YOUR TOP PICKS IN 100+ CATEGORIES
BAGELS & BBQ CANDY & COCKTAILS FASHION & FLOWERS AND MUCH MORE!
* PERFECT PANCAKES AT WILLOW & WHISK IN WYCKOFF
5 FASHION TRENDS THAT MAKE THE GRADE
9 BERGENITES SHARE THEIR FALL TRADITIONS
+SPECIAL REPORT WHAT MAKES A SCHOOL GREAT?
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32
Bergen Buzz 21
Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.
Style Watch 32
54 36
Food-Allergy Alert 42
School is back, and parents fear the danger posed by an innocent-seeming item on their child’s plate in the cafeteria. But today, medicine is better able to protect kids.
What Makes a
School Great? 44
Our county prides itself on its high-quality public education. That takes tax dollars—and much more besides.
Back-To-School Style 48
Forget Paris—the world’s toughest runway is a school hallway. These on-trend threads will help your student make the grade this fall.
Hallmarks Of Autumn 54
From apples to soup to wine to Pokémon pumpkins and a Chevy Corvair, Bergen families cherish the special rituals that make fall fun.
Keeping It Kosher 60
A kitchen in Wyckoff cried out to be released from its timeworn 1980s aesthetic, but special rules had to be followed too.
Readers’ Choice 65
A balanced wardrobe should feature a few asymmetrical shapes.
Friends & Neighbors 36
You can’t magically keep your kids young. But Ridgewood photographer Lena Antaramian offers next best trick: images that catch spirit today and last.
Escapes 80
Want more waves near summer’s end? Five great Jersey spots are happy to oblige.
Tastes 82
With this colorful and delicious fruit as the star, these plates are a simple way to sweeten your supper menu.
Restaurant Review 138
The ballots were counted, and readers chose the top local businesses in 120+ categories. Are your favorite spots among the winners? Read on to find out.
34
Home Front 34
natural aesthetic brings the outdoors inside and livens up space.
ON THE COVER
Breakfast bites at Willow & Whisk Wyckoff. Photo courtesy of Willow Whisk.
Puerto Rico’s rich cuisine is showcased well at Bogota’s new Bistro Taino. (Pork, anyone?)
Gatherings 142
Bergen residents always show up to support their neighbors—especially when help is needed most.
A Bergen Moment 144
A hiker captures a moment of reflection at Mahwah’s Ramapo Valley County Reservation.
IN EVERY ISSUE
10 Editor’s Note
38 Health News
132 Where to Eat
140 Be There
I’ll start this column with a “Thank you.” I’m grateful to you, the readers of BERGEN, for your help in putting together this September issue. That’s because 5,046 of you voted to choose the winners in our annual “Best in Bergen” listing. Beginning on page 65, it highlights businesses considered most outstanding in their categories, from donut shops to dog groomers, from wellness centers to fashion boutiques to bicycle-repair places. No doubt you’ll find old favorites there, but this is also your chance to explore establishments you haven’t visited yet. (If we’ve left out a place you think should be included, drop me a line about it at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com—maybe it’ll be a winner next year.)
As those of you who voted know, it’s a pleasure to recognize excellence. And we continue that theme in this issue’s Special Report, “What Makes A School Great?” on page 44. You’ll want to read that article whether or not you’re the parent of a school-age child, because high-quality public education is one of the hallmarks of Bergen County. It’s a reason why people choose to live here (and why homes have value here), and it helps set the tone for our public life. But outstanding schools aren’t an automatic result of our area’s above-average affluence. Yes, creating them requires resources, but it also takes hard work and fresh thinking—often by folks who could make more money in other segments of the economy.
On page 36 you’ll meet a photographer who helps families preserve special moments with their fast-changing kids—and she’s a winner too. It was “humbling” to be named Photographer of the Year by the National Association of Portrait & Child Photographers, says Lena Antaramian of Ridgewood. She came to the Northeast 30 years ago from Georgia (and I don’t mean the one down South). Normally, she says, “I’m not a very humble person.” (But isn’t that very confession a moment of humility?)
There’s more, of course, in what we hope is an excellent issue. Bergenites explain the family traditions that make autumn special for them on page 54. Read on page 138 about a new Bogota restaurant that presents the distinctive flavors of Puerto Rico. On page 42, you’ll find timely tips on keeping kids safe from the effects of food allergies— in school cafeterias, for example. And, just in time for the High Holy Days, read on page 60 how a smart transformation made a Wyckoff kitchen more attractive, more functional—and fully kosher.
Here’s to excellence wherever we find it. Enjoy this issue!
Rita Guarna Editor in Chief rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com
Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA
Creative Director
STEPHEN M. VITARBO
Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS
Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN
Contributing Editors
LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF
PAUL RANCE JR. DONNA ROLANDO
Contributing Photographer
MIKE VAN TASSELL
PRODUCTION
Production Manager FERN E. MESHULAM
Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE
BE SOCIAL
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BERGEN assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials.
BERGEN is published 12 times a year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. This is Volume 23, Issue 9. © 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Bergen County: $14 for one year. Single copies: $6.95. Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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ALL ABOARD FOR BERGEN’S RAIL STATIONS
New Jersey Transit’s Bergen County Line runs through the heart of many Bergen communities. You can journey from Suffern, N.Y., to 14 stations in our county. If you get to one of these stations early, or you’re getting home from a long day, you can take a walk, catch a breather or grab some great food near your train stop.:
• Rutherford Station: Ara Coffee, Volare’s
• Garfield Station: Aroma de Cafe Restaurant & Bakery, JAM Burger
• Radburn Station: CoZie Cafe, The Rail Yard Tavern
• Ho-Ho-Kus Station: Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, Alt Eats Cafe
Want to see more eateries and their NJT stations? Visit bergenmag.com/all-aboard-for-bergens-train-stations.
DO IT FOR THE ’GRAM
Some of us are meticulous when we compose photographs, while others shoot in bursts with hopes that one of the captures turns out well. The one thing all shutterbugs have in common, however, is finding the best locations to picture, especially during summer. Bergen is packed with places that have wonderful vistas and Instagram-worthy landscapes. Here are five, for starters:
• Davis Johnson Park & Gardens, Tenafly
• DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst
• Fort Lee Historic Park
• Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes
• Thielke Arboretum, Glen Rock
For more of our favorite spots to photograph, visit bergenmag.com/7-instagram-worthy-spots-in-bergen. And be sure to sign up for our Bergen Buzz weekly e-newsletter to receive stories like this and more for free!
OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.
The apple is a classic symbol of love and wisdom, but how apple-wise are you? Nearly three dozen varieties of the fruit grow in New Jersey orchards, and though they’re all ripe for picking from mid-September through October, the variety you choose can make a difference. In case you’re rusty, here’s a brush-up on 10 tasty types:
• Cortland. Known as a dessert apple, this tart variety is great sliced up for a lunchtime snack or a salad ingredient. It holds up well too, so store some in the freezer until it’s time to make Thanksgiving pie.
• Empire. Red, juicy and firm, this apple is perfect to eat straight out of a fruit bowl. It’s also a preferred variety to bake or turn into applesauce.
• Fuji. Developed in Japan, this sweet breed is popular for its firmness and sweet taste. It’s great for snacking and for sauce.
• Golden Delicious. These sweet and aromatic apples are widely used for cooking and juicing, but they’re just as good to eat raw and with salads.
• Granny Smith. If you enjoy a tart, almost sour flavor, this variety is a good raw snack. But most people use these apples for cooking and making cider.
• Honeycrisp. Into making tarts or turnovers? Pick these for fruity flesh that’s sweet and slightly tart.
• Jonagold. Tart yet sweet, this variety is perfect to eat out of the hand or use in salads. It’s also suitable for baking, so consider Jonagolds for your next apple pie.
• Macoun. Eat this sweet fruit off the tree (well, after paying for it), or save it for pie-making or juicing.
• McIntosh. Bake delicious apple crisp or make a memorable applesauce with this sweet, slightly tart-flavored fruit.
• Winesap. With wine-like flavor, this aromatic variety is great when turned into applesauce or cider.
Now that you know who’s the best of the best in Bergen County (see pages 65–79), it’s time to meet some of them. Join us for the annual Bergen Wine & Food Experience on Oct. 10 at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, where you can sample cuisine from dozens of restaurants and caterers and sip fine wines, spirits, craft beers and specialty cocktails from area vendors. Tickets are on sale now at bergenmag.com and include a commemorative event cup and swag bag. We’ll see you there!
Playing games has never really gone out of style, but now it seems more popular than ever. Heck, there’s even a television network dedicated to game shows. But rounding up competition for the fun has long been a roll of the dice—you just don’t know who’s available and when.
Ah, but now it’s different! When you can’t get enough people for a game at home or you’re looking for companions for online play, there are local spots where gamers gather:
• The Game Zone (106 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201.358.6800; gamezonenj. com) is known for its assortment of video games. But look closer and you may spot old-school board games here as well as Pokémon and Magic the Gathering. Not sure how to play those games? The staff treats everyone like family, so they’ll be happy to sit and teach you how to play.
As we Bergenites know, America’s movie industry was born not in California, but right here in Fort Lee, where many of the earliest films were shot. Fox Films had a studio here, as did Universal. The town also became the home of the first U.S. film studio to be owned by a woman when Alice Guy-Blaché opened Solax Studios in 1910.
Starting a new school year is always exciting for both kids and parents. But with the new experiences come new pressures, particularly for those in high school.
We asked 12 rising seniors their biggest concern as high schoolers. Half of them said they are most worried about “the college application process,” and three respondents noted “balancing academics with social life” as a concern. Studying for SATs, peer/parental pressure and school safety also were listed as main issues.
• North Jersey Geeks & Nerds, a Rutherford-based group, typically meets weekly at locations like Bella Pizza in Hasbrouck Heights and Jim Dandy’s in Rutherford to play a variety of board games, as well as to talk about movies, TV shows and more. Search for the group on Facebook, and find its upcoming events on meetup.com.
• Xtreme Gaming Center (118 Broad Ave., Palisades Park, 201.849.5505; xgcenter.com) appeals to all types of game fanatics, particularly those who love PC-based games. An internet café, this spot offers food and drink as well as a gaming chair, headset and computer for each guest so that he or she can play Minecraft, Fortnite and other titles.
Today you can visit the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee to celebrate the borough’s cinematic history. Since it opened its doors in 2022, the center has offered rotating exhibits on both local and national film history. It’s equipped with a 260-seat theater, with classic movies from Hollywood’s Golden Age shown weekly.
This October, the Barrymore Film Center will be hosting its BFC Short Film Festival, with independent short films from around the world being screened for the first time. The center also will host events and activities throughout the festival. Directors, producers, actors and screenwriters will all be in attendance. For more, visit barrymorefilmcenter.com.
We also asked the seniors about the impact social media has on their mental health. Seven of them said using apps like Snapchat and Instagram has a negative impact, while three noted social media does not affect them in an adverse way. One student said social media is a “great way to engage with positive news or to connect with friends and family” but is wary of “fake news and pictures that twist your perception. Especially for teenage girls, social media at times can also promote an ideal body image, or a certain lifestyle that you must abide by.” Another student said social media isn’t bad for her mental health but admits, “I can get caught spending too much time on them.” Editor’s note: To learn more about what high school seniors think, check out bergenmag.com/the-kids-are-alright.
A prostate cancer screening isn’t what you think. When it comes to prostate cancer, early detection is the key. And a prostate cancer screening is easy. If you’re a man over 40, talk to your doctor about a simple blood test for your prostate health. Scan the QR code to schedule an appointment, or call 844-HMH-WELL.
Admit it—you have a great time serenading the shower wall in the mornings, or belting out a pop tune with your kids or friends in the car. Singing is fun, after all, and it’s even better in a group. Why not make a night out of it?
If you want to show off your skills, put yourself out there or just have a fun evening with your gang (nothing is more therapeutic than laughing at yourself), Bergen has a full spread of karaoke options. Many bars and restaurants have special theme nights, but here are a few regular options:
• Café Ssum & Karaoke. The café portion of this Palisades Park favorite offers light snacks and boba, while the karaoke rooms have booth-style seating and neon lights.
450A Broad Ave., Palisades Park, 201.429.2227
• Cast-ing Karaoke. You’ll find lots to love at the newest addition to Bergen’s karaoke scene, with its large spread of pub-food favorites, extensive bar menu and neon lights.
497 Jersey Ave., Fairview, 201.496.6188
• Mickey’s Bar & Grill. Stop by this Lyndhurst spot on Saturdays for its karaoke night, which has gained such a large following it has its own Facebook page.
601 Riverside Ave., Lyndhurst, 201.935.3337; mickeysnj.com
• Rock 21 Karaoke. This place in Palisades Park has state-ofthe-art karaoke machines and a full bar and kitchen, offering a
range of American and Korean cuisine options.
400 Bergen Blvd., Palisades Park, 201.482.8800; rock21 karaoke.com
• Rodeo Karaoke. This establishment is open until 2:30 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends, so the singing—and fun—goes deep into the night.
225 Broad Ave. #304, Palisades Park, 201.482.8080
• Shawn’s Crazy Saloon. One of Bergen’s live music staples, Shawn’s has a weekly karaoke night on Thursdays when you can belt to your heart’s content.
350 Belleville Tpke., North Arlington, 201.744.6709; shawnscrazysaloon.com
• Volume Up Karaoke. This hangout is BYOB, but its rooms are large and perfect for parties and big gatherings.
880 River Rd., Second Floor, Edgewater; 201.945.3322; volumeupkaraoke.com
Unsure what to sing when heads together for some suggestions:
• “Don’t Stop Believin’,” playlist, this one will get the (See if you can hit that high
• “Faith,” George Michael. pop song with memorable that everyone knows. Plus, late George Michael’s vocal
• “Wind of Change,” Scorpions. a powerful ballad with fun and meaningful lyrics, and really show off if you nail whistling parts.
• “My Way,” Frank Sinatra. down the house with this classic. a “forbidden” song in some (Google it), but you’ll get plenty of love for the confidence choice shows—and more a flawless performance.
• “Shut Up and Dance,” Walk the Moon. This is a more recent pop song—and an upbeat, danceable one you can rock out to. Even better, it’s in an easy range for most voices.
• “Crazy in Love,” Beyoncé. You may not have the voice of Queen B, but this early-2000s classic is guaranteed to get a room cheering for you. Grab a friend and turn it into a duet!
Cat: Lila, 4-year-old calico Owner: The Cafassos of Paramus During summer 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, the Cafassos knew bringing a cat into their home was a perfect idea. Mother Michela Cafasso’s cousin was fostering a litter of kittens, and the family fell in love with and adopted one of them. “She was originally named Dahlia,” Mom says, “but we misinterpreted it as ‘Delilah,’ and the name Lila just stuck.”
Lila brought a feisty personality to her forever home, along with a ferocious appetite. “We are food-loving Italians and find it hilarious that she is always as hungry as we are,” Cafasso says. “There are even bite marks on her dry food bag because she knows how to open the cabinet and gnaw at the bag when we aren’t home.”
But chowing down isn’t Lila’s only hobby. She’s often found playing in cardboard boxes, sitting on a kitchen stool watching the family cook, sunbathing in a window or sleeping on the Cafassos’s giant beanbag. “While sassy and independent at the beginning of her life, she has recently mellowed out, and we have been loving her cuddles,” Cafasso says. “She is the greatest addition to our family, and we hope to love on her forever and ever.”
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.
What started as a small group of volunteers with one van and a mission to feed those less fortunate has grown into a significant force for good. In its 25-year history, Saddle Brook-based Table to Table has rescued enough food to provide more than 310 million meals to neighbors in need.
Throughout 2024, its quarter-century anniversary year, the nonprofit has been holding celebratory events, with its annual Chefs Gala coming up on Sept. 25 at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, featuring dinner with wine pairings and a live auction. The program also honors Chef Jamie Knott of Saddle River Inn, a longtime Table to Table supporter.
To join the celebration, and to find out more about Table to Table, visit tabletotable.org.
There’s nothing like a waterfall to induce contemplation. Its flow marries a soothing sound with a diverting sight, dancing with light, and it features the life-giving element that covers most of our planet’s surface (and makes up most of us too). Which of these five picturesque Bergen waterfalls are you overdue to visit?
• Bear Swamp, Mahwah. Follow the red-silver trail in Ramapo Valley (it’s rocky in some spots!), and you’ll arrive at Bear Swamp Brook. Beneath the footbridge is a small but lovely waterfall.
• Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, Englewood. Follow the trail to the bridge, where the small falls flows and provides perfect cascading water for long-exposure photography.
• Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine. There are several destinations and vistas for hikers in this cliffside park, but few top the Greenbrook Waterfall. Pro tip: Lace up your boots and hike here after a significant rain shower to see a mightier waterfall.
• Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Mahwah. Hike up the first mile or so from the parking lot and follow the signs to the waterfalls. This is a popular photo-op spot, but there are many vantage points if it gets crowded.
• Saddle River County Park, Glen Rock. Wherever you start on the Ridgewoodto-Rochelle Park trail, take an easy stroll near the Glen Rock section to see a simple yet serene waterfall.
Family means everything, and 17-year-old Demarest resident Sadie Alfano is celebrating her cousin and those who saved her cousin’s life. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of her cous-
Cassidy McPartland’s double-lung transplant, Sadie has created and is selling sunflower stickers to support the Sharing Network Foundation, which— according to its website—“supports the work of NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs” in the Garden State.
Called “Sadie’s Sunflower,” the vibrant sticker is embellished with rhinestones and represents hope and renewal. It’s available at stickerbeans.com. Cousin Cassidy, now 21 and living in Franklin Lakes, was born with a brain tumor that required years of chemotherapy and surgeries. The treatment caused fibrosis of her lungs, which made the transplant necessary. Today, Cassidy is cancer-free and a thriving college student.
Just as parents and children are settling into a new school year’s routine, an annual stressor is on the horizon: school picture day. It may seem quaint in the age of photo-filled social media, but remember: These snapshots tend to linger forever in frames on grandparents’ pianos, so you and your kid might as well get it right. How handy, then, that Maria Rogers of Tiny Hearts Photography in Franklin Lakes shares tips to help make your child’s portraits look perfect.
When it comes to choosing attire, Rogers tells parents, “Opt for simple, comfortable outfits in solid colors to keep the focus on your child. Make sure his or her hair is tidy and avoid making any drastic hairstyle changes right before the photo. Ensure that the child gets a full night’s sleep to appear fresh and energetic, and offer a healthy breakfast to maintain energy levels. You can help your child practice a natural smile at home, and positive encouragement and enthusiasm about the day can help boost her or his confidence.”
