TUMMY TROUBLE? 2 LOCAL DOCS’ TIPS THE PROS AND CONS OF 7 POPULAR DIETS
HEARTY & HEALTHY VEGGIE-PACKED RECIPES TO TRY
+ THE COUNTIES’ TOP DENTISTS
By Beau Brummell
Features
Diets And Their Downsides 14
Want to shed pounds in the new year? Here are popular plans—and a doctor’s view of the pluses minuses of each.
Departments
Morris/Essex Buzz 8
Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the counties.
Friends & Neighbors 10
Director Vonda Givens can tell you proudly about the museum named for a design pioneer. But the comeback it now celebrates almost didn’t happen.
Style Watch 11
Reflect your mood—or create one—in the season’s hottest hue.
Home Front 12
Tastes 26
You won’t miss meat when you try these delicious, veggie-packed recipes.
Bar Tab 30
A decadent drink isn’t just for Valentine’s Day—this hot cocktail will keep you warm any day or night.
Restaurant Review 52
Bacchanal Junction in Bloomfield cooks up modern takes on island favorites.
Gatherings 55
Morris and Essex residents always show up to support their neighbors.
A couple enjoys an intimate, picturesque moment at Stony Hill Farm in Chester. 26 14 10 11
Advice On Gut Health 18
Gastrointestinal problems are unpleasant to discuss and even more unpleasant to suffer. Two doctors from our area answer questions about them.
Putting A Room To Work 20
Case closed: A Morristown attorney finally gets home office she’s wanted—and needed.
underfoot can comfort, warmth any space.
24
learning be fun? Five nearby destinations will prove to your kids that the answer is yes.
A Morris/Essex Moment 56
IN EVERY ISSUE
4 Editor’s Note
13 Health News
54 Be There
A New Chapter for BehaviorWise: Dr. Ashley Appleton Steps In
BehaviorWise, a cherished cornerstone of the Short Hills community since 2011, is entering an exciting new chapter. The pediatric behavior health practice caters to children who are neurodiverse, primarily diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or ADHD. Dr. Ashley Appleton, has officially taken over from founder Caryn Mandel, LCSW, who is retiring after years of dedicated service. Dr. Appleton, a licensed psychologist and professional counselor with a passion for mental health, social justice, and innovative program planning, is thrilled to continue the legacy of excellence Caryn
built while introducing new services and a refreshed vision for the practice.
Dr. Appleton brings a wealth of expertise to her new role, having founded Cognicare Psychological Services, a successful outpatient group practice in Somerset County, NJ, in 2019. With a deep commitment to providing compassionate and effective care, she aims to ensure BehaviorWise remains the trusted resource families have relied on for over a decade.
While maintaining the high-quality ABA therapy services that have been the hallmark of BehaviorWise, Dr. Appleton is already implementing exciting updates. Plans include a comprehensive marketing rebrand, expanding the team with additional skilled professionals, and introducing Autism and ADHD diagnostic evaluations to meet the growing needs of the community.
“My heart is in creating accessible, inclusive mental health resources that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” says Dr. Appleton. “BehaviorWise has been such a vital part of this community, and I am
honored Caryn has entrusted me to carry on her incredible work. I’m excited to grow the practice while staying true to the mission that families have come to know and love.”
Dr. Appleton expresses her heartfelt gratitude to Caryn Mandel for laying the foundation of such a valuable service. As the new steward of BehaviorWise, she is eager to foster a warm, collaborative environment that empowers families and children to thrive.
Dr. Appleton and her team continue to serve Short Hills and beyond with compassion, innovation, and dedication.
Bag Lover?
Put Health On Your ‘To-Do’ List
If you’ve vowed to lose weight or make another healthy improvement in 2025, you’re not alone. Many of us choose the beginning of a year to implement changes we hope will help us become a better version of ourselves. The good life open to us in ’25 begins with taking the best possible care of our physical, mental and emotional selves.
Is it always easy? No way. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and that suggests a guiding insight: In your quest for self-improvement, don’t expect sudden miracles. As an article in this issue warns, don’t declare victory or admit defeat too soon. In any big life change, it’s the long haul that counts.
The article I’m referring to, on page 14, explains seven much-touted approaches to shedding pounds and lets a doctor assess the pros and cons of each. Some of them are considered “fad” diets. Fads aren’t bad per se, but heed our physician’s warning that quick weight loss isn’t always either healthy or lasting, especially if it sacrifices balance. Fad diets are like the shiny new toy of the weight-loss world. And no diet is worth its salt (with or without salt itself) if it’s so onerous that you end up lapsing and using your failure as an excuse to feel bad.
Speaking of doctors, do you have a gastroenterologist, a doctor who focuses on gastrointestinal ills? This hard-to-spell specialist may not be part of your medical routine (yet?), and concerns in this area aren’t the easiest to talk about. They could be mere annoyances, but occasionally they can indicate a serious condition—and embarrassment shouldn’t keep you from finding out. On page 18, a gastroenterologist helps you decide which worries justify a visit to the doc.
Taking care of ourselves also means focusing on our mental health. Maintaining strong friendships helps, and on page 9 we suggest several ways you and your girl friends can reconnect for Galentine’s Day, Feb. 13. Expressing yourself through song, poetry and comedy is good for the mind too, and the open mic nights on page 8 are the perfect avenues to do so. A home office to balance your work-from-home lifestyle? See a great set up in Morristown on page 20.
There’s even more in this issue to enjoy. The best of health—and good times— to you in this new year!
Rita Guarna Editor in Chief rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com
Morris &Essex
Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA
Creative Director
STEPHEN M. VITARBO
Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS
Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN
Contributing Editor PAUL RANCE JR.
Contributing Photographer MEGHAN BALCOM
PRODUCTION
Production Manager FERN E. MESHULAM
Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE
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Morris & Essex Buzz
OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTIES.
YOU’RE THE STAR
Aspire to be a singer, musician or comedian? Move on from practicing in front of a mirror and get on stage! Venues throughout our counties host open mic nights, offering rising stars an opportunity to get some practice, try out new material and put themselves out there in a supportive environment. A few options:
• The Madison Arts & Culture Alliance in Madison offers a few open mic nights a month, usually on Wednesdays. It has dedicated nights for comedy, music and poetry. For more, see madisonartsnj.org.
• For musicians, Morristown’s Tavern off the Green has an open jam every other Wednesday, where the talent is invited to add their voice or instrument to a song and create something special. To learn details, see tavernoffthegreenmorristown.com.
• Besides having some seriously good eats, The Fox and the Falcon by David Burke in South Orange has an open mic night every Monday. Find out more at thefoxandfalconbydb.com.
• The Morris County Library hosts open mic nights on the second Thursday of each month, inviting poets, musicians and comics to take the stage. For more, see mclib.info.
BLACK HISTORY MATTERS
Every February since 1970, the nation has observed Black History Month. To honor this year’s chosen theme of “African Americans and Labor,” many Morris and Essex groups are presenting inspiring talks and educational workshops:
• Black Women and Civil Rights in New Jersey, Durand-Hedden House & Garden, Feb. 9. The House & Garden in Maplewood and the South Orange–Maplewood Community Coalition on Race host author Hettie V. Williams, who’ll discuss her work on Black women and the civil rights movement in our state. More info: durandhedden.org
• Black History Month Postcard Collages, Livingston Library, Feb. 13. Under the direction of artist Mansa Mussa, this hands-on workshop lets residents create a collage showcasing the resilience of the Black community. More info: livingstonlibrary.org
KUDOS TO…
Six scouts of Troop 5 in Maplewood, who have all attained the Eagle Scout rank, the highest in the Boy Scouts of America. This rank is given to those who exhibit exceptional character, leadership and service to their community. To earn the honors, South Orange residents Jack Barnett and Grant Huebner and Maplewood’s Max Coey, Henry Donat, Timothy Van de North and Lukas Wurster each completed a long-term community service project, such as installing bird nesting boxes or constructing park benches.
…Students in the senior class of the Calais School in Whippany, who collected 3,121 pounds of nonperishable items for the Interfaith Food Pantry Network in Morris Plains. Through the school’s annual “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive, the students rallied support from parents, faculty, staff and local businesses to help fight food insecurity in Morris County.
…B. Curtis Grayson III, artist and art teacher at Columbia High School in Maplewood, who was selected to participate in the prestigious “Bienal de la Habana,” which runs through Feb. 28 in Havana, Cuba. The art festival explores “the balance between tradition and modern life, the challenges of communication in a tech-driven world and the energy of urban culture,” all of which are embodied in Grayson’s art. He will exhibit alongside other artists from around the globe.
• The Newark Museum of Art’s Black History Month Celebration, throughout February. This Newark fixture offers various events, from themed family Saturdays to drop-in events to in-depth presentations on important historical moments to film screenings. More info: newarkmuseumart.org
• Three Eras of African-American Invention, Morris County Library, throughout February. This exhibit is on loan from the Black Inventors Hall of Fame in Wharton. It gives visitors a deep look at the impact Black inventors have had on our nation and the world. More info: mclib.info
NIGHT FOR THE GIRLS
Celebrating love means celebrating all types of relationships—including the friendships that get you through the day. That’s why you take advantage of “Galentine’s Day,” Feb. 13, to spend some quality time with your girlfriends. Just how you do that is up to you, and there’s something in our counties for every taste:
• Go out. If you’re looking for a night on the town, our readers chose Morristown’s 1776 by David Burke (67 E. Park Pl., Morristown, 973.829.1776; 1776bydb.com) as the best Girls’ Night destination in Morris, and our staff spotlighted The Parkside Social (706 Bloomfield Ave., Verona, 609.248.4596; theparksidesocial. com) in Verona for the same occasion. Both spots have craft cocktails, extensive menus and incredible ambiance. Morristown’s 1776 is also a great venue for live music, so check its event listing before stopping by.
• Stay in. Sometimes the best way to take care of yourself and your friends is to settle in for a no-stress evening at home and indulge in a little wine-and-whine. Organize a charcuterie board potluck and ask all your girls to bring their favorite parts of a grazing spread. You could do the same with signature drinks—have everyone indulge their inner mixologist and then set up a sampling table. (You can even vote for the party’s favorite and have a prize on hand for the winner.)
• “Throw” a party. Something a little more active? Go outside the box and stop by Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Fairfield (373 Rte. 46 W., Suite D140, Fairfield, 973.721.3120; stumpyshh.com) to test your axe-throwing aim and work off some mid-winter energy out. Another option is Bury the Hatchet in Bloomfield (672 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, 973.842.7725; burythehatchet. com), which also offers a drink menu and other party games.
• Get creative. Denville’s Color Me Mine (3130 Rte. 10, Denville, 973.989.0004; denville. colormemine.com) will give you a night of fun and bonding, plus a souvenir—at this pottery painting studio (a 2024 Readers’ Choice pick), you take home what you create, be that a little statue, a plate or a pot. Pinot’s Palette in Montclair (351 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973.744.7500; pinotspalette.com) is also a favorite destination for paint-and-sip evenings, where you can enjoy good wine and good company while creating a world-class piece of art.
KITTY LOVE
Cat: Luna, a 9-month-old American shorthair
Owner: Lauren Corsaro of West Caldwell
Recently adopted from the Friends of Wayne Animal Shelter, Luna has settled into her new home without any trouble. In fact, Corsaro says, “Luna thinks she’s a human. She loves to jump on the table and to try to eat human food—any pasta or cheese on the table is in danger of being stolen if we don’t watch out.”
Knowing that, it’s no surprise that Luna has a mischievous streak—she loves to sneak under the covers and curl up around her owner’s feet. This kitty is full of energy and can often be found zipping around corners or mounting the top of the fridge to get a better view of the house (looking for more trouble to get into, no doubt). At day’s end, Luna loves cuddling on the couch and getting head scratches while her person watches TV.
Want to see your pet in an upcoming issue of MORRIS & ESSEX? Send a photo and a brief description to Editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscot media.com.
BIG SCREEN, SMALL BUSINESS
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Sips and scents
Combine two things you love and you’ll get something you love even more. That’s the philosophy of Montclair’s Lit Café, a newly opened shop that blends the delights of high-quality coffee with the pleasures of scented candles to create an unforgettable experience for the senses. The drinks and pastries here are delicious and highly Instagram-able (the foam art on the lattes is picture-perfect every time), while the candles are hand-poured in small batches with scents inspired by the world around us. For instance, there’s “Summer of 1987,” with notes of rhubarb, fig and cashmere, or “Golden Hour,” featuring cinnamon, sandalwood and cassia.
