Chatham & Short Hills, NJ October 2023

Our Local Culinary Creations!

October 2023

Welcome fall! With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town. We had the pleasure of sitting down with some of our favorite local restaurants and learning about their fall menus—so get your tastebuds ready, you are in for a treat.

October to me brings the warm seasonal scents of fall and with that, memories to my mind of sitting in my mom’s kitchen, and the aroma of cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, and soups of any kind brings me right back to her table. Today, one of my favorite fall activities with the kids is going to our local farms for freshly made apple pies from their orchards! What are some of yours?

There is an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

We encourage you to try the places we have featured in our October issue and build new memories of your own enjoying our “Local Culinary Creations”!

If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within the ten communities we serve, we would love to hear from you. Email John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for advertising opportunities or Ana.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for editorials or just call us at 973-944-1440.

We look forward to seeing you around town!

October 2023

PUBLISHERS

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kaitlyn Keane | Kaitlyn.Keane@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Courtney Franks | courtney.franks@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Kaitlyn Keane, Ben Meyer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Jorda Photography

Corporate Team

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 Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Proverbs 3:5-6

ANA AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @CHATHAMSHORTHILLS

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Millburn's Casa Das Natas 3 year anniversary celebration! 2: Millburn's Casa Das Natas 3 year anniversary celebration! 3: Millburn's Casa Das Natas 3 year anniversary celebration! 4: Millburn's Casa Das Natas 3 year anniversary celebration! 5: Millburn's Casa Das Natas 3 year anniversary celebration! 6: The Delaney at the Green luxury senior living and senior assisted living grand opening celebration! 7: The Delaney at the Green senior living grand opening located in Florham Park, NJ.

8: The Delaney at the Green senior living grand opening located in Florham Park, NJ, 9: The Delaney at the Green senior living grand opening located in Florham Park, NJ. 10: The Delaney at the Green grand opening, Culinary Director Frank Funiciello, Executive Director Peter Farewege

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Taste of Chatham on October 16th !

The Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to grab your passport for a tour of global flavors.  With over 40 local food & beverage purveyors to sample, you can sip and savor your way through the evening enjoying music, fun photo ops and a silent auction, with some very exciting items to bid on 10/16 at the Madison Hotel, in Morristown. Get your tickets at https://www.chathamnjchamber. org/event-details-registration/ the-taste-of-chatham

Welcome Spiro Plastic Surgery to Chatham+Short Hills City Lifestyle!

At Spiro Plastic Surgery, their team is dedicated to providing all of their patients with safe and effective procedures and treatments. From surgical to non-surgical, Dr. Spiro specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breasts, body, face, breast reconstruction, non-surgical services, and more.  Visit Dr. Spiro’s website and learn more about how he can help you look your best!  https://drspiro.com/

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Welcome Toastique to our Chatham+Short Hills City Lifestyle!

Toastique is a boutique gourmet toast and juice bar offering a fresh, chic, rustic experience that perfectly transitions from early on-the-go breakfast to corporate lunch to post sweat session fuel up. Toastique offers fresh, seasonal, and responsibly sourced products and a feel-good atmosphere all day long. Their mission is to make eating healthy accessible and exciting, and easy to enjoy. Visit Michele, Macey and Robbi at Toastique on 11 S Passaic Ave, Chatham. https://toastique.com/

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Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle. com/ChathamandShortHills

A JOURNEY OF PERSEVERANCE

As a family law attorney for 17 years and a partner with Fox Rothschild LLP in the Morristown office, Sandra Fava is used to fighting for others. More recently, she faced a much more personal battle.

“I was diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer in September of 2020, and because of COVID, I couldn’t bring anyone with me to treatments and we weren’t allowing visitors at home,” she says. Fortunately, she didn’t have to go through her struggle alone.

“I’ve been married to Christopher for 13 years and we have three children. They would put on little shows for me and make me cards and pictures. There was a lot of special time with them, which I’ll forever cherish.”

Her mother also moved in to help. “My mom’s a phenomenal cook,” says Sandra. “I joke that I’m a cancer patient who actually gained weight.”

Another family member who gave her a lot of love has four legs. “We have a 16-year-old dog named Penny who was a rescue from a puppy mill. She’s my old lady and now I take care of her.”

Sandra also has a top notch medical team. “I received all of my treatment except for radiation at  Morristown Medical Center,

Carol G. Simon breast cancer center. My breast surgeon, Dr. Leah Gendler, was just phenomenal and so was my oncologist, Dr. Ellen Early. Their care was above and beyond what I had ever expected.”

While going through treatment, she continued to be there for her clients, even though it was difficult. “I had the support of my team and did try to take medical leave, but it’s hard in my practice because people don’t usually hire a family law and divorce attorney based on the firm they’re with, but instead hire the person they feel a connection to,” says Sandra.

