The Foodie Issue!

















Dear Readers,
Fall is here, and with its arrival comes a craving for comfort food that warms the soul. In this October issue, dedicated to the wonderful world of food and drinks, we’re excited to embark on a culinary journey with you. Now, I’ll be the first to admit I’m no culinary expert. My husband is more of the kitchen wizard in our home. Nevertheless, my love for all things food knows no bounds. Isn’t there something irresistibly satisfying about reading recipes and imagining the flavors dancing on your taste buds? With that spirit, I’m thrilled to present this mouthwatering issue that’s bound to inspire your inner foodie.
This edition, we’ve partnered with the talented food blogger Kyle Getz, known as @tipsycritic. Kyle took a culinary expedition to the winner of our Best Restaurant in Somerset County Contest, Casa Luna. This Somerville restaurant brings you an exclusive glimpse into its culinary magic. As a delicious bonus, they’ve generously shared their Party Perfect Guacamole recipe. Whether you’re hosting a soirée or seeking a solo indulgence, this recipe is a must-try—a symphony of flavors that speaks the language of celebration.
Get ready to spookify your social media feed because Halloween is creeping up on us. If you think your little monsters are magazine material, don’t just keep their cuteness under wraps! Unleash the pumpkin-patched chaos on Instagram and make sure to tag us at @Bridgewater_Somerset_Hills. Who knows, they might just make an appearance in an upcoming issue!
As you explore these pages, remember: Every dish tells a story, every sip is a toast to life’s delicious moments. Until we meet again in our next issue, keep indulging, experimenting and embracing the incredible journey that food and drinks offer us.
Readers, raise your glasses to the joy of cooking, the thrill of discovery and the delight of the senses!
Warmly,
October 2023
PUBLISHERS
Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Patti Zielinski | patti.zielinski@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR
Kristin Kosmoski | kristin.kosmoski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kyle Getz (The Tipsy Critic)
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Donna Gioia Volpe, Liz Polo (Havana Photography), Jillian Spencer
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
TIFFANY & JAKE SLOWINSKI, PUBLISHERS @BRIDGEWATER_SOMERSET_HILLS
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @bridgewater_somerset_hills
There is so much to explore at Casa Luna in downtown Somerville. Established in 2012 by Raziel Gonzalez and his wife, Marie, the family-run BYOB serves an eclectic mix of traditional Mexican food and Tex-Mex favorites, with outdoor patio seating surrounded by greenery and exotic lilies.
Gonzalez grew up on a dairy farm in Mexico and immigrated to the United States after graduating high school. He began his restaurant journey as a kitchen manager at Charlie Brown Steakhouse in Scotch Plains, where he rose to head chef in two years. This is where he met his “future wife”—he says that was his thought when he first saw Marie—and where the couple began dreaming of owning a restaurant themselves.
Today, with over 50 years of experience between them, the couple prides themselves on excellent customer service when hiring staff and consistency in experience. They continue to evolve and expand. With their hire of Chad Landsberg as general manager, the restaurant is making a concerted effort in keeping up with food trends, including the Birria craze, hot honey and mocktails, which enhance the beverage experience, allowing Casa Luna to offer bar-style mocktails inspired by traditional Mexican cocktails like a Mojito or Sangria.
I’m excited to see what the next decade of business holds for Casa Luna as they continue to grow their catering side and
partner with local wine shops to feature hand-selected wines to mix with their made-to-order Sangria base and pair with the menu items.
After talking with Gonzales, we got down to business: tasting the menu! I began with the Jarrito-Mojito, which uses a popular fruit-flavored soda from Mexico, as well as the Spicy Paloma that had a dash of hot honey for that sweet kick complementing the jalapeño. I followed that up with the house salsa, guacamole and freshly made tortilla chips. I returned from Cancun the day before this visit where I experienced the freshest guac I have ever tasted—and Casa Luna’s guac rivaled it.
I next sampled the Burrito Mojado, a “wet” burrito jampacked with grilled chicken, rice, black beans, sautéed peppers and onions, pico de gallo and cheese then drowned in their special ranchero sauce and finally topped with sour cream and guacamole. I almost needed a nap after this entrée alone.
