Bergen Buzz

OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

WINTER’S WONDERLAND

Don’t let frigid temps or a little snow keep you inside—winter is a great time to go out for a hike and enjoy Mother Nature. When properly outfitted and prepared, anyone in relatively good health can take in the beauty of a trail (see page 46 to read about Bergen’s hiking areas) from a different perspective and without the crowds—and bugs. Here are a few tips:

Layer it on: Layering is the name of the game. Start with a base layer made of moisture-wicking fabric like polyester followed by an insulating mid-layer such as a fleece vest or pullover. Finally, choose an outer jacket that’s both water- and windproof.

Patagonia Sweater Fleece, Campmor, Paramus, 201.445.5000; campmor.com

Keep the heat: Body heat escapes through our head, hands and feet, so it’s essential to keep these extremities covered. Top noggins with a fleece or wool beanie, and prevent fingers from freezing with waterproof gloves. Thick hiking socks (say, merino wool) will make the walk in the woods more pleasurable. A fleece or merino neck gaiter can provide extra warmth.

Smartwool Reversible Neck Gaiter, Campmor, Paramus

On your feet: Waterproof or water-resistant hiking boots by brands such as Merrell make trekking over wet trails a bit easier. In icy conditions, microspikes attached to the bottom of the boots can add traction.

Merrell Moab 2 Gore-Tex Hiking Boot, Ramsey Outdoor, Ramsey, 201.327.8141; ramseyoutdoor.com

Pack it in: You’ll want to strip off a layer when you feel warm—a day pack’s a place to put that extra clothing. The bag can also hold important winter items such as sunglasses, water bottles and disposable hand and feet warmers.

Osprey Daylite Plus, REI, Paramus, 201.226.1560; rei.com

DID YOU KNOW? Bergen is home to 21 county parks covering more than 9,300 acres. At more than 4,000 acres, Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah is the largest.

DON’T FORGET THE FORTUNE COOKIE

Just as you have go-to spots for pizza and bagels, you may have a preferred place for lo mein, General Tso’s and other Chinese takeout dishes. But it’s a new year; why not try something new? With Chinese New Year coming on Feb. 1, now is a great time to dine in at one of Bergen County’s best Chinese restaurants—one of these, for instance: Hanami, Cresskill and Westwood. Diners will find dishes like crispy duck and “Ocean Jewels” (prawns, scallops, calamari and lobster tail) alongside familiar offerings such as chow mein and fried rice.

• 41 Union Ave., Cresskill, 201.567.8508; 301 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.666.8508; hanamirestaurant.com Hot Fish, Hackensack. Sweet and sour pork and kung pao chicken are on the menu, as are dishes featuring frog, pigs’ feet and tripe.

• 450 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, 201.881.0180; hotfishhackensack.com Joyce Chinese Cuisine, River Edge. The extensive menu includes standbys such as noodles and rice, as well as delicacies like pork kidney and stewed duck blood for the more adventurous palate.

• 478 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201.261.8858; joycechinese.com Soup Dumplings Plus, Fort Lee. The soup dumplings here are ideal for a winter day; they’ll warm both body and soul.

• 1550 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee, 201.944.0901; soupdumplingsplus.com T.S. Ma Chinese Cuisine, Wyckoff. Voted Best Chinese Restaurant in our 2021 Readers’ Choice contest, this eatery stresses healthy options such as fresh vegetables and lean meats, all prepared in a gluten-free environment.

• 637 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, 201.891.8878; tsmachinesecuisine.com

GET INTO GEAR

Loungewear isn’t just a pandemic trend; it’s here to stay. Athleisure gear—tops, bottoms, jackets and more made of high-performance fabrics—is blurring the lines between what you wear to the gym and your garb on weekend errands. It’s becoming almost the do-it-all outfit, both practical and stylish, and it’s perfect if you happen to be gym-bound. Stock up at one of these Bergen County stores: • Athleta: 39 The Promenade, Edgewater, 201.943.1714; 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, 201.843.0153; 427 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.1086 • Fabletics: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, 862.338.9030; 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, 201.843.2121; fabletics.com • Hustle & Heart: 12 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201.389.6213; shophustleheart.com • Lululemon: 19 Vervalen St., Closter, 201.767.4639; 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, 551.303.2757; 46 Farm View, Montvale, 201.391.8302; 100 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, 201.291.2590; shop.lululemon.com • Racefaster: 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, 844.732.7837; 41 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201.727.3135; shopracefaster.com • Tapestrie Sport: 18 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201.431.9545; tapestrie.com

AN ARTFUL CAN

Did you know that even beer cans have their special day? Indeed, Jan. 24 has been designated National Beer Can Appreciation Day. And yes, a refreshingly artful design on the can can be almost as much of a pick-me-up as the beer inside. Check out these distinctive local designs (and beers!) in-person and on their Instagram sites:

• Alementary Brewing Co., 58 Voorhis Ln., Hackensack, 201.968.1290; alementary.com, @ alementary • Bolero Snort Brewery (pictured), 316 20th St., Carlstadt, 201.464.0639; bolerosnort.com, @bolero.artwork • Brix City Brewing, 4 Alsan Way, Little Ferry, 201.440.0865; brixcitybrewing.com, @ brixcitybrewing • Hackensack Brewing Co., 78 Johnson Ave., Hackensack, 201.880.1768; hackensackbrewing.com, @hackensackbrewing

KUDOS

KEEPING THE LAMP LIT

Lack of manpower isn’t just a commercial workforce problem; it’s affecting nonprofit events too. But the annual Lamp for Haiti fundraiser in Upper Montclair last November received a helping hand from Julia Swearer, a senior at the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest. She not only assisted at check-in and in the dining room, but also recruited AHA classmates Leah Bresnan, Olivia Costa, Alexandra Darmanin, Ava Goyal, Demitra Karlis, Scarlett Mazzola and Natalia Ruiz (pictured above) to pitch in as well. “I would love to keep working with Lamp for Haiti,” she says. “They do incredible work to help feed Haitians and deliver medical care and humanitarian aid.”

STARS IN SPORTS

Ten other Bergen County students were lauded by the YMCA of Greater Bergen County for their achievements as student athletes in 2021. Top female athletes and their high schools were: Maggie Fodera, Lyndhurst; Faith Furletti, AHA; Colleen McQuillen, Cresskill; and Amanda and Margaret Mircovich, River Dell. Top male athletes were: Casey Allen and Brendan Hughes, Park Ridge; James Morrison, St. Joseph Regional; Jake Sweeney, Bergen Catholic; and Brendan Walker, River Dell. The YMCA also named Beth Del Vecchio its 2021 Person of the Year. Del Vecchio is in her 35th year as a New Jersey high school athletics director, having served the past 23 years at Cresskill Middle/High School.

GOOD ’OL GUYS

And a round of applause for Bill McLaughlin and Scott Laughton, who were named Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce 2021 Citizens of the Year. McLaughlin is cofounder of The Jillian Fund, which assists families with children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening diseases. Laughton served in the U.S. Army, spent 25 years as a police officer, recently earned his nursing degree and assisted as a frontline worker during the pandemic.

VOTE NOW, VOTE OFTEN

Unlike those November elections, voting in BERGEN’s annual Readers’ Choice Poll is a breeze. Ballots are now live, and online voting has started. Visit bergenmag.com/votereaderschoice2022 to help your favorite Bergen County businesses claim bragging rights for the year. Choose the best of the best in 139 categories, from bagel shops and barbers to pedicure purveyors and pet emporiums. Winners will be revealed in our annual “Best in Bergen” issue later this fall.

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Oakley, 2½-year-old Cavapoo Owners: The Seligsohns of Englewood Growing up an animal lover, Daniella Seligsohn wanted the same experience of love for a furry friend for her three children (Max, 9; Livia, 7; and Ben, 4). That’s why she and husband Daniel decided to get a dog in 2020, and they found the perfect Cavapoo in Ohio.

“I loved the white markings on his face and body when he was born, and I could tell he was going to have curly hair,” Daniella says. Oakley, named after longtime New York Knicks player Charles, has since made himself at home in New Jersey.

“Sometimes I wish my children were as calm as he is,” Daniella jokes. “He is always calm unless there is a ball around to play with.” Super-fast, this pooch is “an amazing soccer player” and is often seen romping around the backyard or playing with his furry best friend Evie. “Oakley is always there as a best friend, playmate or a shoulder to lean on,” his owner says. “He brings the family together.”

Want to see your puppy or kitten in an upcoming issue? Send an email to rita.guarna@ wainscotmedia.com along with details about your good girl or boy!

GYMS FOR JUNIORS

You’ve resolved to go back to the gym and get back into shape this year—why not help your youngsters start early on a lifetime habit of fitness? Some gyms have minimum age requirements because of safety concerns, but worry not— here are four places where kids can catch the workout bug: 1 Gym 4 All, Waldwick. An assortment of swings, climbing apparatus, trampolines and more awaits your children.

• 10 Franklin Tpke., Waldwick, 201.857.0922; 1gym4all.com Aeon Fitness and Gymnastics, Hillsdale. Here, your little tumbler can enjoy trampolines, obstacle courses, gymnastics equipment and personal training sessions.

• 157 Patterson St., Hillsdale, 201.664.0304; aeonfitgym.com Bounce Safari, Waldwick. Private and open sessions at this indoor inflatable playground (our 2021 “Best in Bergen” winner in the Kids’ Parties category) strengthen cardio and offer a full-body workout.

• 3 North St., Waldwick, 201.857.4000; bouncesafari.com Tumbles, Glen Rock. This popular center offers an indoor playground with plenty of opportunities to climb and bounce, along witb gym classes that promote kids’ physical, mental and social health.