To any jittery kids, Rogers says, “If you’re feeling nervous about your school picture, just remember to have fun. A great portrait is all about capturing your natural smile, so think about something that makes you happy or laugh right before the picture is taken. It’s OK to take a deep breath and relax your shoulders to feel more comfortable. Remember, the photographer is there to help you look your best, and everyone is excited to see your smile.”
You may have seen one while walking through Fair Lawn, Maywood, the Teaneck Conservatory or other places around Bergen. It looks a bit like a large birdhouse. If you stop and look closer, you’ll see that it’s filled with books.
Congratulations—you’ve found a Little Free Library! A nonprofit organization that seeks to be “a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all,” Little Free Library is run by volunteers. Anyone is welcome to take one of the books inside and read it at their leisure. If you do, you’re encouraged to leave a book in its place for somebody else to take and enjoy. If you have a few extra books you’re planning to discard, stop by one of these boxes and pop them inside for others to browse.
Want to be “steward” or caretaker of a Little Free Library? (Some people have them on their front yard.) Visit littlefreelibrary.org and register your library so its location shows up on maps and apps. If you’re feeling handy, you can try building one yourself (the website offers instructions), or you can buy one from the organization. Be careful before you set it up, though! Make sure to call your local government and check individual zoning laws, as the library may be considered an “accessory structure” that must meet certain height requirements.
Download Little Free Library’s app, or head to its website and use the interactive map to find one near you.
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You can’t magically keep your kids young. But Ridgewood family photographer Lena Antaramian offers the next best trick: images that catch their spirit today and will last.
Forty-eight-year-old Ridgewood resident Lena Antaramian, originally from the Republic of Georgia, knows a thing or two about the passage of time. She’s been in this country for 30 years, has been married to husband Victor for 21 years and is the mother of 16-year-old twins, Mia and Lexi. Antaramian owns and runs Live Laugh Love Photos in Ridgewood, where as a family photographer she captures images that “freeze” time with authenticity and feeling. In March she was named Photographer of the Year by the National Association of Portrait & Child Photographers.
Tell us about immigrating to the United States.
This September marks 30 years since my family came to this country. I was 18, and we moved to Brooklyn. I spent the first year learning English and applying to schools. I got into Brooklyn College and NYU, and chose NYU. I graduated with a degree in computer science, and that’s what I did for many years. That’s a long way from being a photographer!
It was practical and, at the time, all immigrants from the Soviet Union were choosing very practical degrees to get jobs as soon as possible. But it didn’t really bring me joy or satisfaction. When I was on maternity leave with my kids, I needed to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up—even though I was grown up already. My sister mentioned that she had a friend who was a photographer. I’ve always loved photography. I love to travel—that’s my other passion—and whenever I traveled, I took pictures. I loved capturing people and emotions. My sister said, “You could do that.” And I thought, “You know what? I could.”
What does being a family photographer mean to you?
I used to take pictures of my own kids. I still do, but they’re 16 and oh-so-busy now [laughs].
Back then, I wanted to capture every moment of their lives. I think of my camera as a magical time machine that can bring you back to those past moments. You look at a picture and think, “I remember that outfit—she wore it all the time.” If it wasn’t captured, you might not remember it at all. A family photographer gives people that. I want to capture not just someone’s likeness, but who they are. Authentic emotions. So it goes beyond recording special occasions? Well, something you do every day becomes special when you stop doing it—that’s when you realize how important it is. When my kids were 6 years old, they had Disney princess pajamas. Every night they would put them on and go to their room, and I would brush their hair, and their dad would read them a story. That was our routine for years. I don’t
know when we stopped. But I know I’m grateful for the pictures of it.
Favorite type of shoot?
Photographing families in their homes, hands down. Everyone is so relaxed. I love capturing everyday moments. Is it ever uncomfortable to go into someone’s home like that?
Not really. My clients and I always talk extensively beforehand.
What did the Photographer of the Year award mean to you?
It was incredibly humbling. I am not a very humble person, to be honest with you—I know that I am good at what I do. But the recognition from the industry felt great. What I do is for my clients, and their satisfaction is the most important thing, but this was a huge individual accomplishment.
A lesson from photography?
Life is unpredictable, and you need to go with it and have some faith. If you go into a shoot with a plan and the plan isn’t working, you pivot and try something new.
How about a lesson from starting your own business?
Think about it as a business first, and charge what you’re worth. I think the majority of family photographers are women, and that’s something I think women struggle with. You can be creative, passionate and talented, but you must turn a profit. Stand up for yourself, know your worth and charge it.
Do you remember your first camera?
Yes! It was a Canon EOS 40D. You can buy it used for $108 now—it was not that when I bought it! Favorite place in Bergen to take photos? Downtown Ridgewood. There are so many different backdrops there.
A pointer we should all remember?
In a lot of families, Mom is the one taking the pictures. That’s great, but Mom needs to be in some pictures. Make sure it happens.
—Kirsten Meehan
by Elina Nova
People who walk or cycle to work have lower risks of both physical and mental health issues. Cyclists in particular have the best health benefit with research noting that folks who bike to work have a 47 percent lower risk of dying from any cause.
—BMJ Public Health
Adults who consume 20 percent of their calories from uberprocessed foods showed faster rates of cognitive decline compared with those adults who ate less of it.
—JAMA Neurology
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for adolescents, mostly due to driver error. Researchers implemented a 15-minute selfadministered virtual driving assessment test in 19 primary-care practices. More than 3,000 adolescents 15 and older completed the assessment. received an evidence-based, personalized identifying risks and areas for targeted Of the teens who completed a survey post assessment, 77 percent said they agreed or strongly with the findings.
—Annals of Family Medicine
combination of alcohol plus cabin pressure cruising altitude may threaten sleeping plane passengers’ heart health, particularly on long haul flights, suggests the first study of its kind. The lowers the amount of oxygen in the blood and the heart rate for a protracted period—even young and healthy. The higher the alcohol consumption, the greater these effects might be, particularly among older passengers and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
—Thorax
Neither COVID-19 infection nor vaccination during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with increased risk of major birth defects. Women who suffer from COVID-19 infection during pregnancy are at increased risk of severe illness and have a higher risk of complications, including preterm birth and stillbirth. However, no notable increased risk of congenital anomalies among offspring of women vaccinated against COVID-19 during the first trimester (nor of those who had the illness) was found.
—The BMJ
The number of times more likely chronicpain sufferers are to suffer anxiety and depression than those people without pain.
—Pain
While cancer risk peaks in a person’s 60s and 70s, the rate of lung cancer decreases after age 75. Researchers aren’t sure of the reason as yet.
—Nature
—Compiled
by Paul Rance Jr.
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SCHOOL IS BACK, AND PARENTS FEAR THE DANGER POSED BY AN INNOCENT-SEEMING ITEM ON THEIR CHILD’S PLATE IN THE CAFETERIA. BUT TODAY, MEDICINE IS BETTER ABLE TO PROTECT KIDS.
There’s no need to sugarcoat it—food allergies are scary. They are one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis, a sudden, life-threatening reaction that brings a constriction of the airways that can make breathing difficult, according to the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. (Other causes are insect stings, medications and latex.) And even when the danger is less dramatic, allergies to certain foods can threaten unpleasant reactions—particularly in children. That’s why the start of school each September can induce fresh anxiety to parents of kids who suffer from food allergies. Fortunately, however, knowledge in this area is advancing, as BERGEN learned in a recent chat with Tamar Weinberger, M.D., a pediatric allergist and immunologist at Hackensack Meridian Health.
“There’s been a shift in the field over past five to 10 years,” says Dr. Weinberger. “For a long time, the only treatment for food allergies was avoidance of the item—and carrying an EpiPen.” (That’s an epinephrine autoinjector, which delivers a dose of adrenaline to quickly treat anaphylaxis.) “There are now desensitization treatments and medication to prevent accidents and reactions.”
One of these advancements is a drug called Xolair, or omalizumab. Explains Dr. Weinberger: “It’s a biologic medication that prevents allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), or allergic antibodies, from binding to mast cells.” That binding process is what starts the reaction itself. The result? A decrease in the severity of an allergic reaction. “It’s an option for patients with multiple food allergies,” the doctor says. “If it’s hard to eat out and there’s a constant fear of cross-contamination, Xolair provides some level of protection. It’s supposed to make it a little easier to navigate day-to-day life and improve some anxieties.” Xolair is FDAapproved for ages 1 and up. Important to note, though, is that Xolair does not reduce a person’s sensitivity to an allergen— only the severity of his or her reaction to being exposed to it. For example, Dr. Weinberger cautions with emphasis, a young peanut-allergy sufferer “doesn’t get on this medication and start eating peanut-butter sandwiches.”
Treatments aimed at desensitization—actually reducing sensitivity to the allergen—are an option as well. “Xolair
can be used on its own or along with oral immunotherapy,” says Dr. Weinberger. She discusses the relatively new Palforzia, an oral immunotherapy for peanuts that was FDA-approved in 2020 for ages 4 through 17. “You start with a little bit of the allergen, and then you slowly build up. You go in every two weeks to your provider, eat a little more peanut under observation and, if you do well, you go home and continue to eat that every day for two weeks. Then it’s back to your provider, you eat a little more and then you go home and eat that for two weeks,” Dr. Weinberger explains. This continues until the patient gets to the top dose, at which point he or she continues eating it every day. If a little bit of peanut is eaten outside of this controlled circumstance, the patient will be protected and the reaction will be less severe.
Though Palforzia is aimed only at peanut allergies, Dr. Weinberger says that research is ongoing. “There’s a lot of research on doing food immunotherapy at higher doses and with different foods, both on its own or along with Xolair to make it more successful,” she says.
Both advancements have their pros and cons, and what’s best for one child may not be best for another. “If you have a patient who’s having a multitude of accidental reactions right now, and they have sensitivities to multiple foods, Xolair is super-helpful in protecting them on a day-to-day basis,” says the doctor. “If you have a patient who has the time and energy and availability to do desensitization, and then continue taking it, that addresses one sensitivity. However, that’s not a good option for everyone— it’s time-consuming. You’re taking it every night, and you can’t exercise or take a hot shower within an hour of doing it.” Both, though, offer a chance of improving the quality of life for select patients with food allergies.
As for day-to-day life at school, Dr. Weinberger says that her communication with both families and school nurses shows that there has been an increase in awareness of the problems and dangers that food allergies cause, as well as in understanding of how to handle them. “It seems that, overall, there’s a lot more respect for food allergies, and a lot of options for kids to ensure that every environment is as safe for them as possible,” she says.
Our county prides itself on its high-quality public education. That takes tax dollars—and much more besides.
Joseph Occhino, principal of Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, enumerates with considerable pride his school’s facilities, which he calls “second to none”: “Our science wing was built during a previous referendum,” he says. “We just built a field house that has a state-of-the-art fitness center. We have a fully turfed football field, which all schools have, but then we also have a lower field that’s fully turfed. It has another baseball diamond on it, and then a softball field and practice football and lacrosse fields. Our library media center is getting a whole makeover. Art rooms are being redone.”
And yet Occhino admits that those facilities go only so far to help explain the success of the school, which this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings place third in Bergen County—and first among its open-admissions high schools. (Bergen County Aca-
BY LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF
demies in Hackensack and Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro came in first and second, respectively, but their selective admissions policies allow them to choose the most promising applicants, giving them a leg up when it comes to student achievement.) And if gleaming media rooms and cutting-edge tech do not alone make great schools, what does?
That’s the question we posed to three principals and one school superintendent at four of Bergen County’s top-rated schools: Northern Highlands, Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest (No. 3 in Bergen on U.S. News & World Report’s list), Tenafly High School (No. 4 on the same list) and Englewood Cliffs Upper School (a grades 3-to-8 school and No. 2 on a list compiled by NJ Advance Media). Is it just a matter of socioeconomics, with schools in wealthy communities getting top marks
because parents and students in those communities put a premium on education? Or do the county’s top schools do something special that other schools—in Bergen and elsewhere—might put into practice to better benefit their students?
Our conversations with the schools indicate that, while socioeconomic factors do play into a school’s success, other elements also go into creating an atmosphere in which students are most likely to thrive. And of all those elements, our school leaders agreed that the most important is a first-rate teaching staff.
Each of the schools puts the highest premium on attracting, retaining and encouraging effective teachers—for good reason. Multiple studies, including some from the Center for Education
Policy Research at Harvard, have shown that the single most important school-based factor contributing to a student’s academic achievement is the quality of teaching received. Based on our conversations with the schools, it appears that recruiting first-rate teachers is more than a simple feedback loop, in which great schools attract great teachers, who help keep those schools great so they can then attract more great teachers, and so on. Competitive salaries can help: James Morrison, principal of Tenafly High School, praises the superintendents he’s worked with for being “willing to pay what it takes to get a veteran to leave a tenured position somewhere else to come to us.” But for most teachers, pay tends to be secondary to a positive working environment. “Our mission really is respect, resilience, kindness and integrity—it’s what we look for in teachers, and it’s the way we treat them,” says Occhino. In other words, schools would do well to create a culture in which teachers’ needs and desires are given priority.
Keeping effective teachers happy is as important as hiring them in the first place, and one of the best ways to do that, it appears, is to afford them as much freedom to do what they do best as the system allows. Although New Jersey’s Department of Education sets the general curriculum for all public schools in the state, each of the schools we spoke with allows teachers a high degree of independence in deciding how to deliver the material. At Tenafly High School, says Morrison, “teachers take the state blueprint and find ways to make the curriculum engaging, going out of their way to try to make the lessons fun and to get students interested in the material.” That might, he says, be through lab demonstrations or hands-on projects or, as one teacher did recently, creating a mock trial of President Harry Truman for using the atomic bomb during World War II.
The culture that prevails at all four schools reflects the assumption that students will succeed—a phenomenon Santana calls “collective academic optimism.” And while much of that optimism appears to stem from a home and community culture that elevates academic success, it can also be instilled by teachers. In fact, extensive research into the effects of teacher expectations on student performance, including a recent study published in the journal Social Psychology of Education, has shown a strong correlation between what a teacher expects of a student and what that student achieves. Teachers’ expectations often become self-fulfilling prophecies, so schools would do well to encourage a positive outlook regarding students’ ability to succeed.
Something else that distinguishes all four schools is their students’ general sense of satisfaction with—and yes, even excitement about—their school experience. Besides hiring and keeping teachers who
(New Jersey Institute of Technology), Tomorrow’s Teachers (Fairleigh Dickinson University), Forensic Science (Syracuse University) and Dynamics of Health Care (Rutgers). And they can earn an associate’s degree by taking college-level courses at the high school through a partnership with Bergen Community College.
“We put a lot of emphasis on finding the balance between academics and social and emotional growth and character education,” says Colin Winch, principal of the Englewood Cliffs Upper School. Teachers and staff work hard to build personal relationships with each student so that they can easily see when those students may need extra attention socially or emotionally. In fact, studies consistently show that students in schools implementing social-emotional learning (SEL) programs do better academically.
“Our mission really is respect, resilience, kindness and integrity—it’s what we look for in teachers, and it’s the way we treat them.”
—Joseph Occhino, principal, Northern Highlands High School
Another strategy of successful schools is to encourage educational approaches that make teaching more effective, and therefore more satisfying. James Santana, superintendent of the Northern Valley Regional High School District, says that teachers throughout the system, including at his district’s highly ranked high school in Demarest, support an approach to teaching that allows teachers to personalize instruction to meet each student’s needs. At the beginning of the school year, teachers assess their students through testing and other measures and then, says Santana, “differentiate their instruction accordingly and assign students tasks according to where they fall in the assessments.” The approach doesn’t just please teachers, of course; it also allows students to learn at their own pace, which leads to enhanced learning.
encourage a love of learning, schools can engage students in several ways. Tenafly High School, for instance, maintains what Morrison calls “a collegelike atmosphere” derived, in part, from the unusual freedom students are afforded. Students with free periods, for instance, can go to the cafeteria for a snack during those periods, or read a book in the library or leave the campus entirely if their parents allow it. If that free period falls first thing in the morning, they may sleep in; if it’s scheduled at the end of the day, they may leave early. While high schools often afford this so-called “individual decision time” to seniors and, in a few cases, juniors, says Morrison, “Tenafly is the only school I know that has an open campus for all four grades.”
Northern Highlands builds student enthusiasm through its electives, such as the Career & Academic Pathways Program that offers internships in fields that students find intriguing, including less expected choices like sound engineering and drone photography. Students there also have the opportunity to take college courses, given at the high school, in conjunction with seven participating schools; offerings include Multivariable Calculus (Seton Hall University), Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
The nonprofit educational organization CASEL describes SEL as an educational method that aims to foster social and emotional skills within the school curriculum and offers workshops to help schools integrate the method into every subject. Its main goals are to teach students to feel empathy, make responsible and caring decisions, and establish and maintain supportive friendships. For example, a so-called Socratic seminar allows students the opportunity to gather in groups to help one another understand the lesson that was just taught—a method that advances listening skills and the ability to find common ground.
All of the education experts we spoke with agreed that even the best facilities don’t directly translate into academic achievement, but they certainly serve a purpose. Great facilities, says Occhino, encourage school pride and contribute to a sense of enthusiasm about going to school. For students raised on computers, tech facilities add a sense of relevance to the curriculum.
Even more significant, when facilities are subpar, they can distract students from the academic task at hand. Winch, for instance, notes that “10 years ago, we didn’t have AC units in the classrooms, and that was always tough because it would take focus away from classwork.” While shiny new science labs and gleaming turf fields look great on school websites, it seems clear that the best way to support students is to ensure their comfort and safety, so they can put more of their energy into what every top school values most: academic success.
Forget Paris—the world’s toughest runway is a school hallway. These ontrend threads will help your student make the grade this fall.
Take advantage of this comfy, chic trend and rock a relaxed fit. It’s perfect for telling the world that you’ve mastered the balance between serious and fun, and it’s versatile too—you can wear it by itself, or shrug it on over a T-shirt for a casual twist on a classic. Want an upgrade? Tie it near your waist and pair with some great high-waisted pants.
The Perfect Linen Shirt, Banana Republic, Woodcliff Lake, 201.476.1630
Sure, school is starting, but there are still weeks before the temperature cools. We love the fresh, modern facelift that eyelet dresses have gotten this year. Add some ballet flats or a chunky sandal, plus your favorite bracelet, and you’ll be ready to wow.
Veronica Beard Rafaela Cotton Eyelet Shirtdress, Neiman Marcus, Paramus, 201.291.1920
These threads have come a long way from their workwear days. Go all in on the high-low aesthetic and pair them with a ruffled blouse and Mary Janes, or embrace the farmers’ market look with a patterned, long-sleeved T-shirt and your favorite boots.
