BC the Mag Early Spring '21 by Bergen County the Magazine

Early Spring 2021 | Complimentary Issue

The Mag Life. Style.

Empowering MOVEMENT NaaiaJos offers fashionable, confidence-boosting clothing

TO THE BAT CAVE! Joe D’Angeli is a modern day ‘Bat Man’

A JACK OF ALL TRADES

North Bergen teacher and SNL regular Robert Bannon leaves nothing ‘Unfinished’

SEASONAL SIPS Pour these at your safe spring soirees

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The Mag Life. Style.WINTER Where you live. 2020 Publishers Early SPRING 2021

Steven & Sharon Goldstein

2019 WINNER

PUBLISHERS

Associate Publisher Sharon & Steven Goldstein Brandon Goldstein

2017 WINNER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Brandon Goldstein Editorial Director Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo Design Director CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jessica LaPlaca-Bruno Suzanne Giovanna Barr Fashion Director FASHION DIRECTOR Candace Kristin Candace Kristin PHOTOGRAPHERS Photographer

Bob Carey Nick Gagliano Larry Joseph Contributing Writers CONTRIBUTING Ron Bergamini WRITERS Sheila M. Clancy, MS, CHES Kevin Czerwinski Richard Posluszny Tara DeLorenzo Michelle DeSantis Tara DeLorenzo Kimberly Redmond Kristin Favaloro Kristin Favaloro Brianna Ruback Tracy Flaherty, CHHC Jess Ford Megan Montemarano Brandon Goldstein Brandon Goldstein Richard Posluszny Dr. Michael Gross Dr. Michael Gross Stefanie Sears Soneca Guadara Soneca Guadara Tara Ippolito-Lafontant Marilyn Katzman Richard Posluszny Bergen County The Magazine is published Kimberly Redmond six times a year. Mail all editorial Mary Ann Tregerand advertising materials to Michele 297-101 Kinderkamack Weinstein Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email materials to steven@bcthemag.com. For advertising and information, please call (201) 694-5196 or (201) 265-2286. For subscription information or to contact us,

Bergen County The Magazine is published six times a year. www.bcthemag.com. Mail go alltoeditorial and advertising materials to 297-101 Kinderkamack 135, Oradell, or email CopyrightRoad, 2021.Suite All materials areNJ the07649 property materials to steven@bcthemag.com.

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A Letter From The Editorial Director Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

here are days (or sadly years; I’m looking at you, 2020) when the walls really do feel like they’re closing in. Riddled with needs, obligations, expectations and commitments, you wonder how or, more importantly, if you can keep it all together. This past year has felt a lot like that. At the time of writing this letter, it has been exactly a full year since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic following weeks of community spread from China to the rest of the world. One whole year filled with government shutdowns; struggles to find toilet paper, hand sanitizer and Lysol spray, among other things; staying home; social distancing; and masking. A year of struggling to mitigate the spread while finding food, protection, reassurance and our sanity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of March 11, the exact year mark of the World Health Organization’s declaration, 21.1 percent of New Jerseyans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 10.6 percent of New Jerseyans are fully vaccinated of the 8,882,190 population. For many, one of the brightest beacons of hope has been the COVID-19 vaccine. While the vaccine may offer a return to a semblance of normalcy, spring offers us the chance to celebrate the rebirth – of our new selves, of our newly categorized priorities, of our resilience. In this issue, we’re highlighting some Bergen County residents that are doing just that – celebrating how far they’ve come. Inside, you’ll meet North Bergen history teacher and SNL regular Robert Bannon. Featured in ‘A Jack Of All Trades,’ you’ll learn how Bannon is leaving nothing unfinished. In fact, ‘Unfinished Business’ is the title of his soon-tobe released debut album. Talk about chasing your dreams. You’ll also be introduced to Joe D’Angeli, the modern day ‘Bat Man,’ who owns and operates The Wildlife Conservation and Education Center, also known as The Bat Cave, in Garfield. While the pandemic has been crushing at times for non-profits, such as Angeli’s, he has had some small victories this year. Read all about it in ‘To The Bat Cave!’ Former ‘Dreamer’-turned-restauranteur Lizeth Morales is yet another Bergen County resident that turned lemons into lemonade. The Garfield resident opened her first Peruvian eatery in 2012 and her second in 2017 yet dreamed of more. While COVID-19 caused many restaurants to close, Morales was determined to do the opposite, and she did. Flip on to learn more. It’s our hope that these stories, these pages, this season eases your burden and provides you with clarity. Sending you love and virtual hugs,

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Contents features bergen county

TO THE BAT CAVE!

Joe D’Angeli Is A Modern Day Bat Man

A JACK OF ALL TRADES

North Bergen History Teacher and SNL Regular Robert Bannon Leaves Nothing ‘Unfinished’

COVID-19 GIVES INCENTIVE TO LOSE WEIGHT

SAFE ENTERTAINING TIPS IN A COVID-19 WORLD

WEDDED BLISS IN TIMES LIKE THIS

columns

SEASONAL SIPS FOR SPRING SOIREES

STYLE BY SONECA

BC LOCAL LIST

STRUT INTO SPRING WITH THESE TRENDS

Support Your Local Merchants and Restaurants

BEAUTY AND THE ‘BURBS

CAFÉ PANACHE REOPENS WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF GREGORY STOTT AT THE HELM

PRODUCTS TO GET YOU WARM WEATHER READY

Freedom Bank is committed to providing individuals and businesses the resources they need to achieve their financial goals.

Contents in every issue

nonprofit spotlight HOPE FOR CHILDREN PROVIDES A SPARK OF HOPE TO FAMILIES FACING DARK TIMES

art INFLUENCED BY NORTH JERSEY, RUSSO WRITES WHAT WE KNOWS

fashion

the sports doctor

auto

EMPOWERING MOVEMENT

WHAT IS SPORTS MEDICINE?

THE ALL-NEW CHEVROLET CORVETTE

It’s A Revolution; Not An Evolution

escapes TRENDING VACATION HABITS IN 2021

76 10

eats

restaurant guide

last laugh

FORMER ‘DREAMER’-TURNED-RESTAURATEUR CARRIES ON FAMILY LEGACY

A RESOURCE FOR YOUR DINING PLEASURE

HOW TO SPOT THE HYPO(CRITE)

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T H I S

P L A C E

I S

D I F F E R E N T

� Nonprofit

Spotlight�

Hope For Children Provides A Spark of Hope To Families Facing Dark Times

By Kimberly Redmond

or the past three said Meg, adding that their mission decades, a Ramseystands on the belief that “we can cure based non-profit illnesses or make a significant difference organization has in the quality of lives.” been doing whatever it can to give a “It’s about finding a spark of hope,” tiny spark of hope to families facing she said. “Families need to live in a spirit dark times. of hope.” That small sliver of optimism is born For Paul and Vicki Giblin, their feeling Pictured: Colleen Giblin from an unlikely place, a research laboraof hopelessness during the final stages tory at Columbia University Irving Medical of Colleen’s battle with cancer motivated Center. There, researchers work tirelessly to find them to work to spare other families similar anguish. better treatments and cures for a wide range of With that goal in mind, and with support from neurological and cancer-related conditions effectfamily, friends, businesses and corporations, including children. ing the 1986 Super Bowl Championship New York Much of the activity at the Colleen Giblin Giants, they launched the Colleen Giblin FoundaResearch Laboratories is funded by the Hope for tion, the first non-profit in the U.S. dedicated solely Children Foundation, a non-profit launched by the to funding pediatric research at a major academic late Paul and Vicki Giblin in 1986 after their fourmedical center. year-old daughter, Colleen, died from an inoperThe money raised helped establish a laboratory able brain tumor. in Colleen’s name at Columbia University Irving Meg Minassian, the organization’s longtime Medical Center, one of the nation’s leading research executive director, said, “We’re all about research, hospitals, led by her doctor, Dr. Darryl De Vivo. but that can be a tough sell.” Since its founding, over 6,000 donors and vol“Many people want to give a child’s dying wish unteers have supported the Hope for Children to go to Disney World,” she said. “We’re the Foundation, helping it to raise and donate over $7 opposite; we want to let those kids go on many million for pediatric neurological research. Just a vacations in their lifetime.” few of the foundation’s noteworthy local supporters “Our goal is to make cures become realities,” include the late author Mary Higgins Clark, enter12

tainer Joe Piscopo, politician William “Pat” Schuber, developer Joseph Sanzari and former NFL stars Harry Carson, Lawrence Taylor and Bruce Harper. And while there are now many non-profits, grassroots fundraisers and online campaigns aimed at helping kids facing serious medical conditions, the Hope for Children Foundation sets itself apart from the pack. Funding a laboratory, Meg said, is admittedly less glamorous than covering the cost of a dream vacation, but, she said, “Research can take you places you never dreamed of.” At the Colleen Giblin Research Laboratories, the team has studied dozens of disorders, including brain cancer, spinal disorders, neuro-metabolic diseases, spinal muscular atrophy, nerve and brain damage, mitochondrial diseases, genetic disorders, AIDS-related complications in children, fetal 13

exposure to chemical substances and neurological illnesses that present on the autism spectrum. The lab’s two biggest research breakthroughs involve the GLUT1 deficiency syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). “In 1992, the Giblin Labs first identified GLUT1 with only 100 known cases worldwide. Today approximately 360,000 children have the disease. Through clinical studies and trials, Dr. De Vivo and his team of researchers have found treatments that are more effective and are currently working on a cure which includes gene therapy and is proving to be the hope for children with GLUT1,” Meg said. Research into SMA – the number one genetic cause of death in infancy – has seen pivotal clinical trials that have resulted in FDA approval of the first effective treatment in 1991. Continued research at the lab and further clinical trials led to two additionearly SPRING 2021

Pictured: One of the nation’s leading research hospitals’ laboratory team, led by Dr. Darryl De Vivo (pictured in the front row, fifth from the left) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

al treatments approved by the FDA, an oral agent and gene therapeutic. “All the research that we do is non-proprietary and all the discoveries we have made, we share with the world,” Meg said. “We’re not out there to make money on discoveries. Our mission is to find better treatments and ultimately cures for a host of neurological diseases.” Meg, whose son, Danny, suffered a debilitating stroke when he was 20 months old that left him with a severe seizure disorder, knows all too well about the importance of hope and need for medical research. Meg and her husband, Don, were told that Danny would be confined to a wheelchair and would never live a full life. At age eight, he underwent a life-saving 14-hour brain operation at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, a procedure that helped limit his seizures. Danny, now 33, went on to graduate from school, is working and thriving, something that wouldn’t have been possible without the breakthrough research done by Dr. De Vivo and his research team.

Danny, who is considered to be the organization’s “Poster Man,” is just one of several success stories that they know about, Meg said. “His work saved my son’s life, has given a better quality of life to Danny and our whole family and to so many other children and their families,” she said. While locally based, the nonprofit’s reach goes much, much further than Bergen County, Meg believes. “Research doesn’t have to immediately affect someone you know,” Meg said. “It may affect someone across the world – it’s very broad-based.” Meg, along with her husband, Donald, have been involved with the organization as volunteers since 1989 because the Mahwah couple believed so deeply in its mission. Six years later, she was named executive director and is the non-profit’s only paid employee. “We try to limit overhead so donations can go to research,” she said. “We rely on family, friends, volunteers and board members.” Like most every non-profit, the Hope for Children Foundation has faced fundraising challenges 14

over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has cancelled all in-person events, as well as held off on scheduling future fundraisers for now. “We’ve endured tough times over the years, especially over the last year, but we have a great group of steadfast supporters,” she said. In February 2020 – just before the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, the foundation held its signature annual fundraiser event, which Meg said, “helped sustain us throughout the year and meet the needs of the lab.” As the calendar turned to 2021, the non-profit reached out to its base of donors and received “a great response,” Meg said. Going forward, the Hope for Children Foundation is looking into a few other avenues of fundraising, including hosting a virtual action, she said. “The reality is, despite what’s happening in the world, research needs to continue,” Meg said. “Children’s diseases aren’t put on hold.” For more information on The Hope For Children Foundation, visit https://www.hopeforchildrenresearch.org.■

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To The

Bat Cave! Bat Man J O E D ’ A N G E L I I S A M O D E R N D AY

oe D’Angeli worried for the obvious reasons when the COVID-19 outbreak reached the United States in the late winter of 2020. It was the not so obvious reason, however, that had the Hasbrouck Heights resident most concerned. D’Angeli, 54, owns and operates The Wildlife Conservation and Education Center in Garfield. While that may not seem like it should be of concern from a COVID-19 standpoint, the center’s nickname – The Bat Cave – did cause some worry. “My first thought was game over,” D’Angeli said. “When COVID-19 hit, the second word in every story was bats. Obviously things have changed, though. People have become more educated and I think they want to know more about bats now.”

And, if you want to know about bats, what better place to visit than The Bat Cave? D’Angeli has been working with and studying bats for much of his life, the last four years of which have been spent at the Garfield location. While the Center has close to 100 animals of all shapes, sizes and origins, nearly half of them are bats as they represent D’Angeli’s first love.

early SPRING 2021

Pictured: Joe D’Angeli’s Wildlife Conservation and Education Center, located in Garfield.

