Coming Home: Full Circle in the Community We Love
There’s something special about coming home. For us, launching the inaugural issue of North Hunterdon City Lifestyle feels just like that. When Jake and I first got married, we lived in Annandale and later Lebanon. I spent 13 years as a guidance counselor at North Hunterdon High School, and so much of who I am today was shaped by this community. To now return as publishers and share stories from Annandale, Clinton, Clinton Township, Bethlehem, Franklin, Union, Alexandria, Hampton, Lebanon, Pittstown, Tewksbury and Flemington—it feels like life has come full circle.
We’re also now parents to four daughters, which means our household is never quiet, rarely tidy and always hungry. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that community matters. Whether it’s sitting at the soccer fields, chatting with neighbors in the grocery store, or gathering around the dinner table, these shared spaces and stories connect us. That’s exactly what North Hunterdon City Lifestyle is here to celebrate.
We’re equally excited to share something brand-new: Garden State City Lifestyle! We’ve joined forces across New Jersey to launch gardenstatecitylifestyle.com, your statewide destination for luxury living, food, fashion and events. We now own seven publications and are curating the best of the best from Bergen, Somerset, Essex, Monmouth and Hunterdon counties. Follow along on Instagram at @gardenstatecitylifestyle for statewide updates. We’re hyped about this launch—and you should be too.
One of our first initiatives is the inaugural Garden State City Lifestyle Restaurant Month. We’ve rounded up some of the top restaurants in northern and central Jersey, each offering exclusive specials just for you. From a complimentary glass of wine to a lobster dinner for two, your dining calendar is covered. Turn to page 30 for the full lineup.
And the features in this issue? They reflect the heart of our region. Meet Nick Berezansky of Central Jersey Exterior Cleaning, who is reimagining home maintenance and even porch décor ( page 24). Be inspired by Mark Drabich, the Funky Fishmonger, whose passion for seafood is contagious—find his story on ( page 10). And don’t miss the story of Nicole Poko, whose Scout’s Coffee Bar + Mercantile has turned High Bridge into a storytelling hub ( page 16).
We’re thrilled to begin this journey with you. Here’s to celebrating community, connection and all the stories that make North Hunterdon shine.
See you around town,
JAKE SLOWINSKI, PUBLISHER
TIFFANY SLOWINSKI, CO-PUBLISHER
@NORTHHUNTERDONCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Carly Mac Manus | carly.macmanus@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Christopher Raisin | christopher.raisin@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kristin Kowalewski | Kristin.Kowalewski@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jessie Fernandez | jessie.fernandez@citylifestyle.com
INTERNS
Sadie Brown, Brooke Messarosh
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Zielinski, Cara Zamorski, HWC, HN, Breast Cancer Survivor, Garden State City Lifestyle
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kartheek Hedge, Christopher Sztybel, Jessielyn Palumbo, Carlos Velez, Anthony M. Gomes, Morgan Elizabeth Creative co., Dickens Jewelers, Veronica Yankowski of Veroluce Photography, Michael Lago, Cara Zamorski, Hunterdon Health, Liz Polo - My Havanna Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Flemington’s first Food Truck Festival served up fan-favorite eats from the Corn, Tomato, and Beer Festival! 2-3: The Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair delivered a week of tractors, music, fireworks, horses and family fun. 4: The Community enjoyed the Annual Music Under the Stars Concert Series at Deer Path Park! 5: Frenchtown’s Bastille Day celebration brought French spirit, unity and festive fun to the community. 6: Flower picking season in Hunterdon County! 7: Mad Lavender Farm, Milford’s magical escape, featured in Jersey’s Best—lavender fields, goats, pure fairytale charm.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
business monthly
Safe Harbor Child Access Centers
A local quilt guild is enormously proud of a recent donation to the Safe Harbor Child Access Centers in Flemington. The Courthouse Quilters Guild raised $3,500 for Safe Harbor at a recent quilt auction with our members. The Guild is always interested in increasing membership, in addition to goodwill we have great informative meetings, speakers, workshops, show & tell, plus more. Feel free to contact us at info@courthousequilters.org or check us out online at http://www.courthousequilters.org/
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACKSON GIESEN
CUTTING, COOKING, AND CRACKING YOU UP — MEET THE FUNKY FISHMONGER
HOOKED ON FLAVOR
Mark Drabich
Mark Drabich — aka the Funky Fishmonger — is over-the-top, passionate and certainly loves to talk fish.
