the shark or the recently opened “Insects in Peril” exhibits, now’s your chance. Both are kid friendly, full of visuals—and educational as well! Suggested admission: $25 for adults, $14 for children.
• Campgaw Mountain, Mahwah. Bergen County’s lone ski resort is open to skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers of all ages and skill levels. Sign up for a daily lift ticket, purchase a season pass or just stop by for a steaming cup of hot chocolate and hang out at the lodge. Lift tickets: varies.
• Liberty Science Center, Jersey City. People of all ages can learn about the power of volcanoes—and how they can preserve history—at the new “Pompeii: The Immortal City” exhibit. Your STEM-loving little ones will also get a kick out of the Dino Dig Adventure, Infinity Climber and more. Advance tickets: $29.99 for adults, $24.99 for children.
• New York Botanical Garden, Bronx. Seeing the NYBG’s Holiday Train Show has become a beloved NYC tradition. Watch with your kids as model trains zip through displays made from all-natural materials. Tip: Stay past sundown to see the garden’s outdoor holiday lights. Admission: $30 for adults, $15 for children 2 to 12.
Congratulations to Fair Lawn’s Deanna Dawicki, who submitted the winning caption for October’s “Caption This!” contest. “I squawk over food (prices) too!” writes Deanna, describing this photo of an adult bald eagle looking over its eaglets. Thanks to Emerson’s Paul Sullivan for sharing his photo.
Dog: Brandy, 2-yearold beagle/chihuahua mix
Owners: Jacqueline and John Dikdan of Saddle Brook When the Dikdans’ beloved border collie, Rylee, passed away in March 2021, the family knew they wanted to give another pup a loving home. They learned of Brandy, a rescue dog from Texas who was waiting for a forever home at a shelter in South Jersey. “We heard about her from my daughterin-law,” says John, “and we were very interested.”
On adoption day, Brandy shook for the duration of the car ride back to Saddle Brook. “But once we got her familiar with her new yard and home, she loved it,” John recalls. Though Brandy is still learning to walk properly on a leash and visit stores and parks with her parents, she’s “very playful and cuddly.” Says John: “Brandy is spoiled, mostly because I just retired, and my wife and I are always home with her. She is such a joy in our lives!”
Want to see your dog or cat featured in an upcoming issue? Email a photo and brief description of your pet to Editor in Chief Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.
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At 33, singer-songwriter Rory D’Lasnow jokes that he belongs in a past musical generation. But the critics think he’s got a future.
How old were you when you first picked up a guitar?
I was around 5 or 6, and I saw my dad playing. He was a huge inspira tion, as he used to play guitar for me when I was a baby. But I also grew up—like many other folks— obsessed with the Beatles. Who were your other musical idols?
I used to think I was born in the wrong generation because I really loved music that came before my time: the Beatles, Queen, Billy Joel, the Everly Brothers, Fleetwood Mac. Did playing come naturally to you, or did you take formal lessons?
It did come naturally, even though I played incorrectly—I held the guitar and played it the wrong way, upside-down. I never took any formal lessons and mostly learned by ear or by looking at books. Why did you never play right-side up?
I’m not sure! I like to think I picked it up as the mirror image to my father, who played right-handed. There are home videos I recently found with my parents telling me to turn the guitar around, but I didn’t listen.
When did you start playing gigs?
I first played in talent shows at school or on cruise ships (my moth er was a travel agent) and I used to busk at Starbucks on Palisade Avenue in Englewood as a small kid. At the Englewood Library I had my own show at around 12. What advice have you picked up from other musicians?
“Stay open to new experiences, in terms of writing and touring.” Some of my favorite ideas for songs have been outside of my normal ap proach or style.
Where do you get your inspiration for your music?
I’m more interested in the intention and sincerity of the music than a particular genre or style. You’ve used your platforms to bring awareness to mental health issues. Why is this important to you?
I’ve worked on and off in the mental health field for many years. I’ve seen the powerful role music can play in coping with mental health issues and communicating complex sentiments that might otherwise be hard to capture. I’ve also been pretty vocal about my own struggle with mental health, much of it related to grieving and loss (I’ve un fortunately lost both of my beautiful parents) and the idea that we’re all in this together.
Any tips for up-andcoming musicians?
Don’t think, just do! I’m a notorious overthinker. Ultimately the best thing I ever did was just throw myself into some open mics at the prompting of some friends.
Any favorite venues?
Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck played a key role in getting me going. Cool Beans’s open mic in Oradell was a special spot to try out new songs and meet fellow musi cians, as was Oak Ale House in Maywood. Though both are gone, their memory is never far from my mind. I’ve spent a lot of time play ing in Hoboken and Jersey City as well as Asbury Park and the Jersey Shore.
What do you do outside of music?
I love baseball, football and really any sport. I’m a big Mets fan and a Michigan alum (Go Blue!). I’m often working at my mental health job, which really rejuvenates another part of me. My clients are a constant source of inspiration.
A Teaneck resident who grew up in Englewood, Rory D’Lasnow, 33, has emerged as one of New Jersey’s brightest singer-songwriters. He has what one British music writer called “a marvelous talent for melding the sublimely simple with the decadently melodic in his music.” Before he hit the road for a show in Toronto in support of his latest EP, Songs From an Empty Room, D’Lasnow chatted with BERGEN.
Everywhere! Oftentimes my music has been inspired by the people I’ve met, the people I’ve loved, the people I’ve lost. Music can be such a cathartic, uniting factor in our lives, and I try to represent experi ences that I feel we all can relate to.
Where do you see your career in the near future?
I’ve got a couple of songs and shows lined up that I’m really ex cited for—I hope I can just continue to meet new folks around the world and share stories with them. That’s what makes this most worthwhile.
Look sharp for holiday parties by topping a patterned sportcoat over a sleek quarterzip sweater.
Sportcoat, shirt and pocket square by Kiton, Saks Fifth Avenue, East Rutherford, 201.559.7780; sweater by Loro Piana, us.loropiana.com/ en/; corduroy pants by Pescarolo, Neiman Marcus, Paramus, 201.291.1920.
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Because red’s not the only shade that makes the season merry and bright.
Coat and sweater by Zimmermann, Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack, 201.457.2000; pants by Iro, Neiman Marcus, Paramus, 201. 291.1920.
At Longview, older adults thrive with personalized care in a secure community that fosters independence. Residents have access to personalized assistance with professional clinical staff, while also enjoying innovative programs and a diverse calendar of activities and events.
For more information about Longview or to schedule a tour, please contact Victoria Durante, CALA, Admissions Director, at vdurante@ChristianHealthNJ.org or (201) 848-4303.
Over the last two months, the number of infants and young children hospitalized in the U.S. with RSV has increased by 69%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This has pushed many hospitals to capacity due to a surge in admissions for RSV and other respiratory viruses.
And while the news headlines are concerning, RSV—called respiratory syncytial virus—is actually quite common and most often mild. “About 97% of children will get RSV at least once before age 2,” says Christina Gagliardo, MD, a physician with the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Atlantic Health System’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital. “For most healthy children, RSV is like a cold; only about two in every 100 children who get RSV will need hospitalization.” Dr. Gagliardo shares these nine things that parents should know about RSV.
RSV can affect anyone. People at any age can get RSV. However, it typically only causes severe infection in the very young (infants up to age 2) and in older people (over age 65).
Some infants have a higher risk for RSV than others. Those at higher risk include infants who are 12 weeks older or younger at the start of RSV season, premature or low-birth-weight infants (especially those born before 29 weeks gestation), and those with weak immune systems due to illnesses or treatments. Chronic lung disease and certain types of heart defects also raise an infant’s risk for contracting RSV.
RSV is spreading earlier this year than it did in past years. RSV typically appears from late spring to early fall, but this year it arrived about four weeks earlier than usual, per the CDC. “We saw fewer cases of RSV in 2020, when many people wore masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Gagliardo says. Cases began increasing nationwide in spring 2021 when masking guidelines were relaxed.
It can be hard to tell RSV apart from other viruses. RSV most often causes a cold, which is a type of upper respiratory infection that brings a fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), cough, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fussiness or poor feeding. A cold may be followed by bronchiolitis, a type of lower respiratory tract infection that brings cold symptoms plus fast breathing, flaring of the nostrils, head bobbing with breathing, rhythmic grunting during breathing, belly breathing or wheezing.
Christina Gagliardo, MD
RSV symptoms last for five to seven days on average. RSV spreads just like the common cold—from one person to another. It spreads through person-to-person contact and through unclean hands or objects. Symptoms can appear two to eight days after contracting RSV. “People with RSV are typically contagious for between three to eight days,” says Dr. Gagliardo.
RSV symptoms are typically at their worst from Day 3 –Day 5. You should call the doctor if your child has any symptoms of bronchiolitis, dehydration (less than one wet diaper every eight hours for infants), pauses or difficulty breathing, significantly decreased activity and alertness, or develops a grey or blue color on the tongue, lips or skin. Also call a doctor if your child’s symptoms don’t improve after seven days or when your child’s temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit repeatedly. Children younger than 12 weeks of age should see a doctor anytime their temperature goes above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is no cure for RSV. Medications like steroids and antibiotics do not help. To help your child feel more comfortable, treat RSV’s symptoms similar to the way you’d treat a cold. Use nasal saline with gentle suctioning to allow for easier breathing and feeding. Use a coolmist humidifier in your child’s room. Keep your child well hydrated. “If your child is older than 6 months, you may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with low-grade fevers,” Dr. Gagliardo says. Never give young children aspirin or cough-and-cold medicines.
There is no vaccine for RSV. Pfizer and other manufacturers are working on developing RSV vaccines, but they won’t be available for at least another year. In the meantime, you can prevent RSV by washing your hands, keeping your child up to date on their other vaccines (including Tdap and COVID-19), limiting your child’s exposure to crowds, disinfecting objects and surfaces in your home regularly, and feeding your baby breastmilk.
RSV may return quickly. Children and adults can get RSV multiple times—even during the same season. However, repeat infections are often less severe than the first one. The best news: “Most children recover well from RSV and grow into healthy adults,” Dr. Gagliardo says.
Learn more at atlantichealth.org/rsv
Checkerboard is a timeless pattern that becomes of-the-moment with fun finds like these.
SOFT CHECKERED RUG
West Elm, Paramus, 201.261.2552
COAT CHECKERED BY THE CARTORIALIST LARGE ART PRINT chairish.com
OVERSIZED CHECKERED BANANA BARK ROUND BASKET maisonette.com
CHECKERBOARD COWHIDE PILLOW Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Paramus, 201.639.0370
LARGE CHECKERBOARD LACQUER BOX BY JONATHAN ADLER Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack, 201.457.2000
CHECKERED ROPE INDOOR/OUTDOOR
Anthropologie, Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.4321
CHECKERED LAMP SHADE Urban Outfitters, Paramus, 201.556.1840
CHECKERED PATTERN WINE CHILLER society6.com
OTTOMAN
Anthropologie, Paramus, 201.291.2381
A review of several studies found that musically trained kids have better reading, memory and executive functions than the non-musician kids
—Frontiers in Neuroscience
A recent analysis found no association between women’s caffeine consumption and pregnancy after fertility treatments, so it’s fine to have a cup of joe in the morning.
—Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica
Mom may have told you to sit up and uncross your legs, and she had good reason. Research has found that sitting with crossed legs causes the pelvis to rotate and tilt, which can cause numbness and pain over time. To avoid problem hips, keep them aligned and sit with both feet firmly planted on the ground.
You won’t just feel tired after a bad night’s sleep, you’ll feel pain. Researchers found that participants exposed to pain after eight hours of sleep and again after staying up all night were far less likely to tolerate the pain after not getting enough shut-eye.
—The Journal of Neuroscience
56The percentage of folks who tested positive for COVID-19 during the Omicron surge who didn’t think they had it. Even if you have a case of the sniffles, it’s best to test to avoid infecting others, say experts.
—JAMA Open Network
—Journal of Physical Therapy Science
A recent study suggests that young American adults could lengthen their life expectancy by more than 10 years by eating a diet rich in legumes, nuts and whole grains in lieu of meat.
—PLOS Medicine
Researchers have found that men who frequently ate a diet of ultra-processed foods, typically associated with ready-to-eat products, were at 29 percent higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than men who consumed much smaller amounts.
—BMJ
A surprising benefit of surgery to fix cataracts: less depression. An analysis of people with cataracts found that those who had surgery were 25 percent less likely to develop depression than those who hadn’t had surgery.
—Scientific Reports
DAVID TORCHIN, BRIAN C. MARTEL, SCOTT W. ORR & ASSOCIATE KAROLINA KATSNELSON have decades of combined experience handling every area of family law.
Whether divorce, custody/parenting time, spousal/child support, property division, mediation, parenting coordination, pre-nuptials, domestic violence, post-judgment matters/appeals and more, TMO can help. We understand your matter is an extremely important, urgent and emotional time and TMO treats you with empathy, dignity, integrity and respect. Your case is unique, and we creatively tailor our strategies to suit your specific needs. TMO maintains both a highly respected mediation and dispute resolution division to amicably resolve your matter and a trial litigation division, prepared to vigorously advocate for our client’s rights when necessary.