Alex Mill Lili Overall In Denim, Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack, 201.457.2000
Leggings and yoga pants have had their day, but you know what we all missed? Pockets. Cargo pants give you plenty of them, plus a fantastic balance of comfort and style that’s perfect for the classroom. Polish your look with a more tailored, straight-legged option, or go a little baggier, add a cropped jacket and be the embodiment of cool.
Cascade Cargo Terry Pant, Athleta, Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.1086
This classic checks all the autumn boxes, so there’s no surprise it’s a back-to-school staple. You really can’t beat the simplicity and function of a good cardigan. Use it as a layering piece; use it to make a statement; pair it with a skirt or with jeans—this sweater will keep you trendy on schooldays and weekends alike.
Relaxed Cardigan Sweater, Old Navy, Ramsey, 201.236.3680
FROM APPLES TO SOUP TO WINE TO POKÉMON PUMPKINS AND A CHEVY CORVAIR, BERGEN FAMILIES CHERISH THE SPECIAL RITUALS THAT MAKE FALL FUN. BY
DONNA ROLANDO
Yes, there’s pumpkin pie—but so much more as well. When BERGEN asked nine readers to describe their family fall traditions, the answers were as varied as the colors on autumn trees. Here’s our harvest of replies:
and we love doing it. Every year we [writer with husband John and two daughters] wait for a beautiful sunny day and go to Demarest Farms to get pumpkins and pick apples. We usually get fresh produce and/ or have lunch outside. We get our exercise and at the same time we walk the fields. We’ve been doing that since they were little. They are 25 and 27, so probably more than15 years. We love just being outside, enjoying the beautiful weather and the bonding—the family time.”
Ghoulish Good Time
Chris Blomstrand, 88 E. Century Rd., Paramus.
“We decorate our house and each year, it keeps gets getting bigger and bigger. Last year we had a haunted setup where people walked under a canopy and a bunch of animatronics, and you could hear the people screaming. The first year [of decorating] was 2015, maybe a little bit later. We were buying more and more things and it kept on growing. We always wanted the neighborhood to enjoy it. Last year we had 400 to 500 people stop by. My wife Rachel is more involved and does more than I do. The kids [ages 10, 13, 15] get involved too. Pro tip: You need a lot of patience.”
Christian Di Stasio, Paramus.
“Fall is really winemaking season. That’s when you make your first batch of wine for the year, and then obviously let it ferment and become wine throughout the season. In eight months to a year it becomes ready to drink. So this year we’ll drink the wine from last fall—and make the wine for next year. We get our grapes from a fruit-and-vegetable supplier in Newark, an Italian business that’s been there for generations. Then you put it through a machine that separates the grapes from the vine and then you process it. Once all that is clean, you clean the grapes themselves and put them in a press, which will compress the grapes, and then the juice flows out the bottom and is collected into a cistern. From there they get put into an old barrel, depending on what kind of wine you’re making— sometimes a stainless-steel, terracotta or oak barrel. We all get together and do it as a family year after year.”
Frank Mortimer, Ridgewood.
“Each year we get a few smaller pumpkins for my daughters— they’re now 10 and 7—and they pick what they want to do. My older daughter was into Harry Potter last year, so she did Harry Potter. My younger one was into Pokémon, so she painted one like a Pokémon ball. Every year it’s something different, but one year, for the New York Rangers, we painted one red and blue with NYR on it. It’s a family activity. Sometimes, my wife Sofie does a pumpkin too. Pro tip: Plan out your theme ahead of time. If the pumpkin is 6 or 7 inches tall, a simple design will work better. We use kid-friendly paints for obvious reasons. It adds to the fall design.”
Monique Bliss, Park Ridge.
“About 12 years ago my husband and I won an ‘Oktoberfest Celebration’ in a raffle. Since then, we’ve made it a family tradition. We have German foods—brats, wursts, sauerkraut and of course German beer; we decorate and play oompah music. A good time is had by all! The first time we won an Oktoberfest party, some of the foods and a kegerator came with the prize. But it’s not that difficult—I buy brats and wursts Karl Ehmer [Quality Meats in Hillsdale] and make sauerkraut and potatoes. The party is mostly family and close friends. My best pointer for anyone who wants to host an Oktoberfest is to find good German deli to get quality meats, etc. Our family loves a good theme party, and once you have the theme the rest is easy.”
Christine Alexiou, River Edge.
“I started the tradition when my kids were little. (I have three boys, now ages 23 and 25). They love cinnamon bread, so every fall I make cinnamon bread, and then we make homemade hot chocolate on cold days. We’d pick out a pumpkin at Demarest Farms and come home and have cinnamon bread and hot chocolate. We used to have a contest to see who could pick the biggest pumpkin, and they’d have to be able to carry the pumpkin themselves to the checkout line.”
Michael Berkowitz, Westwood.
“My best friend Dave and I have been watching Giants games together since we were teenagers. The first game I remember watching with him was Super Bowl XXV in 1991. Years ago, before we had houses and wives, I would go to his place every Sunday to watch the game. Now we still try to watch a few games together every year. I’ll definitely be over there for Kickoff Weekend, he and I with our Giants jerseys on—still Antonio Pierce’s No. 58 for me— and our wives and his kids scattered around the house doing other things. The food has also changed a lot over the years. When we were younger, we’d order the greasiest, most life-shortening fried chicken we could find. These days, pizza is the go-to.”
Melanie Truesdale, Westwood.
“I like making soups in the fall because it’s nice and warm and hearty. My favorite one is cheesy cream of broccoli, which as a plant-based vegan I’m making without any dairy. I use a base made from cashews and sauté my onions, garlic and broccoli—then I add my veggie broth. I also use nutritional yeast to make it into a cheesy sauce. It’s creamy and delicious, and I like to top it off with some croutons. I get some sourdough bread, chop it up into cubes and add some parsley, olive oil and garlic, and I put it on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven until the pieces are crispy like croutons.”
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
John Sanders, Ridgewood, owner of a ’68 Chevy Corvair convertible.
“The car show is quite a tradition. It’s the best show and a good support of the scholarship fund for Ridgewood High School. well managed, it’s safe, and it attracts more than 400 of the finest cars in North Jersey. This show is on my list because I just love the people. It’s like the end of the summer, and Joan Groome of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce runs a great show.
[Each year, weather permitting, Sanders enters his Chevy, which also appears in parades and a local Easter Bunny event.] I’m known for my accurate, periodcorrect presentation of a vintage vehicle. The car’s very rare; it was dragged out of a garage in Carlstadt when I bought it in 1990. It required total restoration. It’s a true survivor.”
A kitchen in Wyckoff cried out to be released from its timeworn 1980s aesthetic, but special rules had to be followed too.
Design by Sharon Sherman, Thyme & Place Design
Photography by Mike Van Tassell
Text by Darius Amos
Wyckoff couple Anita and Stuart had seen plenty of people pass through their kitchen over the decades, including their children, who are now grown, and their grandkids. Despite all this foot traffic, the space had been remodeled only once—about 40 years ago. Now, with an empty nest and more time on their hands, the homeowners sought to modernize the stuck-in-the-’80s kitchen so that it met their design mandates—and a religious one too.
Interior designer Sharon Sherman of Wyckoff’s Thyme & Place Design was one who had visited the space in the past. “They are my very good neighbors, and I had been talking to them about remodeling the kitchen for a long time,” she says. The duo finally hired her in summer 2023 for the project, which earned Sherman a Design Excellence Award from the American Society of Interior Designer’s New Jersey chapter earlier this year.
For this redo, Sherman essentially had to fit two kitchens into one space to adhere to the homeowners’ kosher living. “It’s like the Noah’s ark of design: two of everything from tabletop to cookware, sinks, dishwashers,” she says, explaining that meat and dairy in a kosher kitchen are handled separately from other foods, as are Passover dishes. And to create the open, contemporary feel that Anita and Stuart wanted, a total facelift was necessary.
The designer and homeowners worked together to reconfigure the Sharon Sherman of Thyme & Place Design renovated this Wyckoff kitchen with plenty of white oak cabinets by The Corsi Group’s Siteline Cabinetry line. The large number of cabinets reflects the homeowners’ kosher lifestyle, which requires the separate storage of items such as serving pieces, dishes and glassware. New quartz and brown antique quartzite counters provide plenty of space for food preparation.
This page: One of the homeowners’ requests for their new kitchen was a coffee/wine bar, which Sherman equipped with dark Wenge cabinets. Opposite page, from left: A stainlesssteel hood by Broan with a white-and-lilac mosaic marble tile backsplash is an intriguing visual element above the range. A new sliding glass door, surrounded by Benjamin Moore’s Grape Juice, was installed adjacent to the new wall of cabinets.
space, which had previously adhered to kosher living. The first move was to relocate the Sub-Zero refrigerator into the work area of the kitchen—it had been in an “awkward location” that impeded easy flow to the dining room. The design team gained real estate by taking 12 inches from a hallway closet and eliminating an old kitchen desk. This also allowed Sherman to fulfill the husband’s lone request, a coffee/wine bar, and she installed a walk-in pantry with the remaining space.
Another change was moving the range, which had been on the former multi-level island where people also would eat. With the new cooktop shifted to a spot against an outside wall, Sherman was able to add visual interest with a stainless-steel hood by Broan as well as a mosaic tile backsplash by AKDO (through Wayne Tile of Ramsey) that continues up to the vaulted ceiling.
“It is very dramatic when you enter the kitchen, plus it put the cooktop on a wall with counter space around it and storage beneath it,” she says.
Contributing to the drama is a new sliding door leading to the outside, which Sherman installed after relocating a second sink to the new island and closing
off a window that had offered a view of the neighbor’s garage. The sliding door, meanwhile, is accented in Benjamin Moore’s Grape Juice—a hue the woman of the house adores—and overlooks the aesthetically pleasing yard and garden.
“I had a card on my desk, which [Anita] loved,” Sherman says. “It’s almost exactly the same color. She was not afraid to be bold. It really sets the cabinets off very well and melds the lilac and purple vein in the tile and the countertops.”
Natural rift-cut white oak cabinets by The Corsi Group’s Siteline Cabinetry with black hardware by Top Knobs also create a statement while providing ample storage space so that food, serving pieces, glassware, plates and utensils can be kept separate.
“The cabinets and design were from the 1980s: white and black with Formica tops—it was a space trapped in time and ready for a trip back to the future,” Sherman says. “Remembering that the client is also my neighbor, I spent a lot of time in that kitchen.”
Today, Anita and Stuart are excited to have their friend over more often to enjoy the space.
THE BALLOTS WERE COUNTED, AND READERS CHOSE THE TOP LOCAL BUSINESSES IN 120+ CATEGORIES. ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS AMONG THE WINNERS? READ ON TO FIND OUT.
SANDUCCI’S TRATTORIA IN RIVER EDGE
1. Willow & Whisk, 319 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, 201.425.9931, willowandwhisk.com
With fresh ingredients and an innovative menu, this Wyckoff eatery remains a local favorite—voters have recognized it as Bergen’s best brunch spot for a second straight year. It’s easy to see why: Few can turn down lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberries, brioche French toast with orange-honey butter or an omelet with cremini mushrooms and smoked Gouda. In addition, this spot also has a wide variety of signature mocktails, including a lemon basil mock-mojito and a Bloody Mary with fresh horseradish.
BAGELS
1. Teaneck Hot Bagels 976 Teaneck Rd. Teaneck 201.833.0410
2. Goldberg’s
327 Franklin Ave., Suite 16 Wyckoff 201.847.9199
3. Bagel Nosh
24 E. Prospect St. Waldwick
201.652.9746 bagelnoshofwaldwick.com
BAKERY
1. Rispoli Pastry Shop & Café 23 Emerson Plz. E. Emerson
201.265.4009
824 Broad Ave. Ridgefield
201.943.6002 rispolipastryshop.com
2. B&W Bakery 614 Main St. Hackensack 201.342.5577 bandwbakery.com
3. Black Magic Bakehouse
19 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood blackmagicbake house.com
BARBECUE
1. Brothers Smokehouse 900 Rte. 17, Suite 2 Ramsey 551.264.9073 brotherssmokehouse nj.com
2. Finks* 32 Orange Ave. Suffern, N.Y. 845.533.4033 finksbbqroadhouse.com
3. Kimchi Smoke BBQ Shack 2 Godwin Ave. Ridgewood 201.447.6653 kimchismokeorders.com
BREAKFAST
1. Willow and Whisk 319 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.425.9931 willowandwhisk.com
2. Raymond’s (TIE) 101 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood 201.445.5125 raymondsnj.com
2. Daily Treat Restaurant (TIE) 177 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood 201.652.9113 dailytreatrestaurant.com
3. First Watch 38 Farm View Montvale 551.210.1955 firstwatch.com
BRUNCH
1. Willow and Whisk 319 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.425.9931 willowandwhisk.com
2. Steve & Andrea’s 298 Park Ave. Rutherford 201-939-7668 steveandandreas.com
3. Just Janice 23 Sheridan Ave. Ho-Ho-Kus 201.445.2666 justjanicenj.com
BURGERS
1. Allendale Bar & Grill 67 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com
2. Roots Steakhouse 17 Chestnut St. Ridgewood 201.444.1922 rootssteakhouse.com
3. Shake Shack Multiple locations shakeshack.com
BUTCHER
1. Steve’s Market 41 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.327.9466 stevesmarket.com
2. B&M Meat Market 146 Kinderkamack Rd., Unit B Park Ridge 201.391.4373 bmfoodlovers.com
3. Karl Ehmer High Quality Meats 120 Broadway Hillsdale 201.664.1477 karlehmer.com
BYO RESTAURANT
1. Sanducci’s Trattoria 620 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com
2. Café Panache 130 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com
3. Mezza Luna Bistro 96 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale 201.327.6556 mezzalunabistro.com
CANDY/ CHOCOLATE
1. Conrad’s Confectionery 107 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.664.2895 conrads1928.com
2. Genevieve’s Home Made Chocolates 174 Ray St. Garfield 973.233.5149 genevieves chocolates.com
1. Five Dimes Brewery 247 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.497.8455 fivedimesbrewery.com
3. Trina’s Treats (TIE) 296B Stuyvesant Ave. Lyndhurst 201.804.7659 trinastreatsxo.com
3. Meyers House of Sweets (TIE) 637 Wyckoff Ave., #17 Wyckoff 201.848.8200 meyershosnj.com
CHINESE RESTAURANT
1. TS Ma Chinese Cuisine 637 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff 201).891-8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com
2. Hanami 301 Center Ave. Westwood 201.666.8508 hanamirestaurant.com
3. Lotus Café 450 Hackensack Ave. Hackensack 201.488.7070 lotuscafehackensack nj.com
COFFEEHOUSE
1. Pour City Roasters 807 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.485.7087 pourcityroasters.com
The craft brewery boom of the past decade has given us artistic beer cans, fantastic local hangouts and, most importantly, incredible sips. Stop by this 2-year-old brewery for a rotating selection of great drafts, including hazy IPAs, lagers and ales. The brewery is also a hot spot for great local events, and hosts weekly live music and open mic nights.
2. Humphrey’s Coffee 160 Terrace St., Suite 1 Haworth 201.338.2207 humphreyscoffee.com
3. American Bulldog Coffee Roasters 31 N. Broad St. Ridgewood 201.857.4176 americanbulldog coffeeroasters.com
CRAFT BREWERY
1. Five Dimes Brewery 247 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.497.8455 fivedimesbrewery.com
2. Hackensack Brewing Company 78 Johnson Ave. Hackensack 201.880.1768 hackensackbrewing.com
3. Gearblock Brewing Company 140 Franklin Tpke., # 2 Waldwick 201.962.2057 gearblockbrewing.com
CUPCAKES
1. Cupcakes by Carousel 192 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood 201.389.3090 cupcakesbycarousel.com
2. Kara Kakes 799 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.485.8889 kara-kakes.com
3. A Little Cake 176 Kinderkamack Rd. Park Ridge 201.391.6300 alittlecake.com
DINER
1. Matthews Diner (TIE) 4 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick 201.447.1411 matthewsdiner.com
1. State Line Diner (TIE) 375 Rte. 17 N. Mahwah 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com
2. Suburban Diner 172 Rte. 17 N. Paramus 201.261.2605 suburbandiner17.com
3. River Edge Diner
516 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.262.4976 riveredgediner.com
* – not in Bergen County
DONUTS
1. Duck Donuts 556 Rte. 17 Paramus 201.483-3973 duckdonuts.com
2. Black Magic Bakehouse 19 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood blackmagicbake house.com
3. Glaze Donuts Multiple locations glazedonuts.com
FARMERS’ MARKET
1. Ramsey Farmers’ Market
2 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.675.6866 ramseyfarmersmarket.org
2. Abma’s Farm Market
700 Lawlins Rd. Wyckoff 201.891.0278 abmasfarm.com
3. Closter Farm & Livestock Co. 681 Closter Dock Rd. Closter closterfarm.com
FISH MARKET
1. The Fish Dock 219A Closter Dock Rd. Closter 201.564.7939 thefishdock.com
2. Peter’s Fish Market 190 Godwin Ave. Midland Park 201.444.3331 petersfishmarket.com
3. Anchor Seafood 10 S. Kinderkamack Rd. Montvale 201.930.9170
FRENCH RESTAURANT
1. Café Panache (TIE) 130 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com
1. Latour (TIE) 6 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood 201.445.5056 latourridgewood.com
2. Brasserie Memere 107 Vervalen St. Closter 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com
1. Duck Donuts
556 Rte. 17 Paramus
201.483-3973 duckdonuts.com Whether you’re looking for a breakfast indulgence or a midday pick-me-up, this chain’s Paramus location caters to every sweet tooth. With the ever-popular “build your own” option, you can create the perfect donut to satisfy whatever you’re craving. And then you can multiply it by 12—Duck Donuts offers custom boxes of a dozen as well. You also can pick up one of its specialty flavors, including blueberry pancake and maple bacon.
