They listen to you.
things medicine can’t. Valley Health System’s leading–edge heart care starts with a team of specialists and a full scope of cardiac services. Including advanced treatments for atrial fibrillation, the latest techniques in heart imaging, breakthrough procedures for valve replacement, and a team approach to care that always includes you.
To make an appointment with our heart care team, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 or visit ValleyHealth.com/Heart
Celebrating 140 yearsdesigned and crafted in Italy by the Bertazzoni family. us.bertazzoni.com
| 25
They’re all viral, and they share some symptoms. Here’s some help telling the difference.
And keep it hearty. A Hackensack-based cardiologist offers tips for your ticker.
In your backyard or in the anatomy lab, you never know when you’ll meet “the one.” Seven Bergenites recall those fateful first encounters.
No matter what they’re doing, our pets have a knack for making us smile and laugh.
| 40
Charming as furry felines can be, they have a natural appetite for winged creatures. Can Bergen County handle the inevitable clash?
ON THE COVER Roxie the Dachshund and her “cousin,” Parker, hang out in Cresskill. Photo courtesy of Lauren and Stu Davis, Instagram @doxie.roxie.
Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.
Nick and Pat Marino insist they aren’t just two versions of one person. (OK, so both happen to excel at the same sport.)
Clunky is cool again with these modern takes on clogs.
Of all the coat trends that exist, this is one of our favorites—fur real!
Cheers to these great wine accessories— they’re perfect for a dinner for two or a party with friends.
Dog, cat, bird, whatever—your furry or feathered friend deserves a treat.
A spa that offers family fun as well as relaxation can be a vacation from your vacation.
Chocolate lover or not, you won’t be able to resist these cocoa-infused desserts.
Don’t let the name fool you. A black widow cocktail has plenty of bite—the good kind— thanks to splashes of sweet and sour.
Mediterranean cuisine gains another representation in Cresskill—and it’s well worthwhile.
Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.
COVID made wedding planning difficult for a young couple, but having the ceremony at the warm, inviting Saddle River Inn was an easy decision.
When it comes to matters of the heart, at Hackensack Meridian Health, we’re ready. With world-class cardiovascular physicians and the latest revolutionary procedures, we’re here for everything from screenings and emergencies to advanced heart failure. And we care with all our hearts for the well-being of every patient. Learn more at HMHhasHeart.com.
Who can resist a love story? We at BERGEN certainly can’t. That’s why in this February issue we once again mark Valentine’s Day by checking in with Bergenites about how they found their enduring love. On page 28, seven Bergen couples recall the details of that momentous day. For one pair, the music of Blink-182 was playing; for others there was the sound of chainsaws in the yard or the unlikely romantic inspiration of an anatomy lab.
But love takes many forms, and when it comes to unconditional love, we all can take a lesson from our four-legged friends. They loyally give us pleasure and attention on days when we deserve it and days when we don’t. That’s why pets are a special focus of this issue—with pet care advice from professional experts (page 34), safe winter places for dogs to romp (page 13) and the lowdown on pet insurance (page 12). Every issue spotlights a beloved family pet (see Puppy Love on page 12), but this issue also offers a Special Report (page 40) on outdoor cats and how to do right by them—and the birds they threaten.
The heart is a symbol of love, but it’s also the vital organ that keeps us going. That’s why we mark February—American Heart Month— with tips on protecting heart health. See page 26 for down-to-earth, easy-to-follow advice from a Bergen-based cardiologist. For instance, if yours is a sedentary lifestyle, maybe now is a good time to take a break from whatever you’re doing for a brisk walk.
Meanwhile—before I quickly take that advice myself—let me touch on just a few other things we’ve found room for in this February issue. Honoring Black History Month, we take note (page 14) of an organization that aims a long-needed spotlight on the role of people of color in Bergen and in our state. There’s also a roundup of destination spas with family fun easily accessible nearby (page 44), a report on a delicious meal at Cresskill’s newest Mediterranean eatery (page 85) and a visit with teenaged soccer-star twins who find it easy to dominate all competition—except each other (page 16).
Maybe you’ll curl up on the couch with this issue and a furry creature who delights in keeping you company. In any case, we hope— and believe—that you’ll find much in BERGEN to brighten these 28 days and fill you with renewed purpose.
Happy February!
Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.com
Wealth
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Managing Director, Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P
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.
Pallas Capital Advisors Welcomes
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
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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
Contact us to schedule a meeting
Contact us to schedule a meeting
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BERGEN is published 12 times a year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. This is Volume 22, Issue 2. © 2023 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Bergen County: $14 for one year. Single copies: $3.95. Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
It’s that time again! Choose your favorite bakery, day spa, sports bar and more in the 2023 Best In Bergen Readers’ Choice Awards. Online ballots are now available at bergenmag. com/bergen-vote2023. Then stay tuned for more details on our celebration of the winners.
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If one of your resolutions this year is to cook at home more often, you’ll want to own this book. Fruits & Nuts: Recipes and Techniques from the Ferrandi School of Culinary Arts is compiled by the chefs at Ferrandi Paris and offers everything you need to know about a variety of fruits and nuts: how to buy, peel, skin, prepare, chop and cook them—plus 60 sweet and savory recipes. For a chance to win a free copy of the book, visit bergenmag.com/ferrandi-paris-book.
Give a round of applause to Laurie Pero, a loyal reader who won our free social media giveaway in November. Laurie’s prize was a TruBliss Journey 3-in-1 bassinet, valued at $130. Remember to follow us on Instagram (@bergenmagnj) and Facebook (facebook. com/bergenmag) for daily content and exclusive giveaways and contests!
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Valentine’s Day is the classic occasion for an intimate dinner out for two, and Bergen eateries are ready to make that dream come true. Three venues are standouts, judging by BERGEN’s 2022 Readers’ Choice survey: Saddle River Inn, Café Panache in Ramsey and Esty Street in Park Ridge finished 1-2-3, respectively, in the balloting’s “romantic restaurant” category. But the county also has other establishments with a romantic vibe—and a mouthwatering menu. Take these half dozen, for example:
Café Matisse, 167 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201.935.2995; cafematisse.com After a brief hiatus, Chef Peter Loria has reopened this acclaimed restaurant with a Henri Matisse-inspired dining room—just in time for Valentine’s Day. The seasonal seafood and locally sourced beef and poultry are musts.
The Hill, 252 Schraalenburgh Rd., Closter, 201.899.4700; thehillcloster. com The rustic farmhouse décor perfectly complements the globally inspired New American dishes, each the creation of Michelinstarred chef Ben Pollinger.
Ivy Inn Restaurant & Bar, 268 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, 201.393.7699; ivyinn. com Once a Prohibitionera speakeasy, this ivy-covered restaurant is now known for its hospitality and its tasty menu, which features everything from rack of lamb and filet mignon to Reuben sandwiches and gluten-free pizza.
Latour, 6 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201.445.5056; latourridgewood. com This FrenchAmerican restaurant is a haven in the heart of a bustling downtown. Couples can’t go wrong when ordering from the prix-fixe menu or a la carte. (Try the Beef Wellington, folks!)
Sofia, 36 Engle St., Englewood, 201.541.8530; sofiaenglewood. com You’ll enjoy a scenic experience thanks to the dining room’s floor-toceiling windows and the garden room’s dramatic hanging ivy. Dining for two is just as memorable: a shared porterhouse, surf and turf or a whole branzino, perhaps?
Osteria Crescendo, 36 Jefferson Ave., Westwood, 201.722.1900, osteriacrescendo. com Chef Robbie Felice creates modern Italian dishes that are inspired by rich, oldworld flavors and culinary traditions. Pair swordfish, steak or pasta with a classic or signature cocktail from the bar.
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? Bacari Grill in Washington Township has appeared on Wine Spectator ’s list for outstanding wine programs every year since 2000. It’s the longest streak for any active restaurant in Bergen County.
Don’t have to tell us twice! Feb. 18 is National Drink Wine Day, just four days after Valentine’s Day. So, whether you’re toasting with your significant other or your BFF, these wine bars in Bergen have the perfect pour for any occasion—yes, even a made-up occasion like National Drink Wine Day:
• Antipasti Pizza & Wine Bar, 24 Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201.408.0008
• Aumm Aumm Pizzeria & Wine Bar, 17 Nordhoff Pl., Englewood, 201.408.5488; aummaummnj.com
• Bar Boutique, 110 E. Main St., Ramsey, 201.735.7717; barboutiquenj.com
• Felina, 18 Prospect St., Ridgewood, 551.276.5454; felinarestaurant.com
• The Grand Wine Bar & Karaoke, 42 Broad Ave., Palisades Park, 201.840.0200
• Tomasello Winery Tasting Room at Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff, 800.666.9463; tomasellowinery.com
Dog: Ashley, 7-year-old Great Pyrenees/ springer spaniel/white shepherd mix
Owners: Alison and Russ Saunders of Park Ridge
After losing their beloved rescue dog Angie, the Saunders fostered and helped find forever homes for four dogs. But there was something different about one foster, Delilah. “After having her for a week, we knew we had to officially adopt her,” Alison recalls. “It was truly love at first sight.”
Renamed Ashley (“Out of the ashes of Angie comes Ashley,” Alison says), the pup has become the focal point in her new family’s lives. “She loves cuddling, and at 50 pounds is the best blanket anyone could ask for,” her proud owner declares. When Ashley’s not snuggling with her humans, she’s making friends at Wood Dale Park in Woodcliff Lake or Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah, playing with her toys— which she knows by name—or snacking on her favorite peanutbutter bones from Trader Joe’s. “Ashley is a godsend to our family,” says Alison. “The year we adopted her was difficult—we became empty nesters. All our attention was and always will be on Ashley. She made it a whole lot easier to transition from full-time mom to empty nest.”
Do you want to see your furry, feathered or scaly friend in an upcoming issue? Email your pet’s photo and a brief description to rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.
A 2022 reader survey by the pet lovers’ website cuteness.com revealed that 71 percent of pet owners lack pet health insurance. But the same site predicts that a growing percentage of owners will be buying such coverage for their animals in ’23.
“I always recommend that new pet owners get insurance, because you never know when a puppy will swallow something it shouldn’t or end up in an emergency room,” says Gabriel Stein, BVMS, who makes veterinary house calls through his Fair Lawn-based practice, Radburn Vet. “Standard walk-in for blood work and X-rays could be a thousand dollars, or an ultrasound.”
Dr. Stein says pet owners can choose a full wellness plan that will cover well visits and or opt for an accident-only plan to help offset costs of unexpected medical emergencies. says he most commonly sees patients who have Trupanion, Pet’s Best or Lemonade pet insurance. Do your research to see which policy makes the most sense for you, and to get an idea of monthly costs. “And always read the fine print!” Dr. Stein warns.
(For example, many plans exclude “preexisting conditions.”)
Says the vet: “From a cost-benefit analysis, in this day and age it definitely makes sense to get pet insurance, with rising costs for everything.”
It’s like waiting for an order to arrive at the table. We eagerly anticipate the openings of these three restaurants, each scheduled for early 2023:
When your crew can’t agree on a cuisine, head to Urban Shuk in Englewood. The kosher food hall will offer options to satisfy anyone. The lineup features Bubby and the Buddha for Chinese, Happy Bird for fried chicken, Plantery for vegetarian, Taco Union for Mexican and Yom Brgr for burgers. All sound tempting; after all, the Hebrew term “shuk” loosely translates to a fresh food and vegetable market.
• Urban Shuk, 52 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood; urbanshuk.com
With a kitchen staff boasting more than 20 years of cooking experience, Wild Rose will feature tapas as well as a list of entrées made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients—so you’ll know you’re eating the best of the season. The space will also be available for weddings, private parties and corporate events.
• Wild Rose, 68 Lanza Ave., Garfield; wildrosenj.com
For delicious Asian comfort foods, those in the know head to Bunsiknara in Palisades Park. Soon, though, foodies will be able to grab the same bites in Little Ferry, where the popular restaurant will open its second location. There you’ll find a variety of ramen and udon noodle bowls, mains like pork tonkatsu and fish katsu—and, of course, popular Asian spaghetti dishes.
• Bunsiknara, 260 Bergen Tpke., Little Ferry; bunsiknara.com
More and more people these days differences between a warbler and bluebird and a blue jay, a catbird That’s because bird watching has popularity, and understandably Times recently lauded the hobby to improve concentration and reduce and blood pressure. And Bergenites needn’t go far to see bird beauties— simply set up a feeder in your yard and watch the magic happen; February, after all, is National Bird Feeding Month. Below are four inexpensive feeder systems that are easy to install:
• Hopper Bird Feeder. These classic feeders are enclosed on all sides as well as on top to protect seed from rain and snow. Attracts northern cardinals, mourning doves, nuthatches.
• Suet Feeder. In its simplest form, this feeder has a cage that encases a suet cake, which is typically made of hardened fat of beef or lamb. Attracts woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees.
• Peanut Feeder. Resist filling this tube-shaped feeder with traditional, smaller seed, as the holes are large enough for whole or shelled peanuts to pass though. Attracts blue jays, titmice.
• Tube Feeders. Another traditional feeder, this style has several openings to give multiple birds access to seed at the same time. Attracts northern cardinals, titmice, chickadees, grackles, starlings. To get started, head to shops like Wild Birds Unlimited (189 Rte. 17, Paramus, 201.599.0099) or Westwood Seed & Feed Co. (515 Broadway, Westwood, 201.664.0132) and talk to an expert to determine the best supplies for you.
Getting Fido suitably outfitted for a midwinter romp in the park can take dogged determination—but now there are alternatives. Check out, for instance, three facilities:
• Camp Bow Wow (53 Midland Ave., Elmwood Park, 201.797.3647; 95 Greenwood Ave., Midland Park, 201.882.0186). Whether you drop off your good boy for a play session or sign him up for a membership at this indoor facility, the pros here will make sure he gets exercise and socializing in a safe environment.
• Hounds Town (550 Piermont Ave., Hillsdale, 201.666.0741; 450 N. Main St., Lodi, 973.773.3647). Your pup will enjoy interactive sessions (stop in for a day or become a regular) with the doggie daycare staff. There is plenty of room for running, playing, meeting other dogs—and napping!
• The Madison Dog Resort and Spa (150 Franklin Tpke., Waldwick, 201.445.7297). This luxurious-sounding facility says it treats all dogs like royalty. Bring your pooch here for a few hours of supervised running, playing and relaxing all in an open-air but covered area.
Weeks off from school are fun for kids and a relief for teachers, but they can be a hassle for working parents. Solve the childcare issue and keep your kids busy with one of these winter-break camps running in Bergen during President’s Week, when many of the county’s private and public schools have vacations:
• For the outdoorsy kid, try February Break Nature Camp at Tenafly Nature Center. Feb. 17, 20–24, $95 per day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or $450 Monday to Friday. Kids will be grouped by age; PreK/K or 1st to 6th grades. Sign up: tenaflynaturecenter.org
• For the high-energy kid, try Ninja Warrior Camp at High Exposure in Northvale. Feb. 20–24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $550 for the full week/full day, or $355 for a full week of just the morning session, which ends at noon. Ages 5–15. Sign up: highexposureclimbing.com
• For the foodie kid, try Winter Break Camp at HealthBarn USA in Ridgewood. Feb. 20–24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $120 per day or $520 for the whole week. Ages 4–13. Sign up: healthbarnusa.com
• For the sporty kid, try February Break Camp at Northern Valley Sports Academy in Closter. Feb. 20–24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ages 4–12. To sign up and for pricing: northernvalleysportsacademy.com
• For the kid who’s up for anything, try School Vacation Camp at the Ridgewood Y. Feb. 20–21, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $65 per day for members, $75 for nonmembers. Sign up: email Cara at capsley@ ridgewoodymca.org.
In the past, BERGEN has highlighted area Black-owned businesses in honor of Black History Month, but Tevra Francis has made it her mission to highlight people of color (POC) all year round. She’s the founder of NJ In Color (formerly Bergen in Color), a Leonia-based LLC that introduces residents to some of the “people, places and personalities” of north Jersey.