TMO congratulates Scott W. Orr, Esq., MBA for being uniquely awarded as both a Family Lawyer and a Divorce Mediator. To schedule a consultation with TMO, please visit www.tmolawfirm.com or call 201-971-4866.
You should know these exposurerelated cold-weather dangers— and what to do about them.
By Haley Longman
Remember how your mother always told you to bundle up in the wintertime with scarf, mittens and hat? She had a point. Prolonged skin exposure to cold and wind can lead to a number of health complications. “The most important advice during cold weather is dressing in warm, dry layers in order to be able to remove layers as one becomes warm, and to avoid sweating and wet clothing,” says Christine DeFranco, D.O., an emergency medicine physician at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck. Here are four winter conditions related to the cold, how to spot them and what can be done to treat them:
• HYPOTHERMIA is when your body temperature falls from 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit to 95 or lower. It can happen to anyone who’s exposed to cold temperatures for even a short time, and is especially common in young children or elderly people who keep their heat at home below 65 degrees, according to the Bergen County Department of Health Services.
Symptoms: The first and most common symptom is violent shivering, but other side effects include loss of consciousness, bluish skin, labored breathing and drowsiness.
What to do: “Mild hypothermia can be managed by removing wet clothing and replacing it with warm, dry clothing and moving to a warm, dry environment,” says Dr. DeFranco. But call a medical professional, she says, if the patient experiences “confusion, a change in skin color, shallow breathing or slurred speech.”
• FROSTBITE is most common in outdoor workers who aren’t dressed properly for the cold, but anyone is susceptible. It’s an injury to the body that causes a loss of feeling and color in the affected areas, often the toes, nose, fingers, chin, ears or cheeks. A milder state called frostnip precedes it; if this is not treated, frostbite can follow.
Symptoms: Warning signs of frostbite include numbness in the area, a tingling or burning sensation and discoloration of the skin. What to do: Management for this condition is contingent upon its
severity, Dr. DeFranco notes, meaning that frostnip likely won’t warrant a trip to the ED. Still, get into a warm room as soon as possible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises. Then expose the area to warm (not hot!) water, and place it against a warm part of the body (for example, insert frostbitten fingers under your arms). Be careful not to rub the affected region in the warm water, as this can cause more damage. If feeling and color in the frostbitten area don’t return after this treatment, contact your healthcare provider ASAP.
• CHILBLAINS are small, itchy patches that can appear on the skin after exposure to extreme cold. They most often pop up on the face, ears and extremities.
Symptoms: Affected areas will be red, swollen, itchy and hot to the touch. They don’t typically occur right away, but appear about 12 to 24 hours after exposure.
What to do: Chilblains can typically be treated at home by warming the skin with lukewarm water. Dr. DeFranco also recommends lotion to “moisturize the skin and relieve itchiness,” as scratching will irritate it more. Call your doctor if the condition doesn’t improve.
• NON-FREEZING COLD INJURY is an umbrella term used to describe tissue damage caused by sustained exposure to wet, cold (but not freezing) conditions, typically in the range of 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The most common type of non-freezing cold injury is immersion foot, also known as trench foot, caused when the feet are wet for long periods.
Symptoms: Swelling, numbness, redness, cramping or blisters in the foot or leg are warning signs to look out for.
What to do: For immediate relief, remove wet socks and shoes as soon as you get inside, and avoid walking until the symptoms subside. But seek medical attention immediately, Dr. DeFranco warns; a doctor can examine the foot, ease pain and help you prevent long-term tissue damage.
Like the jewels that are at the heart of our success story, Devon Fine Jewelry boasts a bright past—and brighter future.
Talk about humble beginnings. Before Devon Fine Jewelry became the beautiful, spacious showroom you see today, it all began in 1975 in one tiny room within our president/ founder Nancy Schuring’s apartment. In the 45+ years since, Devon Fine Jewelry has blossomed into a premier jeweler in New Jersey and the entire Northeast, selling more than 100 varieties of gemstones.
Devon Fine Jewelry is also more than a store but an overall experience, and that is in part due to our friendly, devoted and experienced staff. Come visit us in store, where our devoted staff, pictured at right, can help you find or create your perfect piece at Devon.
Our GIA-credentialed team boasts decades of experience between us in all aspects of fine jewelry production and repair, and we have vast knowledge of gemstones and diamonds, of trends and designs. We can also help you redesign an existing piece or create a custom piece— we’ll bring your dream vision to life, from paper and pencil to finished product. Finally, let us arrange a personalized and private shopping experience for you, and/or take advantage of our private jewelry concierge services. We’re here to meet all your jewelry needs. Happy holidays!
Top to bottom from left, 18K Yellow Gold earrings with 10-10.5mm Tahitian Pearls and 2.24cttw. emerald-cut Tsavorites dangling from Diamond Eurowires, 0.14cttw., $6,299; 18K Yellow Gold earrings with 2 round Pink Tourmalines, 12.26cttw., dangling from Diamond Eurowires, 0.06cttw., $10,999; 14K White Gold 1.7mm paper clip chain necklace set with 7.92ct rectangular cushion-cut Blue Zircon, surrounded by 34 round Diamonds, 0.17cttw., set in black rhodium, $4,249; 18K White Gold ring set with center 7.61ct oval Tanzanite, surrounded by halo of 32 Diamonds, 0.78cttw., and 6 round Diamonds on shank, 0.62cttw. G/SI1, $15,900; 18K Yellow Gold ring set with center 8.58ct. Oval Bi-color Tourmaline in a gallery containing 84 round Diamonds, 0.37cttw., $5,299.
These beautiful pieces will help a crowd (or at an intimate holiday
From top, left to right, Rudolf Friedmann 14K Yellow Gold paper clip chain necklace with heart-shape Mother of Pearl pendant surrounded by Diamonds, 0.80cttw., $4,510; Rudolf Friedmann 14K Yellow Gold triple oval link drop earrings, $799; 18K Yellow Gold Long Dangle “Swirl” earrings containing Diamonds, 1.65cttw., $7,499; Rudolf Friedmann 14K Yellow Gold Cuban link bracelet, $4,730; 12x15.7mm Baroque South Sea Pearl Necklace with 14K White Gold brushed ball clasp, $9,999.
From left, 18K White Gold bracelet set with 14.19cttw. cushion-cut Blue Sapphires and surrounded by Diamonds, 2.53cttw., $52,799; Spark 18K White Gold bracelet set with 5.52cttw. Rubies and 2.30cttw. Diamonds, $18,299; Christopher Designs 18K White Gold band containing 5 cushion-cut Rubies, 2.05cttw., surrounded by Diamonds, 0.43cttw. G/SI1, $12,999; 18K Two-Tone ring set with center 1.27ct emerald-cut Emerald, 2 emerald-cut Diamonds, 0.67cttw., and surrounded by round Diamonds, 0.63cttw., $15,999; 18K White Gold ring set with center 7.05ct. cushion-cut Blue Sapphire, 2 side trapezoid Diamonds, 0.74cttw., and all surrounded by round Diamonds, 0.92cttw., $59,399; Spark 18K White Gold 3-stone ring set with center oval Emerald and 2 pearshape Emeralds, 1.30cttw., all surrounded by Diamonds, 0.30cttw., $8,899.
From top, Norman Silverman 18K White Gold pear shape Diamond flower earrings, 2.54cttw. G/VS2, $12,375; Norman Silverman 18K White Gold Classic Diamond necklace, 9.11cttw. G-H/ VS, $24,750; Norman Silverman Platinum four-row flexible wrap band containing 28 emerald-cut Diamonds, 8.96cttw., and 29 round Diamonds, 4.23cttw., engineered for comfort, $58,500; Norman Silverman
18K White Gold hinged bangle bracelet containing 9 fancy shape diamonds, 3.18cttw., $26,999; Norman Silverman
18K White Gold graceful flower ring containing 5 pear shape Diamonds, 1.51cttw., and 1 round brilliant Diamond, 0.25cttw., $8,999.
Since 1975, Devon Fine Jewelry has had the pleasure of selling and repairing your most precious jewelry and timepieces. Service has always been essential to our business.
If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for in our store, we’ll work with you to create a piece that reflects your style and personality, whether it’s a gift for yourself or for someone special. From basic changes to existing creations to brand-new designs from scratch, we can do it all. Redesigning your jewelry is also a great way to bring new life to an older piece. Allow us to take an out-ofdate design and remake it into something that you’ll be proud to wear every day.
We are proud members of the prestigious American Gem Society, which serves as a testament to our customers that they are shopping with an ethical and knowledgeable jeweler. Our in-store appraiser offers appraisal services including jewelry replacement, estate distribution and jewelry analysis with extensive training from GIA as a Graduate Gemologist and AGS as a Certified Gemologist Appraiser.
We offer expert in-house repairs, from simple to the most comprehensive work. We also work with a highly trained network of jewelers and contractors who provide Devon with expert repairs of the highest quality for our clients.
It’s recommended that pearls and beaded jewelry be restrung every five years, and we can do this for you, hassle-free. Bring in your pearls and beads to the store to see if they need to be restrung—we provide free estimates for this service—and trust our experts to handle your pieces with care.
Our Swiss-trained watchmaker can provide expert repairs, from simple watch battery replacement to the most comprehensive work and service on your valued timepiece.
Old treasures collecting dust in your jewelry box may be worth a lot more than you think. Bring in your old gold, silver and platinum jewelry, as well as watches, gold and silver coins, flatware and tea sets, which we’ll evaluate and tell you the value of right on the spot. If you decide to sell, we’ll write you a check. If you keep the money as store credit at Devon, you’ll get an additional 20 percent off toward a future purchase!
GLASS CLOCHE WITH MATCHES
Anthropologie, Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.4321
MUZEN OTR
BLUETOOTH RADIO SPEAKER Pazzazed, Franklin Lakes, 201.485.8022
DECO WOOD AND BRASS HANDLE SERVING TRAY West Elm, Paramus, 201.261.2552
WOOD MARBLE BOARD Ginger Home, Westwood, 201.664.2440
REED DIFFUSER
Sephora, Woodcliff Lake, 201.982.7935
THE GIVING PLATE Lily & Kate, Ramsey, 201.327.5459
DIXON RYE COLORED HOURGLASS dixonrye.com
GEORG JENSEN INDULGENCE
CLASE AZUL REPOSADO TEQUILA
Total Wine & More, River Edge, 201.968.1777
POLAROID GO EVERYTHING BOX CAMERA AND INSTANT FILM BUNDLE Best Buy, Paramus, 201.556.1321
FLKR FIRE THE ORIGINAL FIREPLACE Walmart, Saddle Brook, 201.226.0575
LITTLE UNICORN TODDLER HOODED TOWEL IN DINO FRIEND Buybuy Baby, Paramus, 201.689.6271
OLD WORLD CHRISTMAS SANTA IN ANTIQUE CAR ORNAMENT oldworldchristmas. com
VTECH KIDIZOOM CREATOR CAM Kohl’s, Ramsey, 201.327.2877
ORIGINAL BUDDHA BOARD Blick Art Materials, Paramus, 201.843.7702
LEARN CONSTRUCTION TRUCKS, MINI PUSH CARS W/ PLAYMAT Walmart, Brook, 201.226.0575
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING AMAZING SCIENCE: HANDS-ON S.T.E.A.M. EXPERIMENTS FOR CURIOUS KIDS
The Curious Reader, Glen Rock, 201.444.1918
STOMP ROCKET STOMP RACERS CAMP, Paramus, 551.220.5624
GUND LIL’ LUVS COLLECTION FOX IN A BOX
Barnes & Noble, Hackensack, 201.270.1280
ELF ON THE SHELF ELF
PETS: A SAINT BERNARD TRADITION Nordstrom, Paramus, 201.843.1122
FLYBAR FUNPARK RACER BUMPER CAR
Target, Paramus, 201.881.7660
Saks Fifth Avenue, East Rutherford, 201.559.7780
NJ STYLE HOME SWEET HOME PERSONALIZED CUTTING BOARD Pazzazed, Franklin Lakes, 201.485.8022
HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE
Genevieve’s, Garfield, 973.233.5149
Williams-Sonoma, Hackensack, 201.488.3440
OONI KARU 12 MULTI-FUEL OUTDOOR PIZZA OVEN Crate & Barrel Paramus, 201.986.2999
GOURMET GIFT BASKET Market Basket, Wyckoff, 201.891.1212
CATIT 2.0 FLOWER CAT DRINKING FOUNTAIN PetSmart, Lyndhurst, 201.528.4775 PETAMI
The meal is the center of holiday get-togethers, but you need not stress over what to serve. Simple yet thoughtful— and delicious—dishes will always win over any crowd. Here are five easy-to-make recipes to mark the occasion.
Makes 8 servings
• 4 Tbs. butter
• 4 shallots, roughly chopped
• white part of 1 leek, roughly chopped
• 1 red onion, roughly chopped
• 2 onions, roughly chopped
• white parts of 1 bunch green onions, roughly chopped
• 2 quarts chicken stock
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
• 16 thin slices French baguette, buttered and toasted
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese, firmly packed
In a large, heavy stockpot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. When the foaming has subsided, add the shallots, leek and onions. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir the mixture frequently, until the onions are soft and have turned deep golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Add the chicken stock and simmer the mixture, uncovered, until the onions are very soft, another 20 minutes.
