Bergen February 2024

Bergen VOLUME 23 ISSUE 2 | FEBRUARY 2024

Bergen FEBRUARY 2024 | $6.95 | BERGENMAG.COM | VOLUME 23 ISSUE 2

LOVE NOTES THE LOVE ISSUE

TALES OF THE HEART 12 WOMEN RECALL MEETING ‘THE ONE’

COUPLE’S RETREAT PARK RIDGE HOME RENO MEETS DUO’S LIFESTYLE SIGNS OF AFFECTION VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

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SPECIAL REPORT BERGEN’S DIVERSITY ENRICHES OUR LIVES

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CELEB CRUSH

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HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

The finest minds in cardiac care.

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And the kindest hearts.

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Everything medicine can do. A few things medicine can’t.

Valley Health System understands that elite cardiac care requires many things. Heart surgery performed by nationally acclaimed surgeons. Advanced treatments for atrial

fibrillation. The latest techniques in heart imaging. Breakthrough procedures for valve replacement. And, a team approach to care that always includes you.

To make an appointment with our heart care team, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 or visit ValleyHealth.com/Heart

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RANKED AS A

in Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs for the

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“TIER 1” FIRM

Hackensack Metropolitan Area by Best Law Firms®

2024

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

*Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney. NJ Required Disclaimer: No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of NJ. *Best Law Firms® rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of clients and professional reference evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys, industry leader interviews and review of additional firmographic highlights provided by law firms as part of the formal research submission process.

Firms that have at least one lawyer who is currently recognized in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in a practice area and metro jurisdiction ranked by Best Law Firms are eligible to receive a firm ranking in that practice area and jurisdiction.

Recognition by Best Lawyers® is based entirely on peer review. Best Lawyers methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical region and legal practice area. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer-review survey is directly related to the quality of its voting pool. Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. has been named as a Tier 1 firm for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs for the Hackensack metropolitan area by Best Law Firms®.

Bergen County’s Top Lawyers is based upon the results of a peer-review survey. Bergen Magazine recognizes Marc C. Saperstein, Adam B. Lederman, Kelly A. Conlon, and Sherwin Tsai as Top Lawyers in Personal Injury Law, and Steven H. Cohen and Daniel J. Buchheister as Top Lawyers in Workers’ Compensation Law. For more information on the selection process and rating criteria of the above awards and recognitions, please visit: www.bestlawfirms.com/methodology; www.bestlawyers.com/methodology; www.superlawyers.com/about/selection-process; www.thenationaltriallawyers.org/top-100-about; www.bbb.org/all/bbb-accreditation-standards. The above awards and recognitions may apply to some or all of the firm’s attorneys.

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Contents FEB 2024

Features Watch Your Back! 24 When is pain in this body part a passing nuisance, and when does it need medical attention? A Bergen spine specialist explains.

When Love Arrived 26 A dozen Bergen women recall the moment when they met “the one.”

We Are The World 32 Bergen’s long history of immigration has shaped and enriched the county in innumerable ways.

Polished In A Hurry 36 The timetable was tight, and the Park Ridge townhouse the couple bought to be near grandkids had to be like their old Boston-area home—and different too.

26 IN EVERY ISSUE 8 22 82 86

Editor’s Note Health News Where to Eat Be There

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Contents FEB 2024

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44 Departments Bergen Buzz 13 Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

From The Heart 18 Show your special someone that you care with a memorable Valentine’s Day gift.

Style Watch 19 Look and feel great all season long with pieces inspired by Pantone’s color of the year.

Home Front 20 Escape to a space filled with soft colors, cool textures and natural materials.

Friends & Neighbors 21

Bar Tab 80

ON THE COVER

Super-busy is a default setting for Rosie Gunther McCooe—a real estate agent, mom of five and multitalented theater whiz.

Keep cozy all winter with a boozy twist to your traditional hot cocoa.

Franklin Lakes’s John and Rachel Fuda, of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Photo courtesy of the Fudas.

New Milford’s Crespo Hookah Grill connects good friends with fine food—and an age-old pastime.

Escapes 42 Tropical beaches can wait. This year, why not visit a place where winter is in its glory?

Gatherings 87 Bergen residents always show up to support one another—especially when help is needed most.

Tastes 44 These chocolate delights are a perfect treat and ideal to share with your special someone— and you won’t feel guilty going back for more.

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Restaurant Review 81

A Bergen Moment 88 Out-of-towners appreciate the beauty of Bergen’s parks, including DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Love Rules If you were advising a 6-foot-tall woman on seeking a mate, would you suggest she date a man 5-foot-6? Would you tell “a very shy bookworm” to set her sights on “a superstar football player”? And how about geography? Counseling a woman in Emerson on finding a fellow Bergenite to share her life—say, someone from Upper Saddle River—would you say, “Start in the middle of the Caribbean”?

I’m guessing you’d say a quick “no” to all these questions, just as I would. But we’d miss a bet.

These improbable circumstances all appear in the 12 real-life love stories in “When Love Arrived,” starting on page 26. In that feature article, Bergen residents tell how they met their mates, and this anecdotal evidence suggests that the process has no reliable rulebook. Sometimes it’s “love at first sight” (or, in one case, “love at second sight”). At other times things take longer, and Cupid has to step over some stones in his path.

So our annual February “Love Issue” must content itself with telling stories rather than disclosing one all-purpose secret. In a way, I find that a comfort. In this era when there’s a tech solution to everything and artificial intelligence takes our breath away, the human quest for affection retains its mystery. Yes, there are things you can do to put yourself “out there” if you’re in the singles world. But getting to that moment when, as one of our narrators says, “something had clicked”—that’s still unpredictable.

If you’re part of a couple (or a prospective one), there are ways you can mark that happy fact this V-Day, and they’re not apps. There’s chocolate. Flowers (see page 14).

Brunch. There are classic movies in which New Jersey itself appears on the screen (page 15). For a list of slightly nontraditional ways couples can celebrate, see page 14.

And surely you have significant others besides your significant other—a woman, for example, has her girlfriends. Read about “Galentine’s Day” on page 13.

This issue of BERGEN offers much to love besides, uhh, love. On page 21, meet Rosie Gunther McCooe of Ridgewood. She’s a successful theater director, real estate agent, mom and grandmom who once delivered singing telegrams.

Our Special Report on page 32 tackles the timely topic of immigration. Back pain is helpfully dissected on page 24, and there’s a “home” article about a Park Ridge townhouse (“Perfection in a Hurry,” page 36) .

When science develops a foolproof formula for finding romance, we promise we’ll report on it with a splashy layout in one of our February issues. Until then, life and love continue in their often unexpected, sometimes delightful way. Enjoy!

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com

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Caring is not simply what we do –

it’s who we are.

Fostering Healing and Wellness in Your Community Since 1911, it has been our mission to offer a listening ear, a helpful hand, and steady, supportive guidance throughout your wellness journey.

Through our comprehensive continuum of mental health services, communities for older adults, and rehabilitation, we work diligently to foster physical health and also nourish the spirit.

For more information on how we can help you, please call (201) 848-5200 or visit

ChristianHealthNJ.org.

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Campuses in Wyckoff and Wayne Mental Health | Senior Living | Rehabilitation

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Bergen Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA

Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY

Creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO

Associate Publisher MARY MASCIALE

Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS

ADVERTISING

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This is Volume 23, Issue 2. © 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Bergen County: $14 for one year. Single copies: $6.95.

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READY TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS. BECAUSE YOU DESERVE THE BEST, YOU’LL FIND MORE PROVIDERS AND MORE 5-STAR PHYSICIANS RIGHT HERE.

To schedule an appointment, simply scan the QR code or call 1-844-HMH-WELL.

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On The Web WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON BERGENMAG.COM RIGHT NOW YOUR VOTE COUNTS! It’s that time of year again! Voting for the 2024 Best In Bergen Readers’ Choice Awards is now open.

Fill out your online ballot at bergenmag. com/bergenreaders-choice2024-voting and show support for all your favorite Bergen County businesses and services, from bakeries and bridal stores to salons and ski shops. Then stay tuned for details on our celebration of the winners.

KINDNESS MATTERS Showing more kindness toward others is something everyone can do, and small gestures of generosity and thoughtfulness usually require little effort.

A BERGEN reader shared the following story, which was originally published in our Bergen Buzz e-newsletter, demonstrating the type of kindness we all would like to see more of in 2024: Jodie Gold, from Philadelphia, reached out to Westwood Candy Company & Gift Shoppe at 4:55 p.m. on a workday. Gold’s sister-in-law Beryl, a Hillsdale resident, is battling cancer, and her doctor suggested sour lemon candies as a way to ease the side effects from chemotherapy. Westwood Candy Company was the only store she called that was both open and stocked the candy.

The store was about to close, and Gold asked Kim, the owner, to remain open a few minutes later so that the candies could be picked up. Kim wasn’t able to do so because she needed to get her mom to the airport. Instead, Kim offered to deliver them to Gold’s sister-in-law’s home. Kim’s husband, Anthony, delivered the lemon drops with a hand-written note on the bag– “Beryl, We hope these help.”

When Gold reached out the next day to pay for the candies, Kim told her they were on the house.

Visit bergenmag.com/an-act-of-kindness-can-liftones-spirit to read the whole story.

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Bergen Buzz

OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

LADIES’ CHOICE

Celebrating love isn’t always about showering a significant other with gifts; it’s also about showing your squad how much you appreciate them. That’s the meaning behind Galentine’s Day, Feb. 13, a day to share some quality time with your girlfriends. If happy hour or ladies’ night at the bar isn’t your scene, here are other ideas for you and your crew: • BOARD WITH FRIENDS. Put that new charcuterie board you received over the holidays to good use and assemble your best grazing tray for your friends. Offer an assortment of cheeses, crackers, jams, meats, nuts, fruits—whatever snacks tempt your palate. Pick up all the food and supplies you need at stores like Prime Wine in Paramus, Super Cellars in Ridgewood and Westwood as well as grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s (in Edgewater, Paramus or Westwood) and Wegmans (in Montvale).

• DO THE DIP. Ask your friends to make/buy their favorite dips for your get-together and let the tasting begin. Be sure you have plenty of chips, sliced veggies, bread and other foods for dipping. At the end of the night, have guests vote for best-in-show. Elevate the festivities with dipping and serving supplies from boutiques like Ginger N’ Cream in Westwood and Pazzazed in Franklin Lakes or Ridgewood.

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• GET COMPETITIVE. Bring out the spirit in everyone and host a game night. Have your friends put on their thinking caps as you organize a game of charades or a scavenger hunt.