The Carne Asada—which I call “Raziel’s Way”—is topped with shredded guajillo chiles (these are on the milder side) and placed on a bed of caramelized onion. Don’t sleep on the cilantro rice, which was perfectly cooked with a slight stickiness and pinches of lime.
The BBQ ribs had a nice Tex-Mex flair, basted in a tangy sauce. These bones slide right out of the rack.
If there are Birria Tacos on the menu, I always order them. Gonzalez stews his consomé for over 24 hours to prep this dish and bring out the rich flavoring of the broth that drenches the meat. I would love to see this special become a permanent fixture on the menu.
The Southwest Smash Tacos, another special, sang with its house-made chipotle ranch and side of Cajun fries for
extra dipping. (Note: You can make this dish gluten-free by opting for the corn tortilla.)
And we cannot forget dessert! The Fried Cheesecake Chimichanga stole the show and put me into a food coma. This dish was lightly fried, stuffed with traditional cheesecake, then coated with powdered cinnamon sugar, a caramel drizzle and two necessary scoops of vanilla ice cream. *Mic drop*
Check out the menu at CasaLunaMexican.com .
Food writer Kyle Getz (The Tipsy Critic) discovers New Jersey’s top spots and hidden gems. Follow his blog on Instagram @tipsycritic.
• 2 cans crushed tomato (16 oz)
• 1 c chopped white onions
• 1 c chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• ½ c fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 c finely chopped fresh jalapeños
Blend tomatoes until fine. Add the rest of your ingredients, stirring to incorporate. Store in Mason jars to keep fresh.
• 8 avocados
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1/4 c fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
• 1/2 c chopped white onions
• 1/4 c chopped fresh jalapeños (optional)
• ½ c chopped tomato
Scoop out avocados and place into a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth, leaving some chunks of whole avocado. Add salt and lime and mix until incorporated. Add more lime juice or salt to taste. Add the rest of the ingredients, stirring lightly to not over-mash the avocados.
• 1 pack fresh corn tortillas (La Banderita brand is recommended)
• 4 tbsp salt
• Vegetable oil
Stack the tortillas and cut into fourths with a chef knife. Heat oil to 350° F. When hot, place the chips in the oil until the pan is full. Using a metal spoon, stir the chips to prevent them from clumping. Cook each batch of chips for 1 to 2 minutes. Once all the chips are cooked, place in a large mixing bowl and toss with salt.
ORIGIN THAI DELIVERS FRENCH-THAI FUSION DISHES THAT PACK A FLAVORFUL PUNCH
I felt lucky as I popped into Origin Thai—a BYO family-owned-and-operated establishment that was recently awarded the title of “2023 Best Southeast Asia/Thai Cuisine” in Central New Jersey—as I had an opportunity to sit down with the man behind the menu: chef de cuisine Manop Sutipayakul.
Sutipayakul’s culinary journey began amid the vibrant street food scene of Bangkok, Thailand, where he was immersed in the art of gastronomy from an early age. He started at his father’s restaurants in the heart of the kitchen washing dishes, which is where he discovered his true passion for crafting Thai delicacies and mastered the art of cooking.
Yearning for greater opportunities, in 1986 Sutipayakul embarked on a life-changing adventure in New York City, where he got a job in a deli blocks away from the World Trade Center. Over the next 14 years, his passion and dedication led him to various roles at esteemed Thai and French restaurants. His resiliency in this challenging industry—including two restaurant ventures that did not work out—fueled his determination to create something extraordinary from scratch.
In 2000, his fate changed when he opened the doors to Origin Thai in the then-quiet town of Somerville. The restaurant took root and developed a following. In 2008, he opened a second location in Basking Ridge.
At the onset some questioned the fusion of French cuisine with Thai flavors, but Sutipayakul was captivated by the intricate techniques, artful plating and tantalizing flavors he witnessed while working in French kitchens during his stint in Manhattan. The love in his heart for French cuisine elevated his Thai dishes, fusing the best of both worlds into an unforgettable dining experience.
Origin Thai delivers flavorful dishes that have since redefined my palate and put this restaurant, for me, in a league of its own.
To start exploring the menu, I began with my go-to Thai dish: the Chicken Satay
served on skewers. The peanut sauce was unlike any that I have tasted—creamy, slightly sweet and with a hint of spice—that was served side-by-side with a cucumber salad in a Thai dressing for a cohesive dish. (I told Chef Sutipayakul how much I loved the sauce, and he sent me home with a tub.)
