Our leading - edge colon cancer care is highly specialized.
Everything medicine can do. A few things medicine can’t.
Outstanding care for colon cancer is more than just treatment. It’s feeling like you’re part of the team. That’s why at Valley Health System, our team of highly skilled experts design personalized treatment plans while nurses walk you through every step along the way –from your first visit, to well after you’ve made it back home. Because it isn’t enough to just treat the whole cancer, we’re here to treat the whole you.
To learn about a more personal approach to cancer care, call 201- 614- 6130 or visit ValleyHealth.com / ColonCancer
Is Your Kid Too Fat? | 28
Bergen County pediatricians discuss how they deal with childhood obesity—even as society’s influence makes it tough.
Your Guide To The Great Outdoors | 32
Here are seven ways to get out and enjoy all the open air Bergen County has to offer.
Backyard Bliss | 36
Ho-Ho-Kus homeowners get the pool and patio of their dreams—with plenty of green grass to spare.
The Backyard Beckons | 42
Luring the owners of a new Ridgewood home outdoors, a landscape design satisfies on several levels.
A Home’s New Life | 52
Moving was an option for a Wyckoff grandmother, but a gut reno supervised by a friend turned out to be a better idea.
Jersey’s Going To Pot | 58
Legal cannabis is now a fact, and twothirds of Bergen voters approve. But will the financial benefits go mostly to other parts of the state?
In Northvale, a creative contracting team works around zoning restrictions to design a modern swimming pool and backyard space.
Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.
Waldwick restaurateur Charlie Wonsowicz helped coach the Yankees to five World Series rings. Today he puts that same dedication into your burger and fries.
Asymmetric skirts are a born-again trend that returns just in time to make a summer statement.
Make yourself at home when you go down the Shore with these seasonal must-haves.
Surprise the guy who has everything with a thoughtful gift that he never knew he wanted— until now!
“Bucket list?” That’s too long-term. Grab your clubs and hurry to these great golf places as soon as you can.
Made of a scrumptious combination of mayonnaise, vinegar and spices, white sauce— also known as Alabama BBQ sauce—is an unexpected condiment for your alfresco meal.
Bar Tab | 73
A breakfast martini is a citrusy twist to the classic cocktail—and it’s the perfect any-time-ofday drink.
A chain renowned on the Shore arrives to delight taste buds here in Bergen.
Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.
A Hackensack photographer captures a cyclist taking a peaceful respite along the trails at Saddle River County Park.
ON THE COVER:
Six nationally recognized orthopedic surgeons, Drs. Bassora, Klein, Koerner, Levine, Seidenstein and Seigerman, are bringing their expertise to Hackensack Meridian Orthopedic Specialists of New Jersey. It’s a new practice, but with all the same renowned treatments, personalized care and convenience they’ve brought to this community for years.
For the highest level of orthopedic care, call 201-639-6620 or scan the QR code for more information.
PARAMUS • FRANKLIN LAKES • NORTH BERGEN
June is the reward we get for being good the rest of the year. The sun is out (mostly), the world is green again and the beauties of our county become once more a metaphor for the brightest of life’s possibilities. So it’s fitting that BERGEN marks this month each year with our Outdoors Issue.
You’ll catch the spirit on page 48 as you read how a Northvale backyard was transformed to meet the needs of a busy, entertainment-prone family. What was once just a grassy area with an aging swing set now boasts a swimming pool, a waterfall feature with LED lights controlled by a handy app, an outdoor living and dining room and—oh yes—a trampoline.
Jump to page 42, where the very different pool required by empty-nesters in Ridgewood didn’t have to be large (in fact, it couldn’t be)—but how wonderful if it could be heated and used even in cooler months! Landscape designer Thomas Flint fulfilled that wish and made creative use of boulders so artfully placed that they seem to have been there always. The owners say they spend more time outside now, “along with time just looking out the window.” Score another point for the outdoors as a balm for the psyche.
A firepit, a pool and a sheltered area were on the agenda in Ho-Ho-Kus (page 36), as a young couple found that their capacious backyard’s main asset was “potential.” Now, agenda fulfilled, they’re pleased that there was room for lots of lawn as well. And even an interior project—a redesign of a Wyckoff kitchen (page 52)—taps outdoor glories, as “mega windows” showcase hydrangeas, roses and a built-in pool.
Few outdoor pleasures rival attending a baseball game. On page 18 you’ll meet a coach who helped the New York Yankees win five World Series rings. (Today he’s a champ as a Waldwick restaurateur.) And on page 16 there are two perfect beach reads: new baseball books by Bergen authors.
Speaking of the outdoors, do your children spend enough time playing there—rather than sitting inside looking at screens? On page 28, two Bergen pediatricians tackle childhood obesity in a no-holds-barred discussion, exploring not just national recommendations, but how to make them work for real kids in real families—and without “fat-shaming.”
June brings us Father’s Day, of course, and both outdoor and indoor venues feature in our list of fun places to take Dad for a treat (page 13). And this month’s Special Report (page 58) zeroes in on the burgeoning new cannabis trade. However you feel about it, is it a business opportunity that’s mostly passing Bergen by?
There’s more, but I’m out of room. Step outside with this magazine, settle down in the hammock or lawn chair and you’re all set. Enjoy!
Rita Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.com
Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA
Creative Director
STEPHEN M. VITARBO
Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS
Lifestyle Editor HALEY LONGMAN
Contributing Editors TIMOTHY KELLEY LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF PAUL RANCE JR. DONNA ROLANDO
Contributing Photographers DMYTRO F. PHOTOGRAPHY HEATHER KNAPP ADAM PASS WING WONG
PRODUCTION
Production Manager FERN E. MESHULAM
Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE
BE SOCIAL
Join our online community!
LIKE us on Facebook: BergenMag
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @BergenMag
SEE our photos on Instagram: @BergenMagNJ
VIEW our boards on Pinterest: HealthandLife
SEND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IDEAS TO: Editor, BERGEN, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; fax 201.746.8650; email editor@wainscotmedia.com.
BERGEN assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials.
BERGEN is published 12 times a year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. This is Volume 22, Issue
Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY
Associate Publisher MARY MASCIALE
ADVERTISING
Senior Account Executive MARY LIMA
Account Executives
CHRISTIE COLVILLE, PEARL LISS
Director, Special Programs
LAURA A. DOWDEN
MARKETING, DIGITAL & OPERATIONS
Director of Marketing and Digital Media NIGEL EDELSHAIN
Director of Operations
CATHERINE ROSARIO
Director of Advertising Services
JACQUELYNN FISCHER
Chief Finance Officer STEVEN RESNICK
Assistant Controller URSZULA JANECZKO
Accounts Receivable Manager KASIE CARLETON
Accounts Receivable Specialist BRUCE LIBERMAN
Office Manager PENNY GLASS BOAG
PUBLISHED BY WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN
President & CEO MARK DOWDEN
Senior Vice President
RITA GUARNA
Vice Presidents
LIZETTE CHIN
NIGEL EDELSHAIN
THOMAS FLANNERY
COLEMAN MCCARTAN
BELINDA PINA
MARIA REGAN
STEVEN RESNICK
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Please contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.
SUBSCRIPTION
The miracle of laser treatment for snoring is here!
Do you get restless nights when your partner starts snoring?
We can help you. The Solea Sleep is a revolutionary new procedure designed to offer rapid relief for adults who snore.
Leveraging our many years of experience, we have perfected using Solea Sleep to provide the most innovative and minimally invasive approach to solving snoring issues. This simple, non-surgical procedure takes only 5 minutes to perform, delivers instant results, and allows patients to return to their normal routine immediately.
For More Information Visit: www.thesoleasleep.com or call 201.485.8847
Fred
A.Puccio,
D.D.S.Midland Family Dental Care
243 Morse Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481
www.midlandfamilydental.com
To the editor:
Trees may indeed be the lungs of the earth, but all Bergen County does is smoke cigarettes. Your article “Our Endangered Canopy” (April 2023) was excellent, but I think you were too easy on the four groups that have caused the lack of shade now prevalent in Bergen: homeowners, landscapers, developers and local leadership. What is happening in our town is indicative of what is happening all over the county. When we first moved to Harrington Park 30 years ago, my in-laws from neighboring Closter would prefer to bike here during summers. They said that Harrington Park was the shadiest town in the entire area. Fast forward to today, and this is hardly the case. So many trees have permanently disappeared that the area more resembles the heat and sun of Jersey Shore towns. I have witnessed over the years a terrible change take place: large numbers of trees taken down by homeowners, tree “service” companies, developers and Rockland Electric with nary a single one replaced. The few that are replaced by landscapers are non-native species like the Bradford Pear planted in senseless copycat mulch volcanoes.
Watching over this unnatural disaster is county and local leadership. Ever go to a council or county meeting and find anyone under 60? There are too many people in charge who won’t be around long enough to see their destructive power manifest itself for future generations.
One cause for the fast-approaching environmental disaster is leadership. A case in point from your March issue (“Traffic Trauma in Bergen”) is the extension of the Light Rail to Bergen County. This project was initially green-lighted based on the fact that this environmentally friendly solution to car pollution would run up through Bergen County to New York State. However, Tenafly local leadership was allowed to vote down the extension (based on absurd reasoning) thereby killing Light Rail for the rest of us. This is environmental leadership? Of course not, but Northern Bergen County’s classic fear of Hudson County. How Tenafly is allowed to be the “decider” for all is another question.
So, developers will never stop clear-cutting trees and woods to put up the latest condos or townhouses. Homeowners will not stop taking down their native trees. Electric companies will not stop clearing out all trees anywhere near a power line. Landscapers only plant “decorative” trees. The only thing they all have in common is never replacing the carnage they create with new, native trees. Replacing/replanting is not done because leadership places zero priority on it and passes no restrictions on these practices for the good of the planet.
Pete Kruimer, Harrington ParkThe views and comments expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Wainscot Media and BERGEN magazine.
Follow us: BERGENMAG.C0M
OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.
Fathers can be tough to shop for; often two just-OK gift ideas duke it out and it ends in a tie. But Father’s Day is June 18. Maybe this year’s answer isn’t a physical gift (such as the imaginative ones in our gift guide on page 24) but an experience. Could one of these Bergen venues be the Pop-pleaser you seek?
Archery at Shooting Zone, Hackensack. Go for a bull’s-eye together in the air-conditioned, indoor archery range. Sign up for an hour of range time ($20), and don’t forget rentals ($5 for bow, arrow and armguard) if you lack equipment. Lessons available for first-timers!
• SHOOTING ZONE, 265 MAIN ST., HACKENSACK, 201.440.1329; SHOOTINGZONE.NET
Disc golf at Campgaw, Mahwah. Take Dad to play a sport that combines the skill of Frisbee tossing with the accuracy of golf, played on a scenic outdoor course.
• 200 CAMPGAW RD., MAHWAH, CO.BERGEN.NJ.US
Mini golf at Paramus Mini Golf, Paramus. Hit the links at any of Bergen’s five public courses—or sign up for a stress-free session at this mini-golf center. Each hole features New Jersey-themed décor and obstacles.
• PARAMUS MINI GOLF, 314 PARAMUS RD., PARAMUS, 201.447.6079, EXT. 4; PARAMUSMINIGOLF.COM
Fathers taught us how to ride a bike, or sear a steak on the grill—or maybe trim the hedge. Whatever gifts your Pop bestowed, it’s time to turn the tables on Father’s Day, June 18—but of course dads differ. To prove that point (and reveal a gift idea or two), we quizzed BERGEN staff dads on what they’d like to unwrap:
“A perfect Father’s Day weekend includes a Saturday drive to a shore town like Ocean Grove with my family, relaxing on the beach and having a great dinner together. Sunday would start at church, followed by a casual brunch and just hanging out at home with my wife and kids.”
—Tom Flannery, publisher“An ideal Father’s Day would include a meal with my wife and kids that I don’t cook (ideally curry followed by ice cream, and a beer on the side).
We’d follow the meal with a family movie that everyone enjoys.”
—Nigel Edelshain, director of marketing
Indoor bouldering at Goat Climbing Gym, Hackensack. Whether you and Pop are beginners or skilled climbers, you’ll find the right course at this new facility. Adult day passes are $25, children’s passes are $18. Equipment rentals (shoes, chalk, harness and more) are $3 each.
• GOAT CLIMBING GYM, 77 RIVER ST., HACKENSACK, 201.402.9343; GOATCLIMBINGGYM.COM
Table tennis at Ready to Golf, River Edge. Relive those ping-pong-in-thebasement days at this facility, which has 13 professional table tennis tables for all levels. Off-peak sessions are $20 an hour, $25 during peak times.
• READY TO GOLF, 3 NEW BRIDGE RD., RIVER EDGE, 609.388.7728; READYTOGOLF.COM
“A trip to the beach followed by a seafood dinner is ideal. Plan B, grilling and enjoying some sangria on the deck with my wife and daughter is pretty great too.”
—Stephen Vitarbo, creative director
“My perfect Father’s Day would be a replay of Mother’s Day: a beautiful day for barbequing with all the kids home and family over.”
—Steven Resnick, chief finance officerDID 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? Consumers spend around $20 billion on Father’s Day, with an average of $171 on gifts, according to the National Retail Federation. The top gifts for dad include dinner, clothes, gifts cards and electronics items.
You may work out five days a week and walk the fairways monthly, but truly taking care of yourself takes more—especially as you get older. For National Men’s Health Month in June, here are reminders keyed to your time of life. If you’re…
…in your 20s and 30s: Get your flu shot annually and update your tetanus booster every 10 years. Even if you don’t have a family history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, know your numbers—have both of these tested every three to five years. Men under 26 who haven’t received an HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) should consider this too. It’s important to develop a relationship with your primary care doctor, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), so that he or she knows your lifestyle and family history.
Dog: Brady, 4-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier, American bully
Owner: Laura and Louis Kalra, Hackensack
The Kalras grew up with dogs in their families, but waited until their son Christopher was old enough before getting a pooch of their own. Soon after the youngster turned 9 last year, they searched local adoption organizations— and found Brady through a South Jersey shelter. When they met, Brady and Christopher “almost instantly” had a connection, Laura recalls. “Brady is a playful and kind-hearted soul and rarely leaves Christopher’s side. My husband and I get a little jealous sometimes!”
But make no mistake; Brady loves his entire family. He often joins his human “parents” in the backyard to garden or to play fetch—even diehard New York Giants fan Louis can’t resist having fun with this Brady, says Mom. They all go for walks in Johnson Park along the Hackensack River walkway or take Brady for a romp around the dog park at Riverside Park in Lyndhurst. “He has a lot of energy, so getting some physical activity benefits Brady and us!” she says. Once tired out and finished devouring his favorite treats (including Mom’s scrambled eggs), Brady is a snuggle bug at home, cuddling up on his bed or on the couch with his humans.
“We couldn’t ask for a better family dog,” Laura says. “He’s been the perfect fit!”
Want to see your dog, cat, bird, lizard or other pet in a future issue? Email a photo and brief details to editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.