Classic board games like Monopoly and Clue are surefire hits, and always have a Jenga or Bananagrams set at the ready. You’ll find game ideas at shops such as Bookends in Ridgewood, Books & Greetings in Northvale as well as bigbox stores such as Target and Walmart.

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ROMANTIC NOTIONS

A show at bergenPAC. Dinner at Saddle River Inn. The latest romcom at AMC Garden State. These are great Valentine’s Day ideas, but the problem is that everyone is trying to be romantic on the same day—if you didn’t act fast, all the seats are filled. The good news?

There are many fun alternatives to traditional dates: • Bring her to brunch. Enjoy an intimate brunch with your significant other at romantic spots like Café Panache in Ramsey, Ivy Inn in Hasbrouck Heights or Haven Riverfront Restaurant in Edgewater.

• It’s all downhill. Bundle up and head to Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah for a day of skiing, snowboarding or tubing. The best part of speeding down the slope together is the hot chocolate waiting for you at the end.

• Love and laughter. Fill your hearts with laughs at an upcoming comedy show. Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford welcomes funnywoman Mary Lynn Rajskub on Feb. 16–17, a couple of days after V-Day. • Test your love. Who’s more romantic than Jim and Pam? You and your sweetheart can show your smarts at The Office Valentine’s Day Trivia event at Tommy Fox’s in Bergenfield on Feb. 14.

• Wax poetic. Who doesn’t love the golden glow of a lit candle? Try your hand at crafting your own tea lights, votives and pillars at a candle-making class.

Hasbrouck Heights-based Tiny Kitchen Candle Co. holds sessions (check tinykitchencandleco.com for upcoming schedule), or you can find virtual workshops at classbento.com.

FLOWER POWER

PUPPY LOVE

Dogs: Oscar, 8, and Ruthie, 3, wirehaired fox terriers Owners: Ellen and Fred Greenberg of Upper Saddle River As a child, Ellen fell in love with wire fox terriers (aka wirehaired fox terrier)—there was one in her family, after all.

She adored the breed so much that she and her husband have had six wirehairs over the years, including Oscar and Ruthie. “They are a very special breed,” she says, “and are best known for having the most wins at Westminster than any other.”

Oscar and Ruthie are special indeed—they love to play and they can’t get enough of their vegetables. “Oscar loves cucumbers, and Ruthie loves red peppers,” Ellen reports. “Oscar loves to play tug, and Ruthie can spend hours chasing butterflies and leaves.” When they’re not eating and playing, adventure is the name of the game. “They love to go out in the kayaks with us,” Ellen says. “We love to walk at the Ridgewood Duck Pond and continue through Saddle River County Park for 7 miles! Ruthie is a great swimmer, and Oscar is a true pal and is happiest when he is included in every activity we do.”

Would you like to see your pet featured in an upcoming issue of BERGEN? Send a photo and brief details to editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

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There’s nothing better than fresh blossoms to show someone you care.

Giving flowers that have been carefully picked and meticulously arranged is best of all, and Bergen’s florists excel at those skills. “I always go to Encke Flowers in Teaneck when I need a bouquet,” says River Edge resident Renato Villegas.

“They’ve been around forever, and they always have the best selection whenever I need flowers.” Below are some of the county’s oldest (50+ years in the biz!) and most dependable florists:

• Beers Flower Shop, 33 Oak St., Ridgewood, 201.445.4111; beersflowers.com • Bill O’Shea’s Flowers, 231 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, 201.288.2300; osheasflowers.com • Broderick’s Flowers, 34 N. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, 201.384.1616; brodericks.net • Encke Flowers & Gifts, 281 Queen Anne Rd., Teaneck, 201.836.1276; enckeflorist.com • Perry Florist & Gardens, 660 Harristown Rd., Glen Rock, 201.445.5668; perrysflorist.net

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KEEPING PETS HEALTHY

CULINARY CORNER

Looking to try something new this year?

These restaurants recently opened:

We’re lucky to live in a county where top-notch care is available for all our furry, feathered or scaly friends. Now here’s more good news: • PetWellClinic (23 N. Farview Ave., Paramus, 201.479.9389; petwellclinic. com) has opened its first Bergen location, offering proactive and compassionate pet care. The walk-in, on-demand format allows pet owners on a budget to have their animals seen on their schedule, not someone else’s.

• Bergen Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program and the Bergen County Animal Shelter have entered a new partnership that allows BCC students to gain hands-on experience at the Teterboro facility.

The veterinary students enrolled in the program will receive training while providing care for the dogs, cats and other shelter creatures awaiting adoption by their new families. It’s a win-win for all!

SOCIAL PARTY From the owners of Uno Mas in Allendale comes Allendale Social, an upscale eatery featuring a menu that runs the gamut, from oysters and tuna tartare to Iberico pork chops and Icelandic cod. Just as special are the drink offerings: Pair your food with a craft beer, a cocktail or wine by the bottle or glass.

• Allendale Social, 9 Franklin Tpke., Allendale, 201.402.1500; allendalesocial.com

FLAVORS TO SAVOR Hackensack’s diverse dining scene adds Argentine-American tastes with the opening of Emma. Its online menu opens with an extensive wine and cocktail list, but the food is the star of the show. Charred octopus and piquillo peppers (peppers stuffed with shrimp and topped with squid ink) are perfect starters, while entrées like pork loin and a 12-ounce skirt steak are sure to satisfy.

• Emma, 240 Main St., Hackensack, 201.399.0004; meetmeatemma.com

MEAT CUTE If you’re looking for meat with Korean flavors, make The Kalbi in Englewood Cliffs your next dining destination. The new eatery specializes in Korean barbecue, in which diners cook their own marinated prime rib, short rib or pork belly using tabletop grills.

An à la carte menu is also available for those who prefer meals made by trained chefs.

• The Kalbi, 150 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201.816.9300; the-kalbi.com

KUDOS TO…

Paul Lim of Ridgefield became the first rider ever from Bergen Equestrian Center to compete in as well as win first place in the New Jersey Special Olympics. Lim captured gold in both Class 10 Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter Equitation and Class 25 Advanced Walk/Trot/ Canter Dressage during the games last fall. Lim, who was diagnosed with autism at age 4, trains five to six days a week and remains an active volunteer at the equestrian center in Leonia.

Annika Castillo of Cresskill, Sophia Lee of Fort Lee and Claire Lee of Oradell, Academy of the Holy Angels students, each recently earned special recognition. Castillo, a junior at the high school in Demarest, advanced to this month’s Poetry Out Loud regional event after winning her school’s dynamic recitation contest. She presented “A Poison Tree” by William Blake and “Envy” by Mary Lamb at the school contest. The Lees, both juniors but unrelated, were selected as AHA’s nominees for the prestigious 2024 New Jersey Scholars Program, which this summer will focus on “Wartime Culture: Knowledge and Art in Conflict and The Aftermath.”

The final list of program attendees will be announced this spring.

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JERSEY ON THE SILVER SCREEN

With this year’s Academy Awards ceremony on March 10, we inevitably think of memorable movies that were shot in Bergen County, the birthplace of film. How many of these 10 flicks, each featuring scenes filmed in our county, do you remember?

• Big: various locations, Cliffside Park • Desperately Seeking Susan: private home, Tenafly • The Devil’s Advocate: Bergen County Courthouse, Hackensack • Goodfellas: various locations, such as Palisades Parkway and an Inwood Terrace home, Fort Lee • The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Oakland • School of Rock: private home, Franklin Lakes • Sophie’s Choice: train depot, Ridgefield Park • When Harry Met Sally: Giants Stadium, East Rutherford • The Wolf of Wall Street: Closter Plaza, Closter • You’ve Got Mail: Teaneck Armory, Teaneck

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WELCOME TO BERGEN TREASURE TROVE

Bergenites are always on the go when it comes to work and play. In jewelry, however, many of us embrace Southern California’s laid-back style. Those looking for both casual and fine jewelry such as gold necklaces, hoop earrings and stacking rings can stop by Gorjana, a new shop at Garden State Plaza specializing in Laguna Beach-inspired pieces. Its collection of diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and other precious gems can be dressed up or down— perfect for any Jersey girl on the go!

• Gorjana, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, 201.208.2294; gorjana.com

PAMPERED PETS

New year, new ’do—this applies to your pets too, right? With the recent grand opening of Garfield Pet Groomer, cat and dog owners have another option where they can treat their best friends to haircuts, nail trims, baths, flea and tick treatments, teeth cleaning and more.

The shop’s professional groomers offer the best care your furry friend deserves regardless of the cat’s or dog’s age, breed, size and temperament.

• Garfield Pet Groomer, 185 Palisade Ave., Garfield, 201.757.2031

ROCK YOUR WORLD

Whether your kid is an aspiring musician or simply wants to record TikToks with friends, Bach to Rock music school is the place where students of all ages (adults can learn to jam too) can hone their skills. Private lessons, group classes, parties and rental space for performances are all available at the facility, which is operated by classically trained as well as touring musicians with experience in a range of instruments and genres.

• Bach to Rock, 915 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201.733.4337; bachtorock.com/riveredge

ONE SECRET TO SUCCESS

Growing up, most of us were taught to keep trying if our first efforts in any endeavor weren’t successful. It can be a tough lesson, especially for kids who always want to do well. But Tenafly resident Alexa Modugno brings that message home in her new children’s book, The Magical Makings of Molly the Musician. Molly is a young violinist who learns that success often comes after embracing failure.

“Molly’s story is not just about music; it’s about resilience, determination and the importance of embracing setbacks as stepping stones to success,” says Modugno. “The positive message embedded in the narrative aims to empower young readers to persevere and not give up on their aspirations.”

Modugno’s book is available in-store at Barnes & Noble and through online retailers.

TECH THAT FEEDS

Residents in need have received more than 2 million pounds of donated food through Saddle Brook-based Table to Table’s I-Rescue app. The nonprofit group, which “rescues” fresh food that would’ve been discarded by restaurants and stores, launched the smartphone app about two years ago to connect volunteers with participating businesses. With the tech on their phones, delivery volunteers can keep tabs on available food rescues—notifications offer restaurant locations, pick-up time windows and donation destinations, among other info. Food is typically delivered to food pantries or group homes throughout North Jersey.

“Table to Table I-Rescue has gone from just a kernel of an idea two years ago to a major source for feeding our hungry New Jerseyans today,” says Julie Kinner, vice president of operations at Table to Table. Find out how to volunteer at tabletotable.org.

