A YEN FOR YOGA
ALL THAT JAZZ
Celebrating Movement Revolution Dance Academy
JOANNA AMORATIS
RICHARD BARATTA
(Left-to-Right) Roy Davidovitch, MD, Craig Capeci, MD, Thomas Youm, MD, Adam Cohen, MD, Jonathan Stieber, MD, and Amy Birnbaum, MD.
A Creative Kickoff
Happy New Year from all of us at Tenafly magazine! As we usher in 2025, we’re excited to bring you an issue that reflects the heart and soul of our community—filled with stories of creativity, transformation and local gems. For those seeking balance and mindfulness in the new year, we’re thrilled to feature Joanna Amoratis, owner of Insight Yoga and Meditation. Joanna’s sanctuary is a place where peace and presence flourish, offering a transformative approach to yoga and meditation that helps reconnect you with your body and mind.
We embark on a visual journey through the lens of Rachna Ratti Randev, whose photography
BY ALYSON BARROW
captures the magic of both quiet moments and vibrant stories. Her latest collection of images reminds us that beauty can be found in the simplest of scenes—revealing the power of the everyday through her unique perspective.
We also spotlight Dance Revolution, the exciting new dance studio in Tenafly that is infusing our community with rhythm, energy and joy. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a beginner looking to explore, Dance Revolution offers a welcoming space where movement and music come together to ignite creativity and passion.
In the world of entertainment, we dive into the story of Richard Baratta, a film producer who has seamlessly transitioned from movies to music. His journey of reinvention and creative evolution is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, and we’re honored to share his insights on how he’s finding new ways to connect with the arts.
Finally, in this month’s Local Tastes, we take you to Simply Vietnamese, a beloved family-owned restaurant serving up bold, flavorful dishes. With its fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, Simply Vietnamese offers a delicious introduction to the rich and vibrant cuisine of Vietnam, one bowl at a time.
We hope these stories inspire you to connect with the amazing community around us. We’d love to hear from you—please share your ideas and suggestions for making Tenafly magazine even better by emailing us at hello@tenaflymagazine.com.
Gina Palmieri Publisher
Publisher Gina Palmieri
Local Editor
Jenna Demmer
Writers
Julie Marallo
Gabrielle Marcus
Catherine Moscatt
Gabrielle Walters
Spencer Watson
Photographers
Alyson Barrow
Damian Castillo
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O›Connell
Executive Editor
Richard Laliberte
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Tenafly magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Tenafly, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH
ARONSOHN WEINER SALERNO & KAUFMAN P.C. IS
has a long-standing tradition of providing high quality legal
practice areas. As specialized as it is diverse, the Firm has
all major practice areas of law including family law, commercial
lending, redevelopment and land use, business, and general litigation.
Richard H. Weiner has been ranked #4 in the State of New Jersey, in Band One/Tier One, by Chambers USA, 2024. This prestigious ranking was recognized under the heading of the Chambers Publication Family/Matrimonial High Net Worth. The Firm’s partners, Richard H. Weiner, Gerald R. Salerno, Barry L. Kaufman, as well as Attorneys Steven R. Vanderlinden and Gregory L. Grossman, have all been selected for inclusion in the New Jersey Super Lawyers List and to the Best Lawyers in America publication issued by Woodward/White, Inc.
WHAT’S NEW AROUND TOWN
January Chamber Updates
Community events, attractions and opportunities from the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce
Happy 2025! We’ve experienced a lot in the world during 2024 and we’ve made it through! At the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce we’re celebrating tremendous growth.
• Our event partnership with the borough has flourished: Spring Fling, Fall Fest and Holiday Fair were great successes!
• Our membership base has grown and expanded beyond the borders of our town—70-plus members strong!
• Our voice has echoed throughout the region—did you catch the news drop on Serafina?
With a new year comes an opportunity to renew our sense of direction. To ensure our
best foot forward, we can invest in our health and our community with yoga, mindfulness and wellness. Here are seven businesses offering inspiring experiences that will have you feeling your best and brightest, ready to take on 2025.
