Bergen November 2024 by Wainscot Media

EYE CANDY

DISHES THAT LOOK AS GOOD AS THEY TASTE

SOUP’S ON AT THE TAVERN @ THE IRON HORSE IN WESTWOOD

BERGEN’S TOP LAWYERS

KITCHEN TOOLS 5 CHEFS REVEAL THEIR SECRET WEAPONS

GRANDMA’S KITCHEN READERS SHARE THEIR FAMILY RECIPES +SPECIAL REPORT: WILL FOOD PRICES KEEP SOARING?

aren’t far and away at all.

To learn more, call 201-447-8647 or visit ValleyHealth.com/Neurosurgery

PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

SAMUEL DAVIS, ESQ.

Pushing the Boundaries in Personal Injury Law

Samuel L. Davis was recognized in the 2024 edition of New York’s Best Lawyers in the areas of Personal Injury Law - Plaintiffs, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Plaintiffs, and Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs for the Hackensack metropolitan area.*

*NJ Required Disclaimer: No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of NJ. Bergen County’s Top Lawyers is based upon the results of a peer-review survey. Bergen Magazine recognizes Marc C. Saperstein, Adam B. Lederman, Evan Baker, Steven Benvenisti, Paul Garfield, Luis Haquia, Garry Salomon, Jeffrey Salomon, and Sherwin Tsai as Top Lawyers in Personal Injury Law, and Samuel Davis as Top Lawyers in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation. Best Law Firms® rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of clients and professional reference evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys, industry leader interviews and review of additional firmographic highlights provided by law firms as part of the formal research submission process. Firms that have at least one lawyer who is currently recognized in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in a practice area and metro jurisdiction ranked by Best Law Firms are eligible to receive a firm ranking in that practice area and jurisdiction. Recognition by Best Lawyers® is based entirely on peer review. Best Lawyers methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical region and legal practice area. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer-review survey is directly related to the quality of its voting pool. Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. has been named as a Tier 1 firm for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs for the Hackensack metropolitan area by Best Law Firms®. For more information on the selection process and rating criteria of the above awards and recognitions, please visit: www.bestlawfirms.com/ methodology; www.bestlawyers.com/methodology.

Since returning to work after the pandemic, NJ attorney Samuel Davis starts his day in the office each morning by immediately dropping to the floor to do 100 pushups. He does this not for his physical health, but to get himself mentally prepared for the day ahead.

Davis, a native of New Jersey who goes by Sam, was recognized by the New Jersey Law Journal, a publication relied upon by judges and lawyers since 1878, for having achieved the largest reported personal injury settlement in the State of New Jersey during its 2022-2023 term. This is not the first time Sam held the number-one spot. Sam brings 40 years of legal experience and is not slowing down.

Sam founded and continues to lead Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm headquartered in Teaneck, NJ. The firm has over 29 lawyers of which 15 are Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Civil Trial Attorneys, a distinction held by less than 2% of all New Jersey lawyers. In 1987, together with his childhood friends from Religious school Marc C. Saperstein and Garry R. Salomon, he formed Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. in Bergen County, NJ. The firm quickly expanded throughout the state of New Jersey and into New York.

Aside from the firm’s top reported settlement spot of $28 million in 2023, during the firm’s history, Sam and his partners have been involved in some of the most high-profile New Jersey and New York cases. Recently the firm settled a personal injury claim against a Madison Square Garden subsidiary for $5.3 million arising out of a slip and fall in one of the affiliated restaurants. This case, while pending, caused all the partners and lawyers of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. to be blacklisted from entering any of MSG’s properties, one of which is New York’s Radio City Music Hall. The firm found itself in the middle of a national debate when Kelly Conlon, a partner of the firm, was chaperoning her 9-year-old daughter’s Girl Scout troop to see the Radio City “Christmas Spectacular”, only to be singled out by facial recognition technology and promptly removed from the premises, separating her from her child. This resulted in pending legal

action against MSG and has ignited a national debate about privacy and the use of such invasive technology.

Sam Davis, together with his team that includes five lawyers and two medical doctors, takes pride in digging into complex medical injuries, often visualizing them and the event that led to the injury through animations and other cutting-edge visual trial exhibits. To prepare a case, Sam has within his office complex his own full-scale courtroom to test and practice techniques he has developed through the years.

It’s no coincidence that Sam Davis became a personal injury lawyer. Since childhood, Sam has had a love for medicine. His father, Harold Davis was a physician in Bergenfield, NJ, and his brother Fredrick Davis became an orthopedic surgeon. For Sam, it was law that became his passion, and he was able to meld the two together as a personal injury attorney.

In addition to Sam, the firm’s other partners have also been recognized for their accomplishments and achievements. Partner Marc C. Saperstein, a New York and New Jersey attorney was one of the pioneers in Mass Tort cases when he sued Tobacco and pharmaceutical companies for its dangerous products. Saperstein later became President of ATLA-NJ now known as the New Jersey Association for Justice. The firm’s tradition of giving back to the profession will continue into 2024 when the firm’s partner Adam B. Lederman becomes the new president of NJAJ. Since 1995, Garry R. Salomon, also a certified civil trial attorney, has managed the firm and settled some of New Jersey’s largest motorcycle and bus collision cases. Partner Steven Benvenisti, a catastrophic crash survivor himself, serves as chairman of both MADD and the New Jersey Brain Injury Alliance. Other partners include Paul A. Garfield, Evan D. Baker, Steven H. Cohen, and Patricia Z. Boguslawski.

375 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666

250 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, New York 10007

Appointments also available in Jersey City, Newark, East Rutherford, Woodcliff Lake, Colonia, Iselin, Bridgewater, Freehold, and Pennington

Features

The Curtain’s Calling 24

Check out the talent in this fall’s offerings at six Bergen County venues—and one a short drive away.

How Sweet It Is 32

Sugar is tasty, tempting—and potential trouble. Two Bergen dietitians explain when to tell yourself “no.”

Looks Scrumptious 34

Restaurants today don’t just advertise, post menus in the window and hope for word- of-mouth. They make your eyes ravenous on Instagram.

A Cook’s Essential Tool 40

Five Bergen chefs reveal the culinary device they wouldn’t want to prepare a meal without.

Like Grandma Used To Make 42

Four Bergenites share the classic family recipes that bring back memories and taste like love itself.

Food Prices Stay High 46

It’s true what they say about the rate of inflation—it’s down dramatically. But grocery-store sticker shock still hurts.

Departments

Bergen Buzz 13

Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

Style Watch 20

This elegant detail adds flair to any look.

Home Front 22

Décor in this warm metal tone will make any space shine.

Friends & Neighbors 26

Claire Insalata Poulos has spent 25 years fighting food insecurity and food waste with the nonprofit Table to Table.

Escapes 50

Mouthwatering French onion soup. Photo courtesy of The Tavern @ The Iron Horse.

Does food taste better if the restaurant has been featured in the movies or on TV? Here are five places to find out.

Tastes 52

Soup is indeed good food. These hearty recipes not only taste delicious, but they can soothe the soul all season long.

Bar Tab 56

Pucker up and embrace this seasonal, fruity twist to the classic cocktail.

Restaurant Review 90

Move over, standard go-to national cuisines. With Dodona Café, it’s time for a taste of Albania.

Gatherings 94

Bergenites always show up to support their neighbors.

A Bergen Moment 96

A young Ridgewood football player is ready for his moment to shine. 56 ON THE COVER

IN EVERY ISSUE

6 Editor’s Note

28 Health News

86 Where to Eat 92 Be There

Food, For Thought

What’s the key to a traditional family dinner?

Nostalgia is important, of course. We remember that Grandma did it this way, and that somehow deepens our pleasure. But the meals we love don’t go on from year to year just because of the memories they trigger or the loving hands that once prepared them. It’s also about the food. It’s good.

You’ll find that down-to-earth spirit reflected—in this Food Issue—on page 42. There four Bergen residents recall their families’ dinner-table classics, with recipes included. Yes, national or ethnic traditions are evoked, and often each person has a particular duty when it comes to the prepping: Dad cleaning and cutting the banana leaves for Costa Rican tamales, Sis rolling the mini-meatballs for the escarole soup the family dubs “Italian penicillin.” But if a meal doesn’t pass the taste-buds test, all is for naught. These meals do.

So do the scrumptious, creamy soups pictured in Tastes, starting on page 52. And the restaurant entrées (page 34) that now win renown even before patrons can smell their enticing aromas—via the dazzling images of Instagram. On page 40, chefs identify the favorite cooking implements they wouldn’t want to face a roomful of diners without. And two Bergen dietitians (page 32) help you avoid overconsuming sweets in this season of temptation. (Relax, they know you’re human—the answer needn’t always be “no.”) Call us obsessive if you will, but what topic is more central to our lives than food? This issue’s Special Report (page 46) tackles food prices—and opportunities to help your food-insecure neighbors. And speaking of helping people, on the Friends & Neighbors page 26, you’ll get to know Claire Insalata Poulos, who founded the charity organization Table to Table.

Even in Escapes (page 50) you can’t escape food. That article highlights five eateries within an easy drive that have gained fame in movies or on TV. (Remember “I’ll have what she’s having”?) And surely you wouldn’t want us to ignore edibles in a restaurant review. If the delights of Albanian cuisine aren’t already on your culinary radar, they will be after a visit to Cliffside Park’s Dodona Café (page 90).

In Buzz, starting on page 13, you’ll find tips for a healthy Turkey Day dinner. We also present a social worker’s advice on avoiding conflict with family members at Thanksgiving dinner, info on where to check out glorious holiday lights—and three new places in the county to (dare I say it?) eat.

Think we’ve gone overboard on this month’s theme of food? Feel free to write us a letter to the editor. But I’m pretty sure Grandma would be on our side.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com

Eric Lalime, CFP®, CIMA®, C(k)P

Managing Director

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Bergen

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Bergen

PEEP THESE LEAVES

Time is winding down on leafpeeping season, but you can still see some gorgeous colors if you know where to go. Start locally at these Bergen County parks:

• Celery Farm, Allendale. This 107-acre wetland features meadows and marshland, but it’s the park’s wooded areas where you’ll see the foliage at its finest.

• Cooper’s Pond, Bergenfield. A short walking path, historic buildings and well-aged trees circle the perimeter of this picturesque park.

• Emerson Wood Preserve, Emerson. This 19-acre preserve adjacent to the Oradell Reservoir features a self-guided nature walk.

• Palisades Interstate Park, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee. You’re in luck: The tree line along the Hudson tends to change colors later in the season.

• Pascack Brook County Park, Westwood. Large trees cover the walking paths and picnic areas surrounding the small pond at this county park.

To read about more spots to see fall foliage, here in Bergen and beyond, visit bergenmag.com/leaf-peepingis-back-in-season.

MORNING FEASTS

We know a Thanksgiving feast is on your mind this month, but that’s not the only meal to look forward to.

Bergen County is packed with eateries that serve truly amazing breakfasts. Check out some of the recent Readers’ Choice Award winners, for instance:

• Chit Chat Diner, 515 Essex St., Hackensack, 201.820.4033; chitchatdiner.com

• Farmhouse Café & Eatery, 15 E. Madison Ave., Cresskill, 201.266.8931; 301 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.664.8424; farmhousecafenj.com

• Raymond’s, 101 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201.445.5125; raymondsnj.com

• White Maple Café, 47 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201.447.1953; whitemaplecafe.com

• Willow & Whisk, 319 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, 201.425.9931; willowandwhisk.com

Read more about some of Bergen’s best breakfast spots at bergenmag.com/7-bergen-breakfast-options-to-startthe-day.

Left to Right: EVAN BAIRD, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center; RAFAEL LEVIN, M.D.,

Chief of Spine, HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley; JONATHAN LESTER, M.D., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; NOMAAN ASHRAF, M.D., M.B.A., Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center

Bergen Buzz

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

WHY NOT A HEALTHY TURKEY DAY?

We think of Thanksgiving as a time for stuffing—and stuffing yourself. But the dinner-centered holiday can be fun and still nutritious, leaving you feeling good—and good about yourself. Angela Langner, a registered dietitian at Ridgewood-based Nutrition Center of Bergen County, offers tips for a feast that is satisfying and reasonably healthy too:

Start off light Begin with a healthy appetizer that’ll satisfy guests, but won’t fill their bellies. For instance, skip the heavy cream for butternut squash soup and use lighter coconut milk or Greek yogurt instead.

“Roast the butternut squash to enhance its natural sweetness without needing extra sugar,” says Langner, “and add a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for crunch and healthy fats.”

Try quinoa. Replacing Grandma’s classic stuffing may sound unthinkable, but there are more healthful ways to enjoy this traditional Thanksgiving dish. Most recipes include plenty of white bread, which contains sugar and white flour that can quickly raise blood sugar. Try swapping out the bread for quinoa with vegetables such as carrots, celery and onions.

“Quinoa is high in fiber and protein, making it a nutritious choice,” says our dietitian. It also has a lower glycemic index rating, so it won’t cause a large increase in blood-sugar levels. “Add dried cranberries and nuts for a traditional flavor with added texture.”

Pinch-hit for potatoes. Old-fashioned mashed potatoes are loaded with carbs and can be unhealthy when combined with excessive amounts of butter and rich gravy. For a healthful version, Langner suggests “replacing half (or all) of the potatoes with steamed cauliflower to cut down on carbs while maintaining the creamy texture.” For a richer flavor, add garlic and a little olive oil or low-fat milk. “You also can add a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra depth while keeping calories low.”

Meat up. Turkey is already a lean protein, but you can cut more fat and calories by roasting the bird instead of deep-frying it. “Choose a lean bird and skip butter basting, opting for olive oil or an herb rub,” Langner says. “This will cut down on saturated fat, which is linked to raising LDL [low-density lipoprotein, or ‘bad’] cholesterol levels.” Even better, try cooking and serving turkey breasts, which contain less fat and have more protein than dark meat. For those who enjoy a honey-baked ham, a roasted pork tenderloin with a few spices is juicy and contains less fat than other pork cuts. The leftovers are just as good too!

Pack on the parfait—not pounds. While apple and pecan pies are delicious, most buttery crusts and sweet fillings are loaded with carbs and calories.

Langner’s sweet swap: “Instead of a heavy pumpkin pie, make a lighter pumpkin parfait using pumpkin puree mixed with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup and cinnamon. Layer with granola or crushed nuts.”

Source: American Cancer Society and National Breast Cancer Foundation

CULINARY CORNER

BURGER BREAK

Burger Heights is the latest tempting burger joint to join Bergen’s fast-casual dining landscape, with its Hasbrouck Heights shop offering classic burgers, chicken sandwiches, cheesesteaks, salads, shakes and more. How about a Heights bacon-egg burger, fries and an Oreo shake?

• Burger Heights, 195 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, 201.829.0001

ASIAN MEDLEY

You may have separate go-to places for Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisines, but wouldn’t it be great if one restaurant covered all three? Szechaun Mirchi in Edgewater does, giving diners a diverse selection, from kung pao and General Tso’s chicken to tom yum soup and pad thai to chicken lollipops and palak paneer Manchurian. Talk about having something for everyone!

• Szechaun Mirchi, 24 Hilliard Ave., Edgewater, 908.573.1312; edgewaterszechaunmirchi.com

ITALY’S FINEST

Skip the trip across the GWB and stop at Fort Lee’s LaNoma for an Italian steakhouse feast. The atmosphere and food are perfect for families, friends and couples. The menu runs the gamut, with classic pizzas and homemade pastas for a comforting meal or succulent seafood and premium meats for an elegant dinner. (We’re eyeing the 16-oz. New York strip and branzino filet!)

• LaNoma, 2010 Hudson St., Fort Lee, 201.548.0000; lanomarestaurant.com

WE’RE TALKING TURKEY

Do you have enough loyalty points for two free turkeys from the grocery store? Or maybe you simply ended up with an extra bird. This season, you can help a less fortunate New Jerseyan and his or her family have a happy holiday by offering an entire frozen turkey. Donations are accepted at:

• Community FoodBank of New Jersey. The Hillside-based group holds an annual turkey drive at various donation sites. Past locations include the Teaneck Municipal Building, Kings Food Market in Midland Park and Amazon Fresh in Paramus. Info: cfbnj.org

• Table to Table. Based in Saddle Brook, this outfit collects frozen turkeys to distribute to clients through the Great Bergen County Turkey Take. Just download Table to Table’s I-Rescue app to set up a donation. The drive runs through the December holidays. Info: tabletotable.org

• The Food Brigade. Every year, this Dumont group organizes, collects and distributes turkeys and meals before Thanksgiving. Contact this food pantry to arrange a turkey donation drop-off. Info: foodbrigade.org

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Linus, 17-year-old Maltipoo

Owners: George and Julie Reskakis of Waldwick

Though their two sons spent years trying to persuade them to bring a dog home, Mom and Dad finally gave in when the kids left for college, leaving them with an empty nest.

On the bitterly cold day when they brought Linus home he weighed all of three pounds. Though he was initially scared to come out of his crate, only poking out one paw at a time, he quickly became a part of the household.

Despite his age, Linus (affectionately called “Liney”) is still active and engaged. Not only does he love going to the park with George, but he also follows him around constantly, wanting to be involved in whatever he’s doing. Linus can no longer climb stairs, but loves his special spot on the couch—the family calls it his throne—where he spends most of his time sitting on a soft fur blanket. Over the years, Liney has worn costumes for Halloween and many other holidays. (Whether or not he has enjoyed them is still a matter of conjecture.)

Liney’s extended family often remarks on how sweet and spoiled he is. He is loved by all of his “fur cousins.”

Do you want to see your pet in an upcoming issue? Email his or her photo and brief details to Editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

CATCH THE SPIRIT

It’s never too early to think about the holidays, but if you’ve yet to catch the December spirit, these annual Bergen events are an ideal way to kickstart the season:

• Big Santa Lighting, Garden State Plaza, Paramus. See the iconic Big Santa in all its holiday glory atop the mall. Info: westfield.com/ gardenstateplaza.

• Let It Glow, Bergen County Zoo, Paramus. The zoo’s holiday lantern show features more than 30 animal-themed lanterns, a walk through the zoo, a train ride and s’mores. For tickets and times: friendsofbergencountyzoo.org

• Wallington Fire Department’s Holiday Parade, downtown Wallington, Nov. 30, 6 p.m. Lights, fire trucks, sirens and Santa— what else could you ask for to start the holidays? The lineup of participating departments continues to grow at this annual Bergen favorite. Information: “Wallington Fire Department’s Holiday Parade” on facebook.com

• Westwood Home for the Holidays Parade, downtown Westwood, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. One of the county’s favorite traditions, the parade features marching bands, floats, candy, hot chocolate and—of course—Jolly Old St. Nick. Information: westwoodnj.gov

• WinterFest, Van Neste Square, Ridgewood, Nov. 30, noon to 3 p.m. Celebrate the holidays two days after Thanksgiving, as music, ice sculptures, cookies, hot chocolate, Santa and his elves fill the park. Information: ridgewoodguild.com

NEW SHOP-PORTUNITIES

We Bergenites know a little something about shopping, and we’re always excited when more options come our way. Three businesses recently opened:

HELPING A NEIGHBOR

Now open in Westwood is Blue Iris, an antiques and consignment shop with a collection that includes designer bags, pottery, silver, porcelain, modern art and other conversation pieces. (Holiday shopping, anyone?) The website is updated with “new arrivals,” so you can get a head start on your treasure hunting.

