It’s a potent, versatile workout tool that doesn’t require an app: the resistance band.
Opposites Attract 18
The husband wanted a contemporary style for their six-bedroom New Vernon home, the wife a traditional one. It was up to the designer to achieve beautiful synthesis.
A Room To Grow In
26
Imagine your child five or so years from now. Will the bedroom design that brings a smile today still bring one then?
Upsize With A Smile
30
When NYC apartment dwellers moved to a house in Morris Township, a designer helped make it feel less sterile—and more friendly.
Departments
Morris/Essex Buzz 10
Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the counties.
Friends & Neighbors 12
The power of music has been constant in the life Montclair resident Melissa Walker. Now she’s sharing it with the next generation.
Style Watch 13
Faux leather is a vegan option that’s just as fashionable as radiates a welcoming vibe.
Escapes 36
one of these stately estates with a short drive— and let your daydreams come alive.
Tastes 38
Peppers are a colorful fruit (yes, they’re fruits) that will sweeten any main dish.
Bar Tab 42
S’mores martinis will keep everyone at your party warm, toasty—and in a festive spirit—all season long.
Restaurant Review 60
Belleville’s Cocina de Salvi serves up a relaxing vibe— and an exciting South American cuisine.
Gatherings 65
Morris and Essex residents always show up to support their neighbors.
A Morris/Essex Moment 66
With light, shadows—and plenty of patience—on his side, a Verona photographer makes an everyday scene in West Caldwell appear extraordinary. 38
IN EVERY ISSUE
6 Editor’s Note
15 Health News
57 Where to Eat 64 Be There
Alexa Harris-Ralff blends two distinct styles to redesign a New Vernon home. Photo by Christine Gatti.
How to Transform Your Home with Windows and Doors
It’s a given that windows and doors serve an essential function in your home—they keep you safe and can also be energy efficient. When you focus on design, your front door and exterior windows can dramatically improve the aesthetics of your home for years to come. We spoke to Antonio Aiello, Principal at New Jerseybased Devin Aiello Architects, to understand how windows and doors can transform your home.
Brighten Your Mood with Larger Windows
One of the biggest trends Aiello sees in windows is creating larger openings. “Larger windows are having a moment right now,” he shares. “Creating larger window openings is always a huge improvement for homes. We’re seeing a lot of floor-to-ceiling windows being used right now, as well as homeowners choosing to make their existing window openings bigger.”
Make a Powerful First Impression with Opaque Glass
When it comes to doors, Aiello recommends a door with opaque glass. “Opaque glass adds an element of style making your entrance unique,” explains Aiello. Opaque glazing on a front door has three benefits, Aiello goes on to explain. “It still allows light in but provides security and privacy and it’s a stunning look overall.”
Incorporate Color into Your Windows
Color plays an important role in the visual appeal of a home’s exterior. And the same holds true for your windows and doors. “The color and style of your windows and doors makes a huge difference. It can change the entire look of the whole home,” explains Aiello.
Whether you stick to a neutral palette or choose a bold shade, don’t shy away from adding some excitement to your home with
colored windows. Ultimately, windows can contribute to a cohesive, well-designed exterior and enhance curb-appeal.
Consider the Window System
“Depending on the look you’re going for, windows are an accent that can have a dramatic impact on your home. Whether you want a more traditional or more modern look, windows can make that happen very easily,” says Aiello.
Aiello notes a shift over the past few years regarding which window system is most popular. “It used to be more casement windows, but I’m seeing double- and singlehung window systems more and more at the moment.”
Go Modern
When asked which front door style is making its way into more homes, Aiello says homeowners choose to go modern. “One of the most popular doors is a modern door with opaque glass and thin horizontal lines that repeat going up and down the door. This is the most trending look right now.” Natural materials like wood, as well as doors with glass elements are both great ways to bring a modern touch to your front door.
Whether installing floor-to-ceiling windows or adding a front door with opaque glass, updating and upgrading your windows and doors can transform your home.
Patrycja’s core focus is to elevate the home exterior industry to a style-guided experience where our advisors work with you to co-imagine your dream exterior. She inspires our design team to discover and incorporate the latest style trends while honoring timeless remodeling approaches. She is the voice of the customer, drawing on our core values of transparency, integrity, and lasting quality.
Over the last 30 years, we have transformed over 6,000 homes with siding, roofing, windows, and doors and have earned hundreds of 5-star reviews. We offer $0 down financing and industryleading lifetime material and labor warranties.
Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Matrimonial Attorney, Alison C. Leslie, Esq. knows the law but also understands the profound impact divorce has on the lives of individuals and their children. With a compassionate and astute approach, she unravels the complexities of your marriage. We advocate for fairness and equity, while fostering an environment where healing and closure can take place. We listen attentively, comprehend deeply, and offer solutions that extend beyond mere legalities. It’s a responsibility that extends far beyond the courtroom.
Resolve your divorce in our state-of-the-art mediation rooms. Call 973-631-8002 today to schedule your mediation or divorce strategy session.
Who’s Your Home For?
At first, husband and wife Jennie and Joshua Tinkelman knew that revamping their new New Vernon home would require plenty of thought and work. Sure, it was a spacious home on an even-more spacious piece of property, but the couple’s personal styles contrasted. She was a self-proclaimed “country mouse” who preferred a rural setting, her husband a “city mouse” who was into a modern look.
Still, the couple was positive. And they had a secret weapon: the practical and aesthetic vision of interior designer Alexa Harris-Ralff. Judge for yourself (page 18) whether Harris-Ralff succeeded in fulfilling her clients’ mandate for a blend of traditional and contemporary while also meeting the requirement of using their extensive art collection in the design.
You see, I’m introducing this Home Issue by mentioning one of the home-design feature articles that we hope will inspire you. But I’m also making a point. We all want our homes to make visitors feel comfortable, welcome—and maybe a little impressed. Yet visitors don’t call the shots. The Tinkelmans might not have the décor you adore, and that’s OK. Your goal, like theirs, should be not primarily to meet some official design standard, but first and foremost to create an environment you and your family will enjoy for years. Your home’s for you.
There’s one caveat, of course. For a part of your home—your child’s bedroom— the ultimate consumer isn’t you, but your child. Kids’ tastes should, naturally, be considered for their rooms. But children are changeable—the girl who insists on a pink Barbie motif at 6 may at 9 declare that she can no longer stand the sight of Barbie and demand a horsy theme instead. If only design experts would chime in on this challenge! (Five of them do—on page 26.)
Perhaps you don’t have an enormous, majestic mansion to keep up. But check one out to fuel your fantasies of a gracious bygone era! As ideal homes they’re far-fetched, but not far. Visit one (page 36) and you’ll be home in time to freshly appreciate your own less grandiose castle by nightfall.
Some grand and historic castles might seem spooky when the sun goes down, making them ideal settings for a ghost stories and tall tales. Other scary spots? Turn to Buzz on page 11 to read about a trio of spots for fun fall frights. This time of year isn’t all about scares, it’s also about get-togethers, good times and great food. On page 10, a local baker dishes out advice to make perfect pies this fall, and on the same page are ideas to put leftover Halloween candy to good use.
There’s much more, as well, in MORRIS & ESSEX’s autumn harvest of ideas and info. Enjoy!
Rita Guarna Editor in Chief rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com
Morris &Essex
Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA
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Contributing Photographers
CHRISTINE GATTI MEGHAN BALCOM PHOTOGRAPHY
PRODUCTION
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FERN E. MESHULAM
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CHRIS FERRANTE
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From Left to Right: Pasqua S. Cadicina, Thomas R. McConnell, Joseph P. Cadicina*, Carly DiFransisco*
Morris & Essex Buzz
OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTIES.
AN EYE ON THE PIE
Maybe your mom or grandma made it look effortless, but baking can be a challenge. In case you’re striving to make your own classic apple pie this season, MORRIS & ESSEX sought out local baker Andrea Lekberg of The Artist Baker in Morristown for advice:
Her first tip: “Make sure you’re tasting your fruit, both beforehand and once you’ve tossed it with the other ingredients for the filling. That’s the only way you’re going to know if the flavors are balanced. If you have very sweet fruit, you can add a little lemon; if it’s tasting tart, add sugar. It’s very important to taste things when you’re baking.”
Choosing the right apples is also key, Lekberg says, “so they won’t break down too much when you bake them. We use Granny Smith and Rome apples a lot. Blends of different kinds of apples in one pie are fun! You get interesting differences in texture and flavor within the filling.”
And the crust? “Don’t over-mix and, when rolling the dough out, don’t incorporate too much extra flour,” she says. “Some people roll out the dough on plastic wrap so they can flip the crust into the tin without over-flouring the workspace. You can add a very light dusting, but that’s it. Too much flour will make the dough tough, and make it shrink.”
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?
