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Scotch Plains, NJ January 2024

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Health & Wellness

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HAPPY NEW YEAR SCOTCH PLAINS & FANWOOD!

I’m Your Local Real Estate Expert!

I live in your town | My kids go to your schools My office has been in your town since 1961 Let’s talk real estate Alicia Holden, Real estate professional specializing in Scotch Plains/Fanwood. Proudly servicing Union, Somerset and Middlesex Counties. MASTER NEGOTIATOR AND LISTING EXPERT FOR Residential Properties | Investment Properties | Flipping Landlords | Multi Family Properties | Relocating

ERA SUBURB REALTY 1773 E 2ND ST, SCOTCH PLAINS NJ 07076 OFFICE 908-322-4434

ALICIA HOLDEN - REALTOR CELL 908-377-4739 ALICIAHOLDENERA@GMAIL.COM HOLDENTHEKEYS.COM #HOLDENTHEKEYS


LIFESTYLE LETTER

Cheers to you!

January 2024 PUBLISHER

Lynn Harris | lynn.harris@citylifestyle.com SAL E S D I R E C TO R

Kevin Harris | kevin.harris@citylifestyle.com

The New Year is an opportunity to reflect on 2023 and to approach the year ahead with purpose and intention. A lot of emphasis is placed on this being a time to make big changes in our lives and while this can prove to be a useful motivator for many, it is also important to recognize that meaningful transitions and milestones are happening all year round. We approached this issue of Scotch Plains City Lifestyle from a mindset of not just supplying quick fixes to check boxes in the short term but valuing what is sustainable over the long haul. We wanted to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, long-term improvements to your physical, emotional and mental health. The habits you can create will promote and maintain a healthy lifestyle. With the New Year comes a sense of new beginnings and of looking to the future. It’s also a time and space for reflecting back on the previous year. This can be one of the most helpful parts of this time of year, as we can look back to where we were this time last year and note the differences in ourselves. For me, I reflect on the lasting friendships I have created this year and the small moments I have shared with my children as they grow older. So as we turn the page on 2023 and look to 2024 we should take the opportunity to think about what will make this year even better than our last. Whether it's trying a new gym or nutrition program, taking a vacation, starting a new job, or simply spending more time with family, find the things in your life that will make your year more peaceful, filling and fabulous! Here’s to you! We’re rooting for you.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Josephine Antonucci, Caitlin Froom C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Craig Smith

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LY N N H A R R I S , P U B L I S H E R @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Scotch Plains City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Scotch Plains area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/SCOTCHPLAINS

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Scotch Plains City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.


inside the issue JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

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Featured

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Local Fitness Roundup

Fitness Options for Every Lifestyle

A Holistic Approach to Food

The Reason Behind Mettacasa’s Organic, Vegan and Vegetarian Food

On the Cover

Departments

Mettacasa Cafe’s healthy baked goods include their famous banana bread. Check out the recipe on page 18.

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Our Town FOOD + BEVERAGE

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Hot Spot FOOD + BEVERAGE

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Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Chef ’s Selection TRAVEL

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Eat Right WELLNESS

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Realty Report REAL ESTATE

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Events

Tips for a Healthy New Year

Dr. Rolnick offers expert advice on how to stay healthy.

Photography: Craig Smith


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JANUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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@ANGELINAS_BISTRO_AND_CATERING

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@CAFFREYTREE

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GREG ROSER

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MORGAN KNIGHT

1: Caffrey Tree & Landscaping hang holiday lights on the town tree 2: Angelina’s Bistro & Catering ribbon cutting in downtown Scotch Plains 3: Holiday Artisan Market vendors at the last Farmer’s Market of 2023 4: Boy Scout, Robert Taeschler, collects items for the Scouting for Food drive 5: The Paal sisters are joined by the SP Fire Department on Walk to School Day 6: Mac Bastable and Olivia Gomez star in SPFHS’s production of Romeo and Juliet 7: Creator and founder Greg Roser has delighted the community for 35 years with “Fanwood’s Famous Christmas House”

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ S C O T C H P L A I N S C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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C I T Y SC E N E


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JANUARY 2024

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Individual Physical Therapy Opens New Location in Scotch Plains Scotch Plains residents and owners of Individual PT, Jay and Kate Neiswinter, opened their third location at 1718 East 2nd Street. The boutique physical therapy practice also has locations in Westfield and Gillette. Customizing services to meet individual needs, the physical therapists provide one-on-one sessions in private treatment rooms.