…in your 40s and 50s: Keep up with regular flu shots and tetanus boosters, and consider the shingles vaccine when you reach 50. At 45, talk to your doctor about colon cancer screening—colonoscopies should be performed every 10 years—as well as regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, which can indicate prostate cancer. Increase blood pressure checks to every year, and get cholesterol tests every four to six years, depending on individual risk factors. It’s also important to watch your lifestyle, the CDC says, as weight gain, alcohol consumption and smoking can increase risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
…in your 60s or older: Flu and tetanus shots and the shingles vaccine are strongly encouraged, and the CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccine at age 65. Continue regular testing and screening for blood pressure, cholesterol and colon cancer. It’s also important to keep up with cognition and mental health, the CDC notes. Gentle aerobic exercise, strength training and activities like tai chi are good physically and mentally.
When Independence Day rolls around and you’ve finished your burgers and hot dogs, stretch out on a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a local fireworks display. Many Bergen towns host all-day celebrations, but the evening light show is always the highlight. Among the can’t-miss fireworks shows on or around July 4:
• Allendale, Crestwood Lake, July 4
• East Rutherford, State Fair, MetLife Stadium, July 3–4
• Fair Lawn, Memorial Park, June 29
• Hackensack, Foschini Park, July 4
• Paramus, Garden State Plaza, July 3
• Ramsey, Finch Park, July 1
• Ridgefield Park, Veterans Park, July 4
• Ridgewood, Veterans Field, July 4
• Teaneck, Votee Park, July 4
At Longview, older adults thrive with personalized care in a secure community that fosters independence. Residents have access to personalized assistance with professional, clinical staff, while also enjoying innovative programs and a diverse calendar of activities and events.
For more information about Longview or to schedule a tour, please contact Victoria Durante, CALA, Admissions Director, at vdurante@ChristianHealthNJ.org or (201) 848-4303.
A ’50s vibe
Get a taste of the era of Elvis and Ike at the new Wallington Diner. Besides the ’50s throwback vibe and décor, there’s a full menu with traditional diner breakfasts and lunches and varied specials. Even the menu names are a kick—the Big Lebowski hot dog, the I’ll Do Anything For Love meatloaf platter and the Velvet Elvis breakfast sandwich.
• WALLINGTON DINER, 417 PATERSON AVE., WALLINGTON, 201.754.7470; WALLINGTONDINER.COM
Did we say ‘diner’?
Comfort food is also on offer in Glen Rock, where Rock’n The Grill presents a selection of omelets and pancakes for breakfast or salads and burgers for lunch or dinner. Vegan? The menu has a page of vegan breakfasts and another page of vegan-friendly entrées and sides.
• ROCK’N THE GRILL, 242 ROCK RD., GLEN ROCK, 201.620.6408, ROCKNTHEGRILL.COM
The blend is on trend
The Blended Bistro has expanded its food-truck business and opened a brick-and-mortar spot in Cliffside Park, featuring Cuban-American classics such as picadillo and ropa vieja and Italian favorites like penne vodka and sausage and peppers. “When you taste my food,” says Chef Maddy, “I want you to feel like you’re at home with family.” (Only she does the work.)
• BLENDED BISTRO, 442 ANDERSON AVE., CLIFFSIDE PARK, 551.799.0916; THEBLENDEDBISTRO.COM
Some of these days are perfect for being outdoors; others— let’s face it—are just right for indoor AC. Why not seize the latter as a chance to be educated and amazed too? Try four Bergen museums:
• Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum, Teterboro. (pictured, top right) Steps away from Teterboro Airport is a 50-year-old familyfriendly museum dedicated to all things aviation. Admission: $15 for adults, free for kids ages 2 and under. Info: njahof.org.
• Belskie Museum, Closter. This volunteer-run center is open year-round with a permanent collection of donated works and 10 annual exhibits, including “Salute to Women in Arts” by Fran Hertzberg, on display through June 25. Admission: free. Info: belskiemuseum.com.
• Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, Oradell. The collection at this facility, located high on a hill overlooking the Hackensack River and Oradell Reservoir, is dedicated to wildlife and promotes conservation of animals and their habitats. Admission: free, but donations suggested. Info: blauveltartmuseum.com.
• Mahwah Museum, Mahwah. (pictured, bottom right) Permanent exhibits showcase musician Les Paul and the impact of railroads on Bergen and its environs. A must-see is the 1929 Erie Caboose, a restored historic rail car with recreated living space, equipment and tools. Admission: $5 per person, free for children 18 and under. Info: mahwahmuseum.org.
The “national pastime” got faster this year, freeing up time to read two new baseball books by Bergen-based writers. River Vale’s Jack Curry, a New York Times best-selling author and baseball analyst for the YES Network, has released his fourth book, The 1998 Yankees Did the year of Monica and Viagra really give us the best team ever? Curry answers the question, interviewing more than 25 players, coaches and execs, who reveal behind-the-scenes stories about the historic team, which—counting the playoffs—snagged 125 wins. Meanwhile, recently retired Glen Rock resident Mark Braff’s first book is an ideal summertime read or Father’s Day gift. Sons of Baseball: Growing Up With a Major League Dad features a foreword by Cal Ripken Jr. and includes interviews with 18 sons of former MLB players, including Yankees Yogi Berra, Mariano Rivera, Ron Guidry and Roger Maris.
A round of applause to lifelong Bergenite Ina Miller-Silverstein, 85, a member of the National Council of Jewish Women, Bergen County Section, for more than 60 years. This month the group gave her its “Woman of the Century” award. Miller-Silverstein’s efforts have included helping to create the Plaintiffs’ Waiting Room in the Bergen County Courthouse so that domestic violence survivors could be separated from their abusers, chairing a program to allow people with multiple sclerosis to swim weekly with volunteers and working with Bergen County Youth Consultation Service at Holley House, which partners with at-risk children with special needs.
Cheers for retired Fairview Police Chief and Ridgewood resident Frank DelVecchio, who completed a 200-mile run across New Jersey, raising money and awareness for hunger and food insecurity. The multi-day run, which kicked off at High Point State Park in Sussex County and ended in Cape May, ran concurrently with a nonperishable goods drive hosted by DelVecchio’s Run for Hope Foundation and the Ridgewood YMCA.
And high-fives go to another runner, Immaculate Heart Academy physical education teacher Shemayne Williams of Washington Township. She recently won a gold medal as part of Team USA’s 800-meter relay squad, which participated in the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland. She also placed fifth out of 30 competitors in the 200-meter individual race with a personal best time of 30.93 seconds.
Waldwick restaurateur Charlie Wonsowicz helped coach the Yankees to five World Series rings. Today he puts that same dedication into your burger and fries.
You spent two decades in those roles. Are there any players or moments that stand out during your years in the Pinstripes?
The year we won the World Series in 2009 was my proudest moment because I was involved in the game-planning aspect on an everyday basis. It’s gratifying knowing you had a hand in watching the players perform at the highest level.
Why did you move to the restaurant industry after baseball?
I grew up around the restaurant business. [His parents ran W’s Bar & Grill on Staten Island for nearly three decades.] After 21 years with the Yankees, I wanted to spend more time with my family. And I want to continue the tradition of having a restaurant in the family. My daughter Paige, 22, has grown to love the business and does our administrative work and social media.
When did you first open the original W’s Grill and why did you eventually move to Waldwick? We opened W’s Grill in Oakland in 2014 but sold it last August knowing we were going to Waldwick. We opened the new restaurant in Waldwick, as this is our hometown—and it’s only a 13-minute drive from our last location.
Is there a baseball theme at the new W’s Village Grille?
There will always be sports on the TV, and you can find Yankees jerseys from friends of mine, personalized to me, hung up around the restaurant. There’s even one Mets jersey from Willie Randolph, one of my closest friends.
Many former athletes rest on their laurels when their playing days end, while others go into broadcasting. Waldwick’s Charlie Wonsowicz, however, followed his brief run as a college baseball pitcher with a long career coaching and scouting for the New York Yankees. Two decades and five World Series rings later, 54-year-old Wonsowicz is now a restaurateur, running W’s Village Grille in his hometown with his wife, Leslie, and three children. In a conversation with BERGEN, he shares some of his secrets to success as an athlete and restaurant owner.
Tell us about your career as a baseball player. I grew up on Staten Island, and I fell in love with baseball at age 5. I went to Tottenville High School; we won the city championship in 1986. I was offered a full ride to St. John’s, but I suffered a torn ligament in my pitching elbow that ended my career, as Tommy John surgery had not been mastered at that time. [The procedure is now common for this type of injury with almost guaranteed positive results.]
Did you miss playing baseball?
I miss the camaraderie with the guys the most. I don’t miss the everyday grind. But didn’t the injury lead to your big break, so to speak?
After college, I coached in a college summer league. I was in the right place at the right time: Someone from the Yankees recognized me and asked if I was interested in a left-handed batting practice pitcher position with the team. So I went for a two-day tryout, and on the third day I accepted the position and was traveling with the team that day for a 10-day West Coast trip.
As a native New Yorker, what were your feelings when you got the position?
My favorite player growing up was Ron Guidry, who was also a left-handed pitcher for the Yankees, so getting the job was a dream come true. I couldn’t play anymore, so the next best thing was working for a team I grew up loving. I started throwing batting practice, made my way up to field coordinator, then video advanced scouting, then bullpen and first-base coach.
What lessons from baseball do you apply at the restaurant?
Baseball taught me many things. Using the ability to stay calm through the chaotic times you learned as an athlete, like when you’re pitching out of a bases-loaded jam, allows me to do the same running my own business. There are going to be good days and not so good days, but sticking to your plan and not getting too high or too low is definitely a key to success.
Which job has more pressure, delivering a winning team for the Yankees or running a successful restaurant?
There’s definitely similar pressure being a Yankee and a successful restaurant owner. However, I don’t let that pressure get to me, which is another thing baseball has taught me. I set my goals and know what it takes to achieve them.
You know a thing or two about baseball and food, so what’s your order when you go to the ballpark?
I haven’t been to many games as a spectator, but when I watch my sons C.J., 21, and Jake, 14, play, my go-to is always a hot dog and a Coke.
DRAWSTRING SKIRT Anthropologie, Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.4321
ALICE + OLIVIA FRALEY ASYMMETRIC MIDI-SKIRT
Saks Fifth Avenue, East Rutherford, 201.559.7780
BALENCIAGA
JAPANESE DENIM
MERMAID SKIRT bergdorfgoodman.com
SAPHIYA FLORAL ASYMMETRIC SKIRT Nordstrom, Paramus, 201.843.1122
BCBGMAXAZRIA ASYMMETRIC TIERED SKIRT Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack, 201.457.2000
Make yourself at home when you go down the Shore with any or all of these summer must-haves.
ASK ABOUT OUR DESIGN SERVICES
ASK ABOUT OUR DESIGN SERVICES
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION
Brick | Pavers | Slate | Stone | Stone Patios | Driveways
Brick | Pavers | Slate | Stone | Stone Patios | Driveways
Sidewalks | Steps | Retaining Walls | Beautifying Walls
Sidewalks | Steps | Retaining Walls | Beautifying Walls
Waterfalls | Ponds | Pools | Fire Pits | Piers | Lighting
Waterfalls | Ponds | Pools | Fire Pits | Piers | Lighting
NJ LIC# 13VH03890800
NJ LIC# 13VH03890800
The morning meal raises your resting metabolic rate more than eating the same foods at other times of the day, according to research, plus it prompts the body to burn carbs.
—University of Bath
It’s better to use paper towels than air dryers in public restrooms. That’s because dryers may spread airborne bacteria. One study found bacteria counts were 27 higher when air
—Journal of Hospital Infection
Just 15 minutes of physical activity daily can reduce the risk of early death.
—The Lancet
People who work the midnight shift are 1.2 times more likely to get the flu than their 9-5 counterparts.
—American Journal of Epidemiology
around the world
recent report has
21
— World Health Organization (WHO)
The percent increase in heart attack deaths among people ages 45 to 64 in 2020 and 2021. During that same time period, heart attack deaths among folks 65 and older increased 17.9 percent.
—Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
The percent of women who don’t have chest pain during a heart attack. Beware other symptoms including nausea, pain in the back, neck, jaw or arms and shortness of breath.
—JAMA
Picture yourself Picture yourself LIVING HERE
Imagine
At The Vista, you can fill each day with uplifting experiences. Attend a concert, lecture, or art class. Get a manicure at the salon. Stay fit in an aquatic class or along picturesque walking trails.
If you’re the parent of a child who is too heavy, you’re torn between two selves. “My child must shed those extra pounds to protect future health!” one says, while the other counters: “Don’t let anyone shame or stigmatize my child, whatever his or her body type!”
Nobody says it’s a slam-dunk, pleasing both consciences at once. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017–2020 obesity affected 19.7 percent of America’s kids, more than three times its prevalence in the 1970s. While the rate of increase had been slowing, then came the pandemic, bringing greater social isolation and, research shows, reduced physical activity. And childhood obesity threatens to trigger Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all of which heighten the future danger of heart attack and stroke.
The issue sparks controversy. This January, when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released tough new guidelines for treating childhood obesity, newsletter author Virginia Sole-Smith complained in The New York Times about
the guidelines’ focus on weight loss. She claimed that it risks teaching kids that “the bullies are right—that a fat body is just a problem to solve.”
What’s a parent to do? Pediatricians try to help, but they don’t pretend the problem’s easy—not in a media world that promotes an unrealistic supermodel-thin ideal on one hand and a parade of tempting fast foods and salt- and sugar-laden snacks on the other. “You can’t come down too hard on a child— you don’t want to shame them,” says Robert Jawetz, M.D., of Tenafly Pediatrics. “But you can’t ignore the problem because it does have long-term health consequences. Finding that middle road is admittedly very difficult—I can imagine how difficult it can be for a parent.”
Reversing a pattern of overweight in a child or adolescent takes a family commitment, says Janet Lazieh, M.D., of Holy Name Pediatrics in Teaneck. It often requires new family shopping habits and a disciplined effort by the child. But Dr. Lazieh insists: “It is doable.”
The two doctors joined BERGEN in a Zoom conversation.
Robert Jawetz, M.D. Tenafly Pediatrics
Janet Lazieh, M.D. Holy Name Pediatrics
Two Bergen County pediatricians discuss how they deal with childhood obesity— even as society’s influence makes it tough.
BERGEN: What’s your philosophy for treating a child who’s obese or at risk for obesity?
DR. LAZIEH: It’s a major problem, and we’ve been seeing increased prevalence. It’s really the family—I can’t blame the kid. We ask the child: “Do you really want to do something about your weight?” We really need to be on the same page. It’s not a punishment. Then I bring the parents into the conversation, because they’re the ones who do the grocery shopping.
DR. JAWETZ: There has to be buy-in from the entire family. Usually Mom and Dad will both be on board. Although if parents live in different households, there can be differences in what the child is eating. Also generational differences, where the parents work during the day and a
grandparent insists that the child eat a full meal on coming home, then he eats a second dinner later on when the parents are home. BERGEN: You’ve both stressed the parents’ role. What happens when a parent is doing more harm than good?
DR. LAZIEH: Sometimes a parent will approach me or the medical assistant and request that I not mention weight loss to the patient because they “will really melt down.” We approach it smoothly by asking: “What do you think about your weight?” But if I’ve known the patient long enough, sometimes I have to be frank and say, “We have a problem. And we really have to do something about it.”