D’Angeli’s interest in bats dates back to his childhood. He was a big Batman fan as a youngster and that only fueled his interest in these winged creatures. “My dad was a nightclub/bar owner and I’d go to work with him sometimes,” said D’Angeli, who graduated from New Milford High School. “I must have been about 10 years old one time I went with him and I was standing outside one night and there was this weird creature circling around one of the street lights. My father pointed out that it was a bat chasing the mosquitos that were drawn to the light. “I thought they were mysterious. They were like birds but they were different. Then when I found out they were mammals, I was intrigued. They are the only true flying mammals. And, of course, I am a Batman freak to begin with so it all tied in.” D’Angeli, who has also worked at the Van Saun Zoo in Paramus as a zookeeper, took animal behav-

ior classes at New Milford High School but never went to college. Rather, he learned about bats on his own, devouring all the information he could while seeking out experts on the topic. He spoke to and worked with numerous people in the field while spending countless hours in the Bronx Zoo’s World of Darkness. He read books, listened to lecturers and when he began to stump the experts with his questions and knowledge on bats, D’Angeli decided it was time to go out on his own. Now, he speaks at universities and museums and has a working knowledge of bats that is unequaled in the animal behavior world. D’Angeli’s original setup was in his Little Ferry home. He housed bats and studied them, obtaining USDA and State licenses to keep the animals in his home. His house burned down in 2005, though, killing all the animals and nearly costing him his life. However, it was through donations that 18

he was able to rebuild, setting up shop in a Ridgefield Park facility that wasn’t his home. He spent eight years there before moving to Garfield. “Due to the kindness of others, I was able to rebuild,” D’Angeli said. “Many people, including the Chiller Theater Convention [a horror fan group], helped. I used to go there [the convention] with the bats. The owner held a fundraiser and raised $6,000 for me and my family. We found a new location because I didn’t feel like it was right doing it in my home any more. “So we decided to get a location and start from the ground up. There were a few generous and gracious zoos from across the United States that donated bats and that was the beginning of a new chapter. Now, you can see all these beautiful animals.” While the pandemic has been (Continues on page 20)

Pictured: Egyptian in flight.

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I was standing outside one night and there was this weird creature circling around one of the street lights. My father pointed out that it was a bat chasing the mosquitos that were drawn to the light.



crushing at times for non-profits such as D’Angeli’s, he has had some good things happen over the course of the last year. He received his tax-exempt non-profit status, which means that he is now available to apply for grants and donations. D’Angeli has already raised some funds through donations and a few small grants. He is also thinking about hiring a grant writer to help because he is “so busy caring for all the creatures.” Those creatures are housed in D’Angeli’s 3,250 square-foot facility in Garfield. He is also working on adding an additional 3,000 square feet of working space on the building’s lower level. In addition to the bats and their offspring, D’Angeli has scores of other animals including his latest arrivals, two sloths – he says he is in love with the new female sloth Willow – and a wallaby, whose name is Penelope. While business hasn’t been booming, it has been steady over the last year. D’Angeli adheres to all the state guidelines and remains a popular spot on the weekends for families looking for something to do. “The one benefit we have over major metropolitan zoos is that during this weather we can be open because we are completely indoors,” he said. “We’re still at a reduced capacity because of the pandemic, though. We’re normally open from 12-8 p.m. on Fri-

day, Saturday and Sunday but we’ve been so busy I’ve been thinking about going back to being open on Thursdays. “We sell tickets for every two hours and only sell to a quarter capacity. That’s about 24-25 tickets in two-hour increments. The past five weekends we’ve probably had close to 100 people through the door on any given day. We’re good at disinfecting everything. We take temperatures and insist on masks and safe distancing because we’re not only concerned with visitors but our staff and animal ambassadors as well.” So if you want to meet some flying foxes and Egyptian fruit bats, head on over to Garfield and visit D’Angeli. He and his animals are always looking for some company.■

Hope is Here!

In these extraordinary times, hope may be the one thing we all need. To have hope is to want an outcome that makes our lives better. It can help make a tough situation more bearable, and improve our lives by helping us to envision a better future. At St. Joseph’s Health, we believe that hope lies within each and every one of us. From our dedicated caregivers and support staff to our community leaders and partners, hope is here. The desire to push on. The will to fight back. And, the understanding that we are all in this together.

We’ve come too far… to only come this far. Let’s finish this, New Jersey!

PATERSON | WAYNE | CEDAR GROVE

www.StJosephsHealth.org

� Art�

INFLUENCED BY NORTH JERSEY,

Russo Writes What He Knows Russo had always loved writing, admitting to a secret ambition to become an author when he was a child.

By Kevin Czerwinski

teven Max Russo has put together a remarkable career in advertising, one that has stretched several decades, reaching from Manhattan to his Morris County home. He’s worked for companies big and small, eventually running his own outfit, Moonlight Advertising, from North Jersey. While he has enjoyed success in the business world, there was always a creative void that would surface occasionally, barking at him to do more. While Russo, 60, has spent his entire career in a creative position as an advertising executive, he’s quick to point that after a while there are times when the work resembles “muscle memory” – you do it and you do it well but it seems more reflexive than creative. That led to some creative frustration and the feeling that he had to do more in the way of writing and storytelling. Russo had always loved writing, admitting to a secret ambition to become an author when he was a child. It took several decades for that creative frustration to push Russo to a point of acting on it. When he did, he was amazed at the results. “One night I felt compelled to sit at my home computer and I wrote a short story titled ‘Putting in the Work,’” said Russo, who lived in Bergenfield, Demarest and Hackensack as a youngster/young adult. “It was about a young, white-collar criminal who is coerced into helping orchestrate and commit a murder. What the young man finds is that he not only has an aptitude for killing – he actually enjoys it. “I thought the story was pretty good and that probably would have been the end of it, but shortly after writing it I saw something online about a literary journal called ‘The Rag’ that was looking for material. So almost on a lark, I sent the story in. Unbeknownst 23

early SPRING 2021

H

is novels are gritty, sometimes graphic, and the stories are engaging with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the last page.



to me, they were working on an issue with a crime/death theme and my story fit right in. A few days later I got an offer for publication and then a contract and then a check. Just like that I was a professional, paid author.” That short story prompted Russo to push his creative boundaries even further. So he set about writing his first novel, “Thieves,” set in Morris County, which was published in November of 2018. His second novel, “The Dead Don’t Sleep” [Editor’s Note: Much of the novel takes place in Hackensack], came out November and a third novel, “The Debt Collector,” isn’t far behind. Russo said that his North Jersey upbringing and the towns of Bergen, Passaic and Morris counties have influenced him. He writes about places he has been, streets on which he has traveled and the experiences of life in the bedroom communities of the area, all of which add to the authenticity of his work, because it’s easier to “write about what you know and where you’ve been.” What Russo knows now is that his efforts have been successful. “I wrote my book and I got an agent but I would still wake up at night thinking what if it was a fluke,” said Russo, who relies on Susan, his wife of 22 years, for proof24

reading and editing. “I thought what if I couldn’t write another one. Can I actually sit down and write another? “Now, however, I can sometimes sit for five or six hours and write non-stop and it feels like I’ve only been at it for a half hour or 45 minutes,” he continued. “You just get in a zone and everything else flows out of you. I write by the seat of my pants. I envy the people who can plot it out, even a rough outline. I look at that blank screen and I don’t know what’s going to happen until I actually start writing so sometimes it’s frightening.” While Russo may have the occasional bout of anxiety when he sits down to write, his work causes others to be on the edge of their seats. His novels are gritty, sometimes graphic, and the stories are engaging with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the last page. Whether Russo’s work takes him beyond North Jersey and onto a national stage remains to be seen. He is, however, enjoying the ride and isn’t ready for it to end. “I don’t know where I see this going,” said Russo, who added that he still loves working in advertising. “I’m going to take it one step at a time and hope it evolves into a career.” 

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Go Further

ANorth Jack Of All Trades Bergen History Teacher and SNL Regular Robert Bannon Leaves Nothing ‘Unfinished’

eacher by day, performer by night, Bergen County native Robert Bannon, singer, actor and

fifth grade teacher, will be releasing his debut album, Unfinished Business, Spring 2021. Cabaret singer, host of YouTube and Facebook’s Quarantine, Cabaret and Cocktails and actor, Bannon has inspired his album after his own experience as a performer, as unexpected complications had paused his performing career as a child. But now, he is determined to go after his dream with Unfinished Business. This debut album features duets with Grammy Nominee Jane Monheit and recording artist Loren Smith and consists of two original songs and 11 classics, including his album’s first single, Bett Midler’s “From a Distance.” Bannon knew at a young age that he wanted to be a performer, and around the fifth grade, he asked his parents to enroll him in singing lessons. “Like all good Jersey parents, they took me to the Bergen Mall,” Bannon said. “There was a dance studio in between a pizzeria and a Chinese restaurant, and they enrolled me in musical theater class, and I started doing the plays in elementary school. It moved so fast at that time that the teachers were saying to audition in New York, and by 13 I was in the first musical theater class at Juilliard’s school for kids [Juilliard’s Preparatory Division]. It was something that came out of nowhere.” Chronic lyme disease and meningitis prevented him from pursuing musical theater in high school, as it made it so he was out of school often until he switched to home schooling. From there, he changed direction and went to college Photo credit: Rachel Robyn

By Tara DeLorenzo 28

early SPRING 2021

Photo credit, Juneaid Subzwari

Photo credit: Rachel Robyn

song for my album – and I went to William Esper Conservatory in New York City for a two-year acting program because I just felt like it was something I had never really finished.” And with that, the idea of Unfinished Business was also born. “I always thought I was done with performing and that I wasn’t going to do it anymore. The story about Unfinished Business is everyone has something they feel like they should’ve done, and I’m such a strong believer that there’s something in all of us we wished we could do or we’re supposed to do, and we’re too afraid to do it,” he said. “The story of Unfinished Business I’m trying to tell is that for everybody there’s something that they’re scared to do or wish they can do, and we don’t have to be afraid. I hope that’s the lesson in my own personal experience because, at 18, I didn’t have the guts to do it. But I got back to it just because I felt like I missed it, and it was what I felt like I was missing in my life.” The idea for the album started in November in 2019 after Bannon did a show at 54 Below in New York. To start production, they were scheduled to go to the studio in March, but the global pandemic altered their plans. Bannon bought studio equipment, and he and producer, cabaret star and founder of LML Music Lee Lessack found musicians who were able to record the album from home. “I’m lucky that the people helping me with it were so on board with it through Zoom and online,” he said. “We had the time, and it was a blessing because it kept me going and allowed me to be artistic. It’s really hard and heartbreaking to hear about so many musicians and actors and others who haven’t been to work, and I’m lucky my day job as a teacher allows me to have the opportunity that after 3 o’clock; I can get off Google Hangouts with the kids to be able to jump into this hat and be an artist.” Unfinished Business is varied in its selection of genres, including songs from Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mercer and Whitney Houston, as well as an R&B medley. In fact, his first single, Bette Midler’s “From A Distance,” wasn’t originally going to be on the

to become a teacher, but he took jobs around the arts, working at places such as John Arms in Englewood, which is now the Bergen Performing Arts Center. Bannon dedicated his time to teaching, earning a master’s degree and principal license and, after a decade of teaching, felt like he needed to be doing something to help him have a life after 3 o’clock. “Someone asked me, ‘What do you like to do for you?’ and I didn’t have an answer,” Bannon said. “So I talked to my brother, and he said, ‘You sing; you used to act,’ and I like to think as big as I can, so instead of just going to the local theater company, I thought, ‘Why don’t I learn more?’ So I started taking voice lessons with Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews – they wrote musicals and they wrote a

(Continues on page 32)

album, but because of the pandemic, it felt like a perfect addition. The single’s music video can be found on YouTube. “We literally were just talking about how we were doing this all from a distance, and it just fit,” Bannon said. “And being able to do the music video and the video Photo credit, Kyle Bahl hitting 40K views, which had a lot of help from my family and friends, is just music that speaks to me.” When the album comes out, Bannon is planning to do a virtual concert, and with his story, he hopes other people find inspiration to pursue their own unfinished business. “When the world opens again, I hope I can take this live and play it for people. I was supposed to

do a show in Teaneck at the Debonair Music Hall, which used to be Mexicali Blues before quarantine. I have to bring the show back to my home in New Jersey – I would love to do it for everyone and just to take the band that put the album together and would love to be able to tell my story and do the album live,” he said. “Putting the album out makes me very nervous. It feels very vulnerable. Music is so open to people’s opinions. I’m really excited we did it though. I’m excited we had this idea last November, and through this time, through this quarantine, and through schools closing and not being able to be around people and our families, we were able to communicate and put this out. I’m just so happy and grateful that we followed through. I’m

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really ready to put it out and then let life surprise me and see what happens.” In addition to making an album, Bannon and Lessack started Quarantine, Cabaret and Cocktails, a weekly live stream on Facebook and YouTube, which has featured Broadway stars such as Lea Salonga, Chita Rivera, Adam Pascal and Shoshana Bean and has reunited Broadway casts of shows like Frozen, Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire. This Broadway Case Reunion Series will also feature Hadestown and Dear Evan Hansen. “We’ve reached out to all of our friends, and now we’re trying to be a place where people can come during quarantine and talk about their projects, their virtual concerts, their songs they’re putting out and reunite people who haven’t been able to see each other, and we’ve reached out a whole group of people who have no idea who we are, so it’s been another blessing during this quarantine,” Bannon said. “I can’t sit still for more than five minutes. It keeps me busy… I really admire people who are ac-

tors and singers and have made this their life, so to be able to talk to somebody about their process and the work that they do. I’m just such a fan of show business and art, and I want to pick their brains and it’s been a fun project and such a blessing in this.” Bannon also has been pursuing acting and most notably has been featured as a actor on Saturday Night Live. The first sketch he appeared on was “A Message from the TSA.” “I got an email about 4 years ago from a casting director, and they asked me to send a picture. I thought it was spam, so I Googled the name, and it was actually a casting director. So, I sent a picture and she said, ‘I’m sorry we can’t use you, we’re looking for someone with their head shaved,’ and I said to her, ‘If I shave my head, can I be on Saturday Night Live?’ She asked me if I was kidding, and I told her, ‘I’ll go to Supercuts right now and shave my head if I can be on the show.’ I grew up watching the show, and she said, ‘Okay,’” Bannon said. “And so, I went to Supercuts, shaved my head and