“It started out of necessity, pushing me to learn more about Bergen County’s rich diversity, which is not always portrayed in the media,” Francis tells BERGEN. “The focus has always been on celebrating and amplifying the Black and POC communities of Bergen County and the northern New Jersey area.” NJ In Color does this with a directory that lists more than 125 BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) businesses, a mailing list and an active Instagram account that spotlights businesses, community leaders and Black-led events, including networking opportunities, concerts and fundraisers.
“It’s my hope that through NJ In Color, all residents in the Greater Bergen area are able to see the positivity, strength, unity and culture that thrive in our state,” says Francis. Follow @njincolor and visit njincolor.com for up-to-date info on our area’s diverse citizenry.
Lucky 13? Real Housewives of New Jersey returns this month for its 13th season, during which it’ll continue to highlight some of our state’s prominent ladies (and the local restaurants and bars where they hang out). New to the cast for 2023 are Bergen County’s Rachel Fuda and Jennifer Fessler. Fuda hails from Franklin Lakes and is a mom of two little girls and stepmom to her husband John Fuda’s teenaged son. Fuda works for her husband’s valet company, they own a Wood-Ridge burger joint called Mob Burger and she’s also employed by her husband’s family company, Fuda Tile (with locations in Lodi, Ramsey, Ridgefield Park and elsewhere). Fessler, meanwhile, joins as a “friend” of the cast. She’s an empty-nester and the owner of F. Major, a company that markets high-heeled shoes, and resides in Upper Saddle River with her lawyer husband, Jeffrey Fessler. Also joining the cast this season is Danielle Cabral of Sayreville.
RHONJ Season 13 premieres Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo (and streams the next day on Peacock).
Whether you’re a seasoned sculptor or a newbie, Rock Studio in Glen Rock is a place to shape your own creative bliss. The recently opened studio is a communal space with pottery wheels, a cone-6 firing kiln, stoneware, tools, glazes and storage shelves. It offers classes for those 13 and older who want to develop their skills, or folks just learning the craft. Sessions for couples (no, you’re not recreating that scene from Ghost and ladies’ nights are also available.
• Rock Clay, 566 Broad St., Glen Rock; rockclay.com
The weather’s not ideal for working on your golf swing outdoors, but the conditions are always right at Golfzon Range by Leadbetter, a new indoor training center in Little Ferry. Golfers of all levels can tee off at one of the 22 drivingrange simulators, all of which include swing analysis and instant feedback so that you can finally correct the slice in your game. Monthly memberships as well as multiand single-session cards are available. Still learning? Sign up for a group class or a private lesson.
• Golfzon Range by Leadbetter, 260 Bergen Tpke., Little Ferry, 201.983.0215; golfzonrange.com
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, causing 1 in every 5 female deaths in 2020. More startling, the CDC reports that despite efforts to increase awareness, the majority of women do not recognize that heart disease is an important health issue for them. In fact, at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, occurring in November 2022, it was reported that only 44 percent of women recognized that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.
What can you do to take control of your cardiovascular health? At Valley, our team believes that the key to preventing cardiovascular disease starts with proper screening. To help women –and men – identify their risk for developing cardiovascular disease, and take action to reduce their risk, our team offers a Cardiac Screening Program. It is important to note that e American Heart Association recommends both women and men begin regular heart screenings starting at 20 years old.
Valley’s Cardiac Screening Program is a nurse practitionerled program that begins with an in-depth review of a patient’s personal risks for developing
cardiovascular disease. Patients will undergo a physical exam, which includes an evaluation of blood pressure and heart rhythm, auscultation – listening to the sounds of the heart –to detect heart murmurs, and biometric screenings for body-mass index and waist circumference.
Beyond traditional risk factors, such as family history, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and smoking, the nurse practitioner will also explore, genderspecific risk factors that include pregnancy history (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor), polycystic ovarian syndrome, and menopause history. Additionally, other disease specific risk factors are
reviewed, which include cancer treatment history, presence of inflammatory diseases or auto immune diseases, stress level, and lifestyle.
e comprehensive risk assessment, findings of the physical exam, and biometric screenings, along with lab work analysis, are used to arrive at an ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) risk score. is score aids in determining patient’s 10-year and lifetime risk of developing heart disease. Based on the results of the screening, patients may be referred for advanced diagnostic testing to further quantify their risk. Patients may also be referred to cardiac specialists and other specialty programs at e Valley Hospital.
If the need arises for a specialist, Valley Health System has a nationally recognized team of highly trained and skillful cardiologists, structural heart specialists, and cardiac surgeons to provide patients with state-of-the-art medical and surgical care.
In addition to screening, patients participating in Valley’s Cardiac Screening Program receive educational resources to maintain a heart healthy lifestyle that is personalized to their specific needs. Patients are also educated on the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and the utilizationof holistic strategies to help manage daily life stressors. n
As we celebrate American Heart Month this February, we empower you to take control of your cardiovascular health. Learn more about Valley’s Cardiac Screening Program by visiting ValleyHealth.com/HeartScreening and schedule a screening with our board-certified nurse practitioners.
Nick and Pat Marino insist they aren’t just two versions of one person. (OK, so both happen to excel at the same sport.)
Identical twins needn’t do everything together, and 17-year-old Wyckoff brothers Nick and Pat Marino are proof. When they realized in eighth grade that they were more than just good at soccer, they both decided to pursue the sport in high school. But they chose to play for separate teams—Nick on defense as the outside back for Ramapo High, and Pat on offense as the forward for Don Bosco Prep. Now they’re their teams’ top defender and scorer, respectively, hoping to play at the collegiate level next year—at different universities. BERGEN wanted to ask: What’s it like? What’s it like?
When did you realize you were great at soccer and wanted to pursue it?
Nick: We had both been playing on the team at Eisenhower Middle School. In eighth grade we had an undefeated, championship season. That was when I really decided.
Pat: That year I had scored, like, 10+ goals, and he was defending tremendously. Once decision time was near for which high schools we wanted to go to, playing soccer was a big factor. Why separate high schools?
Nick: I always had an interest in going to Ramapo because our dad went there, and he would talk about how much he had enjoyed it.
Pat: I wanted to make independent friendships and connections outside of Wyckoff. Being a twin,
you almost become one person, and it was important for me to establish my own identity. And I wanted to go to a Catholic school. What about college?
Pat: We plan to play at different schools because we like to branch out and meet new people and do different things. I’m committed to Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, Nick to Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. What went through your minds when your teams faced each other in 2021?
Nick: It’s always exciting when Ramapo plays Bosco. Pat and I know each other’s teammates very well. Our coaches [Roy Nygren from Don Bosco and Evan Baumgarten from Ramapo] have also known each other for 30 years. So we go all out.
Pat: Realistically, I had an advantage because I knew how all of his teammates on Ramapo played, but clearly that didn’t matter. They shocked the world, beating us 2–0. I gained more respect for Nick and everyone on his team.
Nick: What was most impactful for my parents was seeing Pat and me hug after the game. What’s been your most memorable moment this past season?
Nick: Winning the Bergen County championship for the second year in a row.
Pat: Scoring the winning goal against St. Joe’s
[Saint Joseph’s Regional High School]. After losing to them in our final matchup in the league, I wanted revenge. Scoring an absolute banger, chipping the goalie from 30 yards out, was one of the best feelings I had all year.
What is your brother better at than you?
Nick: Pat is obviously better than me at scoring goals. He has done a great job for Don Bosco scoring and finishing his chances and has been very valuable to their team. He’s also a very hard worker. He loves being very disruptive to the other team and forces them to make mistakes.
Pat: One of Nick’s strengths is being able to make tackles when being rushed at by an attacker.
Nick barely gives up fouls, which makes him a very dangerous defender. He plays very aggressively and does a great job frustrating the other team because they can’t get past him. And he’s able to start very fast breakouts from the back.
What do you compete about or argue about off the field?
Nick: We compete on just about everything, whether it’s ping-pong in the basement, video games, basketball in the pool.
Where do you guys like to hang out when you’re not playing soccer?
Pat: We go to Fitness 19 in Midland Park, Garden State Plaza, Chipotle and the Wyckoff Dairy Queen. What separate interests do you have?
Pat: In 2019, I picked up a passion for video games and would spend a lot of time playing them, especially during the pandemic. Nick was really into ice hockey and played [it] for high school and club. What’s something the public may not know about you?
Nick: We have two sets of twins in our family; we have fraternal twin sisters who are 20. As for being an identical twin, it definitely has a few challenges, but having a built-in best friend is worth it.
—Haley Longman
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Flat or heeled, fur-lined or studded, clunky is cool again with these modern takes on the vintage shoe trend.
AEROSOLES WOMEN’S MULE
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BRUNELLO CUCINELLI LEATHER SHEARLING LUGSOLE CLOGS Neiman Marcus, Paramus, 201.291.1920
CARLOTTA MULE
Hermés, East Rutherford, 201.487.1111
11-BOTTLE GOLD WINE RACK Crate & Barrel, Paramus, 201.986.2999
Cheers to these great wine accessories—they’re perfect for a dinner for two or a party with friends.
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Studies support the advice that seven hours of sleep per night is a healthy amount for folks ages 50 and older.
Research found snoozing fewer hours, five hours, for example, had a 20 percent greater risk of developing a chronic condition.
—PLOS
Medicine
Experts maintain that less specialization in kids’ sports is better for youngsters. Not only will it lead to less burnout, but fewer injuries.
One study suggested that adolescent athletes who played one sport were more likely to be injured compared with athletes who were less specialized.
—Orthopaedic Journal of Sports MedicineResearchers have found that mindfulness-based stress reduction in which you focus on breathing was just as effective as medication prescribed for anxiety.
—JAMA Psychiatry
Research suggests that staying active could curb cancer cell growth. A recent study found that prostate cancer patients enrolled in a 12-week exercise regimen were found to have suppressed the growth of new cells.
—Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
People with diabetes who cycled regularly were found to have a 24 percent lower mortality rate than non-cyclists.
—JAMA Internal Medicine
Hearing loss in midlife is associated with an increased risk of dementia, according to research. Meanwhile, not being able to communicate leads to loneliness and depression.
—The Lancet
Approximately 28 percent of people report knowing little or nothing about their family’s health history.
—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
140,000,000
The number of Americans who have had the coronavirus, based on an analysis of blood tests that reveal antibodies from the infection.
—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
It’s been happening all winter: Patients develop upper-respiratory symptoms and worry that they may have COVID-19 or something else. What to do?
First, it’s important to stay calm. The likelihood that you’re going to recover from a cold, the flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) or COVID-19 is very high—particularly if you’ve received vaccine and/or booster shots earlier in the season, says Sonia Chadha, M.D., a Paramus-based primary care and family medicine physician. Manage your symptoms appropriately and get plenty of rest, but seek medical attention when you need it, she adds.
Call your primary care doctor and describe your symptoms to find out what your next steps should be. However, if you feel that your symptoms warrant a trip to the Emergency Department—for instance, if you’re having difficulty breathing—don’t delay.
Statistics show that people with underlying health issues, such as cancer or diabetes, are most likely to have complications from COVID-19. Older adults and young children—or those with weakened or developing immune systems—who have RSV can develop further complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia and may require immediate medical attention.
Because these viral infections share many symptoms, it’s not possible to tell them apart without specific testing—especially COVID-19 and the flu. But use the chart here to get an idea of what your symptoms may mean.
Dr. Chadha also recommends we do our part to not only keep ourselves healthy, but to help avoid spreading illnesses. “If you continue to practice the safety measures that were stressed during the pandemic—using hand sanitizer, washing hands thoroughly, covering nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze—then you greatly reduce your risk of getting sick,” she says. “And remember to be respectful to others. Stay home if you have any symptoms like coughing, sneezing, fever, chills and/or body aches. Staying safe and healthy is a team effort.”
HOW IT SPREADS
Droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing or talking; touching a surface that has the virus on it
Nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, possibly mild cough
Droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing or talking; touching a surface that has the virus on it
Fever, chills, muscle aches, exhaustion; runny nose, sore throat, headache; possible nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing or talking; touching a surface that has the virus on it
A wide range, including fever, cough, shortness of breath; sometimes, lack of taste or smell, which may come on suddenly. Some people experience only a few of these symptoms or none at all.
Droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing or talking; touching a surface that has the virus on it
Runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, loss of appetite. In infants, difficulty breathing, irritability, decreased activity
No test; diagnosis based on symptoms
Bed rest; fluids; over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants, pain relievers and cough suppressants
Bed rest; fluids; over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. In severe or high-risk cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed.
Bed rest; fluids; over-the-counter medications. Antiviral medications or monoclonal antibodies may be used to treat those at increased risk of severe illness.
A few days to two weeks
Wash hands often; don’t touch face; avoid close contact with infected persons
A few days to two weeks, if no complications, such as pneumonia, develop
Wash hands often; don’t touch face; avoid contact with infected persons. Annual flu vaccine is recommended for most people aged 6 months and older.
For mild cases, about two weeks; for more severe cases, six weeks or more
Bed rest; fluids; over-the-counter medications and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Additional oxygen or IV fluids may be required for more severe illnesses.
One to two weeks for mild cases, longer for cases requiring clinical treatment or hospitalization
Wash hands often; don’t touch face; wear mask; maintain 6 feet of distance from others outside your home; avoid contact with infected persons; get recommended vaccinations
Wash hands often; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve; avoid close contact with infected persons
They’re all viral, and they share some symptoms. Here’s some help telling the difference.Swab test performed by healthcare provider Usually, swab or saliva test Swab test performed by healthcare provider
Are you doing all you can to protect your cardiovascular health? For American Heart Month in February, the American Heart Association urges everyone to be proactive in preventing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Knowing if you’re at risk is the first step in the right direction. “You should start having the discussion with your physician about risk factors when you’re 20 years old,” says Ryan Kaple, M.D., an interventional cardiologist who directs the Structural and Congenital Heart Program at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Factors include a family history of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. Risk factors should be evaluated every four to six months after that, because profiles can change.”
The next step is to maintain a healthful weight and diet. (How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along?) And Dr. Kaple has a half-dozen other suggestions:
• SET GOALS. Whether or not you’re at high risk for heart disease, you should establish objectives for major factors that help determine cardiac health: cholesterol, blood pressure, exercise and weight. “Make sure you and your physician have a clear set of goals,” says the doctor. He also recommends that households have a home blood-pressure kit. “Check your blood pressure regularly and log the information in a journal along with date, weight and other vitals so you can pass it along to doctors easily. This is a great tool for discussion and makes you take ownership of your health.”
• GET MOVING. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults need 150 minutes of moderateto-intense physical activity a week. Fitting in a workout around office jobs and family obligations, however, isn’t always easy. In those situations, creating a new routine might work. “People with sedentary jobs may find it hard to get physical activity, so some changes may be needed,” Dr. Kaple says. “Take a longer route to walk to work or use the stairs as much as possible. Make time in the beginning of the day to do wall sits or set a timer to get up and do air squats.” A brisk walk during lunchtime, either outdoors or inside your office suite, can
lower your risk of high blood pressure. The cardiologist also recommends using elastic exercise bands or doing leg and calf raises at your desk to keep muscles limber.
• RAISE A GLASS. It’s true, folks, a glass of red wine a day can improve cardiac health. That’s because red wine contains natural compounds called flavonoids, which are known for their overall health benefits, says Dr. Kaple. (The same flavonoids are also found in fruits and vegetables.) “But wine intake should not exceed one glass a day,” the cardiologist says, adding that alcohol use is not safe for everyone.
• TUNE IN TO YOUR FAVORITE MELODIES. We know music can affect mood, but it can impact how our heart feels too. Listening to slower-tempo music can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as your heart rate, according to a study published in the journal Heart “Soothing music,” the cardiologist notes, “can activate the relaxation sensors in the nervous system. This can reduce respiratory rate, anxiety and blood pressure.” Faster music, on the other hand, will give your ticker a workout. Louder volumes and quicker beats can cause increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
• PROTECT YOUR SMILE. People who are diligent about dental hygiene are more likely to care for overall health, including cardiovascular health. But the correlation between oral and heart health goes beyond attitude. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor dental health increases the risk of inflammation and bacterial infection in the circulatory system, which can have an adverse effect on heart valves. Gum disease also increases the risk of developing heart disease.