DR. JAWETZ: I’ve had the same experience, being firmly instructed before I even walk into the exam room, “Do not mention what the scale said.” I will honor that request. But at the very least I’ll say, “Your weight is not appropriate for your
height, and that’s something we need to work on.” Obviously there are varying degrees of severity. If the parent doesn’t want to talk about it and the child is in the category the AAP terms “overweight,” with a body mass index (BMI) between the 85th and 95th percentiles, I’m not necessarily going to pursue that aggressively. But when the BMI is above the 95th percentile, the child is at risk for significant health problems—Type II diabetes, significant cardiovascular disease later on. So I feel I have to say something. The new AAP guidelines stress the need, every two years, to check labs on children in the obese category, to check their lipid profile, to check their liver profiles to make sure they’re not developing what’s called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and to check their hemoglobin A1C to watch for Type II diabetes.
DR. LAZIEH: With divorced parents, it can be a blaming game, with the kid caught in the middle. Sometimes I put both parents on a FaceTime and say: “Listen, we have to make a plan.”
BERGEN: Dr. Jawetz, do you use that tactic—both parents on FaceTime?
DR. JAWETZ: Sometimes, when I need to discuss something that affects both. Or I’ll get one parent on the phone if they can’t be in the room at the same time. Because when you have two separate conversations, it takes double the time and you get accusations back and forth or things start to get lost in translation.
DR. LAZIEH: Sometimes a child will ask, “What should my weight be?” It can be overwhelming or scary to discuss weight-loss goals of up to 50 pounds. Instead, I try to focus conversations on SMART goals— specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely. I may say, “Let’s make a deal. Five pounds in the next two months.” If that’s not achievable, I’ll do blood work, and sometimes I show them signs of change on their body. There’s something called acanthosis nigricans, where dark skin on the neck is a sign of metabolic syndrome. I tell them, “This is your body telling you you have insulin resistance and may develop diabetes.”
BERGEN: Tell me about a child who won the battle against obesity.
DR. JAWETZ: I had a long talk with one teen about his weight being mismatched for his height and how this was unhealthy. He and his mom asked what they could do to improve his health, so we did a deep dive into what he had been eating to discuss what needed to be changed, and we brainstormed about what forms of exercise he might like. When I walked into the exam room to see the young man the next year he had a big smile on his face and said, “Doc, are you proud of me?” He had managed to lose 20 pounds while growing 2 inches. I told him I was indeed proud of him, and I was. He has continued to maintain a healthy weight.
DR. LAZIEH: Those who were intentional about losing weight engaged in sports, adopted regular exercise schedules and limited their diets. Most used calorie- and portion-restricted diets and some went as far as using programs like Weight Watchers.
BERGEN: The op-ed piece in The Times implied a range of opinion: extreme vigilance against the slightest excess in BMI on one end, resolute rejection of “fat-shaming” on the other. Where should parents be on this continuum?
DR. JAWETZ: I think the author misinterpreted what the AAP guidelines are saying. They’re not trying to shame anyone for how they look, or recommending an automatic jump to medicalizing the treatment of obesity. They’re saying we need to make an increased effort to work with families to help these children lose weight—primarily through intensive lifestyle management and intervention. Unfortunately, in the medical system as it exists, it’s very hard to do that because functionally what they’re recommending as intensive lifestyle modification would require 26 visits over a year, which in a general pediatrics practice is virtually impossible, both for the physician and for the family—and probably wouldn’t be covered by insurance. Some plans do cover a nutritionist, and there may be a chance to work with a nutritionist and a personal trainer. But that assumes a family has the resources to do this, because it’s expensive. For families who don’t have the resources, that kind of lifestyle modification is unfortunately very difficult.
BERGEN: Do you have patients who have been bullied and “fat-shamed” by peers?
DR. LAZIEH: Absolutely. We see anxiety levels increasing, and there can be a lot of embarrassment tied to body image. This is true for both boys and girls. Unfortunately, we sometimes also encounter resistance to
lifestyle changes. “I tried all that,” they’ll say. “It’s not working. I’m not going to bother.” But the motivation really has to come from the child. If they are not convinced to change their habits, there is little benefit to lecturing.
DR. JAWETZ: To go back to BMI, my attitude has evolved over time. When I started in practice I went more by “the letter of the law.” I was more apt to bring it up with a child who had a BMI over, say, the 85th percentile, the AAP’s boundary of “normal.” But as I’ve gained more experience as a pediatrician and read more studies, it has become obvious to me that the BMI is nowhere near a perfect tool.
BERGEN: Bariatric weight-loss surgery is described as an option, but it seems an extreme remedy for kids.
prescribe the diabetes medication metformin. BERGEN: They say the family sit-down dinner is in decline, and kids often make up the nutritional difference with fast food and snacks.
DR. LAZIEH: Yes. Besides educating families, we need to aim our efforts at the food industry. Even taking a stroll around the mall with your child you will be bombarded with several fast-food options, some with a zillion calories. It’s really not easy.
BERGEN: Isn’t it true that genetics helps determine which kids are heavier than others, and that a genetically heavier-than-average body type isn’t necessarily unhealthy?
DR. LAZIEH: Yes. Bone structure, muscle structure and fat distribution throughout the body can vary based on each individual’s genetic makeup. But we still need to pay attention to children’s eating habits and make sure we keep the percentage of body fat within an acceptable range for their body type.
DR. LAZIEH: They’re saying it can start at age 13, and I respect the AAP guideline. But honestly, I feel that we should really push for the conventional way before discussing surgery and drastic, irreversible changes. At 13, children are still growing.
DR. JAWETZ: I don’t think I’ve ever had a patient who’s actually had bariatric surgery. I think it should be a last option when everything else has failed. If a parent and child were interested, would I discuss it and refer them to a place that did it? Absolutely— especially because all the expert organizations seem to endorse it. But I wouldn’t push it. BERGEN: They say it’s no substitute for a changed lifestyle, because you have to do that anyway.
DR. JAWETZ: Correct.
DR. LAZIEH: Exactly. Patients post-bariatric surgery still need to follow balanced diets. BERGEN: It sounds like you’re both in about the same place there, philosophically. How about medications?
DR. JAWETZ: There’s been a lot of publicity about Ozempic and Wegovy, recently approved for children as young as 12. And some of the older medications are probably underused. Unfortunately, the newer medications are expensive and often not covered by insurance, which again leaves you in the same situation of, what do you do?
DR. LAZIEH: We also have access to Osymia and other oral medications, which I haven’t prescribed yet. I do sometimes send a child to a pediatric endocrinologist, who may
DR. JAWETZ: If the child is stocky like the parents and has a weight on the high end of normal, or perhaps even falls into the “at risk for overweight” range, I probably won’t be too concerned—assuming he or she has a healthy diet and lifestyle with lots of physical activity.
BERGEN: Speaking of activity, we hear that kids are less active today, sitting in front of screens instead of playing in the neighborhood, and that COVID made it worse.
DR. JAWETZ: No question, exercise is an issue. We need to find ways to get moving, even if it’s just going for a walk after dinner. But exercise is a smaller component of the problem. More important is what and how kids eat. I think our food is, for the most part, unhealthy. There’s too much processed food. Those foods are designed to make us want to eat more. They’re easy to make and easy to prepare.
DR. LAZIEH: And cheap! As a parent myself, I know how hard it is to avoid highcalorie foods and snacking.
DR. JAWETZ: I tell parents, if it comes in a box or a bag it’s probably not super-healthy— except frozen steamed vegetables.
BERGEN: Any final thoughts?
DR. JAWETZ: Incremental change works. Kids don’t necessarily have to go out for the football team or swim 300 yards. Every little positive change is useful. But we can’t just throw our hands in the air and do nothing, because then the game’s already over.
DR. LAZIEH: I agree. We’re not going to give up. I have seen success with families who followed the right steps and didn’t give up.
“Exercise is a smaller component of the problem. More important is what and how kids eat. I think our food is, for the most part, unhealthy. There’s too much processed food. Those foods are designed to make us want to eat more.”
—Robert Jawetz, M.D., Tenafly Pediatrics
HERE ARE 7 WAYS TO GET OUT AND ENJOY ALL THE ACTIVITIES BERGEN COUNTY HAS TO OFFER.
ALPINE MARINA
Alpine Approach Road, Alpine
ENGLEWOOD BOAT BASIN
Henry Hudson Drive, Englewood Cliffs
FOSCHINI PARK
River Street, Hackensack FRANKLIN LAKES NATURE PRESERVE
Nature Preserve Way, Franklin Lakes
JOHNSON PARK
River Street, Hackensack
KENNETH B. GEORGE
MEMORIAL PARK
Riverside Way, River Edge
LAUREL HILL PARK *
(canoes and kayaks available for rent)
Laurel Hill Road, Secaucus
RIVER BARGE PARK
Outwater Lane, Carlstadt
OVERPECK PARK
KAYAK CENTER
(canoes, kayaks, paddleboards available for rent)
Fort Lee Road, Leonia
PALISADES
INTERSTATE PARK
Rte. 9W, Alpine and Englewood
VAN BUSKIRK ISLAND PARK
New Milford Ave., Oradell
WANDA CANOE CLUB
Industrial Avenue, Ridgefield Park
* – not located in Bergen County
Cycling is top-notch exercise, and a great way to see what our county has to offer.
The Saddle River County Park Bike Path extends for more than seven miles through the towns of Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Fair Lawn, Paramus, Saddle Brook and Rochelle Park along the Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. It goes by the historic Easton Tower on Route 4, as well as near a scenic waterfall in the Dunkerhook area. Riders can also trek along Route 9W through Alpine, Tenafly and Englewood Cliffs before stopping at Fort Lee Historic Park at the foot of the George Washington Bridge.
Even if you’re not going out on the water for dinner’s sake, fishing is a great way to connect with nature and calm your mind. It’s an upper body workout too! Here are a few of our favorite fishing spots:
Head to the Ramapo River, which is accessible at points in Mahwah and Oakland. Every spring the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife stocks the river with rainbow trout and brown trout. For a spot on the Hudson, cast off at the Englewood Boat Basin in Englewood Cliffs. There are plenty of fish here, and the view of the NYC skyline is a bonus. If it’s variety you’re after, launch your kayak or canoe at 157-acre Overpeck Lake in Ridgefield Park, where you might find a largemouth bass, catfish or carp tugging at your line. Bass and catfish also can be found at 120-acre Ramapo Lake in Oakland, but you’re more likely to catch pickerel and yellow perch there.
Before you set sail, make sure you have a New Jersey fishing license ($22.50, $12.50 for seniors) for anyone between the ages of 16 and 70. Pick one up at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Paramus or Ramsey Outdoor in Ramsey.
COOPER’S POND PARK
Church Street, Bergenfield
DAHNERT’S LAKE
COUNTY PARK
Midland Avenue, Garfield
DARLINGTON
COUNTY PARK
(DARLINGTON LAKE)
Darlington Avenue, Mahwah
FRANKLIN LAKES
NATURE PRESERVE
LAKE
Nature Preserve Way, Franklin Lakes
ORADELL
RESERVOIR
Oradell
The Bergen County Parks System includes six official dog runs (italicized below), but Fido will enjoy the fresh air at any of our area’s dog parks:
FORT LEE DOG PARK
Stillwell Avenue, Fort Lee
GARFIELD DOG PARK
Hobart Place, Garfield
OVERPECK COUNTY PARK
HENRY HOEBEL AREA
Fort Lee Road, Leonia
RIVERSIDE COUNTY PARK (NORTH)
JOSEPH A. CARUCCI AREA
Riverside Avenue, Lyndhurst
SADDLE RIVER
COUNTY PARK
WILD DUCK POND AREA
East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
SADDLE RIVER PARK
Dunkerhook Area, Paramus
SAMUEL NELKIN
COUNTY PARK
Rose Street, Wallington
VAN SAUN COUNTY PARK
Forest Avenue, Paramus
WESTWOOD DOG PARK
Sand Road, Westwood
WOOD DALE
COUNTY PARK
Prospect Avenue, Woodcliff Lake
Saddle up! You needn’t be a cowboy or cowgirl to hop on a horse. Bergen County is home to a handful of riding centers where newbies or equestrians can go to watch, groom and ride horses. Excited about equines? Some of these centers offer classes and riding competitions too.
BERGEN EQUESTRIAN CENTER
40 Fort Lee Rd. Leonia 201.336.3370
bergenequestrian.com
LOWER CROSS FARM
9 Lower Cross Rd. Saddle River 201.818.5640
MISFIT FARM 40A Fort Lee Rd. Leonia 201.233.7410 pennysmisfitfarm.com
PONY POWER THERAPIES 1170 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah 201.934.1001 ponypowernj.org
RI-ARM FARM 127C McCoy Rd. Oakland 201.337.0431 riarmfarm.com
ROCKLEIGH EQUESTRIAN CENTRE 24 Piermont Rd. Rockleigh 201.768.9745 reqcenter.com
SADDLE RIDGE RIDING CENTER 900 Shadow Ridge Rd. Franklin Lakes 201.847.9999
Get your golf game on at one of the driving ranges in the county, or simply practice your swing—there are several open-to-the-public greens to choose from in Bergen.
DRIVING RANGES
21 GOLF DRIVING RANGE
1 Rte. 46 W. Palisades Park 201.941.4455 21golfrange.com
CLOSTER GOLF CENTER
153 Homans Ave. Closter 201.768.0990 clostergolfcenter.com
COURSES
Totaling almost 9,000 acres within the Bergen County Parks System, there’s a trail, a body of water, a picnic area, a walking path or a playground to meet your liking.