• 351 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.383.0056; blueirisnj.com

Queens-based Food Bazaar has unveiled its latest supermarket. It’s taking over the Carlstadt spot formerly occupied by Stop & Shop. The newest location is the seventh in New Jersey and second in Bergen. (The first is in Fairview.)

• 675 Paterson Ave., Carlstadt, 201.842.9993; foodbazaar.com

Deeply Rooted in Ridgewood isn’t brand-new, but the year-old business has been growing since its grand opening. Stop by this plant shop on Small Business Saturday or any day of the year to browse a variety of plants, pots, seeds and gifts for any occasion. Or just have a friendly chat with staffers, who can answer questions about your home garden, indoors or out.

• 14 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 551.246.1926; deeplyrootedridgewood.com

Bergenites always rally around a neighbor in need— particularly in times of tragedy. Back in August, Nicole Polanco and her family lost everything when a fire destroyed their Lodi home. Though no one was hurt in the blaze, Nicole’s mother and one of her sons were in the building when the fire began, making the situation even more traumatic. Nothing from the home was salvageable.

Neighbor and friend Brianna Rodriguez knew she needed to do something to make the situation a bit easier for the family. So she started a GoFundMe and shared it with the community, hoping to collect funds to help her neighbors rebuild. “I know the Lodi community will come together to assist them,” said Rodriguez in the fundraising message.

She was right. Donations poured in. More than 100 people offered aid to the family in the first week alone. For more ways to help, see gofundme.com.

A TRUCE AT THE DINNER TABLE?

We love our families, but sometimes getting everyone together—especially during holidays— can cause stress. To help you navigate big personalities and intense discussions, BERGEN asked Trish Sanders, a licensed clinical social worker and director of Wholefamily Therapy & Wellness in Westwood, for tips:

“If your goal is to keep the peace at a family gathering in which you think a conflict may arise, it is a good idea to practice some self-regulation responses in advance,” says Sanders. “Spend a little time thinking about things that may bait you into an argument, and plan for how you can make choices that will not contribute to escalating the friction. Practice slow, deep breathing, which can really go a long way so you don’t say or do something that you will regret.”

Arguments brewing anyway? “Defusing conflicts is an art form,” says Sanders. “For many families, a gentle, empathic reframe that carries a little humor can take the spark out of a moment that feels like it’s heating up. Something

like, ‘OK, OK, I know we all want to be heard and, boy, do we all have things to say! But I am really looking forward to Aunt June’s pie, so can we cool it until after dessert?’”

Nobody pushes your boundaries like family does and, Sanders says, it’s your job to keep them strong. “An important thing to remember about boundaries is that it is your job to set, maintain and reset them when needed. Unfortunately, you do not have control over whether someone else upholds your boundaries. A pushy relative is likely to push right through your limits again and again. If you know this, you can better expect it and be a little less frustrated when it happens. Be prepared to repeat yourself—‘I decided months ago that I wasn’t going to talk politics at Thanksgiving, Uncle Jimmy. Not going to change my mind now!’ If you keep getting bowled over, be prepared to walk away with love: ‘I’m going to get a drink, Grandma. We can talk more later, but not about when I plan on getting pregnant.’”

DINNER AND A SHOW

Already known for pushing culinary boundaries, award-winning celebrity chef David Burke is raising the dining bar even higher. This fall, Burke introduced “experiential dining” experiences at his New Jersey restaurants. Some of the recent event options were blindfolded dinners, comedy nights, murder mysteries and cookoffs, among others. Last month at Ventanas Restaurant and Lounge @ The Modern in Fort Lee, programs included a Cigar Experience and Le Cirque Halloween Extravaganza.

“[Diners] often have only one night a week to enjoy themselves,” Burke says. “They don’t want to rush through a great dinner then drive to another location to catch a show. At my restaurants, they have the luxury of having a comfortable, designated table, a first-class dinner and entertainment. It suits today’s busy lifestyles.”

To find out about upcoming events at all of Burke’s restaurants, visit chefdavidburke.com.

THEY MEAN BUSINESS

Starting a business can be very rewarding, but it also means confronting a variety of challenges. With that in mind, the New Jersey Small Business Development Center, Fairleigh Dickinson University and the Main Street Business Alliance in Hackensack have teamed up to create something to help local small businesses thrive.

The newly launched Hackensack Success Hub provides no-cost, one-on-one consulting services to local small-business owners throughout the county, supporting them in marketing, sales, finance, customer service and social media. The group, comprising experienced consultants along with FDU graduate students, also will host community events to help small-business owners connect and grow.

For more information, visit downtownhackensack.org, or email SBDCinfo@fdu.edu with the subject line “Inquiry for Small Business Consulting Assistance Hackensack.”

The trust and compassion you’ve come to expect from Christian Health is now available in your home. For older adults in Bergen County, a little help around the house can go a long way to improve quality of life and overall health. Our certified home-health aides perform household and health-related services to help you stay comfortable and safe in your home, including housekeeping, personal care, and mobility assistance.

Home care you can trust is here. To learn more call: (201) 897-5550 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/HomeCareOptions

Neck And Neck

Down To Brass Tacks

Our lungs give us a life we love. It’s time to love them too. If you’ve ever smoked, early cancer detection can make all the difference. Scan the QR code to love your lungs and take a lung screening assessment today.

THE ARTS

The Curtain’s Calling

Ready for a lively live show? Check out the talent in this fall’s offerings at six Bergen County venues—and one a short drive away.

There’s something about watching gifted people give their all on stage that has no peer—not even on Netflix. Happily, our county is blessed with several places to see theatrical productions and other performances, and they’re of high caliber. Here are just a few of the offerings this season:

BERGENPAC (BERGEN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER), ENGLEWOOD, BERGENPAC.ORG

• Nov. 17: The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays Audiences of all ages will be astonished by sophisticated magical acts and illusions.

• Nov. 30: Fairytale of New York: The Ultimate IrishInspired Christmas Concert Share in the joy of the Celtic festive season, celebrating Irish heritage with a night of music, singing and dancing.

8: New Jersey Nutcracker. timeless holiday returns to the for four shows the weekend.

BERGEN COUNTY PLAYERS, ORADELL, BCPLAYERS.ORG

Now through Nov. 23: POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Enjoy this satirical comedy about the women who keep the Commander-in-Chief out of trouble.

LEONIA PLAYERS GUILD, LEONIA, LEONIAPLAYERS.ORG

• Weekends Nov. 8 to 24: Romeo & Juliet. Renew your affection for Shakespeare’s famed tragedy about star-crossed lovers.

• Dec. 13 to 15: The Disney Songbook. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled celebration of Disney’s music, characters and stories.

OLD LIBRARY THEATRE, FAIR LAWN, OLDLIBRARYTHEATRE.ORG

• Dec. 7 to 22: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical . An adaptation of Rick Riordan’s best-selling book, the mythical story follows Jackson and his friends as they search for Zeus’s missing lightning bolt prevent a war among gods.

BERGENSTAGES

BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, PARAMUS, BERGEN.EDU

Weekends from 6 to 14: The Mystery of Edwin Drood This musical and tale is based on Charles Dickens’s final novel.

• Dec. 13 to 15: Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare a story surrounding the marriage king of the queen Amazons, community group’s the year.

PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE, MILLBURN, PAPERMILL.ORG

• Nov. 27 to Dec. 29: Irving Berlin’s Christmas. Head to nearby Essex County celebrate the holidays with the story buddies who enlist the help of their show at a picturesque Vermont inn.

RAMAPO COLLEGE THEATER, MAHWAH, RAMAPO.EDU/ BERRIECENTER

• Nov. 15 to 23: Polaroid Stories. Naomi Iizuka’s awardwinning play comes to Ramapo College, taking audiences into a dangerous world where storytelling has the power to transform a reality in which characters’ lives are continually threatened.

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

She Feeds The Hungry

Starting with a van and a dream, Claire Insalata Poulos has spent a quarter-century fighting food insecurity and food waste with the nonprofit Table to Table.

In just one recent year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says, roughly 66 million tons of food were wasted in America. If even a fraction of that could be “rescued,” millions of people could be fed every day. That is the idea behind the Saddle Brook-based nonprofit Table to Table—and the animating passion of its founder, Claire Insalata Poulos.

A California native, 68-year-old Poulos moved to Bergen County in 1974 while working for IBM’s marketing team and lived in Englewood for 35 years with her husband, Peter Poulos, whose family owned and operated the iconic NYC restaurant Papaya King before he sold it in 2002. She now splits her time between California and Bergen County. Taking a year off from working in 1984, she enrolled in a patisserie program at the Culinary Institute of America, and then in professional chef training at Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School (now the Institute of Culinary Education). Then she worked briefly as a volunteer for Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit, raising money for local hunger relief. At the time, food pantries were the only agencies serving the hungry of northern New Jersey. City Harvest, a New York City food rescue nonprofit, declined her suggestion of expansion into New Jersey, but pledged to share help and advice if she wanted to start a similar project herself. She did.

So, starting with a single van on Labor Day weekend 1999, Poulos and a few others picked up food from two supermarkets and the Alpine Country Club and delivered it to three agencies in Elizabeth and Paterson. Table to Table was born, and became Poulos’s full-time job once she retired from IBM. Twenty-five years later, the nonprofit has rescued more than 100,000 tons of nutritious food and given it those who needed it most.

How did your love of food start?

I come from a family of Italian food brats. Everyone cooks. We talk about food, we cook together and we’re always trying to “out-dazzle” each other

with some delicious new dish. My mother was a traditional ’50s homemaker with six children. We ate together at 5:30 every night. That table was our gathering place. It was inclusive, welcoming to outsiders, the stage for debates and a safe place for ideas and plans. The food connected us.

What inspired you to start Table to Table?

A lot of things. Growing up in California and seeing all the food left in the fields. Cooking school, where we’d prepare elaborate dishes every day, which we’d then taste, critique and ultimately discard. I remember asking if I could take the “leftovers” someplace to be eaten. But in those days there weren’t many places willing to accept a Cherry Clafoutis or Galette Des Rois.

Any memories from Table to Table’s early days?

I worked with a local chef—Jamie Milkman from Jamie’s Restaurant on 9W. One day, during Thanksgiving weekend, he called me about several trays of

leftover turkey sandwiches he had prepared for the holiday. “Hey, what can we do with all these leftover sandwiches?” he said. I loaded them into my trunk and took them to a safe house in Bergen County. They were devoured that night.

Signs of success?

It was satisfying when mothers came up to us and said, “I haven’t had fresh fruit like this to give my kids since last summer.” And a woman said: “I’m 87 years old, and I’ve never had a steak until now.”

A challenge from those early days?

Raising enough money to keep the trucks on the road. We were never without people willing to donate food or, certainly, places to bring it—funds were always the biggest challenge. We tried our best to distinguish ourselves and engage the community. Miraculously, it worked.

How has Table to Table grown?

We always knew we wanted to go deep rather than wide. Our focus was exclusively Bergen, Hudson, Passaic and Essex counties. But in 2021, when we started using the Table to Table I-Rescue app, there was such a huge response from the community that we decided to include Morris County as well. I took a picture once of people waiting for our food at one of our local mobile markets. I love that image, because it shows the diversity of everyone we serve—like a cross-section of New Jersey.

What does your family think of your charity work?

My siblings are all involved in volunteer work supporting their own communities, and my husband constantly complains that I never have time to make him dinner. What’s your favorite place in Bergen?

Bergen County Camera. I always wanted to hone my photography skills, and I love the Westwood location.

Favorite Bergen restaurant?

Saddle River Inn. Jamie Knott is an incredibly talented guy—and he just joined the Table to Table board. (Lucky us!) I hope someday we’ll have the chance to cook together.

—Kirsten Meehan

Photo

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY’S INTERIOR DESIGN DESTINATION

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SWEET SLEEP

Researchers found that women who slept poorly consumed more added sugar than those who got a good night’s sleep.

—Columbia

OF PURPOSE TIED COGNITIVE ISSUES

Feeling that your life lacks purpose may precede the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a frequent precursor of dementia, according to recent research. Evidence links psychological well-being brain aging, including the start of dementia.

—Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry

FEEL THE BURN

Intense workouts, known as HIIT (high-intensity interval training), may increase fat burning and curb your appetite, according to recent research.

—British Journal of Sports Medicine

regular exercise even in risk. Researchers 500 genetic variants individuals to type 2 even these individuals the disease through changes.

—University of Eastern Finland

by Paul Rance Jr.

23

The percentage increase in the sugary drink intake of kids and adolescents between 1990 and 2018. That increase parallels the rise in obesity among young people.

—The BMJ

WHAT’S CAUSING BACK PAIN?

Half of all healthy adults over age 60 experience lower-back pain. Among possible causes: poor posture, sitting for long periods of time without taking breaks and sleeping on a saggy mattress.

—Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

1 IN 4

The number of women for whom symptoms-triggered testing can detect early-stage aggressive ovarian cancer. These findings challenge the assumption that symptoms always signal advanced ovarian cancer. In addition, tumor removal is possible in 60 percent of those diagnosed.

—International Journal of Gynecological Cancer

Intimate in Scale

Grand in Lifestyle

Only a limited number of people can call The Vista home.

Nestled within Christian Health’s 78-acre campus, The Vista’s intimate size provides many advantages. Your individuality is respected and encouraged. Personalized service is a given. And the spirit of community is upbeat and uplifting. Intimate scale aside, The Vista’s amenities rival those found in many country clubs. Why wait? Explore the rewards of Bergen County’s premier life plan community today.

To arrange a tour and receive event invitations, visit TheVista.org/contact, or call (201) 684-9775.

With over 175 attorneys, Archer & Greiner, P.C. has grown to become one of the largest and most respected full-service law firms in New Jersey. Along with our offices in Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and Texas, we have been a big part of the changing legal landscape throughout the MidAtlantic region for over 95 years.

Serving local, national and international clients, we offer the depth and breadth of services consistent with that of a large law firm, yet we remain committed to providing the responsiveness, efficiency, flexibility and personal attention expected from a mid-size law firm.

Partnering with our clients every step of the way.

We continue to partner with clients on matters that are redefining businesses and industries and having a positive impact on our communities. We take great pride in delivering the highest quality results. For more information, contact:

How Sweet It Is

SUGAR

IS TASTY, TEMPTING— AND POTENTIAL TROUBLE. TWO BERGEN DIETITIANS EXPLAIN WHEN TO TELL YOURSELF

“NO.”

Here come the holidays, the season of piled-high dessert tables, when temptation is all around us. Sugary treats abound at parties and in celebratory breakfasts, lunches and dinners, while scrumptious goodie or candy trays may sit out all day, calling to us. The American Heart Association says Americans eat two to three times the recommended amount of sugar in a year, and this season surely accounts for more than its share.

So first, the cautionary news. “Consuming too much added sugar can be bad for your health and can raise your risk for weight gain,” says Barbara Kosa, a registered dietitian at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “Your body may not produce enough insulin to break it down, so it stores the sugar as fat.” The added weight from that fat increases your risk of developing heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes. Kosa adds: “Excess sugar can also damage blood

vessels, overload the liver and increase the risk of heart disease. In addition, the more added sugars you consume, the more likely you are to develop insulin resistance, because your body must work harder to produce insulin, metabolize glucose and maintain healthy blood-sugar levels.”

Must we turn, then, into monastic self-deniers, constantly shaking our heads from side to side until Valentine’s Day with its chocolates safely behind us? Not quite. “Consuming foods

with sugar and/or sugar substitutes can certainly fit into a healthy eating plan if it’s in moderation,” says Nani Lepicard, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at The Valley Hospital.

Then there’s the key distinction implied in Kosa’s warning about “added” sugar. Says Lepicard: “There’s also sugar in fruit, dairy products and starchy vegetables, and those foods offer nutritional benefits you need, such as fiber and antioxidants.”

“Sugar isn’t inherently bad,” Kosa explains. “Our bodies run on sugar. It is what carbohydrates are broken down into for energy. There is a big difference between added sugar—in foods such as baked goods, beverages, candy and even condiments—and naturally occurring sugars in fruits, dairy and complex carbohydrates.”

So what’s the best way to manage your sweet tooth? BERGEN asked our diet experts five questions:

“Will swapping out sugar for natural sweeteners help?” A quick Google search for “healthy dessert recipes” brings up thousands of hits for treats that replace white sugar with something like agave, honey or maple syrup. Alas, says Lepicard, “at the end of the day, sugar is sugar. Our bodies recognize it as such. Too much of those substitutes will also raise your blood-sugar levels.”

What these natural sweeteners can do, however, is give you some nutritional benefit where

white sugar has none, according to Kosa. “Raw honey and maple syrup can contain antioxidants and minerals like iron, zinc, calcium and potassium,” she says. “Whole fruit and fruit juice have fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.”

Are artificial sweeteners the solution?

“Sugar substitutes taste sweet, but don’t contain sugar,” says Kosa. “They have fewer calories than sugar; some have no calories at all. Most artificial sweeteners, also called nonnutritive sweeteners, are created from chemicals in a lab.” These sweeteners are ideal for those who need to monitor their blood glucose levels. Kosa also describes “novel sweeteners,” a relatively new category that is sometimes called “plant-derived, noncaloric sweeteners.” “They provide many of the benefits of both artificial and natural sweeteners, such as those in fruit or honey,” says Kosa. “Novel sweeteners are not a significant source of calories or sugar, and they’re also typically less processed.” Stevia is one example—it’s made from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, found in South America. Other examples are allulose (a commercially processed version of a naturally occurring sugar) and monk fruit, a small, gourd-like fruit found in Southeast Asia.

Lepicard, however, cautions that too much of these sugar substitutes can actually lead to a heightened craving for sweets. In addition, “There is also a correlation between these sweeteners and some adverse health effects—headaches, for example,” she says.

Kosa also acknowledges that some experts link artificial sweeteners to health hazards such as weight gain and cancer, but stresses that “studies are ongoing” and that “studies on people, as opposed to animals, have shown these products to be generally safe, so long as the acceptable daily intake for each is not exceeded.” Those limits, different for different sweeteners, can be found on the FDA’s website. For instance, the recommended daily maximum intake of aspartame, the sweetener in many diet sodas, is 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. (A kilogram is a little over 2.2 pounds.)

Can sugar get you hooked? “Sugar itself is not proven to be addictive,” says Kosa. But that may be a technicality. “Sugar does trigger the release of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ hormone, which causes a sense of pleasure—and then a motivation to continue searching for that same reward,” she adds.

Lepicard agrees. “I see it in patients’ feedback, she says. “People can really get reliant on that rush and endorphins from eating sugar, and every time they need a pick-me-up, they start looking for a sugar fix.”

What are the danger signs that you’re consuming too much sugar? Keep an eye out, Kosa advises, for increased hunger and weight gain, as well as “mood swings, low energy, bloating/upset stomach, skin breakouts, high blood pressure, irritability and sluggishness.” Regular blood tests with your primary care doctor are also a must.

So what’s the plan for the holidays? Above all, both experts stress the importance of awareness and moderation when regulating your daily sugar intake. Make sure you know when you are consuming large amounts of sugar. Lepicard cites “sugary coffees and smoothies” in particular as items in which people may consume excessive sugar without realizing it. And Kosa adds that “Many foods labeled as ‘healthy’ actually have a lot of added sugar, like granola or energy bars. Make sure you read nutrition facts.”

If you feel yourself getting a sugar craving, Lepicard suggests trying to wait 20 minutes to see if that craving will pass, or trying to satisfy it with something such as fresh fruit or an unsweetened drink.