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Left to Right: EVAN BAIRD, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center; RAFAEL LEVIN, M.D., M.S.C., Chief of Spine, HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley; JONATHAN LESTER, M.D., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; NOMAAN ASHRAF, M.D., M.B.A., Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center NJ TOP DOCS 2014-2023

WHERE OUR TEAM BELIEVES IN CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT FIRST.

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FROM THE HEART

Sugar Plum Chocolate Heart Pizza Smash With Mallet sugar-plum.com

Kerri Rosenthal Imperfect Heart Beanie Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack

Heart Ring Holder LaViano Jewelers, Westwood, 201.664.0616

Splendid Annabelle Puff Sleeve Sweater Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack, 201.457.2000

Signs Of Love

Show your significant other how much you care with a memorable Valentine’s Day gift.

Assorted Chocolates In Heart Box Conrad’s Confectionery, Westwood, 201.664.2895

Dolce & Gabbana Calf Leather Satchel Bag Neiman Marcus, Paramus, 201.291.1920

Gucci GG Wool Scarf Gucci, Paramus, 201.368.4723

Simple Infinity Band Ring Pandora, East Rutherford, 551.248.4941

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James Lakeland Three-Button Coat wolfandbadger. com

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FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

It’s Always Showtime Decades of work in local theater have made her a hometown celebrity, and she’s also a prominent realtor.

But in the fall of 2023, Rosie Gunther McCooe directed an off-Broadway show in Manhattan, Sex Work/Sex Play (a title McCooe admits is “titillating”), which won raves from critics and audiences alike. Shortly after it wrapped its six-week stint, we caught up with this director, actor, producer, real estate agent and mother of five.

How did Sex Work/Sex Play come about?

A friend workshopped this play for a year and a half, and she brought it to Ridgewood last summer as a reading; she wanted to see how it would play in the suburbs because suburban parents were mostly the target audience. It was well received, so she asked me to direct the production at Emerging Artists Theatre in Manhattan. The play is about modern-day relationships.

You got your first part at age 11, went to Fordham University and then Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers. What happened from there?

When I got out of school, I did the rounds; I did theater, had a recurring role on One Life to Live and did the typical auditioning. And then I had kids! I have five children ranging in age from 20 to 32. But I always managed to have something going on.

I taught acting at the Ridgewood Community School. And 20 years ago I started directing and realized how much I knew, having had so much theater experience. (Laughs).

And your first directing gig was at your child’s school play at Somerville Elementary School in Ridgewood?

Yes, I did that for 13–14 years at Somerville and directed at the middle school and the New Players Company at Ridgewood High School for four years.

I also directed the Ridgewood High parents’ show for six years as a volunteer.

In 2021 you survived breast cancer but chose to work during treatment. What made you keep going?

October 2023 was my two-year anniversary being cancer-free. I had surgery because I tested positive for BRCA2 and was a stage 0 breastcancer patient, but when I came out of surgery, I was considered stage 1 because some of the cancer cells left my duct. I did rigorous chemotherapy, not radiation. But in the meantime, I was committed to my last year of directing the Ridgewood High School parents’ show. If I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it!

And when did you pursue real estate?

I’m the worst-timing real estate agent in New Jersey! I got my license in December of 2019— then the pandemic hit, and I didn’t have a client base because I had just started, so things BERGENMAG.COM

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were slow. Eventually I gained momentum, and I’m now on a team at Christie’s and we’re super-busy. When I’m doing a show, I’ll usually do real estate on the weekends.

I feel moms hate the question “How do you balance it all?”

But how do you?

I never stop moving. For example, we left one of my shows on a Friday night, went out afterward until 12:30 a.m. and hopped into the car and drove the night to Virginia so we could go to my daughter’s lacrosse game. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years when my kids were little; I started working full time when my youngest was in third grade. But I’m always busy and have some kind of project going on.

Favorite Ridgewood spots?

I love our vibrant downtown; I love that there are so many options for restaurants and BYOB. I love S. Egidio Pizza, the Cheers feeling at Park West Tavern, our coffee shops, Bagelicious and our new plant shop, Deeply Rooted. We also have the most amazing sushi place; Wasabi is one of our favorites and we can walk there. And I love the feeling of walking around somewhere and people just knowing who you are.

Fun facts about yourself?

I’m the youngest of six kids. I grew up in Albany, New York, and had many odd jobs as a teenager— one of them was delivering singing telegrams. I would just leave the house in a tuxedo jacket and fishnets! That was such a bad idea.

What’s on for 2024, personally and professionally?

I would love to do another show in New York or bring Sex Work/Sex Play regionally, or to Los Angeles. My two oldest kids live in Southern California, so one of my goals is to get out there and spend more time with them. I have a grandson out there and another on the way.

—Haley Longman

Photo courtesy of Rosie Gunther McCooe

Super-busy is a default setting for Ridgewood resident Rosie Gunther McCooe—real estate agent, mom of five and multitalented theater whiz.

FEBRUARY 2024

1/17/24 3:17 PM

HEALTH NEWS EXERCISE FOR ADULTS WITH HEALTH WOES

High-intensity interval training in water, often called aquatic HIIT (AHIIT) improves exercise capacity in adults with chronic conditions, including back pain, arthritis, chronic lung disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. It offers an alternative exercise option for people unable to perform land-based HIIT and has a similar impact, according to recent research.

—BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine

KETO DIET MAY HELP FERTILITY IN WOMEN WITH PCOS

The ketogenic (keto) diet may lower testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common hormone disorder in women, affecting 7 percent to 10 percent of women of childbearing age.

—Journal of the Endocrine Society

SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECTS YOUNG PEOPLE

AI TO PREDICT RISK OF GLAUCOMA

Social media use is associated with risky health behavior in young people—ages 10 to 19—including increased alcohol, drug and tobacco use. In addition, it increases risky sexual behaviors and gambling, according to recent research.

—The BMJ

A recent study showed the accuracy—91 to 99 percent—of using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict which patients with a high risk of glaucoma would actually develop it.

—British Journal of Ophthalmology

47

The percent of people aged 30 years and older in the U.S. who have some form of periodontal disease.

—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1 IN 4

The number of people in the U.S. with chronic rhinosinusitis who have nasal polyps.

—National Library of Medicine

$1,000

The annual cost of lost productivity per American with severe asthma.

—Journal of Asthma and Allergy

—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

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Watch Your Back!

WHEN IS PAIN IN THIS BODY PART A PASSING NUISANCE, AND WHEN DOES IT NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION? A SPINE SPECIALIST EXPLAINS. Back pain is one of the most common complaints for which patients visit doctors. In fact, experts estimate that nearly 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Though it can happen at any time of year, here in the Northeast it’s especially frequent during winter, when a sedentary lifestyle may make muscles stiffen. Also, of course, it’s the time when many of us overwork our backs while clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks. BERGEN sought insights on the subject from Dante A. Implicito, M.D., section chief of spine surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center.

• What causes back pain.

Your back is made of many different moving pieces that connect to aid stability and movement. Bones, joints, ligaments and muscles are all intertwined, and injury or damage to any one of them can result in back pain. You can irritate joints, sprain ligaments or rupture discs, sometimes with just a simple movement. Bending over to tie your shoes? Reaching for a book on the top shelf? Back muscles can tighten up, leading to pain and stiffness, doing those activities.

“Inflammation can occur from everyday activities like playing basketball, raking leaves or shoveling snow,” Dr. Implicito says.

“Any injury to the structure of the back is perceived as pain.”

Back pain also can be caused by problems

and diseases of internal organs, such as kidney stones, blood infections, scoliosis (an abnormal curvature of the spine), arthritis and some types of cancer. “Any back pain that’s not the result of a physical activity is suspicious,” Dr. Implicito says. “Back pain that’s accompanied by fever or cough can also be a red flag, and that should be checked by a doctor.”

• How to find relief. If you experience back pain, one to two days of rest can help, but resist the urge to stay in bed. “In general, you should be moving around after even a few hours of rest,” our doctor says.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate stiffness, improve mobility and aid recover y. Applying heat to a sore back can increase blood flow and speed recover y from acute or chronic back pain. Treating with ice can reduce inflammation and ease pain.

Sometimes alternating between the two is the best remedy. If pain exists while you’re tr ying to sleep, tr y supportive positions such as placing a pillow under your pelvis, says Dr. Implicito. Trial-and-error can be a useful approach when figuring out what eases your particular symptoms most effectively.

Though exercise is not advised for treatment of acute back pain, stretching, yoga and core strengthening can help relieve chronic back pain. For instance, Dr. Implicito often recommends that patients perform McKenzie exercises (Google them) as well as “quadruped rocking” to help reduce

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inflammation. “Another simple stretch is to lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest,” he says.

• When to see a doctor. Most of the time, back pain will subside on its own with or without treatment. However, it’s a good idea to see a doctor if you have tingling or numbness, if the pain is the result of a fall or injury, or if the pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest and anti-inflammatory medication, Dr. Implicito says.

It’s also important to be evaluated by a doctor if you have pain together with trouble urinating, numbness or weakness in your legs, fever or unintentional weight loss. These could be signs of a more serious problem.

BACK PAIN’S A BIG DEAL No statistic speaks as eloquently as the winceinducing discomfort that emanates from your back when it’s your turn for this almost ubiquitous malady. But when you look at back pain in terms of numbers, they are monster numbers indeed: • 65 million: The number of Americans who experience chronic back pain.

• $12 billion: Annual healthcare cost in the U.S. due to back pain.

• 83 million: The estimated number of work days lost in the U.S. annually due to back pain.

Source: Georgetown University Health Policy Institute

FEBRUARY 2024

1/18/24 10:32 AM

WHEN

LOVE

ARRIVED A DOZEN BERGEN WOMEN RECALL THE MOMENT WHEN THEY MET “THE ONE.”AS TOLD TO RITA GUARNA

Did you and your partner “meet cute”—or clumsy? Did you lock eyes with your eventual spouse when he first appeared before you—or lock the door?

We’re all familiar with the throbbing pulse and butterflies in the stomach that are supposed to accompany the first glimpse of a lifelong lover. But sometimes life forgets to follow the script. Someone who is going to stir your heart can begin as an annoyance (it’s a rom-com staple) or even a person you don’t particularly notice.

Science prescribes no mandatory meeting style for successful marriage. All kinds of beginnings can be happy ones—if they lead to happy endings. Here’s how love stories started (from the woman’s point of view) for 12 Bergen couples:

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MIRIAM AND STEVEN YU, ORADELL: “It was January 2005, and we were both working at LG Electronics.

He was in General Affairs, and I was in Product Management. I needed his help with something, so I called in to his department to make the request. I was so surprised when within minutes of making my request, he ran down with what I needed. Unfortunately, it was the wrong thing, but in that moment something had clicked.