ARTESIAN FIELDS
COUNTY PARK
Boulevard and Gilbert Street, Elmwood Park
BELMONT HILL
COUNTY PARK
Palisade Avenue, Garfield
BORG’S WOODS
NATURE PRESERVE
Allen Street and Fairmount Avenue, Hackensack
CELERY FARM
Franklin Turnpike, Allendale
CLOSTER NATURE
CENTER
154 Ruckman Rd., Closter
DAHNERT’S LAKE
COUNTY PARK
County Rd. 67, Garfield
DARLINGTON COUNTY PARK
600 Darlington Ave., Mahwah
DEMAREST NATURE
CENTER
90 Park St., Demarest
FLAT ROCK BROOK
NATURE CENTER
443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood
FORT LEE HISTORIC PARK
Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee
FRANKLIN LAKES
NATURE PRESERVE
Nature Preserve Way, Franklin Lakes
HACKENSACK RIVER
COUNTY PARK
Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack
JAMES A. MCFAUL
ENVIRONMENTAL
CENTER
150 Crescent Ave., Wyckoff
OVERPECK COUNTY PARK
40 Fort Lee Rd., Leonia
PALISADES PARK
RECREATION AREA
Undercliff Avenue, Edgewater
PASCACK BROOK
COUNTY PARK
150 Emerson Rd., Westwood
RAMAPO VALLEY
COUNTY RESERVATION
608 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah
RIVERSIDE COUNTY PARK
Riverside Avenue, Lyndhurst
SADDLE RIVER
COUNTY PARK
Dunkerhook Road, Paramus
SAMUEL NELKIN
COUNTY PARK
Rose Street, Wallington
TENAFLY NATURE
CENTER
313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
VAN SAUN COUNTY PARK
216 Forest Ave., Paramus
VOTEE PARK
Palisade Avenue, Teaneck
WOOD DALE COUNTY PARK
Prospect Avenue, Woodcliff Lake
DARLINGTON GOLF COURSE
279 Campgaw Rd. Mahwah 201.327.8778 golfbergencounty.com
ORCHARD HILLS GOLF COURSE
404 Paramus Rd. Paramus 201.447.3782 golfbergencounty.com
OVERPECK GOLF COURSE
273 E. Cedar Ln. Teaneck 201.336.7298 golfbergencounty.com
PARAMUS GOLF COURSE
314 Paramus Rd. Paramus 201.447.6079 paramusgolfcourse.com
RIVER VALE COUNTRY CLUB
660 Rivervale Rd. River Vale 201.391.2300 rivervalecc.com
ROCKLEIGH GOLF COURSE
15 Paris Ave. Rockleigh 201.768.6354 golfbergencounty. com
SOLDIER HILL
GOLF COURSE/ EMERSON GOLF CLUB
99 Palisade Ave. Emerson 201.336.6031 golfbergencounty. com
VALLEY BROOK
GOLF COURSE
15 Rivervale Rd. River Vale 201.664.5890 golfbergencounty. com
MINIATURE GOLF
CLOSTER GOLF CENTER
150 Homans Ave. Closter 201.768.0990 clostergolfcenter. com
PARAMUS MINIATURE GOLF
314 Paramus Rd. Paramus 201.447.6079, ext. 13
Landscape designer Devin Short turned an outdoor Ho-Ho-Kus space that had been overgrown with plantings into a backyard oasis, complete with a large rectangular swimming pool, a firepit, an outdoor dining area, a koi pond—and a large lawn area.
A young couple fell in love with the Ho-Ho-Kus home they purchased, but they weren’t so keen on the overgrown backyard that came with it. The sizable space had potential, but the owners required help if they were to use it as they hoped— for outdoor entertaining and relaxation.
“The yard needed updating, and they wanted to enhance everything it had,” recalls Devin Short of the 2020 renovation. A designer and sales staff member at Tapestry Landscape Architecture in Haskell, Short was hired to deliver as much of the homeowners’ wish list as possible. On the list: a pool, a fire feature and a sheltered space.
To maximize the existing lawn, Short situated the rectangular pool toward the rear of the property and away from the house. The property lines had plenty of tree coverage, which offered abundant privacy but also created shady areas.
“In addition to staying within the local town laws [regarding
setbacks], we had to consider the angle of the sun and where it would hit before we did the pool,” he says. To up the R&R quotient, the design team also included a sun shelf and hot tub alongside the pool.
On land, a bluestone patio was installed around the pool and Kingsley Bate chaise lounge chairs from Backyard Living in Ridgewood and additional seating placed for sunbathers. “We did the patio in earth tones, which tied in nicely with the color of the home’s exterior,” Short says.
For added convenience and to check off “shelter” from the homeowners’ checklist, a prefabricated cabana by Hillbrook Collections featuring a kitchen, a bathroom, an outdoor shower and storage space was placed between the pool and the rear property line. “After talking about a poolhouse, we explored prefab units and found one that perfectly fit the homeowners’ style and fit well beside the pool,” Short says. French doors
open to the poolside patio, providing easy access for guests who want a snack or shade. All of the pool’s mechanical equipment is tucked out of sight behind the cabana.
Separated by a patch of lawn and just a couple of steps from the pool is a custom wood-burning firepit that Short and his team constructed of bluestone and veneer. Chairs from Frontgate’s Isola Collection surround the fire feature, providing ample seating for hours of nighttime entertaining.
“They have family and kids over all the time, so everyone can relax either at the firepit or in the hot tub—they’re close to one another,” the designer says.
Adjacent to the firepit is the main entertaining area, with an area for the family’s grill master and an outdoor dining set by Crate & Barrel for the entire family. To soften the appearance of the large stone patio, which was left over from the previous
homeowner, Short used soil from the pool’s dig to plant a variety of lush foliage along the edge.
“The plants around the pool and patios are a mix of boxwoods, hydrangeas, ornamental grasses and flowering perennials,” he says. “The perimeter of the property has green giant arborvitae for privacy.”
A tranquil garden space with koi pond, another holdover from the previous backyard design, was opened up and updated with more perennials and boxwoods to give it a serene and inviting vibe.
“The best part of the yard is that, although we ate into a chunk of the lawn space, we were able to tuck the pool in the back and preserve much of the lawn,” Short says. “The homeowners love that they can enjoy a yard with so much landscape and hardscape.”
This page: If the pool wasn’t enough, Short created two additional entertaining zones. A custom-built firepit opens the door to long summer nights by the fire, while the dining area has ample shade—thanks to a large Treasure Garden umbrella from Backyard Living in Ridgewood—and a gorgeous view of the rest of the yard. Opposite page: Guests can quickly migrate from the hot tub to the adjacent firepit area without interrupting their conversation.
owners of a new Ridgewood home outdoors, a landscape design satisfies on several levels.
Thomas Flint Landscaping turned this “torn-up” corner lot in Ridgewood into a year-round outdoor masterpiece, with four tiers of stonework that include a covered patio with a fireplace, a pool, a spa and multiple seating areas.
It’s all in your point of view. For the empty-nester owners of a beautiful new-construction Ridgewood home (they’d knocked down the existing house on the property and rebuilt to their liking), their neglected backyard was a frustration—it sloped from one side to the other with no grass, deck or patio. But for Thomas Flint of Waldwick-based Thomas Flint Landscaping, retained to enliven the uninspiring outdoor space, it spelled a creative opportunity.
One must on the homeowners’ list was a pool, but with their kids out of the house, it didn’t need to be huge. Flint describes the cocktail pool they requested as “a small yet pretty pool that they could heat up quickly and use into the fall and winter.” And small was in the cards anyway; zoning issues pretty much ruled out a larger pool. But what the pool now lacks in square footage it makes up for in beauty, thanks to a distinctive curvilinear shape and an infinity edge that
faces a grassy area in the back. “It looks like the pool was built around the rocks,” says Flint, rather than the other way around.
That lawn area was another requirement. “We wanted to create some flat, usable space,” the designer says. And so was the intimate hot tub. This spa positioned close to the house has an urn that overflows with water, reclining benches contoured to the clients’ bodies and the ability to heat to up to 104 ° Fahrenheit in 15 minutes. The owners can turn the spa on and off remotely from an app on their phones, thus it’s ready for them when they get home.
To create the ultimate entertaining space that could be utilized all year round, Flint and company focused on function. “The upper dining patio has a covered area with a fireplace and an outdoor kitchen,” he says. The middle tier with the spa has another, smaller dining area and a pair of lounge chairs,
This page: A flat lawn area was a redesign requirement for these homeowners. Now they use it for everyday lounging or for overspill when hosting large parties. Opposite: One tier down from the covered patio with a fireplace, grilling and dining area is an intimate spa with a water feature and custom reclining seats.
and on the pool level is a firepit that fosters togetherness. There’s ample space for hosting large parties, but the separate entertaining areas make it feel intimate too.
There are lots of stairs—partly because of the land grading and partly for aesthetic purposes. Flint’s team used the steps and boulders as outcrops, and key pieces in the landscape are large, natural bluestone boulders, same as on the walls. “Some are constructed into the wall, some are used as retaining wall,” he says. “The boulders break up the monotony of the stonework and bring a natural element to the landscape.” Each slab of natural stone was hand-cut and hand-laid, creating what Flint calls “a piece of art.”
To soften it up even more, the pros chose a simple array of plantings that’s not overly busy and reflects well off the pool and the spa. This home is on a corner lot, so privacy was a concern too. Flint’s team strategically placed large evergreen
trees around the perimeter of the property and planted large, mature crops to make it seem as if the pool and the house had been there for decades. The flowers’ repeating textures in shades of pink and purple add a sense of cohesiveness and a pop of color from mid-April until the season’s first frost.
The project took about six months from start to finish, not much time in the scheme of things for a backyard one can use forever, 365 days a year. “Our goal was to pull the clients into the backyard and make the property inviting and functional,” Flint says. “They say they spend a lot of time outdoors now, along with time just looking out the window.”
The designer notes that this backyard has an aesthetically pleasing detail for every time of year, whether it’s watching the snow fall or catching the summer sunset. And naturally, the couple’s grown kids now want to visit more often.
Says Flint: “Isn’t that always the case?”
modern swimming pool and backyard space.
When the owners of this Northvale home walk out through the sliding doors from their dining room, they’re greeted with this contemporary pool in their backyard designed by Balitano Contracting in Fort Lee, as well as a playground and an open-concept living and dining area.
A lot goes on behind the scenes of any construction project. Zoning laws, ordinances and the like need to be figured out before undertaking a renovation of any kind. And in order to legally build a pool in a Northvale backyard—which had just a grassy area and a swing set—the pool equipment needed to be a certain distance from the fence and the property line, which put it in the middle of the yard. But Filoreto Sciglitano, president of Fort Lee-based Balitano Contracting, had an idea.
Attention to detail was paramount in this yard; the three-tier wall and waterfall feature in the pool purposely obstruct the pool equipment behind them. The living and dining room areas were specifically designed across from the pool for ease of entertaining.
“The challenge was, how do we mask this and make it functional?” he says. “So we custom-designed a stone waterfall that spills into the pool, and added a three-tier wall [to hide the equipment]. We put a lot of thought and detail into it.” The detail is clear in all aspects of the 36-by-16-foot vinyl pool. To achieve a modern, contemporary look, Sciglitano and his team installed a black onyx coping around the pool’s perimeter, surrounded by a modern gray porcelain paver. The shallow end has extra-large steps to accommodate lounge chairs. The water feature’s LED lights can be controlled by an app.
With a teenager and a 9-year-old, the homeowners also needed to make sure their new space could entertain kids of various ages as well as
adults. Behind the pool is a large playground with a planting bed area, which sits next to a large trampoline around which the design team placed rubber mulch and timbers. To the right is a shaded patio with a pair of dining tables, as well as an inviting outdoor living room. Sciglitano says this open concept was one that his clients much appreciated.
“It’s helped to really bring family and friends together,” he says. “They can interact with people in the dining space, and not have to turn their backs to the kids in the pool.” The clients are also glad they got everything on their wish list despite the limited space Sciglitano had to work with.
This backyard redesign took the Balitano team about two months, but that wasn’t the end of the team’s commitment. Sciglitano notes that because they’ve created an entirely new space, he encouraged the homeowners to live with it for a while and then come back to him for adjustments if needed. “We’re going back to do more landscaping in about a week or so,” he says. “It’s like we gave birth to this design and we’re married to it.”
The Balitano team is pleased with the result and, more importantly, the clients are too. Says Sciglitano: “You have your pool, your waterfall feature, an outdoor dining and living room, the landscape backdrop and a space for the kids.”
Moving was an option for a Wyckoff grandmother, but a gut reno supervised by a friend turned out to be a better idea.
A Wyckoff homeowner who was contemplating selling her family home of almost three decades now has powerful motivation to stay put—a sun-infused kitchen that shines on socializing as part of a whole-house reno.
A significant game changer was the gut-job kitchen transformation completed in 2022 by Anthony Albert Studios and interior designer Carolyn Botz, a longtime friend for whom this was a labor of love. But while homeowner Kathy Schappert felt at one point that the time had come to trade her five-bedroom colonial for a townhouse, this cheery kitchen in her beloved blue left her firmly planted in the home where she raised three children.
“I’ve been in the house for 24 years, and the kitchen is that old,” Schappert explains. “So I felt like I needed to update it. I was thinking about selling the home. But now I love it so much I don’t even want to move.”
This grandma of five (with a sixth on the way), who loves to entertain, now has the perfect place to make every party a hit. The island with Italian honed white marble beckons the whole family to gather around. The 4-foot-wide Galley sink is embedded with easyprep features such as a cutting board, and the eight-burner stove and
dual ovens by Wolf stand ready to satisfy diverse palates. “It’s the most workable kitchen,” she says.
Even when the family isn’t filling the home with laughter, Schappert can’t resist the personal joy she derives each day from the reno. “I come down in the morning and get a cup of coffee, and I just want to pinch myself,” she says. “I get such a happy feeling; I can’t believe it’s my kitchen.”
Central to that exuberance is the upgrade from one window to mega windows opening the kitchen to a backyard vista featuring bright bursts of hydrangeas and roses along with a built-in pool.
Anthony Passanante, owner of Waldwick-based Anthony Albert Studios, explains how creating a wall of windows influenced the layout of the Benjamin Moore French Toile cabinets his company custom designed with a transitional flair.
“It’s pretty much all windows so there’s no upper cabinets, only open shelves,” he says. But in no way is this homeowner lacking storage. Botz, principal designer and owner of Fountain Interiors in Wyckoff, says that besides a closet pantry off the kitchen, the eating area boasts an immense cabinet pantry that soars to the 9-foot ceiling in space once wasted on a desk.
But the true inspiration for the kitchen, Botz explains, was the blue cabinets. “My client loves blue and white, and I thought it would be fresh and different,” she says. “I experimented with many blues before settling on Benjamin Moore French Toile.” Schappert agrees that getting the right shade took some doing. “It’s beautiful, and it’s the opposite of what I’ve ever had,” she says of the result.
Standing out as a “huge focal point” in a sea of blissful blue, Passanante says, is the light-gray steel hood with soft curves and aged-brass trim that his craftsmen handmade to wow.
Neither designer is one to introduce a powerhouse like brass as a lone element. The metal’s warmth continues in the cabinet hardware, lighting features like a chandelier and sconces by Visual Comfort, island pendants by Hudson Valley and The Galley sink faucet by California Faucets.
For texture, Passanante says, the handmade glazed white ceramic tile by Stratta was allowed free rein of the entire backsplash as a fitting companion to the Italian honed Olympic-marble countertops. The effect is a timeless European flair, says Botz, who sees the project as a “modern spin on French Country design.”
White oak floors with 8-inch-wide planks by Carlisle hit an organic
note that is echoed by both the open shelving and the whitewashed oak island stools with Schumacher fabric.
The eating area with refurbished charcoal table paired with blueand-white paisley chairs (coming soon) is a plus for entertaining as Schappert’s family keeps growing. Also refurbished in a complementary shade, the buffet says “Ooh-la-la” with brass-and-glass floating shelves, while the Visual Comfort chandelier completes the look.
Always close enough to wet their whistles is another Anthony Alberts creation: a blue-gray bar with Sea White Quartzite countertop and wine and beverage Sub-Zero chillers. For grand effect, a mirrored wall by Artique Glass Studio glams it up with a gold-leaf border.
As Schappert embraces the new design and the new lease on life it’s given her home, it now seems that townhouse living just wasn’t in her DNA. And Botz describes her friend as a nester who loves to enjoy her home. “Her family loves it, everyone loves it, nobody wants her to leave.” Moving just “wasn’t the right thing to do,” concludes the interior designer.