Insight Yoga and Meditation Yoga, meditation and wellness. 17-19 Washington St., 2nd floor. www.insightyogaandmeditation.com
Juma Fit
Boutique fitness studio that provides tread classes, kids classes, sculpt and Pilates.
38 Franklin St. www.jumafit.com
Blue Iron Physio
Physical therapy that helps athletes return to their peak performance without pain. 236 County Road www.blueironphysio.com
Natural 4 Nourish
Products that are made of 100 percent natural ingredients, including handmade soaps, oils, serums, scrubs, body butters, bath salts, lip balms and more. Online and in person at Tenafly Events. https://natural4nourish.com
Ora Wellness
Offers acupuncture, yoga, energy healing, reiki, meditation, full gym, physical therapy, personal training, Pilates, infrared, massage, stretch and nutrition. 5 Atwood Ave. www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/ locations/ora-wellness
Sacred Space Meditation
Offers sound healing meditation and rituals to create sacred space. Provides in-studio, group and private sessions and events.
32 Washington St. https://sacred-spaceliving.com
Find That Pause
Helps women discover peace, balance and self-love using movement and mindset tools. Offers online programs, local instruction and retreats. www.findthatpause.com
Remember to shop the shops and dine local to keep our community strong and vibrant!
The Tenafly Chamber of Commerce is a local nonprofit organization that serves to enhance and elevate the Tenafly community experience by actively supporting our local businesses. To learn more, visit www.tenaflychamber.org.
Dr. Liany Farinas-Han, DMD
General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Smiles By Bergen Dental
Smiles by Bergen Dental excels in overall patient experience and uncompromising delivery of dental care. Dr. Liany Farinas-Han and her team recognize the importance of making patients feel comfortable and safe. The doctors and their staff have created a nurturing environment to help ease dental fear. Laughter and positive energy fill every corner of this dental practice. Dentistry is much more than a routine check-up. Dentistry is a blend of artistry, compassion, and technical expertise. At Smiles by Bergen, the overall health of your teeth, enhanced by cutting-edge cosmetic techniques makes for a winning combination and a glowing smile.
Q & a
Love, Family and Memories
Photography by Rachna captures clients at their best, highlighting their beauty, style and connections with loved ones.
BY GABRIELLE MARCUS
Rachna Ratti Randev is a Tenaflybased portrait photographer whose art celebrates the beauty and strength of women, children and families. Her sessions are designed to make clients feel comfortable and confident with images that truly reflect their personalities and styles. When her clients view their portraits, they rediscover vibrant, radiant versions of themselves.
We sat down with this talented photographer to learn more about what she has to offer.
Why did you decide to make a career of photography?
When I moved to the United States and started working in New York, I loved the energy of the city but soon found it to be draining. As a new mother, I realized I wanted something different, so in January 2011, I made the choice to leave and focus on being a full-time mom.
By 2013, I had two beautiful daughters, and I still remember taking my girls for their first professional photo shoot. I learned three important things that day. First, my girls were growing up fast and I wanted to preserve these moments. Second, these portraits meant the world to me and my husband. Third, I realized I wanted to be the one taking these portraits.
I took a leap, enrolling in a photography course at the New York Film Academy and attending workshops and conferences. Since then, I’ve poured my heart into photography, capturing women and families and their unique stories. This journey has been my passion, a way to honor and celebrate love, family and the memories that mean the most. I don’t just take photographs of women and their families—I help them create tangible evidence of their unique story. I offer my clients the chance to create a family legacy, and, to me, that is a truly priceless gift.
INTERVIEW WITH RACHNA RATTI RANDEV
What makes an experience with you unique?
Each client receives a virtual design consultation to help me understand their vision for the photo session and for them to feel prepared and ready. On the day of the photo shoot, my guests receive professional hair and makeup, stylized looks in multiple outfits and even pampering with food and beverages! Each session brings with it moments of self-care and joy.