3. Madeleine’s Petit Paris 416 Tappan Rd. Northvale 201.767.0063 madeleinespetitparis.com
GLUTEN-FREE GOODIES
1. American Bulldog Coffee Roasters 31 N. Broad St. Ridgewood 201.857.4176 americanbulldog coffeeroasters.com
GOURMET GROCERY
1. Market Basket 813 Franklin Lake Rd. Franklin Lakes 201.891.2000 marketbasket.com
2. Maywood Marketplace 78 W. Pleasant Ave. Maywood 201.843.8361 maywoodsmarket place.com
3. Steve’s Market 41 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.327.9466 stevesmarket.com
2. Van Dyk’s 145 Ackerman Ave. Ridgewood 201.444.1429 vandyksicecream.com
3. Trina’s Treats 296B Stuyvesant Ave. Lyndhurst 201.804.7659 trinastreatsxo.com
INDIAN RESTAURANT
1. Bombay Hut 18A E. Prospect St. Waldwick 201.857.3266 bombayhut.com
2. Nirvana Indian Kitchen (TIE) 29 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale 201.818.2300 nirvanaindiankitchen.com
2. Benares Indian (TIE) 327 Franklin Ave., Suite 4 Wyckoff 201.904.2222
GREEK RESTAURANT
1. Varka Estiatorio 30 N. Spruce St. Ramsey 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com
2. A Taste of Greece 935 C Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.967.0029 atasteofgreecenj.com
3. The Greek Village (TIE) 254 Livingston St. Northvale 201.750.8570 greekvillagenj.com
3. Sofia’s Mediterranean Grill (TIE) 220 Boulevard Hasbrouck Heights 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterranean grill.com
ICE CREAM
1. Cranberry Junction Ice Cream 19 Temple Ave. Hackensack 201.546.8966 cranberryjunction icecream.com
2. Savini Restaurant & Lounge 168 W. Crescent Ave. Allendale 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com
3. Andiamo Restaurant 23 Hardenburgh Ave. Haworth 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
1. Sakura Bana 43 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood 201.447.6525 sakurabana.com
2. Hanami 41 Union Ave. Cresskill 201.567.8508
301 Center Ave. Westwood 201.666.8508 hanamirestaurant.com
3. Downtown Dhaba (TIE) 266 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com
3. Manjal Indian Cuisine (TIE) 37 Godwin Ave. Ridgewood 201.857.5754 manjalridgewood.com
ITALIAN DELI
1. Italian Riviera 8 E. Prospect St. Waldwick 201.652.9415 italianriv.com
2. Grosso’s La Strada 231 Godwin Ave. Midland Park 201.670.9233 grossoslastrada.com
3. Casa Del Sole 115 Broadway Woodcliff Lake 201.391.5671 casadelsole.biz
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
1. Sanducci’s Trattoria 620 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com
3. Nagoya 1007 MacArthur Blvd. Mahwah 201.818.9933 nagoyamahwah.com
JEWISH DELI
1. Kosher Nosh 894 Prospect St. Glen Rock 201.445.1186 koshernosh.com
2. Foster Village Kosher Delicatessen 469 S. Washington Ave. Bergenfield 201.384.7100 fostervillagekosher deli.com
JUICE BAR
1. Beets Juice Bar Multiple locations beetsjuicebar.com
2. The Raw Squeeze 1033 River Rd. New Milford 201.357.2774 therawsqueeze.com
3. Juice Me Organics 38 Franklin Tpke., Suite A Waldwick 201.956.6351 juicemeorganics.com
1. Sakura Bana, 43 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201.447.6525, sakurabana.com
For more than 30 years, this Ridgewood staple’s sushi, sashimi and nigiri have taken center stage, but the establishment also offers all manner of noodles, tempura and katsu dishes. The sushi rolls are bright, colorful and fresh, and you can even enjoy red bean ice cream for dessert to finish your meal.
1. Varka Estiatorio , 30 N. Spruce St., Ramsey, 201.995.9333, varkarestaurant.com This Ramsey standout might specialize in Mediterranean seafood restaurant, but it doesn’t limit itself to just that. The menu also includes oven-baked Chilean sea bass and littleneck clams, just to name two. For dinner, you can build your own seafood tower of oysters, shellfish and other crudos from all around the world. Finish it off with a glass of wine and baklava for dessert, and it’ll be hard to tell you aren’t on the beach.
KOREAN RESTAURANT
1. So Good
190 Closter Dock Rd. Closter
201.750.5190 sogoodkbbq.com
MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
1. Mezza Mediterranean 22 Jefferson Ave. Westwood 201.722.8822 mezzawestwood.com
2. Mado Restaurant
570 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge
201.265.3629 madorestaurantnj.com
3. Varka Estiatorio
30 N. Spruce St.
Ramsey
201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1. Blue Moon Mexican Café
327 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff
201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com
2. Jalapeños Mexican Bar & Grill
930 Prospect St. Glen Rock
201.445.5566 jalapenosmexgrill.com
MOZZARELLA
1. Uncle Giuseppe’s 10 Triangle Plz. Ramsey 201.995.6800 uncleg.com
2. Vinnie’s Mootz 356 Valley Brook Ave. Lyndhurst 201.468.0117 vinniesmootz.com
3. Annabella’s House of Mozzarella
900 Paterson Plank Rd. East Rutherford 201.804.0303 annabellasmozz.com
1. Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave. Haworth 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net
2. Blue Moon Mexican Café 327 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com
3. The Barn Original 359 Sicomac Ave. Wyckoff 201.848.0108 thebarnoriginal.com
1. Kinchley’s Tavern 586 Franklin Tpke. Ramsey 201.934.7777 kinchleyspizza.com
2. S.Egidio Pizze Salumi Espresso 17 N. Broad St. Ridgewood 201.389.3525 segidio.pizza
3. Sanducci’s Trattoria 620 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com
ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
1. Saddle River Inn 2 Barnstable Ct. Saddle River 201.825.4016 saddleriverinn.com
2. Café Panache 130 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com
3. Varka Estiatorio (TIE) 30 N. Spruce St. Ramsey 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com
3. Savini Restaurant (TIE) 168 W. Crescent Ave. Allendale 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
1. Varka Estiatorio 30 N. Spruce St. Ramsey 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com
2. Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill 2-27 Saddle River Rd. Fair Lawn 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com
3. Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 Carlstadt 201.933.4000 biggies.com
STEAKHOUSE
1. Roots Steakhouse 17 Chestnut St. Ridgewood 201.444.1922 rootssteakhouse.com
2. Allendale Steakhouse 95 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhouse nj.com
3. The Park Steakhouse 151 Kinderkamack Rd. Park Ridge 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com
1. Sakura Bana 43 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood 201.447.6525 sakurabana.com
2. Blue Sushi 26 Wilsey Square Ridgewood 201.882.1700 blusushi-nj.com
3. Moshi Moshi (TIE) 137 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick 201.444.1130 moshimoshinj.com
3. Masa Sushi & Grill (TIE) 81 W Allendale Ave. Allendale 201.934.6616 masasushiandgrill.com
1. Green Fusion 22 Oak St. Ridgewood 201.670.7502 greenfusionnj.com
2. Fat Choy 52 E Palisade Ave. Englewood 201.408.4581 fatchoyworld.com
1. Green Fusion 22 Oak St. Ridgewood 201.670.7502 greenfusionnj.com
Those looking for an entirely plant-based meal, rejoice! The options at this vegan and vegetarian establishment are elegant, flavorful and delicious. Try some Buffalo cauliflower (instead of chicken) or vegan shrimp tacos with plant-based shrimp (yes, really!). Want something sweet? Their chocolate mousse is gluten-free, in addition to being vegetarian and vegan.
WATERFRONT DINING
1. Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar 2 Main St. Edgewater 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com
2. Chart House* 1700 Harbor Blvd. Weehawken 201.348.6628 chart-house.com
WINGS
1. Peck Peck Chicken
250 Degraw Ave. Teaneck 201.530.5858 peckpeckchicken.com
2. Nellie’s Place 9 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick 201.652.8626 nelliesplacenj.com
ENTERTAINMENT BOWLING
1. Bowlero 22-22 Maple Ave. Fair Lawn 201.797.5400
299 Paterson Ave. Wallington 93.773.9100 bowlero.com
2. Montvale Lanes 14 W. Grand Ave. Montvale 201.391.3400 montvalelanes.com
3. Humdingers 64 E. Midland Ave. Paramus 201.701.1900 humdingersnj.com
CATERING (OFF-PREMISES)
1. Market Basket 813 Franklin Lake Rd. Franklin Lakes 201.891.2000 marketbasket.com
2. Blue Moon Mexican Café
327 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com
3. Shortrounds Catering 189 Kinderkamack Rd. Emerson 201.261.6585 shortroundscatering.com
CIGAR SHOP
1. The Brick House 179 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff 201.848.1211 thebrickhousewyckoff.com
* – not in Bergen County
2. Casa de Montecristo by JR Cigar 184 Rte. 17 N. Paramus 201.261.7988 casademontecristo.com
3. Leafs Cigar Lounge 185 Madison Ave. New Milford 201.483.9300 leafscigarlounge.com
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
1. Blue Moon
Mexican Café
327 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff
201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com
2. Fire & Oak
100 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Montvale
201.307.1100 fireandoak.com
HAPPY HOUR
1. Blue Moon
Mexican Café 327 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff
201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com
2. Bar Boutique 10 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.735.7717 barboutiquenj.com
HIKING TRAIL
1. Ramapo Valley County Reservation 608 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah 201.327.3500
IRISH PUB
1. The Shannon Rose 1200 Rte. 17 N. Ramsey 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com
2. Davey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (TIE) 5 Park St. Montvale 201.391.9356 daveyspub.com
2. P.J. Finnegan’s (TIE) 274 Fairview Ave. Westwood 201.664.7576 pjfinnegans.com
3. Brady’s At The Station 5 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.327.9748 bradysramsey.com
1. Blue Moon Mexican Café 327 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com
This Wyckoff favorite’s Fiesta Hour runs every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m., and offers a specific menu of apps, including Buffalo chicken sliders and nachos, and reduced-price drinks for all (we’ll take a margarita, thanks!). And if you want to hang around for dinner, Blue Moon offers a variety of Mexican cuisine staples too.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
1. Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 N. Van Brunt St. Englewood 201.227.1030 bergenpac.org
MARGARITAS
1. Blue Moon Mexican Café 327 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com
NATURE CENTER
1. Tenafly Nature Center 313 Hudson Ave. Tenafly 201.568.6093 tenaflynaturecenter.org
2. James A. McFaul Environmental Center 150 Crescent Ave. Wyckoff 201.891.5571
3. Closter Nature Center 154 Ruckman Rd. Closter 201.750.2778 closternaturecenter.org
2. The Estate at Florentine Gardens (TIE) 97 Rivervale Rd. River Vale 201.666.0444 florentinegardens.com
3. Seasons Catering 644 Pascack Rd. Township of Washington 201.664.6141 seasonscatering.com
SPORTS BAR
1. Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 Carlstadt 201.933.4000 biggies.com
2. The Orange Lantern 5 E. Firehouse Ln. Paramus 201.652.4443 orangelantern.com
SHOPPING APPLIANCES
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
1. MacMurphy’s 8 Godwin Ave. Ridgewood 201.444.0500 macmurphys.com
2. Brady’s At The Station 15 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.327.9748 bradysramsey.com
3. Tommy Fox’s Public House 32 S. Washington Ave. Bergenfield 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com
RECEPTION HALL
1. The Venetian (TIE) 546 River Dr. Garfield 973.546.2250 venetiannj.com
1. Edgewood Country Club (TIE) 449 Rivervale Rd. River Vale 201.666.1200 edgewoodnj.com
2. The Rockleigh (TIE) 26 Paris Ave. Rockleigh 201.768.7171 therockleigh.net
2. Cyclesport 1 Hawthorne Ave. Park Ridge 201.391.5269 cyclesportonline.com
BRIDAL SHOPPING
1. Bijou Bridal & Special Occasion 393 Rte. 17 S. Paramus 201.262.8889 bijoubridal.com
2. Rosi’s Bridal 9 Sheridan Ave. Ho-Ho-Kus 201.857.4958 rosisbridalstudio.com
CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE
1. Ginger N’ Cream 350 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.2440 gingerncream.com
1. Oberg & Lindquist (TIE) 671 Broadway Westwood 201.664.1300 obergandlindquist.com
1. P.C. Richard & Son (TIE) 317 Rte. 17 S. Paramus 201.262.7676 pcrichard.com
2. Reno’s Appliance * 235 McLean Blvd. Paterson 973.247.1860 renosappliance.com
3. Best Buy (TIE) 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford 201.508.3768 bestbuy.com
3. Yudin’s Appliances (TIE) 378 Main St. Wyckoff 201.891.3111 yudinsappliances.com
BIKE SHOP
1. Westwood Cycle 182 Third Ave. Westwood 201.664.1688 westwoodcycle.com
2. Pazzazed Gift & Home 826 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.485.8022 pazzazed.com
3. Little Nikki’s 618 N. Maple Ave. Ho-Ho-Kus 201.445.7888
FINE JEWELRY
1. LaViano Jewelers 175 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.664.0616 lavianojewelers.com
2. Hartgers Jewelers (TIE) 699 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff 201.891.0044 hartgersjewelers.com
2. Devon Fine Jewelry (TIE) 303 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.848.8489 devonfinejewelry.com
SHOP
1. Pazzazed Gift & Home 826 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.485.8022 pazzazed.com
2. Ginger N’ Cream 350 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.2440 gingerncream.com
1. LaViano Jewelers 175 Westwood Ave. Westwood
201.664.0616
lavianojewelers.com
If you’re searching for the perfect gift for your special someone, a ring to make her say “I do” or a way to treat yourself, the pros at Westwood’s longtime fine jewelry shop can help you pick out the perfect piece. Let the knowledgeable, dedicated staff help you find exactly what you’re looking for from their wide range of high-end watches, diamonds, pearls and gems. These experts also can fix, appraise and clean any jewelry that may need it.
1. Sal Lauretta for Men 621 Godwin Ave. Midland Park 201.444.1666 sallauretta.com
They say that the suit makes the man, and this luxury men’s retailer can make you the perfect suit. Whatever the occasion, you can stop by this shop for custom tailoring and individual style consultation. Offering a selection of high-end brands and with more than 50 years of experience, Sal Lauretta can ensure you look your best, feel your best and wow everyone at your next event.
3. Haworth Apothecary (TIE) 169 Terrace St. Haworth 201.384.7171 haworthapothecary.com
3. Lily & Kate (TIE) 66 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.327.5459 shoplilykategifts.com
HARDWARE
1. Home Hardware & Supply
27 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick
201.652.5666 homehardware supply.com
2. Oakland Ace Hardware (TIE)
347 Ramapo Valley Rd. Oakland 201.337.8068 oaklandhardware.com
2. Palmer Ace Hardware (TIE) 940 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.262.0900 acehardware.com
3. Ramsey Hardware & Paint (TIE) 14 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.327.0433 ramseyhardware.com
3. Benjamin Brothers True Value Hardware (TIE) 121 N. Summit St. Tenafly 201.569.5445
INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES
1. Bookends 211 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood 201.445.0726 book-ends.com
2. Books & Greetings
271 Livingston St. Northvale 201.784.2665 booksandgreetings.com
INDEPENDENT HEALTH FOOD STORE
1. Organica Natural Foods 246 Livingston St. Northvale 201.767.8182 organicanaturalfoods.com
LIGHTING
1. Krell Lighting 208 Hawthorne Ave. Park Ridge 201.391.7685 krelllighting.com
2. Capitol Lighting 75 Rte. 17 S. Paramus 201.843.5353 1800lighting.com
LINGERIE
1. WOB Lingerie 920 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.265.6116
365 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.560.9800 woblingerie.com
1. American Dream 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford 833.263.7326 americandream.com
2. Garden State Plaza (TIE) 1 Garden State Plaza Paramus 201.843.2121 westfield.com
2. Paramus Park (TIE) 700 Paramus Park Paramus 201.261.6108 paramuspark.com
3. The Shops at Riverside 390 Hackensack Ave. Hackensack 201.489.2212 simon.com
MEN’S FASHION
1. Sal Lauretta for Men 621 Godwin Ave. Midland Park 201.444.1666 sallauretta.com
2. Nordstrom 501 Garden State Plaza Blvd. Paramus 201.843.1122 nordstrom.com
1. Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery 100 Franklin Tpke. Allendale 201.327.3156 rohslers.com
2. Eisele’s Nursery & Garden (TIE) 232 Oradell Ave. Paramus 201.262.1015 eiselesnursery.com
2. Metropolitan Plant and Flower Exchange (TIE) 2125 Fletcher Ave. Fort Lee 201.944.1050
840 Rte. 17 N. Paramus 201.445.7101 metroplantexchange.com
3. Secor Farms 85 Airmont Ave. Mahwah 201.529.2595 secorfarms.com
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
1. Backyard Living 235 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood 201.689.9111 bylnj.com
* – not in Bergen County
1. Fur the Love of Pets
32 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell 201.599.9500 furtheloveofpets.com
2. Lowe’s Home Improvement 2000 Bergen Town Center Paramus 201.527.1250 lowes.com
PAINT STORE
1. Norton’s Paint 632 Rte. 17 N. Paramus 201.447.4747 nortonspaint.com
2. Benjamin Moore (TIE) Multiple locations benjaminmoore.com
2. SherwinWilliams (TIE) Multiple locations sherwin-williams.com
PET BOUTIQUE
1. Fur the Love of Pets
32 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell
201.599.9500 furtheloveofpets.com
2. Kathy Santo Dog Training 21 Harrison Ave. Waldwick 201.512.8316 kathysantodog training.com
Who among us isn’t guilty of spoiling our four-legged family members, and why shouldn’t we? They bring so much love and joy into our lives. Fur the Love of Pets in Oradell not only provides relaxing, positive grooming experiences for your pup, they also offer a large selection of pet apparel, fun toys and specialized leashes and harnesses for any size dog.
SHOPPING DESTINATION
1. American Dream 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford 833.263.7326 americandream.com
2. Ginger N’ Cream 350 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.2440 gingerncream.com
3. Tice Corner Marketplace 441 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Woodcliff Lake 203.221.8148 ticescorner.com
SKI SHOP
1. Ski Barn 846 Rte. 17 N. Paramus 201.445.9070 skibarn.com
2. Big Snow American Dream Wy. East Rutherford 973.864.6600 bigsnowamerican dream.com
3. Mount Everest 318 Third Ave. Westwood 201.664.2500 ridemteverest.com TILE STORE
1. Wayne Tile Company 50 Spring St. Ramsey 201.825.8000 waynetile.com
2. Fuda Tile Multiple locations fudatile.com
TOYS
1. Tons of Toys 315 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.847.9317
140 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.497.6497 tonsoftoys.com
2. Toys “R” Us 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford 551.600.8697 toysrusdream.com
WINE SHOP
1. Total Wine & More 1001 Main St. River Edge 201.968.1777 totalwine.com
2. Bottle King 476 Rte. 17 Ramsey 201.934.9080 ramsey.bottleking.com
3. Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirit World 626 N. Maple Ave. Ho-Ho-Kus 201.444.2033 carlorussowine.com
WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
1. Ginger N’ Cream 350 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.2440 gingerncream.com
2. Cenia New York 1 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood 732.357.0538 cenianewyork.com
3. KD Boutique (TIE) 32 Godwin Ave. Midland Park 201.857.3677 kdboutiquenj.com
3. The ADdress (TIE) 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford 201.762.6208 theaddressad.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY
AIRBRUSH TAN
1. Brushed Tanning Studio 300 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.921.3663 brushedtanningstudio.com
BARBER
1. Ray’s Barber Pole 137 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.880.7444
2. Maple Barber 6 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood 201.652.6595 48 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick 201.574.8111 maplebarbershop.com
BLOWOUT
1. Bella’s Beauté Studio 272 Olde River Rd. Edgewater 201.383.9743 bellasbeautestudio.com
1. Ray’s Barber Pole 137 E. Main St. Ramsey
201.880.7444
This shop in downtown Ramsey embodies the classic, old-fashioned customer service and individual attention you’d expect in a small-town barber shop. That eponymous pole spins outside and welcomes anyone in need of a trim. From a back-to-school haircut to a style refresh before a big event, Ray’s makes sure you—or your son, your dad or any guy in the family—look like the best version of yourself.