Next up was the Peking Duck Salad. The duck was gorgeous: tender and juicy with an exceptional crisp on the skin. This is impressive, given how hard duck can be to cook: It’s a very rich and delicate dark meat covered in a thick layer of fat. Sutipayakul meticulously roasts his duck bone-in for three hours, which helps lock in the flavor and avoid a dry, chewy meat.
I was then delivered the Soft Shell Crab, a seasonal special that was the highlight of the meal. I elected to go with the Thai basil version over garlic. I was not disappointed. These softies are blue crabs that have molted their shell and are harvested before they can regrow a new shell so their skin is soft, making the entire body edible.
Sutipayakul sources his seafood, along with other ingredients, from local distributors and every bite shows how much effort goes into finding the best of the best. The crabs come pan-fried and topped with basil and a chili pepper sauce. It is served with a side of crab fried rice to help you soak up every last bit—no flavor left behind!
This was followed by a Massaman Curry dish, with chicken as my protein of choice. You’re immediately hit with the coconut milk, which offsets the curry spice nicely. (Mind you, I have a very low tolerance for spice so this may have a different definition for you.) They were gracious enough to share the recipe so you can make it at home.
CONTINUED >
Tuna Pizza Duck TamarindFor dessert, I wrapped up with Thai coffee and Fried Ice Cream—a baseball-sized sphere of vanilla bean ice cream, coated in a fried shell and served over a raspberry sauce. It becomes ice cream flambé tableside, doused with brandy and set aflame. A total showstopper for a marvelous meal.
View the menu at OriginThai.com
Food writer Kyle Getz (The Tipsy Critic) discovers New Jersey’s top spots and hidden gems. Follow his blog on Instagram @tipsycritic.
Serving Size: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ c thinly sliced onion
• 1 chicken breast (medallion sliced)
• 2 tbsp massaman curry paste (purchase at an Asian grocery store; Maesri brand is best)
• 2 tbs peanuts (whole)
• ¼ c butternut squash (cube diced)
• 1 c coconut milk
• ¼ c chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• ½ avocado
• 2 servings of white jasmine rice
Add butter to a medium-heat saucepan. Add onion and cook until slightly soft (about 2 minutes).
Add chicken and curry paste. Stir together for 2 more minutes.
Add peanuts, butternut squash, chicken broth and coconut milk. Gently stir for 3 minutes until the contents start to boil.
Add fish sauce, sugar and vinegar and cook until all is blended well. Stir until boiling.
Once the butternut squash is tender and the pot comes to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the avocado last minute so it doesn’t break.
Serve white jasmine rice.
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For the past 34 years, Robert Perez, owner of A-1 Spotless in Bridgewater has been keeping homes, buildings and hardscaping in Somerset, Union, Hunterdon, Morris and Middlesex counties brilliantly clean.
Perez shares some insight into the power washing business—and what he wants homeowners to know. Although homeowners often rent or buy power washing machines, there are nuances that can impact their effectiveness.
Early on as a child, I had an inventive and entrepreneurial spirit. I was 24 years old when I bought my first power washer and ventured out as a new business owner. I started out washing trucks and soon moved on to house washing after washing my mother’s house—and loved it. Over the years, I have improved upon and developed long-trusted methods as well as equipment. We’ve steadily grown from one truck to a fleet and a fantastic crew.
Not all power washers are created equal. Homeowners are generally unaware of the differences between the numerous power washers available at big retail stores. They are buying and renting power washers that are not strong enough for the tasks they hope to accomplish, which usually is washing their home.
It’s not all about the pressure. The most important factor involves the machine’s gallons-per-minute [gpm]. The small machines that people often rent or buy only use 3.9 gpm. Professional power washers are typically 10 to 12 gpm. Stronger machines are more efficient and do a much better job.
Home exteriors are susceptible to mildew growth. Over time, it worsens and is more difficult to remove. It becomes increasingly unsightly and frustrating for homeowners.
We clean the exteriors of residences and businesses, including all forms of siding, roofs, patios, decks, pavers, concrete and more. In addition, we provide interior and exterior painting services, stain and repair wood decks, and clean and repair gutters and install gutter guards.