The foundation of my business lies in customer service, a value deeply ingrained in me through my Asian upbringing and a degree in hospitality. Service is my North Star, guiding every interaction and detail of the Photography by Rachna experience. I want every guest to remember how they felt when working with me—the warmth, the care and the joy of the experience.
What is your favorite part of a session?
The moment clients realize that all they have experienced has truly filled their hearts—that they are surprised and overjoyed by all they’ve received.
Many women arrive nervous and unsure, but they leave beaming, often thanking me repeatedly for reminding them of their beauty. They often share with me how the session helped them reconnect with a part of themselves. To uplift a woman’s life in such a profound way is one of the greatest honors of my work. Families thank me for giving them this beautiful day as a memory to cherish for life. They express how much fun they had doing the photoshoot. Hugs and laughter from the children are my greatest rewards.
Gabrielle Marcus is a Tenafly resident who left the hustle of New York City to embrace the suburban life with her husband, Brian, and lay down roots in a more nurturing environment.
Path to Enlightenment
From hardworking beginnings, Joanna Amoratis found her destiny at Insight Yoga and Meditation.
BY GABRIELLE WALTERS
For Tenafly resident Joanna Amoratis, life has always been about the journey.
When she first moved to Tenafly in 2013, she had no idea that yoga would become a core part of her life or that down the road she would become the owner of Insight Yoga and Meditation, on Washington Street. She simply moved to town for her then-husband’s business opportunity and allowed life to unfold.
“I feel like everything that I have done has led me up to this moment in time,” she says.
Growing up in Fair Lawn, Amoratis
admired her parents’ work ethic. Her father, an engineer, worked during the day before heading to the deli owned by his wife, a Cyprus, Greece, immigrant.
“My parents modeled to work hard, but also to love what you do,” she says. She recalls helping at the deli and watching her parents connect with their customers.
“My mom was like everyone’s mom,” she says. “[The deli] was very rooted in community. They were so loved in town, and they took care of everybody.”
Watching her parents work hard influenced her own work ethic. After
graduating Trenton State (now The College of New Jersey) as a communications major, Amoratis says she worked during the days in public radio and overnight at ABC News.
“From then, I set the tone for my career because I’ve always been doing more than one thing,” she says. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats, from sales to personal training, as well as various roles in the fine jewelry industry.
While the hustle was fulfilling and familiar, Amoratis decided it was time to slow down and spend more time at home in Tenafly when
she became a mother in 2015. She continues to work in the fine jewelry industry today as a brand and retail specialist for Melee the Show, a trade show company.
The Road to Yoga
Amoratis did not find herself as the owner of Insight Yoga and Meditation in the traditional way. She did not seek out the position. Instead, it found her.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amoratis’ friend, Dr. Jennifer Carlson, mentioned that she was opening a yoga studio and wanted her involvement. Amoratis offered to connect Carlson with her network.
“That’s what I am,” Amoratis explains; “I’m definitely a connector.”
Amoratis began practicing Buti yoga, a cardio-intensive yoga-fusion practice that incorporates tribal dance and primal movement, releasing trauma from the body. She fell in love with the practice and the studio, and credits yoga with helping her become more connected with her inner being. “[That is] really the practice of yoga,” she says—“finding yourself from within.”
After becoming an instructor at the studio, Amoratis ran much of the day-to-day work and became a key figure at Insight Yoga.
Joanna Amoratis began as an instructor at Insight Yoga and Meditation, which led to her becoming more involved in operations and ultimately being offered an opportunity to take over the studio.
As the original owners began exploring other business opportunities, Amoratis was presented with the opportunity to take over the studio.
“I feel it was my destiny,” says Amoratis. “It was something I didn’t know that I needed until it happened.”
Supporting the Community At Insight Yoga, Amoratis displays the same caring nature and community that she grew up observing her parents provide at their deli. You can find her tending to yogis in whichever way is most fitting, from actions as simple as grabbing a bottle of water for a thirsty yogi to more intimate acts such as holding space for emotions.