Schappert is still pinching herself in delight over her “new” home. She has nothing but praise for the design team that made it all seem easy, and that lingering glow perhaps says it all.
This page: Designers went big for impact with the gold-leaf mirror over the blue-gray bar with a quartzite top, an elegance echoed in the brass-andglass shelves over the buffet just beyond. Opposite page: The 4-footwide Galley sink gives the hostess the mostest with its built-in prep accoutrements.
I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t this. Maybe something like the friendly local smoke shop—small, intimate, a place to pop in and chat with the amiable proprietor while picking up, say, a pre-rolled joint or a couple of gummies? Or maybe something closer to the head shops I remember from my youth: a jumble of bongs and rolling papers and back issues of High Times, but with legal weed thrown in? Instead, the first legal cannabis dispensary I visited—the Apothecarium on Route 17 in Lodi—was more like a cross between a specialty pharmacy and the gift shop in a high-end spa.
The floor was clean enough (as they say) to eat off—should the munchies strike. So were the shiny counters bearing designer dipsticks and gleaming glass jars filled with crumbly sage-green flower buds. The air was perfumed with something pleasantly floral, and it would be easy to miss the barely perceptible undertone of skunk. As upbeat pop music issued unobtrusively from hidden speakers, a half-dozen customers—all of them, on this weekday morning, grayhaired and grandparently—waited patiently in line to pick up their orders. I don’t know who was in the cars steadily streaming past the drive-through windows, but I heard neither words nor beeps from any of them.
Welcome to the world of legalized cannabis—a world you may already know. A recent survey out of Stockton University
indicated that 70 percent of New Jerseyans have purchased legal cannabis from a retail dispensary. The percentage of Bergen residents having done so may be somewhat lower, since there are, as of this writing, only four dispensaries in the county, one of them solely selling medical-use marijuana (Rise Paramus), the others dispensing both medical and recreational cannabis (Ascend Fort Lee, Ascend Rochelle Park and Lodi’s Apothecarium). In fact, a year after cannabis became legal in New Jersey, most Bergen municipalities seem steadfastly opposed to allowing weed-based businesses within their borders, despite the fact that 66.5 percent of Bergen County residents voted to legalize marijuana in a statewide election in November 2020.
Like affordable housing, legal cannabis is popular in concept but not for most Bergen backyards, especially in the northern section of the county. Starting in 2021, all New Jersey municipalities were given the opportunity to opt either in or out of the legal marijuana business. “If they opted out, they could really opt in any time after that, so early on very few municipalities in Bergen opted in,” says Gabriella Wilday, a Ridgewood resident who, with her father and brother, is in the process of opening Molly Ann Farms, a dispensary in Haledon in Passaic County.
One reason Wilday chose to open outside of Bergen: Haledon
Legal cannabis is now a fact, and two-thirds of Bergen voters approve. But will the financial benefits go mostly to other parts of the state?
“As each year goes by, cannabis is becoming less and less taboo. Individuals, their family members or close friends who have some kind of medical illness are treating it with cannabis, and that’s starting to change people’s minds.”
Robert DiPisa, chair, Cannabis Law Group, Cole Schotz, Hackensack
was more welcoming. “I think there’s a tremendous willingness in Haledon to help drive a vibrant downtown community, whereas the towns that I looked at in Bergen County already had that,” she says. “I really felt that, as a business owner, I could make the most impact there, not only because of the size—it’s a postage stamp of a town—but also because of the willingness and passion of the local government.”
That willingness, in Haledon and other weed-friendly communities, is driven in large part by the economics of legal cannabis in New Jersey, where municipalities reap 2 percent of the profits from any cannabis-based business— retail dispensary, cultivation or manufacturing facility or warehouse—that they host. Those profits are not inconsiderable. In 2022, sales of legal cannabis in the state topped half a billion dollars, rising from about $56 million in the first quarter to more than $177 million in the fourth. That may help to explain why less wealthy communities in the state’s southern portion are more eager to support the cannabis industry than well-to-do northern counties like Bergen. And some towns, says Carol Rauscher, president of the North New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, are just more conservative than others. She notes that when Englewood’s Greenhaus Boutique—a shop selling CBD and related products—opened, many residents were angry and alarmed, although in fact CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a part of the cannabis plant that doesn’t induce a high. Perhaps not surprisingly, Englewood was one of the towns that voted to opt out of the legal marijuana business.
Bergen’s prevailing not-in-my-backyard sentiment hasn’t deterred every business owner from applying here. Jonah Smith, Joshua Perez and Joe Spiegel, for instance, founded the dispensary business Deo’s Garden in 2021 with the intention of opening a retail dispensary in their hometown of Teaneck. “Early on,” says Perez, “we were optimistic that that would happen. We got our letter of resolution from Teaneck in February 2022, and then we got our conditional license”—a temporary state permit that gives applicants 120 days to find a site and secure municipal approval—“in June. So we were moving fast; we were ready to go. And then the township slowed us down.”
The area zoned for cannabis in Teaneck had seven potential retail spaces in it, but all were occupied by light manufacturing. They were told that their application couldn’t move forward until after the next municipal election. After a series of additional setbacks, the partners decided to apply in Maywood, and they’re hopeful the application will go through.
Like Wilday, the proprietors of Deo’s Garden are independent owners, but that isn’t true of Bergen’s other dispensaries, all run by multistate operators (MSOs)—essentially, national franchises. And MSOs have a much easier job securing licenses, as they already have a track record of, among other things, complying with regulations. But one of the touted benefits of legal cannabis was helping those most damaged by the war on drugs—that is, minorities, who had a higher-than-average likelihood of being prosecuted for marijuana offenses—and the MSOs are currently crowding many of them out. Should Deo’s Garden get the green light, it will be the only so-called minority-equity dispensary in Bergen County.
“I find myself wondering if the folks who designed the rules really wanted to create a fair, equitable and inclusive industry,” says Spiegel. “Why should it take most of us one to two years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to get licensed? Most independent entrepreneurs simply can’t afford this.”
Of course, the climate in Bergen could shift, if individuals and municipalities become convinced that their fears of legal cannabis were unfounded. One Englewood resident speaks for many Bergenites when she worries that “retail storefronts could become a place for people to hang out and smoke on the street and just bring down the family feeling of downtown; they could also attract underage kids and encourage them to try the drug.” Other objections are the fear that downtowns could end up smelling like midtown Manhattan, where the skunky odor of cannabis has replaced roasting chestnut as the city’s signature perfume, and a fear that dispensaries will bring in unsavory “outsiders.” On the other hand, Mike Morse, a resident of Midland Park who voted in favor of legalized cannabis, wouldn’t mind a dispensary in his town. “Even though I don’t do it anymore,” he says of cannabis, “I’m a big proponent of it because I think it’s much less dangerous than drinking. I guess it would be good if a dispensary weren’t too close to a school, but otherwise I’d be OK with it.”
Proponents of legal weed often cite the need for greater education about the realities of legal dispensaries and the benefits of cannabis. “Legal cannabis dispensaries have tested products that are safe and packaged properly,” says Christine Ianuzzi, CEO of the Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo), a Bergen-based business that sponsors an annual legal cannabis trade show at New York’s Jacob Javits Center. “Once that can be established and communities can get comfortable with it, they might rethink their opposition.” Robert
DiPisa,chair of the
Cannabis Law Group at the Hackensack legal firm Cole Schotz, says that “as each year goes by, cannabis is becoming less and less taboo. Individuals, their family members or close friends who have some kind of medical illness are treating it with cannabis, and that’s starting to change people’s minds.”
By the time more of those minds are changed, though, it may be too late for many communities to reap the benefits of legal weed. “In the next five years we’re going to see a significant amount of saturation in the market, and what’s going to happen is that only those who are running a very lean operation are going to survive,” says DiPisa. “As more dispensaries are opened and delivery service comes online, you may have to court one of these operators to open a dispensary in your municipality, instead of the other way around.” In fact, cannabis delivery services may be allowed in New Jersey starting this summer. There is a way for towns to rope in their 2 percent from legal cannabis without having to allow a dispensary within town limits, and that, says DiPisa, is to host nonretail businesses such as cultivation, manufacturing and warehousing operations. “They offer municipalities the tax revenue and the jobs without the negative aspects that they believe the cannabis will bring to their municipality,” he says. “A lot of these facilities have no signage and look like any other warehouse within an industrial park. The odor mitigation has improved so much that they’re indistinguishable from any other industrial facility. And sometimes I find myself scratching my head as to why municipalities, who need to continuously raise taxes on their residents, aren’t considering these alternative cannabis uses.”
Meanwhile, another cannabis business appears to be booming in Bergen County: the illegal weed trade. In September 2021, narcotics investigators busted an Englewood business called Dirty Jerzy Supplies that was operating as an illegal marijuana dispensary. A year later, the proprietors of the shop THC Jarz in Garfield were arrested for selling recreational weed without a license. Wilday believes that “the stronger the illicit market is, the more likely we are to see something other than cannabis in weed. And that really scares me.”
She notes that legal cannabis is strictly regulated in New Jersey, and she’s read the 900-page book of regulations that proves it. So far, though, those rules, which appear to be stringently enforced, haven’t convinced most Bergen towns to open their arms—and their coffers—to the business of weed. And as that business is becoming entrenched in the state, their opportunity to do so may already have gone up in smoke.
Any discussion of courses we love usually ends with confessions about the ones we’ve not played yet. Heck, one of my golfing buddies, Peter, has played 94 of the GolfDigest Top 100, and even he can rattle off 10+ courses he still needs to add to his list. But it would be a crying shame to go much longer without trying the five courses offered here. These special places are accessible to all golfers, as they are public. Most you’ve heard of, but they may include a surprise or two. And while some are handier to reach than others, all are worth the trip. There are nine-hole courses and even a putting course that in my opinion are just as much fun as the classic 18-hole layouts. Golf should be about the experience, not the number of holes you play.
A visit to Pinehurst is de rigueur, as there are at least six courses here that one should experience. My first priority would be Pinehurst course No. 2, a Donald Ross masterpiece that has seen numerous renovations, with the last one completed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2011.
Following the elimination of the Bermuda grass rough and the introduction of native hardpan sand with wiregrass, the course has a more natural feel and offers a great challenge for both men and women, as evidenced by the 2014 U.S. Open.
A caddie here will increase your enjoyment of this great tract.
Pinehurst course No. 4 has recently benefited from a wonderful renovation by Gil Hanse, and now it’s a worthy companion to No. 2. A fun fact here is that Hanse occupied the home of Ross while he was on the property. Hanse and his team also created a cool nine-hole short course called “The Cradle,” which is an ideal complement to other courses in the Pinehurst complex.
When you arrive at the resort you will see what was the first miniature golf course in the U.S. Created in 1916 by James Barber, it offers the entire family a fun introduction to this historic resort.
To be honest, there’s also another reason I love visiting here: The pancakes at the Pinehurst Resort are world-class.
Then there’s the Badger State, with both old and new courses to try. For the latter, it’s time again to thank Mike Keiser (the developer of Bandon Dunes) along with Craig Haltom, who recognized that this land had unlimited potential. And thank you, Michael and Chris Keiser (Mike Keiser’s sons), for delivering what Golf Digest recognized as the “best new course” when it debuted six years ago.
Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw were entrusted with the responsibility of designing the first course, and while they moved more earth here than at Sand Hills, their award-winning private course in Nebraska, the Sand Valley course fits the land like a great jigsaw puzzle. The sand here is employed in many different ways, from bunkers to waste areas, and I can assure you that you will use every club in your bag.
The second course at Sand Valley is Mammoth Dunes by David McLay Kidd, and it showcases Kidd’s maturity and style. The 14th hole was created with the design help of a Golf Digest “armchair architect” contest. Brian Silvernail, a graphic designer from Florida, presented the winning entry, and it’s a beauty. This drivable downhill par 4 has a sloping fairway and a Redan-style green (unusual for a par 4 hole). If you’re skilled or lucky enough to drive into the speed slot on the right, you’ll be rewarded with a ball close to the green. Add a 17-hole par 3 course (by Coore and Crenshaw) and you’ll have a perfect couple of days of great golf and fun.
“Bucket list”? That’s too longterm. Grab your clubs and hurry to these great places as soon as you can.
Make this your next Wisconsin stop. Lawsonia Links, designed in the 1930s by Chicago duo William Langford and Theodore Moreau, is a must-visit for sure. There are a pair of 18-hole course, Links and Woodlands. The former will test your short game, as the elevated greens and mounds will challenge your shot-making skills. The fairways and greens on the Links course may feel wide open, but don’t feel free to spray your shots anywhere. Pro tip: You’ll want to practice your bunker shots before arriving.
While playing Links requires great concentration, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the course’s views and vibes. While you’re on the back nine, you have a clear view of every hole of the front nine—it’ll make you feel like your foursome is joining another group. The oldschool appearance, from the architecture to the clubhouse, is a throwback in time and brings you back to the golden era of golf.
The Links course is also an example of the effects of tree removal. When Craig Haltom and Oliphant Golf took over the property in 2010, the course was overgrown with trees with portions of its large greens buried in rough. But careful rehabilitation turned it into today’s gem, and the property continues to improve each year.
With five distinctly different golf courses and a great par 3 track, this resort is the perfect starting point. Every golfer owes a debt to Mike Keiser, who had the courage and conviction to find an area on the Oregon coast that was ideal for a unique golf experience.
The first course, Bandon Dunes by David McLay Kidd, opened in 1999 and showcases this property’s magnificent dunes and ocean views. When Tom Doak’s Pacific Dunes course debuted in 2001, it was amazing that a second course could be created on the same land with such a different feel. Then in 2005 came the opening of Bandon Trails, fashioned by architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and we all started to believe that this was indeed a special area that could be developed in many different ways.
Old Macdonald (my favorite) opened in 2015. Here designers Doak and Jim Urbina approached their task by asking, “What would the great Charles Blair Macdonald have created on this land?”—Macdonald being one of the premier course architects of the early 20th century. Old Macdonald is a great walk (all of the courses at Bandon should be experienced walking) on a huge canvas of land. For example, the first hole provides an expansive fairway to hit, and it’s only when you arrive for your second shot that you realize the difficulty lies ahead with an elevated green.
The journey continues with a unique collection, each respecting Macdonald’s genius.
Oregon again? Sure—the state has some of the best land in the country for golf, and Silvies Valley Ranch, situated 300+ miles from Portland and 200 miles from Boise, makes my list, as it’s big (100,000+ acres) and offers many activities beyond golf.
When the goats (nearly 3,000 of them) outnumber the local residents, you know this is not a typical golf course. Oh, and by the way, you can even use one of the goats as a caddie, as Akbar Chisti, the co-founder of Seamus Golf, has designed a unique golf bag specifically for this purpose!
Architect Dan Hixson created two 18-hole layouts, which are played on alternate days, allowing you to play the course in both directions. Hixson’s excellent par 3 layouts are especially great and add to the fun of playing here.
Don’t forget to sample the farm-to-table cuisine at Silvies and enjoy the many available non-golf activities, such as hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Does this exhaust my list of great courses?