Transfer the soup to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, and puree it until it’s smooth. This may need to be done in batches. Return the soup to the stockpot, add the cream, salt and pepper, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the soup for another 20 minutes until the soup has thickened.
When it’s time to serve, preheat the broiler. Divide the soup into eight individual oven-proof ramekins. Add 2 toasted baguette slices to each ramekin, overlapping them slightly if necessary, and top them with 2 tablespoons of Gruyère cheese. Broil the soup on the top rack until the cheese is brown and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes, before serving.
Makes 1 serving
For the salad:
• 1 head butter lettuce
• Secret “Gravlax” Sauce, see below
• 4 oz. caviar
• 4 oz. smoked salmon, sliced
• 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped
• 1 shallot, minced
• chopped chives, to garnish
For the Gravlax Sauce:
Makes about 2 cups
• 1½ cups mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 1½ tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ tsp. ground white pepper
• ¾ tsp. salt
To make the Gravlax Sauce, mix all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl and set aside.
To make the salad: Tear off the lettuce leaves from their core and arrange them on the plate. Add a dollop of the sauce in the center and top the sauce with the caviar. Surround the caviar mound with rolled-up slices of smoked salmon, the egg and shallot. Garnish the salad with chives.
Every holiday, we put up simple poinsettia kitchen curtains that my late mother-in-law made for our first apartment 38 years ago. We hang them in the pass-through from my kitchen to dining room.”
Makes 10 to 12 servings
• 5 lbs. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 8 shallots, quartered
• 1½ cups balsamic vinegar
• 2½ tsp. salt
• 1¼ tsp. ground black pepper
• Tomatoes Provençale, for serving
For the Tomatoes Provençale: Makes 8 tomato halves
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 ¼ tsp. salt, divided
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbs. minced shallots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup minced flat-leaf parsley
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• 2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese
To make Tomatoes Provençale: Cut the tomatoes in half horizontally and remove the seeds. Season the halves with ¼ teaspoon of the salt and turn them upside down on a rack to let them drain for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the remaining teaspoon of the salt, the breadcrumbs, shallots, garlic, parsley, olive oil and pepper, and stir them together to combine. Stuff equal amounts of the mixture into the drained tomatoes and place the tomatoes on a heavy quarter-sheet pan.
Top the tomatoes with the Parmesan cheese, and put them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until they are fully heatedthrough and their tops are golden brown.
To make the chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Add all of the ingredients, except the Tomatoes Provençale, to a large mixing bowl, and toss them thoroughly so that the chicken is fully coated with the shallots, vinegar and seasonings.
Place the chicken in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the remaining shallots, liquid and seasonings from the sides of the bowl into the baking dish, and put it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the skin is browned and the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. Remove the chicken, shallots and the sauce to a warm serving platter, and let chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before serving it.
Makes 50 (1½-inch square) biscuits
• 2 sticks (16 Tbs.) plus 4 Tbs. butter, divided, plus more for the pan
• 3 cups White Lily self-rising flour
• 2½ teaspoons salt
• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. sugar
• ½ cup plus 2 Tbs. whole buttermilk
• ½ cup plus 2 Tbs. milk
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut 2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons of the butter into small cubes and place them in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and sugar, and whisk them together. Add the cold butter and incorporate it into the flour by breaking up the cubes with your hands. Continue working the butter and flour together until coarse crumbs form. Pour in the buttermilk and milk, and gently stir the mixture with a rubber spatula until a very sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, place it on a floured board and knead it only a couple of times—do not knead it more than this or the biscuits will be tough and not delicate. Press the dough to a ¼-inch thickness using your hands and cut it into 1 ½-inch biscuits.
Line the biscuits on the prepared pan so that they are touching—this will help them rise when they are baked. Brush them with half of the melted butter before putting them in the oven for 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, turn the pan and cook the biscuits for another 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown.
Remove the biscuits from the oven, and brush them with the remaining melted butter before setting the pan on a counter or a rack to let them cool.
I was in elementary school when I first tried (and fell in love with) struffoli at a friend’s house. We started making it in my house every Christmas since: My mom made it for us, and now I’m doing it for my own family—and we’re not even Italian! It’s so easy to make, and it smells and tastes so good.”
—Jocelyn Dunphy, Waldwick
Makes 24 cookies
• 2 sticks (16 Tbs.) butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 Tbs. molasses
• 1½ cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins
Add the butter and both sugars to the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, turn the mixer to medium and beat them together until they are smooth, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and continue to beat until they are just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Turn the mixer to low, and stir in the vanilla and molasses. Set the mixture aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add them to the butter-sugar mixture and turn the mixer to low until everything is just combined. Stir in the oats and raisins, still with the mixer on low speed. The dough will be very thick and sticky.
Cover the bowl and set it in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or up to two days, before baking.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Using a 1-inch cookie scoop (or any size you like, but adjust the baking time accordingly), scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, and set them in the oven 10 to 12 minutes until they are lightly browned.
Note: Under-baking is the key to the success of these cookies.
Recipes courtesy of Occasions to Celebrate by Alex Hitz, Rizzoli New York, 2022. Photographs © Iain Bagwell.
Dress to impress during the holidays. These three looks are fit for all your plans—whether you’re meeting friends for brunch, celebrating at an office party or counting down to the new year.
Photography by Michael Coglinatry
Shot on location at American Dream
This page: sweater, jeans and bag from Express, East Rutherford. Opposite page: jacket from Express, East Rutherford; jewelry from Swarovski, East Rutherford, 551.248.4957
As a veteran high-kicker at Radio City’s “Christmas Spectacular” explains to a newcomer (a fellow Bergenite), those pre-show butterflies never go away. By Donna Rolando
They both live in Bergen County and love shopping at Garden State Plaza. They both started dancing at 2 years old. But Nicole Baker Luftig of Upper Saddle River has been sky-high kicking it with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes for almost 20 years, while Mallory Nolting from Wood-Ridge is a newbie.
It’s not that the 30-year-old lacks support. The precision dance team, often associated with the mantra “Together we’re better,” backs its words with unparalleled camaraderie—it’s a sisterhood whose members are always ready to pick each other up from the exhaustion of a demanding schedule.
It was in this all-for-one spirit that BERGEN brought the “girls” together outside rehearsals, giving Nolting a chance to ask the questions most on her mind. This was before the show’s November debut, when she was still on pins and needles over her first curtain call on the iconic Radio City Music Hall stage that she had fantasized about since childhood. Still to come was that defining moment when the curtain would rise, spotlights would shine and there’d be no turning back from bringing the holidays to life before a packed house of friends, family— but mostly strangers.
“It’s definitely not easy,” the 41-year-old Luftig admits. “My heart races, and I have butterflies in my stomach each year. I like to take some deep breaths, stay calm and most importantly have fun.”
Taking that counsel to heart, Nolting confides: “I think I’ll still be nervous.”
But that’s OK. Luftig tells of the time during the “Rag Dolls” act when her tap shoe came right off. “It’s live theater, so that’s
what’s super exciting for me and everyone involved—that you have to be ready.”
What did she do? “I managed to get it right back on. I’m sure they noticed but I fixed it very quickly.”
Nolting is curious: “If something like that happens, how do you stay calm for the rest of the show?”
“Positivity is best,” says Luftig. Both dancers are well aware of the demands of not only rehearsals but the showtime schedule, and Nolting wonders about how to “stay consistent throughout the season.”
“We have to do 16 shows a week, so we have to keep the energy up,” Luftig replies, explaining that the key is pacing oneself, approaching it more like a marathon than a sprint. “You have to find the pacing for yourself—where you can be calm, where you can be sharp, that way you can make it through the rest of the season.”
Keeping one’s stamina during “New York at Christmas,” an extensive dance number, is a real challenge. “If you give everything on the first step, you will run out of steam,” she says, adding that fortunately, adrenaline tends to take over during performances.
The Rockettes are known for sky-high kicks, which demand the power and strength of what Luftig calls “incredible athletes,” so it’s natural that Nolting asks about mastering that marvel.
“I take dance classes,” says Luftig of her off-season drill. “I do weight training and occasionally will practice kicks leading up to the season. But honestly, the best way is during rehearsals. We do it so much during rehearsals that by the time it’s showtime
we’re ready to go.”
The two Bergenites entered the Rockettes lineup in different ways. Luftig auditioned in Seattle for “Christmas Across America,” a road show, and made the cut. A Florida native, she had never seen the live Radio City show but enjoyed the Rockettes on the televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and in the original movie Annie
Nolting, for whom the Radio City show was a family tradition, “always wanted to be up on that stage,” so she seized the opportunity to audition when the minimum height was dropped an inch to 5-foot-5. She was invited to the Rockettes Conservatory, a week-long intensive program in which she drew inspiration from Alvin Ailey, Dance Theater of Harlem and Syncopated Ladies, becoming one of 18 new dancers in this year’s “Christmas Spectacular.”
“I learned so much that week I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she declares. “That’s why I’m here!”
Rockettes must audition each year, and that leads to Nolting’s next questions for the veteran: “What makes you come back each year, and why do you want to keep being a Rockette?”
Luftig replies with no hesitation. “I love performing,” she says. “I love this job, the sisterhood of the Rockettes is amazing and to be part of this legacy is incredible. And— selfishly—I have four kids, so I love inviting them to come and see me perform in New York City.”
Nolting is likewise thrilled to have family come watch her debut. And even if a dance shoe momentarily slips off, she’ll know what to do.
A few days before Halloween, the Macy’s store at Garden State Plaza was already dressed for the holidays. Trees sparkled in every department; a pair of giant Santa boots descended whimsically into a cardboard chimney; Holiday Lane was open for business, proffering flocked wreaths and mistletoed sleighbells. But a grinch lurked among the pine boughs and tinsel, threatening to dampen spirits and shrink purchasing power in this season of good cheer: inflation, which is hovering at the time of this writing at an annual rate of slightly more than 8 percent.
If, for example, your kids are clamoring for new kicks this year, prepare to pay considerably more than you did last December. In September alone, the price of sneakers increased by 5.4 percent. In the market for an Oris watch? You’ll pay about 10 percent more for it than you would have last year. And the same holds true for other luxury watch brands like Hublot and Rolex.
Inflation is very much on the mind of Englewood resident Renee Wallis, roaming the aisles in Macy’s off-price department, Backstage, where she’s looking for markdowns on women’s clothing and toys. “I’m very concerned about inflation, through the holidays and throughout the year,” she says. “That’s what I’m doing now—trying to take advantage of discounts and maintain quality at the same time.”
Not everyone at the mall, though, is worried about inflation. A shopper who identifies herself as “Eileen from Upper Saddle River” is shopping for luxury leather goods and says that, while she’s concerned about inflation as an investor, “as a shopper, it doesn’t really affect my choices.”
In Bergen County, at least, this holiday season is looking more and more like a tale of two shoppers: one already hurting from inflation and planning to watch the budget closely on gifts and decorations, the other sufficiently well off that inflation isn’t likely to have much of an impact on holiday spending. In fact, that split is probably nationwide: A survey from Sensormatic Solutions, a retail analytics company, found that, for 57 percent of consumers, finances would be a significant factor in when they began their holiday shopping, up 14 percent from last year. But respondents with higher annual salaries were less likely to be worried about price than those lower on the economic scale.
Inflation’s effect on the prices of gifts may be squeezing buyers less than its effect on necessities such as food, shelter and transportation—costs that hit lower- and middle-
No one likes soaring prices, but they’re a bigger concern for some Bergenites than for others. Smart shopping strategies can help. By Leslie Garisto Pfaff
income households especially hard. If you’re currently paying considerably more for those necessities than you were last year, you’re likely to have less left over for holiday gifts. While the average price of a gallon of gas has gone down considerably after rising to $5 over the summer, groceries and housing are up significantly from last year, by about 13 percent and 6 percent respectively.
Like most analysts of the retail scene, Dara Busch, CEO of the New York-based public relations firm 5WPR and a specialist in consumer behavior, believes that inflation worries are likely to trigger some steep discounts as competitive lures. “Price is going to be incredibly important this year,” she says, “and will no doubt be among the top deciding factors as consumers shop this holiday season.” That’s especially true, she says, for the big-ticket items on holiday shopping lists, like TVs, computers and other tech gadgets. “Electronics,” she says, “will see steep discounts this year, and it’s a category our annual Consumer Culture Report found was the most ‘splurge-worthy’ across all generations.” In addition to discounts, you’re likely to see an increasing number of retailers offering customers the ability to spread out payments, taking advantage of interest-free, “buy now, pay later” programs. In fact, in a survey from the coupon portal Smarty, more than 80 percent of respondents said they planned to take advantage of these “BNPLs.”
The hope of enticing inflation-battered consumers isn’t the only force driving potential discounts. Many retailers find themselves with excess inventory—ironically, an effect of the supply-chain issues that plagued them earlier this year. Fearing that they’d have nothing to sell, they over-ordered, hoping that at least something would come through the blocked supply chain. Then, when shipping began to bounce back, they ended up with too much inventory on their hands. To rid themselves of it, they began discounting merchandise during the summer months, and many retail analysts believe those discounts will only get larger as the holiday season progresses, especially if early sales aren’t as strong as hoped.