Scan to read more

Scotch Plains Recognizes Small Business Saturday At the Scotch Plains Council Meeting on November 13th, Lisa Mohn, president of the Scotch Plains Business & Professional Organization and owner of Apple Blossom Flower Shop, accepted a Proclamation recognizing Small Business Saturday.

Photo credit @scotchplains

Local Apparel Business, FlyThree, Takes Off and Supports the Community Fanwood resident and single father of two boys, Michael Griz, created a sports apparel, custom logo and clothing business named FlyThree. Established in 2023, Griz's family business includes fun and comfortable apparel, including new and creative designs featuring Scotch Plains and Fanwood spirit wear that can be found and purchased at Fanwood Pharmacy. A portion of the the proceeds are donated to the SPF Board of Education.

Photo credit Michael Griz

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / S C O T C H P L A I N S

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY


www.activelifefitness.net | 908.389.8009 94 North Ave, Garwood

Attention Women & Men, age 40+, living in Scotch Plains-Fanwood! Do you want to jumpstart your weight loss, feel younger, & improve your health? Active Life Fitness in Garwood is for YOU! Active Life Fitness in Garwood is THE local gym for beginners and “non-gym” people who have unsuccessfully tried all the fad diets and are afraid of getting hurt doing workouts designed for people half their age. Reclaim your youthful energy and confidence with our proven workout program, expert personal trainers, and easy-to-implement, real-world nutrition plan!

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LOCAL FITNESS

ROUNDUP Fitness Options for Every Lifestyle ARTICLE BY JOSEPHINE ANTONUCCI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY FITNESS CENTERS

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O UR TOWN | FO O D + BEV E RAGE


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1 1 . AC T I V E L I F E F I T N E SS

Catering to ages 40 and over, Active Life Fitness offers personalized fitness attention through one-on-one personal training, small group training and online personal training. Members can also take advantage of nutrition diet coaching for full-body care. Active Life Fitness encourages members of all fitness levels with programs tailored to individual needs and experience. www.activelifefitness.net

2. BA RRE3

3. ENDUR E TR A INING CO

Barre3 offers a science-backed fitness plan based on strength, cardio and mindfulness. A combination of low-impact isometric moves, large-range cardio bursts, and mind-centering breathwork enable a customized experience for all skill levels to feel comfortable. Members can also take advantage of virtual sessions and on-the-go sessions so you never miss a workout. www.barre3.com/ studio-locations/westfield

Endure’s personalized workout and nutrition plans will help you reach your fitness goals quicker. Whether you want to build strength, increase speed, build endurance, or lose weight, Endure has you covered. Their personalized plans provide sustainable results while their coaches ensure proper technique and form. Members can also take advantage of nutrition guidance and one-on-one coaching. www.enduretrainingco.com

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5. PEA K SPORTS AC A DEM Y Peak offers youth sports programs at a stateof-the-art sports complex such as basketball and volleyball leagues, camps and open gym sessions. They also hold youth training classes for grades 2-12 in the Peak Performance Center to develop physical and mental skills through various strength and conditioning techniques. www.peaksportsacademynj.com