• ASK ABOUT ASPIRIN. A once-a-day aspirin can lower the risk of heart attack or stroke, but talk to your primary care physician before you add it to your daily medications. “Patients with cardiovascular and artery disease and those who’ve suffered a stroke can benefit from a daily aspirin, but it’s a decision that should be made with a physician,” Dr. Kaple says. While aspirin is safe for occasional use to relieve headaches and muscle soreness, daily use can have side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding. “The decision to take it depends a lot on one’s risk of bleeding,” says the doctor.
In your backyard or in the anatomy lab, you never know where you’ll meet “the one.” Seven Bergenites recall those fateful first encounters.
“In 1986, the night before I met my husband, I went on a date with someone else in New York City. I’d spent that night at my childhood home in Northvale, and was awakened early the next morning by the sound of chainsaws. I wearily got up, threw on jeans and a T-shirt and went into the backyard with my hair a mess, no makeup and barefoot. That’s when I met Joe, a cute, dark-haired, muscular guy walking out of the wooded area in my parents’ backyard. He was 26 at the time (I was 28) and was working for the tree company that my parents had hired. We talked briefly, and I left shortly after to return to my apartment in New Brunswick. Later that day, my mom called to tell me that she set me up with the tree guy. She gave him her number because she wasn’t sure if she should give mine out, and a few days later he finally called. We got married in 1990 and have two children, Morgan and Devon. I always tell people that you’ll find your soulmate when you least expect it, because I found mine in my own backyard!” —Loreen
“What are the chances of a guy born in China and a girl born in New Jersey being soulmates? In the summer of 2000, when I was 18, I was talking to a friend via Instant Messenger on dial-up AOL. I happened to see the AOL welcome dialog box mention “Love At AOL.” I rolled my eyes and thought, ‘Who could ever find someone through the internet?’ Well, I clicked on the box that led me through a rabbit hole of profiles, and eventually I ended up on a separate website. Lo and behold, I found Bo’s profile and thought he was cute. I quickly sent the picture to my friend and she agreed. She also dared me to Instant Message him—and I did! Instant Messaging eventually led to phone calls. But since this was before cell phones, we would both buy calling cards so we could talk to each other every night. Many times, we’d use all the minutes and he’d have to run out to the corner store to buy another card! After many hours of talking on the phone, we finally decided to meet. He came all the way from Queens to North Jersey, where I was living at the time, and we met in Braddock Park, where we spent six hours together. We maintained a long-distance relationship all four years I was in college at Rutgers–New Brunswick, and we got engaged two years after I graduated. We have faced many challenges and losses, but here we are, 22 years later with four beautiful boys. It’s not always easy, but it’s been so worth it. I truly found my soulmate and best friend and I can’t imagine living this life with anyone else.” —Jenn
“Back in 1990, my cousin Mia decided that her friend Michael and I would be a perfect couple, so she began the process of putting us in the same place at the same time so we could meet. I was 16 and lived in New Milford; she was turning 17 and lived in Mount Vernon, N.Y. Mia invited me to her house for the weekend for her birthday, and Michael was among the friends she invited over to help prepare for the party. Apparently, she had tried on three or four other occasions to get us together, but it never panned out. Mia didn’t tell either of us that she had been trying to set us up until almost a year after we started dating, because she didn’t want that to influence our relationship. While setting up for her party, we met, connected and fell madly in love—and we got married in 1996. We were just 22 and 23 at the time, which felt so old then, but looking back we realize that we were so young! Now, 32 years after we first met, we have three children and we live in Waldwick. Michael and I continue to be each other’s best friend, biggest fan and lifetime love. I am forever grateful that Mia knew we were meant to be. I can’t imagine my life any other way.” —Jennifer
“We met in 2004 at age 22 in Newark during our first week of Rutgers Medical School. I noticed Samantha in the anatomy lab and approached her. In a room full of smelly dissected cadavers, we found an immediate connection. I went on to uncharacteristically but boldly invite myself to her birthday party that weekend. Shortly after, we started dating, and we studied together every single day in medical school for the next four years. We went on to pursue different specialties—she trained in dermatology and I in ophthalmology—but always dreamed of opening a joint practice together. During residency we lived in New York City, got engaged and married right before we graduated. We moved to Dallas for a year for my fellowship and then moved back to New Jersey to create our lasting home, where we now live with our son, Carter, and daughter, Juliana. We’ve spent the last decade working for separate private practices but will be finally realizing our med-school dream in 2023 when our multi-specialty practice opens. Just like we spent every day in medical school studying together, we’ll be spending every day working together, in professions we love with the person we love most in this world.” —Adrian
“It all started with a fateful dinner out to celebrate June birthdays in 2009. Anthony was coaxed into participating in a 5K race (he was not a runner at the time) by a mutual friend. He relented and showed up to my school district’s race (I am a teacher), which was a fundraiser. We both ran the race on a hot June day, and then my colleague introduced us. We were both a sweaty mess but we had a connection right away. We spent the rest of the morning together as I took pictures of my students running the kids’ race. We said goodbye and my colleague said to me, ‘So, can I give him your number?’
I agreed and then waited three whole weeks to hear from him—it took that long for my friend to pass on my number! We found out while dating that we both grew up in the same town in Rockland County, N.Y., but never knew each other because of our eight-year age gap, and later found out we had both grown up in a house number ‘23,’ as well as other coincidences. We’ve been married for seven years and have a 6-year-old daughter, Emily.”—Cortney
“My husband Benjy and I met in 2009 when we were both 18 at Rutgers University. We lived in the same dorm and our resident assistant (RA) was urging us to make friends. My friend and I decided to go into each room to say hello. We started at the end of the hall with my husband’s room and were in there for three hours. Needless to say, we never made it to another room. He was listening to my favorite band, Blink-182, and we had an instant connection. We were opposites in a lot of ways; I liked to go out to college parties every weekend and Benjy liked to stay in and play video games. Even though we were different, we had a lot of fun together and became best friends. We started dating in December of 2009. Many people didn’t think we would last because of our differences, but we became interested in each other’s hobbies. We got married in 2016 and had our daughter Noelle in 2018. We just celebrated 13 years together and are still best friends.” —Kayla
“On October 20, 1976, Bob and I met at No Place Inn in Bogota. He had just returned from a Florida vacation, so, needless to say, he looked amazing with his nice tan. I wrote my name and number on a coaster and on my way out, I put it in his jacket pocket. He never called. The following week, we both were at No Place again, and we started talking; I realized he never called because he was too shy. We had our first date that week and discovered we had a lot in common, like that we both loved the outdoors. In October 1978, we got engaged as he loaded a picnic basket into the trunk of his car. ‘So, you want to get married?’ ‘If you’re asking me to marry you, the answer is yes!’ We got married in September of 1979 and recently celebrated our 43-year anniversary. We have three children, twin sons and a daughter, and now own a Park Model RV and a seasonal campsite, where we can share the love of outdoors with our children and grandchildren. Oh, and Bob still carries my coaster. We are both retired now, and I know the best times are yet to come.” —Annette
YOU’LL KNOW YOUR ANIMALS BETTER IF YOU GET TO KNOW THESE FIVE NORTH JERSEY-BASED EXPERTS.
We all wish for the best for our beloved pets, but we don’t always know what’s best. From the food we hope Fido will eat to the toys that may pique Mittens’ interest, a lot of guesswork and trial-and-error goes into caring for a furry, feathered or scaly member of the family. Our creatures can’t tell us in words what they crave, but their behavior is highly revealing to those—like the five pros here— who’ve made it their business to understand their needs.
Known for: Giving dogs in Bergen County salon treatment and boutique items at Fur the Love of Pets in Oradell. What do you provide as an animal groomer?
We are a cage-free grooming salon. When you arrive, your dog is greeted by the groomer and is immediately taken back for grooming, which takes from an hour and a half to two-and-a-half hours. Your dog gets individualized attention from start to finish: bath, hand-dry, and groom, and the groomer will call you when your dog is almost ready for pickup. We strive to make the process as stress-free as possible. We do not have crates, so no dog will sit in a crate waiting to be groomed, or be dried in a crate.
Why must animals be regularly groomed? It not only makes them look and feel better, but is important to maintain healthy skin and coat. When groomers see your pet on a regular basis, they get to know him or her and can detect changes to health, such as cysts, skin issues, ear infections, fleas and ticks. It is especially important to regularly groom and brush long-haired pets in order to avoid matting, which is severe knotting that causes discomfort and skin irritation. We usually recommend a cycle between six to eight weeks. What’s the best piece of advice you give to pet owners? Do your research and be sure you and your dog are comfortable with the groomer because not all groomers are the same. Just like hair stylists, groomers have their own flair. It’s important for you to get to know your groomer and to discuss breed standards and your haircut preferences. Mutual trust is important to manage expectations and a happy outcome. What’s the most common question people ask you?
I’m often asked why do we do this job? It’s physically demanding, but we do it because we love the animals. The puppy kisses are the best part of our days! However, not all days are full of kisses. Dogs are living beings—some bark for the entire groom, some are aggressive or fearful, some scratch and even bite, and some days it seems like all of them need to potty in the shop.
Have you had any memorable “tales” over the years? We have come to love many fur clients over the years. Our business model allows us to really see their personalities. Some dogs really enjoy being blow-dried, and fall asleep on the table. We have some that are so familiar with us that they immediately go in the back and jump in the tub or onto their groomer’s table.
Known for: Operating Bergen County-based Venturing Vet Mobile Veterinary Clinic since launching it five years ago. Before that, received a veterinary degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island and worked in a small private practice performing medical and surgical care for animals.
What do you provide as a mobile veterinarian?
We bring all veterinary services, including checkups, vaccinations, surgeries and dental cleanings, directly to the place that is most familiar and comfortable to your pet: your home. We can do everything for cats, dogs and even pigs from our 26-foot van and a pet owner’s home so there’s less stress for everyone. There’s no traveling, no carriers, no waiting rooms.
Why is it important to have a good relationship with a vet? You want to build trust with the doctor you’re working with; it makes it easier for the doctor, for the owner and for the pet. Many pets we see for the first time are nervous, as any cat or dog would be, but we see change after working with them. They get used to seeing the same doctor, the same technician, the same environment—and they’re more at ease.
What’s the best piece of advice you give to pet owners?
Always be realistic and do what’s best for your pet. Sometimes it’s difficult, especially when you factor in emotions, but it helps to look at it from the pet’s point of view and ask yourself: What would they want?
What’s the most common question people ask you?
For us specifically, people ask how we can do everything in our van. We have the capacity and trained personnel to do everything that’s done in an office. Regarding their pets, people ask a lot of skin and allergy issues, which we can test for and treat.
Have you had any memorable “tales” over the years?
We’ve had a lot of interesting visits, but it’s always a “treat” when we go into someone’s home and find dozens of animals running around all over the place. Trying to round them up can be chaotic, but it’s all part of what we do. On occasion we see wolfdogs, all of whom are sweet—but some are not always easy to restrain.
Known for: Founding and operating Cat Crew Rescue in 2018. The nonprofit, all-volunteer organization has saved nearly 600 stray and feral cats in four years.
What do you provide as a cat rescuer?
People call us all the time to rescue stray cats or to help TNR (trap, neuter, release) for feral cats. TNR is the only humane way to handle feral cats, which are cats that have had little contact with humans and don’t look to humans to survive. We trap them, spay/neuter them, microchip them and ear-tip them. We don’t release cats unless they have a caregiver or access to clean food and water to survive.
Do you adopt or foster the strays?
Most cats are strays. In other words, they’ve been abandoned by owners or are kittens of someone’s cat that wasn’t spayed. Like any animal that gets trapped, they’re all scared at first. But we have about a dozen foster homes to help the cats get acclimated until they find their forever homes.
What’s the best piece of advice you give to pet owners?
We remind them that every animal is unique, and we try to match our rescue cats’ personalities with the right owners. We tell them that ownership is a 15- to 20-year commitment, so they must be able to imagine themselves in 20 years with the cat.
What’s the most common question people ask you?
Can you take the cat that’s in my yard? We try to concentrate in the northern Bergen area. There are pockets of stray cats in towns like Emerson, Westwood and Hillsdale.
Have you had any memorable “tales” over the years?
We fall in love with all the rescues; it’s like meeting new friends. We had one cat who was adopted but somehow ended up in a kill shelter in North Carolina. Because she was chipped, we were able to rescue her—and she was adopted again. Another favorite was “Hillsdale,” a male feral that we rescued on Kinderkamack Road in Hillsdale. He was untouchable, and vets recommended that he be euthanized. I told them “No,” and we were able to care for him and help him adjust to life as an indoor cat. He was eventually adopted and is now thriving in his new home.
Known for: More than three decades’ experience as a psychic medium and communicating with animals, from household pets like dogs and birds to animals such as horses and llamas. How do you communicate with animals?
I learned I could understand animals since age 4, when I was comforting my late grandfather’s grieving German shepherd. I respect all animals and wait for them to introduce themselves to me. Then I have a two-way dialogue with them, no different from talking with people. The communication is telepathic. Some animals have a larger vocabulary than others; some are more emotional.
What do you provide as an animal communicator?
For pet owners, I can provide valuable insight into what an animal wants and needs. I can be an intermediary for health issues too. Animals can discuss with me how they feel, if they like their food—which is always a big topic. In cases when I accompany a family to a shelter or adoption center, I also can help people pick the right pet for their home by talking to the animals and learning about them. Everyone’s needs and personalities are different, so it’s important that a family can successfully integrate an animal into their home. It’s all about improving the quality of life of the pet owner and the pet.
What’s the best piece of advice you give to pet owners?
Proper training and attention are keys for any pet-owner relationship. And don’t just get an animal because it’s cute or because it’s hypoallergenic. Animals are not universal: There’s always a right animal for the right family.
What’s the most common question people ask you? They always want to know if their pets love them or if they like their food and lifestyle.
Have you had any memorable “tales” over the years?
I was recently with a dog and its owner, and the dog jumped onto my lap, put its face right next to mine and told me, “Stop talking to her and talk to me!” Animals can hear me, and I sense them. Another time, in Van Saun Park, a woman recognized me and introduced me to her dog. She asked if I could ask her dog his breed, and the dog said, “Pay her no attention: How would I know what breed I am?!”
Known for: Running an eponymous dog training company in Waldwick since 1984.
What do you provide as a dog trainer?
Trainers provide hope for people who are having struggles with their dogs—all ages, all breeds. We start with puppy kindergarten, we have beginner classes, intermediate, specialty classes for off-leash, agility, competition and more. Trainers can also target a problem that a dog is having: reactivity issues, aggression, fearfulness, cautiousness.
When should owners take their dogs to a trainer?
Training should begin as soon as you take your dog home. Whether it’s an 8-week-old puppy or an 3-year-old rescue, it doesn’t matter. Get them into training because we can tell you things that you don’t even know are going on with your dog. We can see the early signs of fearfulness or body handling issues or aggression or low confidence. The minute we get the dog, we lay the groundwork for rules and how things are going to go in the house. In the beginning, you want to run a tight ship so the dog understands who’s in charge. You want a dog that’s trained because it’s more fun, it’s less enjoyable when a dog is out of control—you didn’t get a dog to keep in a crate all day. You got a dog to be a part of the family, and it’s your job to teach your dog what that means. What’s the best piece of advice you give to pet owners?
Bring your dog to dog training! I know there are people who’ve had dogs their whole life and think that makes them experts— they’re not! I’ve had teeth my whole life, but I’m not a dentist. The dog you have at eight weeks is going to change in four months. There are stages that they go through, and you don’t know it. Things you read on the internet or hear from other people can set you and your dog back.
What’s the most common question people ask you?
It’s easily, “How do I get my dog to listen to me?” I tell them your dog is listening to the endless array of commands you never taught them to understand because, for example, the command changes hourly: “come,” “come here,” “here,” “get over here.” All of that to a dog means nothing. Listening is a two-way street, so I want to teach communication. Once you understand the reason they’re not obeying, then we can fix it. Have you had any memorable “tales” over the years? I had a student and her bulldog Hank who trained with me about 11 years ago. He worked through his issues and is still doing well. She called me a year ago saying she has a new four-legged family member—a pig! That’s how Eleanor the pig started coming to class. She started in “piglet” class and has moved up. We make accommodations for her—for instance, instead of “paws up,” we taught her “hooves up.” It’s amazing to see the capabilities of all animals. The dogs in the class were initially like, “What the heck is in the classroom?” But now she’s just a funnylooking dog to them.