• Lit Café, 25 Church St., Montclair; litlab.us
Look even better
While the year is still fairly new, treat yourself to a session at Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness, a recently opened med spa in Morristown. Under the direction of founders Hardik Soni, M.D., and Monika Soni, M.D., Ethos offers a full range of aesthetic services, including injectables such as Botox and Juvederm, body contouring treatments like CoolSculpting and skin rejuvenation services. Other Ethos programs focus on weight loss, nutritional science and IV therapy—and each is tailored to the patient. “Our goal,” says Dr. Soni, “is to offer the highest quality of care by blending cutting-edge technology with a personalized approach.”
It’s fun to stream a flick at home or sit in your local AMC theater, but something really does hit different about going to a small, local movie house. For your next movie night, catch a show at one of the following theaters: (Pro tip: Check out The Village on the first Friday of every month, when it screens throwback horror flicks, and keep an eye on all these cinemas for other special one-night screenings.)
• The Clairidge, 486 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973.381.5588; theclairidge.org
• The Village at SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange, 973.327.4012; sopac.cinemalab.com
• CityPlex 12, 360–394 Springfield Ave., Newark, 973.642.5555; cityplex12.com
PUPPY LOVE
Dog: Macaroni, a 5-month-old miniature dachshund
Owners: A. J. Marcucci and Nicole Vadon of Morristown
Though Macaroni is a new addition to A. J. and Nicole’s family (they picked him up at the end of 2024), he has already made himself a part of their routines. For instance, he has replaced the alarm clock, preferring to wake his people in the morning by licking their faces, and makes himself known at mealtimes. (His favorite food is always what his “parents” are eating.) He also appreciates sartorial details—Macaroni loves to wear fuzzy hoodies and fashionable jackets. Macaroni makes the best of rainy days by taking long naps. On sunny days, he can be spotted taking walks around the Morristown Green and being carried in a puppy sling inside the local Starbucks. It’s not all fun and games, though—Macaroni is getting a puppy education at Morris Animal Inn’s puppy training program. We hope he graduates at the top of the class!
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
She’s All Stickley
Director Vonda Givens can tell you proudly about the museum named for a design pioneer. But the comeback it now celebrates almost didn’t happen.
In October 2024, the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms triumphantly reopened its doors after closing them in 2020. It’s located on a sprawling 30 acres in Morris Plains, the property once owned by Gustav Stickley. As design-savvy folk may know, Stickley was a leader in American architecture and furniture design throughout the first half of the 20th century who created the American Craftsman style, recognizable by its handcrafted woodwork, mixed materials and bungalow influences. Craftsman Farms is a complete expression of that aesthetic for the public to tour and appreciate—a “Craftsman utopia,” as the staff calls it. And leading that staff is executive director Vonda Givens.
Originally from Nashville, 54-year-old Givens moved to New Jersey with her husband, artist Wes Sherman, after he was admitted into Rutgers’ prestigious Mason Gross School of the Arts to study painting. They lived in Indian Lake for 10 years before moving to nearby Hackettstown. Givens began her museum work in New Jersey and worked at Clifton’s Hunterdon Art Museum before coming to Stickley in 2001.
How did you get started with museum work?
I have a master’s degree in communications and expected to be a professor. When my husband and I moved to New Jersey, it took a while for me to get on my feet. I felt lost. When I was going through college, I worked in a historic house museum, and it was one of the happiest times of my life. I wanted to go back to that.
Why’s that?
I’m a good talker—I used to teach public speaking. But you need to have something to talk about. This job gives me something important to say.
Tell us about the Stickley Museum and the estate. There are nine original buildings. It’s a National Historic Landmark, which is the highest level of landmark status in the United States. Half of my job is jumping through hoops and making sure we’re
tree crashed into our Log House Annex, and the building was condemned that day. So we went from this amazing high point, about to open something new, to being closed, to being double-closed. It really felt like an indefinite closure. Even when we started to rebuild, it was rough. The project was supposed to take 11 months. It took 26. What was that like for you?
The word that comes to mind is “heartsick.” This job is what made me feel I had a place in New Jersey. I understand the community and the audience. I thought, “I don’t know if I have what it takes to lead through this.” It really set me back. And now?
We were able to turn it around. We have another new building, a visitor pavilion. A project you’re proud of?
meeting all those requirements. At any given time, there’s a preservation project about to start, a project that is in the works and a project wrapping up. We preserve this history, and interpret it.
What do you mean by “interpret”?
While Stickley was a part of his time, I would also call him a forerunner of modern design. We want to help people see that this isn’t something that was only relevant years ago. These design ideas are still alive today.
Tell us about the museum’s closing and re-opening. We closed for the pandemic, of course. That was already a weird time for us. We were wrapping up construction on one of our dream projects, our education center. It had taken six years to build, and right as we were ready to debut it, we had to shut down. Then, only a few months afterward, Tropical Storm Isaias ripped through the property. A giant
The museum released a children’s book! We have been trying to get it done for almost 10 years. It’s an introduction to the property through the eyes of the Stickley family dog. Why is what you do important? Because the Craftsman style that Stickley created, the one embodied here, is a classic American design language. If you go to a Home Depot looking for a light fixture, one of your options is going to be Craftsman style. That comes from somewhere. The other day, a guest was looking at one of the doors and said, “I used to live somewhere with doors like this and I thought they were beautiful. I never knew they had a name.” There is a whole world of design right in front of people, and they don’t know to pay attention. We show them how to do that.
Favorite place in Morris?
Tourne Park in Denville! My husband and I hike there all the time. My other favorite museum is the Ballantine House at the Newark Museum of Art. Parting thoughts?
If you care about something, support it. People talk about historic properties and say, “Oh, someone should save it.” You can be that someone.
—Kirsten Meehan
Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
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MINUTES TO MEDITATE
Just 12 minutes of meditation daily could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in adults.
—Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
HEALTH NEWS
EAT PROTEIN FOR BREAKFAST
People who eat a breakfast high in protein—40 percent of the meal—have fewer food cravings than those people who skip breakfast or have meals with only 15 percent protein.
—Nutrition Journal
TELEMED HELPS DEPRESSION
Remote video consultations between patients and mental health specialists show a small but significant improvement of symptoms of
800 MILLION number of adults worldwide who have diabetes—more than twice as previous estimates.
—The Lancet
VITAMIN D AND DIABETES
Taking high-dose vitamin D supplements for five years did not affect the incidence of type 2 diabetes in elderly men and women. Low levels of vitamin D in the body have been associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
—University of Eastern Finland
80
The percentage of Americans who will experience back pain during their lives. Researchers report that those with lowback pain who walk three or four times a week were pain free twice as long as non-walkers.
—The Lancet
TIME FOR EXERCISE
Afternoon workouts may reduce the risk of premature death more than morning or evening exercise sessions.
—Nature Communications
—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.
DIETS— And Their Downsides
WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? HERE ARE SEVEN POPULAR PLANS—AND A DOCTOR’S VIEW OF THE PLUSES AND MINUSES OF EACH.
Liliana MorenoGarcia, M.D. internist, Saint Clare’s Health, Denville
That gut, that butt, those thighs, that size— does a glance in the mirror tell you it’s time to shed pounds? Never fear. Scrolling through social media will bombard you with suggestions from friends, brands and influencers alike. “Keto,” “paleo” and “raw food” are just three of the trendy names you’ll hear. Doctors, of course, say that healthy, balanced and restrained eating combined with exercise over the long term is more effective than “fad” diets. But it can be reassuring to get with a program that has a name—and some buzz.
“If a diet is recommended by an influencer, people will often skip doing their own research and assume that this person they follow knows what they’re saying,” says Liliana Moreno-Garcia, M.D., an internist affiliated with Denville’s Saint Clare’s Health. “They think, ‘Oh, this is working, I want to try it too!’ Plus, there is often a promise of low commitment and fast results. People are drawn to that.”
Is there any diet Dr. Moreno-Garcia sings the praises of? MORRIS & ESSEX wanted to know, so we asked her what’s great about seven popular plans—and what’s not so great:
• KETOGENIC DIET. Developed by Russell Wilder, M.D., in 1923 as a treatment for epilepsy, the ketogenetic diet (often shortened to “keto”) operates off a “4:1” ratio—just one part of carbohydrates is consumed for every four parts of fat.
In essence, it promotes eating a very small amount of carbohydrates (the main nutrient in foods such as bread and pasta) and replacing other carbs with fats. The goal is to increase your fat intake to a point where you’re putting your body in a state of ketosis, which means it’s using fat as its main energy source.
PROS: One thing remains consistent in studies of the keto diet, according to a 2022 article published in Frontiers in Nutrition entitled “Fad Diets: Facts and Fiction”: It’s effective in improving quality of life and seizure frequency in epileptic patients. It has also been associated with a “neuroprotective action” effect against neurological illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, because it encourages the production of ketones in the liver, which supply energy to the brain—though this benefit is still being studied. Cutting carbs to this extent can also encourage short-term weight loss.
CONS: However, much of the initial weight shed from keto is “water weight,” which will be shed any time you cut carbs. There are also possible health complications from going all-in on keto. In the short term, the 2020 paper “Consumer Reports of ‘Keto Flu’ Associated with the Ketogenic Diet,” also published in Frontiers in Nutrition, describes that affliction—those who have recently started keto often experience lethargy, low blood sugar, nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Dr. MorenoGarcia also expresses concern for long-term health: “You have to be very careful when eating more protein and fat. If you also have a family history of hypercholesterolemia [high cholesterol], you can elevate that cholesterol even more. You could end up with cardiovascular events, or kidney malfunctions. People are coming into my practice with very elevated levels of cholesterol when they’re very young. It’s worrisome because we don’t know how harmful the diet can be long-term.”
• PALEOLITHIC DIET. Though this system has been around since the mid1980s, nutrition scientist Loren Cordain, Ph.D., popularized it in 2010. The theory is that our modern diet, high in processed foods, dairy products and grains, is the main cause of obesity. To combat it effectively, Cordain said, people need to eat as their hunter-gatherer ancestors did. The diet puts no restrictions on lean meats, fruits or non-starchy vegetables (such as carrots or broccoli), and largely cuts out dairy, legumes, cereals and processed foods.
PROS: Eating more whole foods and avoiding the heavily processed ones is always a good goal and, says our doctor, “I have found some benefit in the
paleo diet.” This diet cuts out a lot of unnecessary sugar and carbs without upping the saturated fat in your system as keto does. It can also produce shortterm weight loss, usually as a symptom of getting rid of carbs and sugary drinks in their entirety. Though this is a restrictive diet, there are more options than there are in keto. A great place to kick-start your health journey is focusing on a diet rich in highquality, whole-plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts.
CONS: The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes in a 2024 examination of the diet, “Should We Eat Like Our Caveman Ancestors?”, that its lack of whole grains is not ideal. Whole grains have been connected with a lowered risk of heart disease and some cancers. Cutting out dairy can also remove your greatest source of calcium.
Dr. Moreno-Garcia adds that, maligned though they are, carbs have their place. “We know that, as humans, we need some kind of carbohydrate intake for energy and to be healthy,” she says. “Paleo is very restricted with that.” She adds a practical point: “it can also get expensive.”
• MEDITERRANEAN DIET. One of the beststudied diets out there, this one prioritizes whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, olive oil and fish, with allowances for alcohol, dairy products and meat. Most calorie intake comes from fish and plant-based foods.
PROS. This diet has been linked to a lower occurrence of cardiovascular disease. And not only has it been summarized as “nutritionally adequate for the general public” in a study published in Nutrients (“The Mediterranean Diet and Nutritional Adequacy: A Review”), but research has also shown its preventive potential for chronic diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and breast cancer. In a 2024 study that was part of the Women’s Health Initiative, a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of premature death in women. Because this diet does not heavily restrict food groups, it is less challenging than some others to follow long-term.
CONS: People searching for an intensive, immediate weight-loss solution may not find what they are looking for here, despite Mediterranean cuisine’s healthy rep. Also, if you’re worried about your iron levels, the lack of red meat may give you trouble unless you find compensatory sources.
• RAW-FOOD VEGAN DIET. This diet plan takes veganism one step further. Besides cutting out meat, fish and other animal products, it also specifies that you eat only uncooked, unprocessed, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts,
seeds and grains. Instead of traditional heating and cooking, raw-food diets rely on juicing, dehydrating and blending as preparation methods. Some rawfood vegetarian (rather than vegan) diets allow the consumption of raw eggs and dairy, but this is less common because of food contamination concerns. This diet focuses on the health benefits of whole foods; its proponents consider even the application of heat to be removing foods from their most healthful state.