As of this writing, the malls aren’t voicing concerns about the dampening effects of inflation. Minnie Adams, general manager of Paramus Park Mall, says that the 2022 holiday shopping season is starting out strong. “I think shoppers have a lot of pent-up spend,” she says, “and they’re really coming in to spend freely”—that’s particularly true, she adds, for one of the mall’s target consumers, the 30- to 40-something woman with kids. Adams cites strong sales at Chico’s, Loft, Soft Surroundings and Talbots. “I’m not seeing the angst that’s in the news,” she says, though she adds: “I understand it’s there.” Adams says individual retailers will definitely be offering discounts, but she suspects they’ll be in line with the markdowns they offered last holiday season. Meanwhile, the mall is hoping
to draw in shoppers with promotions such as an appearance by The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Jackie Goldschneider, pet nights and donations-with-purchase days.
Westfield Garden State Plaza is also offering a slew of special events to jump-start holiday shopping, including a tree-lighting extravaganza featuring 160 drones and an immersive floral experience for shoppers looking to take some Instagram-worthy holiday selfies. While holiday promotions are a staple of the mall shopping experience, this year Garden State Plaza is offering something new. Targeted specifically at shoppers frequenting the mall’s luxury retailers— who’ve long been loath to offer discounts—the promotion offers a $100 gift card for qualifying purchases at the mall’s Luxury Collection of Shops, among them Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Versace and Burberry—not quite a discount, but surprisingly close.
You’re unlikely to find the same kind of price-cutting at small, local retailers, who don’t
with qualified purchases. The 64 Park location is also larger than many downtown retailers, with some 6,000 square feet of receiving/ storage and 4,000 square feet of selling space. “Our primary vendors all gave us the opportunity to order early, before holiday price increases,” he notes, “and store inventory has helped us keep prices fair.”
Still, Carol Rauscher, president of the North New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, is deeply concerned about the effects of inflation— and competition from the malls and online retailers—on small, local businesses. Early this season she urged the retailers in her area to “forget Black Friday and Small Business Saturday; it is now.”
Because most local businesses can’t offer steep markdowns, they’re using other tactics to attract, and maintain, customers—everything from highly personalized service to products shoppers can’t find elsewhere. Setia, for example, is working with local designers who “upcycle” vintage pieces, such as original Beatles or Madonna T-shirts, into luxury merchandise. If finding unique gifts is as important to you as getting a deal, shopping local may be your ticket.
On the other hand, if you’re in the contingent of shoppers feeling inflation’s pinch, there are strategies you can employ to get more for less:
• Question “discounts.” A number of retailers have been accused of using “phantom discounts,” listing so-called original prices that never actually existed. Don’t buy something just because a markdown appears on the tag.
• Compare prices. These days, that’s incredibly easy to do using price comparison engines and apps such as Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, Shopzilla, and Pricepirates.
benefit from the bulk wholesale discounts that the chains can take advantage of. In fact, it’s those local shops that are hurting most from inflation. “You want to know how inflation is affecting business?” asks Tina Setia, proprietor of Ridgewood’s Femmebot clothing store. “Where do I start?” She notes that it’s squeezing her on the wholesale side, where she’s paying steeper prices for pretty much everything she orders, and on the retail side, where customers don’t have the same purchasing power they did last year. “We have no choice but to raise our prices,” she says. She also notes that clothing retailers, in particular, are smarting from inflation, since “clothing is the last thing on most people’s must-have list—most of us are purging what we have in our closets, trying to get rid of it.”
Not all local businesses seem to be suffering equally—perhaps more evidence of a divided economy in the county. Barry Goffin, owner of the 64 Park gift boutique in Rutherford, doesn’t seem especially worried about this year’s shopping season. As keys to his store’s success he cites “fair prices” along with free gift wrapping, customer events and special gifts
• Avoid shipping fees. When you’re comparing prices, factor in shipping costs. Unless the retailer with the lowest price is offering free shipping, you might be better off shopping elsewhere or choosing the “order online and pick up in store” option. Or do it the old-fashioned way and shop in person.
• Check mall websites regularly for announcements of special promotions or store openings—new stores may be offering deals to endear themselves to first-time customers. See if the mall has an app designed to apprise users of sales and deals. The Shops at Riverside, for example, offers a free Simon Mobile app that allows shoppers to access the latest holiday offerings.
• Resist the urge to buy the newest toy releases. Industry analysts say that manufacturers like Hasbro and Mattel are more likely to pass along the cost of inflation on those “it” toys than on those that have been on the market for a while.
• Don’t overdo those popular paymentsplitting options. While many are interest-free, you may find yourself strapped when the actual bills come due and you could end up having to borrow the money—at inflation-driven high interest rates—on a credit card.
“Shoppers have a lot of pent-up spend, and they’re really coming in to spend freely. I’m not seeing that angst that’s in the news, [but] I understand it’s there.”
—Minnie Adams, general manager, Paramus Park Mall
Skating and hitting the ski slopes aren’t the only activities that turn cold weather into a plus. Have you tried these?
Going outdoors this time of year can feel like a chore, especially when roads are covered with ice and wind chills dip below freezing. But admit it: You do have fun when you’re finally out there being active and breathing fresh air—even when it’s chilly air. Here are five nearby options for wintertime activities:
Lake Hopatcong, Landing, New Jersey.
When our state’s ponds and lakes freeze and are declared safe (typically when ice is 6 inches thick), freshwater anglers can catch popular game fish such as largemouth bass, crappie and yellow perch during the cold months. Lake Hopatcong on the border of Morris and Sussex counties is one of the most popular ice-fishing destinations in New Jersey. Parking lots can fill quickly, so arrive and set up your shanty or shelter early. For up-to-date ice conditions, visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website or check out public Facebook groups such as “New Jersey Ice Fishing Reports.” “Many people arrive before the crack of dawn, when it’s still dark,” says Dan Washburn of Fort Lee. “Bring your thermos full of coffee, your breakfast, a headlamp and all your gear. You’ll get a good spot and the first bites of the day!”
Find out more: dep.nj.gov
Worked up an appetite?: There are many dining options with waterfront views, including The Windlass for fine Italian fare, Mason Street Grille for pub grub and Stone Water at 3 Peaks Marina for New American cuisine.
Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours, Shawnee, Pennsylvania. Most of us aren’t training for Alaska’s famous Iditarod, but imagine the thrill of riding a husky-pulled sled! Here’s your shot to live out the fantasy as a dog musher.
Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours lets you get up close and personal with its huskies (expect plenty of kisses), then gives all adult participants full control to safely guide the dogs from the back of a sled. Children can ride along while you “mush,” but the maximum weight the dogs can pull is 300 pounds.
Find out more: arcticpawsdogsledtours.com. Worked up an appetite?: The River Room at the Shawnee Inn offers hungry diners pasta dishes, burgers and steaks. The Gem and Keystone Tavern is a great option for those looking for a brew in a casual setting.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cragsmoor, New York.
Roughly 5,000 acres of trails make up Sam’s Point Preserve, the southernmost section of this state park preserve, and they’re picturesque in winter. Follow the Verkeerderkill Falls trailhead (a seven-mile loop) to see a spectacular 187-foot waterfall. Also be on the lookout for the ice caves, located a short distance from the start of the trail. Trekking poles and microspikes are recommended for the hike and ice-cave exploration. “Certain areas of the trail can be tough to navigate when frozen,” says New Milford resident Jodi Weinberger, “so the poles and extra traction on your boots can help with your footing.” Parking fees are waived in winter, but expect public lots to fill quickly on weekends.
Worked up an appetite?: The nearby town of Ellenville has an assortment of dining options, including Sammy Brown’s Restaurant for home-cooked comfort foods and Aroma Thyme Bistro, which serves up organic American fare.
American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Bergen’s best ski facility outside of Mahwah’s Campgaw Mountain is actually inside. Big Snow in the American Dream mall is a fully covered ski destination that replicates an Alpine resort. You’ll feel like you’re outdoors at this center, which features a run for freestyle skiing, a switchback trail, a beginner slope and an area for the youngest set. The center even has its own ski patrol and a lounge where you can buy hot chocolate. Private lessons, coaches, day packages, sledding and “Sno-Go” bikes are offered, and you can purchase or rent equipment at the pro shop.
Find out more: bigsnowamericandream.com
Worked up an appetite?: Several fullservice, fast-casual and grab-and-go eateries are located inside American Dream, from Carpaccio and Yard House to Doner Kebab and Five Guys.
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly, New Jersey.
You may not break a sweat with this activity, but families can have plenty of fun on a short hike through the woods to identify and tap maple trees. From there, you’ll learn about the advances over the years in extracting sap—then have a chance to do it yourself. Whatever you collect will be brought back to the center and boiled down to make fresh maple syrup—which you can taste and take home. The indoor/outdoor program takes place in all weather, so bundle up! The program starts up in January; check the center’s calendar for details.
Find out more: tenaflynaturecenter.com
Worked up an appetite?: Just a quick drive from the nature center is Brasserie Tenafly, a French eatery serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a formal setting. For a more relaxed seating, the Tenafly Classic Diner and Mel’s Butcher Box beckon hungry customers.
Vegetarians might want to turn the page, but carnivores will adore these three meat entrées, each a delectable choice for your holiday table.
Yields 8-10 servings
INGREDIENTS: n ▢3 lbs. center-cut beef tenderloin n ▢¼ cup. pancetta or bacon, finely chopped n ▢2 Tbs. unsalted butter n ▢4 cups mushrooms, preferably a mix of all different kinds like cremini, white, shiitake etc. n ▢1 shallot, diced n ▢3 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves n ▢1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling n ▢2 garlic cloves, minced n ▢1 Tbs. dry sherry or dry vermouth n ▢Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste n ▢2 Tbs. Dijon mustard n ▢10-12 thin slices prosciutto n ▢1 large egg n ▢16 oz. puff pastry, thawed
DIRECTIONS:
Using kitchen twine, tie the tenderloin into a 12-inch log, folding the thinner end onto itself. (Use your hands to squeeze the meat into a log. You can be aggressive here.)
Place pancetta in a cold 12-inch skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pancetta starts to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add butter, raise heat to high and stir in mushrooms and shallot. Cook until the liquid released by the mushrooms has cooked off, 4 to 7 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until mushrooms are browned, stirring frequently, another 18 to 23 minutes. (Take your time here, you want a deep golden color for the best flavor.) Scrape bottom of the skillet as necessary to prevent burning. If the pan looks dry, drizzle in a little olive oil, then stir in garlic and thyme leaves. Cook until fragrant, another 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in sherry, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Scrape mixture into a medium bowl to cool. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high. Season beef generously with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cool slightly. Remove any twine. Brush meat all over with mustard.
On a clean work surface, overlap long sheets of plastic wrap (about 15-by-15 inches). Place prosciutto
slices on top to make about a 14-by7-inch rectangle, arranging them in an even layer and overlapping the pieces slightly. Spread cooled mushroom mixture on top. Place beef along one long end of the prosciutto slices and roll prosciutto tightly around beef. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, twisting both ends like a candy wrapper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
Meanwhile, heat oven to 400°F, and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 1 teaspoon water. Lay puff pastry out on the prepared baking sheet, lightly draping over edges. (The pastry needs to be at least 14-inches long and 13-inches wide to cover the beef; if not, roll it out as needed.)
Carefully unwrap and place chilled log along the edge of one long side of puff pastry. Roll beef up tightly, then place it seam-side down on the baking sheet. Tuck puff pastry over the ends of the beef to cover them, pinching to seal and folding underneath. Brush top and sides of pastry with egg wash, and use a small sharp knife to cut a few slits into the top of the pastry. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 115°F for rare, 25 to 35 minutes. (This timing will yield rare pieces at the thicker end and medium done pieces at the thinner end of the loin.)
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve while warm.
mushrooms.
Boost the nutritional quality of this dish by sautéing a few handfuls of spinach along with the
This will add some fiber, as well as vitamins A, C and K, iron and folate. Add even more veggies by pairing it with fibrous, in-season winter vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted cabbage or a parsnip purée.”
—Nicole Hallissey, registered dietitian nutritionist, Worksite Wellness Nutrition, Mahwah
Yields 6-8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
n ▢1 lbs. beef short ribs n ▢2 Tbs. canola oil n ▢3 medium onions, chopped n ▢3 medium carrots, chopped n ▢2 celery stalks, chopped n ▢¼ cup all-purpose flour n ▢1 Tbs. tomato paste n ▢1 bottle dry red wine n ▢32 oz. beef stock (preferably low-sodium)
n ▢1 head of garlic, top sliced off to expose the cloves n ▢1 large handful of herbs (a few sprigs each of parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary) n ▢1 bay leaf
n ▢coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Season the ribs with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Brown the short ribs, taking care not to overcrowd your pan (overcrowding will make your ribs steam rather than sear; do in as many batches as necessary to ensure that each rib has a small amount of space around it). Remove the ribs and set them aside.
Add the onions, carrots and celery to pot and cook them for a few minutes, stirring them occasionally, until the onions are soft. Scrape the bottom to release any browned bits from searing the meat.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and add the tomato paste. Stir it well and cook a few minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Return the short ribs and any accumulated juices to the pot. Pour in the wine and beef stock (you can add a small amount first then scrape up any remaining bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, then add the rest). Add all the herbs to pot along with the garlic. Bring it to a boil, cover and transfer it to the oven.