Lowering your sugar intake on a day-to-day basis will also make possible more guilt-free eating when you do decide to indulge, if you’re still eyeing that dessert table. As Lepicard says, “It makes life more enjoyable to allow yourself a treat now and then. Looking forward to that occasional indulgence can do a lot. That’s a part of living, and can absolutely be incorporated into a healthy eating meal plan.”

LOOKS SCRUMPTIOUS

Restaurants today don’t just advertise, post menus in the window and hope for word-of-mouth. They also make your eyes ravenous on Instagram.

In recent years, many Bergen eateries have turned to photo-driven Instagram to show off their mouthwatering meals, from over-the-top burgers and fries to perfectly seared steaks and salmon to decadent desserts. We’re happy to report that their efforts are working: These photos are making us hungry! On the next few pages are sumptuous snapshots from some of our favorite accounts.

THE

TAVERN @ THE IRON HORSE, WESTWOOD, @THETAVERNATTHEIRONHORSE

If it’s been years since you last visited this longtime Bergen County favorite, you’ve missed the recent menu expansion. The offerings now go well beyond familiar pub grub: Scroll the Tavern’s Instagram and you’ll find seafood, artisan pizzas, bao buns and more. And if you’re looking for the iconic stuffed cheeseburgers, you’ll find those too.

RUDY’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA, CLOSTER, @RUDYSRESTAURANTPIZZERIA

Generations in the Northern Valley have been raised on this restaurant’s Italian cuisine. Open since the 1960s, Rudy’s has dished out delicious pasta, seafood and chicken dishes, but its pizza creates the most buzz. Sprinkled throughout its Instagram site are colorful pies, as well as traditional cheese pizzas, that will make anyone’s mouth water.

CRAVINGS TAPAS BISTRO, RIDGEWOOD, @CRAVINGSTAPAS

Instagram is an ideal medium for a tapas restaurant: It provides a small sampling of all the small bites. This Ridgewood establishment highlights its easy-to-pick dishes, from burrata salad and lamb cigars to cheesesteak empanadas and tuna tartare. Too bad we can’t reach into our phones to grab a quick bite!

SUPREMA, RUTHERFORD, @SUPREMAITALIAN

This Italian bistro has a full menu of salads, pastas and entrées, including breaded pork chop and halibut. While these plates appear on its Instagram account, Suprema’s hot sandwiches are usually showstoppers. Our stomachs growl, for example, whenever we see cross sections of its chicken parm or prosciutto sandwiches.

BROWNSTONE PANCAKE FACTORY, EDGEWATER AND ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, @BROWNSTONE_PANCAKE_FACTORY

This eatery’s name sounds like breakfast, but it has an all-day menu with burgers, fries and quesadillas as well as pancakes. Keep in mind, though, that many of these offerings are not run-of-the-mill foods. Brownstone’s Instagram account shows tall stacks of whipped-cream-and-sprinkle-topped pancakes, bib-recommended milkshakes and more.

CAFÉ PANACHE, RAMSEY, @CAFEPANACHE

A repeat winner in BERGEN’s Readers’ Choice poll, this restaurant specializes in New American cuisine with a French twist. Its social-media followers are often treated to the sight of vibrant veggies, rich soups, juicy cuts of steak and chicken, and local and seasonal ingredients.

AZTECA, RUTHERFORD, @AZTECA_NJ

Whether you’re feasting on the Mexican cuisine here in person or ogling the delicious dishes on Instagram, you’ll feel the festive vibe of this family-owned eatery. Craving birria tacos, smooth guacamole or zesty elote? You’ll see all of that and other eye-popping offerings. Bring the fiesta to “reel” life by clicking on one of the videos featuring the sounds of an authentic mariachi band.

STERN AND BOW, CLOSTER, @STERNANDBOWRESTAURANT

Steak, seafood, pasta, pizza—you’ll find all of it and more at this eclectic restaurant. Its seasonal menu is a must-try, and diners can get a preview of Stern and Bow’s new dishes by scrolling its social media. We love the stills of the raw bar and cocktails, but the reels with sizzling steaks and fresh sushi are “chef’s kiss.”

SHUMI JAPANESE CUISINE, LEONIA, RIDGEWOOD, @SHUMI.OMAKASE

The next best thing to dining at this renowned Japanese restaurant may be browsing its photos on social media. Instagram users get an up-close-and-personal look at each delicate cut of fish as well as the texture of the sauces and other toppings. Click on Shumi’s reels to watch sushi chefs’ precise skills with their knives, brushes and chopsticks. The images and videos make you feel you have a front-row seat at the sushi bar.

A COOK’S ESSENTIAL TOOL

5 BERGEN CHEFS REVEAL THE CULINARY DEVICE THEY WOULDN’T WANT TO PREPARE A MEAL WITHOUT.

A doctor must have a stethoscope, a carpenter his or her handy hammer—and a chef? While a great meal may actually owe more to fresh ingredients and the cook’s own experience and skill, the just-right kitchen tool can be a make-orbreak difference. That’s what the chef says anyway, and who’s going to argue with the chef? An implement’s indispensability may be almost as much psychological as technical, but for what it’s worth, here’s what five Bergen chefs say about the one tool you dare not snatch from their hands:

BLENDER

Michael Merida, executive chef, Rockin’ Roots, Hillsdale:

“My first must-have is a Vitamix blender. It used to be the ultimate blender for bartenders, but many chefs have taken it over for their kitchens.”

SKEWER

Shahin Rezaei, chef/owner, Zaffron Bloom, Hasbrouck Heights: “The skewer, a simple yet essential cooking tool, has deep Persian roots. Growing up, we were told the great Persians were responsible for many inventions; they pioneered the use of the skewer for cooking meat over a fire. We take care of them like most chefs care of their knife sets. The skewer allows us to cook meat quickly efficiently but also maintain the highest quality. It’s an essential social gatherings, as many families gather to cook kebabs together go out to kebab houses to celebrate life!”

PASTA MACHINE

Antonio De Ieso, chef/owner, Fiorentini, Rutherford:

“It’s definitely my pasta machine. All of my pasta is handmade with 100 percent Italian flour, but the machine helps to fasten the production to flatten the pasta sheets before I start shaping them. Nowadays you can find so many good brands, such as Imperia or KitchenAid, where you can try to do this at home.”

Claudia Rovegno, executive chef,

From Scratch, Ridgewood:

“I still have a pasta cutter wheel that belonged to my grandmother. Every time I use it, I’m reminded of how patient she was with me to teach me how. That’s probably the only thing that I’ll bring with me everywhere. All the other things could be easily replaced with modern and more functional tools.”

PASTA CUTTER WHEEL

SOUS VIDE

Angel Andino, executive chef, Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar, Edgewater.

“From making the perfect runny brunch egg to succulent juicy chicken to an exquisite South African lobster tail, my sous vide is a tool I could not do without.

Four Bergenites share the classic family recipes that bring back memories and taste like love itself.

LIKE GRANDMA USED TO MAKE

Does anything take you back to your childhood more than the aroma of a favorite family dish cooking in the oven? Food can have powerful emotional resonance, and for families with a strong ethnic or immigrant tradition it can be a way of keeping a culture alive. When BERGEN asked four county residents to reveal the traditional recipes they remember most fondly, their responses were varied, but uniformly enthusiastic.

“There are no slackers on tamale day.”

—Alexa Morales-Soto, Paramus:

“My family is Costa Rican. Every December before Christmas, my mother, sister and I pick a day. This will become the best day of the year, because it’s tamale day. As my mother has gotten older, I have taken on some of the more arduous tasks, but she is still the boss and gives us all jobs to do. It’s a full-family operation. Husbands, dads, children and teens all play a part. There are no slackers on tamale day; everyone has a job. My dad is usually the one who cleans and cuts the banana leaves, my husband folds the tamale at the end of the line, and everyone else adds the fillings. Tamale day is special, because it’s a day when we celebrate our heritage and the food of our ancestors. Tamales have been made in Costa Rica since the days when only indigenous people lived on the land. Obviously, the recipe has changed quite a bit, but not the feeling of family and tradition.”

COSTA RICAN TAMALES

Ingredients

For the tamale dough (masa): n 1 package Maseca instant corn masa flour

n 1–3 cups water, as needed n 1–3 cups chicken or pork stock (homemade preferred), as needed n 2 sticks butter or lard n scoop chicken bouillon

For the filling:

n 1–1½ lbs. cooked chicken or pork, cooked as you like it and shredded n about 2 cups parboiled rice, cooked with achiote added to the water n optional fillings, to be added to your taste: raisins, peas, carrots, olives, roasted red peppers

Other:

n banana leaves, defrosted if bought frozen n white butcher paper n kitchen string

Directions:

Combine in a large stockpot the package of Maseca and a cup or two of water, depending on how difficult it feels to mix. Continue by adding stock and mixing until it has the consistency of cream of wheat. Add butter and chicken bouillon and mix well. Do not use a mixer; this must be done by hand.

Let masa come to a boil. It is a thick mixture, so put it on low and watch it so it doesn’t burn. When slow bubbles come to the surface, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Clean your banana leaves by running them over an open flame, such as a gas stove, gently until they are shiny and clean. This should take 3–5 seconds per side. Then cut into desired portions.

You will need an assembly line for the filling ingredients. Start with a banana leaf with a piece of butcher paper on top. Add ¼ cup of masa, then top with whatever filling you want. Fold into a packet, and tie with string.

Once you have used all the dough, add to a stockpot of water and set to boil. Tamales are ready when they have been boiling for 1–2 hours, depending on how large your stockpot is.

“We love it so much we named our dog after it.”

Mary Boyajian, Montvale:

“I am 100 percent Armenian, and this is a treasured food. It’s a simple but delicious pasta dish, and a comfort food for many Armenians. My parents emigrated to the United States from Iraq, and their parents had to settle in Iraq from Armenia due to the mass deportations of the Armenian people during the 1915 genocide by the Ottoman Empire. The passing down of these cultural recipes has always been very important to me. As a child, I was an extremely picky eater, and was rarely interested in food. This dish, though, is something I always loved, so my mother would make it often. One of my fondest memories is of my dad putting a steaming bowl of monti in front of a fan to cool it off faster for me. Now, it’s a treat I make for my family. We love it so much we named our dog after it.”

ARMENIAN MONTI (OR MANTI)

Ingredients

Meat filling:

n 1 lb. ground beef (or lamb)

n 1 medium onion, chopped very fine

n ¼ cup parsley, chopped very fine

n ¼ tsp. black pepper

n 1 tsp. salt (or more to taste)

n ¼ tsp. allspice (optional)

Monti dough:

n 3 cups flour

n 2 eggs

n 1 Tbs. olive oil

n ½ tsp. salt

n 3–4 oz. warm water to mix

Sauce:

n 1 8-oz. can plain tomato sauce

n 1 14.5-oz. can chicken broth

Directions:

Mix together the meat, onions and seasonings and set aside.

In a large bowl, add the flour. Make a well and add the eggs, olive oil, salt and warm water. Knead dough for 5–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.

Divide dough into 3 balls, cover with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature.

Using a dowel on a floured surface, roll each ball into a rectangle of about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 1½-inch-by-1½-inch squares.

Place about a teaspoon of meat mixture in each square and pinch each side to make a boat shape—you can wet fingers to seal edges better if need be.

Place close together on baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake at 350 degrees for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

In a 9-inch-by-13-inch Pyrex dish, pour and mix together the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Add in 3–4 cups of the cooked pasta and toss to coat.

Bake in 350-degree oven for 20–25 minutes, until sauce is bubbly. Serve in soup bowls, with or without a dollop of plain yogurt.

“It was like taking a part of my heritage back.”

Erica McDonald, Emerson:

“This Italian Lemon Drop cookie recipe was passed down to me from my great-grandmother—my nana. She passed away when I was 6 or 7, but I can still remember making cookies with her in her kitchen. I remember feeling like I was such a big girl in the kitchen because my nana talked to me and treated me like a person, rather than talking down to me like a kid. My nana was a first-generation American, and the only person in our family who actually spoke Italian. She was the only direct link I had to our Italian roots, and I felt like I lost that when she died. When I started making these cookies, it was like taking that part of my heritage back. I found my nana’s old handwritten recipe and, since then, I’ve made them every year. When I got old enough to want to make these cookies by myself, it felt almost like coming home to her.”

ITALIAN LEMON DROP COOKIES

Ingredients

Cookie dough

n ½ cup sugar

n 1 stick butter (softened)

n 3 large eggs

n 1½ tsp. lemon extract

n 2 cups all-purpose flour

n 3 tsp. baking powder

n 1⁄8 tsp. salt

Icing:

n 3 cups confectioners’ sugar

n ¼ cup water

n 1 tsp. lemon extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Mix flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

Cream together sugar and butter. Add eggs and lemon extract and beat well. Add flour mixture, mix well until smooth texture. (Dough will be a bit sticky.) If dough seems light-colored, add a drop or two of yellow food coloring. Chill dough until firm.

With a small cookie scoop, drop dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until firm and lightly brown.

Remove cookies from cookie sheet and allow to cool completely.

Combine the icing ingredients in a bowl until just smooth. You want it more thick than thin, but still runny.

Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze.

Top with sprinkles or a little lemon zest, while the glaze is still wet.

Store in an airtight container.

“We call it ‘Italian penicillin.’”

Anjinette Piccirella, Ramsey:

“This was a recipe my paternal grandmother used to make all the time; I remember helping to make it as a kid. The hardest and most time-consuming parts have always been chopping the vegetables and rolling the meatballs. When I was a child, my mom would spend her time chopping, while my sisters and I would roll the mini-meatballs. Now I have my daughters to help me roll the meatballs out. We usually make it in huge quantities at the start of fall, freeze it in small containers and eat it throughout the year. The family calls it ‘Italian penicillin,’ because everyone loves soup when they don’t feel well, plus it has extra vitamins and minerals with the vegetables. It’s also a great lunch to bring to work.”

ESCAROLE SOUP WITH TINY MEATBALLS

Ingredients:

n 1 roaster chicken

n 2 large onions

n 4 plum tomatoes

n 2 cups carrots, chopped

n 2 cups celery, chopped

n 1 head escarole

n 1 lb. chopped meat of your choice

n ½ cup grated cheese

n salt to taste

n pepper to taste

Directions:

Remove the chicken from the packaging, remove the innards and clean the outside with salt and rinse.

Place the chicken in a pot and fill it with cold water.

Place the pot on the stove and bring to boil. Once it has come to a boil, remove the chicken, place it in a bowl and remove the water from the pot.

Take the chicken, place it back in the pot and fill it again with cold water. Add the plum tomatoes and onion (peeled and quartered) to the pot.

Bring the pot back up to a boil and let it boil for 1 hour or until the chicken is falling apart.

Remove the chicken from the pot and place it back in a bowl. Remove the plum tomatoes and onions and place

in a food processor.

Blend the tomatoes and onions into a puree and add back to the pot with the carrots and celery and allow it to boil until the carrots and celery are fork-tender but firm.

Remove all the meat from the chicken, chop it and place back in the pot.

Chop the escarole and add it to the soup.

Take the chopped meat, add cheese, salt and pepper and mix.

Roll the chopped meat into tiny meatballs, about 1 centimeter round.

Add meatballs to the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Keep on the stove on low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Special Report

FOOD PRICES STAY HIGH

It’s

true what they say about the rate of inflation—it’s

down dramatically. But grocery-store sticker shock still hurts.

On a Saturday afternoon in November 2024, the Lyndhurst Stop & Shop looks much as it did in the fall of 2019, before the word “COVID” entered the lexicon. Only a couple of shoppers are wearing surgical masks. The aisles are fully stocked. Staples—from eggs to pasta to that once-scarcest of commodities, toilet paper—are abundant. But check the price of those staples—and pretty much anything else in the store—and visions of 2019 quickly vaporize. A dozen eggs? Five years ago they cost, on average, $1.20; today a dozen store-brand, cage-free medium brown eggs are going for $3.49— an almost 200-percent increase. Pasta? In 2019, the average cost of a 16-ounce box of pasta was $0.72; today, a box of store brand spaghetti is $1.25—an almost 74-percent rise.

The story is the same at virtually every supermarket in Bergen County: In a world beset by inflation, food prices stand out, having risen by 25 percent over the past five years, as opposed to an overall inflation of 20 percent. Those escalating prices have changed the way many of us shop, the things we buy, and even our relationship with food.

Kate Silva is at Stop & Shop’s self-checkout, paying for three bags of Utz potato chips—“on special for $1.97 each,” she says. She came to the store specifically for those chips; these days she does most of her

BY LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF

shopping at Costco, where she splits supersized items, from ground beef to peanut butter, with a friend. “We do save money that way,” she explains, “but we don’t always want the same things, so I do spot-shopping like this at the supermarket.” Even though she’s heard that the rate of inflation is slowing, she doesn’t expect food prices to come down any time soon.

FOOD-PRICE INFLATION 101

According to Zachary Thomas, professor of social science at Bergen Community College, she’s right. “Inflation is a continued rise in pricing,” he says, “so when we see that inflation has come down, it doesn’t mean that prices are going down.” In 2020, the annual rate of inflation—the percentage at which prices in general were rising over the course of a year—was 1.4 percent; in 2021 it shot up to 7 percent, thanks largely to supply-chain issues sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2022 to 2024, the rate of inflation has dropped from 6.5 percent to 3.4 percent to its current rate (as of this writing) of 2.5 percent. Again, that doesn’t mean that prices are dropping commensurately, just that they’re rising much more slowly.

Food prices have suffered from a slightly higher rate of inflation than prices in general largely because of what Thomas calls “overreach.” It’s a normal phenomenon in a market economy that often accompanies

inflation, when businesses try to raise prices slightly above the rate of inflation. Generally, the market itself takes care of these extra-inflationary price rises. “When businesses set prices too high, people elect not to buy at those prices,” says Thomas. If shoppers, for instance, aren’t happy with the price of oatmeal at a particular store, they’ll buy it elsewhere, switch to a cheaper brand or just go without it. In fact, that seems to be happening now, as shoppers embrace cheaper store brands over name brands.

So, if prices aren’t likely to come down, how will consumers ever catch up? “It’s not about food prices dropping,” says Thomas, “but about wages going up.” And in fact, that’s what’s been happening over the past couple of years, as income has outpaced inflation.

For those whose incomes haven’t yet caught up, food shopping hasn’t lost its sting, which helps to explain why consumers are changing the way they buy food. Some, like Silva, are shopping with a friend and buying in bulk. Others are changing where they shop. Lisa Lovermi, a Fair Lawn resident, has largely left her longtime favorite supermarket in favor of grocers known for lower prices, such as Aldi and Lidl. And she divides her shopping among different stores—another growing trend among shoppers looking to save money, if not time. “I’m not working at the moment,” says Lovermi, “so I have plenty of free time.

I’ll go to one store for certain things, another store for other things. I no longer shop in just one store.” Wherever they’re shopping, consumers are increasingly turning to so-called private-label brands, like ShopRite’s Bowl & Basket and Stop & Shop’s Nature’s Promise. In fact, over the past year, U.S. private-label sales grew by 6 percent. Even well-to-do consumers are changing their shopping habits. Gail Schoenberg of Woodcliff Lake, for instance, shops for food, more often than not, at farmers’ markets. “Not that they’re inexpensive,” she says, “but I feel better buying from somebody directly that I’m helping than I do just buying some brand-name and/or store-brand product. The sourdough at the grocery store isn’t going to be as good as the fresh-baked. The fresh-baked is going for $10 a loaf, but it’s a beautiful loaf of bread.”