Maybe your kids got overzealous with the trickor-treating, or your doorbell didn’t ring with as many ghosts, goblins and Ninja Avengers as you’d planned on. Either way, you’re left with more candy than comes in handy. These solutions are dandy:
• Get baking. Put a twist on your favorite cookie recipe and add chopped-up candy bars in place of the chocolate chips. And you needn’t limit yourself to cookies—add candy to brownies or blondies for extra sweetness (we recommend chopped Snickers bars in your favorite blondie recipe—the caramel melts perfectly!) For an ovenless option, small pieces of candy sprinkled on fresh popcorn make snack-time special.
• Take a hike. Clearly the best part of trail mix is the M&Ms. You can make your own trail mix with the chopped candy of your choice to create your ideal sweet-and-salty hiking snack. Maybe swap out the classic peanuts and cashews with more seasonal options such as walnuts, pecans and pumpkin seeds.
• Try a freeze. Most candy freezes well, if you’re just looking for a way to preserve your treats (and keep them out of sight to reduce temptation). But some candy freezes deliciously: York Peppermint Patties almost resemble mint ice cream when frozen, and frozen Skittles become pleasantly brittle.
• Give back. If you don’t want to eat the candy yourself, consider bringing individually wrapped and unopened treats to local food pantries and shelters. Some dentists’ offices will “buy back” candy and donate it for you—in the past, the Gallery of Little Smiles in Florham Park and Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Cedar Knolls have participated in such programs.
WHO’S WHO AT THE ZOO
When something told Paul Simon “it’s all happening” at the zoo, something wasn’t far wrong. Zoo creatures capture our hearts, particularly when we’re able to visit the same ones repeatedly. Below, meet one of Essex County’s most distinguished zoo residents:
Dracaena, a 4-year-old Komodo dragon at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, has shown that her favorite way to spend her time is climbing around and digging in her enclosure. She’s shy around zoo visitors, but can be seen sunning herself along the glass of her home on a bright day. She was brought to the zoo when the newest habitat, Island Giants, was being built.
When Shu, a male Komodo already in the zoo’s care, needed a mate, the
zoo requested an additional Komodo dragon for breeding. It was a chance to help conserve this endangered species, and Dracaena was recommended as a good genetic match.
Dracaena participates in training with her animal care team so that the staff can feed and move her safely and ensure that she stays healthy and happy.
You can stop by and visit Dracaena, plus lots of other animals, at the Turtle Back Zoo. See turtlebackzoo.com for hours and rates.
SEE A BEAR? TAKE CARE
Sightings of black bears are becoming more common in Morris and Essex counties. Though black bears rarely attack humans unprovoked, common sense suggests you don’t want them close at hand—or in your backyard. Here’s some advice from the experts at the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife:
CULINARY CORNER
Here are three new eateries to try:
Mais oui!
Treat yourself to French-style coffee, pastries and desserts at Ladurée, now open in The Mall at Short Hills. Cap off a day of shopping with a colorful box of macarons, delicate finger cookies and a hot espresso, or pick up delicious gifts here, every one steeped in Parisian heritage.
• Ladurée, 1200 Morris Tpke., Short Hills, 718.644.3479; laduree.us
Remember this Address If you have a hunger for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, The Address Greek can satisfy your craving. The new Morristown spot opens with an expansive, authentic menu, charming outdoor seating (perfect for fall date night) and incredible ambience. Split a plate of hummus with the table and then move on to grilled jumbo shrimp or seared scallops with white truffle oil, just to name two options. And save room for dessert— there’s nothing like baklava!
• The Address Greek, 20 South St., Morristown, 973.400.0200; theaddressnj.com
Dine U.S.A. style
In Nutley, The Hudson Rose opens its doors with classic American fare—and more. Try its raw bar or share a lobster pot pie with the table (or enjoy it on your own), then order one of the impressive spreads of steaks. This spot’s also open for lunch—and its brunch menu includes grain bowls, pancakes and short-rib poutine. Add the expansive cocktail menu and some stellar desserts, and this may become your new favorite place.
• The Hudson Rose, 238 Franklin Ave., Nutley, 973.542.2005; thehudsonrose.com
• Minimize attractions. The biggest draw for bears is, unsurprisingly, food. Bears can smell food up to five miles away, so don’t lead them straight to your garbage cans. Investing in bear-proof trash cans is a start; another good move is keeping cans inside until your town’s collection day. Make sure you clean outdoor grills and utensils thoroughly after each use, and do not dispose of grease outside. If you live in an area with frequent black bear sightings, you may also
want to bring bird feeders inside during the night, as bird seed is notorious for attracting these animals.
• Remove access. If you suspect there’s a bear in the area, never leave doors and windows open when you are cooking or not home. If you keep animals outside, such as in a rabbit hutch or a dog pen, make sure they are at least 50 feet away from the tree line. Consider installing an electric fence around vegetable gardens and compost piles.
• Be scary. A confident, loud noise should scare away a black bear. Clap your hands, yell, bang
pots and pans together or blow an air horn. If you are worried about a bear getting too close to your home at night or when it’s unoccupied, consider installing motion sensor lights, as the bright flash will also scare the animal away. If a bear won’t leave, call your local animal control or police department right away.
HAUNTING BY DEGREES
Just how haunted is haunted? Some haunted houses are inflatable and great for kids; others are so intense you need to sign a waiver. No matter what level of scares you’re looking for, you can find in our counties the fright that’s just right:
• Perfect for kids. Though the scares are more intense during the evening shows, Jefferson Township’s Haunted House offers a lights-on children’s matinee that’s ideal for the whole family. More details: facebook.com and search “Jefferson Township Haunted House.”
• Likely to startle. In Montville, Conklin Farm’s Haunted Hayrides include costumed actors and scary masks and are not recommended for children under the age of 9. More details: conklinhayride.com.
• Guaranteed screams. 13th Hour in Wharton hosts an infamous haunt with movie-quality sets, costumed actors and special effects. This is an experience not for the faint of heart! More details: 13thhourescape.com.
CURTAIN CALL
Community theaters are more than just great places to see a show; as the name suggests, they’re places to get involved in the community too. Whether you audition for the role of your dreams, get back into that high school stage-crew hobby or help build some sets, there are theaters here in our counties that thrive thanks to volunteers. Here are a few:
• The Barn Theatre in Montville is looking for people to audition for its 97th season (which includes three plays), in addition to volunteers to help with front house staff, backstage construction and backstage running crew. For more information, visit barntheatre.org.
• Brundage Park Playhouse, the community theater of Randolph, has open auditions for its shows every season, and is also always looking for ushers. Other volunteer opportunities open periodically, so keep an eye out! For more information, visit brundage parkplayhouse.org.
• In Upper Montclair, Studio Players is staffed entirely by volunteers with a passion for the arts. Come lend a hand on stage crew or set building, help usher when it’s time for the show to start or audition for a starring role. For more information, visit their website at studioplayhouse.org.
• Chatham Community Players has been a staple for years—the group announced its 103rd season in March. Keep an eye out for audition notices, and reach out via email to volunteer and lend your skills. For more information, visit chathamplayers.org.
YOU’LL BE, UH, MAZED
Getting lost has never been so much fun. Corn mazes are a quintessentially autumnal way to spend an afternoon, and those listed below are perfect for the family or a group of friends. (Remember to visit each website before you go, as the mazes vary in size and complexity.)
The power of music has been a constant in the life of Montclair resident Melissa Walker. Now she’s sharing it with the coming generation.
It’s not easy to make it in show biz, let alone make it for decades performing vocal jazz. For some, a résumé that includes five solo albums, international performances, collaborations with some of the most iconic names in the genre and a Grammy would be enough. But not for Melissa Walker—she keeps striving.
Now a Montclair resident, 60-year-old Walker was born in Alberta, Canada, and has lived in Michigan, Washington, D.C., and Rhode Island (where she attended Brown University). In 2000 she founded the Montclair-based nonprofit Jazz House Kids, which is dedicated to building a “musical home” to teach children about jazz. Walker lives with her husband Christian McBride, also a Grammy-winning jazz musician and the artistic director of Jazz House Kids, and their dog, Ella—named, of course, for Ella Fitzgerald.
When did you first connect with music?
Music was everywhere in my family. It was the backdrop to everything we did. If we were camping, it was on the radio in our motor home. If we were on the boat, it was eight-track tapes. If we were in the house, my father had these gigantic speakers that took up half the living room. When I got older and started high school, I asked my mother if I could take voice lessons. I worked with a private, classical teacher, and we would work on the Italian arias. I got a real appreciation for the voice as an instrument. What about jazz specifically?
The movie Lady Sings the Blues, with Diana Ross. I saw it and then went out and bought the Billie Holiday songbook. Sometimes, it takes pop culture to introduce you to an earlier period. There are issues with that film in places,
but it allowed me to gain access to this body of work for one of our seminal artists. What was your family like?