No way—there are many more, with Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y., and Pebble Beach in Pebble Beach, Calif., as additional standouts I must mention. It’s also great to play a course that has recently hosted a major, because when you watch the tournament you’ll have enhanced knowledge of the venue. But the halfdozen courses I’ve described here are great for starters. Make sure, if you can, that they don’t linger long on your “not yet” list.
Made of a delicious combo of mayonnaise, vinegar and spices, white sauce—also known as Alabama BBQ sauce—is an unexpected burst of flavor for your grilled meats.
Yields 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
For the chicken:
n 3-4 lbs. skin on chicken wingettes
For the chicken rub:
n 6 Tbs. paprika
n 3 Tbs. brown sugar
n 2 Tbs. chili powder
n 2 Tbs. smoked paprika
n 1 Tbs. ground black pepper
n 2 Tbs. dry mustard
n 2 Tbs. onion powder
n 1 Tbs. cayenne pepper
For the barbecue sauce:
n 1½ cup mayonnaise
n ¼ cup apple cider
vinegar
n 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
n 1 tsp. black pepper
n 1 tsp. salt
n 1 tsp. garlic, minced
n 2 Tbs. sweetener
n 2 tsp. prepared
horseradish
DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl, add all spices and brown sugar. Mix until combined and set aside.
Pat dry chicken with paper towels; this will help rub stick to chicken better. Place the chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle with ¹/³ of the dry rub. Toss the chicken to evenly coat.
Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet or a casserole dish and place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-low heat on propane or 350 on pellet grill. Place the chicken on the grill, covered. Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally for even cooking. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
While the chicken is on the grill, prepare your sauce.
Remove from the chicken from the grill. Serve the chicken with the sauce.
Chicken wings are a great source of protein. Incorporating spices like paprika, chili powder and cayenne pepper can be a great way to add flavor while providing potential anti-inflammatory health benefits. To reduce the overall saturated fat, remove the chicken skin and swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt.”
—Gila Singer, registered dietitian nutritionist, Bergenfield
Yields 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
For the ribs:
n 1 rack (3 lbs.) baby back ribs
n 1 cup water
n ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
n 2 tsp. liquid smoke
For the rub:
n 1 Tbs. paprika
n ½ Tbs. garlic powder
n ½ Tbs. onion powder
n ½ tsp. black pepper
n ½ Tbs. chili powder
n ½ Tbs. cumin
n ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
n 1 tsp. salt
n ½ tsp. dry mustard
For the barbecue sauce:
n 1½ cup mayonnaise
n ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
n 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
n 1 tsp. black pepper
n 1 tsp. salt
n 1 tsp. garlic, minced
n 2 Tbs. sweetener
n 2 tsp. prepared horseradish
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all the ingredients for the spice rub in a small bowl. Set aside. Rinse the ribs with cold water and pat dry.
Remove the silver skin from the back side of the ribs. Insert the tip of a sharp knife under the skin to get it started. The rest should pull off in one large piece.
Season the ribs, front and back, with the spice rub. Sprinkle about 1-1½ tablespoons of spice rub on each side and rub into the meat until well coated.
Add the water, apple cider vinegar and liquid smoke to the bottom of an Instant Pot. Insert the trivet into the bowl as well. Add the ribs to pot, curling them around to fit below the max fill line.
Seal the Instant Pot vent and cook on the “manual high” setting for 35 minutes. Allow the steam to naturally release.
Add all the sauce ingredients to a medium-size container. Whisk or blend everything together (a wide-mouth mason jar and immersion blender works well). Store the sauce in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to combine.
Preheat the grill to 450°F. Grill the ribs on each side until a bit crispy and heated through, about 6 minutes per side. Serve the ribs with the sauce.
Pair these ribs with a healthy, quick sesame cabbage slaw. Green cabbage is low in calories and high in vitamin C, vitamin K and fiber. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups bagged coleslaw mix, 2 Tbs. sesame oil, 2 Tbs. rice vinegar, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 Tbs. sesame seeds and salt and black pepper to taste.”
—Catherine Messina, registered dietitian nutritionist, Catherine Messina Nutrition, Fair Lawn
Mark M. Pizzurro, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive surgery and robotic arm assisted surgery. He completed his medical degree in 2000 at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He performed residencies in surgery and orthopedic surgery at St. Francis Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center respectively, and his fellowship was completed in adult reconstruction and arthritis surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Pizzurro is the Director of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at The Valley Hospital and the Director of the Total Joint Replacement Program at The Valley Hospital.
The MAKO System is a tool used in the operating room for performing total hip replacement as well as partial and total knee replacement. It’s been in evolution since 2006 when it was initially used for partial knee replacements and has advanced over the years to using it for total hip and total knee replacement.
The MAKO System has several advantages versus classic manual instruments. Starting with a CT scan, we plan the correct size of the implant, and where it will be positioned, typically within less than one millimeter of the desired location. In the operating room, once we have the plan loaded and we’ve initiated the surgery, we can get measurements that we were not able to obtain before. Five years post-hip replacement, patients report they are performing better in normal activities, feeling better, and having a more natural feel to their joint. Studies have shown that with robotic surgery, the implant positioning is proven more accurate with partial and total knee and hip replacements.
After surgery, we’re looking for patients to be on their feet more quickly. More often than before, patients are going home the day of surgery or having a stay of less than 24 hours in the hospital. We find that patients are more likely to need less medication and get going more quickly and return to their normal functionality.
MARK M. PIZZURRO, MD, DIRECTOR OF ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY TheValley Hospital;
Director ofthe Total Joint Replacement Program
The Total Joint Replacement Center at The Valley Hospital
201.251.3317
www.ValleyHealth.com/Orthopedics
Education
• Medial School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Undergraduate: The Johns Hopkins University
Post-Doctoral Training
• Hospital for Joint Diseases
Orthopaedic Institute
• Fellowship: Adult & Pediatric Sports Medicine/Trauma
Faculty Affiliation
• Assistant Professor––
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Certifications
• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Certified in Robotics Joint Replacement Surgery (MAKO) & Cartilage Repair
Hospital Affiliations
• Hackensack Meridian Health
• The Valley Hospital
• Holy Name Medical Center
Athletes are functioning at much higher levels compared to years past. The level of training and competition begins at a much earlier age. Younger competitive athletes are participating in multiple sports on a year-round basis. Increased training and competition results in increased speed and force of injury should an injury occur. Overuse injuries have also become more prevalent at a younger age. We deal primarily with two major groups of patients. One is the younger competitive athlete ranging from middle school through college/ professional sports. Consequently, injuries in this group require prompt treatment. Improved arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques produce great results and a prompt return to full function. Sports have become a very key element of college admissions.
The second group is entrenched in their career and family. This group participates in sports at a high level and is subject to injuries and arthritis. For both groups of patients regenerative medicine (growth factors and stem cells) can also play a role.
I am fortunate to participate in the development of new techniques and technology to achieve success in our field. Improved surgical techniques have resulted in significant improvement, restoration, and reconstruction of normal anatomy as well as decreased recovery times. We are achieving amazing results with regard to complex knee and shoulder injuries. Athletes who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL) have an overall better result with a quicker return to function. We can now more anatomically reconstruct and at times repair the damaged ligament. We have also seen great strides in the treatment of complex shoulder injuries consisting of ligament and rotator cuff tears. Current arthroscopic techniques and instrumentation result in a more normal restoration of the pre-injury anatomy. In addition, anesthetic nerve blocks have greatly decreased post operative pain. Regeneration and repair of cartilage is now possible. Biologic /cell therapy is expanding at an amazing rate. Robotic-assisted joint replacement is now routine and produces fantastic results. In particular, partial knee replacement is now much more successful with robotics. Joint replacement patients can now return to most sports and compete as they age.
I believe this is one of the most important parts of my role as an orthopedic sports medicine specialist. I first start out with a thorough explanation as to why a surgical solution is the best option. Very often surgery is not necessary. In the younger scholastic and collegiate athlete, I deal with the family as a whole. A comprehensive explanation of the entire process is key. I use sports psychology techniques to visualize the various stages of recovery. As a former Johns Hopkins running back, and St. Peter’s team physician, I am able to guide our patients through their recuperation. Personalized post-surgical care has been very rewarding to me as a sports medicine specialist. I am proud to have a consistent and thorough relationship with athletic trainers, nurses, and physical therapists. I have found patients to be greatly reassured when they know that I am on top of their care.
JAMES W. CAHILL, MD, FAAOS
Cahill Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Joint Replacement
87 Summit Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.489.0022
140 Route 17 North, Suite 255, Paramus, NJ 07652 201.261.5501 | www.cahillorthopedic.com
There are so many great medical practitioners who treat neck, back and sports related injuries. What sets the BoardCertified specialty trained physicians at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center apart is their ability to both perform hands on examinations and use the most advanced diagnostic imaging to make the most exact diagnosis for your specific issue. This allows us to create a specific treatment plan that could include both natural and holistic care, including acupuncture, physical therapy and Osteopathic Manual treatments but can range to the most advanced image guided spine, nerve and peripheral joint injection procedures. This unique combination of holistic care, eastern medicine, manual skills and safe advanced procedures makes the patient feel great and back to a less painful and active life.
Jeff Pavell, DO
Donald Liss, MD
Philip Tasca, MD
Adeel Ahmad, MD
Shan Babeendran, DO
Kara Suche, MD
Rebecca Brown, MD
Not pictured:
Nathaniel Montag, DO Yaser Albataineh, MD
Dr. Longobardi, in addition to orthopedic surgery, you are also board-certified in sports medicine. How does that specialization differentiate your ability to diagnose and treat sports injuries from other orthopedists?
Board certification in Sports Medicine validates my prior specialty training and experience, and it confirms an enhanced level of expertise in this field. Board certification represents the abilities and interest of a specific group of orthopaedic surgeons who provide comprehensive health services for the care of athletes and active people of all ages and abilities.
As Bergen County’s only sports medicine specialist qualified to perform biosurgery to repair damaged or defective cartilage in the knee, how does this benefit patients?
Orthopedic biosurgery utilizes the transplantation of living healthy tissue – instead of metal and plastic -- to replace injured tissue in younger, active individuals so they can return more quickly to their athletic lifestyles. The implanted tissue may be articular cartilage cells taken from a patient’s knee, which are then grown in a lab and replanted back into the knee. The transplanted cells attach to the bone, grow, multiply, and repair the defect. Other types of biosurgery involve transplanting a patient’s whole meniscus cartilage or a combination of cartilage and bone into the knee.
The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, PA 500 Grand Ave., Englewood, NJ 07631 201.567.2277 | rehabmed.net
RAPHAEL S. F. LONGOBARDI, MD ORTHOPAEDIC SPORTS MEDICINE AND ATHLETIC INJURIESwww.Universityorthopaedic.com
Give this classic cocktail a citrusy twist to create the perfect any-time-of-day drink.
Yields: 1 serving
INGREDIENTS
n 1½ oz. gin n ½ oz. orange liqueur n ¾ oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed n 1 barspoon orange marmalade n lemon slice, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Add the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice and marmalade into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously until wellchilled. Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Try subbing out the orange marmalade for any kind of fruit preserve. Try this twist: 1 oz. gin, 1 oz. limoncello, ½ oz. fresh lemon juice, ½ oz. simple syrup and 1 bar spoon of blueberry preserves. Shake, double strain into a chilled coupe and enjoy!”
—Samantha
Recipe courtesy of liquor.com
Wealth Management Planning Today for Tomorrow’s Enjoyment
Managing
Whether
Managing | Investment
are selling a business, with our is created effectively evolves, with you
Financial
Capital Advisors Welcomes
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.
Achieving financial comfort and giving you back commodity of time Wealth Management Planning Today for Tomorrow’s Pallas Capital Advisors Welcomes Managing Director, Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, Contact us to schedule a meeting 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2101 | Park Ridge, NJ 07656 551.277.2686 | pallascapitaladvisors.com eric@pallascapitaladvisors.com Financial Planning | Investment Management | Family Office
Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P Contact us to schedule a meeting InvestmentAdviceofferedthroughPallasCapitalAdvisors,LLC,aregisteredinvestmentadvisor. 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2101 | Park Ridge, NJ 07656 551.277.2686 | pallascapitaladvisors.com eric@pallascapitaladvisors.com
Not many taxpayers know about Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 Exchanges. Taxpayers can use a 1031 Exchange to defer their capital gains tax when selling an investment or commercial property. The IRS rules state no taxable event occurs when a taxpayer sells a property; and then shortly after, purchases a like kind replacement property. The IRS has put in place many rules and regulations to make sure a 1031 Exchange is done right. For example, the taxpayer needs to use a qualified intermediary who holds the sale proceeds in escrow during the 1031 Exchange.
In a 1031 exchange, taxpayers cannot purchase a primary residence, personal property (ex; art, collectibles), or stock in a company.
Like-kind property is any real estate held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment purposes. For example, selling a piece of vacant land and purchasing a 3-unit multifamily.
1031 Exchange replacement properties fall into different categories:
• Active ownership – Taxpayers can sell a rental on 100 Main St and 1031 Exchange the proceeds into an industrial warehouse on 200 Stone St. They manage the real estate themselves.
• Net Lease – Taxpayers can call a “Net Lease” real estate broker and purchase a building with a long-term Net Lease tenant; such as a CVS, Wendy’s, or Advanced Auto Parts.
• % Ownership in a DST (Delaware Statutory Trust) – Utilizing a DST in a 1031 Exchange, allows taxpayers to purchase a fractional portion of a replacement property. DST investments are usually passive investments that pay distributions and are managed by large, institutional, real estate companies on behalf of their investors.
When considering selling a property and performing a 1031 Exchange, it is important to work with your Tax, Legal, and Investment professionals. They are complex transactions with many rules and moving parts.
At Freedom Bank, we strive to help you achieve your financial freedom. Headquartered in Maywood, NJ, Freedom Bank’s mission is to be recognized as a valued member of the northern New Jersey financial community… and as the path to your financial freedom.
We are an independent, full-service commercial bank that’s committed to providing individuals and businesses with ways to achieve their financial goals. From checking and IOLTA accounts to CDs and low-cost loans, we have it all. We’re dedicated to high-tech delivery of competitive products, and highly personalized service to meet your specific needs.
Freedom Bank employees believe personal attention, local decisions, sound banking practices, and comprehensive financial services should exceed customers’ expectations and we’ll do all we can to see that it happens.
Our vision is to establish and maintain long-term relationships with our customers and the townships that we have branch locations. We intend to become a vital part of the vibrant community we now serve, and those we will serve in the years to come.
“The relationships that we have fostered are based on our commitment to support growth that benefits the communities that we live and work in,” said Matthew R. Carcich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Bank. “I believe that we truly are the spirit of community banking by the relationships we have developed in the communities that we serve.”
Freedom Bank has more than 223 years of combined executive level commitment and financial expertise that has led and continues to lead the Bank in the direction of future growth. Freedom Bank welcomes the opportunity to serve you and all your banking needs.