BESTING INFLATION

As many consumers have already discovered, there are ways to combat food-price inflation. In addition to the changed habits described above, consumer and

THOSE HARDEST HIT

There’s another group in Bergen suffering from food-price inflation, less visible and perhaps less vocal than everyday shoppers. The nonprofits that provide food to Bergen’s food-insecure are finding it harder, in the face of inflation, to fulfill that mission. The cause is twofold. “As a result of the high prices in the supermarket,” says Karen DeMarco, president of The Food Brigade, headquartered in Paramus, “there has been a substantial increase in the number of people who use the pantry.” Families who were balancing on the edge of economic hardship five years ago can no longer afford to feed themselves without assistance. “One unexpected expense, like a car repair or a medical bill, can be catastrophic for our families,” says Nancy Dreszler, director of Ridgewood’s Social Service Association (SSA) and the Ridgewood Food Pantry. “So we see more and more people coming through our doors.” She notes that in August 2019 the pantry gave out 309 bags of food; this past August it distributed 504. “The increased demand in the community,” she says,

“...We thought that we would go back to prepandemic levels .... Instead, numbers have steadily increased.”

—Nicole Davis, executive director, Center for Food Action

nutrition experts recommend the following strategies:

• Get acquainted with unit pricing. A lower price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a bargain—it could simply indicate that there’s less product per bag, box or jar. Read the unit price label to determine the actual value of the food you’re buying, advises Christine Zellers, a health sciences educator at Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

• Buy fruits, vegetables and even seafood in season. “You’re likely to get a better price because there are no major transportation costs tacked on,” says Zellers.

• When buying produce, compare the prices of fresh, frozen and canned to get the best deal. “But if you’re buying canned, choose the low-sodium option,” Zellers advises.

• Compare prices—not just among brands but among stores. Apps like Flipp, Instacart, Basket Savings and Grocery AI allow you to find the best deals in your area.

• Unpack the package habit. Prepackaged food—whether it’s a heat-and-eat meal or pre-sliced veggies—costs more. “You have to think differently about food. Yes, that means you have to cook,” says Stacey Antine, a dietitian and the founder of the Ridgewood-based company HealthBarn USA. “But ultimately, thinking differently is going to be healthier.”

“makes it difficult to keep our shelves stocked.”

“Many of the pantries were caught unaware by the increased demand. Since the pandemic,” says Nicole Davis, executive director of Englewood’s Center for Food Action, “we thought that we would go back to prepandemic levels of people coming to see us. Instead, numbers have steadily increased.”

On top of increased demand, many pantries are experiencing decreased supply. The Food Brigade gets a portion of its food from supermarkets, which donate produce—perfectly good but less than perfect—that they would otherwise throw out. But as a result of inflation, DeMarco says, “food stores are now getting more conscientious about what they’re spending, so there’s a little less waste, which means there’s less food for us.”

Many pantries buy food—particularly produce and fresh meats—to plug the hole between donated supply and demand. Inflation has reduced their buying power, and donations—particularly monetary donations—are down, again, thanks to inflation. Because the Ridgewood SSA isn’t able to stock fresh food, it offers clients food vouchers they can use to shop in local supermarkets. Because of inflation, the nonprofit recently increased the value of the vouchers, but it hasn’t received a commensurate increase in monetary donations.

Food pantries encounter another impediment to

keeping pace with inflation—a misapprehension that Davis calls “the Bergen County bubble.” “Bergen County is the 33rd richest county in the U.S.,” she says. “And sometimes it’s hard for us to convince people that food insecurity and homelessness, or being on the verge of homelessness, exist here.” The bubble can mean decreased donations at a time when the need has actually increased.

Even for Bergenites who have plenty to eat and plenty of shopping choices, grocery prices feel high in 2024. And most of them probably won’t return to their 2019 levels. Our rising incomes may have kept pace with inflation or even surpassed it, but that doesn’t change—at least not quickly—our perception of how prices “feel” or what food items are “worth.” And that is stressful. Still, if grocery-store sticker shock prompts us to become more prudent shoppers, it will be a case of a troubling trend with one ultimately beneficial result.

HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS BY GIVING TO FOOD PANTRIES

Food-price inflation is an inconvenience for most of us—and maybe a budget squeezer. But for Bergen’s food-insecure population the phenomenon makes a dire situation worse. Food pantries try to address the need, but they’re facing increasing headwinds. Here’s some advice from experts on how you can help:

• Consider a cash gift. Even food pantries that aren’t facing empty shelves have operating costs they need to cover. “There’s a huge amount of incidental expenses involved in running a food pantry: rent, electricity, the cost of box cutters and gloves,” says Karen DeMarco, president of Paramus-based The Food Brigade. Cash donations also cover the costs of food vouchers, according to Nancy Dreszler, director of Ridgewood’s Social Service Association (SSA) and the Ridgewood Food Pantry.

• Buy one, give one. “When you see a ‘buy one, get one’ item at the supermarket, consider picking up two and donating one of them,” says Dreszler.

• Become a recurring donor. Planning your gift on a repeating basis “allows us to better forecast our needs over time,” says Nicole Davis, executive director of Englewood’s Center for Food Action. And it helps to ensure that, for everyone in Bergen, there’ll be food on the shelves—and on the table.

These organizations can help you turn your concern into tangible help for neighbors for whom rising food prices are more than a hassle:

• Center for Food Action, Englewood – cfanj.org

• The Food Brigade, Paramus – foodbrigade.org

• Ridgewood Food Pantry – ssaridgewood.org

For more on Bergen’s food pantries: foodpantries.org.

ESCAPES

DINE FAMOUSLY

Does food taste better if the restaurant has been featured in the movies or on TV? Here are five places to find out.

Chances are, in the Boston bar that’s now called Cheers, not everyone knows your name. But folks back home will recognize the bar’s name—the TV fame of its namesake sitcom makes sure of that. And happily, you don’t have to trek as far as Beantown to find a bar or restaurant that’s done a star turn on TV or in the movies. Within an easy drive of Bergen, there are five eateries—real, operational businesses—where a touch of Hollywood glamour is on the menu:

HOLSTEN’S as seen in The Sopranos, Bloomfield, N.J.

This HBO series helped usher in a new era of television with its ambitious narrative and complex characters. It’s a story embedded in New Jersey, so it only makes sense that it ended in the state— right in Bloomfield, only about a half-hour away from Bergen. Holsten’s is the location of the series’ finale and that iconic final shot with “Don’t Stop Believing” playing in the background. This is a must-see for fans of the show, of course, but it’s also a must-visit for fans of sweets. Ice cream, chocolate and milkshakes are all served here, and the rotating Flavors of the Month are as innovative as they are delicious.

What to order: Go classic at this old-fashioned eatery. Order a root beer float or a banana split in your flavor of choice (both are large enough to share), and then grab a side of fries or onion rings to balance out that sugar.

After your meal: Head over to Bury the Hatchet, also in Bloomfield, where you can try your hand at ax throwing. If you want a feast for your eyes in addition to your stomach, an easy, 10- minute drive from Holsten’s is the Montclair Art Museum, which offers constantly rotating exhibits and is open on the weekends.

More information: holstens.com

CENTRAL PARK BOATHOUSE

as seen in 27 Dresses, New York City.

The romantic comedy about an alwaysbridesmaid becoming the bride includes a seriously tense scene between protagonist Jane and her sister Tess during a wedding tasting at this upscale eatery. The elegance of the venue heightens the ugly emotions building between the sisters and the approaching fallout—however, if you’re not living out the plot of a movie, it’s a wonderful place to have a meal. With a pillared outdoor pavilion and views of a picturesque pond, it’s a soothing sanctuary within the bustle of NYC, and it’s only about 45 minutes from Bergen County.

What to order: Seafood is the name of the game at this restaurant. Enjoy baked clams, or a Faroe Island salmon crudo from the extensive raw bar. For an entrée, try spaghetti with lobster or a jumbo lump crab cake. Pair that with some truly special wine and cocktails (or mocktails, if you’d prefer), and you have all the makings of a memorable date.

After your meal: This destination isn’t just a boathouse in name. You can rent a rowboat and take it out on the pond to enjoy the air and the views. Central Park is beautiful in every season and is filled with paths to wander and explore, in addition to the zoo and Belvedere Castle.

If you’re craving some art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is also close by.

More information: centralparkboathouse.com

KATZ’S DELICATESSEN

as seen in

When Harry Met Sally, New York City.

According to the cast, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal were improvising here when they shot this movie’s most recognizable scene, which ends with Estelle Reiner’s words, “I’ll have what she’s having.” Katz’s didn’t need that line to make it famous, though. Billed as “America’s first deli,” it’s been open since 1888. The interior is still very recognizable from the film, and the food won’t be an anti, uh, climax. You can get here from Bergen in about an hour.

What to order: The pastrami sandwich, which comes piled high with meat, is legendary for a reason. If you want more fixings, opt for a Reuben. (The kraut is amazing.) Stopping in with a plus one? The deli offers a sandwich deal for two, and you can split fries and coleslaw.

After your meal: Katz’s is on the Lower East Side near the heart of Manhattan, so there’s never a lack of things to do. Indulge your inner tourist and finally visit the Empire State Building, stop by the nearby Museum of Ice Cream for something that is as sweet as it is educational, or continue your foodie journey and head over to nearby Chinatown to try more iconic NYC cuisine. More information: katzsdelicatessen.com

SMITH & WOLLENSKY

as seen in American Psycho, New York City.

OK, we don’t want our lives to resemble American Psycho in any other way, but that restaurant where Patrick Bateman and Craig McDermott meet up looks really good. McDermott berates Bateman for not ordering the hash browns, and you can try them yourself at this upscale NYC steakhouse, about an hour from Bergen by car. The establishment is known for its in-house dried and hand-butchered steak and still often pops up on “Best of NYC” lists. What to order: You can indulge in an impressive raw bar here, but the main attraction is the steaks. Pick a filet mignon, a bone-in rib steak or a porterhouse for two. Veal, lamb and pork chops are also on the menu, for those craving a different protein. Sides range from jumbo asparagus to mac-and-cheese but, really, you should try the hash browns.

More information: smithandwollenskynyc.com

MYSTIC PIZZA,

as seen in Mystic Pizza Mystic, Conn.

A low-key, coming-of-age drama about the lives of three Portuguese-American waitresses, Mystic Pizza stars a young Julia Roberts and was Matt Damon’s big screen debut. The movie took its name from this local pizza joint, which is about two-and-a-half hours away from Bergen. Though Roberts won’t be behind the counter when you walk in, the restaurant does offer what it calls “a slice of heaven,” and has totally embraced its Hollywood legacy—the interior looks just like the movie.

What to order: Pizza, of course! You can build your own pie with whatever toppings you’re craving, or opt for a house special like moussaka or BBQ chicken. You can also pick up full pasta dinners, classic burgers and fries or foot-long grinders (they’re not called subs in Connecticut). After your meal: Mystic Seaport is the largest maritime museum in the United States, and it has an extensive collection of sailing ships and boats to explore. There’s also a re-creation of an entire 19th-century seaport village with more than 60 historic buildings. And the Mystic Aquarium lets you see beluga whales and African penguins up close.

More information. mysticpizzaoriginal.com

—Kirsten Meehan

Cream Of The Crop

These hearty recipes not only taste delicious, but they can soothe the soul all season long.

PUMPKIN SOUP

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 1 medium yellow onion

n 3 cloves garlic

n 1 large bunch fresh thyme

n 2 Tbs. olive oil

n 1 15 oz. can pumpkin purée (about 2 cups)

n 3/4 tsp. kosher salt

n 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

n 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

n ¹/₈ tsp. ground ginger

n ¹/₈ tsp. cayenne pepper

n 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

n 2 Tbs. maple syrup

n 2 Tbs. heavy cream

n toasted pumpkin seeds and flaky sea salt, for garnish

TASTES

DIRECTIONS

Prep the ingredients. Very finely chop 1 medium yellow onion. Finely grate 3 garlic cloves. Pick the leaves from 1 large bunch fresh thyme until you have 2 tablespoons.

Cook the aromatics. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the pumpkin and spices. Add the thyme, 1 15-oz. can pumpkin purée, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Cook over medium-low heat until steaming and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add the vegetable broth. Add 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes. (The mixture will bubble.)

Add the maple syrup and cream. Remove the pot from the heat. Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and stir to combine. (At this point, for a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to purée until it reaches your desired consistency.)

Garnish and serve. Serve warm, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds, flaky salt, fresh thyme leaves, and more black pepper.

“Many people do not get enough fiber, and this recipe is a great way to get more in your diet. Pumpkin is high in fiber, with one cup of pumpkin puree containing about 7 grams. Fiber helps us feel satiated, balances blood sugar and improves digestive health.”

—Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, registered dietitian nutritionist, Forme Nutrition, Franklin Lakes

CREAM OF BROCCOLI SOUP

Yields 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 2 Tbs. ghee

n 4 shallots roughly chopped

n 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

n 1½ lbs. broccoli florets or frozen broccoli

n ½ green apple, peeled and diced

n 4 Yukon gold potatoes, boiled and roughly chopped

n ½ tsp. thyme

n 32 oz. bone broth

n ½ tsp. oregano

n ½ tsp. turmeric

n 1 tsp. curry powder

n ½ tsp. cinnamon

n 13.5 oz. canned

coconut milk full fat

n sea salt to taste

n black pepper to taste

n pumpkin seeds and slivered almonds, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a large stockpot, melt ghee over medium heat.

Add the shallots and onions. Sauté until they have become softened.

Add the broccoli florets, apple, potatoes and the chicken broth. Top off with some extra broth or water if the vegetables aren’t fully covered.

Turn the heat up on a high temperature until it reaches a boil. Lower it to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are all soft. This will take 15 to 25 minutes.

Stir in the spices and let cook for another 5 minutes. Using an immersion blender or by transferring the soup into a high-speed blender pitcher, blend until everything looks smooth throughout.

Pour back into the stockpot and whisk in the canned coconut milk. Blend again to combine.

Garnish and serve. Serve warm, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds and more black pepper.

“Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory with many health benefits, including lowering your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and cognitive disorders. For a lowcarb option, use cauliflower instead of potatoes and add nutritional yeast for plant-based protein, fiber, B-vitamins and immune health support.”

Azi Ahmadi, registered dietitian nutritionist, Ridgewood

A Tart Toast

Do you love fall? Pucker up and embrace this seasonal, fruity twist to the classic cocktail.

CRANBERRY APPLE MOSCOW MULE

Makes: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 8 oz. fresh cranberries, divided

n 1 cup extra fine granulated sugar

n 1 cup water

n 4 oz. vodka

n 3/4 cup cranberryapple juice/cocktail

n cranberry simple syrup, to taste

n 2 ginger beers

n 1/2 apple, cored and sliced

DIRECTIONS

Prepare simple syrup (this can be done well in advance and is recommended). In a medium saucepan, bring 6 ounces of cranberries, sugar and water to a simmer over medium heat. Stir to combine. Reduce heat, cook until cranberries are tender but haven't burst. Approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Strain liquid and discard cranberries. Transfer to an airtight container and place in refrigerator until ready to use. When ready to serve, fill two copper mugs half way each with shaved ice. Into each cup add: half vodka, half cran-apple juice. Add desired amount of cranberry simple syrup to each. Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with remaining cranberries and apple slices.

“For another fun fall flavor twist, substitute the cranberries for chopped pear and a few sage sprigs to create a delicious pearsage simple syrup. Sub the cran-apple juice with a high-quality pear juice, garnish with sliced pear and a sage leaf and enjoy.”

—Jackie

Pinsky, mixologist, Spark Style Sips, Wyckoff

Stevens & Lee is proud to be a part of the Bergen County community. Established locally in May 2020, the Bergen County office has since experienced substantial growth through the addition of local lawyers and professionals in our affiliate Stevens & Lee Public Affairs, a New Jersey-focused public affairs firm. Our Bergen location provides a complete range of high-end legal services to local, regional and national clients.

Working with clients in this region for decades, our Bergen County team has a well-established reputation for tireless client advocacy and value-driven service. We believe that helping local clients to achieve their goals and utilize relationships we’ve fostered through Bergen’s business networks serves to strengthen our community and contributes to a more vibrant business market.

Our highly experienced professionals have long represented clients in a wide range of industries operating here, in neighboring New

York, across the country and internationally. They provide counsel in transactional, tax and other corporate matters, as well as in litigation and intellectual property, including specialized services, such as patent law. With each representation, we partner with clients to assist them in advancing their business goals.

Given the talent, expertise and sense of community instilled in our Bergen County team, Stevens & Lee is uniquely positioned to serve business clients within this key market. With 16 offices – including those in Bergen, Princeton and New York City – and 195 lawyers, Stevens & Lee is among the 250 largest law firms in the country.

Stevens & Lee is the cornerstone of The Stevens & Lee Companies, a platform of affiliated professional service firms which provides a full range of legal, investment banking, financial advisory and government consulting services.

Pictured representatives of the Bergen County office from top left to right: John N. Visconi, Ryan P. Mulvaney, Salvatore A. Giampiccolo, Robert P. Donovan, David M. Stewart and Richard C. Szuch. Bottom left to right: Rita Portenti, Randi F. Knepper, Nicole DiBello, Ryan L. O’Neill and Aliza L. Sherman. Not pictured: Kelley M. Brogan, Nicholas P. Eliades and Shirley D. Moreno.

TOP LAWYERS BERGEN COUNTY’S 2024

TO HELP YOU FIND SOME OF THE BEST ATTORNEYS IN BERGEN COUNTY, across 35 different specialties, BERGEN magazine commissioned Professional Research Services (PRS) of Troy, Michigan to conduct a peer-review survey of hundreds of practicing and active lawyers across the county. They were asked to select peers whom they deem are the best within their specialty areas and whom they would seek out for particular legal needs.

PRS checked with the New Jersey state bar to make sure that those attorneys receiving the highest vote totals within each specialty area are active and practicing before finalizing the Top Lawyer list. Inclusion in the Top Lawyer list cannot be purchased; it is solely based on the attorney’s standing among their peers.

We recognize that there are many good attorneys who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within Bergen County.

ADMIRALTY & MARITIME

GINO A. ZONGHETTI

Kaufman Dolowich LLP

25 Main St., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-708-8240

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

ROBERT P. CONTILLO

Ferro Labella & Weiss LLC

27 Warren St. Suite 201, The Landmark Bldg. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110

PETER E. DOYNE

Ferro Labella & Weiss LLC

27 Warren St. Suite 201, The Landmark Bldg. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110

BONNIE J. MIZDOL

Ferro Labella & Weiss LLC

27 Warren St. Suite 201, The Landmark Bldg. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110

ANTITRUST

JENNIFER SCULLION

Seeger Weiss LLP

55 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 212-584-0700

APPELLATE PRACTICE

AUDRA DE PAOLO

Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

MICHAEL S. STEIN

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC

21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-4906

BANKING

THOMAS J. CANGIALOSI, JR.