We soft wash various types of siding, roofs and exteriors and pressure wash hard and porous surfaces like concrete and pavers. The difference between the two methods is water pressure. Pressure or power washing is ideal for harder surfaces like concrete. Soft washing involves
the application of a detergent which is allowed to dwell and penetrate mildew, dirt and other types of soiling, loosening it. The surfaces are then rinsed with water at a lighter pressure stream. Soft washing is ideal for softer surfaces and it also eradicates mildew at the root and inhibits regrowth for a much longer period than just power washing alone. Both pressure or power washing and soft washing involve cleaners, depending on the task at hand.
We offer a two-year guarantee on home soft wash and a four-year guarantee on roof soft wash. We can offer these guarantees based on the quality of our work and our long-standing customer history. We are proud of our return-customer rate. Many returning customers call us every few years to have their homes and decks soft washed—a testament to the efficacy of the soft wash method.
My parents and grandparents instilled in me the importance of approaching every project with integrity and honesty and to never to cut corners. This philosophy continues to be at the heart and core of how we operate.
It remains deeply satisfying for me to strive to exceed our customer’s expectations. We absolutely love making our customers happy time and time again. We recently had a customer who had tried to wash her home herself unsuccessfully. She entrusted us with the task. Once we were done, her tears of joy said it all. It fills me with great satisfaction to know I can help homeowners and businesses owners.
Learn more about A-1 Spotless’ services at A-1Spotless.com .
“Once we were done, her tears of joy said it all. It fills me with great satisfaction to know I can help homeowners and businesses owners.”
Jeralyn Lawrence, founder of Lawrence Law in Watchung, was recently honored by the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Family Law Section with the Saul Tischler Award. “This award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement in family law and contributions to advancing the profession, community service and dedication to family law issues through education and advocacy,” says Thomas Nobile, a spokesperson for the association. Here, Lawrence discusses the meaning to her behind the award and the state of family law today.
Lawrence: The award embodies a profound meaning within the New Jersey legal community. I am humbled to be recognized.
The award’s significance lies in its recognition of the serious impact of the many individuals and families facing complex legal challenges. Through our continuous efforts, we have been fortunate to gain the respect of our peers and the appreciation of the individuals we have had the privilege to represent. Exceptional legal expertise, coupled with an empathetic approach, has allowed me to navigate intricate legal matters with professionalism and sensitivity, providing invaluable support to our clients. By receiving this award, it not only celebrates my accomplishments but also highlights the importance of promoting
justice and advocating for the well-being of children and families in the legal system. I am deeply grateful for this recognition.
Lawrence: Family law faces several significant challenges in the present-day legal landscape, and these challenges are particularly pronounced in states like New Jersey, where a catastrophic shortage of judges further compounds the issues. One of the most pressing challenges is the complexity and emotional nature of family law cases, which require delicate handling due to the personal and sensitive nature of the issues involved. Family law attorneys must navigate these complexities while ensuring the best interests of their clients and the well-being of the families involved.
Addressing the judge shortage by increasing resources, funding and judicial appointments is crucial to alleviate the burden on the family law system and ensure efficient and equitable outcomes for families in need of legal resolution. This is also why resolving matters outside of court is critical and an area we emphasize at our firm.
Lawrence: I was honored at the Barry Croland Family Law Inn of Court’s Final Meeting for my devotion to the legal profession and the members of the matrimonial bar.
“Exceptional legal expertise, coupled with an empathetic approach, has allowed me to navigate intricate legal matters with professionalism and sensitivity, providing invaluable support to our clients.”
I am pleased to share I have been selected as a finalist for Attorney of the Year by the New Jersey Law Journal. The winner is announced at the New Jersey Legal Awards, which is organized by the journal. The awards involve a rigorous selection process, and I am elated to be considered among such remarkable candidates in this category.
I also recently completed my New Jersey State Bar Association presidency, which was the greatest honor
of my professional life. One of my biggest accomplishments was the Putting Lawyers First Task Force. Under my leadership, the NJSBA put lawyer wellness and quality of life in the legal profession at the forefront of its mission.
Lawrence Law has moved to 744 Mountain Blvd., Watchung. Learn more at LawLawFirm.com .
“By receiving this award, it not only celebrates my accomplishments but also highlights the importance of promoting justice and advocating for the well-being of children and families in the legal system.”