Helping to protect and grow family wealth for over 40 years, CFS is committed to investing in the vision of our associates and clients to continue to deliver the promises we have made and the impact it will have on future generations. We are proud to highlight Andrew Gilliland as a member of the CFS family and a rising leader in the LGBTQ+ community. As impact-oriented advisors, we can prepare our LGBTQ+ clients to fully live out the vision for their lives that so many have sorely fought for. Regardless of the questions that may come up along the way, whether to have a family or not, whether to have a partner or not, whether to start a business or pay it forward to the rest of the community through service, we can make sure that our clients are uniquely and fully positioned to take on these new variables with plans meant to ensure that our finances are a part of our journey of liberation. CFS stands with Andrew and his vision every day. Visit the CFS table at the Our Montclair event on June 10.
Managing
Achieving financial comfort and giving you back the precious commodity of time
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 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 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, 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
are selling a business, with our is created effectively evolves, with you
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.
As a Private Wealth Financial Advisor, Mario Afram is dedicated to helping his clients by focusing on each individual to meet their financial needs and preserve their wealth and legacy.
With extensive experience through major shifts in the markets, Mario has devoted his entire career to delivering the personalized investment planning service his clients deserve.
Mario began his career at Smith Barney in 1990 and over the last three decades he has developed a vast fundamental investment knowledge. He joined Wells Fargo Advisors in June of 2022 to take a team approach in providing extensive personalized financial advice for individuals and families.
Mario has been very active in his community for the last 26 years and supports charities that benefit veterans, children and animals. Now as a Private Wealth Advisor with the Paramus office of Wells Fargo Advisors, he takes pride in working for a firm that puts clients first.
Mario’s mission is to help each one of his clients plan for a financial future in a way that best meets their goals. He looks forward to extending his services to you and your family. Together you can discuss various financial strategies designed to fit your unique situation.
Mario Afram, Managing Director - Investments Private461 From Rd., SUITE 101, Paramus , NJ 07652 201.225.6015 | 800.922.0501
www.wfadvisors.com/Mario.Afram | Mario.Afram@wellsfargoadvisors.com
As successful as you are, I know there’s still more you want to do. Wells Fargo has been helping clients for more than 125 years, caring for trillions of their hardearned assets. Find out why so many people trust us to help them manage their wealth with the care it deserves.
Let’s start a conversation.
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
CLOSTER
BRASSERIE MEMERE 107 Vervalen St. 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com
THE HILL 252 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.899.4700 thehillcloster.com
are encouraged to confirm individual restaurant hours as well as policies regarding reservations and curbside service.
ALLENDALE
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
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
41 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.3000 nihonkaijapanese.com
TOMMY FOX’S PUBLIC HOUSE 32 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com
BOGOTA LUKA’S ITALIAN CUISINE
10 River Rd. 201.440.2996 lukasitaliancuisine.com
CARLSTADT BIGGIE’S
430 Rte. 17 S. 201.933.4000 biggies.com
LOCALE CAFÉ AND BAR 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 locale208closter.com
SEAR HOUSE 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhouse.com
STERN AND BOW 171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbowrestaurant .com
CRESSKILL DELVINA RESTAURANT 172 Piermont Rd. 201.816.0239 delvinarestaurant.com
HANAMI 41 Union Ave. 201.567.8508 hanamirestaurant.com
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
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
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
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
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.Brasserie Memere, Closter
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
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
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS 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
KIMCHI MAMA 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.703.2905 kimchimamafairlawn.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
IN NAPOLI 116 Main St. 201.947.2500 inapoli.com
KUBA RESTAURANT 2139 Hudson Ter. 201.585.1601 kubarestaurant.com
PHO TODAY 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.585.8818
POMODORO 795 Abbott Blvd. 201.224.0800 pomodoro1.com
PRIME & BEYOND 501 Main St. 201.461.0033 primeandbeyond.com
PUNTA CANA
2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.849.5556 puntacanarestaurante.com
VENTANA’S 200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthemodern.com
FRANKLIN LAKES
THE CHEF’S TABLE 754 Franklin Ave. 201.891.6644 tctnj.com
SUSHI COCORO 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com
GARFIELD
THE FIREHOUSE 42 Plauderville Ave. 973.478.2226 firehouse-restaurant. com
GOODFELLAS 661 Midland Ave. 973.478.4000 goodfellasristorante.com
LA CAMBUSA 517 River Dr. 973.272.8739 cambusanj.com
LA FORTALEZA 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 lafortalezamexrestaurant .com
GLEN ROCK
GLEN ROCK INN 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com
STONE & RAIL 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com
TANI SUSHI & ASIAN GRILL 206 Rock Rd. 201.612.1188 taniofglenrock.com
HACKENSACK CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com
THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY
390 Hackensack Ave. 201.488.0330 thecheesecakefactory.com
THE CROW’S NEST 309 Vincent Ave. 201.342.5445 crowsnest.com
HOT FISH 450 Hackensack Ave. 201.881.0180 hotfishhackensack.com
HOUSTON’S 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 houstons.com
LIDO RESTAURANT 701 Main St. 201.487.8721 thelidorestaurant.com
LT BAR & GRILL 390 Hackensack Ave. 551.287.6333 ltbarandgrill.com
MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY 70 Riverside Sq. 201.221.2030 maggianos.com
MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE 1 Riverside Sq. 201.487.1303 mortons.com
THE OCEANAIRE 175 Riverside Sq. 201.343.8862 theoceanaire.com
P.F. CHANG’S 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.646.1565 pfchangs.com
THE PICCO TAVERN 160 Prospect Ave. 201.880.8750 piccotavern.com
ROSA MEXICANO 60 Riverside Sq. 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com
HARRINGTON PARK DONATELLA RISTORANTE 12 Tappan Rd. 201.767.4245 donatellasitalian. restaurant
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS BENSI 459 Rte. 17 S. 201.727.9525 bensihh.co
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
HILLSDALE THE CORNERSTONE 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com
DOMANI 387 Washington Ave. 201.722.8881 domanirestaurants.com
FIG & TOMATO 100 Park Ave. 201.722.8880 figandtomatoeatery.com
MATSU SUSHI & GRILL 140 Broadway 201.722.9388
OSSO BUCO
343 Broadway 201.664.1600 ossobucogrill.com
HO-HO-KUS
ALT EATS 622 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.1300 alteatscafe.com
CATCHY CAFÉ 614 N. Maple Ave. 201.445.6400 thecatchycaterer.com
HO-HO-KUS INN
1 E. Franklin Tpke. 201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com
HO-HO-KUS SUSHI CAFÉ 29 Sheridan Ave. 201.670.7677 hohokussushicafe.com
ST. EVE’S 611 N. Maple Ave. 201.857.4717 stevesnj.com
LEONIA CAFÉ MIGNON 332 Broad Ave. 201.292.1992
DANTE’S PLACE 373 Broad Ave. 201.592.9071 dantesplace.com
FONTANA TRITONE 248 Fort Lee Rd. 201.242.9040
LITTLE FERRY SEGOVIA STEAKHOUSE 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com
LODI KAYA 334 N. Main St. 973.779.1128 kayalodi.com
REBAR & KITCHEN 132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com
MAHWAH BAR & GRILL 2 Island Rd. 201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com
NAGOYA 1007 MacArthur Blvd. 201.818.9933 nagoyacuisine.com
NONNA’S 11 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com
ROXANNE’S 150 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.0007 roxannes restaurant.com
SANGRIA 1033 MacArthur Blvd. 201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com
STATE LINE DINER 375 Rte. 17 N. 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com
MAYWOOD ANGELO’S GREEK TAVERNA 245 Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektavernanj. com
MAYWOOD INN’S TWIN DOOR TAVERN 122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com
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
MADELEINE’S PETIT PARIS 416 Tappan Rd. 201.767.0063 madeleinespetit paris.com
OLAR NOSO 493 Tappan Rd. 201.402.9355 olarnoso.com
OAKLAND CENZINO 589 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.6693 cenzinos.com
TROVATO’S DUE 4 Barbara Ln. 201.337.0813 trovatosduenj.com
YUKI 350 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8889 yuki-oakland.com
OLD TAPPAN BOSFA ITALIAN RESTAURANT 183 Old Tappan Rd. 201.649.8730 bosfaitalianrestaurant.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
SERGIO’S MISSIONE 2 Mercer St. 973.778.4545 sergiosmissione.com
LYNDHURST ANGELO’S 263 Ridge Rd. 201.939.1922
FOSCHINI’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA 298 Ridge Rd. 201.460.7600 foschinis.com
MICHAEL’S RIVERSIDE 528 Riverside Ave. 201.939.6333 michaelsriverside.com
MAHWAH JUN LUNG
180 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.9898 junlungnj.com
MAYWOOD PANCAKE HOUSE 92 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.880.7842 maywoodpancake house.com
THE SEAFOOD GOURMET 103 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8558 seafood-gourmet.com
MIDLAND PARK ARTURO’S 41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co
FIONA’S RISTORANTE 118 Godwin Ave. 201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com
ROSARIO’S TRATTORIA 29 Central Ave. 201.445.3335 rosariostrattoriamenu.com
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
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
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
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
EMERSON EMERSON HOTEL 31 Emerson Plaza E. 201.262.7557 emersonhotelrestaurant. com
ENGLEWOOD PLAYA BOWLS 38 E. Palisade Ave. 201.928.7788
SOFIA 36 Engle St. 201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS
CAFÉ ITALIANO 14 Sylvan Ave. 201.461.5041 cafeitaliano.net
LEFKES 495 Sylvan Ave. 201.408.4444 lefkesnj.com
ALLENDALE
ALLENDALE BAR & GRILL 67 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com
FINO 114 W. Allendale Ave. 201.995.1100 finoristorantenj.com
SAVINI RESTAURANT 168 W. Crescent Ave. 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com
BERGENFIELD
TOMMY FOX’S PUBLIC HOUSE 32 W. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com
CARLSTADT
SEGOVIA MESON 645 Washington Ave. 201.896.3260 segoviameson.com
BIGGIE’S 430 Rte. 17 201.933.4000 biggies.com
CLIFFSIDE PARK
VILLA AMALFI 793 Palisades Ave. 201.886.8626 villaamalfinj.com
354 STEAKHOUSE 354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499 354steakhouse.com
CLOSTER BRASSERIE MEMERE 107 Vervalen St. 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com
THE HILL 252 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.899.4700 thehillcloster.com
STERN & BOW 171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbowrestaurant.com
LOCALE RESTAURANT & BAR 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 locale208closter.com
SEAR HOUSE 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhouse.com
CRESSKILL JACK’S LOBSTER SHACK 38 Union Ave. 201.266.6575 jackslobstershack.com
DEMAREST YASOU MYKONOS 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasoumykonos.com
DUMONT TRI-VALLEY RESTAURANT 366 Knickerbocker Dr. 201.384.5044 trivalleyfamilyrestaurant. com
EAST RUTHERFORD CANDLEWYCK DINER 179 Paterson Ave. 201.933.4446 candlewyckdiner.com
ELIA MEDITERRANEAN 240 Hackensack St. 201.939.9292 elianj.com
VESTA WOOD FIRED 64 Hoboken Rd. 201.939.6012 vestawoodfired.com
EDGEWATER
BAUMGART’S CAFÉ 59 The Promenade 201.313.3889 baumgartsedgewater.com
JACK’S LOBSTER SHACK 1040 River Rd. 201.233.2808 jackslobstershack.com
FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com
DE NOVO EUROPEAN PUB 1257 River Rd. 201.496.6161 denovoeuropeanpub.com
GREEK TAVERNA 55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com
HAVEN RIVERFRONT RESTAURANT & BAR 45 River Rd. 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com
PIER 115 BAR & GRILL 115 River Rd. 201.313.2155 pier115barandgrill.com
REBECCA’S 236 Old River Rd. 201.943.8808 new.rebeccasedgewater. com
RIVER PALM TERRACE 1416 River Rd. 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com
SEAK 725 River Rd., #30 201.402.3400 seaknj.com
ELMWOOD PARK
BLUE 42 RESTAURANT & BAR 158 Market St. 201.773.0970 blue42bar.com
FRANKLIN LAKES PAZZA 794 Franklin Ave. 201.848.5050 pazzanj.com
GARFIELD THE HEARTH TAVERN 791 Midland Ave. 201.402.0155 thehearthtavern.com
GLEN ROCK THE GLEN ROCK INN 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com
STONE & RAIL 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com
FAIR LAWN ADA MEDITERRANEAN BRASSERIE 14-25 Plaza Rd. 201.791.2222 adamedigrill.com
DUTCH HOUSE TAVERN 24-07 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.796.5342 dutchousetavern.com
JUANY’S CAFE & GRILL 12-56 River Rd. 551.224.8030 orderjuanys.com
OCEANOS OYSTER BAR & SEA GRILL 2-27 Saddle River Rd. 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com
THE RAILYARD TAVERN 14-26 Plaza Rd. 201.773.3372 therailyardtavern.com
FORT LEE BAGGIOS 212 Main St. 201.585.7979
CHILLERS GRILL 2191 Fletcher Ave. 201.461.0075 chillersgrill.com
VENTANAS AT THE MODERN 200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthemodern.com
HACKENSACK ALEMENTARY BREWING CO. 58 Voorhis Ln. 201.968.1290 alementary.com
CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com
THE PICCO TAVERN 160 Prospect Ave. 201.880.8750 piccotavern.com
TRUE FOOD KITCHEN 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.489.2212 truefoodkitchen.com
HARRINGTON PARK CORK & CRUST 90 La Roche Ave. 201.367.1550 corkandcrustrestaurant.com
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS IVY INN 268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com
THE HEIGHTS BAR & GRILL 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338 heightsbarandgrill.com
HAWORTH ANDIAMO 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net
HILLSDALE THE CORNERSTONE 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com
HO-HO-KUS
ALBERT’S CAFE AMICI 4 Sycamore Ave. 201.389.6377 albertscafeamici.com
ALT EATS CAFÉ 622 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.1300 alteatscafe.com
HO-HO-KUS INN & TAVERN
1 E. Franklin Tpk. 201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com
ST. EVE’S 611 N. Maple Ave. 201.857.4717 stevesnj.com
LEONIA
DANTE’S PLACE 373 Broad Ave. 201.592.9071 dantesplace.com
LITTLE FERRY
SEGOVIA STEAKHOUSE 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com
LODI
REBAR AND KITCHEN 132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com
LYNDHURST
MICHAEL’S RIVERSIDE 528 Riverside Ave. 201.939.6333 michaelsriverside.com
MAHWAH
ROXANNE’S RESTAURANT 150 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.0007 roxannesrestaurant.com
SANGRIA
1033 Macarthur Blvd. 201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com
MAYWOOD
ANGELO’S GREEK
TAVERNA 245 Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektaverna.com
TWIN DOOR TAVERN
122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com
MIDLAND PARK
FIONA’S RISTORANTE 118 Godwin Ave. 201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com
MONTVALE BELLISSIMO
12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com
HEARTH & TAP CO.