“I believe it’s my duty and role at the studio to make it a safe and supportive space for everyone who is there,” Amoratis says.
Although she did not plan for this role, it is a role that she embraces wholeheartedly. “I feel like I’m living my dream because I’m practicing yoga every day,” she says. “It’s that inner healing that I feel has been the success of the studio and that has changed my life in so many wonderful ways.”
Since living in Tenafly, Amoratis’ community has extended outside of the studio walls. For instance, she shops at local businesses and takes her 9-year-old son Nigel to activities across town.
“I like to support other businesses in town,” she says. “[At Insight Yoga] we do collaborations with other local businesses. We try to be as involved as we can.”
In the future, you can expect to see her instructing more classes at Insight Yoga, as she is undergoing the Abundant Path School of Yoga teacher training on-site at her studio.
“This place is my heart,” says Amoratis. “I feel like yoga is where I truly found myself. Through the practice, through the instructors, through the community and through building the community.”
To learn more about Insight Yoga, call 551-239-8869 or visit www.insightyogaandmeditation.com.
Gabrielle Walters is a Tenafly resident and small business owner. You can find her wellness products in multiple stores across Bergen County.
Leaping Into Dance
Two lifelong friends share their passion for movement at the new Dance Revolution Academy.
BY SPENCER WATSON
Revolution Dance Academy has opened its doors in Tenafly, inviting residents to connect with their community and embrace the joy of dance.
Co-owners Rachel Bernstein and Emma Bednarski, lifelong friends and dancers, established the studio in September to create a space where beginners and experienced dancers alike can thrive. With classes available for ages 2 through adult, the academy offers instruction in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap, hip-hop, acro and breaking (breakdancing).
The majority of classes cater to children and follow a schoolyear schedule, culminating in a summer dance recital in June. Students range from beginners to competitive dancers preparing for their next performance.
“It’s been my lifelong dream since I was 10,” says Bernstein about opening the studio. “Emma and I grew up as lifelong friends. We’ve known each other since preschool. We grew up dancing together from the age of 8.”
Bednarski, a competitive performer as well as an instructor, shares another perspective. “Dancing on stage feels amazing, but it doesn’t compare to seeing a student you’ve worked with perform and shine,” she says. “It’s fulfilling to inspire young dancers to grow, improve and find their passion in dance.”
Different Dance Perspectives Bernstein and Bednarski’s friendship and shared love for dance have been central to their success. “I think our partnership is really special because we have that
Above: Rachel Bernstein (left) and Emma Bednarski grew up dancing together and have teamed to pass skills on to students of all ages and abilities.
friendship background,” Bednarski says. “But we also bring different things to the table.”
Bednarski was training and performing in New York City as a dancer while Bernstein was learning about the business side of opening a studio before they were able to open Revolution Dance Academy.
“I went to college as a double major in business and dance specifically with this goal to open a studio,” Bernstein says. “Out of college, I was working on admin teams at studios trying to learn the business of a dance studio.”
Bednarski also brings a business background from her educational experiences. Bednarski says of the studio, “I don’t think it would have been possible had we not had both of us here working on it.”
Both co-owners grew up in Bergen County and saw Tenafly as the ideal location for their studio. Each had been working in the area and already had connections to local students. Bednarski sees Tenafly as a familyoriented town with potential for new families and an upward track. She wants to “help create the community that I know the town is aiming to put together.”
The Revolution Dance Academy team also reflects this community focus. Through word-of-mouth recommendations, Bernstein and Bednarski assembled a group of instructors who excel at connecting with students and teaching at all levels. Both coowners lead classes, with Bernstein focusing on the acro program and Bednarski spearheading the hiphop curriculum.
Classes for All Ages
While social media platforms like TikTok have popularized dance among younger generations, Bernstein and Bednarski aim to teach beyond the basics of viral choreography.