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4. HOT WOR X

6. PR ET T Y BEA STMODE FITNESS & NUTR ITION

Sweat it out during HOTWORX’s infrared sauna workouts, designed to raise your body temperature and heart rate, leading to sped up metabolism and maximum calorie burn. Workouts include HIIT and Isometric (I.e. yoga, Pilates). Working out in an infrared energy environment can activate and strengthen the body’s regenerative process, speeding up recovery. www.hotworx.net/studio/garwood-north-ave

PrettyBeastMode Fitness offers customized workouts and nutrition guidance to fit each member’s individualized fitness goals. PBM creates a supportive environment where clients can become uncomfortable to promote growth. Members learn how to break bad habits and form new ones, such as replacing unhealthy food relationships with feel-good workout sessions to show results on and off the scale. www.prettybeastmode.com

O UR TOWN | FO O D + BEV E RAGE


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A Holistic Approach to Food THE REASON BEHIND METTACASA’S ORGANIC, VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FOODS

In American culture, we learn about modern medicine and how prescription medications can make us feel better, become healthier, and heal. While the advancements in modern medicine can be life-saving, there are holistic approaches to help build stronger and healthier bodies from the inside out. Samantha Kowalczyk, owner of Mettacasa Cafe, shares her knowledge and story with the Scotch Plains community, the place she has called home for decades.

A Journey to Health In 2011, Kowalczyk tragically lost her sister to cancer and immediately became interested in how food plays a role in our health. Two years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and it was then that she took her previous knowledge of how foods impact us and her degree in Integrative Nutrition to create her own healing plan. She has studied over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle techniques, and coaching methods in her career and has used her subject matter expertise to create recipes and nutritional programs to unlock and enhance our natural healing power. “I felt that some modern medicine is only a ‘band-aid’ and does not address the root of the issue…I believe a whole, unrefined, or minimally refined plant based food diet and the exclusion of meat, dairy products, eggs, and highly refined foods such as bleached flour and refined sugar in today’s world would benefit anyone’s health,” she says. Her passion and extensive nutritional research paved the way for her to create Mettacasa Cafe and help those in her community that may be feeling the way she did or who are simply looking for a healthier, holistic lifestyle. As a certified Holistic Health Coach and Cancer survivor, Kowalczyk loves helping people discover healthier ways of eating and educating them on how food can benefit their mind, body and soul. The bright and colorful cafe menu is

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN FROOM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH

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H OT SP OT | FO O D + BEVERAGE


specifically designed to be vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Each dish is packed with fresh flavors that are healthy and delicious. With unique options such as coconut ginger pumpkin soup and cookie dough hummus, Kowalczyk seamlessly combines whole food ingredients to create unique, indulgent dishes. If you’re looking to transition into a foodguided wellness journey and are unsure where to start, Mettacasa Cafe makes it easy with a one-on-one nutrition consultation to create a personalized menu based on what your goals and food preferences are. Another option is a three-day organic, vegan and gluten-free cleanse that includes a breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner, natural supplements and herbal teas that are designed to reset your digestive system. “What I personally love about our cleanse is that there is actually food in it! Many cleanses will only offer liquids and while I always did well on them, I missed eating,” says Kowalczyk. “We offer 3 days of breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack along with supplements, herbal teas and a Facebook page to keep you accountable and asking questions.” On top of all these great options, Mettacasa Cafe also offers a convenient delivery service which includes customizable meal plans to the Scotch Plains, Fanwood and Westfield area. While food is a great resource to appease the mind, body, and soul, Kowalczyk also promotes other ways to achieve a fulfilling, holistic lifestyle. Her personal favorites include yoga, acupuncture and meditation. “Yoga helps with mental wellness which can hurt or help your physical well being, [and] I’ve been seeing Lauren at TLC Acupuncture for ten years,” she says. TLC Acupunture along with Root to Rise Yoga are both located in the same space as MettaCasa Cafe at 2015 Westfield Avenue in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. TLC, Root to Rise, and Mettacasa all share the belief in holistic healing through the mind, body, and soul. Kowalczyk has perfected natural healing and spreads her knowledge of food through Mettacasa Cafe.