Taking care of a four-legged family member takes plenty of time and work, not to mention the expenses for vet bills, food, toys and other supplies. But we gladly welcome them into our homes because cats, dogs and all other pets repay us with unconditional love, emotional support, memorable moments—and many priceless photo ops that are just too darn cute not to share. BERGEN asked readers to show us their furry best friends doing what they do best: looking oh-so-adorable.
Dog: City, 8-year-old Labrador retriever mix
Owners: The Georgiades family, Mahwah Some pups work hard for the money, er, snacks. In City’s case, however, it’s patience that pays off. “City has plenty of personality and knows tricks—here she is bringing home the bacon!” George Georgiades says. “We adopted City from a place in New York City, so we gave her the appropriate name.”
Dog: Daisy, 10-month-old Cavapoo
Owners: Elise and Donny Dykowsky, River Vale Our pets may be cute, but they can play it cool too—especially when the camera is on them. “Daisy is such a ham, and she knows it,” says Elise. “Here she is hanging out on a table with her new shades. When she’s not posing for pictures, she likes to chase small woodland creatures and deer.”
No matter what they’re doing, our pets have a knack for making us smile and laugh.
Dog: Yeezy, 5-year-old Yorkiepoo
Owner: Ivelisse Rancier, Mahwah
Santa has plenty of elves and reindeer to help him get through the holiday, but Yeezy provides the best support. “He’s Santa’s little helper,” says Ivelisse, even when the pooch winds up in a gift bag. We’d love to find Yeezy under our tree on a Christmas morning!
Dog: Carlos, 12-year-old Maltipoo
Owners: Elizabeth and Chris Kaplanis, Ridgewood
Our furry friends are already delightful, but it’s cuteness overload when they’re dressed in costume and holiday outfits. “We dress our dogs Carlos and Ernie is various costumes, and they love them,” says Elizabeth. “They wore Christmas sweaters, and Carlos here is dressed for Cinco de Mayo. I think Carlos is patiently waiting for a salty margarita.”
Cat: Buddy, tuxedo cat
Owner: Debbie Putrino, New Milford
They say cats are always silently judging their owners, no matter what they’re doing. Buddy likes to make himself comfortable when watching his human. “He watches my every move,” says Debbie. “Buddy was abandoned by his mom and was approximately 3 weeks old and weighed less than a pound when we rescued him from under a bush in Sussex County.”
Dog: Avery, 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix
Owners: Michele and Jeff Austin, Hackensack
Cats and dogs love to watch (and chase) other animals in real life—and many show the same energy when they see creatures on TV. “Avery loves to watch television with her mama and daddy,” says Michele. “When a dog comes on, she runs up and whines and cries and barks, begging them to please jump out of the big box on the wall and play with her! Needless to say, we cannot watch any shows with a lot of dogs in them!”
Dog: Tiger, 13-year-old brindle pug
Owners: Neha Garcia, Waldwick
An ever gracious host, Tiger always welcomes visitors to his home, making Halloween one of his favorite days. “Tiger loved waiting for trick or treaters on Halloween 2022,” Neha says. Oh, what a treat!
Dog: Teddy, 5-year-old Goldendoodle; Owners: Natalia and Olivia Hudak Sisters Natalia and Olivia received their pup for Christmas five years ago and couldn’t tell the difference between him and the plush toys. “That’s how Teddy got his name,” says mom Tammy. “He loves the snow and tries to catch snowflakes while helping his family deck the halls.”
Charming as furry felines can be, they have a natural appetite for winged creatures. Can Bergen County handle the inevitable clash?
By Leslie Garisto PfaffNot all that long ago, I had an indooroutdoor cat named Bluebell. She had glossy black fur and a propensity to bring back souvenirs of her travels: muddy paws, burrs snagged on her hindquarters and the occasional bite from a scrap with a neighborhood tough. Then one day she brought home a cardinal, his scarlet feathers flashing between her clamped jaws. When she dropped the bird at my feet, he rose, phoenix-like, toward the kitchen ceiling and proceeded to swoop about in a desperate attempt to escape, until I managed to unceremoniously shoo him out the open door with a broom. As I swept up the feathers, I vowed I’d never allow another cat outdoors.
In New Jersey’s more crowded counties, Bergen among them, outdoor cats pose a grave risk to birds and other small wildlife.
Don Torino, president of the Bergen County Audubon Society, estimates that, across the U.S., cats are responsible for the deaths of some 2.5 billion birds a year. He says that among the causes of bird deaths that relate to human activity, “cats are at the top of the list.” To underscore the significance of that number, consider that the second item on the list is window strikes, at just 600 million a year. In fact, bird populations around the world are facing a steep decline due to habitat loss, climate change and other
environmental factors, and cat predation is yet one more threat to their survival.
A relatively small percentage of pet cats in the U.S. are allowed outdoors—estimates put the number between 20 and 32 percent. A much more significant threat to birds, here in Bergen and elsewhere, is that of ferals— homeless, free-roaming cats that were either born in the wild or dumped by previous owners. The nonprofit National Feline Research Council estimates the nationwide total of ferals at 32 million. It’s likely, then, that their population in Bergen is in the thousands or even tens of thousands.
The dangers posed by outdoor and feral cats aren’t limited to the cats’ prey. Pet cats that regularly spend time outdoors are more likely than their strictly indoor counterparts to become lost, to be injured or killed—either by another animal or by a human, particularly one driving a car—and to pick up parasites and contract diseases. And feral cats live a life defined by dangers, including disease, hunger, predation by larger animals, death or injury by cars (especially in highly populated areas).
Luckily, in Bergen County, a group of organizations and individuals is working to keep the number of feral cats in check, benefiting not just our birds but also the cats themselves.
In 2010, in response to the problem of feral cats in New Jersey, the state legislature considered declaring cats an invasive, nonnative species, which could have made it legal to hunt and kill them. The idea didn’t sit well with the state’s animal lovers, however, and the bill never became law. Instead, counties and municipalities have increasingly relied on the approaches known as TNR and TNVR, for trap-neuter-release and trap-neuter-vaccinate-release, in which, as the names suggest, feral cats are humanely trapped, neutered and in many cases vaccinated against common feline diseases like rabies and feline leukemia, and then, for the most part, released back into the areas where they were trapped. Frequently, that means dropping them back into cat colonies, groups of cats that can often be found near sources of food, such as a restaurant dumpster or a friendly human.
TNR isn’t a complete solution to the problem of feral cats, but it does help keep feral populations from exploding. “It’s basically a birth control program,” says Deborah Yankow, director of the Bergen County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, which works with cat
There are several cat rescue organizations serving Bergen County, and like the shelter, they take in both feral cats and cats whose owners can no longer care for them (or choose to give them up). Feral Cats of Bergen County (FCBC), founded and run by Michele Staada, is one such rescue. But while Staada traps, neuters and vaccinates her rescues (the latter two functions through a local vet), she doesn’t release them but instead socializes them, both kittens and adult cats, so that they can all be adopted. Asked if it’s really possible to socialize adult ferals, she responds, “A thousand percent.” As proof, Staada—who works as a home designer when she isn’t rescuing homeless felines—cites Maribelle, an adult feral she took in two years ago, who fought fiercely against any form of human contact. Today, Mirabelle is a constant presence in Staada’s Hawthorne shop, Beautiful Windows, welcoming customers with leg rubs and other forms of feline affection.
The benefits of socializing and adopting out ferals are obvious. For the ferals, they include a life of comfort and safety: FCBC and other rescues, including Caring About the Strays
effectiveness from the fact that songbirds, with their acute color perception, are able to more easily spot a predator wearing one.
Nevertheless, the best approach for protecting birds from pet cats is to deny them access to the outdoors. Marissa Molta, who volunteers with FCBC, has five cats of her own, one of whom spent most of his life outdoors and does whatever he can to convince her to let him return, at least for a visit. But much as she wants him to be happy, she knows that keeping him safe is more important.
“I have foxes in my yard, and I’ve seen coyotes in the neighborhood,” she says. “It’s just too dangerous out there”—a sentiment with which the county’s birds would no doubt readily agree.
rescue organizations and individuals who either trap the cats themselves or bring them to the attention of Yankow and her colleagues. Last year, the shelter neutered some 420 feral cats, 90 percent of them female. (Yankow doesn’t know for sure why females are so much easier to trap than males, but William Byrnes, the county’s supervisor of animal control, suspects it may have to do with their nesting instinct.) That number is particularly impressive when you realize that most cats reach reproductive age at six months and the average litter size is between three and five kittens—which means that spaying (the female version of neutering) one female cat can prevent the birth of up to ten cats in a single year.
While the shelter releases most adult cats back into the suburban wild, it tends to hold onto kittens for potential adoption. “We network with rescuers, and it works really, really well,” Yankow says. Kittens and mother cats are trapped together, and nursing kittens stay with their mothers until they’re old enough to be adopted out. While most adult ferals are usually considered too wild to be socialized, kittens haven’t learned to fear human contact and are eminently adoptable. (The shelter does occasionally try to adopt out those adults that appear to be particularly friendly toward their human handlers.)
(CATS) in Westwood, make it a contractual obligation that adopters keep their cats indoors. And for the birds, the benefit is immense: fewer predators, including both the adopted cats and the feral kittens that won’t be born.
When it comes to pet cats, the obvious solution to bird predation is to keep them indoors. But many owners object on the grounds that allowing cats to roam free and prey on birds and other small animals is merely acceding to the natural order. Don Torino argues otherwise. “It’s not natural,” he says. “They haven’t evolved in our ecosystem, so they don’t belong in it.” Native feline predators, like bobcats, inhabit sprawling territories. “There might be one pair of bobcats in a 10-square-mile area,” Torino explains. In that same area there could easily be hundreds of feral cats.
Some owners complain that their cats are so intent on getting outside that they devote their lives to finding new and ever more inventive ways to escape. For these cats, there’s a way to at least cut down on their predation. Research has shown that when cats wear the rainbow-hued collar cover marketed under the name Birdsbesafe, the number of birds they kill is reduced by up to 87 percent. The cover, which looks like a large scrunchie, derives its
• Adopt a former feral. Contact a local organization that works with and adopts out ferals: Bergen County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center (co.bergen.nj.us/animalshelter-adoption-center), Caring About The Strays (care4strays.org), Cat Crew Rescue (facebook/catcrewrescue.com), Chance at Life Cat Rescue (chanceatlifecatrescue. com) and Feral Cats of Bergen County (feralcatsofbergencounty.com). “Once we feel that a cat is socialized, we can see its true personality and determine what type of home would be good for it,” says Michele Staada, founder of Feral Cats of Bergen County.
• Support local rescues. Ask what they need most, or donate cash. Caring About the Strays has a resale shop that supports its efforts and accepts donations of clothing, jewelry and household items. You can also support rescues by volunteering. In addition, some rescues, including Cat Crew Rescue in Oradell, rely on local residents to foster cats while they wait for “forever” homes.
• Report feral cats. If you see a cat you think is feral, notify a rescue organization or the county animal shelter, a designated no-kill shelter (no animals in its care are euthanized). Don’t wait, especially if the feral is a kitten, since kittens are easier to socialize than adults.
• Keep your own cats indoors. If you feel that’s impossible, fit them out with a Birdsbesafe collar cover (birdsbesafe.com).
• Don’t “dump” your cat. If you can no longer care for a feline pet, don’t release it into the outdoors (an all-too-common practice known as “dumping”), where it will certainly suffer as well as endanger the declining bird populations. Call the county animal shelter or a local rescue organization, which will work to find the animal a new home.
“It’s not natural [for pet cats to roam free outdoors]. They haven’t evolved in our ecosystem, so they don’t belong in it.”
—Don Torino, president, Bergen County Audubon Society
Let’s face it, a trip for the whole family can be stressful. There are too many minds debating where to eat, what to see, when to do what. It triggers a desire to unwind, so here’s an idea: Go to a place where unwinding is on the agenda. The five spa resorts here are places to de-stress, yes, but they also promise fun for the whole traveling tribe. That can put serenity right on your itinerary.
Scottsdale, Arizona.
The temperature around the Valley of the Sun is ideal this time of year, but it’s always perfect—even when the mercury is consistently in triple digits—at this desert oasis. Create your personal wellness treatment by choosing from a variety of five-star services and amenities. From scrubs and massages to facials and Drybar services, there’s something soothing for everyone. Meanwhile, you’ll have the chance to soak up the fragrance of the exclusive Phoenix Rising Aroma Blend of essential oils.
Remember to save time to relax at the rooftop pool, which offers undisturbed views of Camelback Mountain.
Family fun: The resort boasts three outdoor pools with cabanas available for rent, as well as a championship golf course for all skill levels. Outside the facility, all visitors will enjoy the shops, eateries and photo ops in Old Town Scottsdale, while NASCAR fans can ogle the displays at the Penske Racing Museum.
Groveland, California.
Just minutes from the entrance to picturesque Yosemite National Park, this resort is an extension of the park’s beauty. Inspired by Yosemite’s waterfalls, hot springs and wildflowers, the spa’s amenities promote natural healing and wellness. An aromatherapy steam room and a Himalayan salt sauna mimic a summer hike along rocky trails, while warm waterfall coves and misting rooms resemble the natural pools found in the park. Traditional and standup paddleboard yoga (great for all ages!), facials and scrubs, massages and Colorpuncture (noninvasive light therapy) are also offered.
Family fun: Take advantage of the lodge’s rental equipment and head over to Yosemite. Gear includes bikes, backpacks, trekking poles and binoculars.
A spa that offers family fun as well as pampering can be a vacation from your vacation.
Granby, Colorado.
Do everything or nothing at this Rocky Mountain State dude ranch. Odds are you’ll want to do the Lazy You Spa for a unique, relaxing experience. For instance, massages are offered in “tents” that are suspended over the Willow Creek and have glass floors, so you can enjoy the sight and sound of running water during your session. Moonlit soaks in therapeutic copper tubs are accompanied by champagne, strawberries and unobstructed mountain views. Facials, scrubs and wraps are also available.
Family fun: Your crew can enjoy on-site activities such as horseback riding and horsemanship or hatchet throwing, or take to the outdoors and rent bicycles or hiking equipment from the pro shop. Depending on the season, archery, beehive tours, fly fishing, ice skating and skiing are also offered.
Miami, Florida.
Sure, the temperate aqua waters of the Atlantic provide plenty of relaxation for us Northeasterners, but you’ll find more ways to unwind at this south Florida retreat. Customize your spa treatment to improve in more than 30 health areas, from back pain and memory to arthritis and fatigue. Sign up for a soothing massage or a facial or skincare consultation, or try something new such as a salt float bath or cryotherapy. Before your treatment or workout, be sure to walk through the private hot and cold zones for a thermal hydrotherapy session.
Family fun: Between spa sessions, take the kids to the resort’s two-story rock-climbing wall or sign up everyone for kiteboarding lessons with the International Kiteboarding Organization.
Santa
Historic Santa Fe Plaza is always filled with the hustle and bustle of tourists, but this quiet gem is the perfect getaway from the main square. The folks here are experts in tranquility, creating and offering programs for comforting massages and full-body treatments. Boost any relaxation treatment with aromatherapy, CBD oil or reflexology—or all three! If you’re staying at La Fonda and would rather not leave your luxurious guest quarters, opt for an in-room massage.
Family fun: Santa Fe is a hotbed for the arts—more than 3,000 pieces are in the permanent collection at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Young ones will love the hands-on Santa Fe Children’s Museum or the Santa Fe Railyard Park.
Chocolate lover or not, you won’t be able to resist these cocoa-infused desserts. We won’t tell if you’d rather not split it with your significant other.
Yields 6 servings
INGREDIENTS: n 1½ tsp. powdered gelatin n 3 eggs n 1½ cups thickened cream n 150 grams milk chocolate, chopped n 150 grams white chocolate, chopped For the brownie base: n 200 grams dark chocolate, chopped n 200 grams butter, chopped n 1¼ cups brown sugar n 3 eggs, lightly whisked n ¾ cup plain flour n ¹/³ cup cocoa powder n ¼ cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with baking paper, allowing the 2 long sides to overhang.
To make the brownie base, combine the chocolate and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 mins or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth.