2. Araya Rebirth Spa 10 Garber Sq. Ridgewood 201.445.7005 araya-rebirth.com
3. Selenite Skincare (TIE) 365 N. Midland Ave. Saddle Brook 201.772.0180 selenitebeauty.com
3. The Fountain Spa (TIE) 10 Riverside Square Mall Hackensack 201.327.5155
1100 Rte. 17 N. Ramsey 201.327.5155 thefountainspa.com
HAIR COLORIST
1. Bella’s Beauté Studio 272 Olde River Rd. Edgewater 201.383.9743 bellasbeautestudio.com
2. Araya Rebirth Spa 10 Garber Sq. Ridgewood 201.445.7005 araya-rebirth.com
3. The Fountain Spa 10 Riverside Square Mall Hackensack 201.327.5155
1100 Rte. 17 N. Ramsey 201.327.5155 thefountainspa.com
PILATES STUDIO
1. Femme 34 Commerce Rd. Hackensack 201.549.5200 femmenj.com
2. Club Pilates Multiple locations clubpilates.com REFLEXOLOGY
2. The Be Hive Organic Salon 269 Broadway Hillsdale 201.890.4416 bhiveorganicsalon.com
3. RLo Salon 327 Franklin Ave., Suite 15 Wyckoff 201.891.1717 rlosalon.com
DAY SPA
1. Pamper & Polish Day Spa 116 Broadway Woodcliff Lake 201.782.0277 pamperandpolishdayspa. com
2. Araya Rebirth Spa 10 Garber Sq. Ridgewood 201.445.7005 araya-rebirth.com
3. Selenite Skincare (TIE) 365 N. Midland Ave. Saddle Brook 201.772.0180 selenitebeauty.com
3. The Fountain Spa (TIE) 10 Riverside Square Mall Hackensack 201.327.5155
1100 Rte. 17 N. Ramsey 201.327.5155 thefountainspa.com
EYEBROW SHAPING
1. Pamper & Polish Day Spa 116 Broadway Woodcliff Lake 201.782.0277 pamperandpolish dayspa.com
2. Araya Rebirth Spa 10 Garber Sq. Ridgewood 201.445.7005 araya-rebirth.com
3. European Wax Center Multiple locations waxcenter.com
FACIAL
1. Pamper & Polish Day Spa 116 Broadway Woodcliff Lake 201.782.0277 pamperandpolish dayspa.com
2. The B Hive Organic Salon 269 Broadway Hillsdale 201.890.4416 bhiveorganicsalon.com
3. RLo Salon (TIE) 327 Franklin Ave., Suite 15 Wyckoff 201.891.1717 rlosalon.com
3. Revival Hair Studio (TIE) 34 W. Madison Ave. Dumont 201.385.4247 revivalhairdumont.com
MAKEUP
APPLICATION
1. Araya Rebirth Spa 10 Garber Sq. Ridgewood 201.445.7005 araya-rebirth.com
MASSAGE/ BODYWORK
1. Pamper & Polish Day Spa 116 Broadway Woodcliff Lake 201.782.0277 pamperandpolish dayspa.com
* – not in Bergen County
1. Araya Rebirth Spa 10 Garber Sq. Ridgewood 201.445.7005 araya-rebirth.com
2. Pamper & Polish Day Spa 116 Broadway Woodcliff Lake 201.782.0277 pamperandpolish dayspa.com
3. Zenful Soles 201.956.8791 zenfulsoles.com SALON
1. Bella’s Beauté Studio 272 Olde River Rd. Edgewater 201.383.9743 bellasbeautestudio.com
2. The B Hive Organic Salon 269 Broadway Hillsdale 201.890.4416 bhiveorganicsalon.com
3. Society 201 Salon 425 Forest Rd. Mahwah 201.904.2828 society201salon.com
1. Ginger N’ Cream
350 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.2440 gingerncream.com
This boutique has been voted the county’s best for four straight years, and for good reasons. Its selection of women’s apparel is wide and varied, while also being tailored and handpicked with the women of Bergen County in mind. Pick up your next showstopper dress, browse for business casual that will show everyone who’s in charge or grab your next favorite accessory, all with a small-business sensibility and right in our backyard.
YOGA
1. Femme 34 Commerce Rd. Hackensack 201.549.5200 femmenj.com
2. Shree Yoga 3 Barnstable Ct. Saddle River 201.822.1131 shreeyoga.com
3. BambooMoves Yoga 12 Engle St. #300 Englewood 201.871.7000 bamboomoves englewood.com
1. Gleamr Multiple locations gleamr.co
2. Urban Auto Spa 827 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.560.1144
785 Rte. 17 S. Ramsey 201.327.8660 urbanautospa.com
1. Closets by Karen* 140 Fifth Ave. Hawthorne 973.427.0510 closetsbykaren.com
1. Allendale Flowers 72 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale 201.962.7272 allendaleflowers.com
2. River Dell Flowers & Gifts 241 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell 201.262.8118 riverdellflowers.com
3. Beers Flower Shop (TIE) 33 Oak St. Ridgewood 201.445.4111 beersflowers.com
3. Colony Florist & Gifts (TIE) 762 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.891.2060 colonyfloristonline.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
1. Laurie DiGiacomo Interiors
4 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood 201.755.9640 lauriedigiacomo interiors.com
2. Granert Interior Planning & Design 225 Franklin Ave #3. Midland Park 201.251.8377 granertinteriordesign nj.com
3. Wostbrock Home
225 Goffle Rd. Ridgewood 201.445.0807 wostbrockhome.com
KITCHEN REMODELER
1. Ulrich Inc. 100 Chestnut St. Ridgewood 201.445.1260 ulrichinc.com
2. Granert Interior Planning & Design 225 Franklin Ave #3. Midland Park 201.251.8377 granertinteriordesign nj.com
1. Ulrich Inc. 100 Chestnut St. Ridgewood 201.445.1260 ulrichinc.com
Remodeling any part of your home can be stressful, but the most stressful room redo might be the kitchen. The experts at Ulrich Inc. are committed to making that process as smooth and simple as possible. Their project management team ensures excellence for every job they take. And their work isn’t done when the project is completed: You can always contact them with any follow-up questions or concerns.
PET GROOMER
1. Fur the Love of Pets
32 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell 201.599.9500 furtheloveofpets.com
2. Kathy Santo Dog Training 21 Harrison Ave. Waldwick 201.512.8316 kathysantodog training.com
3. Pet Smart (TIE) Multiple locations petsmart.com
3. Reigning Cats and Dogs (TIE) 38 Broadway Hillsdale 201.664.5800 reigningcandd.com
PET RESORT
1. Kathy Santo Dog Training 21 Harrison Ave. Waldwick 201.512.8316 kathysantodog training.com
TUTORING
1. Sylvan Learning Center of Teaneck 1086 Teaneck Rd. #4G Teaneck 201.645.4235 sylvanlearning.com
2. Sylvan Learning Center of Fair Lawn 33-00 Broadway #201 Fair Lawn 201.254.0629 sylvanlearning.com
VETERINARY CENTER
1. Oradell Animal Hospital 580 Winters Ave. Paramus 201.262.0010 oradell.com
2. Bergen County Veterinary Center 120 Hopper Ave. Waldwick 201.447.4444 bergencounty veterinarycenter.com
3. Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital 754 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.817.5564 franklinlakesanimal hospital.com
OPEN WRITE-INS FITNESS
Femme
34 Commerce Rd. Hackensack 201.549.5200 femmenj.com
MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE
PC Meals 19 Central Ave. Midland Park 201.214.3179 pcmeals.com
DERMATOLOGY
BAXT CosMedical 351 Evelyn St. Paramus 201.265.1300 cosmedical.com
(Editor’s note: Businesses receiving two or fewer votes were eliminated from the contest. Business-to-business companies also were eliminated from the contest.)
* – not in Bergen County
Want more waves near summer’s end? Five great Jersey spots are happy to oblige.
For some it’s the “carrot”: An idyll of sand and sun, the roar of the ocean and the nostalgic smell of lotion. For others it’s the “stick”: Getting through the day anyplace else is just too sticky without those blessed breezes. Whatever your motivation, the beach is the place to be in the waning days of summer, and you can go beyond your favorite locale. Five great spots offer sun, sand and surf aplenty here in the Garden State:
If you haven’t checked out the entertainment delights and the resort vibes of this Monmouth County town, now’s a great time to head over. Here gorgeous beaches are next-door neighbors to some of the state’s best music, art and nightlife. Places to stay. For luxury and an exclusive, upscale vibe, check out the historic St. Laurent Social Club, described as a “social retreat” and offering a world-class kitchen with food created by chef David Viana. For something more modern, the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel has a garden terrace designed so that pool swimming feels like ocean swimming, with the views to back it up. Places to eat. If you’re hungry for a historical locale (the building itself is breathtaking) and highend takes on classic pub food, you can’t beat The Black Swan Public House, where you can order both fish and chips and chicken tikka masala. If craft cocktails and the vibe of a French café are more your style, Pascal & Sabine offers a full drinks menu and both dinner and brunch menus. What to do besides the beach. Asbury Park is a hotbed of the arts. Want live music? Check out a show at The Stone Pony, the venue that helped launch some of New Jersey’s most famous musical names. What about art galleries? The city has dozens, featuring artists large and small, but we recommend Parlor Gallery for the work of New Jersey-based artists. Something hands-on? Check out places like Hot Sand, a studio where you can try out glass blowing. More information: cityofasburypark.com
At the state’s southernmost point, about two and a half hours from Bergen, this historic town, known for its beautiful architecture, is billed as “America’s first summertime resort.” Its 2.5 miles of beautiful beach are parallel to Beach Avenue, and you’re never far from food, shopping or a bathroom.
Places to stay. If you’re lodging in Cape May, you want to choose a bed-and-breakfast. Most are operated out of the area’s brightly colored Late Victorian buildings, many of them Queen Anne-style structures that resemble something from a storybook. Try the pink-and-white Mason Cottage, located downtown, with its vintage décor, full gourmet breakfast and knowledgeable concierge service. Or the Queen Victoria, designed to take you back to the era the name evokes, with afternoon tea and gas fireplaces in the rooms.
Places to eat. For something hardy and farmto-table, go to the Beach Plum Farm and enjoy a casual meal sitting in the Amish-style barn of a working farm. Something more upscale calling to you? The restaurant 410 Bank Street is constantly ranked as one of the state’s best; it offers FrenchNew Orleans cuisine with a Caribbean flair. What to do besides the beach. This destination is an antiques collector’s dream, with more than a dozen shops waiting for you to explore and find your newest treasure or collectible. If your shopping taste runs more toward the new, you won’t be disappointed either. Locales like Washington Commons and Carpenters Square Mall offer small, curated boutiques with everything from designer clothes to unique art. More information: capemay.com
One of the most iconic vacation destinations in the state, LBI lives and breathes summer fun. It offers all flavors of beaches, from the peaceful and white sands with scrubby pines of Barnegat Light to the fluffy sand and rolling dunes of Holgate. Go to the bustling day-tripping centers for a swim or, if you prefer something quiet and serene, try Harvey Cedars’s Sunset Park for natural Shore beauty.
Places to stay. The highly-rated and very luxe Hotel LBI in Ship Bottom has a rooftop restaurant and a full bar, as well as plush suites that can sleep one to eight people, depending on the package. Something smaller? The Sandcastle Bed and Breakfast in Barnegat Light has all the cozy cottage vibes you could want, with world-class amenities and small-town charm.
Places to eat. Viking Fresh Off the Hook offers seafood aplenty. For something that feels like home, Terrace Tavern is a local favorite with fantastic pub food and an extensive drinks menu. What to do besides the beach Visit LBI’s Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven, which offers fun for all ages. Rides, sweets, views, classic games and a new arcade—who could say no? Then there’s the same town’s Surflight Theatre, which is staging Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust Road Sept. 4, 7–8, 11, 14–15. More information: welcometolbi.com
A roughly two-hour-and-30-minute drive downstate will take you to Wildwood, a barrier island with wide, sandy beaches and a legacy of summer excellence—its first boardwalk was built in the 1890s. Enjoy five miles of wide, free beaches with white sand and perfect surf. Don’t want to leave Fido at home? North Wildwood has a dog-friendly beach that’s open all year long.
Places to stay. If your main concern is location, Adventurer Oceanfront Inn is for you. Very family friendly and within walking distance of all of Wildwood’s best attractions, this is a fantastic option for a group that’s always on the go. You can also take in the sunset from one of the oceanfront balconies. If you’re craving elegance instead, Madison Resort’s Wildwood Crest Hotel and Beach Resort offers a poolside lounge and chef-created, small-plate meals as well as proximity to the beach.
Places to eat. Wildwood is the spot to visit if you want family -friendly eats and chic nostalgia. Marvis Diner, open for every meal, serves up a full menu of the classics: burgers, fries, disco fries, pancakes, you name it. For something a little more upscale (though just as family friendly), check out Royal Grille, which specializes in fresh seafood and homemade desserts. It’s also seaside, so you never need to take a break from the surf.
What to do besides the beach. That boardwalk from the 1890s has grown in the many decades since. Check out the two miles packed end to end with shops, water parks, eateries, entertainment and amusement piers with more than100 rides and attractions. Every day is a carnival waiting for you and your family to join in! More information: wildwoodsnj.com
Take the Garden State Parkway straight down for two hours and you arrive at this coastal getaway, where the pleasures of the beach are always right at hand. Whether you’re looking for boardwalks packed with activities or somewhere quiet to take in the majesty of the ocean, you’ll find something here.
Places to stay. Like your choice of beaches, your lodging options in the area run the gamut. For those looking for something small and quaint, the Ocean City Mansion, built in 1898, offers beautiful, cozy rooms just a short walk away from the surf, shopping and restaurants. For glamor instead, the boutique accommodations of Coastal Chateau may be right—this spot promises an elevated Shore experience just steps away from everything Ocean City offers. Places to eat. Keep the Shore vibe going through every meal with Oves Restaurant, which has a 55-year legacy at the boardwalk and offers both breakfast and dinner menus. Its apple-cider donuts are famous, its seafood could not be fresher, and you can rent bikes and beach gear on your way out. Want to try something new? The Hula Restaurant & Sauce Co. serves up a taste of Hawaii.
What to do besides the beach. Ocean City is a safe, flat biking destination and a beautiful place to take a ride. You may see a group pedal past you on a surrey (a bike built for multiple people). If you’ve always thought that looked like a blast, now is a perfect time—there are plenty of places to rent them (and regular bikes too). While you’re thinking about rentals, you can grab a kayak for the day and take it through the calm water of the creeks and bays to take in the scenery and local wildlife.
More information: oceancityvacation.com
This colorful fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) will sweeten any main dish.
Yields 4-6 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 1 lbs. chuck steak, cut into medium slices
n 1 large onion, cut into medium strips
n ½ green bell pepper, cut into medium strips
n ½ red bell pepper, cut into medium strips
n 1 tsp. black pepper
n salt to taste
n 2 cups water
n 3 Tbs. oil
For The Sauce
n 3 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
n 1 Tbs. cornstarch
n 1 Tbs. sugar
n ½ cup water
n ½ tsp. onion powder
n ½ tsp. garlic powder
n ¼ tsp. ginger powder
DIRECTIONS
In a pan, add three tablespoons of oil and fry the chuck in two batches until brown on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same oil, fry the onion until translucent. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan, fry the bell peppers for few seconds and set aside.
Add the fried chuck back to the pan and season with salt and black pepper. Add two cups of water and let it cook on medium heat for 45 minutes or until the meat is tender. Add water if the meat is still tough and continue cooking.
When the meat is cooked, add the onion and bell pepper.
Mix the sauce ingredients and pour over the steak, stir until the sauce thickens. Serve hot.
“Pair this dish with a healthy whole grain like quinoa, farro or brown rice. Whole grains provide additional fiber, vitamins and minerals, and will make the meal more balanced and satisfying. You can also substitute the chuck steak for a leaner cut, such as sirloin or flank steak. These have less fat and fewer calories while still providing high-quality protein.”
—Nicole Hallissey, registered dietitian nutritionist, Worksite Wellness Nutrition, Mahwah
Yields 4-6 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 6 large bell peppers, any color
n 2 cups wild rice, cooked
n 1 lb. lean ground turkey
n 2 cloves garlic, minced
n 1 small onion, diced
n 1 16 oz. jar crushed tomatoes
n 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
n 1 tsp. salt
n 1/2 tsp. pepper
n 11/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
n 1 Tbs. olive oil
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare the rice and set aside. You will need two cups of cooked rice.
Cut off the tops of the peppers, remove the seeds, trim the bottoms to help them sit flat in the skillet and rinse thoroughly. In a large pan, boil the peppers for 5 minutes then remove from water and turn upside down onto a paper towel to dry.
In a large skillet, add the olive oil, garlic and onion, and saute until tender. Add the turkey and brown until thoroughly cooked.
Add the crushed tomatoes, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and stir until blended.
Fill the peppers evenly with the mixture, place in a lightly greased 10-inch, cast iron skillet, or baking dish of your choice. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and add the remaining cheese to the top of peppers and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
“You can make these peppers more ‘Italian’ by using a 1/4 cup grated parmesan or Romano cheese instead of the cheddar. This also makes it much less fattening, as hard cheeses are better from a fat standpoint. In addition, they add better flavor than softer cheeses.
Add a little crushed red pepper to the garlic, onion and olive oil to jazz up the turkey a bit, as turkey meat can be quite bland.”