“I felt that some modern medicine is only a ‘band-aid’ and does not address the root of the issue.” CONTINUED >

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“Her discovery and passion paved the way for her to create Mettacasa Cafe and help those in her community that may be feeling the way she did or are simply looking for a healthier, holistic lifestyle.”

Here is just a sneak peek at the yummy goodies you can indulge in there – the recipe to her famous vegan banana bread! • 3 ripe bananas • 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup white sugar • 2 tsp vanilla • 1/3 cup coconut oil • 2 cups AP flour • 1 tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 cup walnuts Set oven to 350. Smash bananas in a bowl. Add sugars, vanilla, and oil. Mix with a wooden spoon. Add in flour. Sprinkle the salt, cinnamon and baking powder over the flour. Mix. Add in walnuts. Mix. Put in a greased bread pan. Add some extra walnuts on the top and sprinkle a little brown sugar over the top. Cook 1 hour, 4 minutes.

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ARTICLE BY JOSEPHINE ANTONUCCI

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY

new year DR. ROLNICK, THE LEAD DOCTOR AT BEE KIND PEDIATRICS IN WESTFIELD, NJ, OFFERS EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO STAY HEALTHY.

“It is never too late to make a change; do not underestimate the power of habit. Choose something With numerous publications, presentations, and awards, Dr. Rolnick is a decorated leader with superior clinical expertise and a passion for helping children and mothers. Currently, Dr. Rolnick specializes in general pediatrics while caring for her young son.

achievable and stick to it. Once you have made it a habit, choose another. Keep going, we can always improve ourselves.”

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS


What advice do you have on how to keep our families healthy this winter? The most important part of keeping healthy is good preventative care. Vitamin D is crucial to our immune system and we tend to have lower stores during the winter. It has been shown to reduce the number of days of upper respiratory tract illnesses (URI) in randomized controlled trials. Try to focus on minimally processed, or even better, whole foods with micronutrients (vitamin D, zinc, amino acids) that are vital to our immune system. Another study shows that children who had more steps per day had less days of URI-like symptoms proving the importance of physical exercise. Good prevention measures include seeing your doctor regularly, staying up-to-date on vaccinations and good hand hygiene.

What are the key differences between a common cold and an illness that requires a doctor’s attention? Signs of respiratory distress including breathing fast, and using extra muscle to help breathe, where the muscles between the rib may be moving in and out, require a doctor’s attention. Other symptoms include a persistent fever (more than 48hr of greater than 100.4F), worsening fever, or irritability even after treating the fever. A persistent fever may be a sign of a bacterial infection, which is more likely after a viral infection in general.

Now that the holidays are over, what advice would you give to those of us who indulged a little too much and want to get back on track with our diet? It is never too late to make a change; do not underestimate the power of habit. Pick one goal that you want to work on a week, even something as small as drinking one glass of water before anything else in the morning, and commit to it. Choose something achievable and stick to it. Once you have made it a habit, choose another. Keep going, we can always improve ourselves.

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“Fi nd t he t h i ng s t hat you love . Ta ke t he st re s s out of fo o d . Fe e d p e ople b e c au s e a l l t hey re a l ly c a re a b out i s sp end i ng t i me w it h you . Br i ng joy back i nt o t he k it chen .

Br ing ing Joy B ack i nto the K itchen

Chef Dennis Prescott Talks Falling in Love with Feeding People and the Connection Food Creates Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @DennisThePrescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on. Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s journey began while in university with a single invitation from another solo musician

who asked him to tour with them around the US. This eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records and pursuing their musical dreams. After searching for nearly 10 years, Dennis felt he finally found a home in Nashville living amongst an entire city of creatives. Yet, in the midst of all of this, Dennis was not taking care of himself — eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had become a way of life. A friend had a “come to Jesus” moment with him and stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself. Having no idea exactly what that meant or how to do so, the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.” The problem was that the world was different then, and the accessibility to knowledgeable guidance had Dennis at a loss. He knew his bad eating habits weren’t good for mind, body or spirit, but he didn’t know where to begin to make changes. YouTube didn’t exist and he was not going to culinary school yet at this stage in his life. However, Prescott thought to himself, “I KNOW good food because I have literally traveled all over America, all over Canada, and into Europe with my music, eating great food and learning what I like.”