We barely knew each other, but I was secretly excited that I’d have another chance to interact with him.

“Coincidentally, mutual co-workers were having a gathering that night for a friend’s birthday, and we were both set to go. We were in our 20s and having the best night. At one point, we went outside to talk. Now if you know Steven, when he’s had enough to drink, he begins to rap. So we sat outside in my car, and mid-conversation, he starts doing his thing for a good hour or two, and I thought it was the funniest thing. After that night, we literally hung out every day.

“By May of 2006, we wanted to move in together, but as our Korean culture dictated, it was still very taboo. But I thought my parents might be open to it. So after dinner one night, we gathered in the living room, and Steven told my parents he loved me very much, and we would really like it if they gave us their blessing to live together. Without missing a beat, my dad blurted out, ‘No!’ Then he said, ‘You two are clearly in love, so why don’t you get married first?’

“On July 2, 2006, Steven proposed to me at the first annual Fourth of July fair at the old Overpeck Park. We got married three months later at The Manor on October 15, just one day after his 30th birthday. We just celebrated our 17th anniversary together, and in those years, life has taken us on many ups and downs, and the most unexpected twists and turns. There were some tough times, and many more times of uncontrollable laughter, and the one thing that remained steady through it all is our support for one another, and our ability and desire to pivot and walk through it together. That and the fact that he’s still at LG almost 20 years later.”

DANIELA MUSANO AND CHRISTOPHER SPLIEDT, EMERSON: “My husband and I dated in our 20s, but I broke up with him. I wasn’t ready for the commitment and all that came with a relationship. I married someone else when I was 27, and that marriage didn’t work out. The year after my divorce, we reconnected, started dating, got engaged and then married!

I was 35. He is the best husband and stepfather, and father to our total of three kids. We are not a ‘typical’ family. My oldest is from my first marriage, we adopted our middle son, and three months after bringing him home, I got pregnant after a long battle with unexplained infertility. Eleven months later, our youngest daughter was born. Life is full: I own a spa in Ridgewood, and he is a children’s book author/illustrator.”

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LYNNE AND SEAN DAVIS, ALLENDALE: “We met in Sint Maarten at the age of 16 during our annual family Easter vacations. (His family was from Upper Saddle River, mine from Emerson.)

During our senior year, in 1987, he asked me to the Don Bosco Senior Prom. (I attended Emerson Junior/Senior High.) I borrowed a white dress from a classmate, and the rest is history. Despite attending two colleges in Pennsylvania that were three hours apart, we dated and married in 1990 at age 25. We’ve been married 33 years and have known each other for 42.

We grew up together and have a beautiful family and wonderful friends all over Bergen County. We are blessed.”

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AMY DEBELLIS AND ZACH WEISSMAN, FAIR LAWN: “We’re getting married next year. I was in a relationship with a different man more than 20 years ago. He introduced me to another couple, and we would get together a few times a year. After several years we broke up. Right before COVID hit, I received a call from the male spouse of this couple, who told me they were getting divorced and he needed a home. I’m a Realtor so that’s why he called me. I didn’t sell very much so I referred him to another agent, and he did purchase a home. He asked me if he could stop by for a minute, and I said OK. “He walked into my apartment, kissed me, and said, ‘I’ve wanted to do that for more than 15 years,’ and then he just walked back out the door! We fell head over heels in love and recently got engaged in front of our grown children—at over 60. I had been single for more than 11 years and never thought I could find love again, but when it is meant to be, it really is!”

RACHEL AND JOHN FUDA, FRANKLIN LAKES: “I’d just gotten out of a very serious relationship and wanted to take some time for myself—to be alone. I met John out one night for a friend’s birthday but we didn’t talk much. It wasn’t until the next time I saw John that we really had a conversation. I was bartending at a sports bar for the Giants game, and he came in. He was there all day, and we talked all day long.

I really didn’t think anything of it, but we did exchange phone numbers and began texting. He would come visit me wherever I was bartending, and he kept asking me out on dates. I thought he was such a nice guy but emotionally, I just wasn’t in that place.

Then one night he came into the bar and he said, ‘Listen, go out with me one time. If you don’t have a good time you never have to talk to me again.’ I agreed, and I had a fantastic time, because here I am almost eight years later, married to him with three wonderful kids. Sometimes the best things come along when you least expect them.”

NATALIE AND OBIE MCKENZIE, ENGLEWOOD: “Twenty-five years ago, Obie was a Wall Street exec and I was a personal trainer and wellness coach.

He sought me out, but I catered to female executives and turned him down. Well, he didn’t take no for an answer, and I relented.

For a year in what can be called a refined form of polite persistence, Obie managed to transition from being merely my client to becoming my suitor. Talk about romantic gestures: leaving a Jamaican breakfast at my door and planting flowers in the flower bed outside my apartment while I was away.

I realized that he was going to be a permanent presence in my life. We’ve traveled hand in hand across the globe, strolled along numerous beaches and raised toasts in some of the finest restaurants. And he even serenades me with love songs.”

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PAULA AND RON HALL, TENAFLY: “What does a kid from Brooklyn with Jamaican parents have in common with a Bronx-born girl from a Guyanese household? An innate love for food! We met in a crowded party in New York City, and all we did was chat about our favorite dishes and restaurants. These conversations quickly led to day-and-night-long food tours around the tri-state and internationally. Our shared passion not only led to a love story but also fueled a deep appreciation for tasteful international cuisine and culture. This culinary connection laid the foundation for Czen Restaurant and Bar in Englewood, where Caribbean and Asian flavors unite in a modern fusion, blending authentic tastes from both cultures, and that’s us to a T.”

ELIZABETH AND CHRIS KAPLANIS, RIDGEWOOD: “I quit my corporate job in 2009 to follow my dream of becoming a triathlon coach, where you basically help ordinary people do something extraordinary. I was guest-speaking at an adult triathlon training camp in June 2010 in Lake Placid, N.Y. Enter Chris Kaplanis, a 5-foot-6 camper training for his first Ironman triathlon. He was kind, funny, very fit, three years younger, very handsome, oh, and very short for my 6-foot self.

“It would never work. He doesn’t date tall gals. And I’d never date a short guy.

“Until we rode our bikes together 100+ miles in the Adirondacks the next day. We stayed up all night laughing at each other and felt like we’d found our best friend.

But—we could only be besties because short guys can’t date tall girls.

“Well, that lasted a week. After leaving Lake Placid a few days later, we vowed to meet up again the following weekend in New Jersey. And we did. I convinced him to quit his corporate job at GE Capital and join me in my triathlon coaching business.

“We were engaged 10 months later, and married 10 months from then. We’ve been coaching triathlon together full time for 13 years. We have two beautiful children. And guess what? I even wear high heels sometimes. We got over the height difference after about a week. We are best friends, business partners, and love everything about our unique career.”

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IRINA AND ALEXANDER AVNUKOV, HILLSDALE: “We met at my best friend’s wedding, and it was love at a first sight for both of us. He was living in Germany at the time, but we made it work and we’ve been inseparable ever since he came here and we tied the knot. We just celebrated our 13th anniversary in December.”

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PATRICIA AND BOB JUDGE, MAHWAH: “My husband and I were married 50 years in May. We both graduated from the same high school a year apart; he was a superstar football player, and I was a very shy bookworm. We were ‘worlds’ apart!

“I chose not to go to college and became a secretary, and he lost his football scholarship to college due to an injury. He got a sales job straight from high school and continued working there for over 47 years. I was in a hurry to be married, and against my parents’ will, got married at 19. It did not end well.

So, at 21, I moved back home with no car, no driving experience and not much money. I found a position working as a billing clerk in an office nine blocks from home. Lo and behold, Bob worked there too. He came up to me and said “Hi, I am Bob Judge, where are you from?” I told him that I went to Eastside and graduated in 1965, and he said he’d graduated the year before and wondered if I’d heard of him. I said, ‘I think your name sounds familiar.’

“About three weeks later, he started taking me to work, as he passed that way every day, and we soon started dating. We married two years later in May, and in November I was pregnant. We wanted a girl and had a beautiful 8-pound, 10-ounce baby girl named Danielle. History repeated itself when our daughter was in high school. She didn’t date a particular football player named Brian Reid, but years later, started dating him after he came home from college and they were married in 2001 and have three sons.

“On May 12, 2023, we renewed our wedding vows down in LBI in a little chapel in Spray Beach with a few family members and friends. We were so lucky to have gone to school together and married and to watch our daughter do the same thing.”

ELLEN AND EDWARD RAND, TEANECK: “We met in a writing class at the New School in fall 1972, taught by the late, great Anatole Broyard. We started talking, had dinner in their cafeteria and he drove me back to my apartment downtown.

We were friends for a couple of weeks and then more for a few weeks after that.

We got married several months later in February 1973. It was probably a cavalier thing to do at the time, but here we are 50 years later!”

JUDIT AGOD AND ANDRÁS BALOG, DUMONT: “I met my husband 26 years ago. I spent my early 20s working two jobs to save for college, and I decided to take a two-week vacation on Corfu in Greece to recharge. My sister and her then fiancé (now husband) joined me for a week of the trip, and we shared fun times. A young man working on the jetty on our beach invited us tubing and parasailing, and we gave it a try. Later that night, we ended up in the same bar, and we started talking and dancing. He walked me home that night to my hotel, we spent all night talking and met up every night after his work. He was late for work in the mornings and got fired from his job. I still had a week left of my vacation, and we decided to rent a motorcycle and travel around the island. We visited beautiful beaches, the mountains, small villages and spent every moment together. I was in love and told him if he felt the same, to come to the U.S. He traveled home to Hungary, sold everything he owned, bought a plane ticket to the U.S. and followed me. I would say it was love at second sight.

“A year later, we got married in New York City, just a quick City Hall wedding, no ceremony, no wedding dress, no friends and no parents. In fact, our witness didn’t show up, and we needed to ‘borrow’ someone from the room next door. Both of our families live in Hungary and it was just us, in love. It was and magical. The following year our first daughter was born. A year later, our second, and all of a sudden we were a family of four. We bought a home in Dumont, where we still live.

“Last year was very special for us. We’ve been married for 25 years, and we decided to finally have a wedding ceremony. With our three daughters and our oldest daughter’s fiancé, we traveled back to Corfu for a vacation, where we held a private ceremony with our family.

Our two oldest daughters got ordained and officiated our wedding, which was super special. My mom walked me down the aisle to the soundtrack of Mamma Mia!, on the rear patio of our villa, surrounded by olive trees on a side of a mountain. Our girls read a beautiful blessing, after which my husband and I exchanged vows. We all cried and laughed, and we look forward to a repeat of this in 25 years.”