PROS: Plenty of benefits come with cutting red meat out of your diet. Too much red meat has been associated with heart disease, colorectal cancer and diabetes. In addition, processed meats, particularly processed chicken, have been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. As noted above, cutting out carbs and high-fat processed foods will lead to short-term weight loss in many people. The raw-food diet is also naturally high in fiber, which is connected to a lowered risk of prostate cancer and certain gastrointestinal issues.
CONS: That fruits and vegetables are healthy is well proven; that they have a higher health benefit if eaten raw is highly debated. With plant-based diets, there’s also danger of not getting the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals you need, leading to deficiencies. Meat and animal products are our bodies’ easiest source of things like zinc, iron, vitamin E, vitamin B12 and essential fatty acids. Dr. Moreno-Garcia also says that a diet with a lot of rules is a sign of something you may not be able to stick to. “If it tells you that you cannot eat certain groups of food at all or you should only eat another group of food, and it’s also restrictive, that’s a red flag,” she says.
• INTERMITTENT FASTING. Rising in popularity, this diet approach is all about the when rather than the what. Instead of calorie or foodgroup restriction, intermittent fasting focuses on scheduled eating and abstaining from food entirely for certain periods. Popular methods include alternate-day fasting, wherein you fast or restrict food every other day, and periodic fasting, in which you eat normally within an eight-hour period and fast outside that time.
PROS: There is some evidence that intermittent fasting facilitates weight loss for certain people and populations. A review published in Canadian Family Physician (“Intermittent Fasting and Weight Loss: Systematic Review”) found that, on average, people lost 4.3 percent of their body weight practicing intermittent fasting for periods from two to 12 weeks. The National Institute on Aging also identifies this diet as more than a temporary weight-loss plan,
noting that there is “interest in [its] potential health and aging benefits.” Notes our doctor: “There’s has been a lot of research backing up intermittent fasting. There are benefits associated with it outside of weight loss, such as longevity improvement and improved mental sharpness.”
CONS: A common problem with intermitted fasting comes from people overindulging during the periods when they can eat—either by overeating or by choosing unhealthy foods. It can also be difficult for people who have hectic schedules or are always on the go. If there’s only one window in 16 hours when you can eat and you don’t have time to do so, then you’re not eating at all. Lack of nutrition on fasting days can leave you sluggish, unfocused and irritable.
• THE ATKINS DIET. Developed in the 1970s by the late cardiologist Robert Atkins, M.D., this diet seeks to correct a “metabolic imbalance resulting from carbohydrate consumption,” which he theorized was the main cause of obesity. It takes place over four phases, the first cutting carbs to under 20 grams a day for two weeks, and then slowly reintroducing them until reaching the “lifetime maintenance phase” in which a person is eating between 40 to 90 grams of carbs a day. Protein-rich foods are emphasized.
PROS: Cutting complex carbs from your diet will almost always result in a short-term shedding of that “water weight,” and high-protein diets are known for being satiating and satisfying. In general, lowcarb lifestyles combined with other “healthy” eating habits—keeping calories to the recommended number per day, stressing fruits and vegetables and limiting fat intake—have been shown to lower body weight across the board. A 2013 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition also showed a correlation between low-carb diets and lowered blood pressure.
CONS: Restricting carb intake to this degree is notoriously difficult, and Atkins has a high dropout rate. For example, one bagel is about 48 grams of carbs—almost all of your daily allowance in the lifetime maintenance phase. And dropping in and out of diets can have serious consequences. “These diets often aren’t sustainable because most people can’t just wake up one day and say, ‘Oh, I’m going to only eat this,’ or ‘I am never going to eat that,’” says Dr. Moreno-Garcia. “Maybe you can for a month or two. But often people drop it. And then they gain all the weight back, and sometimes even gain twice as much as they lost.”
• WEIGHT WATCHERS. Designed to help you eat anything in moderation, Weight Watchers assigns
“smart points” to different kinds of foods and then helps you track the number of points you eat in a day. Different diet plans offer different points goals. Some foods are zero points, such as fruits, vegetables and lean protein, meaning that these can be eaten at will. Portions of foods such as cheese, popcorn and salad dressing cost points, and that encourages you to eat smaller amounts of them.
PROS: One of Weight Watchers’ selling points is that it doesn’t “ban” any one food or food group. Having more options makes you more likely to stick to the plan, and therefore more apt to have long-term success. Dr. Moreno-Garcia describes an ideal diet as “one that can be customized for the person, with lifestyle and expectations in mind,” and Weight Watchers prides itself on doing just that. The program also offers workshops and support groups for people on a weight-loss journey, and these can make all the difference for certain people.
CONS: You need to pay to have access to everything Weight Watchers has to offer, which is a huge barrier to entry for some—though some of these expenses are sometimes covered by health insurance. As with intermittent fasting, some who follow this plan feel the need to “stock up” on points so they can later overeat guilt-free, possibly with unhealthy foods, and that’s not ideal. Weight Watchers’ own health notices state that, though its program was created by dieticians, it isn’t for everyone. The plan should be avoided by those who are under age 18, pregnant or following an eating plan to treat a disease, including diabetes or an eating disorder. Says Dr. Moreno-Garcia: “There’s no one-size fits-all. See your physician for a complete physical exam and assess risk factors including family history before you make a serious lifestyle change.”
None of these diets is sheer fraud, but none is instant magic either. The point is to put knowledge, discipline and good sense together and, above all, be good to your body by choosing healthy foods. Talking to your doctor or health care professional before embarking on a major change in your eating is essential. And don’t celebrate victory or concede defeat too early—long-term improvement is what counts. Remember what many doctors say: A good diet plan for you is one you can stick with for the long haul.
Advice On Gut Health
GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS ARE UNPLEASANT TO DISCUSS AND EVEN MORE UNPLEASANT TO SUFFER. HERE, TWO DOCTORS FROM OUR AREA ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THEM.
Scott Dinneen, M.D., gastroenterologist, Atlantic Digestive Health Institute
O. Rahni, M.D., gastroenterologist, RWJBarnabas Health
David
If your stomach is bloated, burbling and upset, it may be time to grab an antacid or a Pepto—or to see a gastroenterologist. Wondering when you should opt for the latter instead of the former? Two gastroenterologists, Scott Dinneen, M.D., of the Atlantic Digestive Health Institute in Morristown and David O. Rahni, M.D., based in West Orange and affiliated with RWJBarnabas Health, offer insight on common gastrointestinal (GI) concerns.
What’s the most important thing people should know about GI health?
Dr. Rahni: “It affects your general well-being. The intestinal system has trillions of bacteria and immune cells and hundreds of millions of nerve endings. It interacts with what we eat and how we feel, and it influences everything from mental health to cardiovascular health to the risk of cancer.”
Dr. Dinneen:
“There are a lot of products on the market right now, like probiotics and produce herbal treatments, that are aimed at gut health concerns. People are seeking ways to address them. But the most important thing is a healthy diet and lifestyle, along with following up with your physician and following age-appropriate screening.” What lifestyle changes can people make to improve their gastroenterological health?
Dr. Dinneen: “You want a diet low in red meat, processed foods and high-fructose corn syrup. A good, all-encompassing diet is the Mediterranean diet.”
Dr. Rahni: “Regular exercise is great for the mind and the gut—it
channels the stress of every day in a healthy way. I also need to really press home the point of diet. It can be hard in America because the food here is so processed. Be cognizant of where your food is coming from and how it’s been processed. Try to educate yourself about that so that you can make the best choices.”
What do you want people to know about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Dr. Rahni: “GERD, or heartburn, is an incredibly common issue. The predominant contributing factors are age, diet and weight. If you’re older, have a high-fat diet or are overweight, you are at a higher risk. Healthy diet modifications can help. You should also avoid eating late at night—leave two or three hours between eating your last meal and going to bed. If you have a particularly bad night of heartburn, think about what you ate in the previous 12 hours and sometimes you’ll realize what the culprit is and you can cut it from your diet. It doesn’t necessarily have to be unhealthy—I’ve seen people become sensitive to salmon and cucumber.”
Dr. Dinneen: “Oftentimes, a primary care doctor can manage GERD. Patients are sent to us if they’ve kind of hit that next level, or they’ve had GERD chronically for years. If someone is vomiting or has unintentional weight loss or trouble swallowing, we need to look more closely and screen for things like Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancer condition.”
Have there been recent advances in treatments for common GI problems?
Dr. Rahni: “We have new therapies and medications for inflammatory bowel disease, one type of which is Crohn’s disease. They increase the quality of life of patients, who can go into deep remission, which means they’re symptom-free. These medications are also safer than prior ones. In the world of hepatitis C, we have therapies that now eradicate the virus and have no side effects at all, a huge contrast to the last generation, which had a low success rate and high side effects. These medications have a 95–96 percent-plus eradication rate, which means it clears you from the virus.”
Dr. Dinneen: “Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a crisis in this country. It is now one of the top three causes of cirrhosis. There is now a once-aday medication that can stop the inflammation that leads to scar formation, and then cirrhosis. It is very exciting because for so long we did not have anything like that.”
Is there a myth you’d like to debunk?
Dr. Dinneen: “Some people have diverticulosis, or the presence of abnormal pockets that sort of stick out from the wall of the colon. It’s incredibly common. Fewer than 10 percent of people with it will get infection and inflammation of those pockets, called diverticulitis. For many years it was thought that popcorn seeds and nuts could trigger episodes of diverticulitis, but we now know they don’t.”
Dr. Rahni: “Marijuana is usually good for nausea, but in 3 to 5 percent of patients it can cause something called cyclical vomiting syndrome [CVS]. Once they stop smoking, it will go away. People should know and consider that.” Why should people seek to get to the bottom of GI symptoms?
Dr. Dinneen: “Fortunately, most symptoms turn out to be benign issues, things we can deal with. But sometimes we discover things that require a higher level of care—sometimes even cancers. The sooner you seek care for something abnormal, the sooner we can find the problem and cure it before it becomes something that’s more life-threatening.”
Dr. Rahni: “If something is happening consistently and you feel like your body is off, don’t ignore it. Go get assessed by a good doctor and rule out the worst.”
What are the screening guidelines for tests that rule out disease?
Dr. Rahni: “Colon cancer is the No. 2 cancer in the country. It’s presenting younger and younger. The age of screening colonoscopies has been decreased to 45. A colonoscopy is totally painless. You’re sleeping with anesthesia while it happens, and it takes 20–30 minutes. The prep itself is much easier than it was in years past.”
Dr. Dinneen: “There are noninvasive options as well, such as stool testing. Some options are even at-home.”
What would you tell someone who is putting off seeing a gastroenterologist because of embarrassment or anxiety?
Dr. Dinneen: “There is no reason to be embarrassed at all. This is all we do all day, every day—talk about the gut. There is nothing people could say that we haven’t seen or dealt with before. Everyone needs to put their health first.”
Dr. Rahni: “There’s no judgment. A good doctor will listen and give you the most evidence-based, empathetic management that they can. So never allow any embarrassment or anxiety to become a barrier to seeing a doctor, who will listen and give you good care.”
PUTTING A ROOM TO WORK
CASE CLOSED: A MORRISTOWN ATTORNEY FINALLY GETS THE HOME OFFICE SHE’S WANTED—AND NEEDED.
The work-from-home lifestyle at last caught up with a Morristown couple last year, when they realized that the wife of the working duo needed a dedicated room for her job. She had been occupying an extra, underused room in the Convent Station neighborhood home they had purchased
When an underused space in a Morristown home was converted into a home office, it needed to be functional—and also “a showstopper,” says designer Lisa Santoro. Here, a warm blue tone makes for a comfortable working environment, while an array of built-in shelves provides space for plenty of law books and files.
Design by Lisa Santoro, LJS Interiors Photography by Meghan Balcom Text by Darius Amos
This page: The large light fixture from Visual Comfort provides ample illumination day or night, a requirement for anyone planning to burn the midnight oil.
Opposite: Santoro applied wallpaper with a branch motif behind the built-in shelves, adding visual interest while softening the look of the room.
years ago, but it wasn’t the right environment to conduct business. An attorney in her late 30s, she wanted an area where she could meet with clients—in person or virtually—and work quietly when needed.
To update the space, they hired Lisa Santoro of Morristown-based LJS Interiors, a designer a friend had worked with. “She wanted a nice office because she has a lot of Zoom calls,” Santoro says, “but the space also needed to be very comfortable. She wanted to be able to walk into the room and stay there for hours. It’s located next to the front door, so it had to be a showstopper too.”
The existing room was “just a shell,” Santoro recalls—four walls, hardwood floors, a desk and chair.
“It just wasn’t her style and taste.” To bring the room up to speed and make it fit for an attorney, the designer and contractor Code Construction installed built-in cabinets and shelves along the flat walls. She also immersed the new features in Benjamin Moore’s Providence Blue 1636.