His enthusiasm is contagious, and once you spend any time at
“I taught myself how to cut fish,” he says. “I worked with Salvatore Bracco— his daughter is Lorraine Bracco, from “The Sopranos”—and would watch him cut fish to learn the proper technique.”
“I WROTE THAT NAME ON A NAPKIN IN A BAR IN MANHATTAN. I WANTED TO DENOTE A CERTAIN SOPHISTICATION OF THE VARIETY THAT WE CARRIED.” - MARK DRABICH
Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet in Lebanon, you’ll feel confident in the kitchen, wowing family and friends with restaurant-quality dishes.
“I love it when customers come into the store and announce they’ve never been there before. They’re going to be swept up overwhelming hospitality,” he says. “Here, there’s just one rule: Have a good time. One of my favorite things is watching customers: One of my guys is cutting sashimi for them, another opening oysters and another selling them a whole red snapper. And all having fun in the fish market.”
The gregarious fishmonger has been selling seafood, educating customers and creating experiences at Metropolitan Seafood for close to four decades.
Drabich’s first job was working at a fish market near his home in Hillsborough when he was 15. He went on to gain industry experience as a fish cutter in New York City and Philadelphia.
He became known for his precise knifework—and for his enthusiastic approach to seafood. “For example, with flat fish, the knife goes in backwards: You cut into the tail and push the knife up, kind of a rhythmic knife dance,” he says. “Put 300 pounds of flat fish in front of me, and I’m in my Zen.”
At 23, after college, Drabich launched Metropolitan Seafood, purchasing equipment and taking over the lease of a fish market in Clinton where he had worked summers. “That’s how Metropolitan Seafood started,” he says. “I wrote that name on a napkin in a bar in Manhattan. I wanted to denote a certain sophistication of the variety that we carried.”
In an age when the seafood industry is global, with fisheries jet-setting product to sites thousands of miles away, Drabich sources old-school, purchasing his inventory from the venerable Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx, and other fisheries.
CONTINUED >
“HERE,
THERE’S JUST ONE RULE: HAVE A GOOD TIME." - MARK DRABICH
Interacting with customers — teaching them about seafood, engaging them to try new seafood, showcasing the limitless ways to cook seafood — is Drabich’s greatest joy. He speaks to the “Little Chef” in each household. “The Little Chef is the person who takes the responsibility and puts the love and caring into cooking for their household,” he says.
Drabich recently launched a spice line that that allows Little Chefs to just sprinkle, cook and eat: a Mediterranean blend; Anchovy and Parmesan (“gives that real umami”); Eastern European Smoked Spice; Gochujang; and Smashed Garlic (“put it in butter, on toasted bread and have instantaneous grilled garlic butter”).
To date, he has written over 2,000 recipes to help customers become comfortable and proficient in preparing fresh seafood. A $3 monthly subscription to “The Funky Fishmonger Online Cookbook” will unlock 200 recipes and deliver 16 new recipes each month. “I write these recipes out of desperation, not inspiration. I want you to cook,” he says. “You can make the most specular dishes — assuming you have a great product — at home. I’m less concerned about you learning the recipe as much as I am concerned about you learning the technique.”
View fresh catches, sign up for recipes and peruse the takeout menu at metroseafood.com. Follow Metropolitan Seafood on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook and Drabich @funkyfishmonger.
W H E R E T A I L S W A G &
L I T T L E H E A R T S S M I L E
K9 Resorts of Hillsborough – A Backyard Paradise for Your Pup
Voted Best Doggy Daycare of 2025
Thank you for the trust and support! Our 10,000+ sq. ft. play space is where pups run free and make friends before going home better behaved and full of tailwagging joy Clean artificial turf, fresh air, and lots of love from the staff because your pet deserves a 5-star playdate. Come for a tour to see why K9 Resorts is where happy dogs choose to play.