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1050

RENATA A. HELSTOSKI

Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2126

BANKRUPTCY

MICHAEL BOYD

Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri 157 Engle St. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-277-0177

JOSHUA DENBEAUX

Denbeaux & Denbeaux

372 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 5 Westwood, NJ 07675 201-970-6534

JOHN P. DI IORIO

Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP

411 Hackensack Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-3900

CHARLES M. FORMAN

Forman Holt

365 W. Passaic St., Suite 400

Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-857-7111

MICHAEL E. HOLT

Forman Holt

365 W. Passaic St., Suite 400 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-857-7110

ERIN J. KENNEDY

Forman Holt

365 W. Passaic St., Suite 400 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-857-7109

JOHN MURANO

Murano & Roth, LLC

800 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 202N Oradell, NJ 07649 201-265-3400

ALEX PISAREVSKY

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663

201-845-9600

MICHAEL D. SIROTA

Cole Schotz PC

25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601

201-525-6262

WARREN A. USATINE

Cole Schotz PC

25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6233

BUSINESS, CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL

BRUCE J. ACKERMAN

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-4933

STEVEN R. ANTICO

Garfunkel Wild, PC 411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 10 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-518-3434

ANDREW P. BOLSON

Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

JOSEPH (JAY) B. BROWN

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

MICHAEL D. CAMARINOS

Camarinos Law Group, LLC 411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 2 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-509-5000

PAUL S. DOHERTY III

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9056

DANIEL S. EICHHORN

Cullen and Dykman LLP 433 Hackensack Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-422-2780

SALVATORE A. GIAMPICCOLO

Stevens & Lee

669 River Dr., Suite 201 Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 201-857-6767

KURT HARTMANN

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8088

MIRIAM W. HERMANN Ferro Labella & Weiss LLC 27 Warren St. Suite 201, The Landmark Bldg. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110

SCOTT D. JACOBSON Ferro Labella & Weiss LLC 27 Warren St. Suite 201, The Landmark Bldg. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110

RICHARD J. LAMBERT

Dunn Lambert, LLC 15 E. Midland Ave., Suite 3D Paramus, NJ 07652 551-203-0144

THOMAS LOIKITH

Harwood Lloyd, LLP 130 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-359-3551

JEREMY S. PICCINI

Bertone | Piccini 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-483-9333

GIANFRANCO A. PIETRAFESA

Archer & Greiner, PC 21 Main St., Suite 353 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-498-8559

ROBERT G. PLATVOET

Bertone | Piccini 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-483-9333

DAVID POLAZZI

Peckar & Abramson, PC 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

GARY S. REDISH

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1040

ADOLPH A. ROMEI

Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2104

ALAN RUBIN

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6325

ALLEN SUSSER

Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

CHANCERY PRACTICE

PETER J. GALLAGHER

Ferro Labella & Weiss LLC

27 Warren St. Suite 201, The Landmark Bldg. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110

KENNETH K. LEHN

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1090

CHRISTOPHER L. WEISS

Ferro Labella & Weiss LLC 27 Warren St. Suite 201, The Landmark Bldg. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110

CIVIL LITIGATION

SAMUEL DAVIS

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC 375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

CHRISTOPHER T. KAROUNOS

Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Attorney at Law 65 Route 4 East River Edge, NJ 07661 877-752-0836

STUART REISER

Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP 411 Hackensack Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-3900

R.N. TENDAI RICHARDS

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1099

GERALD R. SALERNO

Aronsohn Weiner Salerno & Kaufman, PC 21 Main St., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4747

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

THOMAS A. ABBATE DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP 61 S. Paramus Rd., Suite 250 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-907-5294

JANEL ALANIA

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8035

MARK A. BERMAN

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9056

JEFFREY W. HERRMANN

Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

KEVIN J. O’CONNOR

Peckar & Abramson, PC 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

PETER S. PEARLMAN

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

JEREMY B. STEIN

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP

433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9056

CHRISTINA STRIPP

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

KELLY A. ZAMPINO

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP

433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8029

CONSTRUCTION

LEVI W. BARRETT

Peckar & Abramson, PC

70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

DANIELLE E. COHEN

Tesser & Cohen, Attorneys At Law 946 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-1100

STEVEN COHEN

Tesser & Cohen, Attorneys At Law 946 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-1100

ROBERT A. DRUCKER

Peckar & Abramson, PC

70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

PATRICK J. GREENE, JR. Peckar & Abramson, PC

70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

DANIEL R. GUADALUPE

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-373-2062

CHARLES F. KENNY

Peckar & Abramson, PC 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

ROBERT J. MACPHERSON

Cokinos | Young

82 E. Allendale Rd. Saddle River, NJ 07458 908-489-3518

BRUCE D. MELLER

Peckar & Abramson, PC

70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

PETER E. MORAN

Peckar & Abramson, PC

70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

GERARD J. ONORATA

Peckar & Abramson, PC

70 Grand Ave.

River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

DENIS SERKIN

Peckar & Abramson, PC

70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

LEE M. TESSER

Tesser & Cohen, Attorneys At Law 946 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-1100

RICHARD D. WOLLOCH

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1066

NICHOLAS J. ZAITA

Peckar & Abramson, PC

70 Grand Ave River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

MICHAEL S. ZICHERMAN

Peckar & Abramson, PC

70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

CRIMINAL: NON-WHITE COLLAR

MEIRON BAR-NADAV

Law Offices of Ron Bar-Nadav 58-60 Main St., Floor 3 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-1555

FRANK V. CARBONETTI

Lucianna & Lucianna, PA 111 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-9090

JOSEPH R. DONAHUE

Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC 135 Prospect St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-574-7919

JASON E. FOY

Foy & Seplowitz, LLC 105 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-457-0071

JOSEPH A. HAYDEN, JR.

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-639-2004

OMID S. IRANI

Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law 21 Main St., Suite 200W Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-350-7847

WALTER A. LESNEVICH

O’Cathain Law Group, LLC

21 Main St., Suite 250 Hackensack, NJ 07601 848-356-4424

JOSEPH A. MAURICE

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

BRIAN J. NEARY

Law Offices of Brian J. Neary

21 Main St., Suite 305 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-0544

JAMES B. SEPLOWITZ

Foy & Seplowitz, LLC

105 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-457-0071

ALAN SILBER

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-639-2014

LAURA C. SUTNICK

Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law 21 Main St., Suite 200W Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-350-7847

WARREN S. SUTNICK

Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law 21 Main St., Suite 200W Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-350-7847

CRIMINAL: WHITE COLLAR

RAYMOND M. BROWN

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-5478

DENNIS CALO

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9056

ALFRED C. DECOTIIS

DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP

61 S. Paramus Rd., Suite 250 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-907-5217

PATRICK J. JENNINGS

Law Office of Patrick Jennings 155 Polifly Rd., Suite 201 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-2000

AIDAN P. O’CONNOR

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-4940

ALAN SILBER

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-639-2014

JEFFREY SMITH

DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP 61 S. Paramus Rd., Suite 250 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-928-1100

JOSEPH W. TORRE

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8096

JUSTIN P. WALDER

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC

21 Main St.

Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-639-2018

CUSTODY

DANIEL BARLI

Barli & Associates LLC 19 Phelps Ave. Tenafly, NJ 07670 973-638-1101

DANIELLE J. CARDONE

Schepisi & McLaughlin, PA 473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-225-8689

JOSHUA P. COHN

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

GREGORY L. GROSSMAN

Aronsohn Weiner

Salerno & Kaufman, PC 21 Main St., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4747

BARRY L. KAUFMAN

Aronsohn Weiner

Salerno & Kaufman, PC 21 Main St., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4747

MADELINE M. MARZANOLESNEVICH

O’Cathain Law Group, LLC

21 Main St., Suite 250 Hackensack, NJ 07601 848-356-4424

BRIAN P. MCCANN

Callagy Law

650 From Rd., Suite 240 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-261-1700

CATHY J. POLLAK

Cathy J. Pollak Esquire, LLC 21-00 Route 208, Suite 210 Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-201-7417

SILVANA RASO

Schepisi & McLaughlin, PA 473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-225-8689

JASON ROTH

Murano & Roth, LLC 800 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 202N Oradell, NJ 07649 201-265-3400

GERI LANDAU SQUIRE

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

VICTORIA TOMASELLA

Tomasella and Vacca, LLC

401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707

Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-855-6240

AMANDA S. TRIGG

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

COURTNEY VACCA

Tomasella and Vacca, LLC

401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-855-6240

DEBTOR & CREDITOR

MICHAEL D. BAER

Baer Law Group

412 Cedar Ln., Floor 2 Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-804-0600

KENNETH L. BAUM

Law Offices of Kenneth L. Baum

167 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-853-3030

EDUCATION

FRANCES BARTO

Barto & Barto LLC

15 Warren St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-5277

KAREN F. EDLER

Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio, PC

50 Tice Blvd., Suite 380 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-987-9873

MARLA WOLFE TAUS

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1063

ENVIRONMENTAL

DANIELE CERVINO

Beattie Padovano, LLC

200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2125

HOWARD P. DAVIS

Davis Environmental Law 580 Sylvan Ave., Suite 2D Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-541-9737

LEONARD Z. KAUFMANN

Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

MICHAEL G. STINGONE

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1033

STEPHEN A. WEISS

Seeger Weiss LLP 55 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 973-639-9100

HEALTH CARE

ROBERT A. BLASS

Beattie Padovano, LLC

200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2136

JEFFREY S. BROWN

Garfunkel Wild, PC

411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 10 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-883-1030

GINA L. CAMPANELLA

Campanella Law Office LLC

289 Godwin Ave., Suite B Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-891-3726

IMMIGRATION

MARTIN V. ASATRIAN

Asatrian Law Group, LLC 15 Warren St., Suite PH E-2 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-663-3164

CAROLINA T. CURBELO

The Law Office of Carolina T. Curbelo, LLC 41 N. Broad St., Floor 2 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-379-4040

DAVID H. NACHMAN

NPZ Law Group, PC 487 Goffle Rd. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 551-400-6461 ext. 100

WILLIAM J. QUIRK

William J. Quirk, Esq., LLC

354 State St., Suite 202 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-968-0800

JEFFREY STEINFELD

Jeffrey B. Steinfeld, PC 27 Warren St., Suite 302 Hackensack, NJ 07601 800-620-0900

PRERAK A. ZAVERI

Zaveri Law Firm PC 167 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-289-5393

INSURANCE

MICHAEL J. COHEN

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1088

BARBARA COMERFORD

Law Offices of Barbara B. Comerford 45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 280 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-444-4493

FRANK COSCIA

Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP 115 W. Century Rd., Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-225-2722

PETER E. MUELLER

Law Offices of Geoffrey D. Mueller, LLC 366 Kinderkamack Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-569-2533

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

NANCY A. DEL PIZZO

Rivkin Radler LLP 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-287-2472

ROBERT J. KLEEBLATT

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1075

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

MELINDA BASARAN

BK Law Firm

1199 Main Ave. Clifton (Out of County), NJ 07011 973-345-8088

MATTHEW Z. EARLE

Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle, LLP

190 Moore St., Suite 306 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-7211

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

BRUCE L. ATKINS

Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, PC 21 Main St., Suite 352 Hackensack, NJ 07601 551-245-8894

DAVID H. BEN-ASHER

Rabner Baumgart

Ben-Asher & Nirenberg, PC 135 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Suite 230 Montvale, NJ 07645 973-842-4969

CHRISTOPHER J. CARCICH

Carcich O’Shea

401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-988-1308

BARRY D. EPSTEIN

The Epstein Law Firm, PA 340 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-231-7847

STEPHEN H. KAHN

Song Law Firm

400 Kelby St., Parker Plaza, Floor 19 Fort Lee , NJ 07024 201-461-0031

ADAM J. KLEINFELDT

Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, PC 21 Main St., Suite 352 Hackensack, NJ 07601 551-245-8894

RANDI W. KOCHMAN

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6309

MICHAEL MALATINO

Malatino & Elko 220 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite F-2 Westwood, NJ 07675 201-580-3300

CARLY SKARBNIK MEREDITH

Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, PC 21 Main St., Suite 352 Hackensack, NJ 07601 551-245-8894

MICHAEL MOREA

Morea Law LLC 555 Goffle Rd., Suite 202 Ridgewood, NJ 07452 201-345-5412

JONATHAN I. NIRENBERG

Rabner Baumgart

Ben-Asher & Nirenberg, PC 135 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Suite 230 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-777-2255

SHEILA O’SHEA-CRISCIONE

Carcich O’Shea 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-988-1308

GREGG H. SALKA

Salka Law LLC

1 University Plaza Dr., Suite 516 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-880-6220

AARON C. SCHLESINGER

Peckar & Abramson, PC 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

JOHN L. SHAHDANIAN II

Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian PC 21 Main St., Suite 251 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-533-1000

SAM SMITH

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, PC 135 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Suite 200 Montvale, NJ 07645 866-986-0081

KAROL CORBIN WALKER

Kaufman Dolowich LLP 25 Main St., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-708-8245

LITIGATION

BRIAN R. ADE

Rivkin Radler LLP 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-287-2461

PARVIN K. AMINOLROAYA

Seeger Weiss LLP 55 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 973-639-9100

ARTHUR N. CHAGARIS

Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2122

SANDRA CHOI

Choi Law Firm 1372 Palisade Ave., Floor 2 Fort Lee , NJ 07024 888-428-5308

BENJAMIN CLARKE

DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP 61 S. Paramus Rd., Suite 250 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-907-5210

MATTHEW F. GATELY

Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

CHRISTIAN HIBINSKI

Hibinski Law, LLC 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 551-302-2955

ROBERT M. JACOBS

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1020

DEANNA L. KOESTEL

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-373-2063

STUART KOMROWER

Cole Schotz PC

25 Main St.

Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6331

KARL J. NORGAARD

Norgaard, O’Boyle & Hannon

184 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 609-439-4070

CHRISTOPHER NUCIFORA

Kaufman Dolowich LLP

25 Main St., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-708-8207

RICHARD F.X. REGAN

DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP 61 S. Paramus Rd., Suite 250 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-907-5276

GLENN REISER

Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP 411 Hackensack Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-3900

R. N. TENDAI RICHARDS

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC

21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-3800

MATRIMONIAL & FAMILY

CHARLES C. ABUT

Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 706 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-347-9187

SHELLEY D. ALBERT

DAME Legal

345 Union St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-231-7580

JOSE I. BASTARRIKA

Bastarrika, Soto, Gonzalez & Somohano, LLP

3 Garret Mountain Plaza, Suite 302 Woodland Park (Out of County), NJ 07024 973-370-0997

JAN L. BERNSTEIN

Phillips Nizer LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 803 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-975-4417

KEVIN L. BREMER

Bremer & Buckner LLC

2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 312 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-2141

JOSHUA T. BUCKNER

Bremer & Buckner LLC

2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 312 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-2141

EMILY CARSTENSEN

Torchin Martel Orr LLC

95 Route 17 North, Suite 109 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-971-4866

BRUCE EVAN CHASE

Chase and Chase Law Firm One Atlantic St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-6555

ALEXANDRA M. COGLIANESE

Bremer & Buckner LLC

2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 312

Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-2141

ASHLEY TATE COOPER

Weinberg & Cooper, LLC

1 University Plaza, Suite 516

Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-580-3934

JHANICE V. DOMINGO

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-584-3077

MARA DOOSKIN

Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group, LLC

21 Main St., Suite 354 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-641-2000

JEFFREY M. FIORELLO

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

ANNE M. FOX

Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

WILLIAM J. HEIMBUCH

Heimbuch & Solimano 21 Main St., Suite 155 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-0300

ANGELA G. KIM

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8026

ROBERT B. KORNITZER

Kornitzer Family Law, LLC 12 Route 17 North, Suite 211 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-292-8444

MARIA J. LA SALA

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

JACQUELINE N. LARSEN

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

JOSEPH V. MACERI

Snyder Sarno D’Aniello

Maceri & da Costa, LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 706 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-347-9189

MARK P. MAROTTA

Marotta & Tuchman, LLC

25 E. Spring Valley Ave., Suite 320 Maywood, NJ 07607 201-368-7713

BRIAN C. MARTEL

Torchin Martel Orr LLC

95 Route 17 North, Suite 109 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-308-0383

BRIAN P. MCCANN

Callagy Law

650 From Rd., Suite 240 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-261-1700

AMANDA M. MCDERMOTT

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP

433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8014

EILISH M. MCLOUGHLIN

Torchin Martel Orr LLC

95 Route 17 North, Suite 109 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-971-4866

PETER J. MELCHIONNE

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9056

GARY NEWMAN

Aronsohn Weiner

Salerno & Kaufman, PC 21 Main St., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4747

EVELYN F. NISSIRIOS

Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

SCOTT ORR

Torchin Martel Orr LLC 95 Route 17 North, Suite 109 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-308-0383

ERIKA R. PICCIRILLO

Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

LYNDA PICINIC

Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

MARC J. POLES

Sherwood, Johnson & Poles 666 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 888-224-1218

JULIE A. RICH

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8041

AMY L. SAUTER

Pescatore & Sauter, LLC 60 Court St., Suite 3 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-7700

ROBERT J. TAFURI

Atkins, Tafuri, Minassian, D’Amato, Beane & Miller, PA 887 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 3 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-967-5060

DAVID TORCHIN

Torchin Martel Orr LLC 95 Route 17 North, Suite 109 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-308-0383

JASON C. TUCHMAN

Marotta & Tuchman, LLC

25 E. Spring Valley Ave., Suite 320 Maywood, NJ 07607 201-368-7713

RICHARD H. WEINER

Aronsohn Weiner

Salerno & Kaufman, PC 21 Main St., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4747

MEDIA

CJ GRIFFIN

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-4930

WALTER M. LUERS

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

MUNICIPAL

JOHN R. DINEEN

The Law Office of Netchert Dineen & Hillmann 294 Harrington Ave., Suite 3 Closter, NJ 07642 201-784-1046

DOUGLAS F. DOYLE

DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP 61 S. Paramus Rd., Suite 250 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-347-2128

JOSEPH R. MARINIELLO

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8013

ROBERT T. REGAN

Robert T. Regan, PC 345 Kinderkamack Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-3344

PERSONAL INJURY

ROSEMARIE ARNOLD

Law Offices of Rosemarie Arnold 1386 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-461-1111

EVAN D. BAKER

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC 375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

STEVEN BENVENISTI

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC 375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

BRANDON J. BRODERICK

Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Attorney at Law 65 Route 4 East River Edge, NJ 07661 877-752-0836

DONALD A. CAMINITI

Breslin & Breslin, PA 41 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-241-4067

KELLY CASTOR

Castor Law, LLC

173 Washington Pl. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-257-8797

SAMUEL DAVIS

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC

375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

PAUL K. DEGRADO

DeGrado Law

250 Moonachie Rd., Suite 200 Moonachie, NJ 07074 855-973-5227

CHRISTOPHER DIGIROLAMO

Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi PC 201 Columbia Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-585-9111

MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN

The Epstein Law Firm, PA 340 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-231-7847

PAUL A. FAUGNO

Faugno Weis Katcher Duarte, LLC

235 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-1234

PAUL A. GARFIELD

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC

375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

APRIL M. GILMORE

The Epstein Law Firm, PA 340 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-231-7847

LUIS L. HAQUIA

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC 375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

BRIAN A. HELD

Lynch Lynch Held Rosenberg, PC 440 Route 17 North, Floor 3 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-288-2022

CHRISTOPHER T. KAROUNOS

Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Attorney At Law 65 Route 4 East River Edge, NJ 07661 877-752-0836

ADAM LEDERMAN

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC 375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

LISA A. LEHRER

Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Attorney at Law 65 Route 4 East River Edge, NJ 07661 877-752-0836

WALTER A. LESNEVICH

O’Cathain Law Group LLC

21 Main St., Suite 250 Hackensack, NJ 07601 848-356-4424

DOMHNALL MUIRIS O’CATHAIN

O’Cathain Law Group LLC

21 Main St., Suite 250

Hackensack, NJ 07601 848-356-4424

BARRY PACKIN

Seigel Law 505 Goffle Rd., Suite 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-4000

MICHAEL A. RABASCA

The Epstein Law Firm, PA 340 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-231-7847

MICHAEL S. RAFF

Raff & Raff, LLP 525 Palmer Ave., Floor 2 Maywood, NJ 07607 201-880-1630

RICHARD REINARTZ

The Reinartz Law Firm 21 Main St., Suite 205 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-613-7308

BENNETT A. ROBBINS

Seigel Law 505 Goffle Rd., Suite 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-4000

LEONARD P. ROSA

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8033

GARRY R. SALOMON

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC

375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

JEFFREY E. SALOMON

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC

375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

MARC C. SAPERSTEIN

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC

375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-907-5000

RICHARD A. SCHNOLL

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

CHRISTOPHER A. SEEGER

Seeger Weiss LLP 55 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 973-639-9100

JAN K. SEIGEL

Seigel Law

505 Goffle Rd., Suite 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-4000

JONAS K. SEIGEL

Seigel Law

505 Goffle Rd., Suite 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-4000

SHERWIN TSAI

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, PC

375 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666

201-907-5000

JEFFREY R. YOUNGMAN

Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC

65 Harristown Rd., Suite 207 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-791-4400

PRODUCT LIABILITY

DAVID R. BUCHANAN

Seeger Weiss LLP

55 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 973-639-9100

DANIEL J. COHEN

Newman, Simpson & Cohen, LLP

25 Main St., Floor 6 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-0201

BARRY PACKIN

Seigel Law

505 Goffle Rd., Suite 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-4000

MICHAEL L. ROSENBERG

Seeger Weiss LLP

55 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 973-639-9100

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

ROBERT A. BERNS

Kaufman Dolowich LLP

25 Main St., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-708-8231

E. DREW BRITCHER

Britcher, Leone & Sergio, LLC 175 Rock Rd. Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-444-1644

EVAN L. GOLDMAN

Goldman Davis Krumholz & Dillon, PC 3 University Plaza, Suite 410 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-2600

MICHAEL MAGGIANO

Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi PC 201 Columbia Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-585-9111

IRAM P. VALENTIN

Kaufman Dolowich LLP

25 Main St., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-708-8233

REAL ESTATE

MITCHELL W. ABRAHAMS

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6292

RICHARD W. ABRAMSON

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6218

GARY M. ALBRECHT

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6226

RUSSELL F. ANDERSON, JR.