Cook until the short ribs are tender, about 3 hours (they’re ready when they fall apart when you test them). Transfer the short ribs to a platter or a large serving bowl, and tent them with foil.
Strain the sauce into a gravy strainer and remove the fat from surface. Place the gravy into a saucepan, bring it to a boil and keep it at a strong simmer until it’s reduced by 1/3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve the ribs over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta and top with gravy.
It’s best to consume leaner cuts of meat and other low-fat animal proteins; however, due to the cooking method of this recipe, it would be difficult to substitute here. The braising method allows the beef to tenderize while absorbing its flavorful liquids which leaves it tender and juicy. To reduce added fat and sodium, omit the extra gravy when serving.”
—Megan Triolo, registered dietitian nutritionist, MLT360 Nutrition, Saddle Brook
Yields 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
n ▢4 lbs. prime rib roast n ▢¼ cup unsalted butter, softened n ▢5 garlic cloves, minced n ▢1 Tbs. kosher salt
n ▢2 Tbs. olive oil n ▢2 tsp. dried rosemary n ▢1 tsp. black pepper
Place rib roast in a roasting pan and bring to room temperature, about 4 hours. Preheat the oven to 500°F.
Place butter, garlic, salt, olive oil, thyme, rosemary and pepper in a small bowl, then mix until combined.
Spread butter mixture evenly over the outside of the roast.
Roast the beef for 25 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 225°F. Cover the roast with foil and cook for another 1 to 1½ hours, checking for internal temperature at the 45-minute mark.
Remove roast from the oven. Allow the roast to rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prime rib is a highprotein marbled meat which makes it perfect for a holiday entrée, but due to its high fat content, it’s important to limit your intake throughout the year. Substitute butter for olive oil in the marinade of this recipe. You’ll still be left with a tender, melt-in-your mouth piece of meat that your guests will love.” —Megan Triolo, registered dietitian nutritionist, MLT360 Nutrition, Saddle Brook
Oysters offer tempting taste, great nutrition and—if you believe it—a legendary assist in the bedroom.
The oyster is a salt-water bivalve mollusca—a cluster of species, really—with an odd-looking, wiggly-shaped shell containing a gooey, briny mass whose flavor varies by type (tart or sweet, but always with a tang of the sea). People have been consuming oysters since the Stone Age, as we know from piles of discarded shell remnants that date back 10,000 years.
Oysters were long a delicacy for the rich. But in the 19th century they’d become so plentiful and cheap—in 1889 you could buy an oyster for a penny—that America saw a golden age of oysters. Ubiquitous in taverns, saloons and restaurants, this seafood provided what one writer called “a peculiar charm and an inexpli cable pleasure,” and the average New Yorker consumed 600 oysters a year. Early in the Civil War, when Secretary of War Edwin Stanton wanted to rebuke the Union army in the East for lollygagging in luxury while its comrades out West were fighting, he wrote: “The cham pagne and oysters on the Potomac must be stopped.” Ultimately, however, overharvesting, pollution and the introduction of foreign spe cies afflicted with disease brought the oyster boom to a close. The average American’s annual consumption today? Three.
An 18th-century Italian named Casanova re portedly ate large amounts of raw oysters each morning, and we know what he’s famous for. But are oysters really an erotic stimulant? Evi dence is suggestive but not definitive. While a 2005 study by U.S. and Italian scientists found an aphrodisiac effect in rat studies using two amino acids usually found only in mollusks such as oysters—D-aspartic acid and N-methylD-aspartate—no clear causal relationship in humans has been proven between oyster con sumption and interest in, or prowess in, bedroom activities.
Still, a 3-ounce serving of raw oysters contains more than 300 percent of the recommended daily value of zinc, which is vital for male sexual function. Zinc also helps maintain levels of dopa mine, a neurotransmitter that may aid the libido’s operation in both sexes. Oysters are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (healthy even for lonely hearts), which in one study increased semen volume in young men. And the nonsexual benefits of protein-rich oysters are legion: They abound in vitamins B12 and D, copper, manga nese, selenium and iron. And according to the Cleveland Clinic, a serving of six medium-sized oysters contains just 50 calories.
Fresh oysters in a store or seafood market should be kept on crushed ice. When you buy them, their shells should be shut tightly; avoid those with open shells (unless they quickly close up when tapped) and those with a fishy odor. If you purchase frozen oysters, freeze them in their containers or in zip-lock bags and use them within three months. Smoked oysters come in a flat, rectangular tin that can be opened with a key or a pull tab like a tin of sardines.
You’ll need to open, or shuck, your fresh oyster. Do that ideally with a thick-bladed oys ter knife, taking care to sever the tough little connector tissue—the adductor muscle, which the creature flexes to close its shell. If you can’t open your oyster in three seconds or less, aban don plans to quit your job and take up full-time shucking. (Aw, shucks!) But if you can, plan a trip to the annual World Oyster Opening Championship in Galway, Ireland, next Sept. 23.
Raw oysters on the half shell are a treat, sprinkled with lemon, cocktail sauce or a mi gnonette sauce made with vinegar, shallots and white pepper. Smoked oysters spiked on tooth picks can be a wonderful, tangy hors d’oeuvre if you have a taste for them. Oyster stew is a buttery, milky marvel in which oysters are the prizes but the liquid is scrumptious too. For Oysters Rockefeller, oysters are topped with butter, herbs and bread crumbs and then baked or broiled. Oysters can also be boiled, steamed, fried, roasted or pickled. Cooks prepare oyster stuffing for holiday turkeys, oyster casseroles, oyster omelettes and oyster pasta; oys ters have even been known to stuff a taco or two. A quick Google will reward your culinary curiosity with recipes galore.
DID YOU KNOW? Underwater noise pollution from shipping or oil exploration can prompt oysters to close their shells—and maybe miss out on biological clues such as when to eat or spawn, according to researchers.
Bergen County is home to some of the most innovative and successful businesses in the country. Many are owned and led by women.
On the following pages, learn more about them and how they plan to be difference-makers in the year ahead.
351 Evelyn St.,Paramus, NJ 07652 | 201.261.7645 | www.cosmeticdentistofparamus.com
As a young dental patient at the University of Maryland, something clicked for Dayna Cassandra. She was being treated by a female orthodontist who truly inspired and steered her interest in dentistry. She even gave Dr. Cassandra one of her first jobs as an assistant. Now as a teacher at NYU’s School of Continuing Dental Education, Dr. Cassandra values being amongst industry leaders, sharing information and then schooling others to advanced techniques and care in the profession.
Using a combination of classic principles in dentistry, knowledge of overall health and wellness, and modern techniques such as digital smile design, Dr. Cassandra strives to deliver beautiful smiles that can improve a person’s quality of life. Dentistry with a focus on cosmetics begins with good listening, understanding patient expectations, gathering the necessary information and finally careful communication with the laboratory to achieve the result the patient desires. Meeting expectations and delivering the best individualized treatment is the key to a long lasting patient relationship – something Dr. Cassandra values above all else in her almost 22 years of practice.
50 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Suite #210, Montvale, NJ 07645 | 201.444.0050 | www.bergenwhw.com
Dr. Monica L. Meyer, MD, FACOG, is a familiar name to Bergen County women, having helped them through adolescence, motherhood, and the multi-faceted stages of menopause.
After graduating from Clark University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Biology, Dr. Meyer went on to receive her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. She completed her internship and residency at Lenox Hill Hospital and did a Galloway Fellowship at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City. Dr. Meyer is proud to be named as a NJ Top Doctor, Top Women’s Physician in NJ, and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
Now, in addition to caring for her patients’ all important annual gynecological needs and breast exams, Dr. Meyer focuses her energy on helping women of all ages maintain an active and vital sex life. Her expertise with innovative techniques such as THERMIva, The O Shot, and vFit Plus allows her the opportunity to inform and counsel patients on the best available options.
“I believe all women deserve the life and relationships they desire.”
Diane Durocher Interiors, Inc. Ramsey, NJ 07446 | 201.825.3832 www.Dianedurocherinteriors.com
An award-winning designer for more than 25 years, Diane Durocher believes that the foundation of successful design is built on trust and confidence.
Connecting on a deeply personal level enables Diane to design inspired spaces that reflect her client’s unique personalities and lifestyles. With a keen eye for color, outstanding space planning skills, and the ability to design customized pieces, Diane brings her client’s vision to life.
From an early age Diane enjoyed spending weekends browsing antique shops and pouring through design magazines. Memories of Thanksgiving dinners at her aunt’s house cemented her love for interior design. From the matching, tie-back, pinched pleat panels to the antique chandelier and from the crackling fire to the impeccably set table, the perfect ambiance seemed to make the meal taste even more delicious. That was when Diane realized that a well designed home is not just a lovely backdrop, it also influences how we live our lives. She rises to the challenge of transforming a blank slate into a stunning reality. Her ultimate goal is to exceed her client’s expectations.
116 North Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446 | 201.825.7677 | www.drjulianayun.com
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” Maya Angelou.
Dr. Juliana Yun attributes her dental calling to her loving family for believing in her and supporting her journey. As a periodontist, Dr. Yun focuses on the healing aspect of dentistry and the importance of a well-balanced life. Her additional expertise in cosmetic dentistry helps patients achieve beautiful smiles by correcting an uneven gum line, enhancing symmetry and resolving problems with missing teeth. Her proudest accomplishment is the personal connection she has fostered with her patients and the practice’s dedicated team. For Dr. Yun, there are several standards for which she makes no exceptions – presenting a welcoming atmosphere, spending ample time with each patient and ensuring an environment of trust, kinship and the highest level of care. She credits much of the practice’s personal touch to her compassionate, tightly connected staff who share a mutual respect that transfers to every one of her patients.
258 South Main St., Lodi, NJ 07644 | 973.773.2400 | www.ichslodi.org
Girls Compete, Women Empower One Another.
Immaculate Conception High School has been “Empowering Young Women Since 1915,” so it comes as no surprise it has spearheaded a new program in partnership with Felician University. Students enrolled at ICHS with academic talents are invited to participate in taking college courses toward an undergraduate degree, while still enrolled in high school.
Taking great pride in their Felician-Franciscan core values: Respect for Human Dignity, Compassion, Transformation, Solidarity with People in Need, and Justice and Peace, the school’s leadership team – Jessica Cutrona, Head of School, Nicole Mineo, Dean of Mission Integration and Kelly Koval, Dean of Academics – commenced the program to further expand this mission of empowerment.
Kicking off this Spring, as part of the Young Women’s Leadership Development Program, certifications will be granted to ICHS’s highly motivated students who will complete a program aimed to empower young girls and build leadership skills through collaborative projects, engaged classroom discussions, interactive internships and networking.
In preparing students to become confident young women, ICHS’s curriculum of academic excellence, extracurricular activities and special leadership programs present limitless possibilities for girls to lead by example and realize their dreams with HEART, CONFIDENCE, SPIRIT and MIND.
Young Women’s Leadership Development Program Overview: 12 credits
BUS120 – Business Communications (3 credits)
MKT225 – Personal Branding (3 credits) – Course to be developed
Courses are only $150 total per 3 credit course!
BUS300 – Ethics in the Corporate Environment (3 credits)
MGT450 – Leadership & Strategy (3 credits)
52 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ 07652 | 201.843.7700 www.cfsllc.com
Certified Financial Services was founded 36 years ago on the principles of integrity and accountability. As an independent wealth management firm, CFS has developed deep-rooted community ties and trusted relationships built on transparency with clients in a multitude of professions. The firm’s unique holis tic approach addresses and integrates a client’s entire financial picture from a multi-dimensional perspective for the most effective way to achieve financial wellness. “There are many pieces to a financial puzzle,” says Jill VanNostrand, Financial Advisor & Managing Director. “Our team of passionate, empowered women collaborate to educate and guide our clients by delivering powerful knowledge and strategies to help them achieve their financial goals, live the life they deserve and leave a legacy for generations to come.”
Certified Financial Services (CFS) is an Agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. Securities products and advisory services offered through Park Avenue Securities LLS (PAS), member FINRA, SICP. OSJ: 52 Forest Avenue, Para mus, NJ 07652. 201-843-7700. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. CFS is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Guardian or PAS. 2022-146173 exp 10/2024
440 Sylvan Ave., Suite 220, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201.897.4942 | www.mrossllc.com
M. Ross & Associates, LLC is a female-led law firm providing innovative legal solutions and unprecedented results for your business. Business attorney and founder, Michele Ross, has cultivated a team that delves deeply into understanding their client’s business objectives, cares profoundly about their processes and celebrates their successes.
With tenacity and grit, this niche firm offers zealous advocacy and tackles head-on the challenges of the profession. The firm’s female colleagues have created an environment that supports and empowers, translating to sophisticated legal counsel, greater efficiency in handling cases and a staunch deter mination in the face of opposition. Like the unique businesses they represent, M. Ross & Associates, LLC delivers outstanding results through strategic, resourceful and distinctly personalized representation.
Yields: 1 serving
INGREDIENTS
n 2 Tbs. Cointreau, or other orange liqueur n 4 Tbs. 100 percent cranberry juice (unsweetened) n ½ glass Champagne (approximately 6 Tbs.) n 1 rosemary sprig, for garnish n cranberries, for garnish
Place the Cointreau and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake 15 seconds until cold. Strain the liquid into a Champagne flute. Top off the glass with champagne. Garnish and serve.