“The built-ins really ground the space and give her plenty of room for files and law books,” Santoro says. “We gave them a warm wrapping of color. I use a ton of blue in my designs—this color is amazing.”
She added another warm touch to the wall behind the built-in shelves: branch-patterned wallpaper. “It creates softness and interest, but you’d never know if it was a man or a woman who uses the office,” Santoro says.
A locally sourced desk, work chair and guest chairs fill the space (the designer says which local sources will remain her secret), while an area rug covers the existing hardwood floor. “We had to go through the floor to rewire and relocate an outlet to ensure that she had good power for her computer,” the designer recalls. “Otherwise, the floor was in good condition.”
Adds Santoro: “They’re an amazing, busy working family, so I was happy to be someone they could lean on to give them what they needed.”
HOORAY—FIELD ESCAPES
Can learning be fun? Five nearby destinations will prove to your kids that the answer is yes.
When it comes to visiting museums and other attractions, many children are of two minds: a joyful thumbs-up if it means a “field trip” that gets them out of school for the day, but a groan of reluctance if it’s proposed for a “free” weekend or vacation day.
But just maybe your kids don’t know it all. Exploring the right museum promises not only to enlighten them, but to show them a good time too. And a day trip of this kind just may succeed in temporarily peeling your kids’ eyes off their various screens, be they phone, laptop, tablet or TV.
Isn’t it worth a try? Here are five nearby road-trip destinations:
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK, N.Y.
Distance from Morris and Essex: 30 miles. This famous museum is big—you could get lost for days in its 21 interconnected buildings. Almost any subject that captures your child’s heart will be the focus of an in-depth display here. See artifacts from cultures around the world (one example: the Northwest Coast Hall, illustrating the history of indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest, re-opened in 2022), or browse the Halls of Gems and Minerals, where specimens glitter under the lights. Of course, the dinosaurs and fossils are among this destination’s biggest draws, including the towering T-Rex and the museum’s newest prehistoric display, Apex, one of the largest and most complete Stegosaurus specimens ever uncovered.
After you browse. If you and the kids get hungry, there are several dining options in the museum, including a full food court (with both gluten-free and nut-free choices), two cafes and the sit-down The Restaurant at Gilder, which overlooks the impressive architecture of the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium. Venturing outside can take you to one of hundreds of great Manhattan eateries. You’ll find plenty of chains if you’re looking for something quick (there’s a Shake Shack down the street), in addition to New York-style pizza places for the perfect slice. More information: amnh.org
LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, JERSEY CITY.
Distance from Morris and Essex: 20 miles. Intended “to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers and excite learners of all ages,” this facility is full of interactive exhibits designed to captivate the imagination and foster a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. Stop by for the Boom Time exhibit, where you can see watermelons, pumpkins and bouncy balls explode under controlled circumstances, or play in the Dino Dig Adventure and uncover replicas of fossils (weather permitting). There’s also the 80-foot Touch Tunnel, which encourages kids to move through a pitch-black space to dramatize how much we rely on our eyesight. The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, America’s largest, plays jaw-dropping star shows daily.
After you browse. Not far from the Science Center is Pinwheel Garden Dumpling and Noodle Bar, an Asian-fusion spot where you can enjoy a colorful, innovative meal (and maybe convince the kids to try something new). Liberty State Park offers an incredible view of the Statue of Liberty. (Don’t tell anyone we said this, but it’s better than the one you get from NYC.) For older kids and thrill seekers, just down the street is RPM Raceway, where you can zip around on go-carts and enjoy an arcade.
More information: lsc.org
TRIP!
WESTCHESTER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, RYE, N.Y.
Distance from Morris and Essex: 60 miles. Learning and play go hand in hand in this 22,000-square-foot facility, which prides itself on removing the “do not touch” signs from the museum experience. From the constantly-open MakerSpace stocked with clay and other art supplies to the “build your own roller coaster” tracks to the mini wind tunnel, nearly everything here is interactive and made with little hands (and STEM learning) in mind. There are also daily dropin programs, including story times and music and movement classes. There’s also a special themed weekend at the start of each month. On Feb. 8 and 9, you can celebrate “Kindness Weekend” with friendship bracelets and cookie-themed crafts, and on March 8 and 9 enjoy Slimefest, with every kind of slime, dough and sand you can imagine.
After you browse. Nestled against Long Island Sound, Rye is a beautiful place to take a stroll any time of year. (The museum itself overlooks the water.) For a sit-down lunch or dinner, Rye Grill & Bar is a short drive away and has something for every taste (and an extensive kids’ menu). If you want to end a fun day with a sweet treat, local chain Longford’s Ice Cream is happy to provide the perfect send-off. More information: discoverwcm.org
THE MARITIME AQUARIUM, NORWALK, CONN.
Distance from Morris and Essex: 80 miles. Dive under the sea and discover seals, turtles and all kinds of fish at this Connecticut aquarium. You’ll find extensive exhibits on the creatures of Long Island Sound here, including rays and playful river otters. You can also see less familiar animals, such as the spiny lionfish or the giant Pacific octopus. One of Maritime’s marquee exhibits is Pinniped Cove, where playful harbor seals swim back and forth for hours. There’s also a 4D theater on the premises. In February, two screenings will be held daily—Turtle Odyssey and Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure Besides eye-popping 3D effects, the theater’s seats vibrate and move, creating a totally immersive experience.
After you browse. For comfort food and a name sure to make the kids giggle, check out Jacob’s Pickles South Norwalk. (The mac-and-cheese is legendary.) If the weather is nice and you’re craving more education, check out Norwalk’s Oyster Shell Park, which combines scenic views of the river with trails that lead past historical buildings. Want to double-dip on a museum day? Stepping Stones Museum for Children is also nearby, with daily hands-on activities. More information: maritimeaquarium.org
GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE, HAMILTON TOWNSHIP.
Distance from Morris and Essex: 75 miles. This year-round sculpture garden will delight young artists and young outdoor enthusiasts alike. Art and nature mingle across 42 landscaped acres dotted with nearly 300 contemporary sculptures, many of them towering high above the ground. (The starker landscape of winter as a backdrop lends extra drama to some.) There are also several indoor gallery spaces. On display until the end of February is a special “Light as Material” exhibition, for which artists sculpt with light and shadow. The Grounds also hosts special craft days for kids—join them on Feb. 15 for a fun paper-marbling craft session and take home a special “love monster.”
After you browse: Want something sweet to round out your day? Not far from Grounds for Sculpture is Hamilton’s Eet Gud Bakery, which has been open for 96 years and has some of the best pastries, cookies and other treats in the area. (Its donuts are a must-try). A casual lunch and some coffee? Jersey Girl Café, also nearby, is a local favorite (and you can order breakfast all day). For even more diner-style options and amazing soup, drive only a little further to The Brookwood Café. More information: groundsforsculpture.org
—Kirsten Meehan
Hearty & Healthy
You won’t miss meat when you try these delicious, veggie-packed recipes.
TASTES
CAULIFLOWER PARMESAN
Yields 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 1 head of cauliflower
n 2 Tbs. olive oil
n 1 cup marinara sauce
n 1 cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil or non-stick spray.
Cut the head of cauliflower into 4 “steaks” and set them on the baking sheet.
Brush both sides with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil divided evenly between the four and season with salt and pepper.
Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the cauliflower over and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and set the oven to broil. Divide one cup marinara sauce evenly between the four cauliflower steaks and top with one cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese divided evenly as well.
Place the baking sheet back into the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and serve right away.
“This
cauliflower recipe feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut, which help reduce inflammation and promote digestive health. To change this recipe up, swap the cauliflower for zucchini sliced in half lengthwise. If you are dairy free or vegan, use plant-based alternatives to the dairy such as cashew or almond milk cheeses.”
Lori R. Lee, registered dietitian/nutritionist, The Wellness Center of Northwest Jersey, Succasunna
VEGETARIAN CHILI
Yields 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
n ½ Tbs. olive oil
n 3 cloves garlic, minced
n 1 yellow onion, chopped
n 1 large carrot, diced
n 1 red bell pepper, diced
n 1 (4 oz.) can mild green chiles
n 1 medium to large sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
n 2½ Tbs. mild chili powder
n 1 Tbs. cumin
n ½ tsp. dried oregano
n ¼ tsp. garlic powder
n ¼ tsp. paprika
n ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
n ¼ tsp. salt
n freshly ground black pepper
n 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted is great)
n 3/4 cup vegetarian broth (or water, plus more if it needs more liquid)
n 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
n 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
n 1 heaping cup frozen sweet corn
TASTES
DIRECTIONS
Place oil in a large pot and place over medium high heat. Add in garlic, onion, diced carrot, red bell pepper, cubed sweet potatoes and green chiles; saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Next add in chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper; stir for about 30 seconds.
Finally add in crushed tomatoes, broth/water, black beans, kidney beans and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until chili thickens and flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary.
Garnish with anything you’d like. Makes 6 servings, about 1½ cups each.
“This ‘love in a bowl, hearty comfort food’ is packed with lots of lean protein and fiber from the beans and other nutrients from the tomatoes and broth. For more protein, try adding organic tofu. ”
Lori R. Lee, registered dietitian/nutritionist, The Wellness Center of Northwest Jersey, Succasunna
BAR TAB
Sweet Sip
A decadent drink isn‘t just for Valentine’s Day—this hot cocktail will keep you warm any day or night.
CHOCOLATE SWAN
Makes 1 serving
INGREDIENTS
n 1 oz. vodka
n 1/2 oz. St-Germain
n 4 oz. hot chocolate
n dark chocolate bar, grated n whipped cream
DIRECTIONS
Heat the hot chocolate until warm. Add the vodka and St-Germain and stir. Pour into a mug. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
TOP DENTISTS MORRIS COUNTY’S 2025
TO HELP YOU FIND GREAT DENTAL CARE, Morris & Essex magazine commissioned Professional Research Services (PRS) of Troy, Michigan to conduct a peer-review survey of hundreds of practicing and active dentists across Morris County. Dentists were asked to choose which of their peers they consider the very best, across seven different practice areas—endodontics, general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.
All the final honorees were fact-checked with the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System. The highest vote getters within each specialty who are in good standing with the state are included here in the 2025 “Morris County’s Top Dentists” list.
There are many other good dentists practicing in Morris County who may not be included on this list; we recommend that you consider “Morris County’s Top Dentists” and other resources before scheduling your next dental procedure.
ENDODONTICS
KEITH APPELBAUM
Appelbaum Endodontics, LLC 10 W. Hanover Ave. Suite 105 Randolph, NJ 07869 973-598-3450
AARON D. AUE
Morris County Endodontics 141 Route 46 Rockaway, NJ 07866 973-625-3384
HAROUT BARSEMIAN
Apex Endodontics, LLC 123 Washington St. Suite 205 Morristown, NJ 07960 973-538-5660
CRAIG BERRY
Marc P. Gimbel, DMD, LLC 150 River Rd. Suite K-3 Montville, NJ 07045 973-335-8046
MITCHELL H. DAVICH
Davich Endodontics 95 Madison Ave. Suite A02 Morristown, NJ 07960 973-898-0100
MARC P. GIMBEL
Marc P. Gimbel, DMD, LLC 150 River Rd. Suite K-3 Montville, NJ 07045 973-335-8046
VIVIAN GRAHAM
Modern Micro Endodontics 256 Columbia Tpke. South Tower, Suite 205 Florham Park, NJ 07932 973-765-0011
RENA KREITMAN
Marc P. Gimbel, DMD, LLC 150 River Rd. Suite K-3 Montville, NJ 07045 973-335-8046
CHRISTOPHER PEPPEL
Roots Endodontics 303 Main St. Madison, NJ 07940 973-245-9131
ROSEMICHELE SORVINOMACCHIA
Chatham Endodontics 291 Main St. Chatham, NJ 07928 973-635-9191
LEO YUDKIN
Advanced Endodontics of New Jersey 16 Pocono Rd. Suite 211 Denville, NJ 07834 973-664-0181
170 Changebridge Rd. Building C-6 Montville, NJ 07045 973-276-7926
CARYN MILLER
Caryn Miller, DMD, LLC
300 Main St. Chatham, NJ 07928 973-635-4960
MARIA PARRELLA
Madison Periodontics & Implants 8 Shunpike Rd. Suite 5 Madison, NJ 07940 973-822-9323
NEHA SHAH
Neha P. Shah, DMD, LLC 272 Route 206 Suite 210 Building 2 Flanders, NJ 07836 973-668-5020
PROSTHODONTICS
ASHLEY AZIZIAN
Smiles by Specialists 18 Madison Ave. Madison , NJ 07940 973-210-4872
THOMAS J. EMMER JR.