125 N. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.307.6300 hearthandtap.com
MOONACHIE BAZZARELLI 117 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4010 bazarellirestaurant.com
NEW MILFORD
BARREL & BREW 872 River Rd. 201.483.3329 barrelandbrews.com
PANCHO’S BURRITOS 214 Main Street 201.225.2554 panchosburritostogo.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
MADELEINE’S PETITE PARIS 416 Tappan Rd. 201.767.0063 madeleinespetitparis.com
OAKLAND PORTOBELLO’S 175 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8990, ext. 1 portobellonj.com
SEGOVIA TAVERN 110 W. Oakland Ave. 201.644.0003 segoviatavern.com
ORADELL CALABRIA PIZZA
239 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.523.9228 calabriapizzaoradell.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
PEPPERCORNS 176 Colony Ave. 201.391.2818 peppercornsparkridge.com
THE PARK STEAKHOUSE
151 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com
PARAMUS BIAGIO’S 299 Paramus Rd. 201.652.0201 biagios.com
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE
270 Rte. 4 201.342.4800 millersalehouse.com
THE ORANGE LANTERN 15 E. Firehouse Ln. 201.652.4443 orangelantern.com
RAMSEY BICI 61 E. Main St. 201.962.9015 biciramsey.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
LAKESIDE GRILLE & BAR
105 Lakeside Dr. 201.327.0009 ramseycountryclub.com
THE SHANNON ROSE
IRISH PUB
1200 Rte. 17 North 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com
VARKA ESTIATORIO
30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com
RIDGEWOOD BAREBURGER 15 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.345.4207 bareburger.com
CRAVINGS TAPAS 8 Wilsey Sq. 201.857.8533 cravingstapas.com
IT’S GREEK TO ME 21 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.612.2600 Itsgreektome.com
FELINA 54 E. Ridgewood Ave. 551.276.5454 felinarestaurant.com
LA LANTERNA CAFE & GRILL
29 W. Ridgewood Ave. 201.444.5520 lalanternaofridgewood.com
PARK WEST TAVERN 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com
PEARL 17 S. Broad St. 201.857.5100 pearlridgewood.com
S. EGIDIO 17 N. Broad St. 201.389.3525 segidio.pizza
STEEL WHEEL TAVERN 51 N. Broad St 201.882.1800 steelwheeltavern.com
TITO’S BURRITOS AND WINGS 166 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.857.4619 titosburritos.com
WHITE MAPLE CAFÉ 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.447.1953 whitemaplecafe.com
RIVER EDGE SANDUCCI’S TRATTORIA 620 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com
RIVER VALE CHERRY BROOK
RESTAURANT & BAR 660 Rivervale Rd. 201.391.2300 rivervalecc.com
CRECCO’S CAFÉ 649 Westwood Ave. 201.664.7200 creccoscafe.com
LET’S MEAT STEAKHOUSE 625 Rivervale Rd. 201.660.7960 letsmeatsteakhouse.com
RUTHERFORD CAFÉ MATISSE 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 cafematisse.com
MAMBO EMPANADAS
313 Union Ave. 201.933.3888 mamboempanadas.com
SADDLE BROOK
THE PLANK PIZZA PARLOR 383 Market St. 201.843.2426 ppcbp.com
MIDLAND BREW HOUSE 374 N. Midland Ave. 201.767.0070 midlandbrewhouse.com
TEANECK AMARONE 63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net
LA CUCINA DI NAVA 192 A. W. Englewood Ave. 201.326.8102
TENAFLY AXIA TAVERNA 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com
SAYOLA RESTAURANT 50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurant.com
WALDWICK
W’S VILLAGE GRILLE 71 Crescent Ave. 201.670.8200 villagegrillewaldwick.com
WALLINGTON AGAVE COCINA MEXICANA 32 Locust Ave. 973.246.8531 agavecocina.com
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP DOG HOUSE SALOON & GRILL 270 Pascack Rd. 201.722.1820 thedoghouse saloonandgrill.com
WESTWOOD PHOENICIAN LOUNGE 284 Center Ave. 201.722.8600 bibizlounge.com
CAFFE ANELLLO 11 Madison Ave. 201.786.8137 caffeanello.com
HANAMI RESTAURANT 301 Center Ave. 201.666.8508 hanamirestaurant.com
OSTERIA CRESCENDO 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.1900 osteriacrescendo.com
THE IRON HOUSE 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 theironhorse.com
FARMHOUSE CAFE 301 Center Ave. 201.664.8424 farmhousecafenj.com
WESTWOOD PRIME MEATS 190 Westwood Ave. 201.664.0069 westwoodprimemeats.com
WOODCLIFF LAKE BAREBURGER 455 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.746.9275 bareburger.com
SOL MEXICAN & LATIN RESTAURANT 42 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.9363 solrestaurantnj.com
WYCKOFF THE BARN ORIGINAL 359 Sicomac Ave. 201.848.0108 thebarnoriginal.com
CAFÉ AMICI 315 Franklin Ave. 201.848.0198 cafeamiciwyckoff.com
If the best “B” thing about our state’s great Shore towns is “beaches,” surely “brunch” is also high on the list. Brunch is always on my mind when I visit Monmouth and Ocean counties, mainly because every trip around places like Long Branch and Manalapan usually ends with a meal at Turning Point. It’s a small restaurant chain serving knockout breakfast and lunch items in four states, and its northernmost location opened this spring in Paramus.
Tentatively, that was music to the ears of any Bergenite who’d dined at Turning Point. No longer would we have to trek down the Parkway to central or south Jersey for a bite of this eatery’s omelets, paninis or salads. But one burning question remained: Did the folks at the Bergen restaurant dish the same high-quality eats and exude the same charm as their brethren in other locales?
Like the cars whizzing past at the nearby junction of routes 4 and 17, a constant flow of patrons filed in and out for breakfast on a Friday morning. The interior resembled the layout of other Turning Point restaurants: very bright, multiple wings filled with spacious booths and tables. Décor was just as cheerful, and walls were covered with Bergen images (Van Saun Park’s carousel, for instance) photographed by local artists.
The menu features the same plates as other locations and also includes seasonal selections. It’s also not as overwhelming as a conventional, packed New Jersey diner menu. You’ll find the basics, such as short stacks and eggs Benedict for breakfast or chicken pesto panini and Cuban sandwich for lunch. But most who visit Turning Point come for the distinctive creations (strawberry cheesecake toast or bruschetta Benedict, anyone?) and healthful and vegan options.
My friend and I started with a pair of fresh juices: “Walk on the Beach” for me, and “Just Beet It” for her. Though its color was that of its main ingredient, carrot, my juice had flavors of orange taproot as well as apple, lemon, golden beet and ginger. “Just Beet It” was just as refreshing: It’s a perfect blend of fresh red beet, carrot, orange, apple and pineapple juices with a touch of ginger.
Our palates already pleased, we were excited for the salmon platter starter. Easily a meal for one, the deconstructed bagel with fresh lox is perfect to share. All the ingredients are picturesquely arranged on a wooden board: sliced lox, whipped cream cheese, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, avocado, pickled onion and a toasted plain bagel. A modest amount of everything seasoning was sprinkled on the cream cheese and veggies for added zest. Craving warm and fluffy pancakes, we also created a flapjack sampler with three varieties: lemon blueberry, cinnamon roll and fresh banana.
After all the sweet bites, I needed something savory, so I ordered the Southern chicken waffle as my main brunch item. The golden, crisp Belgian waffle was topped with thick chopped bacon and three crispy chicken strips coated with a sriracha hot honey breading. My order actually came with four piping hot chicken tenders, as our server, after accidentally allowing one of three strips to roll off the plate, quickly brought out a replacement piece plus one. The Turning Point’s take on a classic Southern dish is done to perfection: The sweet and savory flavors combined with the kick of the sriracha hit every taste bud in a good way.
The same could be said about my friend’s main dish, the shakshuka (aka eggs in purgatory). It’s modern spin on a traditional Middle Eastern dish, with three poached eggs floating atop a blend of spicy tomato sauce, peppers, onion, goat cheese and cilantro. After the eggs were broken, the yolk and tomato mixture combined into a creamy sauce that could be spooned or sopped up with the accompanying ciabatta bread.
I mentioned to my friend that her meal could easily have been ordered for lunch— the breakfast menu is available all day, after all. My own next order was already on my mind: Now that one of my favorite restaurants is just minutes away, I can easily try a customary lunch like the Martha’s Vineyard salad with fresh greens, seasonal berries and mango or the chicken bruschetta melt with grilled chicken, bruschetta and pesto on ciabatta. Mmm…how can I be hungry already?!
• TURNING POINT, 65 ROUTE 4, PARAMUS, 201.345.4399; TURNINGPOINTRESTAURANTS.COM
Founded in 1911, Christian Health is a non-profit, health-care organization offering a continuum of high-quality senior living, short-term rehabilitation, and mental health services. For more than a century, Christian Health has grown and expanded to meet the changing needs of the community. Today we offer excellence in independent living, assisted living, skilled-nursing care, memory support, inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and inpatient and outpatient mental-health services. Call us today to learn more.
301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 | 201.848.5200 | www.ChristianHealthNJ.org
“The best-kept secret for assisted living!” For over 22 years, we have maintained first-class services in our elegant and homelike community, exclusively here in Bergen County. We are located in a peaceful, residential neighborhood and we offer spacious apartments with large windows, full private bathrooms, and updated kitchenettes. Outdoors, our new Park & Garden Pavilions provide ample space for residents to enjoy the bucolic setting. Call us today for information on our personal care levels and other amenities.
36 Faner Rd., Midland Park, NJ | 201.493.7400 | www.Millgardens.com
Thrive at Montvale 201.793.8886 | www.Thrivesl.com/Montvale
Thrive at Montvale, an active and vibrant independent living, assisted living, and memory care community with a modern farmhouse design, light-filled wide-open spaces, and stunning views of the expansive Social Court. Chef-led dining venues including two full-service restaurants, a casual bistro, and a coffee shop. Plenty of opportunities to make new friends with happy hours, garden club, and more. Strengthen your body and mind with the athlete center, pickleball courts, and fitness classes. Love Where You Live!
The Vista 299 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ | 201.684.9775 | www.TheVista.org
Discover luxury of a different kind at The Vista, Christian Health’s newest community designed for active adults age 62 and older. The beautiful apartment homes and first-class services and amenities have been thoughtfully designed to enhance and enrich your independent lifestyle. Each day can be filled with inspiring experiences. Attend a lecture, concert, or art class. Enjoy savory cuisine at one of three dining venues. Stay fit in an aquatics class or along picturesque walking trails. Socialize with friends, or simply relax in the beautiful, stress-free environment where all interior and exterior maintenance is handled for you.
JUNE 11
Food truck season is in full swing, and it kicks off in Bergen County with the PARAMUS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL at Paramus Park
Taking place in the parking lot near Old Navy L.L. Bean from 11 a.m. p.m., this family-friendly feature some of the food on wheels our area offer, something for everyone no matter what you’re craving. Admission $5, free for kids 5 and under. Learn more at justjerseyfest.com.
JUNE 17
Dancing With The Stars ended for the season, ballroom is open here in You can enjoy live at the DANCING SHOWCASE hosted by Fair Lawn. Professional teachers will perform choreography and dazzling at 7 p.m. and is held at Center. Get your $40
its annual MULTI-CULTURAL STREET FESTIVAL, which will take over Market Street and Recreation Field from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect crafts, lots of food, kiddie rides, facepainting and entertainment, as well as live music and fun demonstrations. Learn more at jcpromotions.info.
JUNE 18
It won’t be easy but it will be worth it: We’re talking about the ALPINE held on Father’s triathlon involves bike ride and a is the same with a 1.5 mile events, checkthe race at participate—or watch/volunteer—at runsignup.com.
JUNE 18
An alternative way for Dad to stay active on his big day is with the annual WESTWOOD DAD’S DASH As always, the 5K begins at 8:45 a.m. in Westvale Park in support of the Sgt. Christopher Hrbek Scholarship Fund, founded in memory of the Westwood serving in Afghanistan. cause), as well as pricing,
JUNE 22–JULY 9
Nothing screams summer in Jersey like the MEADOWLANDS STATE FAIR at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford. The festivities return for half of summer with games and entertainment, with a fireworks display and 4. Fun Pass tickets will also get you into such as a pig race, the hypnotism, magicians more and book your (you can’t buy them njfair.com/ticketsschedules/.
JULY 1
Kick off the Independence Day weekend by proclaiming your independence… of drink.
AND TRUCK
FESTIVAL is Teaneck a.m. to 7 only $5 and under free. Learn justjerseyfest.com.
continues all with the EVENT at County Zoo located at Park in Paramus, where the community (including executive Tedesco) will celebrate our neighbors. From 11 a.m. to 5 in music, food trucks and whole family (the rain date co.bergen.nj.us for ticketing
who loves good comedy will want to check CHRIS KATTAN when he performs his stand-up show at Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford. The show is intended for 16+ with a two-item minimum per person; curtain call (so to speak) is at 7:30 p.m. Get your $25 tickets—or $35 for reserved seating— at bananascomedy club.com.
From 5Ks and food trucks to comedy shows and cultural festivals—there’s something for everyone this month in Bergen.
Valley
need.
The Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of The Chelsea at Fair Lawn. The new business is an independent living facility with modern and luxury amenities. 5 Roger Bernier, Jamie Bustos, Kurt Peluso
Officer Michael Renna of the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department recently presented a lesson on the basics of cybersecurity to Girl Scout Troop 97923 of Hasbrouck Heights. Following the presentation, the Junior Scouts earned their cybersecurity badges.
97923
More than 500 guests attended the annual Founders Ball at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. This year’s honorees were David Butler, M.D., and state Sen. Paul Sarlo. 2 Connie and Senator Paul Sarlo, Michael Maron, Lori-Ann and Anthony Iacovino 3 Jack Geraghty, Dr. Tim Finley, Dr. David Butler, Paul Sarlo, Dr. Joseph Frascino, Margarette Lee, Michael Maron, Cathleen Davey, Dale Creamer
Bergen officials joined the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey to celebrate the March Mega Food Drive, which collected more than 25,000 pounds of food to donate to organizations across Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties.
6 County and Jewish Federation officials
Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township honored and celebrated former president and long-time supporter, colleague and friend Patricia Molloy. Close to 200 people gathered at Seasons in Washington Township to reflect on Molloy’s 48-year career at IHA and to wish her well as she continues to enjoy her retirement.
8 IHA staff with Patricia Molloy
Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.1 Officer Renna with members of Troop 7 Jason Schlereth, Patricia Molloy
Charities donated $9,000 to the 200 Club of Bergen County. Valley Charities’ mission is to raise money for national and local charities and others in
4 Jack Terhune, Guy Carnazza, Frank Mariconti Sr., Tom DiSalvatore, Frank Covelli
“This photo was taken at the Otto C. Pehle area of Saddle River County Park. There’s something about New Jersey’s parks that makes them very family oriented, which provides a lot of opportunity to take photos. At the time this photo was taken, I was going through a tough mental time and decided to grab my camera. It’s very therapeutic to just go out and shoot.”
— Brian Morales, Hackensack
Valley is Proud to be an LGBTQ + Healthcare Equality Leader
Valley Health System is honored to be a designated LGBTQ + Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This recognition is a reflection of Valley’s efforts to implement policies and practices in LGBTQ + care – from compassionate providers to services that meet our patients’ individual needs.
At Valley, it is our priority and our privilege to offer world-class care in a supportive healing environment that is open to all. We are proud to respectfully care for everyone in our community.
To make an appointment or for a second opinion, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 (1-800-825-5391).