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position, a position he loves. In turn the first sketch was called ‘A MesI love recording too, he hopes his artistic career also sage from the TSA.’ And now, they’ve music and doing helps to inspire his students. been calling me for the last 4 years. concerts, but “It’s been funny – before I started Sometimes it’s small roles amongst a to be able to doing all of this again, all my sogroup of people like a reporter at the inspire somebody cial media was private and now on White House, and sometimes I get would be the kind YouTube and Instagram, they find to do more, like the sketch ‘Electric of legacy I hope me, and they Google me, and they’ll Shoes.’ I played the guitar next to that my story find videos or follow me, and I don’t Kenan Thompson, and I get to be a can leave. really discourage it. It’s all profesprincipal role in the show. It’s been a sional, and I hope it inspires them,” dream come true to be able to just he said. “When they ask me questions, I try to tell do anything there. I’d sweep the floor to be there. I them about my story and try to tell them to go for grew up with that show, so it’s been a real fun trip to what they want and their dreams. I personally think be there.” that they do go hand-in-hand. I think a lot of the kids He hopes to continue pursuing roles too, in both opening a conversation or they see me on Saturday television and musicals. His dream role, he said, Night Live or hear my music, then they get to open would be one of the bad guys on Law & Order, addup a conversation with me, and I hope they feel ing, “I don’t think you can be a New York actor if you comfortable. I also think that teaching has helped don’t do Law & Order.” me be comfortable on stage and have a point of And through it all, Bannon credits part of his sucview. Those eyeballs watch you all day, so you get cess on stage and with performing on his teaching

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used to being natural in front of people, so I think that’s the biggest blessing. It’s been an interesting thing merge together. I hope they go hand-in-hand and that I can continue to keep doing them both because they are definitely both things that I love doing.” In juggling all of these different jobs, Bannon also credits his support system for his success. “It takes a village – my friends and my family, my parents, my brother, my cousin – they hold me and let me fly. I can’t do it all without my family and friends’ help,” he said. Looking forward, Bannon is excited to share his story and have people hear Unfinished Business, and he’s eager to continue his artistic pursuits in performing and acting. He encourages others to follow his suit as he chases his dream and hopes this album will help them to go after their own goals. “I hope the art and the conversations reaches someone out there,” he said. “I remember doing a show on New Year’s Eve, and I said everyone has

something they wish that they could do, and a husband pointed to his wife and said she wants to open up a craft shop on Etsy, and I hope she went home and she did. I just want people to live their dreams, and if I can help with that, that would be the biggest accomplishment. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love being on TV, I love recording music and doing concerts, but to be able to inspire somebody would be the kind of legacy I hope that my story can leave. There’s no day like today, so if there’s something you’ve been waiting to do, don’t let your age or your finances or what other people say stop you. If you feel there’s something you’re supposed to do, go do it. Everyone needs to finish their business. That’s my mantra for 2021.” More information about Robert Bannon, including updates on the album’s release date and his social media information, can be found at https:// www.robertbannon.com. The album will be available on his website and will be on all music streaming platforms.■

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COVID-19 Gives Incentive to Lose Weight Courtesy of

Hackensack University Medical

oday in America, nearly half of us are obese, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. One thing doctors have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic is that obesity increases the risk of serious illness in people who contract the virus, especially in people under age 60. If you are very obese and have been considering weight loss surgery, now is an excellent time to get started on your journey to improve your health. The teams in Hackensack University Medical Center’s Bariatric & Surgical Weight Loss Program and Medical Weight Loss Program are here to help.

ID-19 who have BMI of 30 or more, there is more than double the risk of being hospitalized (a 113 percent increased risk); a 74 percent greater need for critical (intensive) care services, including ventilation; and a 48 percent higher risk of dying from the infection? These outcomes may be due to the decreased immunity and chronic inflammation observed in people with excess body fat. Indeed, studies have shown that patients with COVID-19 whose condition becomes critical are likely to have higher levels of inflammatory proteins.

Why Lose Weight Now?

If you don’t know your BMI, you can calculate it online (https://tinyurl. com/2996e9ev). If you have a BMI of 30 or over, your risk of developing se-

The influence of obesity on COVID-19 outcomes is dramatic. Did you know that in people with COV-

Get Started on Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Weight

vere COVID-19 is elevated if you do get the infection. At Hackensack University Medical Center, weight loss teams feature physicians who specialize in obesity medicine. They can customize a plan of care for you that may include FDA-approved medications in combination with nutrition, exercise, and behavioral changes to help you not only achieve, but maintain a healthy weight.

Disclaimer: The photos accompanying this article were taken prior to masking and social distancing guidelines for COVID-19.

(Continues on page 38)

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The Surgical Weight Loss Institute

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Weight Loss Surgery

Surgical weight loss (bariatric) procedures generally cause weight loss by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold, by preventing the stomach from absorbing nutrients, or by doing both. If you are considering surgical weight loss, the bariatric surgeons at Hackensack University Medical Center offer:

Sleeve Gastrectomy: a procedure that reduces the stomach volume, dividing it vertically and removing approximately 80 percent of the stomach.

Gastric bypass:

the construction of a bypass for food to skip sections of the small intestine by creating a small pouch in the stomach that prevents an abundance of calories or nutrients from being absorbed.

Gastric banding:

the placement of a band around the uppermost part of the stomach, dividing the stomach into one smaller and one larger part and allowing you to feel full faster.an abundance of calories or nutrients from being absorbed.

Special events for the Ramapo Orchid Society happen in both June and December. In June, an auction takes place at the Flat Brook Nature Center, where members can further grow their collection. In December an auction occurs The bariatric surgerytoo, program is an Acatcredited the annual Christmas party,Center which happens at Comprehensive under the aMetabolic restaurant. and That Bariatric event also Surgery offers orchids for Accredisale from wholesalers that the society in. tation and Quality Improvement brings Program that With the events, and isexperts ® (MBSAQIP ). Thismeetings recognition given only are brought in, Kostetsky hopes to share with to programs that provide comprehensive care people the rewarding feeling that comes from to prepare and care for patients before surre-blooming and caring for orchids. gery and promote their long-term success af“Reblooming that plant is a challenge but it’s ter the procedure. so exciting. It gives the grower a real sense of sat“It can take three to four months to prepare isfaction,” he said.“A lot of people buy orchids for for weight loss surgery, so now is a great time $10 or $20 in the supermarket, and when it’s finto get the process started,” explains Hans J. ished blooming, they go out and buy another one. Schmidt, M.D. FACS, chief the advice bariatric don’t feel theyofneed or So, a lot of people surgery division and director of the Center for instructions. Instead of cut flowers that last a few Bariatric Medicine Hackensack University days, they’re buying a at plant that will give them a Medical Center. “We are offering telehealth week to even four weeks of blooming. I’m trying visits comfort home for pato find from thosethe people whoofareyour interested in the tientsdifferent interested in learning more about their many varieties of orchids, where they’re from andloss one orchid youWhen have to keep extremely weight options. you come in for cold while another needs to be warm. It’s in-person visits, you can rest assuredweird that every continent because orchidsUniversity are found onMedical Hackensack Centerbut is Antarctica. They grow all over and come back taking every step possible to reduce the risk every year – thetransmission.” same plant comes back every of coronavirus year.” What the society hopes to do is to continue Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic to encourage people to fully understand this diHackensack University Medical Center is verse flower and bring people with like interests providing high-level care despite the COtogether. VID-19 pandemic. With rigorous sanitiza“It’s like any other thing, people get together tion, universal masking, physical distancand play games or smoke cigars or watch baseball ing, and separate areas for patients with or have dinner. It’s getting together with people and interacting without COVID-19, bariatricsomething surgeons and with them. There’s have that continued to perform loss about I guess feeds friendships.weight There are a procedures safely throughout this challenglot of people out there, and they just want to get ingand time. Patient their priority. out meet new safety peopleisand have involvement To than learntheir morekitchen about or weight other their loss job, surgery and this at is Hackensack University Medical Center, different, ” Kostetsky said. “Don’t throw thatvisit orchid out.We’ll show you how to re-bloom it again hackensackumc.org/bariatrics. You can sign and again and again. ” up for a virtual seminar (https://www.hackenThe first meeting is free, said Kostetsky, and sackumc.org/ events / # Bariatrics), presented membership $25 a year a single person each monthcosts so you can learnfor about your variand $35 for family membership. The next meetous surgical options in a relaxed informative ing will beTo held the more, third Thursday of January and setting. learn call 551-996-4424 or more information can be found at email Bariatric.center@hmhn.org. ■ https://www.ramapoorchid.org.

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gathering outdoors helps ensure more free-moving fresh air and more space for guests to spread out and practice social distancing. ENCOURAGE GUESTS TO BRING THEIR OWN. It may go against all your good hosting inclinations but hosting a bring-your-own party eliminates shared food and the risk of cross-contamination. You can provide disposable table service (plates, silverware and napkins) and single-serve beverages, but skip the cooler everyone reaches into. PROVIDE AMPLE, WELL-SPACED SEATING. Encourage guests to keep some distance from one another by creating comfy seating arrangements. You can take it a step farther by asking guests to bring their own chairs and directing each family to set up its space a reasonable distance from the next. MAKE CLEANLINESS A PRIORITY. Create stations with hand sanitizer or wipes. You can also create a makeshift sink to minimize trips to the restroom indoors. Provide a spray bottle or bucket, soap and paper towels near the hose for quick clean-ups. Find more advice for navigating pandemic life at eLivingtoday.com.■

estrictions on social gatherings may become less strict in the coming weeks and months. However, many experts caution that care should still be exercised when groups of people gather. After an extended period without social contact, it’s only natural to crave some interaction, and there’s evidence that doing so can be advantageous for your mental health. However, taking precautions to protect your physical health, along with your guests’, can make for a more enjoyable event. KEEP IT CONTAINED. Limit your gatherings to a few close friends or family members so if someone does get sick, contact tracing is a simple task. Keep in mind the number of same-household families you invite is more important than the number of people in that family. For example, one family of six that has already been living in close quarters poses a lower risk than three couples living in separate houses. Also be mindful of your guests’ approach to prevention; if they’ve been less cautious than your family or vice versa, there’s room for conflict and anxiety. CELEBRATE OUTDOORS. Indoor event spaces naturally have less circulation, meaning potential airborne particles hang around longer. Planning your 40

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Wedded Bliss

in Times Like This

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uring pre-COVID times, wedding concerns like venue capacity had far more to do with budget and vision than with the health and safety of guests. It’s a different world today, but with some careful planning you can still find ways to safely celebrate your love. As the vows say, marriage is in good times and in bad. It may simply require some flexibility and creativity to make your dream day a reality.

➳Enlist help from an experienced coordinator. If you weren’t planning to use a wedding

keep tabs on the latest recommendations, and adjust arrangements with your vendors accordingly, may save a great deal of time and frustration. ➳Be realistic about your invite list. A year ago, it would have been unthinkable to create a tiered guest list and even consider making cuts even

coordinator, the pandemic is a compelling reason to reconsider. Keeping track of changing mandates and how they affect gatherings, crowd sizes and more is a job in its own right. Allowing your coordinator to

(Continues on page 44)

celed, if necessary. As the event approaches, be clear about expectations so guests can arrive prepared or bow out if they’re not comfortable with what you’re planning. ➳Make safety convenient. Providing masks, gloves and sanitizer can all go a long way to help make guests feel more secure at your event. A personalized hand sanitizer holder might even be a practical gift that guests can use and think fondly of your wedding day. ➳Forego traditions, for now. The pandemic won’t last forever, but while it’s still here, consider skipping high-contact traditions like photos that bring multiple households together or a receiving line where everyone is in close contact. One alterna-

after invites go out. Today, that decision may be out of your hands. Rather than waiting until you get news that you’ll have to make cuts, take time now, with a level head and less emotion affecting your decisions, to segment your list. Determine who absolutely must be present as you exchange vows then expand in increments. Your coordinator or venue contact can help you determine thresholds (e.g., 25, 50 or 100 guests) based on the guidelines in your community. ➳Understand expectations. Vendors are required to enforce local guidelines, so ensure you’re clear on what measures they will implement on your day. This may include everything from masks and distancing to whether you’re allowed to use a dance floor during the reception.

➳Keep guests informed. If you haven’t

tive is to plan a mini-wedding (or even elope) now, and save the bigger celebration for later, when everyone can honor your marriage more safely. Find more wedding advice and tips for daily life at eLivingtoday.com. ■

already, create a blog or send out regular updates about wedding plans to guests. If circumstances require you to uninvite someone, be conscious of timing and give plenty of notice so travel can be can44

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Strut Into Spring W

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e have all been stuck at home in sweats or leggings long enough. I think we can all agree that spring is the perfect time to break out of the habit and gravitate towards one of the many trends that were spotted on the virtual runways for Spring/Summer 2021. Even though we are staying home, we are still getting dressed and celebrating the joys of clothing. So, ditch the sweatpants and go for one or all of the following trends. Ove rsized Denim and Trousers Yes, that’s right, denim pants were seen all over the runway and it’s about time! Designers, such as Valentino and Celine, and the “OG of denim” Levi’s are all in on the denim trend. One thing they all have in common this spring is that the style is more relaxed and voluminous. Skinny jeans are not wanted. The same goes for trousers, as an alternative for sweats. Designers made trousers loose and comfortable. We must agree that one of the things we have learned during this pandemic is that comfort is key as a result of more people working from home.

C ut Outs Cut outs are definitely going to be this season’s coolest trend. It’s a subtle way of showing skin and it’s the perfect balance between edgy and feminine. Whether it’s a cut out in your back, collar or midriff, it’s in. (Continues on page 48)

Vo l u m i no us Sl e eve s a nd Bo l d S houlders Puffed sleeves offer a new silhouette. They offer a tough girl attitude – think 80s prom vibes. Bold shoulders are the perfect balance of hard and soft, so choose one of these fun arm or shoulder trends to kick off this spring/summer.

B u b b l e G um Pink Bubble gum pink is poised as the color this spring and summer. The color looks great on everyone and it’s a great departure from wearing neutrals. This dose of color is fun and playful. Who wouldn’t want some bubble gum in their wardrobe?

B r a To ps This trend was seen all over the virtual runway.You can wear alone, underneath a jacket or layer it over a shirt or shirtdress.

Knits This trend is a great alternative to feeling comfortable and relaxed.Yet, designers again do not want to compromise style. Knits are a great transition from loungewear once the weather starts to feel warmer.