Bertone | Piccini

777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-483-9333

MICHAEL A. AUSTIN

Conte Clayton & Austin, PA 666 Godwin Ave., Suite 320 Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-904-2007

JOSEPH L. BASRALIAN

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1100

ANDREW P. BOLSON

Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

RICHARD J. BRADY

Richard J. Brady Law 112 Franklin Tpke., Suite 300 Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-652-6521

LAUREN A. CAMARINOS

Camarinos Law Group, LLC 411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 2 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-509-5000

CHRISTOPHER J. CASLIN Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6285

JOHN A. CONTE, JR. Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

MERCEDES DIEGO

Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

ROBERT M. DIPISA

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6225

LISA D. FISCHBERG

The Law Office of Lisa D. Fischberg, Esq. 16 Seneca Trace. Haworth, NJ 07641 201-385-7024

MARTIN W. KAFAFIAN

Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2101

RICHARD R. KAHN

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1001

IAN S. KLEEBLATT

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1078

JAN ALAN LEWIS

Cole Schotz PC

25 Main St.

Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6228

SCOTT R. LIPPERT

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC

21 Main St.

Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200

Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-4909

ANDREW J. NAIDECK

Schepisi & McLaughlin, PA 473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-225-8689

SCOTT B. PIEKARSKY

Offit Kurman

21 Main St., Suite 158 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-245-9887

MICHAEL STERNLIEB

Beattie Padovano, LLC

200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2145

BRENDA J. STEWART

Beattie Padovano, LLC

200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2116

WILLIAM I. STRASSER

Strasser & Associates, PC

7 E. Ridgewood Ave. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-445-9001

STEVEN A. WEISFELD

Beattie Padovano, LLC

200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2119

SECURITIES

JOSEPH (JAY) B. BROWN

Cohn Lifland Pearlman

Herrmann & Knopf LLP

250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

TAXATION

FRANK AGOSTINO

Agostino & Associates 14 Washington Pl. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-5400

EMERY C. DUELL

Beattie Padovano, LLC

200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2177

ARTHUR I. GOLDBERG

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1082

JONATHAN KUKIN

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1010

JOSEPH A. POJANOWSKI III

Bertone | Piccini

777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-483-9333

JEFFREY H. SCHECHTER

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St.

Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6315

MARTIN M. SHENKMAN

Shenkman Law

400 Kelby St., Floor 12 Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-845-8400

TRUSTS & ESTATES, WILLS & PROBATE

PETER J. BAKARICH, JR.

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1007

MARK S. BALIAN

Wells, Jaworksi & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North, P.O. Box 1827 Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888

GRACE C. BERTONE

Bertone | Piccini

777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-483-9333

DORIS BRANDSTATTER

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1083

NAIM D. BULBULIA

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP

433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8061

ALIZA F. BURNS

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP

433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9056

ANDREW J. CEVASCO

Archer & Greiner, PC 21 Main St., Suite 353 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-498-8501

MERYL CONTE CLAYTON

Conte Clayton & Austin, PA 666 Godwin Ave., Suite 320 Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-904-2007

MARTIN J. DEVER, JR.

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1080

MICHAEL H. FORMAN

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6333

MAURICE GIRO

Giro & Associates, LLC 1060 Main St., Suite 303 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-244-4490

CAROL A. HAWK

Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

ROCCO J. LABELLA

Ferro Labella & Weiss LLC 27 Warren St. Suite 201, The Landmark Bldg. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110

STEVEN D. LEIPZIG

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6340

SHARON RIVENSON MARK Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

BARBARA MARTIN

Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2133

LAWRENCE N. MEYERSON

Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

DAVID M. REPETTO

Harwood Lloyd, LLP 130 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-359-3576

NATHAN J. SEIFERT

Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8030

BRIAN E. SHEA

Meyerson, Fox & Conte, PA 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

DANIEL P. SIMPSON

Newman, Simpson & Cohen, LLP 25 Main St., Floor 6 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-0204

SAMUEL WEINER

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6260

LORI I. WOLF

Cole Schotz PC 25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6291

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

E. CARTER CORRISTON, JR. Breslin & Breslin, PA 41 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-986-2056

JOYCE A. PARISI

Parisi & Gerlanc, Attorneys At Law 190 Moore St., Suite 460 Hackensack, NJ 07601 551-205-5024

ZONING, PLANNING & LAND USE

JENNIFER M. BERARDO

Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North, P.O. Box 1827 Paramus , NJ 07653 201-587-0888

WENDY M. BERGER

Cole Schotz PC

25 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6203

ELSBETH J. CRUSIUS

Crusius Law 267 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-857-4224

LOUIS L. D’ARMINIO

Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio, PC 50 Tice Blvd., Suite 380 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-987-9873

ANTIMO A. DEL VECCHIO

Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2107

JAMES J. DELIA

Wells, Jaworksi & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North, P.O. Box 1827 Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888

JAMES E. JAWORSKI

Wells, Jaworksi & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North, P.O. Box 1827 Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888

ANDREW S. KOHUT

Wells, Jaworksi & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North, P.O. Box 1827 Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888

JOHN J. LAMB

Beattie Padovano, LLC

200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2173

STUART D. LIEBMAN

Wells, Jaworksi & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North, P.O. Box 1827 Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888

GREGORY MEESE

Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio, PC 50 Tice Blvd., Suite 380 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-987-9873

KATIE J. RAZIN

Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North, P.O. Box 1827 Paramus , NJ 07653 201-587-0888

BRUCE R. ROSENBERG

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1070

JOHN A. SCHEPISI

Schepisi & McLaughlin, PA 473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-225-8689

DANIEL L. STEINHAGEN

Beattie Padovano, LLC

200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2128

MICHAEL G. STINGONE

Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, PC 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-562-1033

Adrienne M. Bonds

Janet B. Lurie

Sharon Rivenson Mark

Luther Griffin Jones, IV

Christine H. O’Donnell

Michelle J. Marose

Siobhan McGowan

Andrew P. Bolson

Lynda Picinic

Erik Topp

Kyle D. Whittle

Mara Dooskin

Evelyn F. Nissirios

Patricia Patlewicz

John A. Conte, Jr.

Anne M. Fox

Lawrence N. Meyerson

Steven R. Rubenstein

Brian E. Shea

Mariya Link

Louis Verde

Carol A. Hawk Marianne Quinn

Steven Pontell

Hon. Harry G. Carroll, J.A.D.(Ret.)

Sandra Lomenzo

MEYERSON, FOX & CONTE

THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRM OF MEYERSON, FOX & CONTE congratulate nine of their attorneys for being named as Bergen County’s Top Lawyers: Lawrence N. Meyerson, Anne M. Fox, John A. Conte, Jr., Sharon Rivenson Mark, Carol Hawk, Brian E. Shea, Andrew P. Bolson, Evelyn F. Nissirios, and Lynda Picinic. The firm’s family law department devotes their practice to divorce-related litigation, mediation and arbitration. We specialize in all matters of divorce and family law, including issues involving alimony, complex asset valuation, the distribution of business interests and all other property, child support, child custody, relocation matters and domestic violence cases.

Our elder law, guardianship law and disability law attorneys have extensive experience in Medicaid planning, nursing home planning and protecting the rights of the elderly, who may be physically or emotionally challenged. We represent individuals with special needs, including children and adults who are developmentally disabled. The civil litigation department handles commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract cases, personal injury and construction disputes, among others. The firm’s real estate and land use attorneys handle the purchase and sale of residential and commercial properties, and represent clients before land use boards with variance and development applications.

Our business law attorneys provide legal services, ranging from corporate litigation and formation, to negotiating commercial transactions, such as franchise agreements, contract issues, acquisition of commercial property, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, confidentiality agreements and employment agreements.

Meyerson, Fox & Conte is proud to announce the merger of our practice with the firm of Verde, Steinberg & Pontell. The addition of Steven Pontell, Louis Verde, and Siobhan McGowan has expanded our firm into areas of complex business litigation, condominium and cooperative housing law. Devoted to the most stringent ethical and professional standards, Verde Steinberg & Pontell maintained an "AV" rating, the highest possible, from the Martindale Hubbell Law Directory, which rates lawyers and law firms nationally.

Louis Verde has been active in condominium, cooperate and land use law, representing medium to large corporations and cooperatives for many years. He also has extensive involvement in municipal matters, including land use, zoning and prerogative writ applications, and tax appeals.

Steven Pontell has been in the field of complex litigation, including business, construction, real estate, insurance, probate, family, and personal injury matters. He has extensive trial experience in both New Jersey and New York State and Federal Courts, and various arbitration forums. Mr. Pontell is certified as a Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey, and he is certified nationally by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has been voted a "Super Lawyer" in New Jersey every year since 2005.

Siobhan McGowan concentrates her practices in the areas of community association law, residential real estate and landlord tenant law, as well as general litigation.

Michael Maggiano Christopher DiGirolamo

MAGGIANO, DIGIROLAMO & LIZZI P.C. 201 Columbia Ave., Fort Lee, NJ 07024 | 201.585.9111 | www.maggianolaw.com

ESTABLISHED BY MICHAEL MAGGIANO, a practicing lawyer since 1974, Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. (MDL) is a nationally prominent personal injury law firm based in Fort Lee, New Jersey consistently named in Best Law Firms in America. The firm specializes in representing those injured by the wrongdoing of individuals, corporations, and the government. They also represent the catastrophically injured, earning significant recoveries exceeding $600 million in damages. Their expertise spans complex matters involving Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord injury, Severe Burn Injuries and Wrongful Death. Partner Christopher DiGirolamo is an acknowledged expert in the field of Workers Compensation and the New Jersey State Government Employee Disability Act.

Founding partner, Michael Maggiano, chosen again by his peers as one of Bergen’s Top Lawyers is known for his deep knowledge of personal injury law, the biomechanics of injury with focus on traumatic brain. Given the high volume of massive trucking accidents in New Jersey and the many clients calling upon his representation in such cases, he has participated in the Legacy Corporation International Trucking Academy, with hands-on study of operating tractors-trailer rigs, tankers and flatbeds.

Maggiano is acknowledged amongst the Top One Percent of Trial Lawyers in America by various lawyer rating groups and has been inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. For the past 25 years has been known by the judiciary and his peers as holding the highest rank in ethics and professionalism.

He has received numerous accolades including being named Lawyer of the Year by the New Jersey Trial Lawyers and the Gerald B. O’Connor Award for Advocacy and Professionalism. The New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education has named Maggiano as Lecturer Laureate for his many contributions to Legal Education over the past three decades. He is a sought after lecturer in the NY\/NJ Metro area and to law groups around the country. Maggiano is a past president of the New Jersey Association for Justice and an Advocate Member of the American Board of TrialAttorneys. He is yearly recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New Jersey by many attorney evaluating services and is regularly recognized as one of New Jersey’s Super Lawyers. Over the years, he has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients, many in high profile cases in all areas of personal injury litigation.

In 1992, Christopher DiGirolamo, also chosen again by his peers as one of Bergen County’s Top Lawyers, joined the firm as managing partner. DiGirolamo, also highly regarded in the legal community, is involved in both state and federal courts. He has also been recognized for decades and chosen as a New Jersey Super Lawyer and consistently named as one of the nation’s top personal injury and workers compensation attorneys. He has been recognized and featured in the media for resolving unique cases in the millions of dollars which has garnered state and national attention. Recently, Mr. DiGirolamo recovered $1.4 million dollar settlement for a work related injury on a construction site, a $1.6 million settlement in a dog bite injury case and a large confidential settlement in a golf cart negligence case. He also recently secured a $4.45 million settlement for a minor injured by a drunk driver that was reported in all the local media outlets.

Mr. DiGirolamo and Mr. Maggiano were both chosen to be part of the lead trial counsel team in the Mass Tort In Re Tropicana Garage Collapse Case garnering that resulted in the largest construction accident recovery in US history, $101 Million Dollars.

In 1996, Michael Lizzi joined the firm, specializing in complex tort litigation including auto, construction, Labor Law and premises cases as well as medical negligence matters in the State of New York. He became a named partner shortly after due to his command of trial strategy and evidence law. Through his tireless dedication and efforts, he has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements representing clients in both states. Lizzi recently recovered $1.2 million for a single car rideshare accident and $2.2 million in a trucking accident.

MDL’s success stems not only from its legal expertise, but also from a deep understanding of both New Jersey and New York state laws, including the nuances of comparative negligence. The attorneys are known for their client-centric approach, providing personalized legal services and ensuring that each case is handled with care and attention to detail. The firm’s dedication to achieving justice is reflected in its record of multimillion-dollar verdicts, such as a $10 million settlement for a motor vehicle accident involving a government worker and a $12 million wrongful death case for psychiatric hospital malpractice and a recent $2 million settlement for the mishandling of a body by a local funeral home. Earlier this year, the firm resolved a government lawsuit for a collapsed pedestrian bridge with a confidential settlement.

MDL has been consistently recognized by prestigious legal organizations for its excellence in litigation and has received multiple awards including Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Rating. They have been listed as one of the best law firms by U.S. News & World Report. Both Maggiano and DiGirolamo are members of exclusive legal organizations including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum which recognizes attorneys who have achieved million-dollar verdicts for their clients. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi’s strong commitment to client advocacy and success in securing justice for injured clients has solidified its position as one of New Jersey’s premier law firms.

ASATRIAN LAW GROUP, LLC 15 Warren St., PHE2, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.663.3164 | www.gardenstateinjuryhelp.com

ASATRIAN LAW GROUP, FOUNDED BY TOP LAWYER MARTIN ASATRIAN, is a boutique firm specializing in employment, personal injury and immigration law. With over 20 years of legal practice, Martin takes pride in giving voice to the voiceless. Martin brings passion to every case, practicing with zealous advocacy while always protecting and pursuing his client’s best interests within the boundaries of the law.

With a critical eye, Martin gauges the needs and resilience of his clients to determine the best way to structure each case either through conventional and non-conventional methodologies. He combines highly analytical solutions, both in settlement and litigation, tempered with logic and a down-to-earth, pragmatic approach to advance justice and human rights. When Martin made the important decision to open up his own firm, he did so with a clear and well-defined vision. Always in pursuit to advance and protect his clients, Martin has looked to the wave of the future by developing a model to hire independent attorneys allowing him to modulate professionals according to the firm’s current needs and caseload. Aligning himself with a stand-out team, productivity levels are at an all-time high. Additionally, the flexibility creates an atmosphere of fierce loyalty and true collaboration. “My focus remains on cultivating a people-centered environment that is inclusive and grounded in trust and appreciation,” says Martin. “Adapting to changes in the market has been an integral part of my success in providing high quality legal services.”

Martin Asatrian

Martin earned a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy from New York University and an International Law Certificate from Magdalen College, University of Oxford. He also studied comparative politics at the University of London and participated in the International Law Institute at the University of Oxford. He credits many of his law professors, practicing lawyers, for demonstrating how to be a lawyer through real world experience versus simply book knowledge. Equally important to Martin lies in sharing his insights and knowledge and fostering a culture of learning and diversity in the classroom. He served as an adjunct professor of law and political science, and was recently invited by New York Law School to critique and judge the moot court competitions.

Martin is also a prolific and acclaimed author of three books. His first book, Only In America, shares the story of his upbringing as the son of Armenian immigrants focusing on immigration and human rights. The 10 Laws of Power, a self-help book of sorts, was written to support and advise graduating law students with high ideals and an optimistic outlook about how to navigate and survive the challenges of the modern workplace. Martin’s latest book, published in 2021, Insights of a Trial Attorney: A Practical Guide For Attorneys, Jurists, & People In Need Of Legal Representation is an honest account of his experience and observations as a professor of law and politics and the life lessons of a trial and litigation attorney. In thinking about his next book, Martin explains, ”I am cautious in moving forward until I find a topic that deeply resonates with me and where I believe I can have a positive effect on others in the profession. To me, the law is a subject where philosophy and law are interwoven. I like to touch on the human side of the profession.”

MELINDA M. BASARAN IS A HIGHLY RESPECTED ATTORNEY WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE devoted exclusively to immigration and nationality law. Licensed in New York and New Jersey, Melinda has built a robust private practice and has set precedents that have impacted the practice of immigration law.

Given her strong faith in humanity, Melinda believes that the United States is strengthened through proper immigration. Due to the sensitive nature of her cases, she strives to offer a safe and supportive environment knowing that through a better understanding of her clients’ life stories, struggles, achievements and goals, she can present the best possible case to federal immigration agencies.

Melinda handles all areas of immigration law including affirmative application processing, defense in removal proceedings, federal appeals, post-conviction relief petitions, municipal court defense and family law matters related to her clients’ immigration cases. She has an extensive litigation background with a unique insight into the way in which federal agencies process cases. Melinda was lead attorney in a New Jersey Supreme Court landmark decision that became a catalyst for other states and has provided guidance for New Jersey family courts in adjudicating Special Immigrant Juvenile petitions.

Melinda M. Basaran

John A. Schepisi

Silvana D. Raso

Danielle J. Cardone

Andrew J. Naideck

SCHEPISI & MCLAUGHLIN, P.A.