• 175 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201.857.4310; glenrock.tumbles.net (Parents are urged to consult each facility for COVID safety requirements.)

Bergen Medical Associates

Bergen Medical Associates takes a whole-patient approach to facilitating comprehensive care at their multi-specialty and primary care locations.

“Our philosophy is to provide the highest level of medical care to our patients in an individualized way,” says Dr. Eric Avezzano, CEO and Managing Partner of the multi-specialty practice. “We offer a therapeutic environment and easy access to our care team.” Patients enjoy the “one-stop shopping” approach where so many medical services are provided under one umbrella. A team of physicians, nurses and highly trained staff represent a wide breadth of specialties, including internal medicine, gastroenterology, rheumatology, endocrinology, allergy and immunology, sports medicine, urology, podiatry, nutrition and hospital care. The group fosters an environment of collaboration amongst the physicians, which results in a seamless continuum of care for the patients through every stage of health and illness, beginning with preventative services. Bergen Medical Associates offers extended weekday and Saturday hours, as well as same day appointments. The practice participates in most insurance plans.

Emerson 201.967.8221 | Paramus (Suite 301) 201.445.1660 Paramus (Suite 211) 201.251.2323 | Northvale 201.767.8400 Montvale 201.391.0071 | Ridgewood 201.670.7800 www.Bergenmed.com

MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

SHHH! (AND MUSCLE UP)

The gym isn’t the only place to keep your New Year’s resolution to get fit. Try your local library too! Throughout January, many offer free classes that promote healthy bodies. A sampling: 1/13: Zumba, Hillsdale Library, 4:30 p.m.—This onehour class is taught via Zoom and led by Janet Weller, R.N., a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. 509 Hillsdale Ave., 201.358.5072; hfpl.org 1/17: Smart Stretch, Wyckoff Library, 7 p.m.—This virtual class shows innovative ways of stretching that relieve pain, promote circulation and strengthen tissue. 200 Woodland Ave., 201.891.4866; wyckofflibrary.org 1/24: Tai Chi, Englewood Library, 7 p.m.—Participants at all skill levels can join a restorative hour of in-person tai chi, a Chinese martial art known for its health benefits. 31 Engle St., 201.568.2215; englewoodlibrary.org 1/25: Gentle Yoga, Mahwah Library, 11 a.m.—Stretch, breathe and relax doing gentle yoga poses led by instructor Joan Tarrant. Join in person or via Zoom. 100 Ridge Rd., 201.529.7323; mahwahlibrary.org

IN THE SPIRIT OF MLK

That mid-January holiday isn’t just about a martyred civil rights leader. It’s also known as Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service—this year it’s January 18th—and it’s observed nationally as a time to volunteer for our communities’ betterment. Charitable actions can include cleaning public spaces, mentoring a young person and relieving those suffering from food insecurity. Interested in helping someone? Here are five organizations with volunteer opportunities on MLK Day and throughout the year: • Bergen Volunteers, 64 Passaic St., Hackensack, 201.489.9454; bergenvolunteers.org • Center for Food Action, 192 W. Demarest Ave., Englewood, 201.569.1804; cfanj.org • Family Promise of Bergen County, 100 Dayton St., Ridgewood, 201.833.8009; bergenfamilypromise.org • Meals On Wheels, 1 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, 201.336.7474; co.bergen.nj.us/ division-of-senior-services • Save the Animals Rescue Team II, 135 Cedar Lane, Englewood, 201.797.8861; facebook.com/ SaveTheAnimalsRescueTeamII

CULINARY CORNER:

RAISING THE BAR

Countless locals in Bergen’s most populous city lost a favorite watering hole when General Poor’s Tavern closed three years ago, but a worthy successor is now open. SideBar at the National Hotel maintains the old establishment’s classic look and offers a menu filled with elevated bar food and drinks. Share plates such as poutine and a tempting charcuterie board, or treat yourself to braised short rib and shepherd’s pie.

• SideBar at the National Hotel, 45 Main St., Hackensack, 201.820.2894; sidebarhackensack.com

VIVA MEXICO!

Meanwhile, many believed replacing Martini Grill in Wood-Ridge, which closed last year, would be a tall task, but the owners of Al Toro are already winning fans. The restaurant specializes in Tex-Mex cuisine and drinks, so expect a fiesta every night, with delicious tacos and burritos and flavorful margaritas and sangrias.

• Al Toro, 187 Hackensack St., Wood-Ridge, 862.243.3850; al-toro-restaurant-bar. negocio.site

STEAK YOUR CLAIM

We’re wishing similar success to Three Chefs Steakhouse, slated to open this month in the former home of The Twisted Elm. The familyfriendly restaurant offers a variety of steaks (the whole tomahawk!), ribs and burgers—but non-red-meateaters can fill up too. The menu also features a long list of salads, as well as seafood and pasta dishes.

• Three Chefs Steakhouse, 435 River Dr., Elmwood Park, 973.928.2400; thethreechefs. com