My father was a professional football player—he played for the Edmonton Elks. He died when I was about 7. My mother was a first-generation Italian immigrant, and she was bold. Every year we would go to New York City, and she would take us to Harlem and the Apollo Theater.
How does that connect to Jazz House Kids?
I was in sports my entire life. I was a track runner, and I played hockey in college—I wasn’t very good, but I had grit! The community there came naturally to me, and I saw it in jazz music too. I knew that, with Jazz House, we were going to build a big tent, because my family needed a big tent. We were a very unusual family, not only Black and white, but my father was this big
Black man. I wanted to make a place for kids from all different backgrounds, cultural experiences and needs would be accepted and welcomed. That’s why jazz is revered around the world, you know. Practitioners bring their culture, their heritage and their story to the music.
Why specifically kids?
Young kids gravitate toward jazz, I find, even though we adults sometimes find that unusual. There were jazz programs in higher education, but no one was really taking it to elementary, middle and high schools to a large degree. Particularly for Brown and Black kids—these are their forebears, who look like them. I really wanted to bring this into the schools.
A favorite memory of performing?
On one of my first tours in Europe, I performed at the Berlin Jazz Festival. It was my first record. The whole theater was filled, not a seat available, with people coming in to hear this music and to learn. I was also invited to be in the ensemble for Ray Brown’s 75th birthday tour in Europe, and he brought all of his friends—Benny Green, Russell Malone, Phil Woods; it was the incredible. Ray taught me how to pack for a tour. He said I brought too much with me [laughs].
A particular challenge about setting up Jazz House Kids?
It was lonely, at the start. It was just me, and I needed to figure out what I wanted it to be. I really needed to stick with it and figure out things on my own.
Anything upcoming that you’re excited about?
The Jazz House is expanding. We are going to be creating the Jazz House Arts and Education Center, a larger facility and a larger footprint. We’re going to offer a campus for everyone who loves jazz.
—Kirsten Meehan
Photo courtesy of Jazz House Kids
A Better Leather
Chocolate Brown Faux Leather Dress
Good Weather
Sparvena
HEALTH
PROTEIN AT BREAKFAST
Folks who eat a breakfast consisting of 40 percent protein had fewer food cravings throughout the day than those people who consume only 15 percent protein or skip breakfast.
—Nutrition Journal
OVERDOSES AMONG SENIORS
The rate of fatal drug overdoses among adults 65 and older has quadrupled over the past 20 years, with more than half of those deaths involving an opioid.
—JAMA Psychiatry
MASKS CUT RISK OF RESPIRATORY WOES
Wearing a face mask in public reduces the risk of self-reported respiratory symptoms, finds a trial of adults in Norway. The effect was moderate—a 3.2% reduction in symptoms, equal to around 3,300 fewer infections per 100,000 people—but researchers say the results support the claim that face masks may be an effective way to reduce the rate of symptoms consistent with respiratory tract infections.
SUGAR’S EFFECT NOT SO SWEET
A review of more the 8,600 research papers found 45 negative effects from sugar, including increased risk of several cancers, asthma and depression.
—The BMJ
WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS AND KIDNEY DISEASE
Ozempic and Wegovy, the popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs, have been found to reduce the risk of kidney complications in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, according to a recent study.
The New England Journal of Medicine
—Compiled
by Paul Rance Jr.
INFLAMMATION AFFECTS COGNITION
The inflammatory activity caused by rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to specific cognitive impairments, including poorer visuospatial ability, recall, abstract thinking, working memory and concentration, according to a recent study.
—RMD Open
LONG COVID LIVES ON
An estimated 7 percent of adult Americans have had long COVID—around 18 million— according to a recent report. Symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, post-exertion malaise (PEM) and more can last for weeks, months or even years following COVID-19.
—JAMA Medical News
The BMJ
The Power Of The Pull
IT’S A POTENT, VERSATILE WORKOUT TOOL THAT DOESN’T REQUIRE AN APP: THE RESISTANCE BAND.
Leave it to Hollywood and sports A-listers to make a popular new craze out of a simple, low-tech exercise tool that’s been around since the 1800s. Resistance bands trace back to a Swiss inventor who designed a prototype gymnastics apparatus using stretchy ropes with clips and handles. Over the years, the bands have been used by rehabbing patients, gym enthusiasts, home workout fiends—and perhaps the occasional ripped celeb.
Today, basketball uberstar LeBron James is known to be “with the band.” When a workout video of him went public in 2013, people saw—between footage of the four-time NBA champion practicing hook shots and three-point jumpers—the way he used resistance bands while performing squats, lunges and other plyometric exercises (that is, those that involve maximum muscle exertion in short bursts of time). More than a decade later, James still reportedly uses resistance-band training as part of his workout regimen, and his physical condition is still apparently pretty good. This past summer, at 39 and the league’s all-time leading scorer, he helped the U.S. men’s basketball team win gold at the Paris Olympics. And he shares the resistance-band habit with actor Jason Momoa, actresses Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Zendaya and others.
The design of resistance bands has improved over time, as they’ve gone from fabric contraptions to today’s latex-fabric blend, synthetic rubber or silicone. They’re also made with varying levels of tension or resistance, making them ideal for strength training, as they require a person’s force to stretch. (This distinguishes resistance-band training from TRX, total resistance exercises, or suspension training, which uses a person’s own body weight as resistance.) The Cleveland Clinic reports that a 2019 study shows that training with resistance bands provides strength gains similar to those achieved using conventional gym equipment.
“Resistance bands are a very dynamic piece of equipment,” says Enrico Fioranelli, a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach at Morris Plains-based 4E Fitness. With more than 20 years’ experience in the fitness industry and a degree in exercise science, Fioranelli notes that an individual can get a total workout using resistance bands: “They can be used to work out every part of the body.”
Fioranelli also praises the bands’ accessibility. “Resistance bands tend to be a lot less expensive than a full home gym,” he says. “They are a good alternative for people who travel a lot, or cannot
make it into a gym. They also tend to offer lower-impact exercise for joints while still maintaining good muscular contraction.”
Low-impact exercise builds your heart rate slowly and is less likely to aggravate an existing injury or cause a new one.
According to Fioranelli, who has worked with NFL players and collegiate athletes, the full-body effect of resistance bands can do more than just produce a more sculpted physique. “Resistanceband training will help develop muscles throughout the body and, by building those muscles, help you reduce joint pain,” he says.
Resistance bands aren’t just good for that strength training— they’re good for your health too. As muscles strengthen, blood flow and pressure improve in the body, lowering the risk of heart-related ailments such as hypertension and heart disease, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE). As Fioranelli says: “By doing total-body circuits with short rest periods, people can improve heart health.” Resistance-band training also will lead to calorie burn and a boosted metabolism, both of which can result in weight loss when combined with an appropriate diet.
Forget pumping iron—let’s stretch some rubber. Below are four quick, easy resistance band workouts anyone can try at home. “A total body circuit will optimize both burning fat and your time,” Fioranelli says. He also notes, however, that one size never fits all with fitness. “I always modify things depending on muscle imbalances and the specific needs of my client,” he says. Try these out and experiment to find what works best for you:
• Chest presses: Wrap the resistance band behind your back, holding both ends with your hands. Starting with your arms at your side and elbows bent, push the band out in front of you as you straighten your elbows, and hold for one second.
• Clamshells: Lie on your side, one leg atop the other with your knees slightly bent. Loop a resistance band around both thighs. Keeping your feet together, lift your top knee. Switch sides after each set.
• Rows: Attach the resistance band securely to a door. Holding the band with both hands, pull the band back as you bend your elbows. Keep your elbows near the side of your body.
• Squats: Stand on the resistance band and grab both ends with your hands. While standing in a squatted position and holding the band, rise up to a standing position. Lower back down and repeat.
This New Vernon home’s award-winning design features a dining room that’s a feast for the eyes, with a moody cityscape taking center stage.
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
THE HUSBAND WANTED A CONTEMPORARY STYLE FOR THEIR SIX-BEDROOM HOME
IN NEW VERNON, THE WIFE A TRADITIONAL ONE. IT WAS UP TO THE DESIGNER TO ACHIEVE A BEAUTIFUL SYNTHESIS.
Design by Alexa Harris-Ralff, AHR Designs
Photography by Christine Gatti
Text by Donna Rolando
A former South Orange couple anticipating an empty nest shunned the idea of downsizing and went all out with a six-bedroom ranch in New Vernon, an entertainment bonanza for family and friends. But Jennie and Joshua Tinkelman realized that new-home bliss depended on a designer’s touch, as the extremely modern design didn’t suit its country-estate setting and would have required a sizable leap after 18 years with colonial furniture.