T.J. Emmer Prosthetic Dentistry 310 Madison Ave. Suite 206 Morristown, NJ 07960 973-540-8800
CHRISTINE A. GOLIS
Christine A. Golis, DDS 32 Collis Ln. Suite C Chester, NJ 07930 908-879-1933
BARRY A. KAPLAN
Morristown Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry 120 Columbia Tpke. Suite 2 Florham Park, NJ 07932
973-540-1311
MAURICIO LAVIE
Chatham Prosthodontics 33 Main St. Suite 103 Chatham, NJ 07928
973-635-0698
CARLOS MOGLIANESI
Carlos Moglianesi, DMD, FACP 300 Main St. Chatham, NJ 07928
908-665-2300
DANIEL ORELLANA NJDC for Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry 16 Pocono Rd. Suite 215 Denville, NJ 07834
973-627-7934
Derek Fine, D.M.D.
Jenni Kwiatkowski, D.D.S.
Aesthetic Family Dentistry
35 West Main St. Suite 208, Denville, NJ 07834 • 973.627.3617 • www.aestheticfamilydentistry.com
AESTHETIC FAMILY DENTISTRY OF DENVILLE, FOUNDED OVER 40 YEARS AGO, offers a highly technological, yet gentle and holistic approach to dentistry rarely found in a family practice. Dr. Derek Fine and Dr. Jenni Kwiatkowski are focused on each patient’s overall well-being and how dental health affects the body.
The dentists recognize that first impressions are critical from the initial moments of contact with the kindest and most devoted team to the waiting room’s ambiance, patients get a picture of how they will be treated and if it’s the right practice for their family. The dentists also share cell phone numbers with patients, finding that it offers peace of mind and promotes patient physician trust.
The dentists look for homeopathic options whenever possible to avoid the use of drugs and chemicals. For many procedures, they’ll use an ozone generator which kills bacteria, viruses, and fungus without the use of chemicals or other medications. Their newest addition to technology is called the Light Scalpel, used to treat infants, children and adults lip and tongue ties. This helps new moms with infants having
difficulty breastfeeding and allows the baby to transfer milk better, gain weight and have less reflux and colic. The benefit to an adult is that it promotes better nasal breathing, improving breathing issues and/or sleep apnea.
At Aesthetic Family Dentistry, it’s all about the best patient experience possible. For example, patients feel more comfortable having a 3D scanner create their impressions. Aesthetic Family Dentistry is especially proficient when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ, sleep breathing disorders and headaches. Additionally, there’s a wide array of traditional and advanced dental procedures, as well as cosmetic dentistry, Botox and a variety of dermal fillers.
As patients are becoming more aware of natural alternative in medicine and dentistry our practice has been busier than ever. We have welcomed Dr Harsh Patel to our practice. He continues to strive for excellence and is a quick study of the homeopathic treatments we provide. Our team is committed to continuing education and staying up to date with the latest technology so we can offer our patients the best there is.
Pictured from left to right: Jonathan Michel, DDS, Akeyla Brown, DDS, Margo Freedberg, DDS, Justin Richer, DMD, Shawn Lynn, DDS, (Not Pictured) Henry Falk, DDS
Riverside Oral Surgery
Livingston | Chatham | West Orange | West Caldwell
WITH A TEAM OF DISTINGUISHED SURGEONS AND AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO INNOVATIVE PRACTICES, Riverside Oral Surgery has become the go-to destination for those seeking progressive oral health solutions in both Morris and Essex counties. A trailblazer in the realm of oral healthcare, this esteemed practice, deeply ingrained in the community, consistently pushes boundaries, redefining and cultivating an unmatched standard of care.
Leading this progressive practice are eminent surgeons who not only excel in their craft but also exude passion for delivering personalized and empathetic care to every patient who enters their domain. Dr. Shawn Lynn, Dr. Margo J. Freedberg, Dr. Akeyla Brown, Dr. Justin Richer, and Dr. Jonathan Michel collectively form the core of the Riverside Oral Surgery team. Each surgeon is not merely a practitioner but a visionary devoted to revolutionizing the patient experience.
Riverside Oral Surgery’s comprehensive range of services, tailored to address both routine and intricate cases are noteworthy. The practice encompasses a wide spectrum of oral and maxillofacial procedures, ranging from wisdom tooth extraction to corrective jaw surgery. Fueled by
a commitment to ongoing enhancement, the surgeons at Riverside Oral Surgery remain updated on the latest developments in the field, ensuring that patients benefit from the most innovative and efficacious treatments available.
Beyond clinical excellence, Riverside Oral Surgery places a premium on the overall patient experience. From the moment patients step into their modern and inviting facilities, a sense of assurance permeates the office. The pleasant and knowledgeable team is devoted to creating a comfortable atmosphere, addressing concerns, and providing transparent information at every stage of the process.
With an exceptional team of innovative surgeons, a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a dedication to cutting-edge techniques, this practice not only stands as a beacon in Morris and Essex Counties but also as a promise of progressive oral health and the optimal patient experience.
Carol Soufanati, D.M.D.
DR. CAROL SOUFANATI’S DYNAMIC APPROACH INTEGRATES PRECISE CLINICAL EXPERTISE, a solid educational foundation, and an unwavering dedication to her patients. Intrigued by science and artistry at a young age, Dr. Soufanati pursued a career that synergized the two elements perfectly. A graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Dental School, Dr. Soufanati has spent the last 14 years pursuing her passion of providing the highest quality family and cosmetic dentistry. In 2010, she had the privilege of taking over a well-established practice in the heart of Morris County, making it her own, while continuing the legacy set by its founders in 1975.
Dr. Soufanati’s passion for family and cosmetic dentistry is rooted in her belief that oral health is personal, with each family member requiring tailored care throughout their lifetime. Additionally, she understands the profound impact that an improved smile can have, boosting both confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Soufanati leads a team of highly trained, patient-centric professionals who utilize the latest technology for precise diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments to ensure patient comfort.
From digital impressions to digital radiography, the most advanced tools are employed to provide exceptional and personalized care. She also implements cutting-edge cosmetic techniques to deliver outstanding esthetic and restorative dentistry, resulting in a beautiful and long-lasting smile.
At Mountain Lakes Premier Dental, patients are family. The team understand that patients trust them with one of the most important aspects of their health and well-being, and they consider this responsibility a great honor. Their goal at every visit is to promote optimal oral health, which in turn enhances overall health and quality of life. This is achieved by carefully listening to each patient’s concerns, clearly explaining treatment options, and creating personalized plans to meet individual needs and goals. From the moment patients step through the door, they will experience a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where patient care is top priority and service is second to none.
DR. DAVID CAGGIANO COMBINES HIS BACKGROUND IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING WITH HIS EXTENSIVE TRAINING IN DENTISTRY to create innovative solutions for the toughest of orthodontic situations. “Engineering each smile is a unique process with many options,” he says.
As the Author of A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Orthodontics: How to Confidently Choose the Best Orthodontist for your Family and Perfectly Clear: Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign, Dr. Caggiano understands the importance of feeling confident that you are getting the best treatment possible to help create your perfect smile.
Staying at the forefront of orthodontic technology is how Dr. Caggiano keeps his promise to offer his patients the most effective orthodontic solutions. He was one of the first orthodontists in New Jersey to use
digital impression scanners and 3D printers, allowing for impression free treatment. Dr. Caggiano provides treatment using the latest techniques, including self-ligating braces, Indirect Bonding and accelerated Invisalign, just to name a few.
“Your smile is the first thing people notice about you, and patients are always complementing us on how thorough our exam process is,” he says. Nominated for many accolades, Dr. Caggino is one of the area’s leading orthodontists. The practice receives rave reviews for its Caggiano Smile Assessment, which includes a complimentary exam, digital x-rays and consultation for new patients. Dr. Caggiano takes pride in delivering quality orthodontic treatment with great customer service, that’s why he is confident and has trade-marked, “You’ll Love the Way We Make You Smile!”
David Caggiano Caggiano Orthodontics
310 Madison Avenue, Suite 201 Morristown, NJ 07960 • 973.292.0001 hello@rangeldental.com • www.rangeldental.com • FB: RangelDMD • IG: rangeldental_nj
DR. RANGEL OF RANGEL DENTAL HAS CULTIVATED A REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE, COMPASSION, AND INNOVATION IN DENTISTRY. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Rangel decided to pursue dentistry in high school, inspired by her love of biology and an article about the need for female dentists. Her journey led her to complete a residency at Morristown Medical Center, where she now teaches residents, exemplifying her commitment to education and the future of dentistry.
Since opening her practice in 2005, Dr. Rangel has consistently delivered exceptional care to families in her community. Recognized as an NJ Top Dentist and NJ Family Favorite Kids Doc for ten consecutive years, as well as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite since 2017, her accolades reflect her dedication to patients. She is a member of organizations such as the Dawson Center for Complete Dentistry, CDOCs, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and Spear Study Group, ensuring she remains at the forefront of advancements in her field.
What sets Rangel Dental apart is the harmonious blend of state-of-theart technology and a family-oriented atmosphere. The practice boasts advanced equipment, such as a Cerec system for same-day crowns and digital scans, and a CBCT machine for 3D imaging, ensuring precise diagnostics and treatment planning. Dr. Rangel and her team prioritize patient comfort and long-term relationships. Many staff members have been with the practice for over a decade, creating a familiar environment for patients.
Rangel Dental’s comprehensive offerings range from family and cosmetic dentistry, including basic cleanings and fillings to veneers, bridges, implant restorations and whitening. Dr. Rangel’s commitment extends beyond her office; she sponsors local sports teams, supports school fundraisers, and participates in mission trips worldwide. With a philosophy of treating patients as she would herself, Dr. Rangel has earned the trust and loyalty of her community. Rangel Dental continues to set the standard for compassionate care.
Dr. Barbara Fodero, D.D.S., MS
Chatham Orthodontics
33 Main St., Suite 104, Chatham, NJ 07928 • 973.701.2200 • www.chathambraces.com smile@chathambraces.com
A DUAL PASSION FOR ART AND SCIENCE led Dr. Barbara Fodero, to studying orthodontia and has seen her happily engineering beautiful smiles for kids, teens and adults ever since. As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Fodero leverages the latest technology, like custom, 3-D printed Lightforce braces, to ensure she can provide the best available treatment for each patient, with the fastest possible treatment time.
Chatham Orthodontics—established by Dr. Fodero over 15 years—is situated in close proximity to Essex, Morris and Union counties. As a mom, Dr. Fodero implicitly understands the importance of a gentle hand and only recommends treatment she would endorse for her own family. She delights in her work with young people and enjoys the strong connections made with her adult patients. Dr. Fodero is highly skilled at working with patients who have oral sensitivities and anxiety issues.
Dr. Fodero graduated valedictorian of her dental class at the University of Michigan and continued on for an additional three years to earn her masters in the specialty of orthodontics.
Douglas Kitchin, D.D.S.
Kitchin Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
40 Main St., Succasunna NJ 07876 • 973.584.2533 • www.roxburydental.com
DR. DOUGLAS KITCHIN AND HIS DENTAL TEAM pride themselves on having one of the most comfortable and welcoming dental offices in the area. The state-of-the-art practice offers patients a wide range of solutions under one roof, making the office the complete dental health facility that generations of families near and far rely on for their oral care.
Dr. Kitchin utilizes proven technologies, such as digital impressions, dental implants and Invisalign® to achieve high quality results. He also provides comprehensive services, including root canal therapy, extractions and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Kitchin and his team have built a reputation for outstanding communication with patients. “As a result, our patients are well informed and experience better outcomes because they understand what’s happening with their oral health,” he says.
He trained in advanced dental procedures at the highly regarded Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Before that, Dr. Kitchin obtained his degree in dental surgery from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. The team invites you to meet Dr. Kitchin to experience firsthand their warm, welcoming environment.
Evan Krause, D.D.S., F.I.C.O.I., Alan Krause, D.M.D.
Krause Comprehensive Dental Care
150 River Rd., Suite J-2, Montville, NJ 07045 • 973.334.5556 • www.kcdcmontville.com
DR. ALAN KRAUSE SET OUT TO BUILD HIS PRACTICE based on providing honest, quality dentistry with a strong focus on patient education. This philosophy allowed him to build relationships with patients that have spanned decades. Having grown up around the practice and even working there in multiple roles during his studies, Dr. Evan Krause saw firsthand this synergy between providing the best dental experience and treating patients like they are family. Having joined the practice over a decade ago, Dr. Evan has sought to continue the legacy initiated by his father, while also bringing a wide array of advanced dental and surgical techniques from his training.