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Special Report

WE ARE THE WORLD Bergen’s long history of immigration has shaped and enriched the county in innumerable ways. BY LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF

Fearing for her life, Gloria Vasquez fled to the U.S. from her native Guatemala in 2009, leaving her three children with her mother. She tells her story in simple declarative sentences—her English is good but not perfect—that belie the emotion underlying them. “My husband drank too much, and he beat me,” she says. Vasquez, who asked us not to reveal her real name, joined her sister in Bergen County, home to some 5,000 Guatemalan immigrants—now tied with Indians as the second-largest immigrant group in the county, after Koreans. Though her undocumented status has made it hard for her to find steady work, and though she doubts she’ll be able to bring her children here, she’s happy enough in her adopted home of Palisades Park. “The people,” she says, “are nice here.”

WHAT DRAWS NEWCOMERS Like many immigrants who’ve settled in the county, Vasquez came to Bergen because she has relatives here. Typically, once immigrants from a particular region establish a community, others follow, sharing experience and finding strength in numbers as they deal with the intimidating strangeness of a new culture. That trend, for instance, has helped make Bergen in general, and Fort Lee and Palisades Park in

particular, a magnet for Koreans—though, in fact, the earliest Korean immigrants may well have also been drawn here by Asian communities already established

by Japanese immigrants. Noriko Matsumoto, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the City and the Bridge: East Asian Immigration to a New Jersey Suburb, about the remarkable immigration story of Fort Lee, where nearly half the residents are foreign born. She notes that in the 1970s, Japanese companies with branches in the tristate area brought in workers, mostly men, from Japan. They settled in Queens, but as they prospered, they were joined by their families and moved across the river, to the leafier suburbs around the George Washington Bridge. Inevitably, some of them founded Asian-oriented businesses and community organizations. “The fact that there were Japanese stores and other institutions in Fort Lee was a major impetus for further migration for Koreans,” Matsumoto says.

Though a long history of colonization and war has created antagonism between Koreans and Japanese, Matsumoto describes that antagonism as “variable, complex and not monolithic.” While she did witness some of that animus during the research for her book, she notes, she also observed “partnership and friendship.”

Bergen’s proximity to New York City, with its

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abundance of nonprofit immigrant services and potential employers, has made it something of a beacon for immigrants. The fact that, for three decades ending in 2021, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) used the Bergen County Jail as an immigrant detention center also brought immigrants here, and those whose lawyers got them released often stayed in Bergen. Some immigrants, says Jon Moscow, cochair of the Bergen-based advocacy group Northern New Jersey Sanctuary Coalition, were referred here by agencies along the U.S./Mexican border, “but,” he adds, “why and how it came to be New Jersey or Bergen specifically, I’m not sure.”

Whatever Bergen’s attraction for immigrants, it’s now home to the second-largest immigrant population in the state and the fourth-largest undocumented immigrant population. In 2021, nearly a third of Bergen’s residents (30.9 percent) were foreign born, versus a national average of 13.6 percent. And one Bergen municipality, Palisades Park, boasts the state’s highest percentage of immigrants at 64 percent. This is nothing new, of course. Bergen has been a home to immigrants since it became the first permanent Dutch settlement in North America in 1630, and in subsequent years it has welcomed

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enter the country as asylum seekers or simply make their way here outside of legal channels.

(sometimes grudgingly) new waves of immigration, from French Huguenots in the late 17th century to Italians in the 19th and early 20th centuries to Japanese starting in the 1970s.

Bergen was also a destination for American Blacks from Southern states between 1910 and 1970—though the county’s first Black residents were enslaved Africans, brought here by early Dutch settlers. Since well before the United States was a country, immigrants and migrants have been shaping and reshaping Bergen County.

WHAT IMMIGRANTS FACE HERE Living in a world county may well have increased Bergenites’ tolerance for immigrants. We certainly haven’t experienced the kind of overt opposition to immigration, or criticism of immigrants as a group, that’s prevailed in other parts of the country.

When asked about vocal opponents in the county, for example, officers of Bergen’s immigrant-aid

“Immigrants add a cosmopolitanism to Bergen that you don’t often see in suburban counties.”

— Christine Eubank, professor of history, Bergen Community College “Immigrants add a cosmopolitanism to Bergen that you don’t often see in suburban counties,” says Christine Eubank, a professor of history at Bergen Community College. “Immigration has made us a kind of world county.”

REASONS TO PULL UP ROOTS Whether arriving on a steamship, a bus or a Boeing 777, immigrants have been coming to America for centuries seeking a chance to better themselves and their families and, at the same time, fleeing those things that have threatened their lives and/or livelihoods, including poverty, famine, lack of educational or employment opportunities, persecution and fear of violence, either personal or political.

For example, Yaumel, who now resides in Bergen County (and asked that we use his first name only), fled his native Cuba in 2019 for fear of political reprisals against his family for his outspoken criticism of the government.

“I was many times attacked by the dictatorship,” he says. “They did not accept me in the workplace, and they threatened that if I did not change my mind, my family would also be expelled from their workplaces.

I decided to take the risk and leave my country so my family would not have problems.”

Moscow notes that in recent years, LGBTQ immigrants from Uganda—which has the world’s most draconian “anti-gay” laws—have fled their birth country for fear that they could be arrested and put to death for their sexuality.

Some immigrants come to the U.S. through legal channels, obtaining the visa known as a green card, the first step toward U.S. citizenship. But the number of people seeking to immigrate far exceeds the limited number of green cards issued annually, and many

organizations were hard pressed to name any. “I don’t know of anybody,” says Carolyn Sobering, cochair of Community of Friends in Action, the Leonia-based immigrant-rights network, “and I think I would’ve just because I’m so active in that community.” Even so, the immigrant experience today in Bergen isn’t an easy one—and it’s even less so for those who arrive here without papers. The greatest initial challenge may be language.

“The language barrier,” says Sobering, “leads to a lot of problems: problems finding housing and employment, accessing services, registering their children in school.” It also affects those children, whose educational needs and abilities aren’t easy for schools to assess thanks to language limitations.

Another challenge is affordable housing.

Bergen’s long immigrant history and proximity to New York City may make it more welcoming in terms of access to nonprofit organizations that work with immigrants and, among other things, help them find a place to live. But that proximity to the city has also made Bergen’s real estate among the country’s priciest, with little in the way of affordable housing—for immigrants and American-born residents alike.

For the undocumented, challenges are more acute. If they find employment, it’s more likely that employers will take advantage of them, knowing that they’ll be less likely to complain for fear of arrest or deportation. Moscow tells the story of one immigrant worker who was let go without ever having been paid.

He advocated for the man, who was eventually paid a portion of those wages—Moscow notes that it’s illegal to withhold wages, even from an undocumented worker—but the worker in question was afraid to push the situation any further. Even when asylum seekers

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have received the legal authorization to work known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), they may not be home free, since EADs need to be renewed, and in our overburdened immigration system, that often doesn’t happen in a timely manner.

Finally, although Bergen tends to be tolerant toward its immigrants, they often face discrimination, for their ethnicity, their difficulties with English, their legal status—sometimes even their success.

When Korean businesses began to proliferate in Fort Lee in the early 2000s, residents complained that their business signs were only in Korean, an apparent affront to non-Asians who, Matsumoto says, “felt alienated.” The town government ameliorated the problem when they mandated bilingual (English-Korean) signage.

As of this writing, no immigrants have been bused to Bergen in circumvention of New York City regulations, as they have in towns like Edison, Trenton and Secaucus. But in those localities, officials have often been vitriolic in their denunciations of the undocumented. If those buses were to terminate in Bergen, they could reawaken the kind of anti-immigrant sentiment that emerged in the early 2000s when a group known as the United Patriots of America regularly protested in Bergen, scapegoating immigrants as destructive to the U.S. economy.

THE BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY Immigrant-owned businesses are one of the critical elements that have helped make Bergen more cosmopolitan than many suburban counties—a place where a pan-Latin meal, a cup of bubble tea, or a Korean spa treatment is often literally just around the corner. Immigrants have brought more tangible benefits to the county as well. Importantly, they’ve been a counterweight against the loss of residents that’s plagued many New Jersey suburbs. In 2022, for instance, Bergen experienced a net loss of 3,350 residents, most of them leaving for less congested, less expensive locales outside the state. That number would be significantly higher—closer to 4,300—without the influx of new immigrants.

And their economic impact is significant. The nonprofit Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy determined that Bergen’s undocumented immigrants pay more than $68 million in state and local taxes annually. And, as they do elsewhere, immigrants in Bergen often take jobs that are difficult but integral to infrastructure and daily life. “People don’t realize how much they depend on them,” says Sobering. “When they go into a restaurant in Bergen County, they don’t see behind the swinging doors who’s doing the dishes, who’s cooking some of the food.” Latina immigrants, for

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example, make up 5 percent of New Jersey’s entire workforce, cleaning homes, laboring in factories, picking produce, and doing other jobs that might otherwise go unfilled.

As a group, immigrants tend to be highly motivated. “You don’t leave your country, go to another country, especially one where the dominant language may not be yours, and figure you’re not going to do anything,” says Moscow. “Immigrants work their butts off.” Many become entrepreneurs, as the proliferation of immigrant-owned downtown businesses attests. In fact, the richest person in New Jersey is an immigrant: Rocco Commisso, a Bergen resident who founded the cable company Mediacom and is among the 100 wealthiest Americans.

If immigrants are hardworking, they also pass that work ethic onto their children. “There’s documentation that the children of immigrants, that first generation born here, tend to do very, very well,” says Moscow. They also do very well in school, he says, if the schools are supportive of the needs of children who begin their educational journey in Bergen with minimal, or no, English.

In Bergen, support encompasses celebration.

Last year, the county sponsored its first-ever Pakistani heritage festival, along with festivals celebrating the ethnic traditions of two other significant immigrant groups here, Indians and Koreans. The celebrations offer residents an opportunity to learn more about some of the people who’ve brought the world to Bergen. They’re also an acknowledgment of Bergen’s rich, multicultural milieu. And they stand as a thank-you of sorts to the people who continue to enrich us, with their past and their presence.

A VOICE FOR BERGEN’S IMMIGRANTS Are you an immigrant or the child of an immigrant?

If so, Christine Eubank and her colleagues at Bergen Community College hope you’ll share your story through East80West, an oral history project launched this past fall. They’re seeking the experiences of immigrants both documented and undocumented.