—Toni Gerbino, nutritionist, Fort
Lee
RENO’S APPLIANCE
235 McLean Boulevard, Paterson, NJ 07504
973.247.1860 | www.renosappliance.com
SHOPPING FOR AN APPLIANCE CAN BE AN OVERWHELMING EXPERIENCE. What makes the journey stress-free is knowing you are in the hands of the “family” team at Reno’s Appliance, made up of knowledgeable sales professionals familiar with all brands and manufacturers. Always dedicated to offering new and improved services, Reno’s Appliance also has an on-site Corporate Chef available to demonstrate a variety of appliances. What began in 1951 as Reno’s Radio and TV Repair Shop has grown into a 16,000-square-foot designer showroom serving the tri-state area and offering a full range of appliances. More than just an appliance company, Reno’s is committed to the growth and welfare of Paterson and is proud to be bestowed the “Faith in Paterson Award” honored by the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce for its exceptional investments and initiatives in the local economy.
Reno’s three sons continue the tradition, highlighting customer satisfaction and creating a unique shopping experience at every visit.
ANDREW SPECTOR, DMD, FAGD, FICOI
GENTLE DENTISTRY, P.A.
173 Terrace Street, Haworth, NJ 07641 | 201.384.1611 | www.gentledentistry.com
SINCE 1961, GENTLE DENTISTRY HAS BEEN HELPING PATIENTS SMILE. Soon to be three generations strong, Dr. Andrew Spector will be welcoming his oldest son, Jay Spector, to the practice in 2025, building upon a legacy of over six decades of collective experience centered around personalized service and exceptional technique. Recognized as a 2024 top finalist in (201) Magazine’s Best of Bergen Readers’ Poll for Health and Beauty, Gentle Dentistry is honored to serve the community with empathy and grace, while advancing the spirit of minimally invasive dentistry.
As a trailblazer in the field of virtually pain-free care, Gentle Dentistry embraces the most revolutionary dental technology. The multi-specialty dental team offers comprehensive services where minimally invasive, technology driven techniques provide the best in implant dentistry, cosmetic smile makeovers, and technology enhanced general care. Our licensed and highly trained staff is truly exceptional, providing unparalleled expertise and unwavering care. Their attention to detail ensures the office runs seamlessly and every patient leaves with a smile. Additionally, Dr. Spector’s unique vision for aesthetic dentistry is shaped by his passion to deliver beautiful, natural smiles. Experience a different kind of dentistry where the name conveys the promise and the philosophy of compassionate care complemented by impeccable results.
Paramus (Suite 301) - 201.445.1660
Paramus (Suite 211) - 201.251.2323
Northvale - 201.767.8400
Montvale - 201.391.0071
Ridgewood - 201.670.7800 www.bergenmed.com
“BERGEN MEDICAL ASSOCIATES EMBRACES A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE” At Bergen Medical Associates, we are committed to delivering advanced, whole-patient care across our multi-specialty facilities. “Our goal is to provide top-tier medical services tailored to the unique needs of each patient,” explains Dr. Eric Avezzano, CEO and Managing Partner of the practice. “We emphasize a therapeutic atmosphere, personalized care for comfort and safety, and seamless access to our healthcare team.”
Patients appreciate the convenience of a “one-stop shop” experience, where various medical specialties are housed under one roof. With over 40 board-certified physicians and a skilled team of nurses and staff, the practice offers expertise in fields such as internal medicine, family medicine, gastroenterology, rheumatology, endocrinology, allergy and immunology, sports medicine, gynecology, hospital care, urology, nutrition, weight management, and podiatry. The practice promotes a collaborative environment among its physicians, ensuring a seamless continuum of care that spans from preventative services and overall wellness to managing health concerns at every stage of life. Bergen Medical Associates is dedicated to accommodating patients with flexible, extended weekday and Saturday hours, as well as offering same-day appointments. The practice proudly accepts most insurance plans.
www.theshannonrose.com
WALKING INTO THE SHANNON ROSE immediately transports guests to Ireland…all without having to leave New Jersey. Its interior of Irish inspired décor is only the beginning. The unique menu of traditional Irish favorites and beyond utilizes only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and is sure to satisfy any palate. But those aren’t the only reasons people keep coming back. At the heart of it all is a magnificent management team led by General Manager, Sal La Verdi. They strive to foster the pub’s continued legacy of Irish hospitality and community outreach. The delicious food and family-oriented atmosphere keeps the spirit of giving alive within the tightknit community.
Whether enjoying a family meal, seeing your favorite band play live or having a private event catered, a visit to The Shannon Rose Irish Pub leaves guests with full stomachs and happy hearts. Be sure to stop by the Ramsey or Clifton, New Jersey locations to experience it for yourself.
MARY AND HER TEAM’S UNIQUE UNDERSTANDING OF BERGEN COUNTY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET, neighborhoods, housing stock, school systems and amenities ensures that clients receive knowledgeable, full-spectrum guidance when buying or selling. Mary is a reliable and loyal advocate who takes great care in creating customized strategies to exceed the goals of her clients. She is a fierce negotiator, and her unparalleled work ethic and efficient, attentive service mean that not a single minute of her clients’ time is wasted. As a Compass Founding Agent, Mary is aided in her quest for total client satisfaction by the renowned in-house marketing services, nationwide reach and industryleading technology of the country’s largest independent brokerage. Mary’s team includes Director of Operations and Realtor, Michele Gordon, who ensures a stress-free client experience through the team’s fine tuned processes. And fellow Realtors Wendy Gronich and Christian Schaefers, who facilitate seamless urban-to-suburban transitions, boast dual licenses in both NY and NJ. With over 40 years of combined experience, over $500,000,000 in career sales, and a reputation for unwavering integrity and discretion, it’s no surprise that the team’s business thrives on repeat and
THE FACE OF
JOHN MINICHETTI, DMD
THE CENTER FOR IMPLANTS AND AESTHETICS AT ENGLEWOOD DENTAL
370 Grand Avenue, Suite 200, Englewood, NJ 07631 | 201.871.3555 | www.englewooddental.com
MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, Dr. John Minichetti began practicing cosmetic and implant dentistry as an innovative solution to replacing missing teeth and improving smiles. Dr. Minichetti and his elite team of General Dentists, Drs. Anna Hong, Cara Minichetti, and Joseph D’Amore, are leaders in the dental community, addressing both simple and complicated cases with the same degree of attention and expertise.
Dr. Minichetti’s office is Bergen County’s cutting-edge facility for cosmetic and implant procedures and provides quality comprehensive care in general, pediatric, laser, facial aesthetics and orthodontic dentistry. The practice hosts an in-house lab, Digital X-rays, CAT Scan, a board-certified anesthesiologist and a specialized surgical suite. Dr. Minichetti often receives patient referrals from other dentists. As Chief of Dentistry at Englewood Hospital and former President of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the American Board of Oral Implantology, Dr. Minichetti brings expertise to his practice and enjoys teaching clinicians from around the world. Testimonials from colleagues and patients agree that Dr. Minichetti’s office sets the standards for quality dental care.
THE FACE OF OBERG
671 Broadway, Westwood, NJ 07675 | 201.664.1300 www.obergandlindquist.com
DEBRA OBERG, PRESIDENT OF OBERG & LINDQUIST, a family-owned home appliance business that has been operating for over 70 years, has dedicated her life to carrying on her family’s legacy. Growing up in the business, she started selling appliances at the age of 13 under her father’s guidance, learning the importance of building relationships with customers. Under her leadership, Oberg & Lindquist has thrived for three generations turning into a 6-building complex, a rarity in the small business landscape. Oberg attributes the company’s continued success to exceptional customer service and the trust her community places in the family-owned business.
Looking toward the future, Oberg envisions building state-of-the-art showrooms to enhance the customer experience, especially as she anticipates growth in the remodeling and luxury appliance markets. Oberg & Lindquist employees and owners are dedicated to providing exceptional service above all. Debra Oberg says, “We’re truly blessed with the people we have. They are part of the Oberg & Lindquist family. We strive to deliver quality products and superb customer service. We offer free in-home estimates for custom installation of new or replacement appliances and stand behind our work.”
THE FACES OF
ANTHONY CARAMICO, D.M.D., BJORN THORSEN, D.D.S., JULIE JAMES, D.M.D., & certified in the LANAP protocol for minimally invasive laser periodontal therapy, DAVID GRECO, D.M.D. (not pictured) MIDLAND PARK FAMILY DENTISTRY 662 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432 | 201.447.5555 | www.midlandparkfamilydentistry.com
WITH A FOCUS ON EXCEEDING PATIENTS’ EXPECTATIONS, Midland Park Family Dentistry brings together modern, technologically advanced services and 35 years of hands-on experience. Dr. Anthony Caramico (affectionately known as Dr. Tony) and his team are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative dentistry in a patient-focused atmosphere.
Dr. Tony and his associates have been utilizing laser dentistry for years and have recently upgraded to the Solea Model 3, which is a gamechanger in dentistry. Fillings can be done without anesthesia, and instead of the typically loud, intimidating drill, Midland Park Family Dentistry utilizes the only FDA-approved 9.3-micron CO2 laser for a painless, minimally invasive visit. The result is a faster, painless, anesthetic-free visit for the patient. Patients say the best feeling is no lingering numbness after their visit!
“By staying at the forefront of the industry and continuously learning about the latest instruments and techniques, I can deliver the highest level of personalized care, the very cornerstone of my practice,” says Dr. Caramico.
FACE OF
IN THE EVER-EVOLVING WORLD OF NEW JERSEY REAL ESTATE, where the competition is fierce and the stakes are high, one name always rises to the top: top agent Taylor Lucyk, leader of The Taylor Lucyk Group. Consistently recognized for establishing an unparalleled brand presence, his groundbreaking marketing strategies and delivering exceptional service, Taylor has redefined what it means to be a leader in the industry. His influence extends far beyond local markets, attracting top developers and investors from around the globe who seek his invaluable guidance. Taylor and his team distinguish themselves through a combination of innovative customized marketing, industry expertise and commitment to excellence. They focus on delivering a personalized, high-touch experience that exceeds client expectations and fosters long-term relationships.
Taylor continues to dominate the NJ real estate market and has secured over $300 million in closed sales in the last 24 months. He is proud to have the #1 team on the entire NJMLS and in Bergen County. His remarkable achievements include setting record home sales across multiple Bergen County towns, driven by his unparalleled expertise and deep insider knowledge of New Jersey’s fluctuating real estate and economic landscapes. Taylor’s exceptional client service, relentless drive, and over-achieving mentality have cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the industry.
IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY (IHA)
JASON SCHLERETH, PRESIDENT
KERRY CARROLL, PRINCIPAL 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Washington Township, NJ 07676 | 201.445.6800 | www.ihanj.com
IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY (IHA) offers more than a quality Catholic education for young women. IHA is a lifetime sisterhood to the more than 650 high school students who support and encourage one another for years after they graduate. Including the Class of 2024, there are 11,188 young women who call themselves IHA alumnae.
Founded in 1960, IHA is the first college preparatory regional high school for young women in the Archdiocese of Newark. The faculty and staff focus on developing the God-given gifts and talents of IHA’s young women — academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially — preparing students for a lifetime of positive contributions to society.
To supplement the competitive athletics, professional-level performing arts programs, and superlative college prep curriculum, IHA recently launched its Scholae@theheart Program. This program allows students to investigate areas for postsecondary education and receive additional extracurricular experiences to support their learning. All of the scholae share a common liberal arts core curriculum that provides the foundation and skills that universities expect from top-tier applicants.
THE FACE OF
DAYNA CASSANDRA, DDS
DR. DAYNA CASSANDRA COSMETIC DENTISTRY 351 Evelyn Street, Paramus, NJ 07652 | 201.261.7645 | www.cosmeticdentistofparamus.com
WHILE DR. DAYNA CASSANDRA KEEPS PACE WITH THE EVER-CHANGING DENTAL FIELD, her philosophy – to deliver the ultimate in patient care, to actively listen and communicate openly and honestly and to demonstrate opportunities to improve dental health – remains constant. That’s why patients who wish to live full and healthy lives are drawn to her practice.
Post Covid, private practices all over the country are facing tremendous challenges with a mass exodus of staff or competition from larger corporate dental offices. Even under mounting pressures, Dr. Cassandra stays true to her vision and authenticity with a team of passionate individuals by her side who give their best each day. To complement the exceptional team, the specialists maintain a competitive edge on trending initiatives in modern dentistry. Digital smile design aids in diagnostic vision by combining face and intraoral scans to better analyze an individual’s dental and facial proportions creating natural, authentic smiles. Additionally, the practice has added cloud-based software that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to maximize efficiency in reading x-rays and offers a better understanding of dental plan benefits. In standing by proven principles, aligning with progressive professionals and keeping pace with advancing technology, Dr. Cassandra delivers dentistry that improves comfort, confidence and quality of life.
GREG AMERKANIAN, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC® AND MICHAEL GOGLIORMELLA have been working with high-net-worth families and individuals to develop financial strategies that consider their goals, address priorities, and protect wealth for over 30 years and 20 years respectively. After a thorough financial analysis, they provide a diagnosis and comprehensive plan that aligns with their client’s different phases of life and builds investment strategies that are resilient to economic times and our evolving environment.
Their entire team knows that to instill trust and confidence, a lasting relationship starts with good listening. Depending on where you are in life – accumulation to distribution to preservation – they utilize strategies that focus on liquidity management, asset preservation, estate planning strategies and retirement forecasting. Their practice also counsels small-to-medium sized companies, not-for-profit institutions and charitable endowments to manage their financial portfolios. Both Greg and Mike are very involved in several charitable and non-profit organizations within the Bergen County community, and Greg is also a member of the Financial Planning Association and the Investments & Wealth Institute™.
Backed by UBS, a leader in wealth management, AG & Associates offer honest, experienced, and open guidance that helps clients understand and navigate every stage of their financial journey and achieve the financial future they envision for themselves and for generations of loved ones to come.
AT THE HELM OF CORCORAN INFINITY
PROPERTIES, one of the fastest growing luxury real estate brands in Bergen County, David Arabia is widely recognized as an industry leader and a driving force in the development of many coveted communities within the New York metro area. Having worked for more than two decades as a top-rated independent agent, David affiliated with Corcoran in 2023 and founded his own brokerage under the respected brand. With more than 100 skilled agents, Corcoran Infinity Properties is headquartered in Alpine, NJ and has additional offices in Cresskill and River Vale. Exciting expansion for the business is on the horizon, with a new office set to open this fall.
Since the brokerage launched, David has focused on building an impressive team of highly-ranked sales agents who stand out for their unique approach to real estate marketing. The firm is known for its creative and wide-reaching presence on digital media platforms and, leveraging the global network of Corcoran agents, is able to bring an expansive audience to its listings while attracting the attention of discerning buyers.
FACES
ADRIANA SUAREZ-LIGON, MD, KARI COLEN, MD, FACS
THE BREAST CENTER OF NEW JERSEY
260 Old Hook Rd., Suite 304, Westwood, NJ, 07675 | 551.866.3960 | www.Breastcenternewjersey.com
THE BREAST CENTER OF NEW JERSEY, a distinguished division of Premier Surgical Network and The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, proudly provides comprehensive breast health services at Pascack Valley Hospital. Led by Dr. Adriana Suarez-Ligon and Dr. Kari Colen, our team embraces a concierge approach to ensure each patient receives compassionate, individualized care. From genetic testing and high-risk assessment to diagnosis, cancer surgery, and reconstruction, we are dedicated to guiding and supporting our patients throughout their entire journey.
Dr. Suarez-Ligon is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who welcomes patients with a wide range of breast concerns, from breast pain and abnormal mammograms to those with a family history of breast disease. She brings extensive expertise in treating high-risk patients, benign breast disease, and breast cancer. A formal diagnosis is not required for an appointment.
Dr. Colen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in both autologous (DIEP flap) and implant-based breast reconstruction. She prioritizes informed decision-making, guiding patients in selecting the most effective treatment option tailored to their needs. In addition to her expertise in breast reconstruction, Dr. Colen’s microsurgical skills enable her to effectively treat patients experiencing post-mastectomy pain syndrome, providing a lasting solution to their discomfort.
THE FACES OF
SIDNEY RABINOWITZ, MD, FACS HAKAN USAL, MD, TZVI SMALL, MD, FACS THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED RECONSTRUCTION
305 Rt 17 South, Suite 3-100A, Paramus, NJ 07652 | 551.866.3961 | www.advancedreconstruction.com
THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED RECONSTRUCTION is the go-to center for complex reconstructive procedures. Committed to pushing the boundaries of medical science, we redefine the treatment landscape by blending cutting-edge techniques with innovative research. As leaders in the field, we remain at the forefront of collaboration and development to drive essential progress.
When traditional methods fall short, we chart new paths to healing for our patients. Our surgeons are amongst few in the world uniquely trained and experienced in performing groundbreaking microsurgeries with precision and skill. We specialize in the most challenging and intricate cases to eliminate debilitating pain and restore quality of life. At The Institute, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons Dr. Hakan Usal, Dr. Tzvi Small, and Dr. Sidney Rabinowitz each brings unique expertise to advance patient care.
Dr. Usal and Dr. Small are highly skilled in breast reconstruction, offering implant-based, oncoplastic, and various autologous procedures, including the revolutionary DIEP flap. In addition to breast, they provide surgical solutions for severe nerve-related conditions, such as pudendal neuralgia. Dr. Rabinowitz, who holds an additional board certification in hand and microsurgery, is well-versed in joint denervation surgery. He also delivers natural results with minimal scarring for patients undergoing skin cancer reconstruction.
ROI KLIPPER, REALTOR ASSOCIATE THE KLIPPER GROUP
CORCORAN INFINITY PROPERTIES 1018 Closter Dock Road, Alpine NJ 07620
WHEN IT COMES TO BERGEN COUNTY REAL ESTATE, one name stands out above the restRoi Klipper, a leading real estate agent and driving force behind The Klipper Group at Corcoran Infinity Properties. Roi’s brand is rapidly expanding into new towns, from Glen Rock to Saddle River he has listings throughout Bergen County. Roi prides himself on his exceptional negotiating skills and personalized approach to his client’s needs. Specializing in assisting first-time homebuyers, investors, and builders in finding their perfect property, Roi has carved a niche in off-market opportunities, uncovering hidden gems for eager buyers. Roi has broken sales records multiple times over his career and prides himself on his unique marketing and outside the box creativity.