Krause Comprehensive Dental Care is a dedicated and diversified practice where the dentists give their undivided attention to patients of all ages. Offering “Experience with Continuing Excellence,” their mission is to provide exceptional, personalized dental care in a warm and welcoming environment using state-of-the-art technology. With each passing year, the doctors search out the newest technologies that check all the boxes to raise the bar in diagnostics and treatment. The caring and compassionate team know just how to find the perfect balance between doing the best job possible while making anxious patients feel at ease.
Both doctors have experience teaching at local dental schools and look forward to sharing their passion for education with patients old and new.
Jacqueline S. Reid, D.D.S.
Jacqueline S. Reid, DDS Family Dentistry
390 Main St. Chatham, NJ 07928 • 973.635.9456 • reidddschatham@gmail.com www.facebook.com/dentindoc • www.jacquelinesreiddds.com
DR. JACQUELINE S. REID BUILT HER CAREER WITH UNWAVERING DETERMINATION AND A PASSION FOR DENTISTRY. At 15, she began cleaning a dental office and babysitting for the dentist’s children, paving her path forward. By 16, she was working as a dental assistant, solidifying her dream of becoming a dentist. Through tireless effort, she became the first in her family to graduate college, as well as obtaining her dental degree from Case Western Reserve University. Additionally, she completed residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, a program which she has run for the past 20 years.
Her ongoing hospital experience equips her with the expertise to manage complex cases, while her board certification in forensic dentistry enhances her diagnostic precision. Today, her practice reflects her dedication, offering families a trusted space where personalized care and state-of-the-art services meet. Patients praise her compassionate approach, earning the practice a stellar 5.0 rating on Google. Families appreciate the convenience of scheduling joint appointments and the comforting, home-like setting.
Dr. Reid goes above and beyond, providing her personal cell phone for emergencies and personally following up after procedures. Generations of families rely on her compassionate, expert care, knowing their health is in capable hands. Dr. Reid’s inspiring journey proves that hard work, resilience, and compassion can create a lasting impact.
DR. ROMANO HAS BEEN IMPROVING THE DENTAL HEALTH of his hometown Madison patients and beyond since 1986. He provides exceptional general, restorative, cosmetic, oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics and implant dentistry all under one roof. Dr. Romano believes that through clear communication, clinical excellence and a culture of caring, he can change the way people think about dentistry. He is continually updating technology and office systems. He works hard to ensure treatments are more accurate and less invasive and that all patients have a comfortable low-stress dental experience. Having dental specialists under one roof enhances the superior outcome of treatment that we strive for. The office is state of the art technology, handicap accessible and an award winning team that will take care of you from start to finish.
` Please visit our website for more information and visit our Google reviews on google which we are very proud of.
FROM AN EARLY AGE, DR. NATALIA ARTIMOVA DEVELOPED A PASSION FOR DENTISTRY, inspiring her decision to pursue a career as a dentist. After graduating from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and gaining 18 years of experience in practice, she launched her own dental practice two years ago. Since then, her patients have been delighted by the exceptional care and service she provides.
Her family and cosmetic practice is warm and personable; true to its motto “Smile! You Are In Good Hands,” where she offers comprehensive dental solutions including general, restorative, cosmetic, dental implants, Invisalign and full mouth rehabilitation. Dr. Artimova’s passion for delivering exceptional dental care to patients of all ages and commitment to progress in the field of dentistry is evident in every corner of her practice.
Dr. Artimova is dedicated to growing and expanding her new practice so that friends and neighbors in the surrounding communities can also benefit from her gentle demeanor, advanced treatment philosophies and state-of-the-art techniques.
Celine Lee, D.M.D. Allison Adams, D.M.D.
Adams Dental Integrative Dental Center
One Kings Rd., Madison, NJ 07940 • 973.377.6500 www.adamsdentalnj.com
DR. CELINE LEE AND DR. ALLISON ADAMS SHARE A VISION of positively impacting the human spirit through their care.
Grateful patients recognize Dr. Lee’s meticulous clinical skill and creation of a safe space with pain-free dentistry. A review says it all: “Dr. Lee helped me overcome my anxiety with her positivity and patient listening, while maintaining her ethical standards of professional care, creativity and actual artistry. I think she is magical!” Treating patients like family is a hallmark of her care. A pioneer in airwayfocused dentistry, Dr. Adams unravels the causes of chronic diseases with an oral component.
Caryn Miller, D.M.D.
Caryn Miller, DMD, LLC | Specialty # 3529
300 Main St., Chatham, NJ 07928
973.635.4960 • www.drmillerperio.com
DR. CARYN MILLER, a Board Certified Periodontist, has been in practice for over 25 years. She works with an exceptional staff to build relationships with both dentists and patients in a caring, relaxed atmosphere.
Dr. Miller utilizes the latest technology that allows regrowth of bone and gum tissues. Office procedures include implant surgery, gum grafting, cosmetic procedures, and preventive treatment for gum disease. She is the director of Periodontics at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital and Overlook Hospital Residency programs.
Christina Carter, D.M.D.
Carter Smile
180 Main St., Madison, NJ 07940 • 973.540.1666 www.cartersmilellc.com
DR. CHRISTINA CARTER IS TRIPLE-TRAINED, a status that is unique in the field of dentistry. Dr Carter specializes in both pediatric dentistry and pediatric & adult orthodontics and has further distinguished herself by completing a fellowship in cleft, craniofacial, and surgical orthodontics.
Dr. Carter takes special care in treating patients in the neurodivergent population, especially craniofacial disorders and autism. From age one through college, Dr. Carter watches the growth and development of her patients. By following their progress from the start of their dental journey, she can often detect and intercept orthodontic issues before surgical intervention becomes necessary.
Anthony L. Fusco, D.M.D.
Joseph R. Caravano, D.M.D.
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of Randolph
390 State Rt. 10, Randolph, NJ 07869 973.361.1198 • www.dentistryofrandolph.com
DRS. ANTHONY FUSCO AND JOSEPH CARAVANO practice a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry. With an on-site dental technician, their office provides quick turn-around time on their patients’ dental needs. These skills and conveniences combined with treating patients like family have made this practice a Top Dentist choice.
Drs. Fusco and Caravano, are both graduates of UMDNJ and are members of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and New Jersey Dental Association. They are involved locally with the Tri-County Dental Society. Their office offers family scheduling, and evening and weekend hours for added convenience.
Carlos Moglianesi, D.M.D., F.A.C.P.
300 Main St., Chatham, NJ 07928 • 908.665.2300 www.drmoglianesi.com
DR. CARLOS MOGLIANESI IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED prosthodontist (NJ Specialty #3639) who specializes in renewing smiles with restorations and a cosmetic focus. Through advanced specialty training, Dr. Moglianesi creates optimal oral health both in function and appearance using the latest dental technologies and trusted techniques from effective, innovative diagnosis to computer-aided design and fabrication of dental restorations.
Dr. Moglianesi is particularly proud of his devoted staff who create a warm, comfortable environment for their patients. Dr. Moglianesi is an avid teacher and lecturer affiliated with UCLA, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and Loma Linda University teaching implant dentistry and aesthetics to post graduates as well as continuing education coursework to general dentists.
Barry Kaplan, D.M.D.
Prosthodontist - Permit: #3775
120 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 2 Florham Park, NJ 07932 • 973.540.1311 • www.kaplandentistrynj.com
FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, Dr. Barry Kaplan has been recognized and respected for his expertise and compassionate care in the specialty of prosthodontics while providing patients with crowns, bridges, dentures, cosmetic procedures and implant reconstructions. His dual training in prosthodontics and the surgical placement of implants offers patients comprehensive treatment plans in one location. He uses 3D planning software to perform implant surgery and then completes the final implant reconstruction. Treatment plans are custom tailored to each patient’s needs placing emphasis on a stable and healthy bite and esthetically driven restorations. Dr. Kaplan often uses cutting edge grafting procedures to rebuild bone where necessary to enhance the functional and esthetic outcomes.
Rebecca S. Jackson, D.D.S.
Main Street Dental Arts
291 Main St., Chatham, NJ 07928 973.635.9091 • www.mainstreetdentalartsnj.com
FROM UTILIZING STATEOF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY to offering aromatherapy and personalized music selections, Dr. Rebecca Jackson’s dental practice is committed to the full patient experience. Offering comprehensive dental services in her newly renovated Chatham office, Dr. Jackson and her staff are dedicated to providing superior care. From cleanings and preventive visits to cosmetic and restorative dentistry, Dr. Jackson uses the latest technology including digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and the iTero® digital scanner that eliminates messy impressions. Her patient-centric approach has earned her testimonials applauding her high level of care and ability to calm even the most anxious patients.
After graduating with honors from Lafayette College, Dr. Jackson earned her dental degree from New York University College of Dentistry. She completed a general practice residency prior to starting her career in private practice.
HIGH-QUALITY ORTHODONTICS WITH A MOM’S TOUCH, is the cornerstone of Rockaway Orthodontics’ patient experience. Dr. Melissa Roberto built her practice around the idea that patients deserve compassionate and transparent care tailored to their needs and the needs of their families.
As a single practitioner, Dr. Roberto’s patients know they’ll be getting her expert attention and thoughtful guidance each time they visit the office. She takes personal care in ensuring patient comfort and is proactive in creating a low-stress environment for everyone, especially those with special needs or who require sensory accommodations.
TOP DENTISTS ESSEX COUNTY’S 2025
TO HELP YOU FIND GREAT DENTAL CARE, Morris & Essex magazine commissioned Professional Research Services (PRS) of Troy, Michigan to conduct a peer-review survey of hundreds of practicing and active dentists across Essex County. Dentists were asked to choose which of their peers they consider the very best, across seven different practice areas—endodontics, general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.
All the final honorees were fact-checked with the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System. The highest vote getters within each specialty who are in good standing with the state are included here in the 2025 “Essex County’s Top Dentists” list.
There are many other good dentists practicing in Essex County who may not be included on this list; we recommend that you consider “Essex County’s Top Dentists” and other resources before scheduling your next dental procedure.
ENDODONTICS
JOSEPH D. CHIKVASHVILI
Advanced Endodontics 349 E. Northfield Rd. Suite 211 Livingston, NJ 07039 973-731-4800
ALI FORGHANI
Liv Endodontics 22 Old Short Hills Rd. Suite 208 Livingston, NJ 07039 973-791-9328
NASSIM KOHLY Liv Endodontics 22 Old Short Hills Rd. Suite 208 Livingston, NJ 07039 973-791-9328
ALAN A. LAYTON
Millburn Endodontics, PA 75 Main St. Suite 102 Millburn, NJ 07041 973-376-1944
CAROL MANN
Carol E. Mann, DMD
202 South Orange Ave. South Orange, NJ 07079 973-761-7003
GENERAL DENTISTRY
PETER J. BENISCH
Dental Group of Millburn 187 Millburn Ave. Suite 1 Millburn, NJ 07041 973-709-8195
ROBERT CLAPCICH
Robert Clapcich, DMD 116 Millburn Ave. Suite 113 Millburn, NJ 07041 973-379-2525
JOSEPH M. DALBON New Jersey Center For Laser And Cosmetic Dentistry 1019 Bloomfield Ave. Suite 1A & 1B West Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-244-2424
MEDHAT DAWOUD
D&G Dental of West Orange 667 Eagle Rock Ave. Suite B West Orange, NJ 07052 973-419-6906
ANTHONY G. DEVINCENTIS
Brookdale Dental Group 1218 Broad St. Bloomfield, NJ 07003 973-338-3700
201 S. Livingston Ave. Suite 2C Livingston, NJ 07039 973-994-3112
ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
AKEYLA BROWN
Riverside Oral Surgery
340 E. Northfield Rd. Suite 1C Livingston, NJ 07039
973-306-0537
EMIL J.A. CAPPETTA
Oral & Maxillofacial Associates of Montclair
54 Plymouth St. Montclair, NJ 07042
973-746-3466
PHILIP M. ECHO
The Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology
187 Washington Ave. Suite 1-B Nutley, NJ 07110
973-667-5844
HENRY FALK
Riverside Oral Surgery
101 Old Short Hills Rd. Penthouse 2 West Orange, NJ 07052
973-319-2844
MARGO J. FREEDBERG
Riverside Oral Surgery
101 Old Short Hills Rd. Penthouse 2 West Orange, NJ 07052
973-319-2844
BENJAMIN JACOBS
NJ Center for Oral Surgery
16 Smull Ave. Caldwell, NJ 07006
973-226-8444
MICHAEL H. KIRSCH
NJ Center for Oral Surgery 16 Smull Ave. Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-226-8444