Until last October, she kept her medical situation private. “In my support group through the hospital, one woman, a retired executive, challenged me and asked, ‘Don’t you think with your career you have the opportunity to be a proponent of awareness and letting people know that it’s not just older women, or not just women, who get breast cancer?’ That really resonated with me.”

Since then, Sandra has done some speaking engagements and an annual breast cancer walk with her family. And since her diagnosis, she’s hosted an annual Pink Party fundraiser at her home. “All the money we raise goes to

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY

How one lawyer won the fight of her life

Play for P.I.N.K., which focuses its efforts on research, not only for a cure, but for treatments for people who are survivors.”

Sandra admits that she worries about the future and wants to be there for her family. “Even though you may ‘beat cancer,’ you’ll wonder for the rest of your life if it’s going to come back or come back in a different way. People look at me and say I look great, but the treatment you receive can have long-term lasting unseen effects. I have severe neuropathy and some arthritis now. I have issues from radiation with my range of movement on my right side. Those are things that I have to work on daily in order to feel well.”

It’s important to stay positive, she says. “I had moments when I thought I couldn’t do another day, but somehow I did. It’s hard to see yourself so differently. You think, I’m only 40 years old, but I feel like I’m 80. Keeping positive is something that helped me get through it all.”

Sandra always tries to find things to smile about, and being involved as a trustee of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is one. A nonprofit organization, CASA provide services for foster children and foster families to make sure they have whatever they need. This may be computers for school, backpacks with school supplies, funding for camp, or paying for extracurricular activities they’re interested in pursuing like sports or music. “It’s touched the lives of so many children,” she says. “The stories are beyond incredible about children who credit their life successes to CASA.”

Sandra is thankful for her family, friends, colleagues and team of doctors for helping her get through her cancer journey and for keeping her strong as a survivor. This allows her, in turn, to continue to help others.

To find out more about Sandra Fava and how she can help you and your family with your legal issues, go to FoxRothschild.com/SandraCFava; @ AskSandraFava on Instagram; and @DivorceNJLaw on X.

BREAST CANCER RESOURCES:

Susan G. Komen Foundation Komen.org

American Cancer Society Cancer.org

Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) PlayforPink.org

An Elegant and Friendly Dining Experience

RESERVE A TABLE FOR ONE OR HOST A PARTY WITH ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI & ANA MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROVIDED

Some of you have driven by the beautifully lit floor-to-ceiling arched windows of La Pergola’s upscale facade, wondering what delights await you beyond the glimpse of happy patrons enjoying fine Italian cuisine and their own special wine. Most are locals and loyal frequent customers who go to La Pergola to dine before attending a show at the Paper Mill Playhouse, to celebrate special events, or to simply enjoy a wonderful evening out with family or on a date.

Well, wonder no more! If you’ve never been to La Pergola, you’re missing out on authentic and freshly-made Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant indoor and outdoor dining experience. You’ll always feel welcomed as part of their family with the genuinely caring owners and attentive staff. For example, if they know a particular customer who loves a certain dish is coming in, the chef will try to include that as one of the specials that evening. “Food is like a poem to me.” Says Driola, co-owner and executive chef,  “Every chef has a story. It comes from the heart.”

Since 2011, owners Agron and Driola Kaloshi, have been bringing the freshest and most authentic taste of Northern Italy to Millburn, New Jersey. They pride themselves on using the finest ingredients to make year round and seasonal dishes for their guests. Agron, is there every morning, overseeing the ingredients being delivered, to ensure that they meet La Pergola’s quality and flavors standards. From locally farm sourced produce,

to the best cuts of meat and seafood. Afterall, creating a symphony of taste for your palette starts with the best ingredients available! One can say, that makes Agron, not just a co-owner, but a “culinary maestro” for La Pergola’s symphony of authentic Italian cuisine.

La Pergola has a dedicated pasta station in their kitchen. “All of our pastas, gnocchi and desserts are homemade,” says Driola. “Our Risotto with Osso Bucco is a very popular dish in the fall as is our Rack of Lamb.” Figs are a traditional Italian fruit and in the fall, La Pergola serves freshly made fig tarts and figs stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts, as well as a chestnut cake that’s gluten free. There is also a delicious Chicken Rollatini made with prosciutto, spinach, and wild mushrooms. A year round favorite, their Pan Seared Tuna served with cherry tomatoes, roasted corn, arugula, and lemon dressing   Some of the other dishes on the menu this fall and winter: Squash-filled ravioli, Braised wild boar with pappardelle pasta, Butternut CONTINUED >

squash soup, Tuscan soup with kale and cannelloni beans, and Stuffed quail.