473 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 | 201.569.9898 | www.schepisi.com

SINCE 1978, SCHEPISI & MCLAUGHLIN HAS BEEN A MAINSTAY of the Bergen County legal community, providing trusted and experienced counsel. The firm consistently achieves results that pair large firm skill with small firm attention to detail and superior client service in a way that is cost efficient and highly effective.

Founder and President John A. Schepisi and Managing Partner Silvana D. Raso help their clients find real solutions through skilled advocacy and compassionate guidance. John has more than fifty years of experience in all aspects of real estate development as well as civil and commercial litigation. Silvana, a certified Matrimonial Law Attorney, a designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to only the most skilled, educated and knowledgeable lawyers, explains that “Our clients immediately know that we take their worries seriously, and that we handle each case the way we would want our own matters handled, no exceptions.”

The firm has decades of experience in civil and commercial litigation, divorce and related issues such as child custody, alimony and property division, as well as real estate transactions, commercial and residential property development, tax appeals, and business disputes. This rare combination of experience, efficiency, individualized attention and proven results are among the many reasons that John A. Schepisi, Silvana D. Raso, Danielle J. Cardone and Andrew J. Naideck have all been named Top Lawyers.

Brian J. Neary

EXPERIENCE MATTERS. IN ALMOST 50 YEARS PRACTICING CRIMINAL LAW, Brian J. Neary has learned to be a trial warrior and legal scholar. Through Brian’s decades of trial work in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey, he has tried hundreds of cases ranging from murder to sex crimes to white collar to drunk driving. Brian has handled over 100 appeals to the appellate courts including 15 appeal arguments before the New Jersey Supreme Court. Brian served as an assistant prosecutor in both Hudson and Bergen Counties.

Designated both by the New Jersey Supreme Court and National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, Brian is regarded as one of the premier criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey. Brian is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America, dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics and the administration of justice. He is also a member of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.

Throughout Brian’s prestigious law career, he has been a highly regarded member of the New Jersey legal community, currently serving as a Trustee of the New Jersey State Bar Association. Brian was a past president of the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey as well as the Hudson County, New Jersey Bar Association. He sits on the New Jersey State Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission reviewing sentencing laws and recommending reforms. For over three decades, Brian was an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers School of Law and now is a visiting faculty at Notre Dame Law School in Indiana, his undergraduate alma mater. He is a graduate of New York University School of Law where he participated in its criminal defense clinic.

Joseph V. Maceri, Partner Charles C. Abut, Of Counsel

SARNO da COSTA D’ANIELLO MACERI LLC

401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 706, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.488.3366 | www.sarnolawfirm.com

JOSEPH V. MACERI AND CHARLES C. ABUT ARE AMONG THE FEW ACTIVE LAWYERS CERTIFIED BY THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY’S SUPREME COURT AS MATRIMONIAL ATTORNEYS. They expertly navigate high-conflict child custody disputes, high net worth divorces involving business valuation and dissolution, including multifaceted post-divorce litigation.

Joe’s career is focused on providing extraordinary legal counsel to clients that are navigating some of life’s most difficult times. His great compassion for his clients inspires firm, aggressive representation that manifests itself in a manner that consistently secures the best interest of his clients. Joe’s commitment to serving his clients and community has only grown stronger throughout his well-established career. He has served on various state, county and local governing bodies and has a dedication to public service.

Charles is a court-accredited mediator by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts and has successfully mediated and arbitrated hundreds of cases. Two of his litigation cases ended up resulting in key reported decisions.

The two attorneys confer and collaborate on matters and epitomize hard work and individual dedication. To them, these tenets are the keys to success on behalf of their clients. “It’s not just the complexity of the law,” Joe adds. “You also have to be conscious of the emotional impacts. I pride myself on making sure every client gets representation that is explicitly tailored to them.” Charles adds “Being a part of the growth of the firm has been one of the highlights of my career. First and foremost, we embrace the challenge that comes with thoroughly understanding each client’s unique circumstances throughout every area of family law while maintaining strong, aggressive representation to get winning results.”

TOMASELLA & VACCA, L.L.C 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.655.7004 | www.tomaselladivorce.com

VICTORIA TOMASELLA AND COURTNEY VACCA of Tomasella & Vacca, LLC, are trusted family and divorce lawyers consistently recognized in their field. As is evident in their client testimonials, they genuinely fight for the rights of every client, meticulously balancing legal, financial and personal needs during some of the most difficult of times. Victoria and Courtney are dedicated advocates handling complex divorces, postjudgment litigation, custody and domestic violence cases.

Well respected in her field, Victoria has been practicing family law for over 31 years. She was an adjunct professor at Pace University and worked as legal counsel for the Alternatives to Domestic Violence Agency. A mom of three, Victoria navigated through her own divorce and is well aware of the emotional toll it can take on a family if handled carelessly. Courtney Vacca is a tough and fearless advocate, yet honest and compassionate. She was nominated as a Rising Star attorney for her skillful and effectiveness in the courtroom.

Understanding that family law issues impact nearly every aspect of life, Victoria and Courtney guide and inform their clients while providing reasonable and practical solutions. They often combine their expertise working strategically and collaboratively whether to resolve a case through settlement or in the courtroom.

Victoria Tomasella & Courtney Vacca

Aronsohn Weiner Salerno & Kaufman P.C.

Court Plaza South-East Wing, 21 Main St., Suite 100, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201.487.4747 | www.aronsohnweiner.com

ARONSOHN WEINER SALERNO & KAUFMAN P.C. IS A PREMIER HACKENSACK LAW FIRM that has a long-standing tradition of providing high quality legal services to clients in a wide range of practice areas. As specialized as it is diverse, the Firm has built cornerstone groups that represent all major practice areas of law including family law, commercial litigation, real estate, commercial lending, redevelopment and land use, business, and general litigation.

Richard H. Weiner has been ranked #4 in the State of New Jersey, in Band One/Tier One, by Chambers USA, 2024. This prestigious ranking was recognized under the heading of the Chambers Publication Family/Matrimonial High Net Worth. The Firm’s partners, Richard H. Weiner, Gerald R. Salerno, Barry L. Kaufman, as well as Attorneys Steven R. Vanderlinden and Gregory L. Grossman, have all been selected for inclusion in the New Jersey Super Lawyers List and to the Best Lawyers in America publication issued by Woodward/White, Inc.

The Firm’s main goal is to provide clients with unparalleled service, utilizing creative and cost-effective solutions while maintaining its mission of bringing compassion and integrity to every client engagement.

Maurice Giro

GIRO & ASSOCIATES, LLC

1060 Main St., Suite 303, River Edge, NJ 07661

201.255.4417 | www.girolaw.com

THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON THAT MAURICE GIRO HAS LEARNED FROM HIS ALMOST 20 YEARS PRACTICING LAW is the importance of active listening to build rapport and gain a deep understanding of the often complex and serious issues facing his clients. Drawing from personal experience—as the son of Cuban immigrants and with a military background serving in the Air Force— Maurice practices from a place of deep empathy, vast experience, honor and distinction. As former municipal public defender and municipal prosecutor, it became a clear and easy decision for Maurice to focus his practice on elder law, family law and estate planning, crafting strategies and solutions that allow clients to plan for the future, ensure quality long-term care and move forward in life with grace and dignity.

In the very fast paced profession of law, Maurice knows how important it is to quickly adapt to new technologies and innovations in the field for better efficiency and quality service. With his very hands-on approach, Maurice is continually creating systems and leveraging technologies to streamline processes and increase productivity with the ultimate goal to service his clients with vigorous advocacy and thoughtful and discerning judgment. In a practice of the law where people matter, Maurice tackles the legal complexities with understanding and a genuine concern for their future.

Barbara B. Comerford, Esq.

LAW OFFICES OF BARBARA B. COMERFORD

45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 110, Paramus, NJ 07652 201.485.8806 | www.tristatedisabilitylaw.com

BARBARA B. COMERFORD HAS BEEN PRACTICING DISABILITY LAW in Bergen County, New Jersey for over 30 years primarily in the area of ERISA long-term disability insurance claims and litigation; and Social Security Disability claims and litigation. She has lectured extensively on ERISA Long term disability insurance and Individual Disability Insurance law, as well as, Social Security disability law throughout the United States on behalf of many organizations including the American Association of Law Schools, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, the Association of Administrative Law Judges; the American Bar Association, the New Jersey Bar Association, and The New York and New Jersey Institutes of Continuing Legal Education. She has represented thousands of clients seeking long term disability insurance (ERISA and Disability Income claims), Social Security disability and government disability benefits. She co-authored the CFS Physician Manual published jointly by the New Jersey Academy of Medicine, the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services and UMDNJ. It has been utilized by physicians and patients throughout the country to recognize and properly diagnose CFS. Ms. Comerford has also co-authored professional journal articles on proving disability in ME/CFS including for Frontiers, and the Journal WORK. Ms. Comerford has testified before the U.S Department of Health & Human Services CFS Scientific Advisory Committee on Education Law Recommendations for Adolescents diagnosed with severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Ms. Comerford has been interviewed on the topic of Long COVID disability by the media including the CBS Morning Show, NBC News, the Washington Post, Kiplingers and Bloomberg Law.

Stuart

James

Andrew

Mark

Katie

Jennifer

WELLS, JAWORSKI & LIEBMAN, LLP (WJ&L) IS A BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM that provides sophisticated counsel and guidance centered on practicality and reason to a “Who’s Who” list of community businesses, industry and community leaders, and international companies. Approaching 40 years in the practice of law, WJ&L is the preeminent firm providing legal counsel specializing in land use, tax trusts and estates, business and commercial real estate, and litigation. Through strong leadership, responsive communication, and a duty of loyalty, the firm continues to experience steady growth, while maintaining personalized attention and addressing its clients’ most complex issues and objectives.

“Our Top Lawyers are truly humbled. But as one cohesive team, anchored by sound ideals, we recognize it’s the result of the collaborative efforts and combined talents of every one of our attorneys that makes WJ&L a stand-out firm and positions us as true innovators in our field,” says Administrative Partner Mark Balian, Esq.. “Always thinking about the future, we recruit the best talent and legal thinkers who will remain steadfast to our standards, while meeting the challenges and opportunities alike of the next generation.” At WJ&L, helping people and the challenges they face is paramount. That is why, in the fast changing environment of law, there is no substitute for the distinct experience and forward-thinking, complex solutions they bring to every matter.

Frances E. Barto

BARTO EDUCATION LAW GROUP

15 Warren St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.489.5277 www.educationlawyernj.com

THROUGH HER WORK

REPRESENTING SCHOOL BOARDS, MUNICIPALITIES AND BUSINESS

ENTITIES, Frances E. Barto was drawn to matters involving parents and children within the school district. Now a recognized expert in the field of education law, she focuses her work on special education and student discipline as well as harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) matters and appeals. Fran regularly attends IEP and 504 meetings and assists her clients with school matters throughout the year.

Equally as strong as her legal skills, is the passion that Fran devotes in advocating for students and their families. With only a limited number of attorneys in New Jersey in this niche area of law, Fran’s practice has expanded across the state championing for the rights of all school-age children, and particularly those with special needs.

Torchin Martel Orr

95 Rt. 17 North, Suite 109, Paramus, NJ 07652

201.971.4866 | www.tmolawfirm.com

YOUR NEW START BEGINS WITH TORCHIN MARTEL ORR. Torchin Martel Orr (TMO) is a premier family law firm serving Bergen County and the surrounding areas. Our dedicated legal team is well-respected by our peers and community.

At TMO, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. We leverage over 100 years of collective experience to provide the most comprehensive legal representation with tailored strategies to preserve clients’ rights and best interests. Our high rate of referrals is a testament to our client-centered approach and our unwavering commitment to our clients.

Whether you are facing a contested divorce, high-asset division, or complex child custody disputes, the experienced TMO attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way. We understand that each family’s situation is unique, and we take the time to listen and develop personalized solutions that meet your specific needs. Your new path starts at TMO.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today or visit us online. We look forward to assisting you with all your divorce matters.

Cathy J. Pollak

21-00 NJ-208, Suite 210, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201.201.7417

www.cathypollaklaw.com

IN AND OUT OF THE COURTROOM, Cathy

J. Pollak is passionate about her family law practice. Cathy has gone to great lengths to ensure her clients are well served by her exceptional skills and knowledge in finding constructive resolutions to their problems. She is a fierce litigator, a certified mediator and well versed in collaborative law as a founding member of the Collaborative Divorce Association of North Jersey.

Cathy’s unparalleled reputation and record of success in all areas of family law comes from carefully curating her caseload to devote the time necessary to effectively advocate complex matters. Cathy’s work extends outside of her practice as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Center for Hope & Safety, helping victims of domestic abuse and violence in Bergen County.

David H. Nachman, Esq.

NPZ LAW GROUP—VISASERVE US AND CANADA

IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

Visaserve Plaza

487 Goffle Rd.

Ridgewood, NJ 07451

201.670.0006

www.visaserve.com

DAVID H. NACHMAN, is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Nachman Phulwani Zimovcak (NPZ) Law Group. NPZ provides counsel to organizations and individuals worldwide on complex U.S. and Canadian immigration and nationality law issues. David’s ongoing contributions to the field make him sought after as a top lawyer. NPZ’s focus is on working with organizations to bring the most highly skilled talent from all over the world to our country to increase our global competency and economic infrastructure and to ensure that North America remains globally competitive. The work of NPZ has helped organizations including Fortune 500 companies, academic and non-academic organizations, not-for profits, families and individuals to achieve their “American Dream.”

Marc J. Poles

SHERWOOD, JOHNSON & POLES, LLC

666 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 888.224.1218

www.sherwoodandjohnson.com

At Sherwood, Johnson & Poles, LLC, a divorce and family law firm with our main location in Wyckoff, NJ, and satellite office in Wildwood Crest, NJ, we strive to make a significant difference in people’s lives during some of their most challenging times, such as divorce, child custody disputes, domestic violence and prenuptial agreements. Family law involves emotional aspects, allowing us to develop strong connections with our clients and provide guidance and support through difficult transitions with real estate, businesses, complex finances, and the like. Family law is constantly evolving, requiring ongoing education and adaptation to new laws and societal norms. Our lawyers are equipped for the challenge to zealously advocate for our client’s rights and desires.

Matthew

Z. Earle

KATES NUSSMAN

ELLIS FARHI & EARLE, LLP

190 Moore St., Suite 306, Hackensack, NJ 07601

201.488.7211

www.katesnussman.com

FOUNDED IN 1913, KATES

NUSSMAN ELLIS FARHI & EARLE

has a long history of delivering successful results as a general practice firm specializing in real estate (including tax appeals), community associations (i.e. Condominiums, co-ops, and HOAs), general corporate, construction law, litigation, estate planning and municipal and land use law. Over the years, the firm has been successful in reported cases that set precedent in condo/co-op, real estate tax appeal and other fields of the law.

Matthew’s area of expertise is in condominium and co-op law and litigation. Matthew also has extensive experience in real estate matters, corporate law, commercial litigation, and construction law. Together, the firm’s 14 attorneys share a mutual philosophy on delivering excellent legal counsel by being available and responsive to every aspect of their clients’ needs and objectives.

William J. Heimbuch

HEIMBUCH & SOLIMANO P.C.

Court Plaza South, 21 Main St., Suite 155, Hackensack, NJ 07601

201.489.0300 www.wjh@h-slawfirm.com

EXCELLING IN FAMILY LAW

means more than being a great lawyer, and that’s what William J. Heimbuch loves about his job.

“I help people in very tangible ways. In family law, you need to be more than just a legal technician.” Bill has more than 30 years of experience in family law, including custody cases and complex financial matters, which involve experts in various fields. He is also an experienced mediator. Bill provides personal attention to each client. His determination and wealth of knowledge allow him to consistently obtain the best possible results for his clients.

Christopher Carcich

CARCICH O’SHEA LLC

401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201.988.1308 www.carcichoshea.com

CARCICH O’SHEA

REPRESENTS EMPLOYEES AND SMALL BUSINESSES in virtually every aspect of employment law including sexual harassment, whistleblowing, discrimination (age, race, gender, pregnancy, religion, etc.), school-related matters, review of severance agreements including non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, arbitration claims and wide-ranging administrative issues including OSHA, DCR and EEOC. The Firm assists small businesses in workplace investigations and in developing proactive guidelines to keep their workplaces free from discrimination and retaliation. They also provide anti-discrimination and sensitivity training as well as the review of company policies and handbooks. Believing that people deserve to be heard and treated fairly is the hallmark of Carcich O’Shea.

Kate Carballo

KANTROWITZ, GOLDHAMER & GRAIFMAN P.C.

135 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Suite 200, Montvale, NJ 07645 | 201.391.7000 www.kgglaw.com

KATE CARBALLO HAS OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE in handling personal injury and medical malpractice matters. As a New York and New Jersey trial attorney, she devotes her practice to helping those who have been seriously injured due to no fault of their own.

Kate was one of the youngest attorneys to become certified by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, a distinction held by only the most highly qualified specialists in their field of the law. Through her proven advocacy, successful trial skills and as a champion for her clients, Kate plays a pivotal role in upholding KGG’s established history and reputation for obtaining outstanding results for their clients.

Left

Right: Pasqua S. Cadicina, Thomas R. McConnell, Joseph P. Cadicina, Carly DiFrancisco. Not Pictured: Mauro D. Altamura

Visions has been in Bergen County for a while now. We hope you’ve seen the great things we do in our communities. From donations to sponsorships to our employees volunteering, none of this is possible without you. The more members we have, the more we can do! So, whether it’s your first account or your next account, choose Visions for all your financial needs.

BERGEN COUNTY

Join with us. Come into your local branch today, give us a call, or apply online.

visionsfcu.org/ join

BUSINESS GROWTH CONFERENCE 2025 SMALL BUSINESS BIG

THURSDAY

January 16, 2025

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cocktail Hour to follow

Ramapo College of New Jersey Trustees Pavilion

TICKETS

n $150 member/$175 nonmember

n Early Bird Special - until November 30

$125 member/$150 nonmember

Reserve your space online.