They see digital trends as a gateway for students to discover a deeper appreciation for the artistry of dance. Learning dance is also a way for their students to forge friendships just like the friendship the co-owners found through dance.
Reflecting on their own childhoods, Bernstein and Bednarski emphasize how they formed their closest friendships through movement.
“[Other] kids play sports,” Bernstein says. “They had other
Rachel Bernstein (above and left) instructs while drawing on a background in both dance and studio management. Partner Emma Bednarski channels experience heavily rooted in performance during lessons at Revolution Dance Academy’s facilities in Tenafly.
activities, but for us, it was just dance.”
Revolution Dance Academy has quickly gained traction, enrolling over 100 students in its first month. Bednarski and Bernstein aim to expand their offerings, especially for adults. With a target of 150 students, they plan to introduce even more people to the benefits of dance.
“It definitely increases confidence,” Bernstein says. “I also think that dance builds a lot of resilience. You’re failing a lot, and I feel like that’s hard for a lot of kids to deal with. But once they see that through the hard work there’s success, there’s this silver lining—that’s the beauty in it.”
Bednarski adds, “I think it’s a good physical release, a good mental release. It sparks creativity.”
Both co-owners encourage anyone curious about dance to give it a try.
“For those who don’t know as much about dance or are new to dance, I think that it’s a really great way for kids to grow into themselves and to learn about themselves while making new friends and joining this community,” Bednarski says.
“Just take a leap of faith in life,” Bernstein adds. “It’s never too late to learn a new skill. Just do something, find a new passion.” That leap could be finding the joy in dance.
Spencer Watson is a lifelong Bergen County resident. She is a poet and freelance writer who frequently writes about local news in New Jersey.
Rhythm Reprise
After 35 years in the film industry, Richard Baratta found his way back to his first true love.
BY GABRIELLE WALTERS
Longtime Tenafly resident Richard Baratta has had an impressive career in the film industry. His expertise has allowed him to work on notable films such as “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Irishman” and “Joker.”
But though he has had an extensive film career, his first and true love has always been music.
Love of music didn’t start with Baratta—it runs in his family. Growing up in Poughkeepsie, New York, the musical gene coursed through his veins.
His father was a New York State Supreme Court judge as well as a piano
player, while his mother was a teacher and opera singer. During his younger years, Baratta spent time chasing his dreams of being a jazz musician, playing, recording and touring.
However, when it came time to settle down and start a family, Baratta decided to find a career that would allow him to provide for his family.
“I never could really give up music; it’s a part of me,” says Baratta. “I gave it up [only] as a profession.” While this decision caused him to put a pause on music, he would return back to it years later.
Richard Baratta dreamt of being a jazz musician but took a detour into film while he and his wife raised a family in Tenafly. Now an empty nester, he’s drumming up renewed success with his original passion.
Behind the Camera
Baratta got his start in movies working as a location scout on the film “Desperately Seeking Susan.” He followed this debut by continuously finding more work and becoming respected by figures in the industry.
“I came from a family that really stressed work ethic,” he says. “If you want something in life, you really have to work for it. Nobody is going to give you anything. Things don’t just drop in your lap.”
He later worked on films as a coproducer and executive producer, and recalls spending much of his career
working with “a lot of very creative and intelligent directors,” including Mike Nichols, Sydney Pollack, Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese.
Although his career familiarized him with grueling hours, he consciously decided to work close to Tenafly so that he could be near his wife, Jill, and their children.
“I stayed in New York/New Jersey almost exclusively because I had three kids and wanted to be around them,” he says. “They were very involved in sports in Tenafly, and I was involved in coaching.” He recalls leaving film sets early to head to
his son’s baseball games.
When Baratta first moved to Tenafly in 1995, a couple of years after he moved out of the city, he was searching for a home that would provide enough space for his growing family. He found one, and has lived in that same house for nearly 30 years, his children going through the Tenafly school system.
After his children graduated from college, Baratta no longer had to split his time between work and baseball games, and he realized he had time to pursue other interests. “‘Now that I have all this time, what am I going to do?’” he remembers thinking.