What’s more, the couple’s personal styles contrasted. “My husband is a city mouse and I’m a country mouse, so he was really attracted to the way it had been updated to modernistic and I really enjoyed the rural setting,” Jennie recalls, adding informatively: “We’re on 5 acres of land.”
Entering life’s next chapter, Jennie says, “we weren’t going to be as modern as the previous owner”—but neither would they stay immersed in traditional. Their SOS went out to designer Alexa Harris-Ralff, owner of Maplewood’s AHR Designs, who was entrusted with finding a happy medium to reflect the home’s best look.
“We were tasked with trying to find a way to make this house feel authentic,” she says. The gut-reno, completed in fall of 2023, bridged the gap between the couple’s own styles with a pleasing blend of Joshua’s contemporary and Jennie’s traditional. Their designer’s transitional approach featured clean lines but nothing stark. (“It’s still warm, which I think was the goal,” she says.) Overall, the desire to highlight the couple’s art collection influenced the palette, with blues and grays throughout.
The award-winning design is “wonderful,” says Jennie. “We have an open layout, but every room ties together. You can be standing in the dining room and look out into the main hallways, and everything just is pulled together beautifully from the fabrics and the rugs and the textures.”
The couple’s artwork can serve as a guide to much of the redesign. In the dining room, for instance, a moody cityscape by early 1900s artist Clyde Singer makes a bold statement against the gray-green sisal wallpaper by Schumacher, its gilded brass frame paving the color trail for Jaipur’s golden
Left and top right: The formal living room also celebrates art, with a family heirloom painting gracing the soapstone slab fireplace and a sculptural vibe in the waterfall-edge cocktail table. Bottom right: The designer met the challenge of an oversized entrance foyer with an elegant credenza and an innovative wall hanging.
okra rug. “Both the art and the walls have an elevated richness that sets the tone for a long dinner party or chic holiday gathering,” she says. Other attractions are the faux shagreen mirror over a charcoal-gray rattan sideboard (Made Goods) and the Hubbardton Forge iron chandelier with a modern linear form. The dining room masters functionality too, with an expandable Parsons table and “really comfortable” rounded-back chairs by Vanguard.
In the formal living room, a family heirloom oil painting above the soapstone slab fireplace—pre-existing, like the hardwood floors—inspired blues and greens stretching from the tufted-back sofa to the leather swivel chair and natural greenery. Keeping with the art theme are two sculptural elements: a waterfall-edge cocktail table by Oyster Creek and a mid-century bookcase by Noir for welcome height. For a playful yet timeless quality, the designer introduced animal-print chairs from CR Laine, the dominant vendor here. A custom broadloom anchors the elongated space, while lotus block draperies bring warmth, she says, and brass sconces lend jewel-like interest.
Just behind the jungle effect is the entrance foyer, where a glass partition railing reflects an extremely modern past. To tame this immense space with elegance, John-Richard’s Deja Vu ash credenza was chosen as a first impression. In a design hack for odd-sized spaces, she created her own art by framing Phillip Jeffries wallpaper and echoed its metallic gold and forest green throughout.
In the family room, a performance-fabric sectional by CR Laine large enough for the gang on movie night is a color hit as well. “It’s a way to have some fun,” she says, explaining the pop neutral effect of pillows in a flame-stitch print by Schumacher and color block by Ryan Studio, alongside navy swivel chairs featuring Thibaut’s ikat. Through Dover millworker Mincraft, a classic-gray built-in with walnut contrast is “beautifully transitional,” she says. Iron and glass sconces make artisan magic, while Stark Carpet’s Hippie Beads get playful with chevron on Indian wool. Another design hack: Harris-Ralff employed navy shagreen, a “very forgiving” material for the coffee table.
Left: The family room’s built-in pops with walnut in a custom creation by Dover’s Mincraft while the furniture sings the blues with masterful color.
Top right: An outdoor oasis is the star of the eat-in kitchen, which uses a glass-topped table to preserve the view.
Bottom right: A gallery hall celebrates art.
Just beyond the family room or down the gallery hall, the eat-in kitchen with bountiful windows highlights the garden-like grounds as nature’s art. With a glass tabletop on a sculptural base and simple woven chandelier by Currey & Company, the view reigns supreme, although an oil of the couple’s two boys also draws the eye at the gray wood sideboard. This high-traffic area benefits from a forgiving broadloom carpet in a “fun” abstract pattern and easy-wipe, mid-century chairs by Mr. Brown & Co.
Though the clients trusted their designer, Jennie admits they were initially “hesitant” about wallpaper. But they found that they cherished this “amazing” feature. The primary ensuite bedroom, for example, gets a spa-like feel from Thibaut linen-printed grass cloth in the entry hall. Soft blue adds to the sanctuary effect as seen in the custom bench at the foot of the king-sized, leather-headboard bed by Ethan Allen, flanked by marble lamps on Vanguard tables with leather-wrapped handles. The
oversized room boasts its own atrium with chaise longues and, though a plush-carpeted retreat, remains light-hearted with both animal and global patterns.
At the clients’ wishes, the ultra-modern master bathroom designed without any doors, even for the shower, had to go. “It looked like a man’s locker room at a boutique hotel, but impractical,” Harris-Ralff says. The redesign remedies it all with a smaller frameless shower, a deck-mounted tub and plentiful storage as it evokes serenity with white Thassos wall marble. Joining a slim, Shaker-style oak vanity by Omega and brass-and-onyx sconces, the star of this room is the marble geometric floor.
From this functional bathroom to wallpaper’s surprise appeal, the family loves the way Harris-Ralff answered their SOS. Says Jennie: “We put our complete trust in her having a complete vision, and I think that’s what ultimately made it the space that we really love.”
Left: The spa-like master bedroom features not only a leather-headboard bed but an atrium for lounging too.
Right: Making a transition from doorless and ultra-modern to this family-friendly master bath topped the clients’ action list.
Imagine your child five or so years from now. Will the bedroom design that brings a smile today still bring one then?
A ROOM TO GROW IN
It’s been said that children are the harshest critics, and perhaps there’s nothing they are more critical about than their own spaces. And why shouldn’t they be? It’s a big world out there, and children have control over very little of it—they should be happy and comfortable in the room that’s all their own.
The challenge? Kids are all about growth and change. The room designs that delight your children today may trigger their derision tomorrow, if only because they liked it then and now they’re so past all that. But neither your wallet nor your patience will allow a complete room redo every six months. So how do you make a kid’s room work and keep on working?
Five designers from Morris and Essex counties offer advice.
OUR EXPERTS:
Julieta Alvarez
Julieta Alvarez Interiors, Montclair
Sarah Elizabeth Sarah Elizabeth Design, Montclair
Michaeline Fernandez Butter + Velvet Home Design, Denville
Jean Herron
Jean Herron Design, Morristown
Derrick Sibley
Derrick Damon Design, Newark
START WITH A STRONG BASE
One thing all of our designers agree on—build the room with timeless “basics” that will grow with your child. Says Julieta Alvarez: “When creating a color scheme, keep most of the colors a timeless shade such as navy blue or coral. The accent colors can be brighter and more ‘fun’ shades—those are easier to change as they grow up.” Michaeline Fernandez also stresses the importance of the right palette. “Use neutral colors in the main design items that are expensive and time-consuming to change, such as large furniture pieces or builtins” she says. Rather than the walls, Jean Herron advises that you begin with the floor. “Start with a flooring product that can work in multiple design styles. The easiest option is probably a hard surface, such as wood, cork or tile, covered with an area rug. The area rug can be changed with every design iteration of the room and serve as the design’s ‘North Star.’” Derrick Sibley says that children’s rooms should always support their growth: “A flexible room will always adapt to their latest curiosities.”
THEMES TO GROW ON
Though going heavy on theming for a child’s room is tempting and can be fun, it very rarely makes sense in the long term. A favorite character or beloved interest today will likely not last more than a year or two. As Sarah Elizabeth says, “No parent wants to be worrying about changing out a ceiling fixture with a train on it a few years down the road.” To keep the design timeless, Elizabeth encourages thinking less literally. “If a child’s favorite color is lime green, take that color down a few shades so it’s more neutral. You can do the same with wallpaper. If a child loves bunnies, for example, we would search for something in that theme that’s more sophisticated, less literal and doesn’t read as babyish.” Alvarez cautions that a child may grow out of a theme in months, not years. “Keep those thematic items in art, bedding and accessories only. It is much easier to change those down the line.” There are a few themes that tend to stand the test of time better than others. Says Herron, “Nautical, beach, surfing and car themes have no time limit. It’s the same with some sports themes. There are products available for young children in those themes that will last all the way into adulthood. Dinosaurs and Barbie, not so much.” Fernandez reminds us that the décor should be for the child’s benefit, saying, “Let them have fun with it!”