EXHIBITOR TABLES

n $500 - Includes 2 admissions

n Early Bird Special $475 - until November 30

BE A SPONSOR

n Platinum - $3,500

n Gold - $2,000

n Silver - $1,000

DONATE TO RAFFLES OR SWAG BAG

n Call the mrcc office at 201-529-5566 for more

CONFERENCE INCLUDES:

Keynote Speaker

Your choice of (5) Workshops

Business Owner Panel

Lunch & Coffee/Snack Breaks

Cocktail Hour

Network & Make New Contacts

Early Bird & Student Rates

Vendor & Sponsorship Opportunities

Where To Eat

Getting three squares a day

ALLENDALE

Allendale Bar & Grill

67 W. Allendale Ave.

201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com

Allendale Steakhouse

95 W. Allendale Ave. 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhouse.com

Mezza Luna

96 W. Allendale Ave.

201.327.6556 mezzalunabistro.com

Nirvana Indian Kitchen

29 W. Allendale Ave.

201.818.2300 nirvanaindiankitchen.com

Savini

168 W. Crescent Ave.

201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com

ALPINE

Kiku

385 Rte. 9 W. 201.767.6322 kikurestaurantsnj.com

BERGENFIELD

Bamboo Grill

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

Chapala Grill

52 S. Washington Ave. 201.387.2107 chapalamexican grill.com

The Cuban Around The Corner 260 S. Washington Ave. 646.483.8511

Nihon Kai

41 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.3000 nihonkaijapanese.com

Tommy Fox’s Public House

32 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com

BOGOTA

Luka’s Italian Cuisine 10 River Rd. 201.440.2996 lukasitaliancuisine.co

CARLSTADT

Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 S. 201.933.4000 biggies.com

Hunkar Restaurant 319 Hackensack Ave. 201.507.0606 hunkarrestaurant.com

Il Villaggio

651 Rte. 17 N. 201.935.7733 ilvillaggio.com

CLIFFSIDE PARK

354 Steakhouse

354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499 354steakhouse.com

Avos Grill

720 Anderson Ave. 201.945.9038 avosgrill.com

Rudy’s 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

Locale Ristorante 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 localeristorante.com

Sear House 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhouse.com

Stern & Bow

171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbow restaurant.com

CRESSKILL

Chef Mediterranean 38 Union Ave. 201.367.9565 chefmediterranean.com

County

Farmhouse Cafe 15 E. Madison Ave. 201.266.8931 farmhousecafenj.com

Hanami 41 Union Ave. 201.567.8508 hanamirestaurant.com

Samdan

178 Piermont Rd. 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurant.net

DEMAREST

Yasou Mykonos 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasougreekfood.com

DUMONT

Bar 26 BBQ & Grill

26 W. Madison Ave. 201.384.3210 bar26dumont.com

Foschini’s Brick

Oven Kitchen 21 E. Madison Ave. 201.387.9998 foschinisbrickoven kitchen.com

Grant Street Café 25 Grant Ave. 201.385.1705 thegrantstreetcafe.com

La Taberna 31 W. Madison Ave. 201.374.1661 latabernanj.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 baumgartscafenj.com

Brownstone Pancake Factory 860 River Rd. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com

De Novo European Pub 1257 River Rd. 201.496.6161 denovoeuropean pub.com

Fleming’s Steakhouse 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com

Greek Taverna 55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com

Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar 2 Main St., Suite G 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

Photo courtesy of Grant Street Cafe

Grant Street Café in Dumont

Roberto’s II

936 River Rd. 201.224.2524 robertosii.com

Seak

725 River Rd., #30 201.402.3400 seaknj.com

ELMWOOD PARK

Taverna Mykonos

238 Broadway 201.703.9200 tavernamykonos.com

EMERSON

Pimaan Thai

79 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.967.0440 pimaanthai.com

ENGLEWOOD

Akai Lounge

23 E. Palisade Ave. 201.541.0086 akailounge.com

Cassie’s

18 S. Dean St. 201.541.6760 cassiespizzeria.com

CZEN Restaurant

36 N. Van Brunt St.

201.431.9199 czenrestaurant.com

Fat Choy

52 E. Palisade Ave. 201.408.4581 fatchoyworld.com

Hummus Elite

39 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.5600 hummuselite.com

Khao Thai Cuisine

4 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.0344 khaothainj.com

La Fonda Paisa

95 W. Palisade Ave. 201.871.3544 lafondapaisausa.com

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

Fair Lawn Diner 13-48 River Rd. 201.791.2895 fairlawndiner.com

Jerry’s Hot Chicken 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.402.9300 jerryshotchicken.com

Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill 2-27 Saddle River Rd. 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com

Rose’s Place 32-01 Broadway 201.475.8800 rosesplacenj.com

RP Prime Steakhouse 41-11 Rte. 4 W. 201.267.0702 rpprime.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. 201.948.4004 baggiospizza restaurant.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 ventanasatthe modern.com

FRANKLIN LAKES

Harmony Mediterranean Grill 842 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8707 harmony-nj.com

Sushi Cocoro 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com

GARFIELD

The Firehouse 42 Plauderville Ave. 973.478.2226 firehousefamily restaurantnj.com

Goodfellas 661 Midland Ave. 973.478.4000

La Fortaleza 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 lafortalezamex restaurant.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 thecheesecake factory.com

Hot Fish

450 Hackensack Ave., #6 201.881.0180 hotfishhackensack.com

Houston’s 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 houstons.com

Lido Restaurant

701 Main St. 201.487.8721 thelidorestaurant.com

Maggiano’s Little Italy

70 Riverside Sq. 201.221.2030 maggianos.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse 1 Riverside Sq. 201.487.1303 mortons.com

P.F. Chang’s 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.646.1565 pfchangs.com

Rosa Mexicano 60 Riverside Sq. 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com

HARRINGTON PARK

Donatella Ristorante 12 Tappan Rd. 201.767.4245 donatellasitalian. restaurant

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS Bensi

459 Rte. 17 S. 201.727.9525 bensihh.com

The Heights Bar & Grill 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338 heightsbarandgrill.com

Ivy Inn

268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com

Sofia’s 220 Boulevard 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterranean grill.com

Hot Fish, Hackensack

Tom Yum Koong 305 Boulevard 201.288.3840 tomyumkoonghh.com

HAWORTH

Alessandro’s 157 Terrace St. 201.385.8544 alessandrosnj.com

Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net

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

Koon Thai Eatery 126 Broadway 551.246.3646 koonthaieatery.com

Matsu Sushi & Grill

140 Broadway 201.930.1896 matsusushibest.com

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 fontanatritone.com

Shumi Japanese Cuisine 354 Broad Ave. 201.272.6577 shumiomakase.com

LITTLE FERRY

Segovia Steakhouse 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com

LODI

Kaya 334 N. Main St. 973.779.1128 kayalodi.com

ReBar & Kitchen

132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com

Sergio’s Missione 2 Mercer St. 973.778.4545 sergiosmissionelodi.com

LYNDHURST

Angelo’s 263 Ridge Rd. 201.939.1922

Foschini’s Brick Oven Kitchen 298 Ridge Rd. 201.460.7600 foschinisbrickoven kitchen.com

Michael’s Riverside 528 Riverside Ave. 201.939.6333 michaelsriverside.com

MAHWAH

Mahwah Bar & Grill 2 Island Rd. 201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com

ON THE TOWN

Nagoya 1007 MacArthur Blvd. 201.818.9933 nagoyamahwah.com

Nonna’s

11 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com

Novino Restaurant 64 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.529.1900 novinonj.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 angelosgreektaverna.com

Maywood Inn’s

Twin Door Tavern

122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com

Maywood Pancake House

92 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.880.7842 maywoodpancake house.com

The Seafood Gourmet

103 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8558 seafood-gourmet.com

MIDLAND PARK

Arturo’s 41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co

Fiona’s Ristorante 118 Godwin Ave.

201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com

Rosario’s Trattoria 29 Central Ave. 201.445.3335

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

MOONACHIE

Bazzarelli 117 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4010 bazzarellirestaurant.com

Bistro 107 107 Moonachie Rd. 201.440.3339 bistro107nj.com

Segovia 150 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4266 segoviarestaurant.com

NEW MILFORD

Barrel & Brew 872 River Rd. 201.483.3329 barrelandbrews.com

Casual Habana Café 200 Main St. 201.576.0400 casualhabanacafe.com

Crespo Hookah Grill 160 Henley Ave. 201.694.4081 crespohookahgrill.com

Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn 105 Old New Bridge Rd. 201.692.7700 sanzaris.com

NORTHVALE

Biddy O’Malley’s 191 Paris Ave. 201.564.7893 biddyomalleys.com

The Greek Village 254 Livingston St. 201.750.8570 greekvillagenj.com

Madeleine’s Petit Paris 416 Tappan Rd. 201.767.0063 madeleinespetit paris.com

Olar Noso 493 Tappan Rd. 201.402.9355 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 bosfaitalian restaurant.com

PALISADES PARK

So Moon Nan Jip 238 Broad Ave. 201.944.3998 so-moon-nan-jip.com

PARAMUS

Biagio’s Ristorante 299 Paramus Rd. 201.652.0201 biagios.com

The Capital Grille 1 Garden State Plz. 201.845.7040 thecapitalgrille.com

Grand Lux Cafe 1 Garden State Plz. 201.909.0399 grandluxcafe.com

Kiku

365 Rte. 17 S. 201.265.7200 kikurestaurantsnj.com

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. 201.934.7990 smyrnacaferamsey.com

Tawara

53 W. Main St. 201.825.8712 tawarajapanese restaurant.com

Varka Estiatorio

30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

RIDGEFIELD

Café Tivoli

533 Shaler Blvd. 201.941.5561 cafetivoli.com

RIDGEFIELD PARK

MK Valencia

228 Main St.

201.373.0228 mkvalencia restaurant.com

RIDGEWOOD

Cafe 37

37 S. Broad St. 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 18 Prospect St. 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

Kimchi Smoke

BBQ Shack

2 Godwin Ave. 201.447.6653 kimchismoke.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 villagegreen restaurant.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., Suite 2 201.664.2299 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 ppcbp.com

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

Midland Brew House, Saddle Brook

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

Tenafly Pizza

38 W. Railroad Ave. 201.871.0444 tprrest.com

WALDWICK

Andrea’s Ristorante 20 E. Prospect St. 201.670.0275 andreasrestaurantnj.com

Limoncello 32 Franklin Tpke. 201.652.5577 limoncellonj.com

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

Bacari Grill 800 Ridgewood Rd. 201.358.6330 bacarigrill.com

WESTWOOD

Bon 487 Broadway 201.238.2371 bonwestwood.com

Downtown Dhaba 266 Center Ave. 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com

Farmhouse Cafe & Eatery 301 Center Ave. 201.664.8424 farmhousecafenj.com

Granita Grille 467 Broadway 201.664.9846 granitagrille restaurant.com

Mezza 22 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.8822 mezzawestwood.com

Osteria Crescendo 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.1900 osteriacrescendo.com

Phoenician Restaurant 284 Center Ave. 201.722.8600 phoeniciansail.com

The Tavern @ Iron Horse 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 thetavernwestwood.com

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Bareburger 455 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.746.9275 bareburger.com

WOOD-RIDGE

Al Toro 187 Hackensack St. 862.243.3850 mexicanfoodwoodridge.com

Concourse Club 379 Rte. 17 S. 201.710.6459 concourseclubnj.com

WYCKOFF

Aldo’s 640 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.2618 aldosofwyckoff.com

Benares 327 Franklin Ave., Suite 4 201.904.2222 benaresnj.com

Blue Moon Café 327 Franklin Ave. 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com

T.S. Ma

Chinese Cuisine 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Small Country, Big Flavor

Move over, standard go-to national cuisines. With Dodona Café, it’s time for a taste of Albania.

It’s easy to develop routines and stick with the cuisines you know you love. Your family may even have Italian or Chinese takeout night, or a standing date for sushi with friends. Everyone knows you’re a true dining enthusiast, but someone inevitably asks: Why don’t you try something different? For many, it comes down to access.

I’ve always sought out the various cuisines in Bergen County and even reviewed some favorites for this magazine (for example, Bistro Taino, a Puerto Rican restaurant in Bogota, in BERGEN’s September issue). But in my 20+ years as a gourmand, I’d never sampled dishes from tiny Albania simply because the opportunity never presented itself—that is, until last month, when my girlfriend and I stumbled upon Dodona Café.

This charming bistro along Cliffside Park’s main business thoroughfare opened in late summer, bringing to one of the county’s most diverse towns the taste of Albania, a small Eastern European country that sits on Greece’s northwest shoulder. Though Albanian cuisine was new to me, the café’s menu wasn’t entirely foreign—the nation’s cuisine includes dishes similar to those found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants. For those unfamiliar with certain offerings, Dodona’s servers go out of their way to thoroughly explain ingredients and food preparation.

We started with two traditional dishes, one savory and the other sweet. Simply named sausage dip, our first appetizer, featured eight sizable sausage links served alongside a delightful, creamy hummus. Each mild sausage is made of a delicious mix of beef, lamb, pork and spices that, in my opinion, rivals any other link that touches a grill or griddle. They’re a meaty dream for any die-hard carnivore. (Me, for instance.)

Our second starter was krofne, light and airy doughnuts served with honey and feta cheese. The bites were soft, warm and chewy, with a touch of sweetness that didn’t overwhelm but was enough to suggest that the dish could work as a dessert as well. There are about six small pieces in each order, the right amount so that a dining couple won’t fill up before the main courses arrive.

That was important for me, as my entrée, the mixed grill, featured a large, wooden board topped with an assortment of grilled meats. It comes with two types of sausage—qebapa (minced veal) and suxhuk (spicy beef)—and qofte (flattened veal meatballs). All three were juicy, tender and flavorful. If I had to pick a favorite, however, the qofte was perfectly seasoned and tasted unlike any meatball I’ve tried. Looking back, I think I could’ve found more real estate in my stomach to fit a couple more pieces.

My girlfriend, meanwhile, went a little lighter and had mish i bardhe pule, a zesty grilled chicken breast with veggies on the side. For her, the generous portion (especially moist and tender, she reported) was a nice change of pace from the heavier red meats in the first appetizer. While she finished every morsel on her plate and relished every bite, she wondered if one of the full-sized salad options would’ve left her with more room for dessert.

With full bellies and happy hearts, we politely declined when our server asked if we were interested in dessert (though Dodona Cafe’s baklava and pastries sounded amazing). We’ll likely have a few of those next time—as we now know where to find this tasty, satisfying national cuisine.

—Darius Amos

Photos courtesy of Dodona Cafe

DODONA CAFÉ

ON THE TOWN

Be There

NOV. 16

Whether you want laughs, crafts or fantastic festivals, there’s no place like Bergen this season.

NOV. 16

Your child can get up close and personal with an animal at the TENAFLY NATURE CENTER’S NATURE STORYTIME Kids can to a nature-themed story enjoy a visit from one of the animal ambassadors. The might be a snake, frog, turtle, owl The stories begin at 10 a.m. For registration and information, visit tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Take advantage of the OAKLAND OUTDOOR MARKET’S final Saturday of the season. Located in the Oakland Library parking lot, the market has local vendors, crafts, handmade baked goods and more. The event opens at 10 a.m. For more information, visit oakland-nj.org.

budding chef in them up for the YMCA’S KIDS ONLY THANKSGIVING FEAST This gather kids around and teach them cook Thanksgiving from mashed potatoes and stuffing turkey and pumpkin This program is appropriate kindergarten grade, it begins registration, head wyckoffymca.org.

NOV. 22

Enjoy the opening night of ORCHARD OF LIGHTS, located at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale. Drive your car through 32 acres of holiday lights, then grab some cocoa, make s’mores, huddle by the firepit and take a photo with Santa. You can also check out the farm store for other treats and gifts. This attraction runs until the end of December. Reservations are required, so check out orchardoflights.com

NOV. 23

NOV. 24

See Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and more at SESAME STREET LIVE! SAY HELLO, playing at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood. This show is perfect for children, and they can sing, dance and play along with games like hide and seek right from their seats. Show times are at 2 and 6 p.m. For tickets and more, visit bergenpac.org.

NOV. 28

Enjoy favorite Thanksgiving tradition one!) GLEN TURKEY

The Bananas Comedy Rutherford welcomes for two shows (one at one at 8 p.m.) on a Saturday. After years of working fashion (yes, you heard right), Collins became “comic’s comic,” touring the likes of Frank Sinatra, Cher, Julio Iglesias and Parton and working alongside Chris Rock, Ray Romano Drew Carey. For tickets more information, check bananascomedyclub.com.

9:45. For more information, see racefaster.net.

you’re a singer, a poet, you’ll at Hackensack’s Public Library MIC

Don’t want Not a problem—attentive members welcomed! Light will be available, the door. The For more information, bccls.libcal.com.

year, the Junior League of Bergen brings THE FESTIVAL OF TREES

This formal event will take place at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, include a live auction. Proceeds from this event benefit community incentives such as “Empowering Environments,” which focuses on transforming community spaces for the better. The event starts at 7 p.m., and more information can be found at thejlbc.org.

NOV. 30

Head over to Ridgewood and enjoy the 15TH ANNUAL WINTERFEST IN MEMORIAL PARK at Van Neste Square! Starting at noon, visitors can check out sculptures, story Santa’s elves—even visit with the himself (with opportunities, of course). This event will be held rain or shine. For more information, check out ridgewood guild.com.

Bergen Buzz is Bergen magazine’s exclusive peek into the people who are helping to shape the county, the places that are generating the most excitement (including restaurants, shops and hangouts) and the upcoming events residents shouldn’t miss. Sign up now for your free subscription at Bergenmag.com! For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Tom Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

Bergen Magazine (USPS 025-351) Published 12 times/year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Publisher; Thomas Flannery, Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, Editor; Rita Guarna, Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Subscription Price: $14.00 US. Filing Date: 09/25/2024; Owner: Carroll V. Dowden, 13 Cameron Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458; Mark Dowden, 180 Washington Valley Rd., Morristown, NJ 07960; Lebhar Friedman, Inc., 241 Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. Issue Date for Circulation Data: September 2024. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months:

Total # of copies: 32,218; Outside County paid/requested mail subscriptions: 0; In- County paid/ requested mail subscriptions: 22,448; Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS: 0; Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS : 0. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 22,448; Outside County nonrequested copies: 0; In- County nonrequested copies: 9,552; Nonrequested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail: 0; Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail: 0. Total nonrequested distribution: 9,552; Total distribution: 32,000; Copies not distributed: 218; Total: 32,218; Percent paid and/ or requested circulation: 70.2%; No. Copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: Total # of copies: 30,280; Outside County paid/requested mail subscriptions: 0; In-County paid/requested mail subscriptions: 18,907; Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS: 0; Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS: 0; Total paid and/ or requested circulation: 18,907; Outside County nonrequested copies: 0; In-County nonrequested copies: 11,093; Nonrequested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail: 0; Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail: 0. Total nonrequested distribution: 11,093; Total distribution: 30,000; Copies not distributed: 280 Total: 30,280; Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 63.0%. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions and/or civil sanctions. Mark V. Dowden, Owner, 9/25/2024

Gatherings

Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors.

1. BERGEN CASA

The team at GAP Factory in Paramus recently donated school supplies to benefit Bergen CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). The supplies are given to foster children in the Bergen CASA program, providing them with the tools they need to succeed academically.

2-3. MEADOWLANDS CHAMBER

The chamber of commerce’s August meeting kicked off the organization’s Basket Brigade. The annual initiative is a way for members to give back to the community. Last year’s Basket Brigade raised enough funds to help more than 600 families in need.

4. COUNTY OF BERGEN

Bergen County commemorated Korean Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony and celebration. The program was attended by county commissioners as well as leaders and members of Korean organizations throughout New Jersey.

5. BOROUGH OF MAYWOOD

Maywood received an Open Space Trust Fund grant, presented by Bergen County officials, for upgrades to Memorial Park. Money will be used for lighting enhancements and electrical work on the fields, ensuring safer and more accessible recreational spaces for the community.

6. BERGEN VOLUNTEER MEDICAL INITIATIVE

Employees at M&T Bank in Wyckoff and members of the Wyckoff-Midland Park Rotary donated items to the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative’s back-toschool drive earlier this year. The supplies were offered to BVMI patients and their families.

7. HABITAT BERGEN Teri Capparelli, executive director at Habitat Bergen, was a speaker on the Leadership Advice panel for Commerce and Industry Association of NJ (CIANJ). She also received the Enterprising Women of 2024 Award, which celebrated the outstanding achievements of women across several industries.

HOLIDAY FOOD & DINING SHOWCASE

A BERGEN MOMENT

“I was at one of my son Sebastian’s first tackle football practices. The light was just right, and I felt compelled to take a photo. I was so proud of him. It was special to watch him with the background of Ridgewood High School. I knew in that moment that we made the right decision to move to Ridgewood from New York City.”

—Olga

Rossi, Ridgewood

Photo courtesy of Olga Rossi, Instagram: @olgabrossi_