A Return to Roots
In 2017, while still working on “The Irishman” and “Joker,” Baratta re-entered the professional music world. “After 35 years and 55 movies, I decided it was time to do what I really wanted to do originally, which was play music,” he says.
He began playing jazz at George’s (previously known as the Astor Room) in Astoria, Queens.
Since then, he has recorded music and been nominated for a Grammy, which helped catapult his new musical career.
Baratta has released three albums, “Music in Film: The Reel Deel” (2020), “Music in Film: The Sequel” (2022) and “Off the Charts” (2023). His forthcoming album, “Looking Back,” is scheduled to be released on February 21.
When he’s not working on his music, helps brings jazz to Tenafly residents through local summer concerts. He leads the Tenafly Summer Concert Committee, bringing artists to Huyler Park.
Some people may believe this kind of musical and theatrical success is a talent someone is born with, but Baratta does not see it that way. “If you work hard, there’s a lot you can accomplish,” he says. “I’m not going to jump in the air and fly away; that I can’t do. But there are a lot of things I can do that are pretty close to that.”
As for advice he would give to young people starting out in a creative industry, he offers this: “Be hardworking, be sincere, be honest and be on time.”
To follow Baratta’s career, visit www.richardbaratta.com.
Gabrielle Walters is a Tenafly resident and small business owner.
LOCAL TASTES
KT Tran Diovisalvo built her restaurant business on earlier eateries launched by her mother.
A Labor of Love
Simply Vietnamese owner KT Tran Diovisalvo taps a family legacy of food service dating to her childhood.
BY CATHERINE MOSCATT
In the nearly 15 years since Simply Vietnamese established its current location in Tenafly, the restaurant has become a staple of the local community. Prior to its opening here in 2010, it was located in Englewood—and before that in Greenwich Village in New York City.
The restaurant has its roots with an eatery called Saigon Republic, which started with the mother of KT Tran Diovisalvo, the current owner of Simply Vietnamese, in 1984.
Diovisalvo was born in 1955 and grew up in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) during the Vietnam War. In the course of the conflict, her family rented their house to American soldiers, which is how Diovisalvo learned to speak English.
Diovisalvo’s father was a secretary to the ambassador to the United Nations, and her mother cooked for him and other diplomats. This would help when
Diovisalvo’s mother later opened her own restaurant in Queens.
“You have to love what you do,” Diovisalvo says of owning a restaurant.
“It is a rough business, especially when you’re starting off. I used to work on Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day—and you don’t get home until late at night. You don’t see your family.”
The love of what she does is evident in both the success of Simply Vietnamese and the quality of its food.
Voted Best Vietnamese
Simply Vietnamese offers modern Vietnamese cuisine and, in Best of Bergen voting, was named Best Vietnamese Restaurant from 2012 to 2019 and in 2021 and 2023, earning an additional accolade in 2024 from 201 Magazine.
Simply Vietnamese offers a range of food, including delicious spring rolls,
warm peanut noodles and a large array of dumplings for appetizers.
Noodle dishes include pad thai, curry noodles and house noodles. Entrees include lemongrass chicken, beef, duck and tofu. There is truly something for everyone on this menu.
Diovisalvo notes that much more than cooking food is involved with running a successful restaurant. Her responsibilities as the owner span “[everything] from the repairs outside to the toilet bowl not working,” she says.
The restaurant is both her life and her passion. “It’s not the cooking alone; it’s how you manage it,” she says. “It’s a 24-hour job. You go to bed, you think about the restaurant. You wake up, you think about the restaurant, and that’s just the life.”
Catherine Moscatt is the author of six books and loves all forms of writing, especially interviews.