Add the sugar and egg and stir to combine. Add the flour and cocoa, stirring until just combined. Add the sour cream, stirring, until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 mins or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Set aside in the pan to cool completely.
Turn the brownie onto a clean work surface. Use a 6cm-diameter round pastry cutter to cut six discs from the brownie. Place brownie discs on a baking tray. Cut six 10cm x 30cm rectangles of baking paper. Lightly grease the paper with cooking oil spray. Using brownie disc as the base, wrap the baking paper, greased-side facing in, around the brownie making a tall collar. Secure with a staple.
To make the first layer of mousse, melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Meanwhile, stir 1 tbs. boiling water with ½ tsp of the gelatin in a small bowl until gelatin dissolves. Add to the melted chocolate and stir to combine. Separate one egg. Place the egg white in a medium bowl. Add egg yolk to chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
Use an electric mixer to whisk ½ cup cream until soft peaks form. Add to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Use a clean electric mixer to whisk the egg white until soft peaks form. Gently fold into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Divide evenly among the prepared baking paper molds. Place in the fridge for 20 mins to set.
Meanwhile, to make the white layer of mousse, repeat steps 5 and 6 with the white chocolate. Pour over the milk chocolate mousse layer and place in the fridge for 6 hours or until completely set.
Remove the paper collars from the mousses. Serve with chocolate curls.
What can be better than combining one of the old French chocolate mousse desserts and an American classic and covering it with chocolate sauce? You can make this brownie recipe gluten free by replacing regular flour with gluten free 1-to-1 baking flour.”
—Tatiana Kovalenko, founder, Skazka Cakes, Midland Park
Yields 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
n 120 ml hot coffee n 32 grams cocoa powder, dutch processed n 175 grams granulated sugar n ¼ tsp. vanilla extract n ½ tsp. kosher salt n 1 egg, room temperature n 110 grams all purpose flour n 1 tsp. baking soda n ½ tsp. baking powder n 120 ml buttermilk, room temperature n 60 ml vegetable oil n 64 grams walnuts, finely chopped
For the chocolate sauce: n ¼ cup thickened cream n 50 grams dark chocolate n 2 tsp. brown sugar
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter or grease an 8 inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg for 1 minute.
Add the buttermilk, hot coffee, oil, vanilla and salt. Whisk until smooth. Add your cocoa powder and whisk again until smooth
Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda and whisk until smooth. Fold in your chopped walnuts.
Pour into your pan and tap on the counter to get rid of any bubbles. Bake for 35-45 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. Allow it to cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then lift it out and let it cool completely on a cooling rack.
To make the chocolate sauce, combine the cream, chocolate and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 3 mins or until chocolate melts and sauce thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
Stack sections of cake and serve with chocolate sauce.
Coffee really enhances the flavor of the chocolate in this recipe. But if you’d like to keep this cake nutfree and caffeine-free, swap the walnuts for chocolate chips and coffee for hot water. Try serving this cake warmed up for that extra deliciousness!”
—Zainab Illyas, owner, Zai’s Dessertery, Bergenfield
TO HELP YOU FIND GREAT DENTAL CARE, BERGEN magazine commissioned Professional Research Services (PRS) of Troy, Michigan to conduct a peer-review survey of hundreds of practicing and active dentists across the county. Dentists were asked to choose which of their peers they consider the very best, across seven different practice areas— endodontics, general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.
All the final honorees were fact-checked with the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System. The highest vote getters within each specialty who are in good standing with the state are included here in the 2023 “Bergen County’s Top Dentists” list.
There are many other good dentists practicing in Bergen County who may not be included on this list; we recommend that you consider “Bergen County’s Top Dentists” and other resources before scheduling your next dental procedure.
THOMAS B. ALLEN
New Jersey Endodontics 80 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-487-5444
JEFFREY CHEN
Mid-County Endodontic Group, PA 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-3311
EDWARD B. DROZD
Edward B. Drozd, DMD 42 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-1135
ANTHONY FASCIANO
Anthony Fasciano, DMD 617 E. Palisade Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-894-0350
MICHAEL B. FEINTUCH
Endodontic Associates of Bergen County 1 Kalisa Way Suite 106 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-262-3636
JOSHUA GOLDFEIN
Metropolitan Endodontics 401A S. Van Brunt St. Suite 402 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-354-6201
JIN HAHN
Mid-County Endodontic Group, PA 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-3311
ALEKSANDER IOFIN
Gentle Dentistry, PA 173 Terrace St. Haworth, NJ 07641 201-379-6746
Bergen Endodontic Care 1033 River Road Suite 2 New Milford, NJ 07646 201-777-4447
MICHAEL J. LEWIS
Foundation Endodontics
870 Palisade Ave. Suite 303 Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-836-8000
JAE Y. OH
Jae Y. Oh, DDS, Jenna Lee, DMD & Louis Jerome, DMD 2185 Lemoine Ave. Suite 1M Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-0797
SUJEAN OH
New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131
ALISON P. PETIX
New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131
SEUNG U. SHON
New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131
BRIAN P. TRAVA
New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131
BRAM ALSTER
Bram Alster, DMD 20-20 Fair Lawn Ave. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-797-3044
JASON ALSTER
Bram Alster, DMD
20-20 Fair Lawn Ave. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-797-3044
JOSHUA B. AUSTEIN
West Ridgewood Dental Professionals, PA 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-8875
JODY Z. BARDASH
Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn 10-06 Saddle River Rd. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-972-6555
ROBERT P. BARONE
Robert P. Barone, DMD 401 Kinderkamack Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-2477
MICHAEL L. BARRISH
Smile Center of Bergen 445 Prospect Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-2288
JEFFREY BROWN
Palisades Designer Dentistry 464 Hudson Terr. Suite 205 Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-541-0541
ISELA CANTUARIAS
Complete Dental Works 765 Queen Anne Rd. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-365-3878
ANTHONY CARAMICO
Midland Park Family Dentistry 662 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-447-5555
FRANK J. CARCIONE
Ramsey Dental Group, PA 67 Arch St. Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-327-4445
DAYNA CASSANDRA
Dr. Dayna Cassandra Cosmetic Dentistry 351 Evelyn St. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-350-7304
SHERWIN K. CHENG Sherwin Cheng, DDS 45 Central Ave. Suite E Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-894-8118
DAVID K. CHRISTENSEN Christensen Dental Associates
71 Franklin Tpke. Suite 1-1 Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-652-1569
ROLANDO CIBISCHINO
Rolando Cibischino, DMD 71 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-204-1355
ROY V. FORBES
Roy V. Forbes, DMD, MAGD 216 Engle St. Suite 103 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-568-4916
FRANK J. GALTIERI
East Hill Dental 163 Engle St. Building 2 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-568-2532
EDWIN J. GARINO
Edwin J. Garino, DDS 863 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-7575
JEFFREY GLIKSMAN
Drs. Freed and Gliksman 155 N. Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 201-384-3909
KEVIN M. HEANEY
Peak Family Dentistry 261 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4008
ERICA HELLER
Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006
ZAHRA HOSSEINI
Zahra Hosseini, DMD 810 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-212-4860
SAMINA KATHAWALA
Cute SmileDr Samina Kathawala 52 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-778-0225
ARCHER M. KATZ
Emerson Dental Arts 310 Main St. Emerson, NJ 07630 201-261-3364
YAEL KRYZMAN
Palisades Dental Care 47 E. Madison Ave. Dumont, NJ 07628 201-379-6895
MARK C. LO SCHIAVO
Dr. Mark C. Lo Schiavo, DMD, PA 920 Main St. Floor 2 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-6454
MARLEN MARTIROSSIAN
River Edge Dental 130 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 303 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-989-0178
ROBERT R. MASON
Bergen Arts Dental 579 Bergen Blvd. Ridgefield, NJ 07657 201-941-4777
ALEXANDER MILMAN
Lotus Smile 201 Marin Blvd. Jersey City, NJ 07302 201-433-8600
JOHN MINICHETTI
Center for Implants and Aesthetics at Englewood Dental
370 Grand Ave. Suite 200 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-871-3555
MAYRA J. MODESTOGARRIDO
Excel Dentistry, PC 266 Harristown Rd. Suite 102 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-740-2562
ADELFI E. MOLINA
Dental Arts of Hackensack, PC
176 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-0202
KELLY MCNALLY
PASSARELLI
Kelly McNally Passarelli, DDS 172 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-4050
West Ridgewood Dental Professionals, PA 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-8875
FRED A. PUCCIO
Midland Family Dental Care 243 Morse Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-485-8847
AARON Z. RAPPS
Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
185 Linden St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-3555
ALISSA ROMAN
Roman Dental Arts 747 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-654-3442
DONALD J. ROMAN
Roman Dental Arts
747 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-654-3442
MORDEHAY RUBINCHIK
Smiles of Fair Lawn
13-19A River Rd. Fair Lawn , NJ 07410 551-242-2068
JOHN SARAYDARIAN
Allendale Dental
42 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale, NJ 07401 201-760-1116
BLAIR SCHLUSSELBERG
Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006
THOMAS F. SHERLOCK
Dr. Thomas F. Sherlock, DDS 163 Dayton St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-1338
SULTAN A. SHERZOY
Bogota Dental Care 85 E. Main St. Bogota, NJ 07603 201-205-2586
INESSA SLAVIN
Inessa Slavin, DDS, PC 67 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-474-7405
KENNETH B. SLOANE
The Center for Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry 500 Piermont Rd. Suite 201 Closter, NJ 07624 201-205-2735
ANDREW SPECTOR
Gentle Dentistry, PA 173 Terrace St. Haworth, NJ 07641 201-379-6746
LAWRENCE WEINER
Dr. Lawrence Weiner, DMD, PC 374 Clinton Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-5424
GALINA R. ZHUKOVA
Galina Zhukova, DDS 87 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-880-7480
ESHANSH ARORA
Sparkle Kids Dentistry 15-01 Broadway Suite 18 Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-475-1600
JASON M. AUERBACH
Riverside Oral Surgery 130 Kinderkamack Rd Suite 204 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-487-6565
DENNIS BARBIERI
New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, PC 16 Johnson Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-7353
SUNG HEE CHO
Riverside Oral Surgery 130 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 204 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-487-6565
KENNETH J. COLAMEO
New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, PC 16 Johnson Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-7353
MICHAEL A. COSTELLO
Costello Oral Surgery Associates 949 Spring Valley Rd. Maywood, NJ 07607 201-712-5556
ROBERT J. DEFALCO
Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 270 Spring Valley Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-262-2667
JASON DIAMOND
Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 401 Hackensack Ave. Suite 103 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297
JERALD S. FRIEDMAN
North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 315 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-692-7737
CHANG HAN
Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 401 Hackensack Ave. Suite 103 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297
LEE C. KOJANIS
Premier Oral Surgery Group, PC 617 E. Palisade Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-567-7500
VINCENT NOVELLI
Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 401 Hackensack Ave. Suite 103 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297
MARK PARK
Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 250 Old Hook Rd. Suite 202 Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-5656
MICHAEL PERRINO
Riverside Oral Surgery 300 Grand Ave. Suite 102 Englewood, NJ 07631 551-282-3194
JUSTIN P. RICHER
Riverside Oral Surgery 300 Grand Ave. Suite 102 Englewood, NJ 07631 551-282-3194
MANAF SAKER
Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center 385 S. Maple Ave. Suite 207 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-444-5355
ZEV SCHULHOF
North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 315 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-692-7737
NEIL A. THOMAN
Neil A. Thoman, DMD 1250 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-4452
NATHAN A.
New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, PC 16 Johnson Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-7353
JAMES J. BANCROFT
Bancroft-Dobrin Orthodontics 90 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-447-1611
HEATHER BROSNAN
Brosnan + Clark Orthodontics 47 Orient Way Rutherford, NJ 07070 201-935-8550
NATALIE CAPAN
Capan Orthodontics 580 Sylvan Ave. Suite 1M Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-569-9055
SALVATORE J. CARCARA
Carcara Orthodontics 70 W. Allendale Ave. Suite C Allendale, NJ 07401 201-312-6609
MARISSA CLEMENTE
Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-2888
MICHAEL CLEMENTE
Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-2888
NICOLE CLEMENTE
Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-2888
GWEN S. COHEN
Cohen Orthodontics
156 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah, NJ 07430 201-828-9188
Bancroft-Dobrin Orthodontics
90 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-447-1611
MICHAEL DUONG
Precision Orthodontics 148 Prospect St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-7447
JON GOLUB
Golub Orthodontics 2185 Lemoine Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-9208
MICHAEL GOLUB
Golub Orthodontics
2185 Lemoine Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-9208
CHRIS KOJANIS
Tenafly Orthodontic Associates, LLC 111 Dean Dr. Suite 2 Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-569-2112
RENÉE KOJANIS CUOMO
Tenafly Orthodontic Associates, LLC 111 Dean Dr. Suite 2 Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-569-2112
RACHEL KREINERSHAMASH
Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006
Ilya Lipkin, DDS 345 Old Hook Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-666-4646
PAUL J. MELONE
Melone Orthodontics 121 County Rd. Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-567-6606
GABE J. OLLINS
Pediatric Dental Associates, Inc. 195 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7024
MICHAEL A. PERILLO
Perillo Orthodontics 202-C LaSalle Ave. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-727-0988
KAREN REISNER
Smile Studio Orthodontics 80 Broadway, #2A Cresskill, NJ 07626 201-567-2224
Bergen Orthodontics
500 Piermont Rd. Closter, NJ 07624 201-768-4121
COREY TURK
Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006
JAMIE DIAMENT-GOLUB
Jamie Diament-Golub, DMD, PC and Associates 354 Old Hook Rd. Suite 104 Westwood, NJ 07675 201-722-0220
Golub Pediatric Dentistry 2185 Lemoine Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-7636
TAMAR GRUENBAUM
Ridgewood Valley Pediatric Dentistry
385 S. Maple Ave. Suite 107 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-652-2707
GERI KREINER-LITT
Kreiner Dental
45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006
RAINA LEE
Little Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry 1625 Anderson Ave. Suite 304 Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-224-2747
CYNTHIA A. PATTISON
Pediatric Dental Associates, Inc. 195 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7020
FRANK P. SCARTOZZI
Frank P. Scartozzi, DDS 550 Durie Ave. Suite 209 Closter, NJ 07624 201-750-9910
SARI C. ZIMMER
Pediatric Dental Associates, Inc. 195 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7020
DANIEL C. BARABAS
Ridgewood Periodontal & Implant Associates 413 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-447-0855
PAUL A. BARABAS
Ridgewood Periodontal & Implant Associates 413 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-447-0855
AKSHAY KUMAR
Affiliated Periodontists of North Jersey, PA 15 Emerald St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-5155
SHAHRAM LASHGARI
Ameri Dental Group 136 Broadway Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-843-0041
JOHN R. PULLMAN
Alpine Periodontics, PA 385 Clinton Ave. Suite 1 Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-6270
JERALD N. ROSENBERG
Fair Lawn Periodontics & Dental Implants
19-21 Fair Lawn Ave. Suite 2H Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-794-0260
GABRIEL M. STRAUSS
Periodontal Associates of NJ 20 W. Ivy Lane Englewood , NJ 07631 201-567-7766
MICHAEL J. VOSKIAN
HoHoKus Perio 204 Warren Ave. Suite 201 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-652-0080
CORY A. WANATICK
Cory Wanatick Periodontal Associates 1563 Parker Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-461-4133
MICHAEL S. YOUNG
Alpine Periodontics, PA 385 Clinton Ave. Suite 1 Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-6270
JULIANA YUN
Juliana Yun, DDS, PC 116 N. Franklin Tpke. Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-825-7677
JORGE E. BARRIOS
Jorge E. Barrios, DDS 75 Chestnut St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-4474
BRUCE W. BITZER
Bruce W. Bitzer, DMD 385 S. Maple Ave. Suite 113 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-652-0435
RYAN P. BURKE
Christensen Dental Associates
71 Franklin Tpke. Suite 1-1 Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-652-1569
PAUL W. GALITSIS
Dr. Galitsis & Dr. Bovino 345 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite D Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-0787
JOHN IANZANO
Dr. John Ianzano 545 Route 17 South Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-3453
MICHAEL W. KLOTZ
Prosthodontics of Ho-Ho-Kus 312 Warren Ave. Suite 1 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-444-9777
ROBERT T. MARTINI
Emerson Dental Associates 110 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 2A Emerson, NJ 07630 201-620-9998
GUILLERMO J. MOLINA
Guillermo J. Molina, DDS 1200 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-670-7774
Phillips Dentistry 235 Madison Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-5154
MARK SAMANI
Ridgewood Dental Associates 166 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-580-3875
Distinctive Dental Arts 696 Palisade Ave. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-836-0623
NICHOLAS A. VERO
Nicholas A. Vero, DDS 756 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-692-1919
Jason Diamond, D.D.S., MD Vincent P. Novelli, D.M.D., MD
Chang H. Han, D.D.S., MD Mark Park, D.M.D., MD
Sonia Francioni, D.M.D. Jason Gordon, D.D.S., MD
Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has four locations throughout Bergen County. With a steadfast goal of achieving excellence, BOMS consistently strives for quality patient outcomes that deliver greater peace of mind. The health and safety of patients and staff are always at the forefront and BOMS continues to lead the dental community with COVID-19 best practices and safeguards. To learn more, visit BergenOralSurgery.com.