Meet Your New Favorite Magazine
NORTH HUNTERDON CITY LIFESTYLE
IS HERE TO CELEBRATE COMMUNITY, CULTURE & CONNECTION
Exciting news for North Hunterdon! Garden State City Lifestyle launched a brand-new magazine dedicated to connecting residents with the incredible businesses, people, and events that make our community thrive.
With a fresh vision, we are committed to delivering engaging stories, stunning visuals, and valuable local insights. Our passionate team is dedicated to celebrating the unique culture of the North Hunterdon while providing a platform for businesses to grow and connect with their audience.
Tiffany Slowinski
Jake Slowinski
At the helm is Publisher Jake Slowinski, the visionary leader driving the magazine’s growth and impact. With a passion for storytelling and community engagement, Jake oversees production and strategy, ensuring each issue delivers high-quality content. He currently publishes seven City Lifestyle magazines across Northern and Central New Jersey, fostering meaningful connections one page at a time.
Bringing the magazine’s pages to life is Co-Publisher Tiffany Slowinski. Raising her family in nearby Somerset County Tiffany has a deep appreciation for the local community. With her keen eye for design and artistic flair, she crafts each issue into a visually stunning experience. As Jake’s wife and business partner, Tiffany has been shaping City Lifestyle’s creative direction for six years, blending style and storytelling seamlessly.
Carly Mac Manus Publishing
Christopher Raisin
Sales Director Christopher Raisin is the bridge between businesses and the community. He works closely with local brands to develop impactful advertising that resonates with readers. Passionate about creating meaningful partnerships, Christopher ensures businesses get the visibility they deserve. Interested in advertising? Reach him at christopher.raisin@ citylifestyle.com.
Curating compelling stories and managing the magazine’s digital presence is Publication Director, Carly Mac Manus. She highlights the people, businesses, and events that define the North Hunterdon, ensuring the publication becomes an essential community resource. Have a story to share? Contact Carly at carly.macmanus@citylifestyle.com.
North Hunterdon City Lifestyle is your go-to source for all things local. Stay connected, stay inspired, and let’s celebrate all things local together!
Your Go-To Community Magazine
This marks the beginning of a dynamic new era, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Welcome to the Premier Issue of North Hunterdon City Lifestyle! By blending print, digital, and social media, we share the stories that matter most and bring the community together in exciting ways. To stay in the know, be sure to follow us on social media @ northhunterdoncitylifestyle
BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO POSSIBILITY
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 9–10 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 9–10 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9–10 a.m.
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN ELIZABETH CREATIVE CO.
Brewing Stories, Building Community
NICOLE POKO’S SCOUTS COFFEE BAR IS REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE THE HEART OF A SMALL TOWN.
Nicole Poko knows everyone has a story. This is hers.
When Poko moved to High Bridge in 2015, the former “city girl” from Old Bridge found herself starving for community and meeting people in her new, more rural home. The following year, she noticed that a café on Main Street was closing and decided to take a leap. She bought the equipment and signed a lease, launching Scout’s Coffee Bar + Mercantile, which became more than a place for great coffee.
It became a galvanizing force in the community.
Poko, an artist who had never owned a hospitality business, set about designing a space with its own unique character. “I wanted to provide a
Nicole Poko
comfortable place for neighbors to meet and connect over coffee and to slow down and be in the moment,” she says.
To take this concept to the next level, in 2019, she partnered with actress Kaitlin Overton of No Dominion Theatre Co. to create a community-building event similar to “The Moth” where people connect through the art of shared storytelling.
And in doing so, Poko launched a local movement that put High Bridge on the map as a storytelling destination. In 2024, the Scout’s Story Slam was the subject of the PBS documentary “Here’s The Story: The Tellers of High Bridge.”
Today, the Story Slams, which occur on the fourth Friday of every month, are run by Gina Sampaio, the executive director of Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton, and Will Reisen, an electric combination who Poko says “have a really great balance together.” The structure and rules are simple: Every month has a theme. People who are interested in participating sign their name on a clipboard. They tell stories that are their own, take no longer than five minutes and are true to the best of their memory.