CONTINUED >

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The St ar t

I f I c a n i n spi re more t i me a s a c om mu n it y at t he t a ble , t hen t hat ’s a w i n .”

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“Go to the library and borrow some cookbooks,” his friend suggested. Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed three books only to have his friend ask why he chose those in particular. Dennis remembers saying verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really happy too!” As it turned out they were three books by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who Jamie Oliver was at the time. Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment. “I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment. I didn’t realize that you can create these beautiful experiential moments at the table in the same way that I did playing someone’s favorite love song. Knowing that that was a thing to me was the most fascinating thing in the world.” From that point on it felt like he was cooking constantly and he realized very quickly that he was actually better at food than he was at music — go figure. Dennis even got to the point where he was cooking so much that he started to forget what recipes he had successfully made, so he began a photo journal and started taking photos of all his completed dishes. The same friend who guided Dennis into finding his path to eating better foods asked, “Have you heard of this app called Instagram? It’s pretty cool, and I think you should download it.” And so it began like it does for most; Dennis began posting photos for the next few years, with every one of them being a food photo. He soon realized there was a “whole global food community who loved to share food stories.” “All of that was initially with no agenda, no intentionality; I just loved it and I wanted to share. I fell in love with feeding people.” “If I can inspire more time as a community at the table, then that’s a win.”


Regarding social media, Dennis’s professional advice is to check your DMs. A person who worked at Food & Wine Magazine at the time sent him a DM, asking if he would do recipes for the magazine, which turned into writing a monthly column. That experience helped him land a cookbook deal, which led to a wealth of TV and media publicity and Dennis feels he owes a lot of his success to that first opportunity with Food & Wine Magazine for taking a chance on him and giving him an elevated platform. Oh, and did we mention he is a self-taught photographer who now does all of his own food shots? This guy has drive. His drive and innate talents ultimately led him to the opportunity of a lifetime via another DM. This time, it was a Netflix executive producer who offered him the chance to work for two seasons on Restaurants on the Edge, a show where “three food and design experts travel the world to revive failing restaurants by connecting them to the local culture beyond their gorgeous views.“ What followed were 13 episodes over nine months where they traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland. “I ate food and experienced new ingredients, and I grew so much as a chef just working on this show.” Dennis stresses what a spectacular journey it is to eat foods in their most natural state. “We can all eat a mango that you buy from a great grocery store, and then you eat a mango that you picked from a tree and you go, AHHH that’s what it’s supposed to taste like! And I think that’s what travel does. I’ve been so fortunate to travel and co-write The Chefs’ Manifesto for the world food program for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” which takes him to a lot of developing communities in places like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. CONTINUED >

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“ W hen you get of f t he b e at en pat h a l it t le bit , you le a r n t he d i f ferenc e b et we en vac at ion a nd t ravel .

Travel Recom mend at ions for Foodies “Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.” Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland. “Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.” In his travels, Dennis is a huge advocate for supporting local businesses. “Everywhere that you live now you can access local goods. There are farmers markets everywhere. There are also stores that only bring in local products. Chefs understand that we can only operate with the actual heroes of the culinary world, who are our fishermen, our farmers, our producers and providers. Restaurants on the Edge is important and meaningful to Chef Prescott because it tells stories of hope and joy and redemption around the kitchen. Oftentimes the food space can be very stressful, but he believes that at the end of the day, people just want to spend time with other people that they love. One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’ Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there. Learn how to make those dishes and they will inspire more ideas and creations. “Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.” Dennis is also a @traegergrills Pro Team Ambassador. “Grilling is inherently communal. You talk to your neighbors, they smell it, they ask you what you’re cooking; the whole act of it is a community.” Ultimately, Dennis warns it’s all about the slippery slope of falling in love — falling in love with a better, more meaningful lifestyle, new dishes, new ingredients and traveling to find those things. All of it turns into something that’s much bigger than you expected, but at the end of the day it’s because you fell in love with feeding people.