MIX AND MATCH DETAILS
Many of our designers sing the praises of wall decals, frames and other temporary design options. Fernandez singles out “pillows, bedding and rugs” as great options to switch out. “I encourage my clients to use removable decals to personalize the space,” says Sibley. “Decals can be inexpensive, are quick and easy to change and give an opportunity to allow your children to be a part of the design process.” He adds that decals are great if you are expecting and designing a nursery without knowing the gender of the child, or designing a room that will likely be passed on to a sibling one day. Herron stresses the importance of including shelves and bookcases in the design. “Anything that is in the room has to have a permanent place where it lives when not being used, to prevent visual ‘noise’ and mess from distracting the child, which is why bookcases and shelving or a thoughtful storage strategy are critical,” she says. Elizabeth adds that “kids’ rooms are a great place to add color and patterns and have a bit more fun. We do a lot of colorful lighting—for example, a reading sconce above their bed in a color, rather than a metal finish we would add to an adult’s bedroom.”
SLEEP ON IT
The central part of any bedroom? The bed, of course. And, if you’re designing with “room to grow,” it’s a bed that your child will use for a long time. Says Fernandez: “For primary homes, if I can fit a full or queen with a trundle, it really works perfectly. I also love bunk rooms with built-in drawers for easy storage.” Sibley echoes the second option, noting that “when in doubt, kids always love a good bunk bed.” Heron takes a slightly different approach, saying, “I am a huge fan of two twin beds for sleepovers. They can be pushed together to become a king-sized bed when the child gets older. Headboards are also an easy style update, as you can reupholster them.” Heron also adds that “if you have space issues, bunk or lofted beds work well. However, for families who are very tall, they might be a short-term solution.” “We normally opt for a full-size bed that the child can grow with,” says Elizabeth. “Beds with a pull-out trundle are great options for sleepovers. These beds can look and operate like a daybed when not used for sleeping, which is great for kids to hang out with their friends.”
DESIGN IN ZONES
Children’s rooms are more than just where they sleep—tbey’re where they play, work and grow. A room’s design should foster all of these things. Elizabeth says, “For children’s rooms, there should be a sleeping zone, a dressing zone, a place for play and reading and a studying zone. I always keep the dresser closest to the closet for this reason. There should always be seating, even just a small chair or cushion for smaller spaces, and some type of toy and book storage. As children grow, the toy storage shrinks, which makes room for a desk.” Heron offers advice on achieving that. “The two easiest ways to delineate an area within a room are with lighting and flooring. For example, over the table or desk area you add task lighting for directed illumination, and around the bed you add a comfortable rug,” she says. Sibley stresses the importance of flexibility, noting the usefulness of “a table that can be used for both playing and homework, as long as distractions can be put away. The ‘zone’ can then function in multiple ways when the child is given a new task.” Good storage space, he says, is key to making sure that that’s possible—and that distractions can be kept to a minimum. Alvarez adds: “You can create zones that overlap. For example, you can customize a built-in and have a bed on top and a desk underneath, or a desk with a bookcase implemented in it.”
UPSIZE WITH A SMILE
WHEN
NYC
APARTMENT DWELLERS
MOVED TO A MORRIS TOWNSHIP HOUSE, A DESIGNER HELPED MAKE IT FEEL LESS STERILE—AND MORE FRIENDLY.
Design by Lauren Graback, Studio Piacere
Photography by Meghan Balcom Photography
Text by Donna Rolando
With their first baby on the way, a pair of ex-New Yorkers made it their goal to bid adieu to apartment life and fully embrace their new house in Morris Township with elevated furnishings and design.
“The clients had been living in the city and moved out to the suburbs when COVID hit,” recalls Lauren Graback, their designer and the founder of Bernardsville’s Studio Piacere.
They made home shopping easier by renting in Madison near their suburban target area. Then came the “big transition from apartment living,” says Graback, who last August set out to transform their Morris Township purchase—a three-bedroom house built in the ’60s—from its
As Studio Piacere’s Lauren Graback elevated the family room in this Morris Township home for get-togethers and daily life, artwork from the couple’s apartment living found a fitting showcase and an awkward layout gained social grace.
millennial gray palette to a warmer style uniquely their own.
“They really just wanted it to feel more like their adult home,” says Graback. “They’ve been carrying around a lot of furniture from apartment to apartment. They wanted their home to reflect the next phase of life that they were entering.”
The stork’s schedule helped establish the finish line for Graback, and she beat the clock in January—one month before this very special delivery.
Like many young couples, this pair agreed that the perfect setting would have party power for gatherings and serve as a welcoming everyday retreat—important, as they often worked from home. And it would be a showcase for Gray Malin photos and other artwork they already possessed.
Tranquility required steering the palette toward earth tones and neutrals, and although there are modern and mid-century elements along
with molding and other traditional architecture, there’s also a relaxing spirit in the home’s organic feel—textural fabric, for starters.
In a potential challenge, she recalls, the couple fell in love with the freshly sanded, natural oak underneath the main-floor carpet. It was a big change from the proposed walnut stain but, thanks to the neutral scheme, not a true obstacle.
The couple’s wish for a hospitable home depended on getting the family room off to the right start. While the old layout “made no sense for entertaining,” the designer oriented the sectional to face the fireplace, creating a new focal point. “We picked furniture [from Four Hands] that was family friendly and had performance fabric,” she says. So, no worries that the dog’s favorite window chair is modern, curved—and tan, or that the sectional is a natural yellow hue with a baby in the house. A camel, faux-leather ottoman completes the look, along with an earthy, woodbased lamp upcycled from the couple’s apartment days.
Left: No longer glaring like a blizzard of white, the family room welcomes a new focal point with a fireplace in black, which becomes a grounding accent throughout. Right: The textural impact of this curved armchair adds to the room’s organic feel, relaxing for the family—and their dog.
Riveting in black with a touch of gray slate, the fireplace is in stark contrast with the white that previously dominated it and the now Smokey Taupe by Benjamin Moore bookcases. “Everything was really white,” says Graback, who shook things up with black accents throughout. Don’t let the name fool you: Painting much of the home Moore’s Gray Mist, she says, actually “brightened the place up,” drawing warmth from its inherent beige tones, in a welcome departure from its “cold, sterile gray” predecessor.
For an eclectic or transitional style, Graback chose mid-century modern lighting with warm brass tones by Visual Comfort to offset the family room’s classic bookcases. For bountiful sunlight, she replaced blinds with linen panels and Roman shades.
With an open flow connecting the dining room, entertainment had an inherent boost. A gem of an inheritance, a wooden table had been waiting in storage for its arrival in the couple’s first house. Traditional, yes, but Graback created a fresh look by adding modern elements—like the Four Hands black-framed chairs and the sleek, textured sideboard that helps to frame Gray Malin’s “Lake Como” image. Once again, the lighting delivers a powerful punch, and “one of our favorite fixtures” was Regina Andrew’s linear fixture with brass and alabaster globes, she recalls.
The open flow made a necessity out of tying the dining and family rooms together, which Graback achieved by weaving a common thread of brass and black as well as complementary— not clone—area rugs.
From the kitchen to the master bedroom— and a finished basement besides, Graback’s redesign reaffirms to these NYC transplants that they made the right move. The couple always thought the home had potential, but it took a designer to bring it out. “By working together,” she says, “we were able to bring their vision to life in front of them and have that marriage of their old and new lives, as well as somewhere that they can make memories with their new family.”
With a treasure of a wood table inherited by the lady of the house, this dining room was off to a traditional start, but Graback incorporated elements to keep it all fresh, such as the multi-orb lighting and a black sideboard with compressed linen for a textural quality.
6 GRAND MANSIONS ESCAPES
Reach one of these stately estates with a short drive—and let your daydreams come alive.
Perhaps in your mind’s secret life you’re the heroine of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, seeing the dignified Pemberley estate for the first time and eventually adjusting your opinion of Mr. Darcy. Or maybe the costumed drama and rolling English gardens of Netflix’s Bridgerton live in your fantasies.
SKYLANDS MANOR, RINGWOOD, N.J.
About 40 minutes from Morris and Essex counties, the New Jersey Botanical Garden are worth a visit on their own, offering 96 acres designed by some of the foremost landscape architects of their day. But tucked within is a spectacular, 44-room Tudor revival manor house, designed in the 1920s by architect John Russell Pope. The reproduction English mansion features twisting stone staircases, stately arches and rich wood paneling. It’s no wonder that it is now a popular wedding venue— it’s often described as a castle out of a fairy tale. In case you don’t want to wait for your big day to see it (or have already foolishly tied the knot in some humbler venue), the gardens offer guided tours one Sunday each month.
Beyond the tour: On Oct. 22, the gardens will host their Harvest Fest, a family-friendly event with games, activities, craft vendors and special tours. If you want to take in more spectacular autumn leaves and Skylands has whetted your appetite for historic locales, Ringwood Manor museum is just a few minutes down the road, surrounded by the breathtaking Ramapo Mountains, now at the height of their beauty.