She e r De l ight s This nearly naked trend is genuinely happening, and it’s not just for the runway. See through clothes is a thing and it’s being worn from head-to-toe. Wear with a neutral tone underneath. Or, if you’re looking to make a statement, contrast it with something underneath that demands attention or wear nothing underneath at all. There are various degrees of exposure you can choose from.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who makes her clients feel beautiful and confident. When Soneca is not working her magic assisting her clients, she can be found working backstage at New York Fashion Week, working on location shoots and contributing as an on-air fashion/style expert and style writer.You can follow Soneca on her Instagram – @StyledBySoneca – for weekly tips.

by Soneca Guadara 48

A Jersey girl with a serious makeup and skincare obsession.

Products To Get You Warm Weather Ready Here are my latest favorites for spring. I have included a mix of drugstore and high-end products that I think you will love. A great cleansing balm to a fabulous spa treatment, these products are sure to get you warm weather ready in no time.

①

➊ Antedotum Vital Face Oil I am loving this CBD-infused facial oil that leaves my skin plump and hydrated, all while reducing inflammation and redness. Available at www.antedotum.com.

➋ Versed Cleansing Balm I’m also loving this clean beauty drugstore brand lately. This hydrating cleansing balm takes off every bit of makeup and leaves my skin so clean and hydrated. Available at Target, Paramus.

②

➌ Maybelline Lifter Gloss This gloss is a dupe for Fenty Beauty gloss and now my go-to everyday. I love all the shades this gloss comes in. Available at Target, Closter.

by Kristin Favaloro 50

③

➍ Skyn Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels This is a go-to eye gel for celebrity makeup artists. These are perfect to use before applying a full face of makeup and especially perfect before an event or night out to depuff and hydrate your undereye area. Available at Blue Mercury, Closter.

➎ Miss Dior Rose N’ Roses The perfect rosy, girly scent for the spring. I love this scent and it lasts all day. Available at Sephora, Paramus.

➏ Amazon Scalp Massager I don’t know what I did before this scalp massager. It is heaven! I use this every time I shower to stimulate my scalp and promote hair growth. Available on amazon.com.

➐ Inkey List Retinol The best budget retinol out there. I love this formula and it’s only $9. Available at Sephora, Paramus.

➑ Gee Beauty Liquid Highlighter in Natural Light A new line I discovered recently is Gee Beauty. I love their makeup line as well as all the boutique brand beauty products they carry. This liquid highlight is perfect mixed into your foundation or used just as a highlight. Available at geebeauty.com.

➒ Slate Med Spa VI Peel My new favorite spa treatment is the VI Peel. This effective but gentle peel will remove sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and more to reveal baby soft youthful skin! I highly recommend this treatment. Available at Slate Med Spa, Paramus.

➓ e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer This is a great drugstore primer that really makes your skin look flawless all day. Available at Harmons, Closter.

④

⑥ ⑤

⑦

⑧

⑩ ⑨

Kristin Favaloro is a Jersey girl with a serious makeup and skincare obsession. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pg/beautyandtheburbsnj or visit her blog at www.beautyandtheburbsnj.com to discover all that Bergen County has to make a beautiful you. Have a product you’d like Kristin to check out? Email her directly at beautyandtheburbs201@gmail.com. 51

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� Fashion �

Empowering MOVEMENT

ased out of Ridgewood, NaaiaJos is an athleisure brand that was founded on the belief that movement is empowering. NaaiaJos is more than an activewear company that offers fashionable and confidence-boosting clothing at an accessible price point. The brand is a force for good, creating a self- and bodypositive movement helping women everywhere boost their empowerment quotient and celebrate their unique and amazing bodies. NaaiaJos creates clothing that inspires action. Whether you are grinding in the studio, powerlifting at the gym, chasing after your kids or running around town for a much-needed shopping session, their clothing is designed to perform while maximizing comfort. NaaiaJos uses the highest quality materials and production processes in creating unique designs and delivers them at a price point you can feel good about. What’s additionally great? The company offers free, same day delivery to all Bergen County residents. Website: www.naaiajos.com Instagram: @naaiajos Facebook: www.facebook.com/naaiajos Telephone: 201-812-9001

Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup: Jennifer Rodriguez

Wearing:

Set – Luna Tie Dye

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Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup: Jennifer Rodriguez

Wearing:

Top – Avyanna Longline Tank Bottom – Queen Cobra Legging

Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup:

Jennifer Rodriguez, Glorisel Belliard & Sonal Parma

Wearing:

Set – Luna Tie Dye

early SPRING 2021

Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup: Michelle Stewart

Wearing:

Top - Avyanna Longline Tank Bottom – Liquid Leopard Legging

Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup: Sonal Parma

Wearing:

Top – Serenity Top Bottom – Valentina Legging

Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup: Jennifer Rodriguez

Wearing:

Top – Naomi Crop Top

early SPRING 2021

Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup:

Camille Positano & Ariana Esperanza

Wearing:

Set – Smoky Dream

Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup: Jennifer Rodriguez

Wearing:

Set – Luna Tie Dye

Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup:

Camille Positano, Ariana Esperanza & Michelle Stewart

Wearing:

Set – Luna Tie Dye

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Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup: Ariana Esperanza

Wearing:

Top – Avyanna Longline Tank Bottom – Naaia LUXE Legging

Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup: Ariana Esperanza

Wearing:

Set – Smoky Dream

Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup: Jennifer Rodriguez

Wearing:

Top – Avyanna Longline Tank Bottom – Queen Cobra Legging

early SPRING 2021

Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup: Jennifer Rodriguez

Wearing:

Top – The Legacy Hoodie Bottom – Snow Camo Legging

Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup: Camille Positano

Wearing:

Set – Smoky Dream

Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup: Joseffa Trip

Wearing:

Top – Naomi Crop Top Bottom – Liquid Leopard

early SPRING 2021

Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup: Danielle Albert

Wearing:

Top – Naomi Crop Top Bottom – Liquid Leopard Legging

Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup:

Camille Positano & Ariana Esperanza

Wearing:

Tops – Avyanna Longline Tank Bottom – Naaia LUXE Legging

early SPRING 2021

Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup: Jennifer Rodriguez

Wearing:

Top – The Legacy Hoodie Bottom – Snow Camo Legging

Photographer: Bob Carey

Model & Makeup: Danielle Albert

Wearing:

Top – Naomi Crop Top Bottom – Liquid Leopard Legging

Photographer: Larry Joseph

Model & Makeup: Sariphina Curry

Wearing:

Set – Snow Camo

early SPRING 2021

Seasonal Sips For Spring Soirees By

Jess Ford

s the seasons change, there are many things to get excited about and new produce is one of them! After months of winter jackets, chilly weather and early sunsets, it’s time to take advantage, switch up what you are drinking and celebrate spring. Whether you are hosting for Easter, Passover, Spring Solstice or April Fools, we have crafted a list of seasonal cocktails for everyone to enjoy. Winter drinks typically include baking spices, darker spirits, heavier red wines and other beverages that lend well to richer dishes. The opposite generally works for spring. Heavy reds are replaced with lighter, younger reds, roses and whites. Darker spirits can be switched out for lighter spirits like gin, vodka, rum and tequila. When creating spring cocktails, using what is in season is key to highlighting the changes. This also works well when trying to pair drinks with your food offerings. Using ingredients you have on hand is not only one less trip to the store but ties your whole meal together.

B e l ow

Herbs

a r e s o m e c o c k ta i l s t h at h i g h l i g h t l o v e ly s p r i n g h e r bs .

Southside This is a play on a classic gimlet with the addition of mint. This is perfect for mojito lovers and gimlet lovers alike. Feel free to switch out the gin/vodka for a blanco tequila or a white rum.

How To Make It: 2 oz. gin/vodka (tequila or rum), 1 oz. fresh lime juice, ¾ oz. simple syrup*, 4 mint leaves. Pour gin/vodka, lime juice, simple syrup and 3 mint leaves into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the remaining mint leaf and/or a lime wheel.

Dill Gin Fizz Dill is an aromatic sweet herb that lends well to gin cocktails.

How To Make It: 2 oz. gin, 1 oz. fresh lemon juice, ¾ oz. simple syrup*, 2 dill fronds, club soda, sliced cucumber for garnish. Pour gin, lemon, simple syrup and dill into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a collins glass with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with cucumber slices.

Sage Bee’s Knees

A classic with an herbal twist!

How To Make It: 2 oz. gin/vodka,1 oz. lemon juice, ¾ oz. honey syrup**, 4 sage leaves. Pour gin/vodka, lemon juice, honey syrup and 3 sage leaves into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, strain into a chilled cocktail glass or into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with the remaining sage leaf.

N ot h i n g

Sparking

s ay s c e l e b r at i o n s l i k e s pa r k l i n g w i n e !

Lemon Verbena Spritz This drink works with tarragon as well although local farmers markets should have lemon verbena, which is beautifully aromatic and very refreshing herb.

How To Make It: Pour 1 oz. of lemon verbena syrup*** into a champagne flute or wine glass. Top with champagne or your favorite sparkling wine.

Lillet & Bubbles Lillet is a French wine-based aperitif that has light and refreshing citrus notes.

How To Make It: Place 1 sugar cube into a chilled flute or coupe glass. Pour in ¾ oz. of chilled lillet blanc, top with champagne or your favorite sparkling wine and garnish with an orange twist (peel only, no fruit).

Aperol Spritz Nothing says warm weather like an aperol spritz. No need for variations, just enjoy the classic!

How To Make It:

Pictured: Lillet & Bubbles

In a wine glass with ice, pour 1 ½ oz Aperol. Top with prosecco or your favorite sparkling wine and a splash of club soda. Garnish with an orange wheel.

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Non-Alcoholic

D ry J a n u a ry m ay b e o v e r b u t m a n y p e o p l e a r e n o n - a l c o h o l i c d r i n k s a n d d e s e rv e to d r i n k a bit more inspired than juice.

opting for something

Strawberry Chamomile Spritz The herbal chamomile and sweet and tart strawberries pair nicely in this slightly spritzy drink.

How To Make It: 1 oz. chamomile syrup***, 1 oz. strawberry puree or 2 fresh cut up strawberries, 1 oz. lemon juice, sparkling water. In a cocktail shaker with ice, pour chamomile syrup, lemon juice and strawberry puree/strawberries. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a strawberry slice.

Lavender Ginger Lemonade This is a grown-up twist on classic lemonade.

How To Make It: 1 oz. lavender syrup***, 1 oz. lemon juice, ginger beer. In a shaker with ice, pour lavender syrup and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and pour into a collins class with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lavender sprig.

Rosemary Grapefruit Cooler This drink is a bit more savory, using rosemary and a salt rim to balance the grapefruit juice.

How To Make It: Salt rim a collins glass but wetting the edge of the glass with some of the grapefruit juice and dipping it in salt. Add ice to the glass, ¾ oz. honey syrup**, top with grapefruit juice and stir. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

*To make simple syrup, heat 1 cup of water until boiling. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of sugar. Stir until dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature before storing in the fridge. **To make honey syrup, heat ½ cup of water until boiling. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of honey. Stir until dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature before storing in the fridge. ***To make a flavored syrup, add 3-5 sprigs of herbs or ½ cup of flowers after the sugar has dissolved. Cool to room temperature and then store in the fridge. Strain after 24 hours, continue storing in the fridge.

Jess Ford is the chef/owner of Peppercorn Events, a catering company based in Bergen County. Peppercorn Events specializes in local, seasonal, custom catering. Jess is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a level 2 Sommelier. Prior to opening Peppercorn Events, Jess worked in restaurants in NYC and Brooklyn, studied farm-to-table cuisine in California, worked on an organic farm in England and traveled to China, Israel and throughout Europe studying food and wine.

For more recipes, tips and tricks visit www.peppercornevents.com.

� The

Sports Doctor�

SPORTS MEDICINE? What Is

By Dr. Michael L. Gross

he terms “sports medicine” and “sports medicine doctor” are commonly used by athletes, coaches, trainers, patients and even other doctors. However, it is really fairly unclear as to exactly what these, and quite a few other, terms are referring to. Listed below are the five most common questions and their answer in hopes of giving you some guidance through the maze of sports medicine. 1. What is Sports Medicine? Sports medicine is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the treatment of injuries or illness resulting from athletic or recreational activities. Sports medicine involves the prevention and treatment of injuries to athletes and other physically active people, as well as the use of exercise for recovery from non-sports injuries. Orthopedic (musculoskeletal system) surgeons (MDs) often specialize in sports medicine. The phrase “sports medicine” is not specific to one career/ profession. Instead, it encompasses a group of professionals from various disciplines whose focus is the health of an athlete. Athletes can be all ages and play on all different levels (youth, high school, collegiate, recreational and professional). Orthopedic sports medicine is a specific area in the sports medicine family that is concerned with the investigation, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical and rehabilitative means to all structures of the musculoskeletal system affected by athletic activity. While sports medicine originally began as an offshoot of several broader fields, designed to treat athletes in a way that allowed early, safe and efficient return to the playing field, the techniques and principles of sports medicine and now being brought back to general medicine. These methods are now being used to bring workers back to work, or simply to restore function to athletes and non athletes alike, to allow for efficient return to the activities of daily living.

2. What is a Sports Medicine Physician? A sports medicine physician is a doctor with specialized training who promotes lifelong fitness and wellness and encourages prevention of illness and injury. This physician helps the patient maximize function and minimize disability and time away from sports, work or school. He or she is a leader of the sports medicine team, which also includes specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, parents, other personnel and, of course, the athlete. After completing residency, they obtain 1-2 years of additional training in sports medicine through accredited fellowship (subspecialty) 73

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❝ From a worker injured on the job, to a stay-at-home mother hurt while playing with her kids, any patient can benefit from the application of SPORTS MEDICINE TECHNIQUES to their problems.