Franklin Lakes • 794 Franklin Ave., Suite 202 • 201.808.8700
Hackensack • 401 Hackensack Ave., Continental Plaza, Suite 103 • 201.343.8297
Ridgewood • 1200 East Ridgewood Ave., Suite 102 • 201.444.4137 Westwood • 260 Old Hook Rd., East Building, Suite 202 • 201.664.5656
Serving Bergen County and surrounding areas for more than six decades, Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (BOMS) earned the Top Dentist Award for the fourth consecutive year. Committed to delivering the highest quality compassionate care to their patients, the expertly trained team of surgeons at BOMS continue to rise to the top of their industry. Their full scope of work includes wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery and more. BOMS holds a unique distinction in that five of their surgeons carry dual degrees in medicine and dentistry. Active in the communities they serve, BOMS is a steadfast supporter of many local service organizations, including Center for Safety & Change. BOMS is also a proud recipient of prominent industry awards, including Bergen Magazine Top Dentist for 2018, 2019 and 2021, and 201 Magazine Best Medical Dental Service for 2021.
JASON DIAMOND, DDS, MD, is both an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a physician who is board certified by both the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. Diamond earned his dental degree from Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine and his medical degree from The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he completed his one-year internship in general surgery and the prestigious six-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency.
VINCENT P. NOVELLI, DMD, MD, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician with surgical expertise centered on treating patients with congenital, acquired or traumatic problems of the oral cavity and maxillofacial skeleton. Additionally, he is also considered an expert in the field of cosmetic facial injectables. Dr. Novelli maintains hospital and teaching affiliations at Hackensack University Medical Center.
CHANG H. HAN, DDS, MD, is a Diplomate of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is extensively trained and well versed in anesthesia, dental implants, facial reconstructive surgery and orthognathic/corrective jaw surgery. He is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician who is licensed in both medicine and dentistry. He maintains clinical and teaching privileges at Columbia University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center.
MARK PARK, DMD, MD, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician. An active member of the Osteoscience Foundation, Dr. Park specializes in dental implantation surgery with emphasis on virtual and guided implant placement, orthognathic/corrective jaw surgery and bone grafting. He serves on the Smiles International Foundation, providing much-needed surgical care to underprivileged children with cleft lips and palates.
SONIA FRANCIONI, DMD, is a member of multiple associations including the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Francioni’s extensive training and expertise include dentoalveolar extractions, implant placement, bone grafting and more. Prior to relocating to New Jersey, Dr. Francioni owned her own practice in Northern Virginia where she was recognized as Top Oral Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine. In her free time, Dr. Francioni enjoys her family, outdoor activities and traveling back to Italy.
JASON GORDON, DDS, MD, maintains advanced training in orthognathic and dentoalveolar surgery with proficiencies in complex extractions and bone grafting, dental implantology and facial trauma. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician, Dr. Gordon has been published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
FOR OVER 60 YEARS, THIS BERGEN COUNTY LEGACY has been emulating its name, “Gentle Dentistry.” With a “patient always first philosophy,” Dr. Andrew Spector provides minimally invasive dental care supported by today’s most advanced technologies. A trusted expert in restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Spector specializes in two-visit smile makeovers and is celebrated in the field for his expertise in complete technology-driven care. “Our treatment goals revolve around one concept, utilizing technology and techniques that can simplify even the most complex procedures for our patients,” says Dr. Spector. Combined with a distinguished team of associates, specialists, and a highly trained compassionate staff, this full-service, multi-specialty practice is uniquely qualified to handle all of your dental needs under one roof.
With a focus on prevention, the team at Gentle Dentistry uses state-ofthe-art preventive programs to keep every patient’s needs at a minimum. They strive to perform the fastest and most accurate treatment during each phase whether your care includes dental implants, full- mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, periodontal, or general care. “It’s our never-ending mission to make your family’s dental care effortless and to ensure that every case is completed to the utmost of perfection,” says Dr. Spector.
Gentle Dentistry P.A. offers a comprehensive list of services including two-visit smile makeovers, Cerec™ single-visit crowns, Solea™ CO2 laser drill free fillings, LANAP (laser-assisted bone regeneration), minimallyinvasive guided implant surgery, and oral cancer screening. Further, the
practice offers outstanding results in snoring and sleep apnea treatment through the use of 3D airway imaging, seamless communication with your sleep medicine physician, and comfortable oral appliances. In addition to family care for all ages, Gentle Dentistry also offers implant alternatives to dentures, minimally invasive “microscopic” root canals, and oral surgery.
“When consulting with a patient who is interested in cosmetic care, my first priority is to listen so that I can craft the smile that together we envision,” Dr. Spector adds. “Our digital previews allow the patient to “try on” the smile and experience how a well-done smile makeover can change their lives.” His long-standing relationship with a New York based world-renowned aesthetic lab helps create unique and personalized smile designs that have become his signature.
Dr. Spector is a passionate educator and renowned lecturer. He has trained over 3,500 dentists on the newest techniques and restorations and teaches hands-on, nationally-recognized coursework to aspiring esthetic and implant dentists around the world. Dr. Spector has been awarded Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry, The International Congress of Oral Implantology, and The International Academy of
Dental-Facial Aesthetics, and is a graduate of the Americus Center for Aesthetic Dentistry. His stellar training includes a two-year residency program in Full Mouth Rehabilitation and a two year degree in Surgical Restorative Implantology at New York University. He has also served as Clinical Associate Professor at New York University, teaching surgical and prosthetic implantology.
A visit to Gentle Dentistry will forever change the way you look at dental care.
PATIENTS WHO THOUGHT THEY’D NEVER SMILE AGAIN come to Dr. Rolando Cibischino because of his comprehensive knowledge of facial musculature issues. Understanding how to naturally frame a smile can make all the difference in a well-balanced smile design, or one that’s not. Dr. Cibischino, a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, continues his education on advancements using facial injectables to perfect a patient’s smile. In addition to his family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Cibsichino is a TMJ specialist treating oro facial pain and sleep disorders. His goal is to become a holistic part of every patient’s overall
healthcare team. Dr. Cibischino’s distinguished continuing education and training includes attending the world-renowned Pankey Institute and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry. In addition, he teaches at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Meet Dr. Cibischino and you’ll know why generations of patients trust his cosmetic, restorative and general dental work. Dr. Cibischino and his team’s focus has always been, and will continue to be, providing the safest and most healthy environment for their patients.
IN 2007, WHEN HE FOUNDED RIVERSIDE ORAL SURGERY, DR. JASON M. AUERBACH knew that in his hopes to create an unparalleled practice, that he would never compromise on one thing – always redefining and cultivating the optimal patient experience. Today, with the recent strategic partnership with Oral Surgery Group, the practice, now with 13 locations, is the preeminent full scope oral and maxillofacial surgeon-led specialty platform in the northeast.
With the profession experiencing a rise in consolidation through the growing involvement of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and private equity firms often prioritizing financial goals, Riverside Oral Surgery has stayed true to its vision by upholding its commitment to growth while never losing touch with its patients and to its responsibility to provide the latest in clinical excellence. Although there are certainly financial benefits to consolidation, the like-minded team of distinguished practitioners at Riverside maintain their focus on providing the highest level of patient care rather than being driven by the bottom line. Additionally, as the growing concern around the loss of autonomy and control
mounts with the consolidation model, Riverside places a premium on surgeon autonomy and integrity, independent practice identity, and a comprehensive and diverse approach to oral care provided by fellowshiptrained and board-certified specialists.
At the forefront of clinical and scientific innovations in oral and maxillofacial surgery, collectively, the specialists understand their responsibility to further the profession. In addition to a clinical practice, Riverside Oral Surgery provides professional skill advancement through its world-renowned training program and has developed an extensive CE program in partnership with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). As thought leaders for professional education, they share their expertise in the nuances of patient care, advancements in technology, cancer awareness, and why the integration of dental medicine into primary care and behavioral health leads to overall good health and wellness. In trailblazing the field, they lead conversations and encourage ideas; always doing so with compassion, grace and respect.
662 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432 • 201.447.5555 • www.midlandparkfamilydentistry.com team@midlandparkfamilydentistry.com
COMMITTED TO DELIVERING HIGH-QUALITY, INNOVATIVE DENTISTRY in a patient-focused atmosphere is what Dr. “Tony” and his friendly, knowledgeable staff at Midland Park Family Dentistry promise every patient, every visit.
Recognizing that his patients have choices, Dr. Tony knows it takes more than knowledge and experience to stand out. Delivering the best patient experience requires staying ahead of the curve and at the forefront of the dental profession. He continually invests in the latest dental technologies, methodologies, and approaches to deliver the results his patients deserve. The oral health and well-being of his patients are always top priority.
Additionally, Midland Park Family Dentistry is 100% committed to expanding its team. Dr. Tony and Dr. Bjorn Thorsen have welcomed Dr. Michael Russo to the practice. “Whenever you bring new people into the mix, you get new ideas and energy and see things a little bit differently,” says Dr. Tony. “We do it all intentionally so we can bring that dynamic to the practice and, ultimately, our patients.”
A dedication to affordability combined with a steadfast deliverance of groundbreaking dentistry has enabled the practice to earn the trust and confidence of its patients… generation after generation. Alongside his team, Dr. Tony has created an in-house Care Plus Program. Many patients take advantage of the program and thank the team for helping them receive optimal dental care at reduced fees.
“Our practice treats generations of patients, sometimes all here together,” says Dr. Bjorn. “It’s a very family-focused atmosphere, which I think is something not every office brings to patients.”
Midland Park Family Dentistry continues to expand, offering extended evening hours two days per week and Saturday appointments. Proud of his Bergen County roots, Dr. Tony along with his team welcome you to be a part of the family.
FOR OVER 20 YEARS, DR. DAYNA CASSANDRA Dr. Dayna Cassandra has stayed true to her vision by always giving her best to every patient. Her greatest joy is delivering quality dental care that affords her patients lifelong confidence, comfort and beauty to feel good about the investment they’ve made in their smiles.
In that pursuit, this year she increased the practice capabilities with the addition of 3D imaging, 3D printing and treatment planning software for digital smile design. Combined with proven principles and existing concepts in dentistry, this technology helps to deliver outstanding smiles and, most importantly, long-term function and desired aesthetics contributing to overall physical and mental wellness.
Driven by the challenge of tackling the toughest cases, Dr. Cassandra works diligently to uncover the underlying reasons why a person’s smile may change over time or to understand the specifics of tooth wear and
decay. Dr. Cassandra knows that education and information sharing lie at the core of her discoveries and in her ability to achieve positive patient outcomes. “Knowledge is the fundamental ingredient for success in my practice and a responsibility I take to heart in preparing my students to deliver great dentistry,” says Dr. Cassandra. As a teacher at NYU’s School of Continuing Dental Education, she brings new concepts and skills back to her private practice offering the most advanced dentistry to her patients.
Alternatively, in bringing case examples from her private practice to the NYU CDE program, participants get exposure to actual situations and solutions, helping them to understand diverse perspectives and make practical connections to the “real world.’’ Of all her many contributions to the profession, sharing her knowledge and experience and seeing others grow and develop is one of her proudest accomplishments.
“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 lives with intention. It’s a calling she attributes to her loving family for believing in her and supporting her journey. Her late father, the first Korean dentist in New York City, offered advice that resonates with Dr. Yun daily and guides her patient care philosophy, “Never forget that the mouth you are treating is connected to a human being with feelings and emotions.”
Celebrating 25 years in private practice, Dr. Yun’s expansive career includes service in the United States Navy, where she worked with colleagues from every part of the globe helping to sharpen her skills, shape her integrity and prepare her for the discipline necessary to face the challenges of the dental profession.
As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Yun offers a wide scope of periodontics, focusing on the healing aspect of dentistry and the importance of a well-balanced life. Her proudest accomplishment is the personal connection she has fostered with her patients and the practice’s loyal and dedicated team. Dr. Yun knows that by empowering her employees, they have greater job satisfaction and a stronger commitment to the practice. Her very capable, tightly connected female staff shares a mutual respect that transfers to every one of her patients. Fostering an environment of trust and kinship, Dr. Yun offers patients more control and a deeper understanding of treatment leading to the heart of true patient care.
MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, DR. JOHN MINICHETTI began practicing cosmetic and implant dentistry as an innovative solution to replacing missing teeth and improving smiles. Dr. Minichetti and his team are leaders in the dental community, addressing both simple and complicated cases with the same degree of attention and expertise.
The practice is supported by experienced general and cosmetic dentists, including Dr. Anna Hong, Dr. Joseph D’Amore, and Dr. Cara Minichetti. Dr. Minichetti and his associates utilize new techniques and digital technology, while also working as faculty members to teach dentists at Englewood Hospital. “That’s what keeps us cutting edge,” explains Dr. Minichetti. “We are very involved in teaching other dentists current trends in dentistry.”
Dr. Minichetti’s office is Bergen County’s forefront facility for cosmetic and implant procedures and provides quality comprehensive care in general, pediatric, laser, facial aesthetics and orthodontic dentistry.
The practice hosts an in-house lab, digital X-rays, a board-certified anesthesiologist and a specialized surgical suite. Dr. Minichetti often receives patient referrals from other dentists. As Director of the Dental Residency Program at Englewood Hospital and Past-President of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Dr. Minichetti brings expertise to his practice and enjoys teaching clinicians from around the world. Testimonials from colleagues and patients agree that Dr. Minichetti’s staff sets the standards for quality dental care.
FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, DR. BRAM ALSTER has been dedicated to improving the oral health of New Jersey families. For the past eight years, Dr. Alster is proud to have his son, Dr. Jason Alster, practice with him carrying on the long-standing tradition of superior family and cosmetic dental care. Together with their staff, they deliver uncompromised quality and comfort to provide patients with healthy, beautiful smiles. “Delivering nothing short of excellence with integrity remains our ultimate goal,” says Dr. Bram Alster.
Both doctors emphasize the importance of educating patients by explaining different options for appropriate treatment. “It’s important that patients feel physically and mentally at ease,” says Dr. Jason Alster. “Our entire team helps achieve this important objective!” In their welcoming
state-of-the-art office, services include dental implants, crowns, porcelain veneers, bonding, whitening, Invisalign, and now Botox. Cosmetic procedures are performed to look natural and subtle. ”We design smiles that conform to a patient’s facial features to achieve a harmonious, beautiful appearance,” notes the father-son team.
Dr. Jason teaches dental residents at Hackensack University Medical Center and also practices part-time in Manhattan. He is a member of the Bergen/Rockland Dental Study Club. Dr. Bram remains on staff at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. Both doctors are members of the ADA, AGD and are ”Fellows” of the International Academy of Oral Implantologists.
THE DOCTORS OF ROMAN DENTAL ARTS have over 40 years combined experience and training, providing their patients with exceptional care and attention. Dr.’s Donald and Alissa Roman exemplify a practice of two generations of dentists whose philosophy is to provide personalized care and attention to their patients. The entire staff embodies the doctors’ ideals that the expectations of their patients should be exceeded at each and every visit. Roman Dental Arts knows that without exceptional dental health, one cannot have ideal general well-being.
Dr. Donald is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, a qualification held by less than 2% of dentists nationwide. Dr. Alissa is on track to receive her Fellowship and Master’s from the AGD, being amongst the youngest dentists to reach this level of training.