You can enjoy La Pergola beyond their restaurant through their catering menu for small and large offsite events. Driola helps you choose the right menu to accommodate all guests, including children and those with special dietary needs or preferences. Many birthdays, anniversaries, engagement parties, wedding rehearsals, weddings, baby and bridal showers, graduations, religious occasions, and other events have been celebrated at the restaurant. Driola and Agron have a strong following. Dining guests are known to reserve the entire restaurant to celebrate their wedding at La Pergola!

“The events are as unique as the family that is hosting, and the menu is custom made just for them,” says Driola, “I can help them set an elegant table with flowers, candles, and their favorite wine or champagne [the restaurant is BYOB].

I’m there to make everybody happy.” If having a party at home, another great option is to pick up favorite menu items to offer your guests.

When the weather is nice, dinners and parties are often held on the lovely outdoor garden area. “I made it very special and beautiful with a lot of flowers and plants,” she says. “I really wanted to create a peaceful and quiet garden where people can escape. It’s just magical.”

Make it a point to visit La Pergola and see for yourself, what makes this Millburn iconic Italian restaurant a destination for yourself and your family. Don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle to enjoy with their cuisine.  So, this fall, come in and enjoy delicious traditional and fall menu with culinary creations that taste like they come from your own personal chef!”

LaPergolaNJ.com

ADD SOME

Elegance Event TO YOUR NEXT

At your next event, why not treat your guests to Oystertainment®, a unique and fun service offered by Red Oyster? Instead of a stationary raw bar, Oystertainers, clad in their signature oyster-shucking uniform and bucket, will individually shuck oysters for each guest.

“It’s a unique experience that someone personally shucks the oyster for you; it makes you feel very special,” says Angelique van der Made, owner of Red Oyster, a boutique oyster catering company based in New York that has been making people happy for over 20 years. The company also has offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy.

These professional and personable Oystertainers don’t only shuck oysters, they also educate. They explain where an oyster is from, and why a particular oyster from Maine tastes different than one from Prince Edward Island. They can also recommend how to eat these delicacies and the condiments that go well with them. For example, hot sauce can be too overpowering and cover up the taste of the oyster, plus you should never just slurp one down. “Chewing it a few times brings out all the flavors - the salinity, the sweetness, the brininess, and the umami taste,” she says.

THESE OYSTERTAINERS WILL MAKE YOUR GUESTS FEEL SPECIAL

Red Oyster prefers to serve oysters from Northeastern waters, such as those found in Massachusetts and Maine and up to Prince Edward Island in Canada. Oysters from these regions have a strong shell and a nice combination of salinity and brininess, which gives them a lot more flavor.

“The oyster farmers ship to New York every night to a supplier in Brooklyn, and we get our oysters from there so they are always fresh,” says Angelique. The sooner they are eaten after being caught, the better they will taste.

Although many people equate oysters with summertime, they can be enjoyed year round, and most raw oysters actually have the best flavor in fall and early winter. When the waters get colder, oysters eat more and thus are plumper and sweeter. And unlike some other party foods, oysters are also good for you and promote a healthy immune system. These nutritious little mollusks include 59 trace elements, 12 vitamins, 19 amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. As a matter of fact, oysters contain more zinc than any other food. A medium-sized oyster provides at least 55 percent of your daily requirement for zinc and selenium.

Red Oyster provides oyster catering and oyster shuckers in New Jersey and New York, and has also served at parties in Philadelphia, Boston, Cape Cod and in other locations. You’ll also see Oystertainers at pop-up oyster bars and high end art fairs like those hosted by The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) and Art Basel.

In addition to oysters, Red Oyster offers another flavorful treat from the ocean - caviar – served with blini and sour cream. Just the word “caviar” adds a bit of elegance to any party. It can be served along with the oysters, or just on its own.

Have Oystertainers come to your next wedding, cocktail party, backyard get-together, and/or corporate event to give your guests a truly unique and interesting experience. These small shellfish are an absolute indulgence that promote an upscale feel to any party.

Even those who have never tried an oyster, or think they don’t like them, will come to appreciate this delicious delicacy. And who doesn’t like to indulge in some delicious caviar? Your guests will thank you long after the party is over. Red-Oyster.com

Creative Works

Introducing

The Signature Membership

access to membership based veterinary care for less than $15 per month

Exceptional Veterinary Care. As it Should Be ◆ All-Inclusive Membership

PERSONALIZED CARE WITHOUT THE WAIT.

Symbios Animal Health is an entirely new, concierge-style veterinary experience-delivering the highest quality care in the most personalized and authentic way. Our groundbreaking model never limits your time with the veterinarian while capping the patient-to-doctor ratio at 25% of the industry standard. This means with Symbios, there is excpetional care, no wait times, and never any rush to get you out the door.