Of the latter group in particular, Eubank, a history professor, says, “We would like to help make them visible, in ways that won’t put them at risk.” The stories will be used to create a verbatim theater production in September of 2024, and the plan is to incorporate them into a permanent local history archive at Bergen Community College. Stories will be collected through June 2024. To learn more, go to east80west.com.

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POLISHED IN A HURRY The timetable was tight, and the Park Ridge townhouse the couple bought to be near grandkids had to be like their old Boston-area home—and different too.

Design by Diane Durocher Interiors Photography by Mike Van Tassell Text by Donna Rolando

A Boston-area couple adored their fine-tuned colonial of four decades, where they had raised two daughters.

They might have stayed there forever, but four grandkids in California and New Jersey changed their perspective.

“We were practically living out of a suitcase,” says homeowner Pam Platten, recalling the frequent treks she and husband Paul took coast to coast for family time. They decided it was time for two homes, one on each coast.

Sight unseen is how they came to purchase an almost 4,300-square-foot townhouse in Park Ridge that put them 10 minutes from one daughter. On their first glimpse, the heavily ’70s-oriented style cried out for redesign before their 2022 move, and Ramsey-based designer Diane Durocher seemed a natural fit.

Distant from their new home, the couple prioritized making sure contractor and designer worked well together. With Diane Durocher and her contractor husband Lee of Deco Custom Builders on the job, the homeowners felt they had the best of both worlds.

In fact, the road trip the Durochers took to their home in Newton, Mass., ensured smooth planning. As the homeowners hoped to incorporate favorite pieces of furniture, art and accessories, Diane Durocher says the trip A Boston-area couple was leaving their home of four decades, but they didn’t want to give up all their furniture as well. The living room of their Park Ridge townhouse is a happy marriage of old treasures and new additions.

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This page: Restyling the fireplace with absolute black honed granite was the key to making it stand out as the heart of the living room. Opposite page: An Asian-inspired cabinet refreshes the dining room with its Queen Anne table and chairs in walnut.

helped them to catalogue and photograph these pieces and utilize swatches to begin the Bergen transformation. The biggest challenge, she says, was getting it all done in the couple’s seven-month time frame.

This couple didn’t want a carbon copy of their New England home. Pam says they decided to trade heavy drapes and fabrics for a fresh look and a neutral palette. “Our vision was to have something more transitional, but we wanted to use some of the pieces,” she recalls. Durocher came through with sand tones warmed with brass lighting and grounded with walnut-stained floors.

The road trip was a powerful inspiration for the design of the living room that sprang from a reupholstered winged chair with ottoman. This New England carryover took center stage within the glow of the room’s focal point, a fireplace refurbished with white trim contrasted by absolute black honed granite. It also influenced the room’s neutral palette with new transitional-style sofas

by Kravet and a trellis-pattern rug by Creative Touch.

The room derives a sense of history from traditional tables that made the journey too.

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“We love to entertain, and I think the living room area came out just spectacular,” says Paul.

Designer Durocher had to meet the demands not only of style, but of lifestyle too. That meant teaming up the living room and family room (the latter in a new location) for cuddling in front of the screen, playing piano and socializing in the warmth of a fire. To meet this goal, the dining room was moved to the front of the house. But it remained close to what was cooking in the kitchen— another lifestyle must.

The dining room’s dark-walnut Queen Anne table and chandelier are beloved treasures from New England, but the vitrine by White House Furniture with its Asian and contemporary spin is the new kid on the block. Queen Anne style chairs with pale blue cushions offer a classic elegance, while cream draperies celebrate the room’s height.

For the kitchen’s fresh conversion, the designer traded “very dated” cinnamon-stained cabinets for creamy-white Shaker style with quartzite countertops, illuminated glass and polished chrome hardware.

A contemporary highlight is Stellar’s diamond-

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This page: For an elevated look of furniture, the designer introduced distressed wood for the island base and coffee bar in the background.

Opposite page: Thermador double ovens show that this couple is serious about cooking.

like Trestle tile, placed vertically for effect. Though narrow like the kitchen itself, the island stands out for a distressed base with a furniture vibe. The look is mirrored with the coffee bar—a better fit for this family than a desk area. “We came up with the idea of a coffee bar and they loved it,” Durocher recalls. Ditto for the way double wall ovens by Thermador satisfy this family’s passion for cooking. Completing the look is an Elica stainless-steel hood.

For their redesigned bathroom with gray concrete-like tile, the couple wanted “something like an oasis,” recalls the designer, who gave the soaking tub the ideal spa-like setting.

In a nod to the style of the California home the couple also bought, minimal window treatments highlight the stunning landscape. “They really wanted to bring the outside in,” says Durocher. (Yet the remote-control cellular blinds offer privacy in a snap.)

Another standout feature is the floor-to-ceiling porcelain backsplash with a glossy white wave motif, while the floating double vanity with a large, illuminated medicine cabinet and frameless glass shower doors complete the

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look. Safety factors in with the gray porcelain tile that only mimics the look of concrete.

The primary suite is again a mix of traditional treasures and fresh infusions of style such as paintedivory nightstands. Joining a new lantern that departs from traditional, the brass swing-arm sconces by Circa Lighting invite late-night reading in the couple’s familiar upholstered king bed. The room’s rather dated verdegreen fireplace would have “stuck out like a sore thumb,” so Durocher orchestrated a redesign, featuring a lighttoned marble and painted wood. A new modern landscape over the fireplace beckons a blue palette for pillows and a crocheted throw. Wooden blinds keep the minimalist scheme, celebrating the view when the time is right.

Even with a seven-month race against time, the designer succeeded in shaping the Park Ridge townhouse to this couple’s satisfaction.

“When we came back from California, we walked in the door, and it just felt really luxurious,” Pam says. “It felt like home. After 40 years in another place that’s saying quite a bit.”

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ESCAPES

COLD PLAY

Tropical beaches can wait. This year, why not visit a place where winter is in its glory?

Wintertime “getaways” often invite you to escape the cold and snow for a warmer clime. But there’s another way. It may not be your first thought if you’re tired of scraping your windshield, but have you considered going full-on wintry?

The five destinations below, all within easy driving distance of Bergen, don’t evade the cold; they celebrate it. Some boast the familiar delights of skiing and snowboarding, but all have further enticements too. Whether you seek athletic adventure, stunning vistas in white or unbelievable steaming gourmet dinners, each of these locales is a geographical love letter to the season. Why not take advantage of February break and take your family someplace where all is calm and bright, and snow days still mean magic?

LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK

A four-and-a half-hour straight shot up I-87 will take you to this resort, host of both the 1932 and the 1980 Olympic Games and still a mecca for Northeast winter sports. The Olympic Center here is still open and functional, providing both a chance to walk through sports history and an unforgettable place to ice-skate. Lake Placid boasts some of the best of just about anything you could want to do outside in the cold. In the spirit of its Olympic legacy, it will host the Adirondack Tour de Ski on Feb. 10 and 25. This competitive cross-country ski event spans six venues as well as multiple distances and terrains.

It’s open to all, as well as to the public for viewing.

On the slopes: The iconic Whiteface Mountain is one of the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. It has 94 trails, 11 lifts and the greatest vertical drop on an East Coast ski trail. Duck inside and warm up at the mountainside Legacy Lodge, which has a heated patio, food and drink options and spectacular views. The more adventurous may enjoy the 30-foot-high toboggan shoot, which sends riders flying onto the frozen Mirror Lake.

Those looking for a something more relaxing can head over to Bear Den Mountain for a mixedterrain snowshoe over breathtaking scenery.

Off the slopes: If you can’t get enough of the Lake Placid views, check out The Cottage, a café situated right on the edge of Mirror Lake. Its menu has something for everyone, including pub favorites and extensive vegetarian options. Those looking for a day trip and a chance to stock up on pancake essentials should check out South Meadow Farm Maple Sugarworks, a family-run maple sugaring operation with an operational boiler vat and sugarhouse an easy drive away from downtown.

For more information: lakeplacid.com

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NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK

Snow and ice only make this Natural Wonder of the World more breathtaking, and the town around it is ready to delight and awe. About six hours away by car, Niagara County is more than just the famous state park where the falls are located. Visitors can now step into the Cave of the Winds, the closest observation point to the falls themselves, year-round. The area is also a rich historical site and includes Fort Niagara, where professional reenactors bring several eras of history to life. A special Winter Warriors event, exploring the hardships of winter battles during the Revolutionary War, is being held there Feb. 17–18.

On the slopes: Wintertime hikers will rejoice at Wilson-Tuscarora State Park, where there is a four-mile trail perfect for snowshoeing. Bond Lake Park is another favorite spot for that activity; it also includes 13 miles of free cross-country ski trials. The local favorite activity, however, is snowmobiling. The miles and miles of wide-open State Park trails make this an ideal snowmobiling destination, and there are many options around the county for rentals and lessons.

Off the slopes: The Niagara Region is one of the few places in the country that produce ice wine.

It employs a process that includes letting grapes freeze on the vine, creating a unique, sweet flavor. Arrowhead Spring Vineyards offers tours, tastings and a full menu of lunch, dinner and hors d’oeuvre options.

For more information: niagarafallsusa.com

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA

If you’re traveling to embrace winter, why not explore the Great White North itself? Five and a half hours and one border crossing away, Montreal is a city that makes an impression in the snow and ice. The cold only makes attractions such as the breathtaking architecture of the NotreDame Basilica seem warmer and more inviting. If you’re looking for a feast for the eyes in this center of culture, “Montréal en Lumière,” or “Montreal in Light,” runs from Feb. 22 until March 10. One of the largest winter festivals in the world, it lights up the Quartier des Spectacles with sculptures, luminous installations, food vendors, games and theater performances.

On the slopes: Known to residents simply as The Mountain, Mount Royal Park is the center of outdoor living in Montreal. It’s considered the go-to spot for sledding and tobogganing (which makes this a destination ideal for kids) and maintains several cross-country ski trails. If you’re willing to go on a bit more of a drive, only an hour away is Mont Tremblant, a winter sports resort with 102 trails and four slopes supported by 14 lifts. In the winter, an express shuttle bus runs from there to the city and back.

Off the slopes: Montreal’s food culture is second to none and embraces the city’s rich blend of cultures. For a broad sampling of all those varied tastes, check out Le Central. This gourmet food hall showcases nearly 25 restaurant kiosks. First and foremost a gathering place of local talent, Le Central brings a community sensibility that will impress foodies of all ages.