JONATHAN MICHEL
Riverside Oral Surgery 101 Old Short Hills Rd. Penthouse 2 West Orange, NJ 07052
973-319-2844
GERARD M. MIRKOV
Gerard M. Mirkov, DMD
120 Millburn Ave. Suite 205 Millburn, NJ 07041
973-376-1888
WILLIAM G. RANUCCI
Oral & Maxillofacial Associates of Montclair
54 Plymouth St. Montclair, NJ 07042
973-746-3466
SANDEEP SINGLA
Exclusive Oral Surgery
63 Valley St.
South Orange, NJ 07079
973-762-5773
VINCENT ZICCARDI
Rutgers Health Dental
Associates
90 Bergen St. Suite 7700
Newark, NJ 07103
973-972-2444
ORTHODONTICS
MARK J. CAPLAN
Millburn Orthodontics
187 Millburn Ave. Suite 3
Millburn, NJ 07041
973-376-6611
BERNARD GORKOWITZ
Gorkowitz Orthodontics
114 W. Mount Pleasant Ave.
Livingston, NJ 07039
973-992-7377
DOUGLAS HARTE
Harte Orthodontics
100 W. Mount Pleasant Ave.
Livingston, NJ 07039
973-992-7558
DENISE R. KITAY
Denise R. Kitay, DDS, MMSc
700 Passaic Ave. West Caldwell, NJ 07006
973-228-3366
MATT MILESTONE
Milestone Orthodontics
502 Pleasant Valley Way West Orange , NJ 07052
973-620-2705
RICHARD NEWMAN
Newman Orthodontics
395 Pleasant Valley Way West Orange, NJ 07052
973-731-5855
GABRIEL OLLINS
Ollins Orthodontics
653 Franklin Ave. Nutley, NJ 07110
973-667-0771
JACY PAPASIKOS
Papasikos Orthodontics 55 Park St. Montclair, NJ 07042
973-744-2511
GI GI PARALKAR
Livingston Family Orthodontics
201 S. Livingston Ave. Suite 2B Livingston, NJ 07039
973-758-8926
MATTHEW PELUSO
Peluso Orthodontics 441 Pompton Ave. Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
973-239-6300
HADLEY A. RUBINO
Montclair Orthodontics
218 Lorraine Ave. Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
973-744-1912
ERIC M. SACKS
Sacks Orthodontics
41 N. Livingston Ave. Livingston, NJ 07039 973-251-2265
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
KIMBERLY HOLLYWOOD
Nutley Pediatric Dentistry 500 Franklin Ave. Nutley, NJ 07110 973-667-5507
CHRISTOPHER JONES
Christopher Jones, DDS 1129 Bloomfield Ave. West Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-575-8330
MARY SAYEGH
New Jersey Pediatric Dentistry 182 Fairfield Rd. Fairfield, NJ 07004 973-888-1424
PERIODONTICS
ANNA BRUNETTI
Livingston Dental Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
531 S. Livingston Ave. Livingston, NJ 07039 973-992-1200
TAMAR FRILING
Periodontal & Implant Associates
340 E. Northfield Rd. Suite 2A Livingston, NJ 07039 973-992-8600
JENNIFER GEORGIADIS
Periodontal & Implant Associates
340 E. Northfield Rd. Suite 2A Livingston, NJ 07039 973-992-8600
MARC GOLDMAN
Goldman Periodontics and Implantology 116 Millburn Ave. Suite 204 Millburn, NJ 07041 973-379-6400
CHERYL GOREN ROBINS
Suburban Periodontics & Implants
75 Main St. Suite 107 Millburn, NJ 07041 973-467-5567
JAY L. GREENFIELD
Dr. Jay L. Greenfield, DMD 25 Pompton Ave. Suite 101A Verona, NJ 07044 973-239-2111
MARK I. KHAIMOV
MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, PC 184 Centre St. Nutley, NJ 07110 973-798-9153
DAVID MOISA
Periodontal & Implant
Associates
340 E. Northfield Rd. Suite 2A Livingston, NJ 07039 973-992-8600
GEORGE J. PAPASIKOS
George J. Papasikos, DMD, PA 55 Park St. Montclair, NJ 07042 973-783-2300
GARY ROSENBLATT
Alpine Periodontics & Dental Implants
187 Millburn Ave. Millburn, NJ 07041 973-302-9553
STEVEN R. SCRIVO
Dr. Steven Scrivo, DMD 185 Fairfield Ave. Suite 4A West Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-226-0063
ERIC C. WEISS
Periodontal & Implant
Associates
340 E. Northfield Rd. Suite 2A Livingston, NJ 07039 973-992-8600
TERESA YANG
Periodontal & Implant Associates
340 E. Northfield Rd. Suite 2A Livingston, NJ 07039 973-992-8600
PROSTHODONTICS
EFFIE DEEGAN
Deegan Dental 23 Old Short Hills Rd. West Orange, NJ 07052 973-736-4432
JAMES F. SKIBA
James F. Skiba, DDS 17 Midland Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042 973-746-7037
Dr. Vanna Stone
Gentle Caring Dentistry
201 S Livingston Ave, Suite 2C, Livingston, New Jersey 07039 • 973.994.3112 gentlecaringdentistry@gmail.com • www.gentlecaringdentistry.com
DR. VANNA STONE AND HER MOTHER, THE VISIONARY FOUNDERS OF GENTLE CARING DENTISTRY, have transformed what it means to visit the dentist. Their practice is a testament to how compassion, artistry, and advanced technology can create an unparalleled patient experience.
Dr. Stone's journey into dentistry was inspired by her mother, whose passion for the field was infectious. "As a kid, I absorbed her love for dentistry, perfectionism and the ability to help people. It felt like I was born to do this." After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania and earning her dental degree from Rutgers University, she joined the practice, bringing with her a commitment to innovation and excellence.
At Gentle Caring Dentistry, patients are treated like family. The office is as welcoming as it is breathtaking, with a design that feels more like an art gallery than a medical facility. From the warm lighting to the stunning artwork, every detail has been carefully chosen to put patients at ease.
The practice stays at the forefront of technology, offering tools like intraoral cameras for precise diagnosis and the STA Wand for pain-free anesthetic administration. For added comfort, patients can enjoy Netflix on theater-like glasses during their visits.
But the heart of Gentle Caring Dentistry lies in its approach to care. Dr. Stone and her team emphasize empathy, treating each patient as an individual with unique needs. They offer a full range of services, from cosmetic treatments like veneers and teeth whitening to restorative options like crowns and fillings. Families, from toddlers to greatgrandparents, trust Gentle Caring Dentistry for their oral health.
With glowing patient reviews and a history of building lasting relationships, Gentle Caring Dentistry is more than a dental office—it’s a place where artistry and compassion meet to create healthy, beautiful smiles.
Mark I. Khaimov, D.D.S.
MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry stands out for even more reasons. Dr. Khaimov and his team of associates Dr. Leonard Swerdlof and Dr. Courtney Pantirer ensure all patients are seen right away in two beautiful boutique-like offices. Each person is treated with the necessary time and patience to fully explain procedures. He believes in working with patients within their budgets for the work that needs to be done. Dr. Khaimov’s multi-lingual staff can also easily communicate with patients in English, Russian and in Spanish. 184 Centre St., Nutley, NJ 07110 • 973.798.2639 131 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 2C, Florham Park, NJ 07932 • 973. 377.3131 • www.Mkperionj.com
DR. MARK KHAIMOV’S MISSION AS A BOARD-CERTIFIED PERIODONTIST is to rejuvenate his patients’ smiles giving them confidence, and returning them to the quality of life they desire. State-of-the-art techniques Dr. Khaimov uses for treating tooth loss and periodontal diseases include dental implants, laser therapy, Teeth-in-a-day (also known as All-on-4), Pinhole Surgical Technique, and Piezosurgery. As a certified LANAP clinician to treat gum disease he also performs laser treatments on failing implants (LAPIP), as well as other types of gum surgery, to address conditions. All procedures are performed in offices designed to provide the most comfortable, compassionate atmosphere possible.
John Hamberger, D.M.D.
Jason Hamberger, D.D.S. Hamberger Dental Associates
HAMBERGER DENTAL ASSOCIATES MAKES THE PROCESS OF CHOOSING a family dentist an easy one. Drs. John and Jason Hamberger agree that excellence in dentistry comes down to listening to the needs and concerns of each individual patient to develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to them. The Father and Son team, along with their exceptional staff, have been providing the Livingston community and surrounding areas with outstanding family dental care for over 40 years.
The Dentists and their dedicated staff take the time to ensure that patients truly understand all aspects of recommended care. They understand Patient’s busy schedules, offering extended hours including morning, evening and Saturday hours.
Dr. John Hamberger graduated from UMDNJ with honors, completed a residency at Overlook Hospital with a residency degree from Columbia University. Dr. John Hamberger was past president of Western Essex Dental Association, a member of the ADA and Essex County Dental Association.
Dr. Jason Hamberger graduated from University of Maryland with honors, completed a residency at Morristown Hospital and received his residency degree from Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Jason Hamberger was past president of Western Essex Dental Association, a member of the ADA, and past president of the Essex County Dental Association. 155 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston, NJ 07039 • 973.992.0075 • www.hambergerdentalassociates.com
Their caring Family Practice offers comprehensive service for all patients of all ages, ranging from Fillings to Full Mouth Reconstruction. They offer minimally invasive drill-less air abrasion technology to painlessly treat small areas of decay. Both Dentists are highly skilled in Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Laser Surgery, Veneers and Implants including “All on 4”. Their progressive office offers the highest technologies including Digital X-Rays, Intra-Oral Cameras, and a 3D CBCT/CAT Scan.
Michela Russo, D.D.S.
D’amore
Russo Dental Design Studio
100 Grove St., Suite 3, Montclair NJ 07042 • 973.233.1161 • www.drddsmontclair.com
DR. MICHELA RUSSO AND HUSBAND DR. JOSEPH D’AMORE took their years of collaboration to the next level by opening D’Amore Russo Dental Design Studio together. Located in the first “green” commercial building in Montclair, the dental office features state-ofthe-art technology.
A belief that strong family ties, overall health and a feeling of wellbeing all contribute to a healthy smile, lies at the core of Drs. Russo and D’Amore’s daily dental practice.
D’Amore Russo Dental Design Studio is a family practice, treating patients of all ages just like family. The dentists and the staff are sensitive to the needs of each patient and take the time to properly discover what is most important to each of them.
From preventive dentistry focused on proper hygiene to teeth whitening and the placement of implants and crowns, Dr. Russo and Dr. D’Amore are committed to providing healthy and natural smiles to their patients, young and old.
EXTREMELY PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT HE DOES, DR. PETER BENISCH aims to exceed patient’s expectations by providing high-quality personalized dentistry in a relaxed and pleasant environment. “I have a genuine respect for my patients and take time to listen to the needs and priorities of each of them,” Dr. Benisch says. “My goal is for everyone to be comfortable and receive an exceptional experience.
Founder of Dental Group of Millburn, Dr. Benisch is proud to be working with esteemed colleagues Jeffrey Hankinson, DMD, Andrew Gerstenfeld, DMD, and Richard Schonberg, DMD. “We feel very fortunate to be working together to ensure the best possible care for our patients. We offer a convenient location and office hours while providing experienced and compassionate dental care to all our patients.”
The office has been recently renovated to create a modern, 21st-century space and to reflect the high quality, innovative care that the team delivers. The dentists utilize cutting-edge techniques and the latest technology including digital x-rays, to offer the highest standard of preventive, cosmetic and restorative care. Whether performing fillings, crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, Invisalign treatment, root canal therapy, implant restorations, oral cancer screening or a host of other procedures, patients of all ages are afforded a stress-free visit. “I have an extremely attentive, knowledgeable staff and we communicate as a team with patients every step of the way,” the UMDNJ alumnus states. “We find that informed patients are more relaxed, allowing for optimum treatment results.”
R. Craig Miller, DMD, MAGD, FICOI, DABDSM
Vanessa Ballentine, DMD, MS
The Miller
Center For Dental Excellence
22 Old Short Hills Rd., Suite 206, Livingston, NJ 07039 • 973.533.0053 • www.themillercenter.com
SERVING THE METROPOLITAN AREA SINCE 1990 the dentists at The Miller Center For Dental Excellence take the practice’s name to heart. Founder, Dr. R. Craig Miller, a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Fellow of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, is highly trained in implantology, cosmetic dentistry and dental sleep medicine.
Early in 2023, Dr. Miller warmly introduced Dr. Vanessa Ballentine, a dentist renowned for her patient-centered approach to family care. Dr. Ballentine tailors treatments to individual needs, ensuring comfort and personalized outcomes. Particularly skilled with young patients, she creates a positive experience, fostering comfort in the dental chair and emphasizing the significance of excellent oral hygiene. Dr. Ballentine is certified through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics in Botox for both cosmetic and therapeutic enhancements.