❞

upon a single body part. When repetitive stresses are increased too rapidly or with too much intensity and the body is not adequately prepared, an injury occurs. When looking at the most common injuries, some of them are acute, and some are overuse. The seven most common sports injuries in order are ankle sprain; groin pull; hamstring strain; shin splints; knee injury: ACL tear; knee injury: patellofemoral syndrome; knee injury: meniscus (cartilage) tear; tennis elbow: lateral epicondylitis; shoulder injury: rotator cuff tear; shoulder injury: AC separation; and shoulder injury: dislocation.

programs in sports medicine. Physicians, who are board certified in their specialty, such as orthopedic surgery, are then eligible to take a subspecialty qualification examination in sports medicine. Additional forums, which add to the expertise of a sports medicine physician, include continuing education in sports medicine and membership and participation in sports medicine societies. Many specialties including general medicine, family practice, physical medicine and rehabilitation and, of course, orthopedic surgery, offer advanced training and subspecialty certification in sports medicine. Each specialty brings its own expertise to the field.

5. Does a Sports Medicine Orthopedist Only Treat Injuries? While a great deal of a sports medicine specialist’s time is spent treating injuries in athletes and non-athletes alike, much of the time is also spent on other responsibilities. Much of the focus of sports medicine is on injury prevention. Another large area of concern is the area of conditioning and optimizing performance. Educating and coordinating coaches, athletes and the other members of the sports medicine team is also the responsibility of the sports physician. Family doctors on the team often deal other issues such as cardiac evaluations, skin conditions, infections and asthma, but orthopedic sports doctors generally limit their scope to musculoskeletal problems. Orthopedic sports medicine specialists condition and train athletes; provide fitness advice relating to athletic performance; give advice on athletic performance and the impact of dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition on athletes’ shortand long-term health and performance; coordinate medical care within athletic team settings, including other health care professionals, such as athletic trainers, physical therapists, and non-orthopedic physicians; and conduct on-the-field evaluation and management of illnesses and injuries.

3. Do Sports Medicine Physicians Only Treat Competitive Athletes? No, sports medicine physicians are ideal physicians for the non-athlete as well and are excellent resources for the individual who wishes to become active or begin an exercise program. For the “weekend warrior” or “industrial athlete” who experiences an injury, the same expertise used for the competitive athlete can be applied to return the individual as quickly as possible to full function. Most sports medicine physicians treat non-athletes as well. In doing so, they adapt the techniques and protocols that allow for athletes to regain a high level of function, to achieve the same goal for nonathletes in the normal daily lives. From a worker injured on the job, to a stay-at-home mother hurt while playing with her kids, any patient can benefit from the application of sports medicine techniques to their problems. 4. What are the Most Common Sports Medicine Injuries? Most sports medicine injuries fall into one of two categories: acute and chronic or overuse. Acute injuries occur suddenly and are the result of a collision, a fall or a simple twist. Chronic, or overuse, injuries are the results of repetitive stress placed 74

room for your longest toe to push off. most common sports injuries even The main portion of the shoe that surrounds your foot is 1. Ankle sprain 5. Knee called uppers. Modern shoes have synthetic uppersinjuries: rather ACL tear, Patellofemoral syndrome, and than leather or other materials are (cartilage) tear 2. Groin pullnatural fibers. NewerMeniscus lighter, washable, breathe better and are more flexible, re6. Tennis elbow: Lateral epicondylitis Hamstring strain quiring 3. little or no break-in. Be sure to choose the upper 7. Shoulder injuries: Rotator cuff tear, AC separation, and best suited to your expected usage. 4. Shin splints

dislocation and the upper. The midsole is located between the outsoleShoulder Many believe it is the most important part of any running shoe. It controls excessive foot motion and provides Orthopedic sports medicine specialists have cushprobably time to see the doctor. With the informaioning and shock absorption. Some synthetic foams are knowledge of soft tissue biomechanics, injury healtion provided, hopefully the choice of which doctor used for the midsole; they are light, but not durable. ing, and repair; treatment options, both surgical to see will not be as confusing. Polyurethane is also commonly used; although durable, it and non-surgical, as they relate to sports-specific Dr. Michael L. Gross, the founder and director of is denser, heavier and harder. Many shoes are now cushinjuries and competition; principles and techniques Active Orthopedics and Sports Medicine P.A., www. ioned with gel, airbags, silicone or foam capsules. These of rehabilitation that enable the athlete to return ActiveOrthopedics.com, is the section chief for sports are all attempts to increase cushioning and durability at the for running on dirt or grass. Today, most shoes have a medicine and the orthopedic director for the center tosame competition as quickly and safely as possible; ridged sole, which is more flexible and best for running on time. for sports medicine at Hackensack University Medical andThe knowledge and orthotic or Recognizing cement. outsole isof theathletic treaded equipment layer on the bottom of the shoe asphalt Center. the importance of nutrition and devices (braces, foot supports, etc.) and their use in The heel counter rigid material that surrounds the glued to the midsole. The outsole resists wear, provides alternative health is in the both sports medicine and overall prevention management athletic injuries.made of heel. wellness, The Active Group, and LLCsupport has added the Active Its function is to stabilize the heel. An adtraction andand absorbs shock. Theofoutsole is usually Centerexternal for Health and is Wellness, www.activecentercounter usually added between the midblown rubber, guminjury, rubber, hardcare carbon rubber or some ditional After an athletic initial often consists forhealthandwellness.com, which features one on one Sometimes of the three. Blown rubber is the lightest, but sole and the base of the heel for extra support. ofcombination rest, ice, compression and elevation. After a fitness training, diet coaching, massage therapy, bioSolid rubber materialspersist, are considered theisbest a wedge is used to add height to the heel. This enhances the least time durable. short if the pain or swelling or there identical hormone replacement therapy, anti-aging and for training shoes. Stud or waffle outsoles are good ability of the shoe to absorb shock and reduce injury. anmaterial inability to return to sports or regular activity, it is preventative medicine and aesthetic medical services. ■

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BC The Mag WINTER 2020 89

� Auto�

THE ALL-NEW CHEVROLET CORVETTE

It’s A Revolution; Not An Evolution

or years, American auto manufacturers didn’t quite get their due, and rightfully so. Just think back to the 1980s and 1990s when cars from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors were not exactly brilliant. Automobiles like the K-car, Windstar and Cutlass Ciera existed. The times have changed, however, and the automakers from the U.S. are doing some of their best work.

Take, for example, Tesla. There is absolutely no electric vehicle company that can come close to the products Tesla has developed and shipped. But, if there was one vehicle that was the star of 2020, there’s no question what it would be. It’s the Chevrolet Corvette. All-new for the 2020 model year, it is a revolution for the storied nameplate. That’s because General Motors did the unthinkable.

By Richard Posluszny 76

➀ GM took a tried-and-true formula and completely re-envisioned it. Although the Corvette was highly regarded as a frontengine, V8-powered sports car, it will now be known as a mid-engine, V8-powered supercar. And, it makes a strong case for itself versus buying an exotic that’s up to four times its base price. Yes, it’s that serious. Right from the start, it’s evident this is unlike anything produced from Chevy before. Upon first sight, its all-new wedge shape strikes an exotic pose. It looks more like a McLaren than something built in Kentucky. The massive air intakes adorning the side of this new Corvette’s profile make it clear: The engine powering this beast needs to breathe. Around the back, my test car equipped with the Z51 performance package benefits from a rear spoiler (see 1). It’s squared off and looks like something from a 1991 Camaro Z28. In other words, tacked on. Aside from that, the hind end is simply busy when you look at it. While the front is solid and the sides are purposeful, the rear sort of doesn’t stick the landing from a design perspective. A shame on an otherwise impressive look. Where I think the normal Joe will notice a major change is inside. Sliding into the Corvette’s driver’s seat, my test car was equipped with the GT2 bucket seats. And, frankly, this

took a tried-and-true formula and completely re-envisioned it.

➂

➁

➃

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“Undo three latches and one person can remove the roof.”

was the first time a Corvette’s seats actually held me in place. Previous generations didn’t exactly make this a priority until the last-generation car (C7) if you sprung for the optional Competition seats. But, this is merely the beginning. What will likely get attention is the Corvette’s square, two-spoke steering wheel (see 2 on previous page). Yes, you read that right. The race car-inspired wheel in my test vehicle was upholstered in Alcantara and definitely took some getting used to as it’s a bit unnatural at first. Beyond the wheel though is the

show-stopping, 12-inch instrument panel that changes with each drive mode and can be customized to your liking. Located to the right in the center stack is yet another large screen that’s angled to the driver (see 3 on previous page). This centrally mounted display is for infotainment purposes. Both have crisp graphics and work speedily. If you didn’t already feel as though you were in a cockpit, this is only enhanced by an elevated and sweeping array of buttons (see 4 on previous page) that creates a mini barrier between the driver and 78

passenger. Ergonomically speaking, it’s pretty horrendous as all of the buttons are arranged single file and you have to take your eyes off the road to see what you’re doing. But I don’t mind the deviation between the driver and passenger areas. Looking around the cabin, one will notice there’s a greater attention to detail than previous Corvettes. And, because it is a wedge-shaped car, the windshield is pushed out further in front of you. This makes the interior feel quite airy. There’s space in all directions and it’s actually a comfortable place

to be. That’s saying a lot coming from someone who is end though. Finally, here are 13 simple guidelines to help you when you hit the running shoe store: 6 feet, 8 inches and 300 pounds. Putting the eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission Bonus points for those who like the wind in their hair. (DCT) into gear requires dealing with buttons (for 1. Try on both shoes and walk and 5. Make sure the shoes flex at the 10. The heel should fit snugly and Chevy ensured the Stingray has a removable top. Undo Park, Neutral and Manual mode) and small levers jog around the store. Climb stairs, if same place your foot flexes. shouldn’t rub or slip. three latches and one person can remove the roof, (for Reverse and Drive) on the center console. possible. walk around the back and clip it into its trunk-located Simple enough! 6. Try shoes after a workout and 11. Try shoes on with the socks you holder. It’s all neatly packaged. If you were hoping for a true manual with a third 2.. Try on as many pairs as needed later in the day. This is when your run in. There is one drawback to this, however. When you pedal, don’t hold your breath. Frankly, I don’t think to make a good comparison. Don’t foot is the biggest. do peel off the roof you have to be mindful that there you’ll want one anyway after wheeling the new Corrush. 12. Sizes vary among shoe brands will be wind buffeting above 50 mph. On a perfect, vette. The dual-clutch ‘box is extraordinary. It snaps 7. Try shoes on standing up. Allow and styles. Chose shoes based on sunny day I took the interstate home from my Northern shifts in a way that feels instantaneous, which means 3.. Make sure the shoe is padded a half-inch in front of your longest comfort, not the size printed inside. New Jersey office thinking I made a wise decision. It the power is barely interrupted as you accelerate. To toe. where your foot needs it. wasn’t. Whether the windows were up or down, the be straightforward, Porsche’s industry-leading PDK, 13. Ask questions. Make sure the buffeting was so strong that by the time I got home afdual-clutch transmission has been toppled. 4. Check the quality of the shoes. 8. Don’t rely on a break in period. salesman is knowledgeable. If the ter my 30-minute commute I had a headache. [NOTE: Thanks to Chevy’s unbelievable DCT, zero to 60 hapLay them on a flat surface and make Shoes should feel good on the day salesperson doesn’t know the anIf you’re looking for drama-free top-down motoring, pens in 2.9 seconds. That’s unbelievable for a vehicle sure they lay flat at the middle of the you by them. swers, find someone who does. check out the Corvette Convertible.] that can be in your driveway for less than $100,000. shoes. Check the quality of the eyeThese maladies are, more or less, extinguished once There’s just one thing: I wish the Corvette’s V8 spun 9. The key to finding the best shoe lets stitching, gluing and laces. you do properly experience the all-new Chevy supercar faster to better match the speed of the DCT. Someis comfort, not price. though. Upon firing up the 6.2-liter V8 engine, which thing tells me this will be addressed with the next produces 495 horsepower, you’re version of the and latest Corvette to He debut, Dr. Michael Grossconfronted is the founderwith and a director of Active Orthopedic Sports Medicine. is thethe Z06, which section chief of sports medicine of the Center for Sports Medicine at Hackvery familiar soundtrack. It certainly soundsand likethe a orthopedic director is rumored to have a racer-inspired flat-plane crank V8 ensack University Medical Center. Dr. Gross has written numerous articles and book chapters on sports Corvette. That’s essentially where that athletes will definitely rev quicker. injuries. He has takenthe caresimilarities of some of Bergen County’s finest – weekend warriors to professional athletes. Dr. Gross can be reached by email at drgross@activeorthopedic.com.

BC The Mag WINTER 2020

early SPRING 2021

Once you set off, there’s another welcome change tive as it reads the road, this is to be expected with an with this Stingray. It has vastly improved ride quality. electric power assisted rack. It was nicely weighted in Now, the Café is set for its biggest evolution yet. Starting Jan. 21, This was always a sour point with last-gen Corvettes Sport mode, however, and felt decidedly lighter and theinSaddle River Café willcar, be open seven a weekinfor lunch and but this C8 generation bumps aredays absorbed more direct. dinner, as well as (BYOB) brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. a more sophisticated Drivers will appreciate the Corvette’s new midIf by some strange chance there wasInstead nothingofongrinthe menu that After spending way. engine layout most though. While the previous-generstrikes your fancy, there are daily specials forbearing both lunch a week with ning and it, and dinner ation cars were loved for their squirrelly quality, which – what and theyis always include some sort of unique fret no more while meant you had to know what you’re doing to drive it likely Shot, beverage special, such as the Immune daily driving. fast, the all-new Stingray is the polar opposite. The one of the greatest perfect for keeping those weary winter germs Where the real new car is planted and begs you to push its boundarAmerican cars at bay in a refreshing shot. fun is though can be ies further. On a Saddle River country road, I pushed it ever built, Then, there’s the burrata. Everyday, theinCafé found the twisties. from corner to corner without wondering if the CorI have totwist say on this trendy offers a new cheese. Hitting the Z-mode vette would get away from me. used to seeing it with prosciutto it Though is an you’re impressive button on the steerBody roll is essentially nonexistent and, overall, it and red pepper, Knott, Means anding their team package. wheel quickly just feels so stable and predictable when at the limit. add their twist to elevate it usingconfigured seasonal in-all of the If you’re trying to achieve a faster lap time, this is what gredients and the creativity they’ve become Corvette’s adjustable you want in a supercar. But, if you’re seeking a bit of known to for.my liking. The engine’s note became livelier, settings entertainment, you may want a bit more drama. We could write more about it, but the Saddle the powertrain more responsive, the suspension tauter, After spending a week with what is likely one of the River Café’smore food weighted does the talking. the steering and the brakes more greatest American cars ever built, I have to say it is an sensitive. impressive package. Considering the all-new Corvette’s It’s amazing how one button can completely change base price starts a hair under $60,000, it is remarkable. the car’s character. The reality is once you put in the options most buyers While I wish the steering feel was more communicawill want it’s an $85,000 car.