“The stories can be loosely based on the theme,” Poko says. “And we need audience members as much as storytellers. We have people who have come to Story Slam for years and have never told a story, then maybe one day they come up and they tell one story, and they never tell a story again. People listen to the stories, get the vibe and sometimes change their mind throughout the show and put their name on the list if they realize they have a story to tell.”
When people arrive, they find slips of paper on their seat with a warm-up prompt—“one question, like tell us about your first dance,” Poko says—that is submitted anonymously and kicks off the night with funny or heartfelt stories. “People become more vulnerable up front and it also jogs their memories.”
Such is the environment that Poko has curated at Scout’s: one of comfort, companionship and inclusion. “We welcome guests to our café in the same way we welcome people into our homes,” she says. “And I think it’s because of that attitude and mentality that we’ve always had a more comfortable space, one where people feel at home.”
On the other days, Scout’s buzzes with community, connections and conversation over great in-house roasted specialty coffee and a bakery serving treats led by Molly Whitehead, a graduate from Johnson & Wales, who uses recipes developed by Poko.
“We care a lot about quality—where we source our coffee beans and how we roast them—and have an intensive training program for our baristas,” Poko says. “The specialty coffee we serve is in the top 10 percent of the coffee grown.”
Poko credits the people of High Bridge and the surrounding community who make this area such a special place to live and manage a business. “Community love. There is no place like High Bridge,” she says. “You can make a positive impact on people around you so easily here and bring neighbors even closer.”
Learn more at scoutscoffeebar.com.
The Brito family
DICKENS JEWELERS SHINES WITH GENERATIONAL EXPERTISE
In the four generations that the Brito family has been in the jewelry business, their name has become synonymous with quality and trust—from the Diamond District in Manhattan to Main Street in Clinton.
“We are from Cuenca, Ecuador, a city known for its deep heritage of fine jewelry makers,” says Kevin Brito, Vice President of Dickens Jewelers. “My great-grandfather was a jeweler in Ecuador, my grandfather was a certified Master Jeweler, who
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY DICKENS JEWELERS, CHRISTOPHER SZTYBEL
became a master-jeweler in the Diamond District in New York City after moving to the United States. My father, Victor, followed in their footsteps.”
As an example of how dominant Ecuador is in the world of jewelry, Brito says when he was attending a licensed jewelry trade school in New York City, “about 10 people were Tiffany & Co. employees, eight of whom were from Ecuador.”
Victor, the Master Jeweler and Watch Technician at Dickens Jewelers, started working in jewelry manufacturing and hand fabrication when he was 16 and progressed to work for over two decades at Patek Philippe, where he taught polishers an
extremely high level of detail in watch case restoration and has restored and repaired hundreds of thousands of watches. At Dickens, Victor covers all aspects of watch manufacturing and repair.
His mother, Emilia (“Emmi”) is Dickens’ Pearl Master and Gemstone Specialist who gained her certification in Pearl and Beads Stringing and holds certificates in Fine Jewelry Making, Metal and Jewelry Arts. Emmi started her fine jewelry career as a diamond specialist at Rosy Blue in New York City, which is one of the world’s largest diamond manufacturers.
With their 2013 purchase of Dickens Jewelers, which has been open since 1986,
Victor Brito, Master Jeweler and Watch Technician at Dickens Jewelers
“We do the design for you. When you approve it, the design comes out with exact precision.”
—Kevin Brito
Victor and Emmi transitioned from manufacturing to retail to bring their unique level of expertise to Hunterdon County, where they have lived for two decades— since Kevin was in the second grade.
Kevin attended the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where he gained his Graduate Gemologist diploma, a masters program offered by GIA. Kevin also holds certificates in Laser Welding and Laser Cutting/Engraving. He is an experienced diamond and gemstone expert and certified bench jeweler who does work by hand. Having a GIA Graduate Gemologist onsite allows Dickens to grade, identify and appraise diamonds and colored
gemstones quickly. “Other jewelry stores share Graduate Gemologists who come in on set days, but we have the credentials to grade and appraise to GIA standards, the highest standards in the industry, on any day,” he says.