Info: njbg.org
A short car trip won’t take you back to Regency England, but you’d be surprised at the glorious, romantic architecture it can bring within view—with fall colors as a visual background chorus. Any one of these six impressive homes will stir your imagination:
DRUMTHWACKET, PRINCETON, N.J.
This town’s Ivy League campus is iconic (and has some incredible historic architecture open for tours), but Drumthwacket takes that status to new heights. About an hour from our counties by car, the estate was built in 1835 and is the official residence of the New Jersey governor. (Governor Murphy, however, uses it only for official functions, so don’t count on bumping into him.) Its silhouette looks the part of a government building, with its Greek columns and distinctive color bringing a different white house to mind. Inside, you’ll find parlors, music rooms and centuries of antiques. Tours are held on select Wednesdays and can be arranged for special functions. Beyond the tour: Charming downtown Princeton is filled with cafes, restaurants and coffee shops to try at your leisure (check out Chez Alice Patisserie for the perfect sweet treat). On the campus, the Gothic–style University Chapel is a must-see. Seeking art? The university curates two off-campus gallery spaces, Art@Bainbridge and Art on Hulfish. Info: drumthwacket.org
LYNDHURST MANSION, TARRYTOWN, N.Y.
Not to be confused with Lyndhurst Township in nearby Bergen County, this Gothic Revival country house sits on its own 67-acre park beside the Hudson River in Tarrytown, N.Y., about an hour’s drive from Morris and Essex. The views of the Hudson River alone justify a visit, but this house is by turns moody and romantic, with peaked, vaulted and ornamented ceilings and small, sharply arched windows. The grounds are open to visitors daily from April until December, and tours are held on select days (check the mansion’s website). Different tour options are also available, each showcasing a different element of the estate.
Beyond the tour: Right down the road from Tarrytown is Sleepy Hollow, where The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze runs until mid-November, showcasing 7,000 carved and illuminated pumpkins against the river landscape. If you’d prefer to stay on mansion grounds, check out Lyndhurst After Dark, Oct. 17–20 and Oct. 24–27, and wander the grounds by candlelight.
Info: lyndhurst.org
OLD WESTBURY GARDENS, OLD WESTBURY, N.Y.
It takes about an hour and 40 minutes to get to Nassau County from our counties (plan for some traffic), but this former estate of businessman John Shaffer Phipps, built in 1906 to resemble an English country house, is surely worth the trip. Now a museum, the house contains 23 rooms and the grounds cover 216 acres. The site embodies old-world class so well that many movies have used its exterior and ground floor as a filming location, including North by Northwest and American Gangster It even inspired the old-money Buchanan Estate featured in Baz Luhrmann’s larger-than-life adaptation of The Great Gatsby The grounds are open for visits every day except Tuesdays until the end of October.
Beyond the tour: Feeling famished after wandering the grounds? Westbury, N.Y., is home to fantastic, high-end dining options, including Galleria Ristorante, a white-tablecloth mainstay of northern Italian cuisine with a piano player on the weekends. Or you can try Steve’s Piccola Bussola Restaurant for more Italian favorites and a warm, homey atmosphere that never sacrifices class. Info: oldwestburygardens.org
SPRINGWOOD, HYDE PARK, N.Y.
About an hour and 40 minutes from Morris and Essex counties, Springwood was once the home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Done up in a mix of Federal and Italianate architectural styles, this distinctive structure, originally built around 1793 and renovated in 1850, has hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and John F. Kennedy. Among the notable rooms is the entrance hall, which is filled with art from Roosevelt’s collection, a library of more than 14,000 volumes and a music room with Chinese porcelain and lacquerware. Now a National Historic Site, the location is open to visitors daily.
Beyond the tour: Delightfully quaint Dutchess County comes alive in the autumn. Head to nearby Greig Farm in Red Hook to pick your own apples and pumpkins, pet pygmy goats, sample fresh-baked goods and sip apple cider. Down the road from Springwood is the Village of Rhinebeck, with a small-town feel and several antiques shops. Info: nps.gov
VANDERBILT MANSION, HYDE PARK, N.Y.
Also in Dutchess County’s Hyde Park (and the same hour and 40 minutes away) is the Vanderbilt Mansion, a home built specifically for an aristocratic lifestyle. This 54-room mansion lives up to the evocative Vanderbilt name in spades. With a Beaux-Arts architecture style showing off Renaissance and Baroque stylings in stunning iron and glass, the interior is breathtaking, with elaborate moldings, Greek columns and carved fireplaces. Now a National Historic Site, the house is open daily until the end of October.
Beyond the tour: Hyde Park is home to the Culinary Institute of America (the other CIA), which means that it boasts some serious dining establishments. These restaurants are staffed by CIA students who are all striving to impress and will likely go on to staff fine eateries all over the country. Try the American Bounty Restaurant, where local ingredients come together into modern American classics, or The Bocuse Restaurant, which offers new interpretations of French classics.
Info: nps.gov
—Kirsten Meehan
Perfect Peppers
This colorful fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) will sweeten any main dish.
TASTES
ONE PAN STEAK AND PEPPERS
Yields 4-6 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 1 lbs. chuck steak cut into medium slices
n 1 large onion cut into medium strips
n ½ green bell pepper cut into medium strips
n ½ red bell pepper cut into
medium strips
n 1 leveled tsp. black pepper
n salt to taste
n 2 cups water
n 3 Tbs. oil For The Sauce
n 3 Tbs. soy sauce
n 1 Tbs. cornstarch
n 1 Tbs. sugar
n ½ cup water
n ½ tsp. onion powder
n ½ tsp. garlic powder
n ¼ tsp. ginger powder
DIRECTIONS
In a pan, add three tablespoons oil and fry the chuck in two batches until brown on both sides. Remove and keep aside.
In the same oil fry the onion until translucent. Remove and keep aside.
In the same pan, fry the bell peppers for few seconds and keep aside.
Add the fried chuck back to the pan. Season the chuck with salt and black pepper. Add two cups water and let it cook on medium heat for 45 minutes or until the meat is tender. Add water if the meat is still tough and continue cooking.
When the meat is cooked add the onion and bell pepper.
Mix the sauce ingredients and pour over the steak, stir until the sauce thickens. Serve hot.
“Select grass-fed beef to punch up your consumption of healthy fats. Grass-fed beef delivers a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. And it also contains higher levels of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a type of fat that can help improve immune function and reduce body fat. Purchase 100 percent grassfed beef in markets that offer a large selection of natural and organic meats.”
Julie Cohen, holistic health counselor, Mad Nutrition, Madison
TASTES
ONE PAN GROUND TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS
Yields 4-6 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 6 large bell peppers, any color
n 2 cups wild rice, cooked
n 1 lb. 93% lean ground turkey
n 2 cloves garlic, minced
n 1 small onion, diced
n 1 16 oz. jar crushed tomatoes
n 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
n 1 tsp. salt
n 1/2 tsp. pepper
n 11/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
n 1 Tbs. olive oil
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your rice and set aside. You will need two cups of cooked rice.
Cut off the tops of the peppers, remove the seeds, trim the bottoms to help them sit flat in the skillet and rinse thoroughly. In a large pan boil the peppers for 5 minutes, remove from water and turn upside down onto a paper towel to dry.
In a large skillet add the olive oil, garlic and onion, saute until tender. Add the turkey and brown until thoroughly cooked.
Add the crushed tomatoes, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and stir until blended.
Fill the peppers evenly with the mixture, place in a lightly greased 10-inch cast-iron skillet, or baking dish of your choice. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and add the remaining cheese to the top of peppers and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
“Choosing red bell peppers provides 169 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C for men and 203 percent of the RDA for women, per serving. An average red bell pepper also delivers a hefty amount of vitamin A (27 percent of the RDA for men and 35 percent of the RDA for women). In addition to being chock full of nutrients, many people prefer the taste of red bell peppers and find them easier to digest than green bell peppers.”
Julie Cohen, holistic health counselor, Mad Nutrition, Madison
Light Your Fire
This sweet sip will keep everyone at your party warm, toasty—and in a festive spirit—all season long.
S’MORES MARTINI
Makes: 1 serving
INGREDIENTS
For Rimming the Glass: n chocolate syrup n crushed graham crackers
For the Martini:
n 21/2 oz. s’mores vodka
(if you can’t find s’mores vodka, use vanilla vodka instead)
n 2 oz. RumChata
n 2 tsp. of chocolate syrup
n 1/4 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
n 3 large marshmallows n crushed graham crackers n chocolate syrup
DIRECTIONS
Place a layer of chocolate syrup in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, add a layer of crushed graham crackers. Rim a martini glass with chocolate syrup, then dip into the graham cracker crumbs. Place the 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup in the bottom of the glass. Mix the RumChata and vodka together in a cocktail shaker then strain into the martini glass. Whip the tablespoon of s’mores vodka together with the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks, then spoon it on top of the martini. Add three marshmallows to a wooden or metal skewer. Use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows. Place the marshmallows on top of the martini glass, drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle on crushed graham crackers.