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But that’s still a bargain when you consider its performance numbers exceed vehicles that are anywhere from 2-4 times the price of it. Although some have signaled that this all-new Corvette is the supercar killer, I am not so sure I agree. There’s still something missing for me. That’s where the upcoming Z06 comes in, folks. To me, that’s the one you’ll want to have and, yes, it will be worth waiting for. ■

WE’RE WAITING FOR YOU Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort looks forward to your arrival. Fresh design, unparalleled amenities & gracious service make for an exceptional escape. 888.850.9479

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early SPRING 2021

Hamburg, New Jersey

� Escapes�

Trending Vacation Habits in 2021

or many travelers itching to go on vacation, 2021 offers plenty of opportunities to get out and go. Whether it’s heading to an outdoor escape or simply cozying up with loved ones while enjoying beautiful surroundings, vacation is on the minds of many, especially since 2020 was spent mostly at home. To identify which trends will shape travel in the coming months, the 2021 Vrbo Trend Report includes data from its global vacation rental marketplace along with survey data from family travelers around the world. When planning your next vacation, keep these trends in mind:

drive from Dallas where Lake Fork offers a top fishing spot for catching largemouth bass, and the area is also home to the A.C. McMillan African American Museum. Also making the list are the Red River Gorge in Slade, Kentucky, which is near Mammoth Cave National Park, and Abermarle Sound, the gateway to North Carolina’s legendary Outer Banks where bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other storied highflyers are abundant.

Finding Fresh Air Heading to the great outdoors for adventure has long been a popular form of travel, and that desire will likely reach new heights in 2021. After a year of isolation and uncertainty, many families are seeking the serenity and escape of the wilderness. According to the survey, four of the top five emerging destinations for 2021 are near lakes, rivers or streams where families can camp, hike and fish. At the top of the list, Emory, Texas is a mere 1-hour

Cozy is King The search for coziness and comfort is nothing new for travelers, and the pandemic has only heightened the need for a place to relax and unwind. Many travelers looking for an escape are opting for cabins and chalets, which provide inviting

Courtesy of Vrbo 82

▲ Maldives Island Panorama

spaces to make family memories while also recharging the proverbial batteries. Typically nestled near mountainsides, forests and lakes, cabins and chalets offer open spaces so families can leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life while being surrounded by natural beauty, which has led to an increase in demand for Vrbo cabins by nearly 25 percent and chalets by almost 20 percent year-over-year.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Going All Out After a year of canceled trips, families may have found a new appreciation for travel and have a sense of urgency to finally take that dream vacation. When travel eventually returns to pre-COVID-19 levels, many are thinking big – 65 percent of respondents plan to travel more than they did prior to the pandemic, 33 percent are willing to spend more 83

money than they traditionAfter a year of ally would, canceled trips, and 54 percent families may have said they’re found a new more likely to appreciation for book that bucket travel and have a list vacation. sense of urgency Among those to finally take that willing to indream vacation. crease their vacation budgets, 46 percent plan to travel farther away, 55 percent said they’ll stay longer, and 48 percent have nicer accommodations in mind. A Vacation Do-Over It’s common for families to miss their loved ones and seek to make up for lost time. In fact, according to the survey, families who were forced to cancel a 2020 vacation are ready for a redo. Rather than scrapping their trips entirely 44 percent of travelers who had a trip canceled due to COVID-19 plan on rescheduling the same vacation; 54 percent of respondents who want a redo said they were looking forward to going to that destination; and 31 percent of travelers said the main reason they want to go on their next trip is to spend quality time with family. Find more 2021 travel inspiration along with the full Trend Report at vrbo.com.■ early SPRING 2021

BC Local List

Support your Local Merchants and Restaurants Join The BC The Mag Local List Email Program Reach over 30,000 email subscribers twice a week with your message. Customize your offerings or specials to your audience insuring up to the minute information and great results. Plus, receive a free listing on our BC the Mag listings page in BC the Mag as well as a listing on our BC the Mag website.

For more information and pricing, call Steven at

201.694.5196 or email him at steven@bcthemag.com.

Shout Out to Some of Our Favorite Local List Members The Timepiece Collection

Eric Alt Salon

877.678.8463

201.438.0900

58 E. Palisades Ave., Englewood

www.thetimepiececollection.com

77 West Allendale Road, Allendale www.ericaltsalon.com

B&M Fine Dining at Home

D’Amore Jewelers

201.391.4373

201.945.0530

192 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge www.bmfoodlovers.com

731 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park www.damorejewelers.com

Marcia’s Attic for Kids

OrthoASAP by Active Ortho

201.894.5701

844.228.4836

29 N. Dean St., Englewood

www.marciasatticforkids.com

Multiple Locations

www.activeorthopedic.com

Saddle River Inn

Alt Eats Café

201.825.4016

201.444.1300

2 Barnstable Court, Saddle River www.saddleriverinn.com

622 North Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus www.alteatscafe.com

Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski

Westfield Garden State Plaza

201.280.7044

www.westfield.com/gardenstateplaza

Michele Iannone

https://sites.touchstonecrystal.com/ sites/miannone

Boutique 811

811 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes

201.485.8650

www.boutique811.com

Goldstein Jewelers

9.5 W. Railroad Ave., Tenafly

201.871.8774

www.goldsteintenafly.com

We Knead the Dough 201.888.2222

www.wekneadthedoughcookies.com 84

1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus

201.843.2121

JC Landscaping

143 Broadway, Woodcliff Lake

201.573.8868

http://www.jclandscapinginc.com

Meat Market Steakhouse 37B Berdan Ave., Wayne

973.706.8888

www.meatmarketsteakhousewayne.com

Rich’s Automotive 50 Chestnut St., Emerson

201.262.3333

www.richsautospecialists.com

early SPRING 2021

Café Panache Reopens with Executive Chef Gregory Stott at the Helm

amed Bergen County dining spot, Café Panache, reopened in late January, after the sudden passing of beloved, highly revered Chef/Owner Kevin Kohler. In a newly appointed role of Executive Chef/General Manager Gregory Stott, a protege

of Kohler who worked at Café Panache as Chef du Cuisine twice during his career, will oversee all daily operations of the restaurant. Said the Kohler family, “To honor our late father, Kevin Kohler, and the tremendous legacy of Café Panache, we have decided to reopen the restaurant.

▲ Greg will continue preparing the classic dishes that our father created and taught him over the years, and the entire staff will remain on board. Our family and the Panache team hope to see everyone again as we open our doors to continue bringing you the Café Panache experience.” Café Panache’s Rooted in French culinary unique top-quality techniques, the modern seasonal dishes, stelNew American fine lar service and stylish dining restaurant, has setting have delighted for more than three guests since 1985. decades, been continually Rooted in French curated amongst the linary techniques, the best in New Jersey. modern New American fine dining restaurant, has for more than three decades, been continually rated amongst the best in New Jersey. Said Chef Stott, “Kevin was truly one-of-a-kind in so many ways, and culinary speaking, his, was a lost art form. He had his hand on every single detail of what went on a plate, and made sure it was the freshest available, or it wasn’t served. Period. Nothing came out of a bag, ever. He doesn’t even have a 87

Executive Chef/ General Manager Café Panache Gregory Stott

freezer at Panache. Between all of us in the kitchen, we have over 40 years of mentorship under Kevin. His standards were of the highest level; standards we will continue to uphold.” Stott added, “I always loved working at Panache. I feel like I’m coming back home. There is only one Kevin Kohler and he’s irreplaceable, but I’m truly honored to have been appointed to step into his shoes.” Chef Stott has worked in the kitchens of some of New York city’s most highly acclaimed restaurants, including Café des Artists, L’Impero and Alto – cooking under the guidance of celebrity Chef Scott Conant. Stott who was most recently Executive Chef at 76 House in Tappan, N.Y., was a semifinalist on Food Network’s coveted television show Chopped. The classically trained chef is a graduate of the esteemed French Culinary Institute in New York City, who trained with the watchful eyes of legendary Chefs André Soultner, Jacques Pépin, Jacques Torres and Alain Sailhac. Café Panache, located at 130 Main St. in Ramsey, is open for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday evenings by reservation. Take out is available.■ early SPRING 2021

� Eats�

Former ‘Dreamer’Turned-Restaurateur Carries on Family Legacy

By Brianna Ruback

arfield resident Lizeth Morales always knew she would join her family’s business, El Gordo, a Peruvian restaurant founded by her mother, Monica Velis, in 1996. But it wasn’t until a traumatic experience with the U.S. Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (ICE) in 2012 that Morales decided to pursue her entrepreneurial journey. Seeking to develop her business skills after graduating from William Patterson University in 2005, Morales worked as a sales manager for Blinds To Go for six years. At the same time, she was trying to

“

At the same time, she was trying to obtain her green card because she was a Dreamer, an undocumented immigrant who was brought into the U.S. as a child.

obtain her green card because she was a Dreamer, an undocumented immigrant who was brought into the U.S. as a child. In Morales’ case, she had been living in New Jersey since immigrating from Peru at six years old. After being stopped by ICE on her way to work in February of 2012, Morales spent 17 days in Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Elizabeth. She was released under an ICE program that allowed her to appeal her case without getting deported, but she immediately lost her corporate job. Forced to figure out her “next move,” Morales saw this as an opportunity to change her career path. “I felt it was the perfect moment for me to say, ‘Okay, I’ve been wanting to join my mother in the

”

restaurant industry. I’ve been wanting to launch myself as a restaurateur. Now is the time to do it.’” Morales’ mother, Velis, immigrated to the U.S. in 1988. She aspired to build a business with the recipes given to her by her mother, Paula Armero, who was the head chef for a political family in Lima, Peru. Although Velis didn’t have an entrepreneurial background, she was determined to create a legacy for her daughters. Inspired by El Gordo, a famous polleria (chicken restaurant) in Lima, where she and her family would go out to eat when they had extra money, Velis knew exactly what she would name her restaurant in Passaic. Growing up, Morales helped out around El Gordo, washing dishes and tending to tables as needed.

early SPRING 2021

But underneath her day-to-day contributions lay her dream of transforming El Gordo from a local mom-and-pop restaurant to a national chain of Peruvian eateries. In 2012, Morales opened her first location in Passaic – the same town where her mother opened the original El Gordo in 1996. Despite her overarching goal being clear, Morales still struggled with self-doubt – something she described as “one of the biggest challenges” she has experienced while working in the restaurant industry. Unlike many restaurateurs, she wasn’t a chef like her mother and grandmother. She questioned whether she could grow the El Gordo brand to its full potential, and at one point, she couldn’t envision herself running multiple restaurant locations. However, after pinpointing the areas of her business that she truly enjoyed – like the marketing and advertising – she started to see how she could turn her 90

dream into a reality. “Once I changed that mindset and really started believing in myself and believing in my brand and operating my brand from just a bigger vision, that completely added so much more value to my business in general,” Morales said. Morales opened her second location in Jersey City in 2017 – the same year she finally received her green card. Following this, she opened her Union Township location in 2020. While COVID-19 caused many restaurants to close this past year, Morales was determined to do the opposite. She secured an SBA loan to purchase the restaurant’s property in February of 2020—just before the pandemic swept across the U.S. “Given my hard work, determination and our attention that we have to our food and our service, I felt very confident in myself to take the risk,” she said. “I think any business that still

f went through an opening last year, through this pandemic, you just need a strong sense of selfbelief – and the belief that you’re going to go in, ready to work hard, ready to commit yourself to it. And should it not work out, it’s not going to be because you didn’t try.” For Morales, keeping her restaurants’ doors open means frequently reevaluating and adapting her business operations while maintaining a positive attitude. The New Jersey chain aims to provide authentic Peruvian cuisine in a cozy and chic atmosphere that takes customers back to Peru through staple dishes like ceviche and Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken. As the original restaurant approaches its 25-year anniversary in June, Morales is focusing on launching her mother’s homemade green sauce, a signature item on the El Gordo menu that Velis has always dreamt of bottling and distributing.