At The Miller Center, the dentists strive to be more than just specialists of the teeth and mouth. They look at the entire patient from the musculoskeletal system to the joints with the understanding that good oral health extends beyond the mouth with all systems functioning properly in order to achieve optimal health. Part of this process is examining patients for obstructive sleep apnea. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Miller is qualified to ask focused questions and look for signs and clues to address any dental sleep medicine issues.
Gi Gi Paralkar
Livingston Family Orthodontics
201 S. Livingston Ave., Suite 2B, Livingston, NJ 07039 • 973.758.8926 • www.LivingstonFamilyOrthodontics.com
DR. GI GI PARALKAR BELIEVES THAT CHILDREN, TEENS, AND ADULTS deserve a highly personalized, one-on-one approach to beautifully straight smiles. Her practice, Livingston Family Orthodontics, is a boutique specialty practice offering the latest in braces and Invisalign for all ages.
Our personalized approach to orthodontics sets us apart. We make every effort to get to know our patients and their concerns to give them the smile they’ve always wanted. Unlike corporate orthodontic practices, Dr. Gi Gi crafts every smile herself through one-on-one care. She prides herself on providing a positive experience on the way to achieving a beautiful smile.
Dr. Gi Gi graduated from Columbia University at the top of her class, and completed her orthodontic training at Rutgers University as chief resident. She is a member of several esteemed dental associations and has proudly served as past president of the Livingston Rotary Club.
Brian S. Koo, D.D.S.
Dental Artistry of Livingston, PA
201 S.
PATIENTS OF DR. BRIAN KOO RELY ON HIS ABILITY to successfully integrate the highest levels of scientific evidence based dentistry into a warm and welcoming family dental practice. Dental Artistry of Livingston provides full-service family dental care, including pediatric, general, cosmetic and implant dentistry. Dental Artistry’s newly renovated offices incorporate state-of-the-art dental technology that makes every aspect of a patient’s experience more comfortable.
Dr. Koo excels at the most extraordinary levels of evidence-based restorative dental techniques and treatments, and his patients directly benefit from his expansive knowledge. He’s a graduate of the prestigious Kois Center in Seattle, which delivers leading-edge continuing dental education. There, Dr. Koo completed a rigorous program for advanced education in aesthetics and implant restorations. As a result, he’s now a distinguished Mentor who assists current dental professionals attending the center.
His quest for dental excellency began with a degree in Cellular Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Koo earned his dental degree from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery. He then completed an Advanced Education in General Practice Dentistry at Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital. While there, he focused on cosmetic dentistry, and as a Junior Faculty member, he became the youngest doctor invited onto the Board of Admissions for Columbia’s Dental School. Currently, Dr. Koo is a member of the ADA, AGD, AACD, ITI and local study groups.
Cheryl Goren Robins, D.D.S
Suburban Periodontics and Implants
75 Main St., Suite 107 Millburn NJ 07041 www.suburban-perio.com • 973.467.5567
WITH MORE THAN 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND 15 MAJOR AWARDS, Dr. Robins is known for her treatment planning and surgical skills, as well as her communication with patients and doctors. Her office incorporates leading edge technologies and personalized therapies to maximize results and patient comfort. Services include surgical and nonsurgical periodontal and implant treatment, laser-assisted therapy, gum and bone grafting, and periodontal maintenance for teeth and implants.
Believing that continuing education is paramount for providing quality care, Dr. Robins teaches at NYU in the Periodontal and Implant Department, is involved in multiple national and local dental organizations, and directs the local chapter of the prestigious Seattle Study Club.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Tastes Of The Caribbean
Bloomfield’s Bacchanal Junction cooks up classic and modern takes on island favorites.
I made a few resolutions this year; some are progressing well and others, well, need some work. Fortunately, I can really pay attention to one of them—”Try new things”—during monthly dinner dates with my girlfriend. Over the past year, I’d fallen into a rut when eating out: My choices were consistently burgers or barbecue, Asian or Italian. Not that there’s anything wrong with those bites, but that lack of diversity would create a void in the soul of any foodie.
The first opportunity to right the ship came in mid-January, when we stopped at a restaurant that we’d been ogling since it opened last year. From the outside, Bacchanal Junction barely resembles an eatery. It’s located in an up-and-coming (but still developing) part of Bloomfield and, at the moment, might appear out of place. Those who’ve already visited, however, know that it’s the place for both traditional and new versions of Caribbean cuisine.
The vibe instantly changes when you walk inside: You’re immediately in view of the swanky bar area, where couples sip espresso martinis and groups clink long-neck beer bottles. For our outing, my girlfriend and I were escorted to the large dining room, an expansive space with overhead TVs and Instagram-worthy backdrops. Menus are available on any smartphone via QR code, and the options reflect the modern setting. We started with a pair of appetizers, the first being honey mustard and tamarind wings. The flavor combination was unlike any I’d had, and the first bite really gave my taste buds a spark. The wings themselves were crisp and juicy, though each had a little too much sauce for my liking. (Our server provided wet towelette packets with the order, perhaps knowing we’d need them to clean sticky fingers.)
Our second appetizer, bacalao fish bites, was a dish neither of us had tried, though we were familiar with the main ingredient, salted cod, in other forms. For this app, extra flavor is added to the fish, which is mixed in a spicy tomato-and-pepper stew and then delicately packed onto fried plantain cups. Presentation alone earned high marks, and the tastes scored just as high. The only minor drawback, particularly if you choose to eat each cup by hand, is that the aroma of the cod sticks to you—even after using the wet towelettes.
The theme of new flavors and great tastes continued in our main courses. While I eyed stewed oxtail and rasta pasta, those were two dishes I’d already had elsewhere. I landed on the traditional stewed king fish, an entree that had been highly praised in online reviews of Bacchanal Junction. King fish is the star of the dish. It’s well-done piece that’s cooked and served in a sweet and tangy Creole sauce with a bed of rice and peas and fried plantains on the side. While the fish was slightly overcooked (parts were dried out), the overall flavor was enough for me to overlook that one shortcoming. To give the Creole sauce a major kick, I mixed in the house hot sauce, which we had asked for. The hot sauce is made with fiery peppers, including flamethrower Scotch bonnets, so beware, those with sensitive tongues and tummies. Luckily, I had a side order of callaloo, a stewed, leafy green that helped cool my mouth and extinguish the hot spots.
Like me, my girlfriend was inspired to try something different, so she ordered goat curry as her main course. The selection is one of my go-to’s, but was a change of pace for her. (She prefers salads and lighter proteins like chicken and fish.) Her entree came with a large portion of meat, with both boneless and on-bone chunks. The goat was tender and super-flavorful with Caribbean peppers and curry spices, while the rice and peas and fried plantains on the side provided a break from the meat’s gaminess.
At presstime, Bacchanal’s dessert menu only had two options: mango sorbet and coconut gelato. We shared the latter, a small but tasty serving of creamy gelato. It wasn’t extraordinary, but it was a satisfying sweet following a big dinner with an array of flavors. Just as satisfying was knowing I’d opened myself to variety, trying something different even when my usual comforts were available. As for my New Year’s resolution to drop a few pounds, well, maybe I’ll order just one appetizer next time. Maybe.
—Darius Amos
by Darius Amos
Photos
Be There
Shows, parades, live music and more—you’ll never run out of things to do in Morris and Essex this season.
NOW THROUGH FEB.
23
Head to the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn to catch jukebox musical MYSTIC PIZZA, based on the movie of the same name. The story follows three working-class waitresses as they navigate the complexities of life, love and family in a small-town pizza joint, and is set to popular music from the ’80s and ’90s. Multiple shows and matinees are available. For my.papermill.org.
THROUGH MARCH 2
little one to The Stage children’s theater Netcong for the family-friendly CATCHING THE MOON: OF A YOUNG GIRL’S DREAM This true story girl who grew up to to play for an all-male professional baseball team. Multiple seatings are available, and a sensory-friendly performance will be offered on Feb. 16. For tickets and details, visit growingstage.com.
FEB. 8
Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center welcomes musical royalty PATTI LABELLE for a one-night show, a stop on her “80/65 Tour.” Joining her on this date is funk band The Main Squeeze. The music begins at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, see njpac.org.
FEB. 16
MARCH 6
Head over to the Wellmont Theater in Montclair and catch a show from the LITTLE RIVER BAND! Enjoy the distinctive harmonies and beautiful earned this group multiplatinum albums topping hits in the ’70s and ’80s. Doors p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. For wellmonttheater.com.
FEB. 22
Be amazed and delighted by THE GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW, which takes the stage at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. This blend science and entertainment puts bubbles on full display with immersive lights, lasers and high-energy music. It’s interactive fun for the whole family. An 11 a.m. and a 2 p.m. show are available. For tickets, check out mayoarts.org.
Valentine’s date studio Fern and TERRARIUM AND SIP an expert, from an array of lush romantic touches quartz, mini rosy succulents mini terrarium your love story. be provided, welcome and refreshments will be event starts at more info, visit fernandfossil.com.
Belt your heart out while enjoying great eats and even better sips at a KARAOKE NIGHT, hosted by Powerhouse Production and held at Johnnies Tavern in Boonton. Grab your pals and try your hand at your favorite song, or brave the stage solo and impress the crowd. The music begins at 9 p.m. For more information and other karaoke events, check out njpowerhouse.com.
15 the luck of the one of New best seasonal attractions, The ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE MORRIS COUNTY in Morristown. This year’s marshal, Keith will lead pipers, floats and community groups down the streets of the city. The parade steps off at noon. For more information, see paradeday.com.
MARCH 15
Lace up your sneakers for Denville’s COACH
the cold for a great cause Denville’s 2025 POLAR PLUNGE at Cooks Pond. All proceeds from this event will benefit Denville Supportive Parents Advocating for Our Kids (S.P.A.R.K.), a local nonprofit that helps young adults with developmental challenges. Gather a team, raise money and test your own endurance. For registration and more information, see runsignup. com and denvillespark.org.
*Editor’s note: All events are subject to cancellations or changes. Attendees are encouraged to confirm with event venues and organizers.
MIKE O’BRIEN MEMORIAL 5K ST. PATRICK’S DAY RUN Held in honor of a beloved Morris Catholic High School cross-country and track coach, this run will benefit both school athletic programs as well as the Denville Public Assistance Fund. The race will begin at 9 a.m. For registration and addition information, check out runsignup.com.
Gatherings
Morris and Essex residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors.
1. COOPERMAN BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER
Members of the New Jersey Devils visited Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and brought holiday cheer to patients and staff. Players Jake Allen, Curtis Lazar, Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat visited as part of the partnership between the team and the hospital.
Montclair Film’s 2024 Junior Jury met with industry professionals and learned how to analyze and adjudicate films. After deliberating and selecting the best film in its category, the jurors presented the Junior Jury Award at the closing night film. 1 6 2 4 3 5
2. BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NEWARK
Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark attended the Northeast Regional Conference in Pittsburgh. CEO Ameer Washington received the Blue Spirit Award, the highest honor for a local club leader, recognizing those who go above and beyond to create an impact.
3. MONTCLAIR FILM
4. SAX 4 MILER
Friends, family and businesses from all over North Jersey participated in the annual SAX 4 Miler, held in Parsippany. Since 2012, the event has raised $1 million for the Child Life Department at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson.
5. PARSIPPANY POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation & NJ District of Kiwanis International Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to the Parsippany Police Athletic League. Funds will go toward the installation of a new scoreboard at the PAL.
6. MORRIS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Morris Habitat for Humanity received a $1,100 donation from Chick-fil-A Morris Plains. The funds were raised during the Cookies for a Cause drive, when the restaurant sold more than 1,100 chocolate chunk cookies in a sixday period.
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (1), Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark
Montclair Film
Parsippany
“My wife and I were navigating the corn maze at Stony Hill Farm in Chester. We paused on a bridge in the maze to take a selfie, and a passing member of the public took this photo of the moment from a distance. He passed it on to me using Airdrop as he walked under the bridge.”
Barnaby
Michael Poole, Summit
TOP DOCTORS ESSEX COUNTY’S
BILATERAL UPPER AND LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY, CORRECTION OF FESTOONS, ORBICULARIS MUSCLE SUSPENSION, CORRECTION OF PTOSIS OF UPPER EYELIDS, CORRECTION OF DROOPY LACRIMAL GLANDS, FOREHEADPLASTY
LIST OF PROCEDURES
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• “CORE ABDOMINOPLASTY”(TUMMY TUCK WITH REPAIR OF ABDOMINAL MUSCLES)