For more information: mtl.org

STOWE, VERMONT

No census of American winter destinations would be complete without Stowe, a town celebrated for ski slopes and picturesque mountain peaks and only about five and a half hours away from Bergen. The town lives and breathes winter sports, offering everything from challenging slopes for the experienced skier and snowboarder to introductory lessons for the beginner. Want to try dogsledding? Join Umiak Outdoor Outfitters on any Friday this month for their Mad River Sled Dog Adventures. Each session gives you the chance to ride with the pros on a dogsled team.

On the slopes: Sharing the town’s name is Stowe Mountain Resort, which comprises both Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, for a combined 485 skiable acres. With 116 trails and 12 lifts, the resort offers lessons for all ages in both group and private settings. Reached by sky gondola rise, the resort’s Spruce Peak Village includes lodgings, a spa, shopping, dining and a climbing wall. You can also lace up your skates at Spruce Peak Village’s outdoor ice-skating rink.

Off the slopes: Unfreeze your fingers with a hot cup of coffee from the cozy Black Cap Coffee & Bakery, which also sells pastries and desserts made from locally sourced ingredients. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, head over to Idletyme Brewing Company, where the local brewing culture combines with family dining for an unforgettable experience.

For more information: gostowe.com

THE BERKSHIRES, MASSACHUSETTS

If you want to get away from the bustle as well as enjoy the snow, then the two-and-a-half-hour drive to the Berkshires may be the trip for you. Idyllic and forested, this region offers unbeatable views, rich historical heritage destinations and farm-totable cuisine. Nothing embodies this better than Pittsfield’s Indoor Farmers Market, a weekly event that’s lighted through the stained-glass windows of a church. There, you can browse local goods and produce. Or you could stop by the Berkshire Botanical Garden, which is open year-round and covers nearly 24 acres.

On the slopes: If you’re new to skiing and snowboarding adventures, or have kids who are, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is the perfect destination. It has a broad range of lessons for adults of all levels and abilities as well as a nationally ranked children’s lesson program. Out of its 45 trails, 17 are considered easy and beginner friendly, which makes this an ideal place to learn something new as a family. This sensibility carries through all aspects of the resort—the Cub’s Den Playroom is an onsite childcare option for children two years and older. Jiminy Peak offers onsite lodging options that feature both indoor and outdoor heated whirlpools.

Off the slopes: Keep cozy flavors at the forefront and stop by the local favorite Shire Donuts, where each pastry is made to order. Dinnertime options include Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano, a traditional Italian/American restaurant with extensive familystyle options and an impressive wine list. It also has a full menu of vegan-friendly food. These eateries have a community atmosphere, and they invite you to step in and share it with them.

For more information: berkshires.org —Kirsten Meehan

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How Sweet It Is!

These chocolate delights are a perfect treat and ideal to share with your special someone—and you won’t feel guilty going back for more.

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TASTES

LIGHT & DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Yields 4 servings INGREDIENTS n 1/2 cup plain chocolate n 1/2 cup white chocolate n 5 oz. double cream n 3 large eggs, separated n 2 Tbs. orange flavored liqueur, brandy or rum (optional) n crumbled chocolate waferbar or cocoa for garnish

DIRECTIONS Break the two chocolates into two small bowls, melt in the microwave or place one at time over a pan of simmering water. Cool slightly.

Lightly whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until they are shiny and stiff.

Stir the liqueur (optional) and two egg yolks into the dark chocolate, then fold in one third of the cream and half the egg whites.

Stir the remaining egg yolk into the white chocolate, then fold in the remaining cream and egg whites.

Layer the two mousses into four glasses and decorate with grated chocolate. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

“When choosing chocolate for baking, look for a high percentage of dark with limited sugar. Darker chocolate contains more antioxidants, which are key for anti-aging and anti-inflammation. You can also use cacao nibs to dust this mousse. Cacao is rich in flavonoids that can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow, and it’s high in mood boosting magnesium.”

—Robin DeCicco, certified holistic nutritionist, Power of Food Education, Ramsey

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TASTES

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TUILES WITH FRESH RASPBERRIES Yields 4 servings INGREDIENTS n 1 14.5 oz. can coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk n 1/2 cup dark chocolate of choice, chopped n 1 tsp. coconut oil n 2 Tbs. maple syrup n 1 tsp. vanilla extract n store-bought chocolate cups (e.g. glassine chocolate candy cups)

DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, add the coconut cream/milk. Using a hand mixer, beat for about one minute, until smooth and creamy, then set that aside.

Next, in a small bowl, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil.

Do this in the microwave in two 30-second increments, stirring in between each interval until the chocolate is smooth and creamy. If you don’t use a microwave, simply melt the chocolate and coconut oil over a pan of simmering water.

Pour the chocolate into the bowl with the coconut cream/milk, along with the maple syrup and vanilla.

Use the hand mixer again, and beat until combined well, and the mixture is smooth and creamy, using a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Divide the mixture evenly among 4 chocolate cups. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up to a thick consistency. Top each one with fresh raspberries and enjoy!

“This is a delicious dessert that’s limited in sugar and unhealthy fats. The coconut milk is a great milk substitute and helps with digestion and neurological function. The dark chocolate provides antioxidants, and you can add ½ a cup of berries to pack even more of them into this powerhouse.”

—Bess Berger, registered dietitian nutritionist, Nutrition by Bess, Teaneck

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SPECIAL SECTION

BERGEN COUNTY’S

TOP DENTISTS

2024 TO HELP YOU FIND GREAT DENTAL CARE, BERGEN magazine commissioned Professional Research Services (PRS) of Troy, Michigan to conduct a peer-review survey of hundreds of practicing and active dentists across the county.

Dentists were asked to choose which of their peers they consider the very best, across seven different practice areas—endodontics, general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.

All the final honorees were fact-checked with the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System. The highest vote getters within each specialty who are in good standing with the state are included here in the 2024 “Bergen County’s Top Dentists” list.

There are many other good dentists practicing in Bergen County who may not be included on this list; we recommend that you consider “Bergen County’s Top Dentists” and other resources before scheduling your next dental procedure.

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THOMAS B. ALLEN New Jersey Endodontics 80 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-487-5444 JEFFREY CHEN Mid-County Endodontic Group, PA 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-3311 MINSUN CHUN Mid-County Endodontic Group, PA 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-3311 EDWARD B. DROZD Edward B. Drozd, DMD 42 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-1135 ANTHONY FASCIANO Anthony Fasciano, DMD 617 E. Palisade Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-894-0350 MICHAEL B. FEINTUCH Endodontic Associates of Bergen County 1 Kalisa Way, Suite 106 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-262-3636 JOSHUA GOLDFEIN Metropolitan Endodontics 401A S. Van Brunt St. Suite 402 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-354-6201 JIN HAHN Mid-County Endodontic Group, PA 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-3311 YEHUDA ISSEROFF Bergen Endodontic Care 1033 River Rd., Suite 2 New Milford, NJ 07646 201-777-4447 MICHAEL J. LEWIS Foundation Endodontics 401 Hackensack Ave. Suite 102 Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-836-8000 CHARLES T. LOO Ridgewood Endodontics 145 Prospect St., Suite 101 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-4404

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JAE Y. OH Jae Y. Oh, DDS, Jenna Lee, DMD & Louis Jerome, DMD 2185 Lemoine Ave., Suite 1M Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-0797

JODY Z. BARDASH Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn 10-06 Saddle River Rd. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-972-6555

SUZAN GHATTAS AC Dental of Hackensack & Paramus 4 Forest Ave., Floor 2 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-489-1084

SUJEAN OH New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131

GREGORY BARON Baron Family Dentistry 135 Rodney St. Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-670-8565

STEPHEN PASCAL Endodontic Associates of North Jersey, PA 140 Route 17 North, Suite 270 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-265-3334

ROBERT P. BARONE Robert P. Barone, DMD 401 Kinderkamack Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-2477

MICHELE GIUFFRE SHORE Elmwood Park Cosmetic Dentistry 248 Palsa Ave. Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 201-796-9122

ALISON PETIX New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131

RICHARD L. BUCHER Laser Dentistry of North Jersey, LLC 9 Post Rd., Suite D5 Oakland, NJ 07436 201-834-7509

SEUNG U. SHON New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131

ANTHONY CARAMICO Midland Park Family Dentistry 662 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-447-5555

MARK SIMPSON Mark Simpson Endodontics 121 County Rd., Suite 1 Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-568-8848

DAYNA CASSANDRA Dr. Dayna Cassandra, Cosmetic Dentistry 351 Evelyn St. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-261-7645

BRIAN P. TRAVA New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131

GENERAL DENTISTRY BRAM ALSTER Bram Alster, DMD 20-20 Fair Lawn Ave. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-797-3044 JASON ALSTER Bram Alster, DMD 20-20 Fair Lawn Ave. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-797-3044 JOSHUA B. AUSTEIN West Ridgewood Dental Professionals, PA 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-8875 LINDSAY BACHRACH West Ridgewood Dental Professionals, PA 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-8875

JEFFREY GLIKSMAN Drs. Freed and Gliksman 155 N. Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 201-384-3909 BENJAMIN GOLUB Golub Pediatric & Adult Dentistry 354 Old Hook Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-722-0220 ERICA HELLER Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006 ZAHRA HOSSEINI Zahra Hosseini, DMD 810 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-212-4860

JENNY CHA Cornerstone Dental of Mahwah 21 Franklin Tpke., Suite 2119 Mahwah, NJ 07430 201-301-8686

DINA JACKSON State Street Smiles 405 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-389-2183

DAVID K. CHRISTENSEN Christensen Dental Associates 71 Franklin Tpke., Suite 1-1 Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-652-1569

DIANE L. JONAS Feit & Jonas Dental 19 Franklin St. Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-569-4535

JAMES W. CURRERI James W. Curreri, DDS 378 Clinton Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-8314

JOANNA KOSTIN Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006

DENISE C. FLEISCHMANN Denise Fleischmann, DMD 11-26 Saddle River Rd. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-791-3283

YAEL KRYZMAN Palisades Dental Care 47 E. Madison Ave. Dumont, NJ 07628 201-379-6895

ARI FROHLICH Teaneck Dentist 1008 Teaneck Rd., Suite C Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-719-9305

SAUL H. LEJTMAN Dr. Saul H. Lejtman 120 County Rd., Suite 203 Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-266-3995

FRANK J. GALTIERI East Hill Dental 163 Engle St., Building 2 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-568-2532

MARY T. MANCUSO Mary T. Mancuso, DMD 27-11 Pellack Dr. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-796-7171

KELLY MCNALLY Kelly McNally Passarelli, DDS 172 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-4050 STEVEN A. MENILLO Steven A. Menillo, DDS 315 Rochelle Ave. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-843-1015 JOHN MINICHETTI The Center for Implants and Aesthetics, Englewood Dental 370 Grand Ave., Suite 200 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-871-3555