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COMING SOON 2 5 0 S o u t h Ave Fa nwo o d , N J | 9 0 8 - 7 5 4 - 2 0 8 0 | j e s s i c a s n j . c o m jessicasfanwood@gmail.com

B EC AUSE YOUR S MI L E IS OU R PASSION We are so happy to be a part of the inaugural issue of City Lifestyle! We have been proudly serving the dental needs of the Scotch Plains/Fanwood area for almost 25 years. Our office prides itself on being a welcoming, friendly, and fun place that strives to make our patients love coming to the dentist. We see patients of all ages and are always welcoming new patients to our dental family.

Google Reviews

Robert J. Martino, DDS | Allison C. Sceppaguercio, DMD

drmartinodentist.com | 732-382-8280 152 Central Ave, Clark, NJ 07066 JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

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SMOOTHIE BOWLS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

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EAT R IGH T | W EL L NES S


Start your day with a nutritious and vitamin-packed breakfast. Smoothie bowls are a great way to add a variety of fruits and vegetables. Top with chia or flax seeds for an extra omega-3 boost, nuts or seeds for added protein, or sliced fruit for additional vitamins and fiber. Including a hint of turmeric or ginger can aid in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can aid in cellular repair and gut health, and smoothie bowls are a delicious way to incorporate more into your day. Try this simple recipe, or create your own combination to give your health a boost.

Make Your Move with Mary!

Carrot Orange Bowl INGREDIENTS: • 1 orange or 2 clementines • ½ cup carrots • 1 cup frozen mangos • 1 cup frozen peaches • ½ banana • ½ cup vanilla yogurt • ½ teaspoon turmeric, ground • small pinch of pepper Blend all ingredients until smooth. Top with desired toppings. TOPPING SUGGESTIONS: • granola • sliced almonds • berries • ground flax seeds

Personal, Professional, and Proven If your 2024 resolution is to sell or search for your dream home –

Contact me to schedule your consultation.

Mary DePaola Broker Associate ABR, PSA, RENT, SRES

Cell: 908.963.8673 Office: 908.233.5555 marydepaola.com

Let’s work together. Cell: 908.451.1454 Fax: 408.458.8722 Matthew.Kiss@grarate.com VISIT MY WEBSITE

Matthew Kiss

VP of Mortgage Lending NMLS#22785

16 Arcadian Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 GRA NMLS ID #1598647 For Licensing, visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org Operating in the state of New York as GR Affinity, LLC in lieu of legal name Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC.

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

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realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N S C O T C H P L A I N S A N D F A N W O O D