Recognized with the prestigious New Jersey Realtors® Circle of Excellence Award at the Platinum Level 3 years in a row and counting. Roi’s dedication and hard work are evident in his outstanding achievements. He ranks in the top 1% of Realtors in Bergen County. To stay up to date on his latest listings or to get more information please visit www.TheKlipperGroup.com - IG: @theklippergroup
LIANY FARINAS-HAN, DMD
SMILES BY BERGEN DENTAL
339 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432 | 201.444.3049
310 Main Street, Emerson, NJ 07630 | 201.261.3364
166 Washington Avenue, Dumont, NJ 07628 | 201.384.2112 www.smilesbybergendental.com
WITH PURPOSEFULNESS AND PASSION, DREAMS DO COME TRUE.
Early in her dental career, Dr. Liany Farinas-Han, a Juilliard School classically trained concert pianist, envisioned a multi-site practice that could offer patients convenience and ease of scheduling. Paramount to her vision was a unified practice built on seamless quality care. When her single office could no longer accommodate patients, she opened a second location to meet growing demands. Now with the latest addition in Dumont, Dr. Farinas-Han’s dream has become a reality.
At Smiles By Bergen Dental, teamwork and open communications ensure that patients receive consistent, individualized care across all locations. “A cohesive team is like a good dance partner,” says Dr. Farinas-Han. “You can read each other’s next move without uttering a word.” Dr. Farinas-Han’s emphasis remains steadfast on team training and education. Panel discussions and regular meetings to exchange best practices and consistent treatment modalities bring an energy and drive to this robust practice. With special attention given to cosmetic cases, the dentists create artistic, unique and balanced smiles that build confidence and boost self-esteem. As indisputable as the consistent exceptional care and unmatched aesthetic results is the infectious joy and rapport that radiates throughout all three offices.
CLAUDIA ROESING IS A DISTINGUISHED REAL ESTATE ADVISOR RENOWNED for delivering exceptional client service in Bergen County’s competitive market. Claudia has built her business on a philosophy of prioritizing each client’s unique goals and expectations fostering deep client loyalty. Her knowledge of the Bergen County market, particularly in luxury property transactions, has earned her a reputation for unparalleled service, discretion, and precise market analysis.
Claudia began her real estate career as an investor, discovering her passion for the field early in life. Shortly after graduating college, she purchased her first investment property, marking the start of a transformative journey in real estate. Her dedication to exceptional service, combined with meticulous market analysis, astute negotiation skills, cutting-edge marketing and innovative investment strategies is unique and highly esteemed in the industry. As an award-winning and record-breaking Bergen County Realtor, Claudia has received the NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence Award multiple times and ranks in the top 1% of Realtors in New Jersey. Claudia doesn’t simply sell homes; she revolutionizes their marketing, showcasing the effectiveness of
and unwavering commitment to achieving outstanding results for her clients.
DONALD A. MCCAIN, M.D., PH.D., FACS
20 Prospect Ave., Suite 603, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.342.1010 www.drdonaldmccain.com
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT NEARLY 97,610 new melanoma cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, resulting in 7,990 deaths. Dr. Donald McCain, Chief of Surgical Oncology at Hackensack University Medical Center, explains:
“The increasing incidence of intermediate and deep malignant melanomas has made genetic analysis for gene expression profiling and sentinel lymph node biopsy a necessary step in determining the risk of spread.”
Dr. McCain has the largest single practice performance of sentinel lymph biopsies and dissections—over 3,000 amid 20 years of experience. He advises Melanoma patients to have all suspicious lesions biopsied by their dermatologist, followed by a careful pathology review. Dr. McCain is Vice Chairman of the John Theurer Cancer Center and the Physician in charge of OR Operations at Hackensack Medical Center. Furthermore, he is the Chief of Surgical Oncology and completed his fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. McCain holds memberships in key national and regional professional organizations and is recognized for his research excellence in areas which include: Gastric Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer, Breast Cancer and Sarcoma.
to
ORAL SURGERY
Scan the QR code to learn more, or visit RIVERSIDEORALSURGERY.COM
A C E S
Riverside Oral Surgery, New Jersey’s premier oral and maxillofacial surgery group, was founded 17 years ago by Dr. Jason M. Auerbach. His singular focus was to create “the optimal patient experience…each and every time” and that philosophy still remains the group’s hallmark today. All of Riverside’s oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly skilled and extensively trained in providing comprehensive and progressive oral and maxillofacial care to patients of all ages.
With a rapidly expanding footprint and a full scope of surgical offerings, the Official Oral Surgeons of the New Jersey Devils, Riverside Oral Surgery, is the ideal choice for patients throughout New Jersey. Whether it’s care for wisdom teeth, dental implants, head and neck pathology, facial cosmetics, TMJ, or any other issue oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to treat, Riverside Oral Surgery has multiple board-certified, and fellowship trained surgeons and a qualified team dedicated to the patient experience. Riverside Oral Surgery, proudly selected as the ONLY dental practice in the state awarded NJBIZ Best Places to work, offers a solution custom built for you. Dr. Auerbach, who is also Instagram’s @bloodytoothguy, explains the success of the group, “I founded this practice to provide care ‘The Riverside Way’, where every patient we are privileged to treat is assured our utmost attention, uncompromised care, and a predictable exceptional outcome.”
DIANE
DUROCHER, ASID, IIDA, CAPS, C.I.D.
DIANE DUROCHER
INTERIORS, INC.
Ramsey, NJ 07446 | 201.825.3832
www.Dianedurocherinteriors.com
A WELL-RESPECTED DESIGNER FOR OVER 25 YEARS, Diane Durocher believes that the foundation of successful design is trust and confidence. Connecting on a deeply personal level enables Diane to design inspired spaces that reflect her clients’ unique personalities and lifestyles. With a keen eye for color, outstanding space planning skills, and the ability to design customized pieces, she rises to the challenge of transforming a blank slate into a stunning reality and brings her clients’ visions to life. Her ultimate goal is to exceed her clients’ expectations.
Diane is an award-winning designer whose talent has been recognized throughout her career. She has received numerous “Design of Excellence” awards from the NJ Chapter of ASID, has been selected to showcase her work in many prominent designer showhouses in NJ and NY, and is often featured in prestigious design publications.
She believes that a well-designed home is not just a lovely backdrop, it influences how we live our lives.
TRACY VERRICO, DO BONA DEA GYNECOLOGY
275 Forest Rd., Suite 125, Paramus, NJ 07652 | 551.278.5898
www.bonadeagynecology.com
DR. TRACY VERRICO, A RESPECTED OBSTETRICIAN-GYNECOLOGIST WITH OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, has transformed gynecological care at Bona Dea Gynecology in Paramus, New Jersey, through her integrative approach. From the beginning of her career, Dr. Verrico aimed to offer more than routine care, focusing on a patient-centered model emphasizing time, understanding, and comprehensive evaluations.
Her practice uniquely combines conventional and functional medicine to address a wide spectrum of women’s health issues, specializing in treating hormonal imbalances during reproductive and menopausal years. With a focus on hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Verrico tailors each treatment plan to meet individual patient needs, ensuring optimal health and well-being. Her commitment to integrative care means addressing underlying concerns rather than merely treating symptoms.
Dr. Verrico is dedicated to spending quality time with her patients, listening attentively, and engaging in shared decision-making. Beyond medicine, she is a visionary in women’s health and financial empowerment. As a real estate entrepreneur and wealth educator, she teaches financial literacy through her course, What Wealthy Women Know, helping women achieve financial security.
THE FACES OF
CAHILL ORTHOPEDIC SPORTS MEDICINE & JOINT REPLACEMENT
87 Summit Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 140 North State Route 17, Suite 255, Paramus, NJ 07652 111 Dean Dr., Suite 1 North, Tenafly, NJ 07670 201.489.0022 | www.cahillorthopedic.com
THE PHYSICIANS AT CAHILL ORTHOPEDICS OFFER SPECIALIZED CARE IN SPORTS- RELATED INJURIES AND JOINT REPLACEMENTS.
Dr. James Cahill is a board certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon with expertise in ACL reconstruction, arthroscopic shoulder stabilization and rotator cuff repair, as well as the management of pediatric sports injuries and trauma. Having completed advanced fellowship training at NYU in sports medicine, he routinely provides care for professional, collegiate, and high school athletes. His practice is affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Health, where he is a senior attending orthopedic surgeon. He also performs surgery at Valley Hospital. His surgical techniques are at the forefront of orthopedic sports medicine and joint replacement, including Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements, which he is an expert in and performs on a regular basis. Dr. Cahill’s educational background includes John Hopkins University and Columbia University. Dr. Cahill is proud to serve as the Chief Orthopedic Team Physician for Saint Peters University in Jersey City.
Dr. Erik Contreras is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery, sports medicine, and fracture care. Originally from Texas, he completed his orthopedic residency training at The Ohio State University, where he trained with expert surgeons taking care of NCAA Division 1 athletes. He then completed his fellowship training at the prestigious NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital in New York City, where he trained in all aspects of shoulder and elbow surgery under the guidance of worldrenowned orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Contreras has a particular interest in shoulder replacement surgery, including anatomic, reverse, and revision shoulder replacement. He also serves as an orthopedic team physician for Saint Peter’s University and routinely performs surgery for sports-related injuries of the shoulder and elbow including shoulder stabilization, UCL repair, and Tommy John surgery.
MADELINE POWERS PCMEALS
19 Central Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432
201.214.3179 | www.pcmeals.com
WHEN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WANT TO EAT CLEAN, FRESH, BALANCED MEALS but life gets in the way, the solution is right here in Bergen County. PCMeals offers fresh, portioned controlled and nutritionally balanced meals for our busy, active lifestyles.
Ten years ago, Madeline Powers realized her contemporaries were becoming increasingly mindful of personal health and wellness, especially with food choices, so she began developing custom performance meal plans. Working with professional athletes and coaches, local gyms, individuals and families, she created PCMeals to make eating healthy a reality. With three different meal plans to choose from –PowerClean Performance, PaleoClean Low Carb and PureClean Plant Based – all meals are prepared and plated fresh, are portioned controlled and labeled with nutritional values. You can order from their Weekly Specials or from their Classics for a variety of meals you will never get tired of. Winner of Bergen’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Meal Delivery Service, PC Meals uses the freshest ingredients so you are always eating clean for optimal performance and nutrition. PCMeals would like to welcome you with a discount on all first time orders using codeBERGENMAG. Eating healthy has never been easier or more satisfying.
COMPASS NJ 1 Franklin Ave., Suite 2-3, Ridgewood NJ 07450
C: 201.788.6667 | O: 551.284.0175 www.Dianecooksonrealtor.com diane@dianecookson.com
TOP PRODUCING REALTOR DIANE COOKSON IS ON THE CUTTING EDGE, constantly staying ahead of the competition, implementing high end marketing, technology and customized concierge services that separate her from the rest. By combining market expertise, tough negotiation skills, and an unsurpassed work ethic , Diane delivers the best possible results for her clients.
Diane is consistently recognized as one of Northern New Jersey’s top producers. RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals ranks Diane in the top 1.5% of all nationally recognized agents and she’s a recipient of the New Jersey Realtors Circle of Excellence Platinum status from 2018 through 2023 . There is no secret to her success… hard work, passion, and the art to making a deal drive Diane’s business.
Diane Cookson is a licensed real estate broker salesperson affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented here is intended for informational purposes only. Informational is compelled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
JOSEPH V. MACERI IS AMONG THE TWO PERCENT of active New Jersey lawyers certified by the state Supreme Court as a matrimonial attorney. Throughout his career, Mr. Maceri has focused on representing clients with matters involving complex child custody disputes as well as high net worth divorces, which included business valuations and dissolution. In addition, Mr. Maceri’s practice includes multifaceted post-divorce litigation and appellate practice. His 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.
Mr. Maceri’s commitment to serving his clients and community has only grown stronger throughout his well-established career. He has also served on various state, county and local governing bodies to advise on policy changes for the public. “I deeply enjoy my time dedicated to public service,” says Mr. Maceri. “I love working in the community and making a difference in the lives of others.”
TARYN BYRON, ASSOCIATE BROKER CORCORAN INFINITY PROPERTIES
1018 Closter Dock Road, Alpine, NJ 07620 | O: 201.768.6868
C: 732.362.1534 | IG @tarynbyron
FINDING A REAL ESTATE PARTNER WHO HAS YOUR SUCCESS AT HEART IS A RARE FIND, Taryn Byron has a deep understanding of all facets of real estate and understands the stakes are high. She holds a degree in Business Management complemented by extensive coursework in Architecture and years working as a construction project manager. These very different worlds coupled with a love of fashion and luxury living, have perfectly melded into a thriving real estate career. In representing individual homeowners in buying or selling high-end properties or working with developers on leasing strategies for multi-unit projects, Taryn knows the importance of becoming intimately involved in every step of the transaction to learn what resonates with clients. Her greatest forte is in working closely with clients who are selling or leasing multiple properties as part of their overall investment structure.
After nearly two decades in the field, Taryn has developed a thick skin and a great sense of humor. Always thinking outside the box, she successfully disrupts standard real estate norms through her creative social media and marketing strategies. And with close to 500 transactions by year end, Taryn is for sure a force to be reckoned with.
THE FACE OF
KATHY SANTO 21 Harrison Ave., Waldwick, NJ 07463 | 201.512.8316 | kathysantodogtraining.com
AT KATHY SANTO DOG TRAINING, WE’LL HELP YOU HAVE THE DOG THAT EVERYONE LOVES TO HAVE AROUND! Our Waldwick facility is a spacious 15,000-square-feet of training, playing, and dog-spa fun. Your dog will LOVE our indoor AND outdoor play yard and training areas. We also have a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill for conditioning, rehabilitation, swimming, and weight loss. Plus, there’s a boutique-style grooming shop (just for our student’s dogs) on site.
Of course, the cornerstone of our facility is our dog training. With 35 plus years of successfully training tens of thousands of dogs, we want you to have the relationship with your dog that you wanted when you first decided to bring a dog into your life. Whether you seek to establish a solid foundation of basic obedience, delve into advanced and offleash training, address behavioral challenges, or pursue certifications such as AKC’s Canine Good Citizen title, Therapy dog, or Service Dog, rest assured that we have the perfect program to help you achieve and exceed your goals.
THE FACES OF
JOHN KALLIS, DMD, LEE KOJANIS, DDS, TYLER ZENGA, DDS, MD
PREMIER ORAL SURGERY GROUP 617 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 | 201.567.7500 375 South Washington Ave, Bergenfield NJ 07621 | 201.385.0775 www.premieroralsurgerygroup.com
F A C E S 2024
WHEN IT COMES TO COMBINING SURGICAL EXCELLENCE WITH AN EMPATHETIC TOUCH, Premier Oral Surgery Group stands unrivaled. Our acclaimed surgeons are compassionate professionals at the pinnacle of their field, prioritizing patient care above all else. With an understanding that oral surgery can often be a source of anxiety and stress, our team devotes itself to fostering an environment of empathy, understanding, and kindness. We take the time to listen, ensure your comfort, and explain every step of your treatment in a way you can understand. Our aim is to transform your perception of oral surgery from an intimidating ordeal to a journey of oral health restoration with a team you trust. Learn more about our practice at www.premieroralsurgerygroup.com
Tyler
John
MICHAEL CLEMENTE, D.M.D., NICOLE CLEMENTE, D.D.S., MARISSA CLEMENTE, D.D.S.
CLEMENTE ORTHODONTICS 60 W Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ 07450 | 201.447.2888 595 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 | 201.484.0600 | www.clementeorthodontics.com
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES IN A FAMILY-OWNED PRACTICE: that’s what you’ll find at Clemente Orthodontics. Clemente Orthodontics has been treating patients in the area for over 35 years. Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, Drs. Nicole and Marissa Clemente, provide the complete array of modern orthodontic treatments and their patients range in age from 6 to 96.
Clemente Orthodontics always uses the latest technology available and couples that with their team’s vast experience to provide the best possible experience for their patients. With large private operatories; comfortable waiting rooms; convenient hours; all digital scanning processes; 100% complimentary initial consultations; and free on-site parking at all (3) locations… Clemente makes taking care of your orthodontic needs as easy as possible.
They are the #1 provider of Invisalign clear aligners in both Bergen and Rockland, holding the coveted Diamond Plus rating. Aside from Invisalign, they also treat with early-stage growth modification appliances; micro-mini braces; or whatever modality their patient’s need calls for. This long-standing family operated practice has (3) locations in Ridgewood and Woodcliff Lake, NJ as well as New City, NY.
THE FACES OF
PETER DENOBLE, MD, FAAOS
MODERN ORTHOPAEDICS OF NEW JERSEY
72 Rt. 17N., Paramus, NJ 07652 | 2025 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite C, Wayne, NJ 07470 3799 Rt 46, Suite 207 Parsippany, NJ 07504 | 201.751.2301 | www.modernorthonj.com
MODERN ORTHOPAEDICS OF NEW JERSEY IS THE TRUSTED CHOICE FOR EXPERT MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY. Our surgeons prefer to take the ‘modern approach’, making personalized treatment plans for each of our patients to provide the quickest recovery possible.
Modern Orthopaedics offers non-operative regenerative medicine treatments like extracorporeal shockwave therapy and platelet-rich plasma that enhance your body’s natural ability to heal. When necessary, advanced minimally-invasive surgeries performed by our expert surgeons are a great way to improve quality of life for acute and chronic tendon and joint conditions.
The surgeons at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey are all fellowship-trained orthopaedic experts treating adults and children. Drs. Peter DeNoble, David Ratliff, and Alejandro Morales-Restepo perform all surgeries of the hand to shoulder. Dr. Lorraine Stern performs Robotic Hip and Knee replacements.
REHAN ALI, MD
COMPLETE PAIN & SPINE INSTITUTE 1144 East Ridgewood Avenue, Floor 2, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 | 201.336.0188 njpainandspine.com
DR. REHAN ALI, DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED IN INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MEDICINE and anesthesiology, is a highly respected pain management specialist known for delivering gold-standard care and achieving life-changing outcomes for his patients. Beyond his clinical expertise in alleviating acute and chronic pain, Dr. Ali is also known for his empathetic bedside manner and dedication to patient integrity and education. He takes the time to explain complex medical conditions and treatments in an easy-tounderstand manner, empowering his patients to take an active role in their recovery.
Whether dealing with chronic back pain, arthritis, migraines, or other debilitating conditions, Dr. Ali’s focus is on customized and individualized care with an emphasis on functional restoration. His unwavering dedication to improving his patients’ daily wellbeing and overall quality of life has earned him a stellar reputation and numerous accolades within the medical community. “Dr. Ali is amazing! I could barely walk when I entered the office. I walked out pain free and that success continued. Truly one of the best medical experiences I have ever had.” Just one of countless success stories shared by his patients who describe their experiences as transformative.