More Than an Award Winning Pizza

Over forty years ago, Calabria Restaurant & Pizza opened in Livingston. From their delectable upside down crunchy thin pizza to eggplant parmesan, Calabria’s made a reputation for authentic Italian food, fresh ingredients, and the first name I think of for pizza worth traveling for.

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI & BEN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Don’t just take our word for it, Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports founder and CEO; Portnoy, notorious for his “One Bite Pizza Reviews”, where he tastes and rates pizzas from all over the world, awarded Calabria’s “Crunchy Thin Pizza” a staggering 8.9 out of 10 which ignited a frenzy for loyal Barstool fans to taste Calabria’s pizza. Their website crashed, with 645 orders the next day. People drove from as far as Pennsylvania lining up for their award winning Crunchy Thin pizza!

CALABRIA RESTAURANT & PIZZA IS OFFERING MUCH MORE THAN QUALITY ITALIAN CUISINE.

Calabria’s pizza is in such demand, they also distribute through Gold Belly, a food delivery service where customers can order food from their favorite restaurants nationwide. Crunchy thin is available with a variety of toppings, our family favorites are their Crunchy Thin Supreme and Mike’s Hot honey. Calabria’s has also been featured on GMA and The Today Show. The best part…we don’t have to drive very far or have it shipped! It’s right here in Livingston, New Jersey! Calabria’s also offers delicious traditional Italian dishes, including appetizers, healthy salads, creative cold and warm sandwiches innovated in their kitchen. You don’t have time to stop by and dine? No worries! Calabria’s offers free delivery with a minimum order of $10 for local deliveries and orders of a minimum of $15 for longer distances. Calabria’s also caters events, with professionally dressed, super friendly and knowledgeable staff of any size party, from home gatherings to weddings and corporate events. More than an award-winning pizzeria and restaurant, they can also host your parties offering small to large gathering spaces, parties of 10 to 180 guests, in their designated events rooms, in Livingston. Ask them about their large options catering menu. They will help you put together a great menu!

On those evenings when you are just too tired to cook, take advantage of Calabria’s special family meal offer that can feed a family of 4 to 6. These ½ tray family meals include a ½ tray of garden salad, choice of pasta types and sauces, a choice of a main dish including chicken parmesan, eggplant parmesan, chicken francese, chicken marsala to name a few, plus, a plain pizza pie, four Italian cookies and a bottle of red or white wine or sangria depending on the night…all for only $58! Yes, including a bottle of wine!

It’s the restaurant’s priority to make everyone feel welcomed, and like “famiglia”. Not only will you find authentic Italian cuisine, made with fresh ingredients, but also classic cocktails, beer and liquor at Calabria’s. So, make the short drive to Calabria’s and you will be welcomed with open arms, and you’ll soon find out why their pizza is rated in the top 1% statewide and 3% nationwide with Barstool.

https://calabrianj.com/

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The Toast of the Town

Nutritious and delicious options for all

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROVIDED

Michele Wardius and her family have always followed a healthy lifestyle, so when she found a franchise opportunity to share delicious and nutritious food and drinks with others, she took it. Toastique, a gourmet toast & juice bar, opened in Chatham last June.

Her daughter, Macey, manages the business on a day-to-day basis. “There’s always something to do and each day brings something new,” says Macey. “It’s fun seeing the progress our employees make and how excited they get when they make a pretty toast or latte.”

Some of the most popular toasts are the Avocado Smash and the Tomato Buratta. The Green Machine smoothie is always a hit, and the Metabolize, a cold-pressed juice, is often requested. High-quality coffees are also served.

For the fall, Toastique will have some seasonal offerings including a juice, oatmeal bowl, soup and an October toast of the month. “Soups are made fresh in house and will switch from day to day throughout the colder months,” says Macey.

Michele and Macey live in Madison and love running a business in Chatham. “We try to get many of our ingredients from local growers,” says Michele. “We do our best to stay organic as much as possible, and we can accommodate vegans, those with nut allergies and other dietary needs or preferences. It’s a quick and healthy option for many people.” Customers often comment that they can taste the fresh ingredients in every bite.”

In addition to Michele and Macey, Michele’s son, Robbi, helps out when he’s home from college, and her eldest daughter,

Mariah, handles most of the social media and emails. It’s been such a great experience that Michele would like to open two more Toastique locations so when her grandchildren get a little older, they can become involved in the family business as well.

“The feedback we get is so positive and a lot of people actually take the time to tell us that they’re really happy we’re here,” says Michele. “We’re very thankful.”

Adds Macey, “I love the customer relationships we’ve developed and seeing our regulars day in and day out as well as newcomers coming up to us amazed after having their first Toastique experience. It really is a place that leaves you feeling good and energized and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

To see the entire menu and try these healthy and delicious food items and beverages for yourself, go to Toastique.com/Chatham

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with this simple recipe.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling: Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.