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ADVANCED DENTISTRY
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
F A C E S
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.
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.
The dentists are committed to continuing education and have extensive experience far beyond required training hours. Dr. Fine is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry with advanced training in neuromuscular dentistry, cosmetic Reconstruction TMJ and occlusion as well as Botox. Dr. Kwiatkowski has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, TMJ, Laser dentistry, and Implants.
SINCE DISPUTE RESOLUTION RARELY HAPPENS OVERNIGHT, Sandra Fava, founding partner in Fava Law, knows that her clients need a trusted and zealous advocate to help them navigate the complex and emotional process of family law issues. Sandra provides effective strategies, innovative solutions and compassionate counsel, all of which lead to an easier transition to her clients’ next phase of life.
Sandra has dedicated her legal career to the thoughtful and diligent representation of clients in divorce matters. She uses her experience to show clients that the divorce process does not have to be frightening or frustrating. With both an extensive knowledge of the law and the process to guide her clients, Sandra employs those tools to reduce the emotional distress that may accompany the experience. Sandra knows that every family’s situation is unique and works with clients to find appropriate solutions to fit their needs.
F A C E S 2024
ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
RIVERSIDE ORAL SURGERY
130 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 204, River Edge, NJ 07661 | 201.487.6565 | 333 Old Hook Rd., Suite 100, Westwood, NJ 07675 | 201.664.2324
300 Grand Ave., Suite 102, Englewood, NJ 07631 | 201.894.0888 | 340 E Northfield Rd., #1C, Livingston, NJ 07039 | 973.992.4750
33 Main St., Suite 201, Chatham, NJ 07928 | 973.635.5800 | 101 Old Short Hills Rd., PH 2, West Orange, NJ 07052 | 973.736.7616
33 Clinton Rd., Suite 101, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 | 973.575.8575 | 1857 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, NJ 08820 | 732.548.7824
RIVERSIDE ORAL SURGERY, NEW JERSEY’S PREMIER ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY GROUP, was founded 17 years ago by Dr. Jason M. Auerbach. His singular focus was to create “the optimal patient experience…each and every time” and that philosophy still remains the group’s hallmark today. All of Riverside’s oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly skilled and extensively trained in providing comprehensive and progressive oral and maxillofacial care to patients of all ages.
With a rapidly expanding footprint and a full scope of surgical offerings, the Official Oral Surgeons of the New Jersey Devils, Riverside Oral Surgery, is the ideal choice for patients throughout New Jersey. Whether it’s care for wisdom teeth, dental implants, head and neck pathology, facial cosmetics, TMJ, or any other issue oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to treat, Riverside Oral Surgery has multiple board-certified, and fellowship trained surgeons and a qualified team dedicated to the patient experience. Riverside Oral Surgery, proudly selected as the ONLY dental practice in the state awarded NJBIZ Best Places to work, offers a solution custom built for you. Dr. Auerbach, who is also Instagram’s @bloodytoothguy, explains the success of the group, “I founded this practice to provide care ‘The Riverside Way’, where every patient we are privileged to treat is assured our utmost attention, uncompromised care, and a predictable exceptional outcome.”
THE FACES OF REAL ESTATE
ENID DAVIS
THE DAVIS GROUP
Top Producer since 2004
NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence
Prominent Properties
Sotheby’s International Realty
670 Main Rd., Towaco, NJ 07082
O: 973.335.5700 | C: 973.714.4422
EnidLDavis@gmail.com www.EnidDavisRealtor.com
ENID DAVIS, OF THE DAVIS GROUP AT PROMINENT PROPERTIES SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY, believes success in real estate goes beyond transactions; it’s about building meaningful relationships by being authentic. Enid always brings her true self to every interaction and surrounds herself with a great team to ensure the best results for her clients. Her approach isn’t just about showing homes or closing deals—it’s about being fully invested and dedicated in each client’s journey. Enid wants her clients to feel that she is more than just a realtor; she is someone who genuinely believes in the significance of home and community. By fostering trust and always demonstrating understanding, Enid makes the experience of buying or selling a home not just successful, but truly fulfilling.
From the most complex matter to the simplest case, this Firm’s powerhouse of attorneys understands the sensitive nature of family conflict. TTN is committed to providing unwavering strategic support, and aggressive guidance in order to empower every client to persevere through difficult family matters.
The Firm’s experienced team of skilled attorneys and staff focuses on family law litigation and mediation. The Firm proudly provides five partners certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as matrimonial law attorneys, a distinction obtained by only 2% of attorneys in New Jersey. Many of the firm’s partners are also mediators. The Firm proudly represents clients throughout the entire State of New Jersey.
F A C E S 2024
EXPERIENCED PERIODONTIC CARE
MARK KHAIMOV, D.D.S.
MK PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY P.C.
184 Centre St., Nutley, NJ 07110 | 973.798.2639 131 Columbia Turnpike, #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 disease 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.
MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry stands out for even more reasons. Dr. Khaimov treats patients of all ages in boutique-like offices where 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 Russian and Spanish.
Dr. Khaimov is a member of several organizations including the American Academy of Facial Cosmetics, the Northeastern Society of Periodontists, and the American Academy of Periodontology. Dr.Khaimov received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from New York University in 1988 and he graduated in the top 10% of his New York University College of Dentistry class in 2002. He holds a certificate in Periodontics from UMDNJ (now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, RSDM) after completing a three-year specialty training in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. He is a former clinical assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics at RSDM. A strong proponent of continuing education, he believes in staying on top of the latest technology to benefit patients and to distinguish oneself professionally.
HOME SHOWCASE
B&B SIDING AND ROOFING
We aim to revolutionize the home exterior sector into a stylecentric journey, collaborating with clients to co-imagine their dream exteriors. Our design experts blend contemporary trends with timeless techniques. Upholding our values of transparency, integrity, and quality, we’ve revitalized over 6,000 homes and garnered hundreds of 5-star reviews. Enjoy $0 down financing and unparalleled lifetime warranties on materials and labor. Contact us to redefine your home’s exterior with confidence.
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ETHAN ALLEN
Local, accessible, comprehensive interior design from a brand you know and trust. Discover all the reasons Morris and Essex residents love the timeless style and quality service of Ethan Allen. Visit our Whippany and Somerville Design Centers and enjoy Fall savings on interior design solutions crafted just for you. Ethan Allen is America’s #1 Premium Home Furnishings retailer; your personal interior design resource for a look that’s yours alone.
SPEEDWELL DESIGN CENTER
Family Owned and Operated since 1932, SPEEDWELL DESIGN CENTER has provided its customers with product and service excellence, value and good old-fashioned honesty. Our showroom features a great assortment from a variety of manufacturers of wood and laminate flooring, carpet, tile, and Hunter Douglas window treatments. We offer expert design advice, as well as superior installation services. Our business is considered a leader in the New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut areas for both residential and commercial projects.
Where To Eat
Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Morris and Essex counties are home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.
BELLEVILLE
Solar Do Minho
15 Cleveland St. 973.844.0500 solardominhobelleville. com
Topaz Thai
137 Washington Ave. 973.759.7425 topazthainj.com
BLOOMFIELD
Bella Napoli 1640 Broad St. 973.338.8500 bellanapolinj.com
Binh Duong
61 Belleville Ave. 973.680.8440
Bloomfield Steak &
Seafood House 409 Franklin St. 973.680.4500 eatbeefgethooked.com
Stamna 1055 Broad St. 973.338.5151 stamnataverna.com
BOONTON
Boonton
Sushi House 701 Main St. 973.394.8811 sushiboonton.com
Roma Pizzeria 709 Main St. 973.335.1614 romapizzaofboonton.com
Belleville’s Cocina de Salvi serves up a relaxing vibe—and an exciting South American cuisine.
When we weren’t down the Shore filling up on tacos and boardwalk pizza, my foodie friends and I spent our summer dining hours in trendy downtowns. With happening gastropubs, burger joints, sushi bars and other Instagram-worthy spots, there are plenty of reasons why anyone with an appetite would follow our path.
I knew, however, that we were only visiting a fraction of our area’s eateries. Countless times we’ve driven through small, ethnically diverse neighborhoods lined with cafes and bistros and one or another of them inspired the familiar words: “That sounds so good— we should try it sometime!”
In early September, “sometime” finally arrived. That’s when a friend and I found La Cocina de Salvi, an Ecuadorian restaurant that recently opened near a busy intersection along Belleville’s border with Bloomfield. It’s easy to miss it if you’re zipping along Bloomfield Avenue on the way to, say, downtown Montclair. But the Ecuadorian flag emblazoned on the marquee as well as the storefront’s no-frills yet inviting exterior called us in.