To attain this standing, a minimum of 1,100 hours of rigorous training and examinations must be satisfactorily accomplished. The Doctors understand that providing cutting edge care and lasting results requires a commitment to postgraduate dental education.
Both doctors believe in employing the latest techniques in dental care, from laser therapy for shot-free fillings, single-visit crowns and veneers, to digital and 3D dental radiographs for precise diagnosis, and guided surgery for dental implant placement.
Roman Dental Arts continuously invests in cutting edge technology and equipment in order to provide their patients with the best and most comfortable care possible. Dr. Donald and Alissa Roman believe that “Our Family is here to care for Your Family like no other dental office.”
DR. MICHAEL KLOTZ LOVES BEING A DENTIST. After earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree (D.M.D) at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Dr. Klotz went on to study Prosthodontics, the dental specialty of implant, aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry. He was accepted into a competitive three-year residency program in Prosthodontics at the University of Connecticut Health Center. During his post-graduate training, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Dental Science (M.Dent.Sc), concentrating his research on the bio-mechanics of dental implants. Dr. Klotz continued his education with a fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Here, he cared for the complex needs of patients with head and neck cancer. While at MSKCC, he completed board certification in Prosthodontics, the most demanding and highest honor in the specialty. Using his advanced training, Dr. Klotz continuously strives for the highest level of patient care and satisfaction. “I chose Prosthodontics as a way to
help my patients with difficult dental issues as well as satisfy my passion for aesthetic and implant dentistry,” says Dr. Klotz. “My goal is to deliver extremely natural and high-quality dentistry both comfortably and efficiently.”
Dr. Klotz and his team pride themselves on diligence and integrity, giving patients all of their options. An in-house laboratory allows Dr. Klotz to offer the highest standard in dental restorations, fabricated in a timely fashion. While his office specializes in Prosthodontics, they also take care of the general needs of all patients young and old. “We treat all our patients like our own family members and take care of any of their dental needs in a thorough yet easy-going atmosphere.”
Dr. Klotz has published in peer-reviewed dental journals and has lectured nationally on various topics in Prosthodontics and Implant dentistry. His greatest reward is completing life-changing dentistry and creating long-lasting relationships with his patients.
DRS. MARK SAMANI AND JIN HA JOUNG ARE HUMBLED AND PROUD to consistently be considered among Bergen County and New Jersey’s Top Dentists for almost 15 years. From providing the highest quality adult restorative and implant dentistry to teaching dental students and dentists, the doctors take their role as leaders in the field of advanced dentistry very seriously.
Dr. Samani, a Prosthodontist, has 25+ years of experience in adult restorative implant dentistry. He lectures extensively on all aspects of dental implants and sleep apnea and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine since 2000.
Dr. Joung, a Prosthodontist and a board-certified Periodontist, is one of only a handful of doctors in the country to be trained in both specialties. As a dual specialist, he has a unique perspective in comprehensive care and treatment planning in the most complex cases.
Ridgewood Dental Associates (RDA) continues to be Bergen County’s stronghold for adult restorative, implant and esthetic dentistry. To this end, the doctors have created the Ridgewood Implant Institute (RII) at RDA which offers All-on-4® CE courses to general dentists educating them on every facet of the All-on-4® treatment. Additionally, patients have the opportunity to participate in this program for a reduced fee. The RII Conference Room provides a venue for practitioners to comfortably watch live streamed surgeries being performed in the Surgical Suite by the doctors for our exclusive All-on-4® CE course. We invite you to contact our office for more information.
AS THE OLD WISE PROVERB SAYS, “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Dr. Michael Duong is one of those lucky individuals to realize the profession that perfectly aligns with his strengths. His keen visual perception, mastery of science and excellent diagnostic skills, made orthodontics a no brainer.
Dr. Duong’s proudest accomplishment of his career is building his own practice. “I love coming to work. My team is super energetic, warm and caring. The patients we care for and the families we get to know are the epitome of each day,” says Dr. Duong. “Listening to the kid’s stories and watching them grow into beautiful adults is heartening. I treat patients of all ages and I take pride in knowing that they acquire a boost of confidence when facing the world with a beautiful smile.”
With technology constantly evolving, Dr. Duong teaches to stay on the cutting edge. He is an assistant clinical professor at Columbia University
where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and orthodontic specialty training.
A stickler for making sure that treatment is working right and moving along as quickly as possible, Dr. Duong made the conscious decision to practice solo. Since 2010, when he first opened his doors, the practice has been growing. The doors are finally open to Dr. Duong’s new location in the heart of downtown, Ridgewood. Their super new modern office is equipped with the most advanced technology and provides the highest quality of care.
Dr. Duong is a strong believer in giving back to the community at the grassroots level where he can make a direct impact on his patients and their families. He donates to local schools, teams and religious institutions.
Fred A. Puccio, D.D.S. Midland Family Dental Care 243 Morse Ave., Wyckoff, 201.485.8847 • 765 Midland Ave., Garfield, • 973.340.4484 www.midlandfamilydental.com
WITH TWO OFFICES AND AN OUTSTANDING TEAM OF FIVE DENTAL PROFESSIONALS, including an endodontist and oral surgeon, Midland Family Dental Care will meet all your family’s dental needs. For over 25 years, Dr. Fred A. Puccio has become one of the most respected names in the field. A leader in digital dentistry, Dr. Puccio is proud that “we provide the latest in cutting edge technology so that our patients receive the safest, most precise dental care available.
Midland Family Dental Care provides general dentistry, preventive care and a multitude of other services, including full mouth reconstruction, dental implants, root canals, complete smile makeovers, veneers, Invisalign, oral surgery, laser periodontal gum therapy, Botox, and facial fillers. In addition, a specialty of the practice, which is in high demand, is the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disturbances and sleep apnea from children to adults.
Dr. Puccio can restore a patient’s mouth in just one day with either dental implants or porcelain restorations using Cad/Cam CEREC Technology, eliminating the need for messy impressions, temporaries, and multiple office visits. With the use of SOLEA, newest laser technology, they can restore a broken tooth or cavity without needles.
Dr. Puccio is pleased to offer Solea Sleep, a new laser therapy that provides relief for snoring. A 10-minute, one-time treatment, Solea gently tightens tissue in the soft palate, reducing vibrations that cause snoring.
Dr. Puccio attended New York University as an undergraduate, as well as NYU’s College of Dentistry. Additionally, Dr. Puccio is an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at New York University College of Dentistry in the Honors Aesthetic Clinic, where he relays his extensive knowledge of new dental digital technology and how it applies to cosmetic dentistry.
COMMITTED TO DELIVERING RESULTS, Drs. Christensen and Burke know that the calm atmosphere they have created in their office goes a long way in keeping their patients relaxed and comfortable. The doctors maintain open dialogue with patients and educate them about their recommended procedures. This communication creates trust, keeps treatment efficient, and gives patients confidence that they are getting the exact treatment to address their unique situations and optimize their oral health.
Christensen Dental Associates is a comprehensive dental office and provides care for the entire family. The doctors perform general and cosmetic dentistry including preventative exams, fillings, extractions, teeth whitening, CEREC (same-day crowns) and neuromuscular dentistry. In addition, the doctors perform dental implant procedures in the office including a same-day procedure that eliminates the need for removable
dentures. The office uses cutting-edge technology including, but not limited to CT Scans, 3D printing, in-office milling, and digital software that delivers more accurate results and eliminates the need for impression materials. Patients are especially happy to be able to see a preview of their new smile before work begins.
The two doctors and their friendly staff go out of their way to make every patient feel at ease and are attentive to those with dental anxiety.
Christensen Dental Associates practice has earned its stellar reputation for many reasons. Patient reviews praise the doctors and the staff for being caring and gentle, but also for being mindful of punctuality and professionalism. The doctors are proud that many of their patients come to them through personal referrals, and that many travel to the office from out of the area.
Allendale
THIS PAST YEAR, WHEN DR. JOHN SARAYDARIAN TOOK A LEAP to more than double the size of his general and cosmetic dental practice, he did so without a moment’s hesitation. Above all, Dr. Saraydarian is driven by one goal – to provide his patients a simple and pleasurable dental experience.
Now with 17 operatories, Dr. Saraydarian and his associates, Jenna Earnhardt and Jennifer Kim, have the capacity to better accommodate their patients, upholding a commitment to provide the highest quality of dental care with a comprehensive approach to overall patient health.
With the additional space, Dr. Saraydarian realized another dream in patient care. He hopes to build on his vision in the coming months by inviting other industry specialists to come on board to enhance the practice’s scope of dental services.
According to Dr. Saraydarian, “Honesty, integrity and a quality treatment are the goals I’ve strived for since opening my practice in 2004. While staying true to our basic tenets, the expansion allows us to better serve both the health and scheduling needs of our patients. I consider my patients an extension of my family and I practice with genuine respect, thoughtfulness and sensitivity. First and foremost, we listen to our patient’s concerns.”
This philosophy has proven successful with frequent referrals and glowing word-of-mouth endorsements, which have spurred their growth. With a focus on preventative care, the dentists integrate innovative, state-of-the-art cosmetic and restorative dentistry in a friendly, relaxing environment using the most up-to-date technology. Ultimately, their objective is to establish every patient’s smile on a solid foundation that will promote excellent dental health throughout their lifetime.
DR. ZAHRA HOSSEINI’S PRIMARY GOAL in the practice of dentistry is always to save teeth. Because teeth don’t hurt until it’s too late, she reminds her patients about the importance of regular checkups where treatment plans are established through open communication and with clear, achievable goals. With today’s modern technology, Dr. Hosseini takes every step necessary to prevent tooth loss and the need for root canal procedures by paying close attention to even the smallest of details.
As a military-trained dentist, Dr. Hosseini has been instilled with skills and principles that have guided her in providing excellent care to her patients and their families. Knowing there can be no shortcuts in dentistry, Dr. Hosseini practices methodically showing patients a step-bystep course of action using the highest quality materials.
Now in her 13th year in private practice in Hackensack, Dr. Hosseini’s overwhelming growth has given her the impetus to expand. This past fall, Dr. Hosseini took over a practice in Ridgewood and, in just a few short months, has established a strong following in her new location. Dr. Hosseini takes pride in welcoming patients from near and far for her personalized gentle general dentistry skills and her special expertise in advanced cosmetic dentistry.
Most of all, Dr. Hosseini and her dedicated team want you to think of their office as your dental home; a place where your overall health needs are always their top priority.
family practice that has been creating beautiful smiles for both adults and children for over 30 years! Now a father- daughter practice, Dr. Chris Kojanis and Dr. Renee Kojanis-Cuomo have earned a reputation among patients and dental peers for high quality, compassionate care. Personalized one-on-one treatment is provided at the highest level with care performed exclusively by the doctors.
Dr. Chris Kojanis has been in private practice in Tenafly for almost 40 years, providing patients with a modern and welcoming approach to orthodontics. He earned his doctorate of dental surgery at the New York University College of Dentistry and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Honor Society. He went on to pursue postgraduate studies in Orthodontics at the School of Dentistry at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
A Tenafly native, Dr. Renee Kojanis-Cuomo was class valedictorian at New York University College of Dentistry and pursued her postgraduate studies in Orthodontics at Columbia University. A board-certified orthodontist, she gained some of the best training in the country when it comes to treating both children and adults as they progress through traditional fixed braces and Invisalign®.
The doctors are especially grateful to their dedicated staff who work together to ensure that every patient feels relaxed and is treated with dignity and respect. Built around family values for three decades, the doctors take great pride in the fact that the majority of their patients are referrals from current and former patients. Knowing that orthodontic care is a big commitment and an important decision, they encourage complimentary consultations where you will receive their undivided attention so you leave the office with a complete understanding of what lies ahead on your venture toward a confident, natural smile.
DR. JODY BARDASH, DR. MICHELLE MIRZA AND DR. ARI BARDASH of Dental Professionals of Fairlawn have a clear goal—to give every patient the gift of a brilliant smile to let their self-confidence shine through. Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, a comprehensive, state-of-the-art dental facility, uses the most advanced techniques for general and cosmetic dentistry to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles for life. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Bardash has gained a reputation as one of the finest cosmetic dentists in the country specializing in all aspects of full mouth reconstruction. Because he’s known for helping every patient recover their positive self-image with a new, beautiful smile, Dr. Bardash is consistently recognized as a Top Dentist. From 2003 to present day, Dr. Bardash has also been recognized as one of the top dentists in the country by the prestigious Consumers’ Research Council of America.
As a Premier Invisalign Provider, the Doctors also treat teenagers and adult patients with this advanced orthodontic treatment to avoid metal braces. Invisalign can achieve straighter teeth using customized clear trays that help to shift the teeth into the desired position while addressing multiple issues such as crossbites, overbites, underbites and misaligned teeth.
Dr. Bardash currently serves as an attending in the dental residency program at Hackensack University Medical Center as well as Englewood Hospital, and he is a member of a number of prestigious associations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Bardash donates his time and talents to the Health & Humanitarian Aid Foundation (HHAF) as a member of the dental outreach mission by treating villagers living in the impoverished jungles of Ghana, Africa.
Yael Kryzman, D.D.S.
Palisades Dental Care
47 East Madison Ave., Dumont, NJ 07628 • 201.568.9811 • www.palisadesdentalcare.com
“I AM A DENTIST WHO FEARS GOING TO THE DENTIST,” SAYS DR. YAEL KRYZMAN. “My fear gave birth to a dream. What if I could create a dental practice that I would love to visit, that patients would love to visit?”
That is how Palisades Dental Care was born.
Dr. Kryzman from Palisades Dental Care, Dumont, NJ, can prove that going to the dentist can be a pleasant experience. Dr. Kryzman gives her patients a lot of reasons to have a pleasant dental visit: a welcoming office and meticulous and personalized care. “One of my greatest strengths is connecting with patients,” says Dr. Yael Kryzman. “Our mission statement is to provide our patients with dental services that come from the heart and deliver the best outcomes possible with no exceptions. We love connecting with our patients as a whole person, not just their teeth.”
After practicing for over ten years in Cresskill, Dr. Kryzman and her team moved to their new home - a state-of-the-art, beautiful, and modern
new facility in Dumont, NJ. Now with ten operatories, Dr. Kryzman and her associates have the capacity to better accommodate their patients, upholding a commitment to provide the highest quality of dental care for the whole family. A team of general dentists, an oral surgeon, a periodontist, and a pediatric dentist provides world-class dentistry using the latest skills and technology, such as 3D intraoral scanning and sameday in-office milling, conveniently available under one roof. Dr. Kryzman specializes in Digital Smile Design, which allows patients to preview their new smile before work begins. Palisades Dental Kids - the pediatric wing - is a fun-filled pediatric dental experience with interactive games and ceiling TVs, all designed for children’s comfort.
Dr. Kryzman and her team love designing smiles & paying attention to every detail. They invite prospective patients to visit their office for consultations.
696 Palisade Ave., Teaneck, NJ 07666 • 201.836.0623 • distinctivedentalnj.com
THOROUGH AND FRIENDLY are words patients consistently use to describe their experience at Distinctive Dental Arts. Dr. Peter Tsatsaronis is proud of the long-term relationships he has built with his patients over time.
Dr. Tsatsaronis provides quality comprehensive dentistry, ranging from cleanings and preventive exams to prosthodontics, dental implants and cosmetic dental services. He performs complex dental reconstruction and employs only the latest digital and 3-D technology, which allows for crown placement in one visit. Dr. Pete is committed to continuing education to remain at the forefront of his profession.
After receiving both his Doctor of Dental Medicine and his postdoctoral degree in prosthodontics from Tufts University in Boston, Dr. Tsatsaronis taught at both Tufts University and at Hackensack Medical Center.
Dr. Pete’s goal is to help patients maintain all of their teeth in maximum health through treatment focused on comfort, function, and appearance. He and his staff are dedicated to providing personalized treatment options delivered with a minimum of stress and expense.