“I believe good food opens the door to culture,” Morales said. “For me, being able to bring my culture [and] Peruvian cuisine and introduce it to the masses and educate people about the diversity of it and the delicious aspects of it is also something that I enjoy very much while being in this industry.” In order to achieve her goals, Morales takes a handson approach with her team. From collaborating with her chefs on the creation of new dishes to communicating with her staff about streamlining the restaurants’ takeout and delivery process, Morales aims to connect with everyone she works with. This approach, she said, is something she learned from her mother. Above all, having the opportunity to expand El Gordo while working alongside her family has been the most rewarding part of Morales’ restaurateur career. “Being able to – day in, day out – work hard to make sure that this brand – that this dream of [my mother’s] continues to grow, continues to be able to serve the community, that’s what [this franchise] means to me,” Morales said. “That’s why I think I’m able to put as much passion in my business as I do. Yes, it’s a brand. It’s a business. But for me, it’s my family’s legacy.” For more information on El Gordo, visit www.elgordoeats.com.* 91

early SPRING 2021

� Restaurant American

The Barrow House 1296 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, 862-336-7070

The Brick House 179 Godwin Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-848-1211

The Abbey Ramsey Golf and Country Club 105 Lakeside Dr., Ramsey, 201-818-9298

The Bicycle Club 487 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-894-0880

Café 37 (BYOB) 37 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-857-0437

Allendale Bar & Grill 67 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale, 201-327-3197

Biddy O’Malley’s Irish Bistro and Bar 191 Paris Ave., Northvale, 201-564-7893

Café Amici Wyckoff (BYOB) 315 Franklin Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-848-0198

Allendale Eats 101 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-825-0110

Big Papa Smokem 352 Palisades Ave., Bogota, 201-742-5704

Alt Eats Cafe 622 North Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-251-2222

Bonefish Grill 601 From Rd., Paramus, 201-261-2355

(Contemporary & Traditional)

Bacari Grill 800 Ridgewood Rd., Washington Township, 201-358-6330 Bareburger 129 Vervalen St., Closter, 201-660-7720 The Barn 359 Sicomac Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-848-0108

Boom Burger 180 NJ-17, Mahwah, 201-529-1806 Brady’s at the Station 5 W. Main St., Ramsey, 201-327-9748 BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse 21 Teterboro Landing Dr., Teterboro, 551-313-7450

Guide �

Café Amici Ho-Ho-Kus (BYOB) 4 Sycamore Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-389-6377 Café Angelique 1 Piermont Rd.,Tenafly, 201-541-1010 Café Matisse (BYOB) 167 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-935-2995 City Perch Kitchen and Bar 2023 Hudson St., Fort Lee, 201-582-7101 Chakra 144 W. State Route 4, Paramus, 201-566-1530 Center Tavern 170 Center Ave.,Westwood,

Gift baskets & Custom Cookies for all Occasions Shower and Wedding Favors Gourmet Cookies and Treats by the Pound Personalized Cookies and Cakes Corporate Logos and Gifts New All Natural Dog Cookies CONTACT US:

wekneadthedoughcookies.com (201)888-2222 wekneadthedoughcookies@gmail.com

201-666-2200 Coach House Restaurant 55 NJ-4, Hackensack, 201-488-4999 Coffee & Cornbread Co. 1350B Queen Anne Rd.,Teaneck, 201-862-0600 The Cornerstone 84 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201-666-8688

Emerson Hotel Restaurant 31 Emerson Plaza, Emerson, 201-262-7557 Esposito’s Park Café 790 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-313-2441 Esty Street 86 Spring Valley Rd., Park Ridge, 201-307-1515

Crow’s Nest 309 Vincent Ave., Hackensack, 201-342-5445

Farmhouse Café & Eatery 15 E. Madison Ave., Cresskill, 201-266-8931 301 Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-664-8424

Cubby’s BBQ Restaurant 249 S. River St. Hackensack, 201-488-9389

Fire and Oak 100 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale, 201-307-1100

Davey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 5 Park St., Montvale, 201-391-9356

Giovanni’s Deli 22-08 Morlot Ave., Fair Lawn, 201-791-1911

East Coast Burger Company 75 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-857-0277

Glenn Rock Inn 222 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201-445-2362 Gross’s La Strada 231 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-670-9233

� Restaurant Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar 2 Main St., Edgewater, 201-943-1900 Hearth and Tap 125 N. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale, 201-307-6300 Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-445-4115 Houston’s The Shop’s at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack, 201-488-5667 Hungry Peddler 44 E. Madison Ave., Cresskill, 201-894-0718 Iron Horse 20 Washington Ave.,Westwood, 201-666-9682 Ivy Inn 268 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, 201-393-7699

Jackson Hole 362 Grande Ave., Englewood, 201-871-7444 Just Janice (BYOB) 23 Sheridan Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-445-2666 The Kosher Nosh Deli 894 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-1186 Lakeside Grille & Bar 105 Lakeside Dr., Ramsey, 201-327-0009 Mahwah Bar & Grill 2 Island Rd., Mahwah, 201-529-8056 Mason Jar 219 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, 201-529-2302 Mitchell’s Seafood Market 541 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-840-9311

Guide �

201-728-4891

201-857-5100

Nostramana Café 51 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 551-264-9200

Peppercorns 176 Colony Ave., Park Ridge, 201-391-2818

Nellie’s Place 9 Franklin Turnpike,Waldwick, 201-652-8626

Pizzaiolo By Brothers 85 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-444-4944

Nikki’s Bar & Grill 213 Washington Ave., Little Ferry, 201-518-2883

P.J. Finnegan’s 274 Fairview Ave.,Westwood, 201-664-7576

Noah’s Ark (Kosher) 493 Cedar Lane,Teaneck, 201-692-1200

Plank Pizza Company 383 Market St. Bldg. D, Saddle Brooke, 201-843-2426

Oceanos 2-27 Saddle River Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-796-0546

Railroad Café 170 Union Ave., East Rutherford, 201-939-0644

Palmer’s Crossing 145 Dean Dr., (Clinton Ave.), Clinton Inn Hotel,Tenafly, 201-567-4800

MK Valencia 228 Main St., Ridgefield Park, 201-373-0228

Park Wood Delicatessen 342 Erie Ave., Midland Park, 201-689-0855

Mob Burger 525 Moonachie Ave,Wood-Ridge,

Pearl Restaurant (BYOB) 17 S. Broad St., Ridgewood,

Raymond’s 101 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-445-5125 Reilly’s Rib Cage (BYOB) 49 W. Church St., Bergenfield, 201-771-7200 Regina’s Steakhouse and Grill 827 Teaneck Rd.,Teaneck, 201-862-1996

Restaurant L 9 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, 201-785-1112

Section 201 704 River Rd., New Milford, 201-262-5600

Rolling Pin Café 341 Broadway,Westwood, 201-666-4660

Shelly’s Vegetarian Café and Caterers 482 Cedar Lane,Teaneck, 201-692-0001

Roots Steakhouse 17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-444-1922 Rosario’s Trattoria (BYOB) 29 Central Ave., Midland Park, 201-445-3335 Rotunda Garden State Plaza (Rtes. 17 & 4), Paramus, 201-843-7693 Ruby Tuesday Route 4 & 17, Paramus, 201-909-0886 Rutherford Pancake House 40 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-340-4171 Sal’s Good Eats 80 Green St.,Teterboro, 201-288-1170

259 Johnson Avenue River Edge, NJ 07661 sonnytnj.com

201-342-1233

GRAND REOPENING: Open 7 Days for Lunch and Dinner

Indoor and Outdoor Dining • Happy Hour 4pm-6pm 93

early SPRING 2021

Steel Wheel Tavern 51 N. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-882-1800 St. Eve’s Restaurant (BYOB) 611 N. Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-857-4717 Stony Hill Inn 231 Polify Rd. (Rt. 80), Hackensack, 201-342-4085 Tommy Fox’s Public House 32 S.Washington Ave., Bergenfield, 201-384-0900 Twisted Elm 435 River Dr., Elmwood Park, 201-791-3705 Veggie Heaven 473 Cedar Ln.,Teaneck, 201-836-0887

� Restaurant Victoria’s 336 Queen Anne Rd.,Teaneck, 201-801-0888

T.S. Ma Wyckoff 637 Wyckoff Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-891-8870

Village Green (BYOB) 36 Prospect St., Ridgewood, 201-445-2914

Continental Cuisine

Waterside 7800 B. River Rd., North Bergen, 201-861-7767 White Maple Café (BYOB) 47 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-447-1953 103 Prime 103 Spring Valley Rd., Park Ridge, 201-391-2220

Asian/Asian Fusion I Fish (BYOB) 114 Country Rd.,Tenafly, 201-569-1111 Wok Bar 200 Main St., Fort Lee, 858-999-5555

Chinese/Korean/ Korean BBQ Dong Chun Hong 144 Main St., Fort Lee, 201-592-0450

Golden Dynasty 825 Franklin Lakes Rd., Franklin Lakes, 201-891-7866 295 Kinderkamack Rd., Hillsdale, 201-358-8685 Kimchi Mama 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn, 201-703-2905 Kimchi Smoke BBQ 301 Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-497-6333 Mr. Wok & Sushi (BYOB) 1 Highwood Ave. 2nd Floor, Tenafly, 201-569-3969 Myung Ga Won 72 Piermont Road,Tenafly, 201-500-1111 Petite Soo Chow 607 Gorge Road, Cliffside Park, 201-313-1666 P.F. Chang’s The Shops at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack, 201-646-1565

Closter, 201-660-7977 Casual Habana Cafe (BYOB) 125 Main St., Hackensack, 201-880-9844

Al Di La 1 Hoboken Rd., East Rutherford, 201-939-1128

Mambo Tea House (BYOB) 98 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-933-1262

Fountainview Restaurant Sheraton Crossroads, 1 International Blvd. (Rt. 17N.), Mahwah, 201-529-1313

Mis Raices 1214 Teaneck Rd.,Teaneck, 201-530-7233

Rudy’s 107 Anderson Ave., Hackensack, 201-489-4831

Continental/American W’s Grill 20 Elm St., Oakland, 201-651-0005

Continental/French Café Panache (BYOB) 130 E. Main St. (Lake St.), Ramsey, 201-934-0030

Latour (BYOB) 6 East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-445-5056 Le Jardin 1257 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-224-9898 Madeleine’s Petite Paris 416 Tappan Rd., Northvale, 201-767-0063 Saddle River Inn (BYOB) 2 Barnstable Ct., Saddle River, 201-825-4016

Continental/Italian

Rebecca’s Restaurant (BYOB) 236 Old River Rd., Edgewater, 201-943-8808 Rumba Cubana 1807 45th St., North Bergen, 201-553-9100

Dominican

Punta Cana 2151 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee, 201-849-5556

Eclectic Contemporary

Bibi’z Restaurant and Lounge 284 Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-722-8600 Baumgart’s Café (BYOB) 59 The Promenade, Edgewater, 201-313-3889 45 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201-569-6267 158 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-612-5688 Café Matisse (BYOB) 167 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-935-2995

Andrea’s Ristorante Italiano (BYOB) 20 E. Prospect St.,Waldwick, 201-670-0275, 201-670-7958

G.W. Grill 2139 Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee, 201-947-2440

Davia 6-09 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn, 201-797-6767

Port of Call (POC) (BYOB) 450 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, 201-488-0888

Sage (BYOB) 17-15 Broadway, Fair Lawn, 201-797-0500

The Rail Yard Tavern 14-26 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-773-3372

Savini 168 West Crescent Ave., Allendale, 201-760-3700

Sofia 36 Engle St., Englewood, 201-541-8530

Villa Amalfi 793 Palisades Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-886-8626

200 Tice 200 Tice Blvd.,Woodcliff Lake, (Inside The Woodcliff Lake Hilton) 201-391-3600

Cuban

Azúcar Cuban Cuisine 171 Schraalenburgh Rd.,

201 Supper Club 90 W. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201-541-0101

Guide � Fondue

The Melting Pot 250 Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-664-8877

French

The Chef’s Table (BYOB) 754 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201-891-6644

159 Main St., Hackensack, 201-342-3444 BHOJ (BYOB) 430 Market St., Elmwood Park, 201-797-6800 Kailash (BYOB) 22 Oak St., Ridgewood, 201-251-9693

Latour (BYOB) 6 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-445-5056

Mantra 275 NJ-4, Paramus, 201-342-8868

Greek

Mausam (BYOB) 76 Market St., Clifton, 973-472-3663

A Taste of Greece (BYOB) 935 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-967-0029 Axia Taverna 18 Piermont Rd.,Tenafly, 201-569-5999 Daily Treat 177 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood 201-652-9113 Eons 17 NJ-17, Paramus, 212-696-1234 Greek Corner Grill (BYOB) 99 Park Ave., Park Ridge, 201-476-1400 GRK Grill (BYOB) 39 Union Ave., Cresskill, 201-399-7670 The Greek Village 254 Livingston St., Northvale, 201-750-8570 It’s Greek to Me 352 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-945-5447 36 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201-568-0440 1611 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee, 201-947-2050 21 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-612-2600 487 Broadway,Westwood, 201-722-3511 2020 Central Road, Fort Lee, 201-947-2055 Taverna Mykonos 238 Broadway, Elmwood Park, 201-703-9200 Varka 30 N. Spruce St., Ramsey, 201-995-9333

Indian

Art of Spice (BYOB)

Nirvana Indian Kitchen (BYOB) 29 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-818-2300 Spice Mantra (BYOB) 6 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201-568-1122 Silli Point (BYOB) 498 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-941-0271 Taste of India (BYOB) 166 Cedar Ln.,Teaneck, 201-692-3222

Irish

Biddy O’Malley’s Irish Bistro and Bar 36 N.Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201-608-5545 191 Paris Ave., Northvale, 201-564-7893 Poitin Still 774 Main St., Hackensack, 201-487-0660

Italian

Aldo & Gianni Ristorante 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale, 201-391-6866 Aldo’s (BYOB) 640 Wyckoff Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-891-2618 A Mano 24 Franklin Ave. (at Chestnut St.), Ridgewood, 201-493-2000 Amarone 63 Cedar Ln.,Teaneck, 201-833-1897 Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave., Haworth, 201-384-1551 Angelo’s Restaurant 263 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, 201-939-1922

� Restaurant

Guide �

Arturo’s 41 Central Ave., Midland Park, 201-444-2466

Cenzino Ristorante 589 Ramapo Valley Rd., Oakland, 201-337-6693

Baci Italian Grill 36 Jefferson Ave.,Westwood, 201-722-1900

Cliff’s Steakhouse 18 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-944-0233

Barcelona’s 38 Harrison Ave., Garfield, 973-778-4930

Dimora 100 Piermont Rd., Norwood, 201-750-5000

Bazzarelli 117 Moonachie Rd., Moonachie, 201-641-4010

Dino’s 12 Tappan Rd., Harrington Park, 201-767-4245

Bellissimo (BYOB) 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale, 201-746-6669

Due (BYOB) 16-18 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-857-3231

Bensi 459 Rt. 17S, Hasbrouck Heights, 201-727-9525 183 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, 201-297-7444

Fiona’s Restaurant (BYOB) 118 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-857-5800