Their expertise sets them apart in terms of pricing, speed and precision work.
“What we bring differently to the table is our history in the manufacturing world. While other jewelry stores outsource their finished jewelry through overseas avenues like India, we set and assemble custom rings in-house,” Brito says. “For example, if you want a custom engagement ring, it could take an average of three months at
Emilia (“Emmi”) Brito, Dickens Jewelers Pearl Master and Gemstone Specialist
jewelers who rely on manufacturers or overseas parts. Here, everything is made in the United States and we set and assemble every piece in-house.”
Brito notes that they can deliver under any time frame—“I have had clients who have come to us to create an engagement ring for pick up the following day,” he notes—and since they do all the work, they do not have to pay other people, which allows them to pass on the cost savings to customers.
In addition to gemological services, Dickens provides professional laser cutting, engraving and welding. “I do everything under a microscope, welding at, say, 40 times magnified, so everything is precise,” Brito says. Using a Class 4 laser, he can engrave monograms, emblems and words on all surfaces except plastic. “We do the design for you. When you approve it, the design comes out with exact precision,” he says. “We are the only jewelry store in the state with a Class 4 laser engraver/cutter.”
The family has enjoyed living in Clinton—“a small, historic town where everybody knows everybody,” Brito says— for two decades. But people always ask: Who is Dickens? “The name comes from the store’s previous location on Dickens Lane,” Brito says. He notes that the name has extra resonance during Dickens’ Days, the annual event that transforms Clinton into a Victorian Village and pays tribute to another Dickens: Charles Dickens, author of A Christmas Carol , a story that reminds us about the importance of giving, no matter the season.
Find out more at www.dickensjewelersnj.com.
Kevin Brito, Vice President of Dickens Jewelers
“MEET ME IN
NEW JERSEY” PUTS LOCAL STORIES ON THE BIG SCREEN
Cinematic series brings towns and residents into the spotlight
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VERONICA YANKOWSKI OF VEROLUCE PHOTOGRAPHY
A new independent film series is reshaping how stories are told in New Jersey—turning local neighborhoods into backdrops, small businesses into scene-stealers, and everyday residents into leading characters.
Meet Me In New Jersey, a locally rooted, cinematic project from filmmaker and media entrepreneur Tanya Lashley, premiered to a sold-out crowd earlier this year and is already making waves across the state. With its mix of scripted drama, documentary-style authenticity, and hometown pride, the series is offering something rarely seen in local media: a polished, artistic take on life in the Garden State.
“This isn’t a commercial. This isn’t a reality show. This is a movement,” said Lashley, the series' founder and executive producer. “We’re telling authentic, cinematic stories while staying deeply connected to the communities they come from.”
Each episode is filmed on location in New Jersey towns, featuring real residents alongside local businesses. Rather than focusing on advertising, the show weaves these elements into its fictional storylines, creating a blend of narrative and reality that reflects the character of the communities it portrays.
At the series premiere, held at Ashton Farms in Hunterdon County, the energy was palpable. Attendees included cast members, town officials, local business owners, and supporters of the arts—all drawn by the show’s unique approach to community storytelling.
The project’s visual style and production quality set it apart from other regional media. Episodes are shot with a cinematic eye, combining narrative arcs with unscripted moments that showcase the personality of each town. From downtown main streets to family-owned restaurants, every location is chosen to highlight New Jersey’s diversity, history, and sense of place.
“The stories we tell are grounded in reality,” Lashley said. “We’re showing how communities come together, how businesses adapt, and how people support each other. And we’re doing it with heart and cinematic flair.”
The team behind Meet Me In New Jersey is already seeing interest from towns across the state, as well as conversations about expanding the format to other regions. Still, the heart of the project remains its local focus—giving New Jersey residents a chance to see themselves and their neighbors reflected on screen.
The show also offers a platform for community collaboration. Residents are encouraged to get involved both on screen and behind the scenes, from acting roles to helping with set design, production assistance, and community outreach.
“People aren’t just watching this—they’re participating in it,” said Lashley. “That’s what makes it different. We’re building something that people feel a part of.”