Places to Eat in Tenafly
Axia Taverna
La Promenade
Pizza Nova
JCC Cafe
Awe & Wonder Coffee Shop
35 Highwood Ave.
201-569-1461
Axia Taverna
18 Piermont Road 201-569-5999 www.axiataverna.com
Cafe Angelique
1 Piermont Road 201-541-1010 http://cafeangeliquenyc.com/
Celebrity Bagels
30 W. Railroad Ave. 201-894-5555
Chick & Roll
24 W. Railroad Ave., Unit H 201-351-8888 www.chickenandroll.com
Europe Café & Grill
1 Highwood Ave. 201-569-4444 www.europecafegrill.com
JCC Café 411 E. Clinton Ave. 201-569-7900
La Promenade 137 Piermont Road 201-567-2500 https://laprom.com
Mel’s Butcher Box 10 W. Railroad Ave. 201-266-4633 www.melsbutcherbox.com
Miller’s Bakery 5 Washington St. 201-871-4449 https://millersbakeshop.com
Mr. Wok & Sushi 1 Highwood Road 201-569-3969 www.mrwoksushinj.com
Osaka Sushi 23A Washington St. 201-345-7029 https://osakasushitenafly.com
Pizza Nova 24 Washington St. 201-894-9700
Simply Vietnamese 1 Highwood Ave. 201-568-7770 https://simplyvietnamese.info
Spring House 91 W. Clinton Ave. 201-353-0080 www.springhousetenafly.com
Tavlin 7 Railroad Ave. 201-871-6060 https://tavlintenafly.com
Tenafly Diner 16 W. Railroad Ave. 201-567-5522 www.tenaflyclassicdiner.com
Tenafly Hot Bagels 35B Washington St. 201-567-2935
The 130 Club Steakhouse 130 County Road 201-431-2427 https://the130club.com
TPR Restaurant Pizzeria 38 W. Railroad Ave. 201-871-0444 www.tenaflypizza.com/about. php
Veda Contemporary Indian Cuisine 10 Jay St. 201-399-7788 www.vedatenafly.com/ djmaxihz/restaurant/ order-online
Powder to the People!
The New Jersey region offers a wealth of ski slopes for beginners and veterans alike.
BY CLARA SEIGLER
I’m not exactly a world-class skier. I grew up in Austin, Texas, which gets, on average, about a quarter of an inch of snowfall a year.
But once I moved to New Jersey, I discovered the beauty and excitement of a good winter snowstorm. Plus, I suddenly found myself within driving distance of multiple ski resorts. That’s how, as of last year, I found myself on a secondhand pair of skis, barreling down beautiful snowy mountain trails, feeling
an indescribable adrenaline rush—at least when it was going well.
This year, I’m stoked to hit the slopes again and have thoroughly researched local resorts and mountains. Here’s a rundown of bountiful local options for newbies and experienced skiers or snowboarders alike.
Skiing the Garden State Mahwah’s Campgaw Mountain is known for its beginner-friendly
environment, which is ideal for younger skiers and snowboarders and for anybody new to winter sports.
Campgaw is also known for its popular tubing runs, which are 800 feet long and accessible by lift. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable options on this list. A four-hour lift ticket from Monday through Thursday starts at just $36 this season, and that’s about as low as you’ll find. Season passes start at $379.
If you’ve already mastered Campgaw, Vernon’s Mountain Creek Resort is a great place to explore some more advanced trails. Mountain Creek is the largest ski resort in New Jersey, with 167 acres of skiable terrain, including 46 trails and eight lifts. About one quarter of those trails are beginner-friendly.
Mountain Creek’s Appalachian Hotel offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations with luxury suites and a heated pool, which makes this resort an ultimate weekend getaway if you want to spend a few bucks. Weekday lift tickets start at $59, weekends start at $68 and season passes start at $319.
Beyond New Jersey
If you’re crossing state lines, Shawnee Mountain in East Stroudsburg,
Pennsylvania, is easily drivable. It’s also one of the more family-friendly resorts in the Poconos, with plenty of kid- and beginnerfriendly trails, tubing and family activities. Prices vary, but as of this writing, single-day lift tickets start at $52 and season passes start at $549.