290 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506 • 973.423.0789 • 119 1st St., Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 • 201.251.8131 1777 Hamburg Tpke., Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973.835.7500 • www.njrootcanal.com
NEW JERSEY ROOT CANAL HAS BEEN SAVING TEETH for 30 years. Dr. Brian Trava established the practice in 1990, and later added offices in Ho-Ho-Kus, Oradell and Wayne. Endodontics is the specialty of saving your natural teeth and diagnosing facial pain. This may encompass root canal, correcting a failing root canal, treating traumatized teeth, and stem cell therapy to stop a child from having a root canal.
The standard of care of endodontics has been raised using technology such as 3D imaging, surgical microscopes and researched-based sterilization techniques. 3D imaging and surgical microscopes help us detect extra roots and infection not seen by traditional methods, leading to a higher degree of eliminating infection. Longevity and quality of life are increasing in our population. Studies show it is more cost- and healtheffective to save your natural teeth. Children are an important part of our practice. Trauma can have long-term ramifications from a dental and legal perspective, if not handled properly for the first time. Always seek a second opinion.
Special needs patients can range from apprehensive to Autistic—specific areas that take understanding and a working knowledge of root canal treatment and restoration.
617 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 • 201.567.7500
375 S. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, NJ 07621 • 201.385.0775 • www.premieroralsurgerygroup.com
DR. LEE KOJANIS IS A FOUR-TIME CONSECUTIVE BEST-OF-BERGEN WINNER and co-owner of Premier Oral Surgery Group. He focuses on dental implant surgery, wisdom teeth extractions, bone grafting, Botox/Fillers, TMJ management, outpatient sedation, jaw corrective surgery, and maxillofacial trauma. He is known in the community for providing his patients with the best possible care in a warm and comforting environment.
Dr. Kojanis earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and graduated with honors from New York University College of Dentistry in 2014. He subsequently completed a highly reputable four-year oral and maxillofacial surgery program at New York University/Bellevue Hospital Center. Upon completion of the program, he was credentialed as faculty where he continues to train residents on the latest and newest technological advances in the field.
Dr. Kojanis is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is also Section Chief of the Department of Oral Surgery at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center.
67 Summit Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 • 201.343.5111 • www.inessaslavindds.com
DR. INESSA SLAVIN INTENTIONALLY KEEPS HER PRACTICE SMALL so she can give each patient the time they deserve in an environment that is gentle and caring. Although home is in Brooklyn, the small communities of New Jersey were always endearing to Dr. Slavin and, in 2006, she chose to open her practice in the close-knit city of Hackensack. Dr. Slavin’s office is conveniently located next to the Hackensack University Medical Center.
A graduate of New York College of Dentistry, Dr. Slavin settles for nothing less than superior service, taking time to listen and understand her patient’s needs and concerns. When a procedure is not in her area of focus, Dr. Slavin works closely with specialists in every field of dentistry making sure her patients get just the right attention and care.
A first-generation dentist, Dr. Slavin encourages others in her family to follow in her footsteps and takes pride in the fact that many of the student patients who have interned in her office have gone on to dental school.
172 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.444.4050 • www.theridgewooddentist.com
THE THIRTY-FIRST YEAR OF MY PRACTICE IN RIDGEWOOD HAS INSPIRED REFLECTION AND PRIDE.
I joined the practice in 1992 as both a new bride and dentist. My husband, Larry Passarelli, and I worked hard to grow the practice his father founded in 1961. Having it thrive and develop while forming lasting relationships was always our goal. We continually aspire to make our general practice better, a true sense of family where excellent cosmetic and restorative care in addition to routine maintenance is provided with empathy and dignity. It has been a challenge over the years for so many reasons and we, as a practice, have learned to evolve and grow. We could not have done it alone. Our incredible staff has been there through it all. They are truly family and having developed such an amazing team is one of our finest accomplishments.
As the remaining Passarelli looking to the future, my goal is to continue to serve the community and to enhance and grow patient relationships by providing excellent care in a skillful and compassionate manner.
Clemente Orthodontics
60 W Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.447.2888
595 Chestnut Ridge Road Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 • 201.484.0600 www.clementeorthodontics.com
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES IN A FAMILY-OWNED PRACTICE: that’s what you’ll find at Clemente Orthodontics. Clemente Orthodontics has been treating patients in the area for over 35 years. Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, Drs. Nicole and Marissa Clemente, provide the complete array of modern orthodontic treatments and their patients range in age from 6 to 96.
Clemente Orthodontics always uses the latest technology available and couples that with their team’s vast experience to provide the best possible experience for their patients. With large private operatories; comfortable waiting rooms; convenient hours; all digital scanning processes; 100% complimentary initial consultations; and free on-site parking at all (3) locations… Clemente makes taking care of your orthodontic needs as easy as possible.
They are the #1 provider of Invisalign clear aligners in both Bergen and Rockland, holding the coveted Diamond Plus rating. Aside from Invisalign, they also treat with early-stage growth modification appliances; micro-mini braces; or whatever modality their patient’s need calls for. This long-standing family operated practice has (3) locations in Ridgewood and Woodcliff Lake, NJ as well as New City, NY.
Phillips Dentistry
235 Madison Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201.891.5154
• phillipsdentistry.com
REHABILITATION, Dr. Glenn Phillips offers his patients the most advanced implant prosthetics. His advanced surgical skills combined with porcelain engineering are used to achieve precision aesthetic results in his Cosmetic Dental Practice. Having earned degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Mathematics from Vanderbilt University prior to graduating from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Dr. Phillips possesses impressive skill. He is passionate about curing Obstructive Sleep Apnea and utilizes his biomedical training to provide oral appliance therapy for relief of symptoms such as snoring and sleeprelated difficulties.
Periodontal
20 West Ivy Ln., Englewood, NJ 07631 201.567.7766 • www.periodontalassociatesnj.com
BOARD-CERTIFIED PERIODONTIST, DR. GABRIEL M. STRAUSS CONTINUES THE LEGACY OF SUPERIOR DENTAL SERVICE THAT HAS BEEN THE HALLMARK OF PERIODONTAL ASSOCIATES OF NJ FOR ALMOST 70 YEARS.
Dr. Strauss specializes in all aspects of gum disease from mild to advanced cases and is involved in cutting-edge research and specialty procedures. He takes a conservative approach using the latest non-surgical and surgical techniques to save teeth, restore a patient’s periodontal health and prevent the development of future problems. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, he continued his studies completing a specialty in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at Rutgers University. Dr. Strauss has strong ties to the Bergen County community including close relationships with many of the area’s colleagues.
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
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
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
THE CHEF’S TABLE 754 Franklin Ave. 201.891.6644 tctnj.com
SUSHI COCORO 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com
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
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
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
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 Island Rd. 201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com
NAGOYA MacArthur Blvd. 201.818.9933 nagoyacuisine.com
NONNA’S Franklin Tpke. 201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com
ROXANNE’S Franklin Tpke. 201.529.0007 roxannes restaurant.com
SANGRIA MacArthur Blvd. 201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com
STATE LINE DINER Rte. 17 N. 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com
MAYWOOD ANGELO’S GREEK TAVERNA Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektavernanj.com
MAYWOOD INN’S DOOR TAVERN W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com
MAYWOOD PANCAKE HOUSE 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
NORTHVALE 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
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
RIVER VALE 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
RUTHERFORD
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
Don’t let the name fool you. This cocktail has plenty of bite—the good kind—thanks to splashes of sweet and sour.
Yields: 1 serving
n ½ cup blackberries, extra for garnish n ¾ Tbs. caster sugar n ½ tsp. of vanilla extract n ½ oz. fresh lemon juice n 1½ oz. vodka n 3-4 blocks of ice n soda water to top up n raspberries, for garnish
Chill the glass in the freezer for 2-3 minutes and get your other ingredients prepped whilst the glass is chilling. Put half of your blackberries in the glass, along with your sugar and vanilla extract. Then muddle the ingredients together. From there add your lemon juice and vodka and then stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the rest of the blackberries and your ice. Top up the drink almost to the top of the glass with soda water and then give the drink a few more stirs. Thread a piece of raspberry and blackberry onto a toothpick, and then place on the rim of your glass as a garnish. Serve and enjoy!
n
Try using a blackberry purée when muddling the blackberries to get a sweeter and stronger taste. If you enjoy a stronger drink, top it off with Prosecco instead of club soda— this will add the same effect and give the drink a little bit of extra kick!”
This tasty, bold cuisine gains another representation in Cresskill—and it’s well worthwhile.
You won’t be far off if you consider downtown Cresskill as the county’s destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Food from the culinarily rich region is featured at a trio of eateries, with Chef Mediterranean, which specializes in Turkish dishes, the new kid on the block.
The minimalist dining room was quite lively when a friend and I visited on a rainy Thursday night. The restaurant doesn’t serve cocktails—it’s BYOB, and nearly all the other parties had brought with them a bottle or two. But chalk up the good vibes to more than just booze; each table had its own feast, and patrons were sharing laughs in a variety of languages.
We joined the revelry, ordering a pair of appetizers to go along with the complimentary breadbasket and olives. The first was avoghanoush, smoky pureéd eggplant blended with garlic and avocado. Though this dish is a novel item (and certainly delicious), the avo didn’t elevate the dish much in terms of flavor over traditional babaganoush—which is also on the menu of cold apps. It did, however, bring a bright electric-green hue to the table.
Our second starter was a hot offering: fried calamari. The version here is light on breading and heavy on the savory squid flavor—just how my friend and I like it. And each piece (rings, no tentacles) was piping hot, another refreshing difference between Chef Mediterranean and other establishments.
Despite the busy dinnertime, our server was very attentive to our progress, ensuring that we had consumed enough of our appetizers before asking about our readiness for entrées. He brought them out to our delight; pirzola (lamb chops) for me, and chicken chops for my tablemate. Four juicy lamb chops, each cooked a perfect medium rare, sat on a bed of fluffy, flavored rice (a pilaf of sorts) with a grilled tomato, onions and other veggies on the side. The succulent chops were super-tender, though a touch bland for my taste. Fortunately, I ate each cut with a forkful of rice, and the meat’s lackluster flavor was soon forgotten.
Meanwhile, my friend’s chicken chops (thighs shaped into a “chop”) were just as juicy but oozing with plenty of flavor. They came with the same rice and sides as my dish, and the thighs were so large that my companion couldn’t finish the final piece. I gallantly stepped in to help. I’d say I would order this dish during my next visit, but I can’t be certain—not with other tempting options such as doner kebabs, steaks, seafood (branzino filet!) and more.
A pair of sweets capped our meal. We skipped familiar choices like ice cream, baklava and kadayif and tried something new. “Apricot dessert” came with a half-dozen Turkish-style stuffed apricots, each filled with almonds and fresh cream—they’re perfect for those looking for a plate of bite-sized treats. Revani, on the other hand, is meant for sharing. The Turkish sponge cake is topped with honey syrup and a scoop of soft cream cheese, which we deduced was mascarpone—a conclusion confirmed by our server.
After we cleared out plates, I peeked at Cresskill’s other Mediterranean eateries online; Samdan and its white linen tables is for more formal dining, while Grk Grill is a casual place for with Greek dishes and cocktails. Maybe the town and county didn’t strictly need another option for this cuisine, but I think it’s safe to say Chef Mediterranean is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
—Darius Amos
• CHEF MEDITERRANEAN, 38 UNION AVE., CRESSKILL, 201.571.6454; MEDITERRANEANFOODCRESSKILL.COM
Chocolate tastings, Black History Month events, home shows and more—February has something for everyone in Bergen County.
The BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM SERIES is back for its sixth year at Englewood Library. Every Thursday at 2 p.m., the library will screen film that covers a different moment in Black History. The screenings are free and take place in the library’s Mackay Room. Visit eventbrite.com to register in advance and to see lineup.
FEB. 12
Kreisler. Mahler. Korngold. Strauss. Seven talented musicians will explore classical music of these big names during VIENNA’S GOLDEN AGE concert at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood. play the violin, piano, viola, flute, cello and more. Ticket pricing goes by age; $20 21-39 year olds, $40 for 40 and over and $30 for Get your tickets at beta.purplepass.com.
you only prefer chocolate in honor of are a chocolate round, you’ll never the decadent treat the TASTE OF CHOCOLATE The Hermitage in event, you’ll experiment so many different chocolate, you may as yourself a chocolatier said and done. off at 7 p.m.—dessert tickets and pricing, thehermitage.org.
5K GLEN ROCK accessible race a.m. at Doremus Glen Rock, and go to Community which raises and awareness with living expenses employment individuals. medals awarded categories, and receive swag and to register, Frimpong@comop.org.
more your speed than classical, celebrate Mardi Gras with DOCTOR DUBIOUS, a Teaneck-based jazz band been performing NOLA and Chicago-style jazz in the tri-state since 1998. They’ll be playing 14th year at Mahwah Library beginning at 2 p.m. Registration is required in advance, and Mahwah residents get priority but the concert is open to the public. Visit mahwahlibrary.org or email dlaude@ mahwahlibrary.org for more info.
African-American Chamber of Commerce Jersey celebrates its 13TH ANNUAL AWARDS GALA from 6 to 11 p.m. at The Venetian in Garfield. This annual black-tie event honors New Jersey individuals who’ve found success their fields, from politics, sports, education, community service and entertainment. Ticket-goers get to attend the cocktail reception, an awards dinner with DJ Swell and post-awards networking for (or $250 if you’re a member of AACCNJ). Learn at aaccnj.com.
Everyone’s favorite clumsy British bear, Paddington, makes his on-stage debut PADDINGTON GETS
A JAM And he and his are bringing this comedy bergenPAC in Englewood. your little ones for a theater experience that’s bound to get laughs from the whole family! Choose from the 1 p.m. matinee 4 p.m. evening showing. Tickets start at $15 for both. Get at bergenpac.org.
looking for a way to entertain your kids President’s Week vacation—and to get outside and in nature—consider enrolling FEBRUARY BREAK NATURE DAY CAMP Nature Center. With different classes 1 to 6th grade 7th and 8th graders, respectively, each class will explore the TNC some crafts and engage in winteractivities, from hiking to exploring the wildlife. Camp for all ages runs from 9 a.m. a full day is $95, or, for the PreK/K for a half day until 12 p.m. You can sign more info at tenaflynaturecenter.org.
If you’re contemplating a big renovation or a minor DIY project in 2023, you won’t want to miss the NEW JERSEY HOME SHOW when it makes its way to North Jersey. Here, homeowners come face-to-face with exhibitors where they’ll get inspiration for their own projects, learn about new products and get expert advice from the pros. It’s all going down at Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are free if you register online, or $10 at the door. Njhomeshow-me.com has the details.
FEB. 25
Who says ballet Nutcracker? Keep month with the DANCE THEATER’S SHOWCASE This Bergenfielddance
primarily on ballet—touted having one of Nutcracker performances area—and winter showcase where their starting at show off been working The performance 9:30 to nunnbetterdance.com
The Bergen County branch of the NAACP presented its Community Service Health Award to Deb Visconi, president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. The award was presented during the 2022 Freedom Fund Luncheon at The Terrace in Paramus.
2 Deb Visconi, Jeff Carter
Rick Sposa, director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at Englewood Health, received the Community Service Award presented at the 30th annual Northern New Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America Healthcare and STEM Awards. 5 Rick Sposa,
The Women’s Rights Information Center recently unveiled a new mural on the side of its building in Englewood. The artwork by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh was completed as part of the Black Women’s Mural Project and represents the organization’s mission of promoting equality for all and empowering women.
4 Artists and guests at the mural unveiling
The Indian Hills High School basketball team donated $300 to The Valley Hospital Breast Cancer Program. Since 2013, the team has sold “Be Brave” T-shirts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and donated proceeds to the hospital. 6 Members of the Indian Hills girls’ basketball team
“We got married in September of 2021— doing so during COVID made the wedding planning process a bit more difficult, but deciding to have our wedding at the Saddle River Inn was the easiest decision that we made. My parents live in Saddle River, and this restaurant has always been our special occasion and celebration spot. This photo epitomizes everything about Saddle River Inn—it’s warm, inviting and truly unique. I love how even at our wedding with 70-plus people, it somehow captures a special and intimate moment with just my husband, Kyle, and me.”
—Stefanie Pelletier, Greenwich, CT
The Valley Hospital has been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades.
Valley is one of only three hospitals in New Jersey to have achieved this distinction, and the only hospital in Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson counties to be recognized.
To make an appointment or for a second opinion, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 (1-800-825-5391). Care