A simple way to upgrade this cocktail—and make it as an everyday drink— is to add a splash or two of Chambord. That will make it like a blackberry Kir Royale.”
—Zeki Yesilyurt, general manager, Bar Boutique, Ramsey
Implant dentistry has advanced remarkably in recent years as a result of new technologies in the digital realm. After more than 30 years in practice, I am always excited to find new and improved innovative solutions to replacing missing teeth and improving smiles. Technology has allowed me to provide faster and more accurate treatment for my patients. There are three important components of implant dentistry that have benefited significantly from advancements for both the doctor and the patient.
Let’s start with diagnosis – the key to any successful implant procedure is in carefully identifying the problem and its underlying causes. Computer Tomography or CT scans play a critical role in determining whether a patient has adequate bone depth to sustain an implant procedure and helps to provide a very accurate image that enables me to better pinpoint and plan for placement prior to surgery.
Digital technology also aids in the fabrication process by more accurately and efficiently constructing crowns and implants for a true and comfortable fit. Using this technology, I eliminate the need for multiple appointments and final fittings saving time, cost and, ultimately, enhancing the patient experience.
Lastly, digital technology has changed the landscape in the construction of implant supported bridges. A dental bridge is a custom made way of replacing missing teeth. It joins an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth or dental implants. Implant-supported bridges use dental implants to make a dental bridge when no natural teeth are available. Digital technology has revolutionized the process so that specialists can fabricate a custom-made bridge for each patient that fits just right. Using ceramic zirconia, a tooth colored dental restorative material that provides strength and durability, can add to the aesthetics and to the natural look of the bridge.
Digital technology has not only revolutionized dentistry for the practitioner, but simplifies the surgical process and leads to faster healing times. It’s transformed our industry by improving techniques, broadening access and improving affordability.
• Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology
• Chief, Department of Dentistry, Englewood Hospital
DR. JOHN MINICHETTI, D.M.D.
The Center For Implants and Aesthetics at Englewood Dental 370 Grand Ave., Suite 200, Englewood, NJ 07631 201.871.3555 | www.englewooddental.com
• Past-President, American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry
• Past-President, American Academy of Implant Dentistry
• Program Director, Englewood Hospital GPR Residency Program
• Director, Center for Implants and Aesthetics at Englewood Dental
The answer is simple. We all live pretty busy lives these days. The opening of a second office gives us the ability to match our patient’s lifestyles through convenient scheduling and more effective doctor-patient communications. Particularly when an emergency arises, quick and convenient access is key to a positive outcome. With two locations, my dedicated team is in the best position to build rapport and make outstanding oral care even more possible.
I’m a general practitioner with a passion and flair for cosmetic dentistry. As the old saying goes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” In cosmetic dentistry, this is particularly germane as what makes a smile beautiful is best defined in the eye of each patient. Because we are individuals with a unique sense of beauty, my work is that much more challenging and rewarding.
For me, the first step in any successful procedure is to build a true bond with my patients so I get a real sense of who they are, what they like and what makes them tick. Like any two individuals, we do not always agree, but it is my job to guide them and to create the best smile in their eyes; one that is natural and unique so that at the end of the day they carry themselves with confidence and pride.
My recommendation to patients looking to improve their cosmetic smile is to find a dentist who listens. A professional who does not try to fit you into one aesthetic mold or convince you that a picture-perfect smile is the only way to be considered beautiful. Anything from a change in shade, rounding or squaring off shapes, length and a simple alignment can change a smile and improve a life. When a patient feels proud to showcase their smile and enjoys laughing, I have done my job and my heart is full.
• Schedule professional cleanings and exams regularly for oral hygiene maintenance
SMILES
BY BERGEN DENTAL339 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432 201.444.3049
310 Main Street, Emerson, NJ 07630 201.261.3364 | www.smilesbybergendental.com
• Be proactive; nothing in dentistry gets better on its own - address the problem so that small issues don’t become big ones. My golden rule….if you lose a tooth, replace it; otherwise it’s a domino effect
If you are not happy with your smile, do something about it. Talk to a dentist for guidance in terms of limitations, expectations and aesthetic balance and be sure to take an active part in your smile makeover. The positive life impact is immeasurable
• Good tooth alignment and a healthy bite is key for tooth longevity
• The expectation of wearing dentures in advanced age is now a myth. Follow these tips for good oral health and keep your dentition for life
First and foremost, my well-rounded comprehensive approach to patient care integrates a full spectrum of services including preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry as well as airway issues. Taking that one step further, I evaluate the overall oral health of my patients by considering how the muscles, joints and teeth all work together to create comfort, stability and a pleasing aesthetic look.
Holistic Dentistry addresses the individual and unique needs of every patient focusing on the correlation between a healthy mouth and a healthy body. In an effort to make the fewest and simplest changes, we strive for an end result that is comprehensive and establishes harmony between the teeth, muscles and joints for proper mouth function. Once this balance is attained, both optimal health and the creation of a beautiful smile are achieved. Holistic Dentistry is more than just using the purest of materials, the highest quality laboratories and decreasing the need for medication. Our goal is to get to the source of the problem, or as I say, “get to the why,” to create a treatment plan that addresses the issue instead of simply “fixing” the tooth and allowing the same problem to reoccur.
A smile design describes an aesthetic dental treatment that transforms most or all of a person’s visible smile. From a simple reshaping of teeth to a complete rehabilitation, smile design makeovers should be unique to every patient. As form follows function, creating beautiful smiles starts with proper function of the teeth, muscles and joints. Once the foundational aspects are sound and a harmonious mouth is established, you are well on your way to a smile that looks and feels good. What’s more, my work with cosmetic procedures like Botox, veneers and teeth whitening treatments help to achieve natural, bright, aesthetically-pleasing smiles that build confidence and enhance self-esteem.
DR. ROLANDO CIBISCHINO, D.M.D.
Most people think about Botox for cosmetic use to improve wrinkles and fine lines in the face. Botox has many uses in dentistry – here are some of the ways we use it in our practice….
Botox can help TMJ patients that have enlarged masseter muscles by reducing the muscle’s size and subsequently excess exertion.
• Botox can be used to relax the muscles around the jaw helping to alleviate headaches and migraines, neck, shoulder and ear pain, teeth grinding, and swelling caused by TMJ.
A great adjunct to smile design, Botox helps relax lip muscles to achieve an aesthetically-pleasing smile and can take away or soften wrinkles for a more youthful appearance
THROUGH JAN. 1
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, which is once again holding its annual ORCHARD OF LIGHTS drive-through holiday display. The 30-minute tour takes drivers through the property’s 32 acres, which are decked out with holiday lights and décor. orchard will be closed Dec. Admission is $35 per car. Reservations must be made online orchardoflights.com.
11
DEC. 17
Bundle up and bring family and friends to the WINTER SOLSTICE CAMPFIRE AND NIGHT HIKE the Tenafly Nature Center. The outdoor program for adults and children ages 4 and up takes hikers on a tour of the center and features a campfire with s’mores. The two-hour event starts at 5 p.m. for all others. Reserve your spot and get more info at tenaflynaturecenter.org.
Rutherford, 7 to 9 p.m. Solo musicians, bands, comedians, dancers, magicians and more are welcome to perform a fiveminute set. Sign up now for $10 (walk-ins are welcome). For full details and registration info, williamscenter.co.
parents and grandparents are invited to the Jewish Community of Northern New Jersey’s HANUKKAH
Temple Avodat Shalom in River afternoon of holiday crafts, performance by KidzMusic and Doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets Buy tickets now or find more jccnnj.org/donuts.
14–18
Broadway visit Elmwood Park High School for a live performance of Disney’s LION KING JR The student production brings the African Savanna to life with Simba, and all of the characters Disney story. Call the school 201.796.8700 for times and Visit broadwayworld.com
Get ready to roll, as NJ Sport Bowling’s 8TH ANNUAL CLASSIC returns to Lodi Lanes for a full-day tournament. Join the best bowlers starting at 11 a.m., when play begins with seven games over 14 lanes. The entry fee is $70, and various cash prizes will be awarded. Find out more at bowlage.com or email njsportbowling@gmail.com.
Enjoy the sounds of the season at “Glorious Hallelujahs,” the ORPHEUS MEN’S CHORUS’ annual holiday concert at First Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood. The singers will perform a variety of songs from Handel, Cohen, Vaughan Williams and more. The Saturday performance starts at 7:30 p.m., while the Sunday show begins at 4 p.m. Online tickets are $20; admission at the door is $25 for seniors and students over 18. Visit ridgewoodorpheusclub.org for more details.
Start the new year with a at BANANAS COMEDY CLUB in East Rutherford. Funnyman Mike Recine, who’s performed on Conan, will take the stage two shows: 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. For the second show, Recine will keep the audience laughing until a Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets for the 7:30 set start at $39, while the 10:30 show starts at $49. Check out bananascomedyclub. com to buy tickets now.
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the holidays without a screening of POLAR EXPRESS, the feature of the Library’s Family Movie Matinee. The entire family will appreciate the story of a disillusioned boy who travels to the North Pole aboard a magic train. Admission is free, but registration is required. The movie is open to all, but Mahwah residents will receive priority. Sign up now at mahwahlibrary.org.
Ring in the new year with a rooftop party, buffet dinner, fireworks and a Champagne toast at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford. NEW YEAR’S EVE @ THE TRACK, of course, will also have live horseracing throughout the night with discounted concession items. Admission to the party is $64.95 per person. Purchase your tickets and make your plans now at playmeadowlands.com.
With holiday lights, nighttime hikes, open mics—and more— there’s something for everyone this month in
At The Vista, begin your day savoring your fresh-brewed coffee while observing the roaming deer or the serene mountain views.
Next, engage in a lecture, concert, or art class to inspire your creative spirit. Later, join fellow residents for relaxing yoga or an aqua-cise class.
Christian Health is a non-profit organization and is open to anyone regardless of race, sex, or religion.
When it is time to indulge your tastebuds, you can count on gourmet cuisine and conversation with fascinating neighbors.
All of this is just moments from your front door with access to a full continuum of care, should you ever need it.
Consider a new view on life at The Vista. Call (201) 639-8702 today to arrange a personal tour.
299 Sicomac Avenue | Wyckoff, NJ 07481 (201) 639-8702 | TheVista.org
Founded in 1911, Christian Health is a non-profit, health-care organization offering a continuum of high-quality senior living, short-term rehabilitation, and mental health services. For more than a century, Christian Health has grown and expanded to meet the changing needs of the community. Today we offer excellence in independent living, assisted living, skilled-nursing care, memory support, inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and inpatient and outpatient mental-health services. Call us today to learn more.
www.BrightviewSeniorLiving.com
Thrive at Montvale, an active and vibrant independent living, assisted living, and memory care community with a modern farmhouse design, light-filled wide-open spaces, and stunning views of the expansive Social Court. Chef-led dining venues including two full-service restaurants, a casual bistro, and a coffee shop. Plenty of opportunities to make new friends with happy hours, garden club, and more. Strength en your body and mind with the athlete center, pickleball courts, and fitness classes. Love Where You Live!
Our Advanced Standing assisted living is located in a peaceful, residential neighbor hood. Each apartment is spacious, well-lit with large windows, and includes a full private bathroom and updated kitchenette. For over 21 years, we have been providing First-Class services in our elegant, yet homelike community. We offer inclusive rates, gourmet meals, daily social events, personalized assistance, and many more amenities to our residents. Call us to schedule a tour of our accommodations including our new and expansive Memorial Park & Gardens.
301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ | 201.848.5200 www.ChristianHealthNJ.org 36 Faner Rd., Midland Park, NJ | 201.493.7400 www.Millgardens.com
The Vista
Northern New Jersey’s newest retire ment community, The Vista, is now open! Adults 62 and better are now able to enjoy spacious, modern one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and The Vista’s first-class amenities, on-site restaurants, breathtaking campus, active social calendar and a continuum of support and programs designed to help them maintain control of their lives –today and in the future. Call to schedule your tour today.
110 Summit Ave., Montvale, NJ | 201.793.8886 www.ThriveSL.com/Montvale 299 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 201.684.9775 | www.TheVista.org
Before making the move across the country to California, where the groom is from, this Jersey girl got married in her hometown of River Vale to be closer to family and friends. The wedding was officiated by her childhood cantor.
WEDDING DATE: Oct. 21, 2022
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 180
RECEPTION: Edgewood Country Club, River Vale, edgewoodnj.com
FLOWERS: River Dell Flowers, Oradell, riverdellflowers.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: Gabe Rhodes at GR Productions, Madison, grproductions.tv
CAKE: A Little Cake, Park Ridge, alittlecake.com
HAIR: DK Hair Designs, Dumont, dkhairdesigns.net
MAKEUP: Michelle Champagne, @michchampagne
ENTERTAINMENT/DJ: Craig Scott Entertainment, Rochelle Park, craigscott.com
BRIDE’S GOWN: Kleinfeld Bridal, New York City, kleinfeldbridal.com
GROOM’S SUIT: Hugo Boss from Nordstrom, Paramus, nordstrom.com
WEDDING RINGS: Six Star Jewelry, Paramus, sixstarjewelry.com
PHOTO BOOTH: Elegant Music Group, Montclair, elegantmusicgroup.com
AFTER PARTY: Fire & Oak, Montvale, fireandoak.com
HOLIDAY HOURS AS OF DECEMBER 12
Mondays-Fridays: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Open Sunday, December 11, Noon-4 p.m. 65 WESTWOOD AVE., WESTWOOD, NJ 201.722.8676 | WWW.THEGEMMINENJ.COM FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK @THEGEMMINENJ
bergenPAC is back and better than ever with a fantastic lineup of holiday shows like Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna, NJ Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays, and “A Christmas Carol,” plus Art Garfunkel and Jim Breuer Live! Escape from the rush or the share the gift of live entertainment with loved ones this holiday season.