Camelback Mountain Resort, in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, is generally the most popular destination in the Poconos, with skiing, snowboarding, tubing and even an indoor waterpark, offering 39 trails across 166 acres of skiable terrain. Fifteen of those trails are beginner friendly. This season, Camelback season passes (with blackout dates) start at $519, with twilight lift tickets priced at $55 and all-day lift tickets priced at $69.
Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerville, Pennsylvania, features over 40 trails, including the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania, at 1,082 feet. Blue Mountain’s five terrain parks are a favorite for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Prices vary based on demand, but as of this writing, four-hour lift tickets start at $48, eight-hour tickets start at $55 and season passes start at $549 for ages 22 and over.
Jack Frost Big Boulder in White Haven, Pennsylvania, is a single resort complex that
encompasses two very distinct mountains. Jack Frost offers a more traditional skiing experience, with 20 trails and plenty of beginner-friendly runs, while Big Boulder is better known for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Daily lift tickets start at $48. Season passes vary in price, with discounts for seniors and college students; a weekdayonly season pass starts at $490.
The Snow Must Go On
If you’ve mastered local options and are still feeling ambitious, consider Hunter Mountain Resort or Windham Mountain Club, both located in the Catskills of New York state. I haven’t attempted Hunter or Windham yet, but now that I’ve got the skiing bug, I’ve been scoping them out, and it’s only a matter of time.
If you’re an otherwise outdoorsy person who has never been on a pair of skis or a snowboard, you owe it to yourself to take the plunge. There’s something magical about the fresh air of a snowy mountain. Mix in some good friends and a little adrenaline, and the whole experience can be instantly addictive.
Clara Seigler is a design and glassware specialist who recently moved to New Jersey from New York City.
Numerous skiing and snowboarding areas in New Jersey and neighboring states, including Camelback Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania (opposite page), are within easy driving distance.
Great Book Club Picks for 2025 BOOK NOOK
Tenafly’s library director suggests worthy works of literary fiction to spark discussion in your group.
A new year is starting! Are you looking for something different to read in 2025? Is your turn to pick the book club selection coming around again? Take a look at some upcoming literary fiction that will get book clubs talking. All selections are for adults.
“EVERYBODY SAYS IT’S EVERYTHING”
by Xhenet Aliu
Drita and Petrit “Pete” are Albanian twins who have been adopted and are living typical American lives in Connecticut. As they grow up, they drift apart, and by the time Pete’s girlfriend shows up at Drita’s door with their son, Drita has not heard from her brother in years. She decides to find him, which requires a journey that will force her to learn more about her past than she may have wanted to know.
BY JULIE MARALLO
“UNIVERSALITY”
by Natasha Brown
Struggling journalist Hannah is thrilled when her piece about a man nearly killed with a bar of gold is featured on television. But as the story of how Hannah came to write the article unfolds, a mystery develops that connects Hannah to the victim and sheds light on some dark truths about British society.
“I LEAVE IT UP TO YOU” by Jinwoo Chong
After being in a coma for two years, Jack Jr. has lost his job, his Manhattan apartment and the woman he loves. He has no choice but to move in with his parents in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and work in their struggling sushi restaurant. The Fort Lee setting of this book will make it of particular interest to local book groups.
“THEFT” by Abdulrazak Gurnah
At the turn of the 21st century, three young adults struggle to survive in Tanzania. As globalism brings in tourists and new technology, they are presented with problems and opportunities that will change their lives forever in this work by a Nobel Prize-winning author.
“TWIST” by Colum McCann
Irish journalist Anthony Fennell goes to the western coast of Africa to report on the repair of underwater cables. At first this hardly seems like a riveting story, but then he meets a fellow Irishman and diver who reveals the importance of these cables to online communication and exposes him to the seedy underworld surrounding them.
Julie Marallo is the director of the Tenafly Public Library.
Making Winter Memories
In a classic winter scene, local mother
captured her daughters all bundled up and enjoying snowy weather in
Rachna Ratti Randev
Tenafly.