As the series continues to gain traction, it has sparked conversation about how media can better represent small towns, independent businesses, and local culture in a meaningful way. By elevating the everyday stories that shape New Jersey communities, Meet Me In New Jersey is positioning itself not just as entertainment, but as a new kind of local journalism—one told through a filmmaker’s lens.
More than anything, Lashley sees the project as a celebration of the state she calls home. “There’s so much depth and beauty here. This series is a way to capture that— one town, one story at a time.”
Fun fact: Our very own publisher, Tiffany Slowinski, is a character on the series. Tune in to see her in action. For media inquiries, interviews or sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Tanya Lashley, Executive Producer, Meet Me in New Jersey
Phone: 973-313-4415
Email: Tanya@meetmeinnewjersey.com
Website: meetmeinnewjersey.com
Central Jersey Exterior Cleaning Brings Style and Service to the Season
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL LAGO
Fall is here. As families juggle packed weekends and cozy evenings, Central Jersey Exterior Cleaning offers a one-stop solution to help homeowners keep their spaces clean, safe and stylish—without lifting a finger.
Nick Berezansky, owner of the rebranded Central Jersey Exterior Cleaning, launched the company in 2021 after nearly two decades in commercial landscaping. Originally operating as Hidden Valley Outdoors, the name change reflects a clearer mission and geographic focus.
“There was a lot of confusion about what we did,” Berezansky says. “Now, people see the name and immediately understand we’re all about exterior home care—roof to patio and everything in between.”
The company provides a wide range of services, including house and roof soft washing, gutter cleaning and guards, window washing, wood restoration, paver sealing, and screen repair. In addition to year-round maintenance, Berezansky is also leaning into the season ahead with offerings in fall porch décor and holiday lighting.
“We’re really highlighting fall porch setups this year,” he shares. “It’s something I did commercially for years—lobby displays, HOA entranceways, even spooky Halloween themes. Now we’re bringing that creativity to homeowners.”
Clients can choose from several décor packages, with options including hay bales, corn stalks, mums, pumpkins and gourds. The displays are tailored to fit porches large and small, with the ability to scale up for columns, staircases or entryways.
“It’s one more thing families don’t have to worry about,” Berezansky notes. “Fall is busy—sports, school, work. Let us handle the decorating so you can enjoy the season.”
Beyond aesthetics, Berezansky is also focused on preventative home maintenance, especially as cooler weather nears.
“Gutter cleaning is a big one in the fall,” he explains. “Nobody wants to be up on a ladder during a storm clearing out leaves. That’s why we developed our peace-of-mind program.”
The company’s subscription maintenance plan includes quarterly gutter cleanings, house washing, window and screen cleaning, and dryer vent service—all spread out over 12 monthly payments. Highertier plans add furniture cleaning, all-natural tick and mosquito control, and even interior window washing.
“It’s all about consistency and budgeting,” Berezansky notes. “You get scheduled visits, trusted technicians, and a cleaner, safer home year-round.”
He’s also quick to point out that regular maintenance isn’t just about appearance— it’s about protection. Insurance companies are increasingly scrutinizing how well homes are cared for, especially when it comes to roofs and gutters.
“We’ve seen people get claims denied because their roof looked like a garden,” he says. “Maintenance matters. It keeps your investments functioning and protected.”
Looking ahead, Berezansky hopes to grow his team and expand deeper into Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Within five years, the goal is to grow to 1,000 clients with dedicated crews assigned to each homeowner for a more personalized touch.
“I want people to feel confident,” he shares. “When Mrs. Smith calls, she knows exactly who’s coming and what they’re doing. We want to make life easier.”
From seasonal décor to stress-free home upkeep, Central Jersey Exterior Cleaning is poised to be a fall essential for homeowners looking to refresh their homes and reclaim their time.
CENTRAL JERSEY EXTERIOR CLEANING
Services Offered:
– House & Roof Soft Washing
– Gutter Cleaning & Gutter Guards
– Window & Screen Cleaning
– Deck & Wood Restoration
– Paver Sanding & Sealing
– Solar Panel Cleaning
– Seasonal Porch Décor & Holiday Lighting
– All-Natural Tick & Mosquito Control
Phone: (609) 255-7143
Website: centraljerseyexteriorcleaning.com
Address: 1 Beryl Ct, Kendall Park
Nick Berezansky
October is GARDEN STATE CITY LIFESTYLE RESTAURANT MONTH!