At Focacceria in Basking Ridge, setting is everything.
Walking up the front steps, you hear the creak of the original floorboards, and as you enter through the large Colonial doors, you may find yourself twisting the old fashioned handcrank doorbell. Every detail of the building is historical and every picture hanging on the wall gives you a glimpse of what life was like in the 1800s.
Focacceria makes its pastas, breads and desserts from scratch, using the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Focacceria, a runner-up in Bridgewater City Lifestyle Best Restaurant in Somerset County Contest, was voted one of the “Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in the Country” by OpenTable. View its menu at Focacceria26.com
ARTICLEA curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
ARBOR TERRACE BASKING RIDGE, 3066 VALLEY RD., BASKING RIDGE
This educational lecture series is presented by Stacey Uhrig for families and loved ones. ArborBaskingRidge.com
Scare Farm
NORZ HILL FARM, 120 S. BRANCH RD., HILLSBOROUGH
Scare Farm hosts three horror-filled attractions for one price: Creepy Hollow, Paranoia Walking Trails and The Slayride – Hayride. NorzHillFarm.com
THE MARIGOLD, 315 CHURCHILL AVE., SOMERSET
Proceeds benefit the Center for Great Expectations, a safe place, safe presence and a safe path for pregnant and parenting women and their children, and men, seeking treatment for substance use and mental health disorders. cge-nj.org/events/annual-gala
VARIOUS HISTORIC SITES IN SOMERSET COUNTY
Historic homes and grounds throughout Somerset County are open for a weekend of docent-led tours. Co.Somerset.NJ.US
DUKE ISLAND PARK, 191 OLD YORK RD., BRIDGEWATER
Create a team or walk as an individual to help fight Alzheimer’s disease through research. alznj.org/Events/ Walk-to-Fight-Alzheimers
334 CHIMNEY ROCK RD., BOUND BROOK
Enjoy fun themed classes all week and a food truck on October 15. Members can bring a friend for free and there will be membership discounts for new members. ClubPilates.com/Location/Bridgewater
OCTOBER 12TH
BW NICE Red Shoe Gala
ALLEY 14, BOUND BROOK |
5:30 PM
This annual charity fundraiser benefits Safe+Sound, Somerset, and Business Women Networking Involving Charity & Education. BWnice.org
OCTOBER 14TH
Making Strides Towards Wellness 5K Walk/Run
DUKE ISLAND PARK, 191 OLD YORK RD., BRIDGEWATER |
9:00 AM
This walk/run benefits Family & Community Services of Somerset, a non-profit that offers mental health, addictions and other community-based services to children, adolescents and adults. Facebook. com/FCSSomerset
OCTOBER 15TH
Paws and Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K
DUKE ISLAND PARK, 191 OLD YORK RD., BRIDGEWATER |
8:30 AM
Join the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter for its annual Paws and Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K, which raises money for important medical procedures for the animals prior to adoption. The day includes a USATF-sanctioned 5K run/walk, vendors and a K9 demonstration. https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/ Bridgewater/FOSRAS
Do you ever wonder why we forget? Or, when memory loss is diagnosed as dementia? You’re invited to get answers to these important questions and learn:
• The causes of memory loss
• Ways to reduce the risk of dementia
• How to effectively treat dementia based on today’s research
The unpredictability of memory
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OCTOBER 21ST
Far Hills Race Meeting
MOORLAND FARM, MOORLAND FARMS, 50 US-202, FAR HILLS | 8:00 AM
Join your family and friends watching the action at the 102st Far Hills Race Meeting, a steeplechase horserace that has become New Jersey’s premier social event. FarHillsRace.org
OCTOBER 26TH
53rd Anniversary Spark! Gala
BRIDGEWATER MARRIOTT, 700 COMMONS WAY, BRIDGEWATER | 6:00 PM
This fundraiser, which includes an open bar, cocktail reception, dinner, silent auction and music, supports Visions & Pathways. https:// one.bidpal.net/SparkGala23
OCTOBER 28TH
The Nerds
SHIMON AND SARA BIRNBAUM JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, 775 TALAMINI RD., BRIDGEWATER | 7:00 PM
Bring your friends to enjoy this popular Jersey Shore bar band as they rock out at the JCC. ssbjcc.org
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A sample of recently sold properties in Bridgewater.