For a complete listing of events and to purchase tickets, please visit bergenpac.org.
30 N. VAN BRUNT ST., ENGLEWOOD, NJ 201.227.1030 | WWW.BERGENPAC.ORG
YOUR CBD STORE
Discover a new path to modern wellness. Our premium, third-party tested hemp products are formulated for your needs; sleep, recovery, relaxation, and more. Stop by to speak with your local wellness expert today for guidance, samples, and exclusive holiday deals. 442 ROCHELLE AVE., ROCHELLE PARK, NJ 201.267.6854 | WWW.GETSUNMED.COM
What better gift can you give yourself than to wake up each day feeling more positive and enthusiastic about your life as you age? I help passionate, busy women like you learn to take care of your bodies, manage your thoughts and emotions, and maintain deeply satisfying relationships with others, all while feeling a sense of connection and control over their own personal priorities. Working with me, you will experience a new sense of aliveness, confidence and joy while feeling successful in all the life roles you highly value. I provide the tools, guidance and support you need to create the life of your dreams.
LORI GRAFF HARRIS HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK @WELLNESSCOACHLORI JOIN ME EVERY TUESDAY FOR MY “TUESDAY TALK” FOR PRACTICAL TIPS AND TOOLS YOU NEED! WWW.WELLNESSCOACHLORI.COM
Let Monte Carlo dress you from head to toe in the latest European fashions. For business, leisure or special occasion, visit us for the finest men’s and boys apparel, always with personalized service. Get your hands on brands such as Impulso, Montechiaro, Lorenzoni, Robert Graham, Avenue 21, Inpore, Galante, Gala, Garnet, Marcello Luciano, Manzini Uomo, Luchiano Visconti and many more.
123 WESTWOOD AVE., WESTWOOD, NJ 201.594.9777 | WWW.MONTECARLOMENSWEAR.COM
Welcome
Sole Revival is now a crystal and gemstone shop added to my 15-year existing reflexology spa. Combining serenity, reflexology, and crystal healing. We carry unique gemstone carvings and jewelry.
790 KINDERKAMACK RD., RIVER EDGE, NJ 201.261.0003 | WWW.SOLEREVIVALREFLEXOLOGY.COM
The kitchen specializes in hand-cut, 21+ day dry-aged steaks, fresh market seafood and eclectic, modern Italian cuisine. Private rooms available for lunch or dinner, 20-80 guests; gift cards for the holidays available.
Mondays: 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays: We open at 4:30 and our kitchen closes at 10 p.m….but stay later with friends!
103 SPRING VALLEY RD., PARK RIDGE, NJ 201.391.2220 | WWW.103PRIME.COM
Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Bergen County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.
IL VILLAGGIO 651 Rte. 17 N. 201.935.7733 ilvillaggio.com
CLIFFSIDE PARK 354 STEAKHOUSE 354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499
AVO’S GRILL 720 Anderson Ave. 201.945.9038 orderavos.com
RUDY’S RESTAURANT 591 Anderson Ave. 201.943.9252
SEDONA TAPHOUSE 679 Anderson Ave. 201.943.2300 sedonataphouse.com
VILLA AMALFI 793 Palisade Ave. 201.886.8626 villaamalfi.com
BRASSERIE MEMERE 107 Vervalen St. 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com
THE HILL 252 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.899.4700 thehillcloster.com
SAMDAN
178 Piermont Rd. 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurant.com
DEMAREST YASOU MYKONOS 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasoumykonos.com
DUMONT FINK’S BBQ SMOKEHOUSE 26 W. Madison Ave. 201.384.3210 finksbbqsmokehouse.com
FOSCHINI’S 21 E. Madison Ave. 201.387.9998 foschinis.com
GRANT STREET CAFÉ
25 Grant Ave. 201.385.1705 thegrantstreetcafe.com
IL MULINO 132 Veterans Plz. 201.384.7767 ilmulinodumont.com
EAST RUTHERFORD AL DI LA 1 Hoboken Rd. 201.939.1128 aldilaitalianbistro.com
BROWNSTONE PANCAKE FACTORY 860 River Rd. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com
DE NOVO EUROPEAN PUB 1257 River Rd. 201.496.6161 denovoeuropeanpub.com
EMMA BISTRO 2 Hilliard Ave. 201.402.7719 emmabistronj.com
FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com
GREEK TAVERNA
55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com
HAVEN 2 Main St. 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com
ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE
15 The Promenade 201.366.4065 ophedgewater.com
*Editor’s note—Patrons are encouraged to confirm individual restaurant policies regarding social distancing and curbside service.
ALLENDALE BAR & GRILL
67 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com
ALLENDALE
STEAKHOUSE 95 W. Allendale Ave. 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhousenj.com
MEZZA LUNA 96 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.6556 mezzalunabistro.com
NIRVANA INDIAN KITCHEN 29 W. Allendale Ave. 201.818.2300 nirvanaindiankitchen.com
SAVINI 168 W. Crescent Ave. 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com
ALPINE KIKU 385 Rte. 9 W. 201.767.6322
BERGENFIELD CHAPALA GRILL 52 S. Washington Ave. 201.387.2107 chapalamexican grill.com
NIHON KAI 41 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.3000 nihonkaijapanese.com
TOMMY FOX’S PUBLIC HOUSE 32 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com
LUKA’S ITALIAN CUISINE 10 River Rd. 201.440.2996 lukasitaliancuisine.com
CARLSTADT BIGGIE’S 430 Rte. 17 S. 201.933.4000 biggies.com
LOCALE CAFÉ AND BAR 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 locale208closter.com
SEAR HOUSE 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhouse.com
STERN AND BOW 171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbowrestaurant.com
CRESSKILL
DELVINA RESTAURANT 172 Piermont Rd. 201.816.0239 delvinarestaurant.com
HANAMI
41 Union Ave. 201.567.8508 hanamirestaurant.com
ANNABELLA’S HOUSE OF MOZZARELLA 900 Paterson Plank Rd. 201.804.0303 annabellasmozz.com
BLARNEY STATION PUB 258 Park Ave. 201.531.0001 blarneystation.com
CAFFÉ CAPRI 119 Park Ave. 201.460.1039 caffecaprirestaurant.com
EDGEWATER BAUMGART’S CAFÉ 59 The Promenade 201.313.3889 baumgartscafe.com
PIER 115 115 River Rd. 201.313.2155 pier115barandgrill.com
REBECCA’S 236 Old River Rd. 201.943.8808 rebeccasedgewater.com
RIVER PALM TERRACE 1416 River Rd. 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com
ROBERTO’S II 936 River Rd. 201.224.2524 robertosii.com
SEAK 725 River Rd., #30 201.402.3400 seaknj.com
ELMWOOD PARK
TAVERNA MYKONOS 238 Broadway 201.703.9200 tavernamykonos.com
ROYAL WARSAW 871 River Dr. 201.794.9277 royalwarsaw.com
EMERSON PIMAAN THAI 79 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.967.0440 pimaanthai.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
BENNIE’S 54 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.5700 benniesofenglewood.com
BLUE MOON CAFÉ 23 E. Palisade Ave. 201.541.0600 bluemoonmexican café.com
CASSIE’S 18 S. Dean St. 201.541.6760 cassiespizzeria.com
CHAT KAEW THAI CUISINE 4 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.0343
HUMMUS ELITE 39 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.5600 hummuselite.com
LA FONDA PAISA 95 W. Palisade Ave. 201.871.3544 lafondapaisausa.com
LA’MEZZA 63 Nathaniel Pl. 201.569.2662 lamezzarestaurant.com
LAS MARAVILLAS DE TULCINGO 84 W. Palisade Ave. 201.568.1980
NOCHES DE COLOMBIA 90 W. Palisade Ave. 201.567.4950 nochesdecolombia.com
PINTXO Y TAPAS 47 N. Dean St. 201.569.9999 englewoodtapas.com
ROSE’S OF ENGLEWOOD 126 Engle St. 201.541.0020 rosesplacenj.com
SOFIA 36 Engle St. 201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com
TANI SUSHI & ASIAN GRILL 44 E. Palisade Ave. 201.567.7888 taniofenglewood.com
BROWNSTONE PANCAKE FACTORY 717 E. Palisade Ave. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com
CAFÉ ITALIANO 14 Sylvan Ave. 201.461.5041 cafeitaliano.net
CLIFFS STEAKHOUSE 18 Sylvan Ave. 201.944.0233 cliffssteakhouse.com
LEFKES ESTIATORIO 495 Sylvan Ave. 201.408.4444 lefkesnj.com
GRISSINI 484 Sylvan Ave. 201.568.3535 grissinirestaurant.com
FAIR LAWN ANTHONY’S COAL FIRED PIZZA 2101 Promenade Blvd. 201.796.2625 acfp.com
EMPRESS DINER 13-48 River Rd. 201.791.2895 empressdinernj.com
OCEANOS OYSTER BAR & SEA GRILL 2-27 Saddle River Rd. 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com
RIVER PALM TERRACE 41-11 Rte. 4 W. 201.703.3500 riverpalm.com
ROSE’S PLACE 32-01 Broadway 201.475.8800 rosesplacenj.com
SAGE RESTAURANT 17-15 Broadway 201.797.0500 sagefairlawn.com
FAIRVIEW NOCHES DE COLOMBIA 172 Broad Ave. 201.840.8428 nochesdecolombia.com
PATSY’S 344 Old Bergen Blvd. 201.943.0627 patsysbistro.com
FORT LEE AQUARIUS 230-234 Main St. 201.592.8338 aquariusrestaurant nj.com
BAGGIOS 212 Main St. 201.585.7979 baggiospizzarestaurant. com
BIG RED TOMATO 1205 Anderson Ave. 201.224.6500 brtnj.com
CAP’T LOUI 210 Main St. 201.461.7080 captloui.com
CHILLERS GRILL 2191 Fletcher Ave. 201.461.0075 chillersgrill.com
KUBA RESTAURANT 2139 Hudson Ter. 201.585.1601 kubarestaurant.com
PHO TODAY 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.585.8818
POMODORO 795 Abbott Blvd. 201.224.0800 pomodoro1.com
PRIME & BEYOND 501 Main St. 201.461.0033 primeandbeyond.com
PUNTA CANA 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.849.5556 puntacanarestaurante .com
VENTANA’S 200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthemodern.com
FRANKLIN LAKES
THE CHEF’S TABLE 754 Franklin Ave. 201.891.6644 tctnj.com
SUSHI COCORO 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com
GARFIELD
THE FIREHOUSE 42 Plauderville Ave. 973.478.2226 firehouse-restaurant.com
GOODFELLAS 661 Midland Ave. 973.478.4000 goodfellasristorante.com
LA CAMBUSA 517 River Dr. 973.272.8739 cambusanj.com
LA FORTALEZA 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 lafortalezamexrestaurant .com
GLEN ROCK
GLEN ROCK INN 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com
STONE & RAIL 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com
TANI SUSHI & ASIAN GRILL 206 Rock Rd. 201.612.1188 taniofglenrock.com
HACKENSACK
CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com
THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY
390 Hackensack Ave. 201.488.0330 thecheesecakefactory.com
THE CROW’S NEST 309 Vincent Ave. 201.342.5445 crowsnest.com
HOT FISH 450 Hackensack Ave. 201.881.0180 hotfishhackensack.com
HOUSTON’S 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 houstons.com
LIDO RESTAURANT 701 Main St. 201.487.8721 thelidorestaurant.com
LT BAR & GRILL 390 Hackensack Ave. 551.287.6333 ltbarandgrill.com
MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY 70 Riverside Sq. 201.221.2030 maggianos.com
MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE 1 Riverside Sq. 201.487.1303 mortons.com
THE OCEANAIRE 175 Riverside Sq. 201.343.8862 theoceanaire.com
P.F. CHANG’S 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.646.1565 pfchangs.com
THE PICCO TAVERN 160 Prospect Ave. 201.880.8750 piccotavern.com
ROSA MEXICANO 60 Riverside Sq. 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com
HARRINGTON PARK DONATELLA RISTORANTE 12 Tappan Rd. 201.767.4245 donatellasitalian. restaurant
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS BENSI 459 Rte. 17 S. 201.727.9525 bensihh.com
THE HEIGHTS BAR & GRILL 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338
IVY INN 268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com
SOFIA’S 220 Boulevard 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterranean grill.com
TOM YUM KOONG 305 Boulevard 201.288.3840 tomyumkoong.net
HAWORTH
ALESSANDRO’S 157 Terrace St. 201.385.8544 alessandrosnj.com
ANDIAMO 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net
TERRACE STREET CAFÉ 149 Terrace St. 201.338.4720 terracestreetcafe.com
THE CORNERSTONE 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com
DELLA CUCINA 100 Park Ave. 201.722.8880 dellacucinanj.com
DOMANI 387 Washington Ave. 201.722.8881 domanirestaurants.com
MATSU SUSHI & GRILL 140 Broadway 201.722.9388
OSSO BUCO 343 Broadway 201.664.1600 ossobucogrill.com
HO-HO-KUS ALT EATS 622 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.1300 alteatscafe.com