Explore New Jersey’s Best Bites: Exclusive October Offers, Chef Specials, and Culinary Surprises Await
It’s our inaugural Garden State City Lifestyle Restaurant Month, and we’ve partnered with top New Jersey restaurants to bring exclusive specials to you throughout October. From fine dining to casual bites, these offers are our treat to you.
Visit any of these featured establishments this month and ask for the “Garden State City Lifestyle Special” to receive one of the offers below.
CLINTON HOUSE – CLINTON
Address: 2 West Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Website: theclintonhouse.com
Offer: Signature Tasting Menu $100 (valued at $120) | Add Wine Pairings for $60
FIRST COURSE
Spicy jumbo lump crab meat on crisp lettuce with dill
Lobster bisque with tender lobster chunks
Smoked salmon with Royal Osetra caviar, goat cheese, and crostini
Paired with Miner Viognier
SECOND COURSE
Two fried oysters over creamy spinach
Two Clams Casino with fresh lemon
Paired with Archery Summit Pinot Gris
THIRD COURSE
Stuffed shrimp over lemon butter rice, garnished with sweet drop peppers and lemon
Paired with Merryvale Chardonnay
FOURTH COURSE
Lamb lollipop with mint pesto, roasted cherry tomatoes, and whipped potatoes
Paired with Chappellet
FIFTH COURSE
Filet medallion with crabmeat béarnaiseand tender asparagus
Paired with Elk Cove Pinot Noir
SIXTH COURSE
Decadent chocolate lava cake with molten center, served warm
Paired with Sauternes
ARTICLE BY GARDEN STATE CITY LIFESTYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL LAGO, LIZ POLO - MY HAVANNA PHOTOGRAPHY
DE MARTINO’S – SOMERVILLE
Address: 9 Davenport St, Somerville, NJ 08876
Website: demartinolatin.com
Offer: “Fluffy for Fifty” — Half-price Classic Buttermilk Pancakes weekdays in October (Dine in only)
FOCACCERIA RISTORANTE – BASKING RIDGE
Address: 26 Church St, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Website: focacceria26.com
Offer: Seasonal appetizer special
FOGO DE CHÃO – BRIDGEWATER
Address: 400 Commons Way, Suite 279, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Website: fogodechao.com/location/ bridgewater
Offer: Complimentary dessert
GIOVANNI’S – SOUTH BOUND BROOK
Address: 113 Clinton Street, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880
Website: giovannis-nj.com
Offer: Complimentary dessert (one offer per table)
JUNIPER HILL RESTAURANT AND BAR – ANNANDALE
Address: 73 Beaver Ave, Annandale, NJ 08801
Website: juniper-hill.com
Offer: Complimentary glass of wine or draft beer for anyone joining us for lunch (Tuesday–Friday, 12–3) for October
MAIN STREET CRAVINGS – CLINTON
Address: 3 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809
Website: mainstreetcravings.square.site
Offer: Complimentary fountain drink with purcha se
MARINELLI’S – HAMPTON
Address: 505 NJ-12, Flemington, NJ 08822
Website: marinellisrestaurant.com
Offer: 10% off the total bill
MASON’S FAMOUS LOBSTER ROLLS – LONG BRANCH
Address: 78 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, NJ
Website: masonslobster.com/
locations/long-branch-nj
Offer: 15% off the total bill
MAX’S BAR AND GRILL – LONG BRANCH
Address: 25 Matilda Terrace, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Website: MaxsBarAndGrillNJ.com
Offer: Buy one entrée, get one 50% off
METROPOLITAN SEAFOOD & GOURMET – LEBANON
Address: 1320 Rt. 22 West, Lebanon, NJ 08833
Website: metroseafood.com
Offer: Lobster dinner for two special
OSTERIA CRESCENDO – WESTWOOD
Address: 36 Jefferson Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675
Website: OsteriaCrescendo.com
Offer: Garden State City Lifestyle Roasted Beet Mezza Luna Special (lemon, poppy seed, brussels sprouts, chive)
OSTERIA MORINI – BERNARDSVILLE
Address: 107 Morristown Road (Route 202 N), Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Website: osteriamorini.com/ bernardsville-nj