TORCHIN MARTEL ORR LLC 95 N. State Rt. 17, Suite 109, Paramus, NJ 07652 | 201.971.4866 | admin@tmolawfirm.com
TORCHIN MARTEL ORR LLC (“TMO”) WILL HELP YOU through what may be the most difficult time in your life. TMO, based in Paramus, has decades of combined legal experience and a vast history of positive results and feedback. Continually recognized as one of the top family law firms in Bergen County, TMO stresses a personal, comprehensive, compassionate, timely, effective, and dedicated approach to your matter. All TMO attorneys offer strategic advice and representation in all areas of family law. You will understand every aspect of your matter and be informed of all your options as we navigate the process together toward your desired outcome. Our firm is dedicated to not only resolving your matter, but helping to guide you into the next phase of your life. Please visit our website www.tmolawfirm.com or call us at 201-971-4866 for more information. We are here to help you and your family. THE FACES OF FAMILY LAW
BILL GATES, DDS, MS 104 Broadway, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201.307.1919 | www.billgatesdds.com
WHETHER YOUR NEEDS ARE SIMPLE OR COMPLEX, DR. BILL GATES HAS PATIENTS SMILING NATURALLY AND CONFIDENTLY. A dual degree doctor with a DDS from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Science degree and Certificate in Prosthodontics from the University of Iowa, Dr. Gates is a prosthodontist who provides a broad range of services including family dentistry, implant restorations and comprehensive restorative care. He also holds a Maxillofacial Prosthetics Certificate from MD Anderson Cancer Center and helps cancer patients regain function and esthetics. Recognized for his distinctive skill set, dentists will often refer their more challenging cases that require a high level of expertise.
In 2019, after almost three decades in North Carolina, Dr. Gates relocated to Bergen County. For Dr. Gates, contributing to the thriving community is equally important as providing quality dental care. As an attending faculty member at Hackensack University Medical Center’s General Practice Residency Program, Dr Gates proudly teaches and mentors younger doctors and future practitioners. Bringing exceptional dental knowledge and clinical experience to the community ensures his patients receive optimal function and esthetics to look and feel their best. THE FACE OF
THE FACE OF FRESH FLORALS &
ANASTASIA BAKER, PRESIDENT RSVP BY ANASTASIA
390 Hackensack Ave., Suite 105, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.334.7176 www.rsvpbyanastasia.com
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT for the multi-talented designers at RSVP by Anastasia, whose creations keep clients ahead of the curve, not part of the trend. During COVID, Anastasia opened her first retail space, a 3,500-square-foot space that used to be a Salvatore Ferragamo store. The flourishing home decor and floral business is rooted in event designer Anastasia Baker’s background in the areas of film and set design, interior design, and luxury events.
Renowned for her skills in the art of floral design, before the age of 25, Anastasia had created florals for brands like Oscar de la Renta, Dolce and Gabbana, and Balenciaga. Anastasia worked for famed event designer Raul Avila and other luxury florists before starting her own business. She has gone on to work with Dior, Bally, Visa, LVMH, and Valley Hospital. Beautifying unique spaces and curating gifts from around the world is central to RSVP by Anastasia’s mission.
THE FACE OF MOUTHWATERING
GAVIN FARELLA, JAMIE FARELLA, CHRIS FARELLA
BROTHERS SMOKEHOUSE BBQ & SOUL
Brothers Smokehouse: 900 Route 17 North, Ramsey, NJ 07446 | 551.264.9071
Brothers Barbecue: 2402 State Route 32, Cornwall, NY 12518 | 845.534.4227
Brothers Barbecue: 4242 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994 | 551.455.9956 www.brotherssmokehousenj.com
IT WAS SUMMER VACATIONS AT THE OUTER BANKS WHERE GET-TOGETHERS centered around traditional southern family recipes that kindled a love of cooking for the Farella brothers. Longing for the comfort of authentic BBQ and sweet tea, they took a leap by bringing the south to their home in the Hudson Valley, opening their first restaurant, a BBQ shack. At the heart of it all were the lessons instilled by their mom about the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, respect for the food and the art of hospitality.
Through years of hard work learning every aspect of the restaurant industry, the business has grown to three thriving locations. Voted #1 BBQ in Bergen Magazine as well as (201) Magazine’s Best of Bergen Readers’ Poll for 2024, the “band of brothers” serves up the most delicious BBQ and southern cuisine using family recipes handed down through generations. Whether you’re dining in, ordering online or in search of a caterer for your next party, Brothers Smokehouse BBQ & Soul has a daily selection of smoked meats, fried chicken and soul food dishes accompanied by delicious sides like potato salad, candied yams, collard greens and homemade cornbread that have mouths watering for days. Live soulful music every Friday night in Ramsey is the perfect way to start your weekend.
THE FACES OF
BRIAN P. TRAVA, D.M.D.
NEW JERSEY ROOT CANAL 290 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506 | 973.423.0789 | 119 1st
1777 Hamburg Tpke., Wayne, NJ 07470 | 973.835.7500 | www.njrootcanal.com
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NEW JERSEY ROOT CANAL HAS BEEN SAVING TEETH FOR 25 YEARS. Dr. Brian Trava opened his practice in Hawthorne in 1990, and later added offices in Ho-Ho-Kus and Wayne. Dedicated to the specialty of Endodontics, Dr. Trava focuses on saving teeth and diagnosing the cause of oral or facial pain. Dr. Trava and his team are root canal specialists. With degrees from John Hopkins University and Rutgers, Dr. Shon has authored research papers to help advance the field of dentistry. A graduate of Columbia University, Dr. Oh has completed extensive studies in oral pathology. Dr. Petix earned her degree from Tufts University and is pursuing a research fellowship. Dr. Yang, a graduate of NYU, has been awarded multiple research fellowships and has donated his dental skills in Haiti and Mexico. New Jersey Root Canal also focuses on special need patients and traumatic sports injuries to teeth.
THE FACES OF
CANDICE TIMMERMAN, DIRECTOR OF CATERING, ERIC HANDLER, EVENT COORDINATOR
TAYLOR PERRUCCI, ASSISTANT EVENT COORDINATOR
EDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
449 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675 | 201.666.1200 | www.edgewoodnj.com
DREAMING OF A FAIRYTALE WEDDING? Or creating lasting memories at a joyous family milestone, an uplifting corporate holiday party or a heartwarming charitable event? At Edgewood Country Club, all occasions are filled with unmatched personal service and unforgettable moments.
The exclusive, private country club, recognized as “Bergen Magazine’s Best Venue” and “201 Magazine’s Best Event Planner/Best Golf Course,” features a modern, yet elegant, state-of-the-art indoor space and breathtaking outdoor settings. The ideal venue for Club members and non-members, guaranteed to impress your guests, is complemented by a dedicated team of event professionals who make certain that every detail is meticulously attended to and executed to the highest standard. To ensure seamless perfection, only one event is scheduled each day. And what’s a splendid occasion without exquisite food? Talented Executive Chef, Anthony Villanueva, offers innovative menus and creative presentations that not only please the palate, but captivate the senses. At Edgewood Country Club, a personalized experience is their distinctive mark, making each event truly remarkable!
BARDASH, D.M.D., MICHELLE MIRZA, D.M.D., ARI BARDASH, D.M.D., ETAN BARDASH, D.M.D. DENTAL PROFESSIONALS OF FAIR LAWN 10-06 Saddle River Rd., Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 | 201.797.1555 | www.drbardash.com
THE DOCTORS OF DENTAL PROFESSIONALS OF FAIRLAWN HAVE A CLEAR GOAL—to give every patient the gift of a brilliant smile to let their self-confidence shine through. Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, a comprehensive, state-of-the-art dental facility, uses the most advanced techniques for general and cosmetic dentistry to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles for life. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Bardash has gained a reputation as one of the finest cosmetic dentists in the country specializing in all aspects of full mouth reconstruction. Because he’s known for helping every patient recover their positive self-image with a new, beautiful smile, Dr. Bardash is consistently recognized as a Top Dentist. From 2003 to present day, Dr. Bardash has also been recognized as one of the top dentists in the country by the prestigious Consumers’ Research Council of America.
As a Premier Invisalign Provider, the Doctors also treat teenagers and adult patients with this advanced orthodontic treatment to avoid metal braces. Invisalign can achieve straighter teeth using customized clear trays that help to shift the teeth into the desired position while addressing multiple issues such as crossbites, overbites, underbites and misaligned teeth.
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.
Caring is not simply what we do – it’s who we are. Since 1911, it has been our mission to offer a listening ear, a helpful hand, and steady, supportive guidance throughout your wellness journey. Through our comprehensive continuum of mental health services, communities for older adults, and rehabilitation, we work diligently to foster physical health and also nourish the spirit. Call us today to learn more about our communities and services.
Interim Healthcare has been providing compassionate and competent care for over 10 years. Based in Ridgewood, we have a formidable team of Nurses and
At Mill Gardens, we offer first-class assisted living services in a serene, residential neighborhood of Bergen County. Our spacious apartments feature large windows, private bathrooms, and updated kitchenettes–and our inclusive rates are an exceptional value for individuals and couples alike. This year, we celebrate 23 years of engaging social events, gourmet meals, personalized care, and beautiful amenities like our 24-Hour Café and outdoor Park & Gardens. Celebrate with us by calling for a tour to see for yourself!
always pick up the phone. It’s homecare exactly as you want it.
Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.
Experience the best in luxury senior living at Thrive at Montvale! A vibrant community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With its modern farmhouse design, spacious interiors flooded with natural light, and panoramic views of the Social Court, every corner exudes elegance. Here, our dedicated team provides unwavering support and fosters meaningful connections that inspire joy each and every day. Enjoy happy hours, social clubs, games, activities, fitness classes, and more. Come thrive with us!
Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Bergen County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough
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
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
Da Mimmo
132 Veterans Plz. 201.367.9648 damimmonj.com
Fink’s BBQ Smokehouse 26 W. Madison Ave. 201.384.3210 facebook.com/finksbbq
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
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
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
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
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
Phoenician Restaurant 284 Center Ave. 201.722.8600 phoeniciansail.com The Tavern @ Iron Horse 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 thetavernwestwood.com
Chinese Cuisine 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com
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The island’s rich cuisine is showcased well at Bogota’s new Bistro Taino. (Pork, anyone?)
Having been to many backyard cookouts since Memorial Day, a friend and I spent an early August afternoon searching for something beyond burgers and hot dogs. We recalled seeing a charming mural during our previous travels, and it turned out that colorful mural was the façade of a new restaurant in Bogota, the county’s smallest town by square mileage. It’s on the town’s main street, and it specializes in cuisine and cocktails from Puerto Rico—fare that’s quite the opposite of the all-American barbecue foods we’d been consuming.
Inviting from the outside, Bistro Taino is more than welcoming once you walk in. Visitors get an immediate dose of the territory’s proud culture, thanks to festive music and a display of bright ceilingmounted umbrellas (traditional décor meant to signify the strength of Puerto Rico’s citizens). We were warmly greeted, shown to a booth and presented with menus by our host, and the selection was exactly what we wanted. There was beef, of course, but also options for pork, chicken, fish, seafood and vegetables.
I’ve often heard the acclaim for chefs from Puerto Rico, the best of whom are skilled in “the art of pork,” which includes mastery of all the edible parts of a pig. So it was a no-brainer that our first appetizer was chicharron de Bayamon, or fried pork belly. Bistro Taino’s dish is a less greasy version—which was much appreciated—of lechon kawali, a staple in many Filipino kitchens, including my own. Each piece had plenty of melt-in-your-mouth pork fat, tender meat and crispy skin that, when bit into, delivered the if-you-know-you-know crunch. I’d say the limited number of bitesized morsels was a drawback (I counted eight), but I reminded myself that filling up an apps isn’t the objective at dinner.
That was especially true because of our hearty second shared starter, bacaloutos. My friend and I were equally excited when we saw this offering, which is essentially light
cod fritters, but in retrospect we could’ve ordered fresh ceviche instead of a second fried dish. Live and learn. But, boy, were we living. Feasting on the flaky, moist fish was a delight, and the texture and taste (including the accompanying sweet and spicy ajilimojili sauce) was a welcome alternative to all those summertime burgers we’ve been eating.
Entrées at Bistro Taino include Puerto Rico skirt steak, ribs, fish, chicken and pork. On this night, I skipped red meat for my main and went with traditional mofongo with camarones and vegetables. The plate is topped with a large portion of mashed green plantains that’s molded in a mound just like mashed potatoes. Atop and around the plantains were generous amounts of shrimp and veggies, each bite delectable on its own but just as delicious when scooped up with a forkful of the flavorful mofongo.
My friend, meanwhile, maintained his pork excitement when he caught sight of more meat on the menu. Tempted by the skirt steak with chimichurri, he ultimately went with the center cut pork chop, which was gorgeously and wonderfully crisp on the outside and super moist on the inside. He didn’t regret it. A mix of Puerto Rican spices and sauteed onions gave the dish aroma and flavor that seemed to fill the entire dining room.
Dessert wasn’t available on this date soon after the restaurant’s grand opening, but we were told that after-dinner sweets will be added in the future. That didn’t mean, however, that we weren’t in for a treat. After thanking our server and paying our tab, we migrated over to the ornately decorated bar, where an Instagram-worthy floral display shared wall space with shelves of spirits. Bistro Taino offers a wide array of wine, cocktails, sangrias and more. My friend and I raised our glasses—two margaritas—and toasted the summer and a great new dining option.
—Darius Amos
Festivals, crafts, fantastic food and more—there’s something to please everyone this month in Bergen County.
SEPT. 12
Calling all residents aged 60 and over! Bergen County hosts its annual SENIOR FESTIVAL in Van Saun Park in Paramus, offering a day of activities, entertainment, community spirit and a chance to make connections with other seniors. The fun starts at 10 and it’s all free. For more information, visit co.bergen.nj.us.
the best private gardens county during The Garden BERGEN COUNTY DAY This is your chance to secret garden and hidden Sisko Gardens and Sculpture Site in Mahwah, 3.5-acre property with a 37-year-old garden. Tours start at 10 a.m. For registration and more information, see gardenconservancy.org.
SEPT. 15
Walk for a cause at the BERGEN-PASSAIC 2024 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S in the Ridgefield Park section of Overpeck Park. Check-in starts at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. This event will help the national Alzheimer’s Association raise $300,000 for
SEPT. 22
Create your own “taste of the season” at Tenafly Nature Center’s APPLE CIDER MAKING program. The TNC will provide apples and the press, but needs your help to do the rest. Learn about the history of cider making and apple cultivation, and experience one of the earliest ways you could make the beverage yourself. Visitors are encouraged to bring apples from their favorite farm to add to the flavor! For times, registration and more, check out tenaflynaturecenter.org.
SEPT. 21
Celebrate everything local during DEMAREST DAY at Demarest’s Duck Pond. Enjoy an afternoon of vendors, live music, games, inflatables for kids, food trucks and community. around until dusk the fireworks show! starts at 1 p.m. Check out demarestnj.gov for more information.
SEPT. 21
County FALL HARVEST back for another year. Ridgefield Park section Overpeck Park for this three-day of the season. Enjoy food trucks, vendors county farm displays. forget to bring nonperishable food items—all will be collected for County Office of Food times, a daily schedule and jcpromotions.info.
SEPT. 28
One of the Bergen County Historical Society’s marquee events, THE BARON’S OKTOBERFEST, returns to Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Celebrate the birthday of Revolutionary War hero Major-General Baron von Steuben with pumpkin picking, historic tours and more. The rain date is Sept. 29. The festivities start at 1 p.m. For more information, see bergencountyhistory.org.
SEPT. 29
American music royalty THE BEACH BOYS stop by Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood one-night show, part of their “Endless Gold” tour. Enjoy the nostalgic sounds of 1960s surf culture, beautiful harmonies and the live show excellence that can only from over six decades of practice. The begins at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, see bergenpac.org.
Do you have a story to tell? Have you dreamed of being a director? Take a step toward telling that story and making that dream come true with the FILMMAKING WORKSHOP WITH GERARD AMSELLEM at Williams Center in Rutherford. Amsellem, a teacher, artist and filmmaker, will introduce the basics of the discipline while elaborating on conceptual and technical execution, movie distribution and more. The class begins at 9:30 a.m.; for tickets and more, head over to williamscenter.co.
OCT. 10
Stop by the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale for the BERGEN WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE starting at 6 p.m. Sample cuisine from dozens of local restaurants, with expansive options for appetizers, entrées and dessert, in addition to fine wines, premium spirits, craft beers, specialty cocktails and more. Attendees will also enjoy giveaways free swag bags. For tickets more information, click event banner at the top bergenmag.com.
Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors.
Veolia North America in Haworth welcomed members of the Emerson Fishing Club for a day of fishing on the Oradell Reservoir. The company provided poles and lessons, along with hints to the best fishing spots along Veolia’s reservoirs.
The Meadowlands YMCA held its Heart of the Meadowlands Gala at II Villaggio in Carlstadt. The event raised more than $225,000 to support the YMCA’s community programs. This year’s honorees were Ron Simoncini, Jim Kirkos and Jane A. Egan.
Jewish Family and Children’s Services held its annual meeting to discuss the upcoming year and honor volunteers who have gone out of their way to contribute to the nonprofit.
Selina Liu received The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County’s Young Women’s Senior Leadership Award. Pictured, from left, are Franci Steinberg, Selina Liu, Shelly Wimpfheimer, Amie AbuRustum and Emily Yang.
The Boys & Girls Clubs
New Jersey named its NJ State Youth of the Year and Military Youth of the Year at an event in Montclair. Alexandra P. is the NJ State Youth of the Year from Boys & Girls Clubs of Lower Bergen County. Sade O. is the NJ Military Youth of the Year of the Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst Dix Youth Programs.
8. VALLEY AUXILIARY
The Valley Hospital Auxiliary donated $225,000 to the Valley Hospital Foundation. This donation supports VHA’s $3.1 million pledge to establish the Pediatric Section of the Emergency Department. From left: Nancy Weiss, Bette Moore, Elaine Heimberger, Dr. Robert Brenner, Theresa Salameno, David Bohan, Carol
“In mid-June, a couple of buddies and I visited the Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah, because another friend told us he took a nice walk there the week prior. When we arrived, we were greeted by some people exiting the park, who told us there was a waterfall mid-way through the trail. We found the waterfall, and another group told us about the lake at the top of the reserve. The lake was amazing. I noticed my friend Jon resting on a rock looking over the lake, and I quickly snapped a picture of him. I was able to capture him enjoying the sounds and serenity of this amazing place.”
—Jorge Cedeño, Manhattan
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