Bistro 107 107 Moonachie Rd., Moonachie, 201-440-3339

Fontana Di Trevi (BYOB) 248 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, 201-242-9040 Fratelli’s Coal-Burning Pizza 206 Route 46, Elmwood Park, 201-797-7552

Bottagra Restaurant 80 Wagaraw Rd., Hawthorne, 973-423-4433

Gianna’s 843 Washington Ave., Carlstadt, 201-460-7997

Buon Gusto (BYOB) 534 Durie Ave., Closter, 201-784-9036

Giovanna’s Café 19 E. Main St., Ramsey, 201-825-5835

Buongiorno’s (BYOB) 86 Washington Ave., Dumont, 201-501-8000

GoodFellas Ristorante 61 Midland Ave., Garfield, 973-478-4000

Café Amici (BYOB) 4 Sycamore Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-389-6377

Granita Grille 467 Broadway,Westwood, 201-664-9846

Caffe Annello (BYOB) 429 Broadway Ave.,Westwood, 201-786-8137

Grissini Restaurant 484 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-568-3535

Caffe Capri (BYOB) 119 Park Ave., East Rutherford, 201-460-1039

Guilio’s 154 Washington St.,Tappan, NY, 845-359-3657

Café Italiano Ristorante 14 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-461-5041

Il Giardino (BYOB) 153 Paris Ave., Northvale, 201-750-0060

Café L’Amore (BYOB) 455 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, 201-337-5558

Il Mulino Ristorante (BYOB) 132 Veterans Plaza, Dumont, 201-384-7767

Café Tivoli 533 Shaler Blvd., Ridgefield, 201-941-5561 Cassie’s 18 S. Dean St., Englewood, 201-541-6760

Il Villaggio 651 NJ-17N (between Rtes. 3&46), Carlstadt, 201-953-7733 In Napoli 116 Main St., Fort Lee, 201-947-2500

early SPRING 2021

� Restaurant

Guide �

201-567-9600

201-804-7666

Fuki Sushi (BYOB) 828 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-225-0160

Sarku Japan Bergen Town Center, Rt. 4W (Forest Ave.), Paramus, 201-880-6551

Kinchley’s Tavern 586 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, 201-934-7777

Roxanne’s 150 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, 201-529-0007

L’Angolo Trattoria Italiana (BYOB) 696 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-941-0853

Rugova Restaurant & Bar 259 Johnson Ave., River Edge, 201-880-8488

La Cambusa 517 River Drive, Garfield, 973-445-7222

Sanducci’s Trattoria (BYOB) 620 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-599-0600

La Lanterna (BYOB) 29 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-444-5520

Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn 105 Old New Bridge Rd., New Milford, 201-692-7700

Hanami (BYOB) 41 Union Ave., Cresskill, 201-567-8508 301 Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-666-8508

La Vecchia Napoli 2 Hillard Ave., Edgewater, 201-941-6799

Sergio’s Missione (BYOB) 2 N. Mercer St., Lodi, 973-778-4545

Hiro 254 Degraw Ave.,Teaneck, 201-692-1002

Sushi Cruise (BYOB) 725 River Road #51, Edgewater, 201-313-3611

Locale Café 208 Piermont Rd., Closter, 201-750-3233

Sicilian Sun (BYOB) 604 N. Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-444-3494

Sushi Village (BYOB) 700-90 Broadway,Westwood, 201-666-8800

Luka’s (BYOB) 10 River Road, Bogota, 201-440-2996

Solari’s 61 S. River St., Hackensack, 201-487-1969

Hiura 400 Main St. Ste. B, Fort Lee, 201-346-0110

Lu Nello 182 Stevens Ave., Cedar Grove, 973-837-1660

Sorrento (BYOB) 132 Park Ave., East Rutherford, 201-507-0093

Kazuki (BYOB) 638 Westwood Ave., River Vale, 201-263-1811

Sushi X (BYOB) 23 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-689-7878

Maggiano’s Little Italy The Shops at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack, 201-221-2030

Trattoria Giotto (BYOB) 15 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-528-7142

Kiku 5-9 Rt. 9W (Palisades Pkwy.), Alpine, 201-767-6322 365 Rt. 17S, Paramus, 201-265-7200

Umeya 156 Piermont Rd., Cresskill, 201-816-0511

Martini Grill 187 Hackensack St.,Wood-Ridge, 201-939-2000

Trovato’s Due 4 Barbara Ln., Oakland, 201-337-0813

Nanni Ristorante 53 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, (behind Garden State Plaza), 201-843-1250 Nonna’s Cucina (BYOB) 918 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-2758 Olivella’s 7709 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen, 201-662-6110 Osso Buco 343 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201-664-1600 Picco Tavern 160 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, 201-880-8750 Portobello 175 Ramapo Valley Rd. (Rt. 202), Oakland, 201-337-8990 Puzo’s Family Restaurant 4 Garfield Ave., Hawthorne, 973-423-2288 Rocca (BYOB) 203 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201-670-4945

Vicolo Ristorante 216 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, 201-497-8777 Woodstone Pizza Bar & Grill 352 W. Passaic St., Rochelle Park, 201-845-7600 Zozo’s Restaurant 625 River Vale Rd., River Vale, 201-391-3195

Gen Sushi & Hibachi 14B Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale, 201-930-9188

Kumo (BYOB) 55 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-652-0088 Kyoto (BYOB) 78 Washington Ave., Dumont, 201-384-5544 Masa Sushi & Grill (BYOB) 81 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-934-6616 Matsu Sushi & Grill 140 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201-722-9388

Sakura-Bana (BYOB) 43 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-447-6525 Sendai Japanese Restaurant & Grill 178 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-225-0995

Tawara Japanese Restaurant (BYOB) 53 W. Main St., Ramsey, 201-825-8712 Wasabi 848 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-493-7575 Yuki 2 S. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale, 201-391-9877 Yuki Hana (BYOB) 131 Kinderkamack Rd., Park Ridge, 201-391-3230

Latin

Novo (BYOB) 37 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-444-4910

Mexican

A Taco Affair 81 Main St., Little Falls, 973-812-8226 Azteca (BYOB) 47 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-438-2111 Jalepenos 930 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-5566 La Frontera (BYOB) 37 E. Broadway, Hackensack, 201-880-7731 Leon 16 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-857-0297 Mariachi Grill (BYOB) 262 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst, 201-528-7493 Riviera Maya (BYOB) 252 E. Fort Lee Rd., Bogota, 201-996-1380 Viva Margarita 364 Lawton Ave., Cliffside Park, 551-313-0760

Spanish

El Cid 205 Paramus Rd., Paramus, 201-843-0123 Meson Madrid Restaurant 343 Bergen Blvd., Palisades Park, 201-947-1038 Sangria 1033 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, 201-962-3310

Mambo Empanadas (BYOB) 313 Union Ave., Rutherford, 201-933-3888

Sayola 50 Prospect Ter.,Tenafly, 201-871-2182

Mei Sushi Japanese Restaurant 14-20 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-398-9882

Mediterranean

The Kebabci (BYOB) 259 Valley Blvd.,Wood-Ridge, 201-728-4949

Tapas De España 7909 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen, 201-453-1690

Minado 1 Valley Rd., Little Ferry, 201-931-1522

Mado (BYOB) 570 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-265-3629

Taste of Spain 493 Tappan Rd., Northvale, 201-767-8904

Cocoro 856 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201-560-1333

Mount Fuji Japanese Steak House 193 NJ-17, Hasbrouck Heights, 201-288-2800

Mediterraneo (BYOB) 23 N. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-447-0022

Daruma (BYOB) 45 N. Dean St., Englewood,

Nizi Sushi (BYOB) 300 Union Ave., Rutherford,

Japanese

Akai Lounge 11 N. Dean St., Englewood, 201-541-0086 Asahi (BYOB) 1475 Bergen Blvd., Fort Lee, 201-944-5113 Blu Sushi (BYOB) 26 Wilsey Square, Ridgewood, 201-882-1700

Matsuya 490 Market St., Saddle Brook, 201-843-5811

Mezza (BYOB) 20 Jefferson Ave.,Westwood, 201-722-8822

Thai

Bangkok Garden 261 Main St., Hackensack, 201-487-2620

� Restaurant

• Maintain Traditions

Guide �

Owner/Manager Daniel W. Leber NJ Lic. No 3186

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261 201-

Clift Clifton Thai 239 Parker Ave., Clifton, 973-253-1400 Chok Dee Thai Kitchen 561 Livingston St., Norwood, 201-750-8880

Kebab Istanbul 5819 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen, 201-861-4400

Malee Fine Thai Cuisine (BYOB) 2 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-612-7797

Marmaris Cafe (BYOB) 820 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-943-9090

Massaman Thai Cuisine 312 Hackensack St., Carlstadt, 201-559-1424

Samdan 178 Piermont Rd., Cresskill, 201-816-7343

Ridge Thai (BYOB) 50 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-493-9929 Thai West (BYOB) 22 Jefferson Ave.,Westwood, 201-497-6981 Wyckoff Thai Cuisine 314 Franklin Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-485-8855

Persian

Kabab on the Cliff 23 Godwin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-444-5100 Pardis Persian Grill (BYOB) 47 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-652-8000 Rose (BYOB) 1150 Teaneck Rd.,Teaneck, 201-569-3600

Turkish

Cinar 214 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-523-9284 Hakki Babba (BYOB) 555 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-840-8444 Hunkar (BYOB) 319 Hackensack St., Carlstadt, 201-507-0606 Istanblue Restaurant (BYOB) 645 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge,

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Turkish Kitchen 297 Palisade Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-943-7733 Turkuaz (BYOB) 1550 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee, 201-944-1115

Vietnamese

Pima (BYO

79 K Eme 201110 BC The Mag WINTER 2020

NOURISH

Bistro Du Saigon 168 Main St., Fort Lee, 201-592-0100 Ma Mí Eatery 546 Durie Ave., Closter, 201-660-7826

your

body

Eat healthy. Be happy.

Mekong Grill (BYOB) 24 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-445-0011

Elise Chassen Sopov, MS, RDN Nutritionist & Exercise Physiologist Elise Chassen Sopov, MS, RDN

Pho Miu Vietnamese Restaurant 255 Pascack Rd., Township of Washington, 201-497-3915

Nutritionist & &Exercise Physiologist Individual Group Counseling Exercise Programming Individual & Group Counseling Exercise Programming

Saigon Kitchen (BYOB) 2024 Center Ave., Fort Lee, 201-592-8890 Simply Vietnamese (BYOB) 1 Highwood Ave,Tenafly, 201-568-7770

334 Kinderkamack Road Oradell, NJ 07649

TC’s Little Taste of Saigon (BYOB) 419 Goffle Rd., Ridgewood, 201-445-5509

334 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ 07649 1376 Pompton Grove, NJ 07009 • • • • Cedar • • •Avenue 1376Avenue, Pompton 1376 Pompton Avenue, @Cedar 973.200.0896 • elise nourishyourbodyllc.com Cedar Grove, NJ Grove, 07009NJ 07009 ••••••• nourishyourbodyllc.com 201.262.6060 • 201.262.6060 elise@nourishyourbodyllc.com nourishyourbodyllc.com

elise@nourishyourbodyllc.com nourishyourbodyllc.com

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Istanbul Café & Grill (BYOB) 14-25 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-791-2222

Gao Thai Kitchen (BYOB) 63 Main St., Ramsey, 201-962-2691

Pimaan Thai Restaurant (BYOB) 79 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-967-0440

239 973-

201-262-4400

early SPRING 2021

� Last Laugh�

How To Spot The Hypo(crite)

By Brandon Goldstein

rowing up my mother, my grandmothers, my aunts and my teachers, as well as every other figure who took on an adult role in my life would repeat the cliche phrase, “actions speak louder than words.” At a time where you rarely see people’s actions, and thanks to social media, more often than not hear too many of their words, it’s become much more difficult to spot the hypo(crite). We are here to help. First, let’s address the elephant, scratch that, hippo in the room. Hippos are both famously adorable and infamously predatory in their environments. They are one of the largest causes of animal-related deaths in Africa, as well. Not crocodiles; not lions… the hippo. Part of that reason might be because of our early biology classes. Nobody ever told us hippos were mean. Did they tell you that? I knew they were hungry; I knew they were chubsters; but mean? No way! Well, it turns out that hippos and their human counterpart, hypos, are quite similar. Let’s dive in! Surely, this past year you’ve at least once rolled your eyes incredibly hard at someone’s social media post. Whether it was a family member whose political views you disagreed with, a family friend whose COVID beliefs you disagreed with or just one of those people you came across who knows everything thanks to some obscure news source they hadn’t heard of prior, you’ve run into a hypo. But how do you spot a hypo? Well, it’s easier than you might think. Let’s just take the rollout of the COVID vaccines as our example. There are those who disregarded the severity of the virus from its earliest days. They won’t wear a mask,

because they’re too tough. They take the word of literal witch doctors over medical professionals, and nothing stopped them from going out, traveling and living their life free. After all, this is ‘Merica! Sure, as the rollout of the vaccines began everyone was (and still is) scrambling to get a shot. Well, not everyone. These are the non-hypos. True to their word, they hate everything about the virus, but they also hate everything about the vaccine. They’ll sit this shot in the arm out. But then, in plain sight, walk in the hypos. They argued on social media about how stupid the virus is; how it was less deadly than a meager cold; how the enemy is the media and there really is no virus. Then, they get the vaccine. These hypos, hiding in their water, spewing their bullshit on their social pages day in and day out, acting like a tough guy. Then, vaccine roll out. Quiet. No more posts. No more tough guy. In fact, the second they became eligible for the vaccine, they were first on line. Shot in arm, protected from the measly virus so many would do anything to get a vaccine for. That’s the biggest, ugliest, worst kind of human. That is a HYPO. Our beautiful world deserves better than these awful, two-faced creatures. Actions do speak louder than words. This isn’t a safari. This is real life. We can be better. ■ 98

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BC the Mag Early Spring '21

Articles inside

HOPE FOR CHILDREN PROVIDES A SPARK OF HOPE TO FAMILIES FACING DARK TIMES

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