The modest, modern décor continued to charm us. It’s an uber-casual vibe; unless they’re one of many picking up to-go orders, visitors can choose where they want to sit (some choices are near the dessert and pastry case, beneath the soccer-broadcasting television, or next to a leafy, Instagram-friendly background). Our server added to the relaxed atmosphere as, with a giggle, she told us to take our time when we admitted to being somewhat overwhelmed by the number of menu choices. The menu is primarily in Spanish with English translations, so my friend and I (hablamos poco español) took a little longer than usual to decide.
The appetizer selections alone were plenty to go through—the breads, soups and ceviche options all looked good. Ultimately, we decided to share ceviche de camaron, shrimp ceviche. The order comes with four perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp along the rim of a glass bowl filled with a delightful ceviche made
with lime juice, tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers and other spices. We used the accompanying spoon and plantain chips to grab a few tastes of the juice, and to scoop out perhaps five or six more shrimp that were submerged in the liquid.
I was surprised that the ceviche was served at the same time as our entrées, something that might’ve irked other diners, but worked in my favor. That’s because my main dish, seco de chivo (goat stew), came with a generous serving of rice, which got a tremendous flavor boost when drizzled with juices from the ceviche. Most of the rice, however, was reserved to mix with the stew, which had more than a dozen pieces of tender meat braised in a sauce with tomato, garlic, onion and other spices. I admit that my eyes get wide when I see goat on any menu, even one littered with pricey cuts of steak and chicken. But I knew I had made the right choice after one bite of Cocina de Salvi’s goat dish.
My friend, meanwhile, couldn’t resist one of the steaks, opting for carne asada. Her dish was more like a platter. The massive plate held a massive skirt steak with perfect grill marks, red kidney beans, fried plantains and rice. That amount of food could’ve served two, maybe three people, but my friend took it upon herself to chow down at a slow pace. Doing so let her appreciate all of the zesty steak flavor and the richness of the beans. And though she didn’t finish it in one sitting, the leftovers made for another great meal the next day.
Desserts are available on the menu as well as from the counter’s dessert case. We passed on sweets (other than my friend’s orange/carrot juice) this time, but I can’t say we weren’t tempted by the assortment of pastries and cakes (tres leches, anyone?). Habit prompts me to say we’ll try them, as well as the other appealing courses, “sometime.” But now I’m excited to say that sometime has become a decisive “next time.”
—Darius Amos
by Darius Amos
Photos
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Be There
Whether you want scares, shopping or lots of laughs, there’s something for everyone this season in Morris and Essex.
OCT. 25-26
Grab your kids and head over to Veterans Community Park in Randolph for the town’s HAUNTED TRAIL event. Enjoy hayrides, food and a spooky (but not too spooky!) haunted walk that’s to put you in the mood for the fun starts at 6 p.m., and there is a date of Oct. 27. See randolphnj.org more information.
OCT. 25–26
Who doesn’t enjoy a good scare this time of year? For a night of thrills and excitement, head to the MONTCLAIR BOOK CENTER’S LABYRINTH, where you’ll encounter creatures and more hair-raising Shows run from 7 to 11 p.m. each Register online at montclairbookcenter. you can buy your ticket at the event.
Farms in Long its BOO BASH where everyone to come in “trick or treat” the craft tents. There also will beer on tap from Jersey Girl Brewing, pony and monster truck rides, an apple cannon and more. Everything kicks off at 10 a.m., and more information can be found at ortfarms. com and the Ort Farms Facebook
OCT. 31
NOV. 1
Ali Siddiq’s I GOT A STORY TO TELL tour comes through the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, and Siddiq promises a night of just that. A master at longform storytelling comedy, Siddiq delivers an entrancing performance that keeps you laughing for every second. The show begins and more information, head over
NOV. 9
If you want a family-friendly night of face painting, games and trick-or-treating, Millburn-Short Hills has you covered. Their FALL INTO MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS FESTIVAL has all that and more, right on Millburn’s main street. You and the kids can also enjoy a costume contest, pumpkin picking and both hot drink and food specials all throughout downtown. The festival begins at 1 p.m. See exploremillburnshorthills.org for details.
MAKES & CRAFT to Central Morris County Parsippany-Troy Enjoy a hot drink and dress your favorite sweater for perfect autumn vibes as browse handmade dozens of makers and holiday gift, or Admission is free, more information, page eventbrite.com.
NOV. 21
NOV. 28
Take part in a favorite tradition, or start a new one, at CHATHAM’S THANKSGIVING DAY TURKEY TROT! This event raises funds for first responders and diabetes research and education, and includes a 1-mile family fun run and a USA Track & Field certified 5K. Warmups begin at 8 a.m. For registration and other information, visit thechathamturkeytrot.org.
NOV. 29
Start your holiday season off right with a performance of everyone’s favorite Christmas special. Mayo Performing Arts Center in presents A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: LIVE ON STAGE Watch Charlie Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest Peanuts characters discover the meaning of the season, set to the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi. Curtains go up for two shows: 2 and 5 For tickets, see mayoarts.org. popular
CONVERSATION
returns
Coming to the South Orange Performing Arts Center is THE LADIES OF LAUGHTER FUNNY & FABULOUS TOUR Known as “The Career Builder for Women in Comedy,” this tour is notorious for launching some of comedy’s most celebrated women into the limelight. Packed with fresh talent, you might just see the birth of a star. It all kicks off at 7:30 p.m., and more information can be found at sopacnow.org.
Wellmont Theater in Montclair. Hosted by comedian Joey Kola, actors Steve Schirripa, Vincent Pastore and Michael Imperioli share stories and memories from their time on the iconic show. There will be a Q&A portion at the end of the talk. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. For tickets and details, visit wellmonttheater.com.
Gatherings
Morris and Essex residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors.
1. ESSEX COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT
Essex County held a ceremonial ribbon cutting to commemorate the completion of upgrades to recreation facilities in Essex County Glenfield Park in Montclair. The Bobby Hurt Basketball Courts in Glenfield Park were updated with new playing surfaces, nets and site improvements.
2-3. MONTCLAIR FILM
As part of the North to Shore Festival, Montclair Film hosted A Conversation with Stephen Colbert and Paul Giamatti at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The event helped promote the arts community in the Garden State.
4. INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY
Assemblywomen Aura Dunn and Shama Haider, who serve on the NJ Assembly Committee on Children, Families and Food Security, visited the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains. While there, they discussed a number of topics under the food security umbrella.
5. OFFICE OF AGING, DISABILITIES, AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
The Morris County office hosted the annual Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Art Show Awards Ceremony at the Morris County Library. The event featured works in five categories: acrylic painting, photography, mixed media, watercolor and drawing.
6. NJ SHARING NETWORK
NJ Sharing Network presented Volunteer Recognition Awards to local residents for their outstanding efforts in supporting its lifesaving mission. From left: Rachel Schott, Cathy Cerbo, Diane Borman, Rudy DiGilio, Dhivyasree Manimaran, Lakisha Bray, Lavarra M. Hines Jr. and Valerie Phillips
7. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS
The American Society of Interior Designers New Jersey chapter presented its Design Excellence Award. Pictured are Essex County winners Liz Curry, Julie China, Alexa Harris-Ralff, Tracey Stephens, Sarah Storms and Oreoluwa Oderanti with ASID NJ President Marina Umali.
“I always carry one of my cameras. I was in West Caldwell and waiting for the light to change so I could cross the street. I noticed the light peeking from behind a building. I waited what felt like hours, though it was really only about five minutes, for someone to walk into the frame to make it more interesting. The addition of that person added to the contrast of shadows, and evoked a narrative of everyday life. The mundane can really appear extraordinary through the lens of a camera.”
Manolo Salas, Verona
Photo courtesy of Manolo
TOP DOCTORS
ESSEX COUNTY’S 2023
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY OF THE FACE, BREAST
OFFICE | 212.938.0158 620 PARK AVE., NEW YORK, NY 10065
BEFORE & AFTER
CORRECTION OF PTOSIS OF THE UPPER EYELIDS, BILATERAL UPPER AND LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY, SEPTAL WINDOW, CANTHOPEXY, ORBICULARIS MUSCLE SUSPENSION, SEPTAL RESET, CORRECTION OF FESTOONS, MIDFACE LIFT
LIST OF PROCEDURES
• BLEPHAROPLASTY AND CORRECTION OF FESTOONS, MALAR BAGS AND DIFFICULT EYELIDS
• FACELIFT AND NECKLIFT
• RHINOPLASTY
• BREAST AUGMENTATION, LIFT AND REDUCTION
• “CORE ABDOMINOPLASTY”(TUMMY TUCK WITH REPAIR OF ABDOMINAL MUSCLES)