N E I GH BO RH O O D

ORIGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S 6.1

1152 Lenape Way

$2,100,000

$2,100,000

100%

30

7

1731 Cooper Rd

$1,250,000

$1,250,000

100%

49

4

3.1

2701 Farview Dr

$1,077,000

$1,025,000

95%

57

4

2.1

8 Wilshire Run

$925,000

$999,999

108%

11

7

4.1

1180 Raritan Rd

$899,000

$1,015,000

113%

15

4

3

410 Ridgeview Ave

$799,000

$804,000

101%

32

4

3.1

294 North Ave

$779,000

$882,000

113%

7

4

2

1980 Mary Beth Ct

$769,000

$890,000

116%

9

3

2.1

2 Rainer Rd

$699,999

$725,000

104%

16

3

2

2326 Morse Ave

$699,999

$773,000

110%

13

3

2.1

1253 Woodside Rd

$699,900

$739,000

106%

37

3

2

2667 Crest Ln

$699,900

$795,000

114%

5

3

1.1

76 Shady Ln

$699,000

$752,000

108%

13

3

1.1

851 Westfield Rd

$649,900

$650,000

100%

48

4

2.1

131 Burns Way

$649,900

$648,000

100%

15

4

1.1

2331 Gales Ct

$649,000

$675,000

104%

9

3

1.1 1.1

529 Henry St

$640,000

$640,000

100%

29

3

1170 Maple Hill Rd

$599,000

$670,000

112%

16

3

2

57 Glenwood Rd

$595,000

$655,000

110%

13

3

2

359 Midway Ave

$579,000

$620,000

107%

10

3

1

317 William St

$549,000

$585,000

107%

13

3

1

336 Hoe Ave

$549,000

$570,000

104%

15

5

2.1

35 Stagaard Pl

$520,000

$600,000

115%

7

3

2

23 Village Park Ct

$369,000

$405,000

109%

8

2

1.1

48A 2nd St

$350,000

$365,000

104%

17

2

1

This data is a sampling of sold properties from October & November 2023. Source: IRES MLS system

HOLDEN THE KEYS TO YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS. Real estate professional specializing in Scotch Plains/Fanwood. Proudly servicing Union, Somerset and Middlesex Counties. MASTER NEGOTIATOR AND LISTING EXPERT FOR Residential Properties | Investment Properties | Flipping Landlords | Multi Family Properties | Relocating

ALICIA HOLDEN REALTOR

Cell: 908-377-4739 | AliciaHoldenERA@gmail.com Holdenthekeys.com #Holdenthekeys

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R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

ERA Suburb Realty 1773 E 2nd St., Scotch Plains NJ 07076 Office: 908-322-4434


I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 O UT O F 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

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Union County New Jersey’s Only Insurance-Backed Ceramic Coating Provider. Guaranteed protection from the most common element damages: Road Salt, Bird Waste, Tree Sap, Bug Marks, UV Damage & more! Up to 9 Years & $5,000.00 in coverage available. 520 Martin Pl, Suite 3, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076 premierdetailingnj.com

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JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

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JANUARY 2024

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

JA NUA RY 6T H

Super Sports Saturday Scotch-Plains- Fanwood High School: 667 Westfield Rd, Scotch Plains | 8:00 AM The Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District and PTAs are excited to announce the inaugural community event that will feature activities such as basketball games, wrestling matches and sports clinics for elementary and middle school students. The event will also include a vendor fair and breakfast and lunch services. Funds raised will go towards supporting PTA scholarships for SPFHS students.

JA NUA RY 1 5T H

Martin Luther King Day of Service Scotch Plains and Fanwood Locations Join community members for the 15th annual MLK Day of Service. Locations throughout Scotch Plains will hold volunteer events for all ages.

JA NUA RY 1 8T H

Evening Book Club Scotch Plains Public Library: 1927 Bartle Ave, Scotch Plains | 7:00 PM The Evening Book Club will discuss "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt, a debut novel about a widow's unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus and the truths she uncovers about her son's disappearance 30 years ago.

JA NUA RY 2 3 RD

50 Strong New Year Fitness Challenge Kickoff Event Active Life Fitness: 94 North Ave Garwood | 7:15 PM Join Active Life Fitness for their kickoff challenge event that is designed to promote seven healthy habits that, if maintained, will transform one's body and mind, with the goal of cementing lifelong habits.

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / S C O T C H P L A I N S

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EVE N TS


local outings & events get fit & have fun Like-minded community Expert Guidance & Support Fun & Challenging workouts

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Conveniently Located in Scotch Plains Group Fitness with Customization Tracking & Accountability

Personalized Nutrition Support

2 convenient locations Berkeley Heights, NJ WEstfield, NJ

SCAN + GRAB YOUR 10-DAY TRIAL!

www.enduretrainingco.com

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

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