CATCHY CAFÉ 614 N. Maple Ave. 201.445.6400 thecatchycaterer.com
HO-HO-KUS INN 1 E. Franklin Tpke. 201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com
HO-HO-KUS SUSHI CAFÉ 29 Sheridan Ave. 201.670.7677 hohokussushicafe.com
ST. EVE’S 611 N. Maple Ave. 201.857.4717 stevesnj.com
LEONIA CAFÉ MIGNON 332 Broad Ave. 201.292.1992
DANTE’S PLACE 373 Broad Ave. 201.592.9071 dantesplace.com
FONTANA TRITONE 248 Fort Lee Rd. 201.242.9040
LITTLE FERRY
SEGOVIA STEAKHOUSE 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com
LODI KAYA 334 N. Main St. 973.779.1128 kayalodi.com
REBAR & KITCHEN 132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com
SERGIO’S MISSIONE 2 Mercer St. 973.778.4545 sergiosmissione.com
LYNDHURST ANGELO’S 263 Ridge Rd. 201.939.1922
FOSCHINI’S BRICK
OVEN PIZZA 298 Ridge Rd. 201.460.7600 foschinis.com
MICHAEL’S RIVERSIDE 528 Riverside Ave. 201.939.6333 michaelsriverside.com
MAHWAH
JUN LUNG 180 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.9898 junlungnj.com
MAHWAH BAR & GRILL 2 Island Rd. 201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com
NAGOYA 1007 MacArthur Blvd. 201.818.9933 nagoyacuisine.com
NONNA’S 11 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com
ROXANNE’S 150 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.0007 roxannes restaurant.com
SANGRIA 1033 MacArthur Blvd. 201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com
STATE LINE DINER 375 Rte. 17 N. 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com
MAYWOOD ANGELO’S GREEK TAVERNA 245 Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektavernanj.com
MAYWOOD INN’S TWIN DOOR TAVERN 122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com
MAYWOOD PANCAKE HOUSE 92 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.880.7842 maywoodpancake house.com
THE SEAFOOD GOURMET 103 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8558 seafood-gourmet.com
MIDLAND PARK ARTURO’S 41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co
FIONA’S RISTORANTE 118 Godwin Ave. 201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com
ROSARIO’S TRATTORIA 29 Central Ave. 201.445.3335 rosariostrattoriamenu.com
MONTVALE
DELPINO RESTAURANT 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.391.6866 delpinorestaurant.com
BELLISSIMO 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com
FIRE & OAK
100 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.307.1100 fireandoak.com
GEN SUSHI & HIBACHI
14B Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.930.9188 gensushimontvale.com
HEARTH & TAP CO. 125 N. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.307.6300 hearthandtap.com
YUKI 2 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.9877 yukimontvale.com
MOONACHIE BAZZARELLI 117 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4010 bazzarellirestaurant.com
BISTRO 107 107 Moonachie Rd. 201.440.3339 bistro107nj.com
SEGOVIA 150 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4266 segoviarestaurant.com
NEW MILFORD BARREL & BREW 872 River Rd. 201.483.3329 barrelandbrews.com
CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 200 Main St. 201.576.0400 casualhabanacafe.com
SANZARI’S NEW BRIDGE INN 105 Old New Bridge Rd. 201.692.7700 sanzaris.com
BIDDY O’MALLEY’S 191 Paris Ave. 201.564.7893 biddyomalleys.com
THE GREEK VILLAGE 254 Livingston St. 201.750.8570 greekvillagenj.com
MADELEINE’S PETIT PARIS 416 Tappan Rd. 201.767.0063 madeleinespetit paris.com
OLAR NOSO 493 Tappan Rd. 201.402.9355
OAKLAND CENZINO
589 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.6693 cenzinos.com
TROVATO’S DUE 4 Barbara Ln. 201.337.0813 trovatosduenj.com
YUKI
350 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8889 yuki-oakland.com
OLD TAPPAN
PATRIZIA’S 183 Old Tappan Rd. 201.515.2900 patrizias.com
PALISADES PARK
SO MOON NAN JIP 238 Broad Ave. 201.944.3998 so-moon-nan-jip.com
PARAMUS
BIAGIO’S
RISTORANTE 299 Paramus Rd. 201.652.0201 biagios.com
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
1 Garden State Plz. 201.845.7040 thecapitalgrille.com
GRAND LUX CAFE
1 Garden State Plz. 201.909.0399 grandluxcafe.com
KIKU
365 Rte. 17 S. 201.265.7200
MANTRA 275 Rte. 4 W. 201.342.8868 mantranj.com
SUBURBAN DINER
172 Rte. 17 N. 201.261.2605 suburbandiner17.com
PARK RIDGE
103 PRIME AT VALENTINO’S 103 Spring Valley Rd. 201.391.2220 103prime.com
ESTY STREET 86 Spring Valley Rd. 201.307.1515 estystreet.com
THE PARK STEAKHOUSE 151 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com
PEPPERCORNS 176 Colony Ave. 201.391.2818 peppercorns176.com
RIDGE DINER 125 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.4242 ridgediner.com
RAMSEY
ANTHONY FRANCO’S 128 E. Main St. 201.236.8000 afpizza.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
KINCHLEY’S TAVERN 586 N. Franklin Tpke. 201.934.7777 kinchleyspizza.com
THE SHANNON ROSE 1200 Rte. 17 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com
SMYRNA 21 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.7990
TAWARA 53 W. Main St. 201.825.8712
VARKA ESTIATORIO 30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com
RIDGEFIELD
CAFÉ TIVOLI 533 Shaler Blvd. 201.941.5561 cafetivoli.com
88 RICE SHOP 88 Rte. 46 W. 201.840.8688 88riceshop.com
RIDGEFIELD PARK
MK VALENCIA 228 Main St. 201.373.0228 mkvalenciarestaurant.com
THAI PALACE 218 E. Main St. 201.441.9119 thaipalacenj.com
RIDGEWOOD
CAFE 37 37 S. Broad Ave. 201.857.0437 cafe-37.com
CRAVINGS TAPAS BISTRO 8 Wilsey Sq. 201.857.8533 cravingstapas.com
DELHI ACCENT 37 Chestnut St. 201.444.4910 delhiaccentnj.com
FELINA 54 E. Ridgewood Ave. 551.276.5454 felinarestaurant.com
GREEN FUSION 22 Oak St. 201.670.7502 greenfusionnj.com
IT’S GREEK TO ME 21 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.612.2600 itsgreektome.com
LA LANTERNA 29 W. Ridgewood Ave. 201.444.5520 lalanternaof ridgewood.com
LATOUR 6 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5056 latourridgewood.com
LISA’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE 28 Oak St. 201.251.8686 lisasmediterranean cuisine.net
PARK WEST TAVERN 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com
PEARL 17 S. Broad St. 201.857.5100 pearlridgewood.com
RAYMOND’S 101 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5125 raymondsnj.com
ROOTS
17 Chestnut St. 201.444.1922 rootssteakhouse.com
S. EGIDIO 17 N. Broad St. 201.389.3525 segidiopizza.com
STEEL WHEEL TAVERN 51 N. Broad St. 201.882.1800 steelwheeltavern.com
VILLAGE GREEN
36 Prospect St. 201.445.2914 villagegreenrestaurant.com
WHITE MAPLE CAFÉ 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.447.1953 whitemaplecafe.com
RIVER EDGE
MADO RESTAURANT 570 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.265.3629 madorestaurant.business. site
SANDUCCI’S 620 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com
AMMATA THAI KITCHEN 184 Rivervale Rd. 201.664.2299 ammata.com
ARMANDO’S GRILL 688 Westwood Ave. 201.722.5820 armandostuscangrill.com
LET’S MEAT
STEAKHOUSE 625 Rivervale Rd. 201.660.7960 letsmeatsteakhouse.com
ROCHELLE PARK NANNI 53 W. Passaic St. 201.843.1250 nanni.com
CAFÉ MATISSE 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 cafematisse.com
FINCH’S 801 Rutherford Ave. 201.231.3141 finchsdining.com
PAISANO’S 132 Park Ave. 201.935.5755 paisanos.com
THE RISOTTO HOUSE 88 Park Ave. 201.438.5344 therisottohouse.com
VOLARE’S 7 Station Sq. 201.935.6606 volaresrestaurant.com
SADDLE BROOK MIDLAND BREW HOUSE 374 N. Midland Ave. 201.797.0070 midlandbrewhouse.com
QUE PASTA 326 Market St. 201.712.1900 qpitalian.com
THE PLANK PIZZA CO. BEER PARLOR 383 Market St. 201.843.2426
SADDLE RIVER
THE SADDLE RIVER INN 2 Barnstable Ct. 201.825.4016 saddleriverinn.com
TEANECK AMARONE 63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net
B V TUSCANY 368 Cedar Ln. 201.287.0404 bvtuscany.com
ETC. STEAKHOUSE 1409 Palisade Ave. 201.357.5677 etcsteakhouse.com
NOAH’S ARK 493 Cedar Ln. 201.692.1200 noahsark.net
REGINA’S 827 Teaneck Rd. 201.862.1996 reginassteakhouse andgrill.com
TENAFLY AXIA TAVERNA 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com
BRASSERIE 4 Washington St. 201.266.6400 tenaflybrasserie.com
SAYOLA 50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurantnj.com
TPR RESTAURANT 38 W. Railroad Ave. 201.871.0444 tprrest.com
WALDWICK ANDREA’S RISTORANTE 20 E. Prospect St. 201.670.0275 andreasrestaurant nj.com
LIMONCELLO 32 Franklin Tpke. 201.652.5577 limoncellonj.com
BACARI GRILL 800 Ridgewood Rd. 201.358.6330 bacarigrill.com
WESTWOOD CAFFÉ ANELLO 11 Madison Ave. 201.786.8137 caffeanello.com
DOWNTOWN DHABA 266 Center Ave. 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com
THE IRON HORSE 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 theironhorse.com
KIMCHI SMOKE 301 Center Ave. 201.497.6333 kimchismoke.com
OSTERIA CRESCENDO 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.1900 osteriacrescendo.com
PHOENICIAN LOUNGE 284 Center Ave. 201.722.8600 phoenicianlounge.com
WOODCLIFF LAKE SOL RESTAURANT 42 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.9363 solrestaurantnj.com
WOOD-RIDGE AL TORO 187 Hackensack St. 862.243.3850 al-toro-restaurant-bar. negocio.site
WYCKOFF ALDO’S 640 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.2618 aldosofwyckoff.com
BENARES
327 Franklin Ave. 201.904.2222 benaresnj.com
BLUE MOON CAFÉ 327 Franklin Ave. 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexicancafé.com
T.S. MA CHINESE CUISINE 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com
WYCKOFF THAI 314 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8855 wyckoffthai.com
Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.
Staff at Veris Residential, a real estate investment company, pitched in to assist Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County on one of its fall builds. Habitat builds affordable homes for working families in the community in an effort to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness. 14 Veris Residential volunteers show off their “build” T-shirts.
The Community Chest held a Donor Appreciation Party at Jaguar Land Rover Englewood. The nonprofit located in Englewood provides grants to other agencies that serve those facing hardships in eastern Bergen County. 13 Amie AbuRustum, Andrew Kovar, Vicki Sidrow, Emily Yang, James Geraghty, Martin Huguley
Columbia Bank raised and donated $100,000 for St. Joseph Social Service Center in Elizabeth. All funding was raised at the bank’s 34th Annual Golf Classic, held at the Hackensack Golf Club in Emerson. 15 Thomas J. Kemly, Bernadette Murphy, Karen Maher, Minoska Mateo
The team at TD Bank assembled 500 snack packages to be donated to the Center for Food Action. The food pantry’s Weekend Snack Pack Program provides healthy, kid-friendly and easy-to-prepare snack foods to local children at risk. 18-19 Staff from TD Bank packaged and donated snack bags
“I took this photo last year of my husband, Paul Cassano, and my stepson, Luca Cassano, who’s now 13. We were decorating for our first Christmas in our new home, and I quickly grabbed my phone when I saw my husband guiding his son to put the tree topper on. The most memorable moment of that Christmas was when we found out that we were going to be having a baby girl in May 2022. We look forward to recreating this same memory with Luca lifting up his baby sister, Grace, to put the topper on the tree.”
—Lauren Cassano, Franklin Lakes
Put Your Family’s Health at the Top of Your List of Resolutions
From heart and cancer screenings for adults, to women’s and children’s services for all ages, Valley has the doctors and programs to help your entire family live their healthiest lives.
It all starts with a pediatrician and primary care doctor. An ongoing relationship with a trusted provider is the most important thing you can do for your health. Take time to invest in yourself and those you love!
Learn more about our screening, preventive, fitness, and wellness services. Make an appointment with a primary care doctor. Call 1-800-VALLEY 1 or visit ValleyHealth.com/2023.