O ffer: Cicchetti Sampler of 3 (Melone, Panzanella & Beets)
RED HORSE BY DAVID BURKE – BERNARDSVILLE
Address: 27 Minebrook Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Website: redhorsebydb.com/ restaurant-bernards
Offer: Complimentary appetizer or dessert with entree purchase
RED HORSE BY DAVID BURKE – RUMSON
Address: 26 Ridge Road, Rumson, NJ 07760
Website: redhorsebydb.com
Offer: Complimentary appetizer or dessert with entree purchase
SWEET T’S SOUTHERN EATERY – MONTCLAIR
Address: 387 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Website: sweettseatery.com
Offer: 10% off total bill
VIAGGIO RISTORANTE – WAYNE
Address: 1055 Hamburg Tpke, Wayne, NJ 07470
Website: viaggioristorante.com
Offer: Barchette Special (Butternut squash, fall spiced agrodulce, brown butter, sage)
Eat up! And don’t forget to follow @gardenstatecitylifestyle for sneak peeks, chef spotlights and gift card giveaways throughout October to some of the best restaurants in the state.
events
SEPTEMBER 21ST
Sew-In
with Guild Members
Hunterdon County Complex - Route 12, Flemington | 6:30 PM
Courthouse Quilters will host a free Sew-In with guild members from 1 to 5 p.m. A lecture by Meg Cox, Talking to History: Help Your Quilts Tell Their Stories, will follow from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visit courthousequilters.org/chq202509-program.html for more information.
OCTOBER 2025
Haunted Red Mill
The Red Mill Museum, Clinton
The Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton will once again host its Haunted Red Mill, one of New Jersey’s top-rated Halloween scare attractions and the museum’s biggest fundraiser. Visitors can expect terrifying mazes, eerie trails, a slow hayride along the river, and a walk through Clinton’s most haunted building. The event runs Fridays and Saturdays, October 3–26.
OCTOBER 1ST
Never Too Late (Comedy Farce)
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton Township | 11:30 AM
Sept. 16–Oct. 18, 2025 — Matinees at 11:30 a.m. (Mon–Sat), 2:30 p.m. (Sun); dinner, dessert and drinks included.
OCTOBER 4TH
Hunterdon Harvest Fest
71 Main St, Flemington | 11:00 AM
Celebrate the season with live music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities at this annual festival.
OCTOBER 13TH
Far Hills Country Day School Family Music Class
697 US-202, Far Hills | 8:30 AM
Join Far Hills Country Day School for a joyful and engaging Family Music Class at Far Hills! Designed for children ages 6 months to 4 years and their caregivers, these classes are the perfect opportunity to explore music through movement, singing, and play. Led by their award-winning music teacher, each session nurtures your child’s natural musicality while building connection and community. Classes are open to the public, free, and held on our beautiful campus—come make music with them!
OCTOBER 17TH
Far Hills Country Day School
Virtual Via Zoom | 12:00 PM
Admission Process Zoom: Lunch & Learn Series
Thinking about applying to Far Hills? Join Director of Admission and Enrollment Management Meg Ahern for a virtual Lunch & Learn session that walks you through the Far Hills admission process. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to apply, this informal Zoom session is a great chance to ask questions, learn what to expect, and get a feel for our warm, welcoming community. Register now to receive the Zoom credentials! Want
CLINTON HEALTH CAMPUS 1738 Route 31, North Clinton, NJ 08809
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
908-735-3955
Hunterdon Advanced Imaging at Clinton
908-237-4150
Hunterdon Health & Wellness Center
908-735-6884
Hunterdon Family Medicine at Riverfield
908-735-4645
Heart & Vascular Center
908-735-6275
Hunterdon Pediatric Associates
908-735-3960
Physical and Occupational Therapy 908-735-3930
Laboratory Services
908-735-3950