TOP DENTISTS LISTINGS

ENDODONTICS

MAYRA MODESTO-GARRIDO Excel Dentistry 266 Harristown Rd., Suite 102 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-652-0400 GARY NICOLETTI Gary J Nicoletti, DMD 130 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 208 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-488-0200 SABINE E. PAGE HoHoKus Dental Associates 625 N. Maple Ave., Suite 2 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-748-2271 CHARLES J. PERRUZZI West Ridgewood Dental Professionals, PA 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-8875 JEFFREY PAUL POWELL Elmwood Park Cosmetic Dentistry 248 Palsa Ave. Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 201-796-9122 FRED A. PUCCIO Midland Family Dental Care 243 Morse Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-485-8847 ALISSA ROMAN Roman Dental Arts 747 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-654-3442 DONALD J. ROMAN Roman Dental Arts 747 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-654-3442 MARISSA SALA HoHoKus Dental Associates 625 N. Maple Ave., Suite 2 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-748-2271

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TOP DENTISTS LISTINGS

JOHN SARAYDARIAN Allendale Dental 42 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale, NJ 07401 201-760-1116 BLAIR SCHLUSSELBERG Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006 THOMAS F. SHERLOCK Dr. Thomas F. Sherlock, DDS 163 Dayton St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-1338 NIYATI SHETH Oasis Family Dental 240 W. Passaic St., Suite 1 Maywood, NJ 07607 201-802-8749 ANDREW SPECTOR Gentle Dentistry, PA 173 Terrace St. Haworth, NJ 07641 201-384-8981 JASON SUSS Suss Dental Group 179 S. Prospect Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 201-384-2880 JOSHUA TUZMAN Family Dental Associates of NJ, LLC 150 Overlook Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-8300 ERIC VEENSTRA Veenstra Family Dental 44 Godwin Ave., Suite 200 Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-447-0300 LANCE VICENTE Peak Family Dentistry 261 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4008 LILLIAN VIDAL Lillian Vidal, DDS 1 Engle St., Suite 102 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-227-0516 LAWRENCE E. WEINER Dr. Lawrence Weiner, DMD, PC 374 Clinton Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-5424 JOY H. YOO Joy Dental Associates 89 N. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-797-8899

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ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY JASON M. AUERBACH Riverside Oral Surgery 130 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 204 River Edge, NJ 07661 551-282-3179 DENNIS BARBIERI New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 16 Johnson Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-7353 SUNG HEE CHO Riverside Oral Surgery 333 Old Hook Rd., Suite 100 Westwood, NJ 07675 551-282-3181 KENNETH J. COLAMEO New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 16 Johnson Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-7353 MICHAEL A. COSTELLO Costello Oral Surgery Associates 949 Spring Valley Rd. Maywood, NJ 07607 201-712-5556 ROBERT J. DEFALCO Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 270 Spring Valley Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-262-2667 JASON DIAMOND Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 401 Hackensack Ave. Suite 103 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297 JESSE FEUERSTEIN Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 260 Old Hook Rd., Suite 202 Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-5656 SONIA FRANCIONI Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 794 Franklin Ave., Suite 202 Franklin Lakes, NJ 07631 201-808-8700 JERALD S. FRIEDMAN North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 315 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-692-7737

CHANG HAN Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 401 Hackensack Ave. Suite 103 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297 TARUN KIRPALANI Dr. Tarun Kirpalani, DMD, MS, OMFS 385 Maple Ave., Suite 207 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-444-5355 LEE C. KOJANIS Premier Oral Surgery Group 375 S. Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 201-385-0775 VINCENT NOVELLI Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 401 Hackensack Ave. Suite 103 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297 MARK PARK Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 401 Hackensack Ave. Suite 103 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297 MICHAEL PERRINO Riverside Oral Surgery 300 Grand Ave., Suite 102 Englewood, NJ 07631 551-282-3194 DORON RINGLER Knickerbocker Oral and Facial Surgery 300 Knickerbocker Rd. Suite 2000 Cresskill, NJ 07626 201-399-7707 MANAF SAKER Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center 385 S. Maple Ave., Suite 207 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-444-5355 ZEV SCHULHOF North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 315 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-692-7737 LISA J. SMARTZ Lisa J. Smartz, DMD, PA 110 Warren Ave., Suite 4 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-652-1154

NEIL A. THOMAN Neil A. Thoman, DMD 1250 E. Ridgewood Ave. Suite A Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-4452 NATHAN A. WUEBBELS New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 16 Johnson Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-7353 TYLER ZENGA Premier Oral Surgery Group 375 S. Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 201-385-0775

ORTHODONTICS DANIEL AKKAWAY Thrive Orthodontics 135 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Suite 1110 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-391-5537 JAMES BANCROFT Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics 90 Franklin Tpke.

Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-447-1611 HEATHER BROSNAN Brosnan + Clark Orthodontics 47 Orient Way. Rutherford, NJ 07070 201-935-8550 NATALIE CAPAN Capan Orthodontics 580 Sylvan Ave., Suite 1M Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-569-9055 SALVATORE J. CARCARA Carcara Orthodontics 70 W. Allendale Ave., Suite C Allendale, NJ 07401 201-749-4890 JESSICA CHUNG-LEVY Grace Orthodontics 1315 Anderson Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-886-8400 LEEANN CLARK Brosnan + Clark Orthodontics 47 Orient Way. Rutherford, NJ 07070 201-935-8550 MARISSA CLEMENTE Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-2888 MICHAEL CLEMENTE Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-2888

NICOLE CLEMENTE Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-2888 GWEN COHEN Cohen Orthodontics 156 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah, NJ 07430 201-828-9188 RENEE KOJANIS CUOMO Tenafly Orthodontic Associates, LLC 111 Dean Dr., Suite 2 Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-569-2112 KEITH DOBRIN Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics 90 Franklin Tpke.

Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-447-1611 MICHAEL DUONG Precision Orthodontics 148 Prospect St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-7447 STACI B. FRANKOWITZ Frankowitz Orthodontics 101 Cedar Ln., Suite 203 Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-836-7788 JON GOLUB Golub Orthodontics 2185 Lemoine Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-9208 BERNARD GORKOWITZ Gorkowitz Orthodontics 150 Terrace Ave. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-288-2368 PAYAL JAIN Jain Orthodontics 289 Market St., Suite 8 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-843-7064 CHRIS KOJANIS Tenafly Orthodontic Associates, LLC 111 Dean Dr., Suite 2 Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-569-2112 RACHEL KREINER-SHAMASH Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006 ILYA LIPKIN Ilya Lipkin, DDS 345 Old Hook Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-666-4646

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ROBERT LOEB Loeb Orthodontics 180 Ramapo Valley Rd. Oakland, NJ 07436 201-337-3701 PAUL MELONE Melone Orthodontics 121 County Rd. Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-567-6606 ORAN PACHTER Pachter Orthodontics 299 Forest Ave. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-523-6298 MICHAEL A. PERILLO Perillo Orthodontics 202-C LaSalle Ave. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-727-0980

DANIEL COHEN Dental Care 4 Kids 180 North Dean St. Suite 1 North Englewood, NJ 07631 201-569-5437

JULIA RINGLER Prioriteeth 300 Knickerbocker Rd. Suite 2000 Cresskill, NJ 07626 201-399-7717

AKSHAY KUMAR Affiliated Periodontists of North Jersey, PA 15 Emerald St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-5155

ALEXANDRA DELFINER Dentistry and Orthodontics of Midland Park 6 Prospect St., Suite 1A Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-972-6846

RENEE ROSENBERG Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006

JERALD N. ROSENBERG Fair Lawn Periodontics & Dental Implants 19-21 Fair Lawn Ave., Suite 2H Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-794-0260

JAMIE DIAMENT-GOLUB Golub Pediatric & Adult Dentistry 354 Old Hook Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-722-0220 CYNTHIA A. GILBERTPATTISON Pediatric Dental Associates, Inc. 195 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7020

KAREN REISNER Smile Studio Orthodontics 80 Broadway, Suite 2A Cresskill, NJ 07626 201-567-2224

ZACHARY GOLUB Golub Pediatric & Adult Dentistry 354 Old Hook Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-722-0220

CARMINE C. RUSSO Dentistry and Orthodontics of Midland Park 6 Prospect St., Suite 1A Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-972-6846

TAMAR GRUENBAUM Ridgewood Valley Pediatric Dentistry 385 S. Maple Ave., Suite 107 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-652-2707

RUSSELL M. SANDMAN Bergen Orthodontics 500 Piermont Rd. Closter, NJ 07624 201-768-4121

EDWARD M. JACKSON State Street Smiles 405 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-389-2183

COREY TURK Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AURA CALDERA Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 470 N. Franklin Tpke.

Suite 106 Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-746-4626 EYTAN CHEN Growing Smiles of Englewood 105 North Dean St. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-895-7197

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MICHELLE KREINERLIEBERMAN Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006 GERI KREINER-LITT Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr., Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006 ANDREA M. MATTIA Andrea M. Mattia, DDS 175 Old Tappan Rd. Old Tappan, NJ 07675 201-768-7100 MARIO E. RAMOS Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Midland Park 6 Prospect St., Suite 1A Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-972-6846

FRANK P. SCARTOZZI Frank P. Scartozzi, DDS 550 Durie Ave., Suite 209 Closter, NJ 07624 201-750-9910 HEATHER SCULTHORPE Your Child’s Smile 841 Franklin Ave., Suite 2 Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 201-891-0096 SARI C. ZIMMER Pediatric Dental Associates, Inc. 195 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7020

RICHARD H. SHIN Alpine Periodontics & Dental Implants 680 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 202 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-634-9400 GABRIEL M. STRAUSS Periodontal Associates of NJ 20 W. Ivy Ln. Englewood , NJ 07631 201-567-7766

PERIODONTICS

MICHAEL J. VOSKIAN HoHoKus Perio 204 Warren Ave., Suite 201 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-652-0080

AMIT AMIN Alpine Periodontics & Dental Implants 680 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 202 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-634-9400

CORY A. WANATICK Cory Wanatick Periodontal Associates 1563 Parker Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-461-4133

DANIEL C. BARABAS Ridgewood Periodontal & Implant Associates 413 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-447-0855

JULIANA YUN Juliana Yun, DDS, PC 116 N. Franklin Tpke.

Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-825-7677

PAUL A. BARABAS Ridgewood Periodontal & Implant Associates 413 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-447-0855

JORGE E. BARRIOS Jorge E. Barrios, DDS 75 Chestnut St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-4474

JEFFREY M. GORDON Jeffrey M. Gordon, DMD 130 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 202 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-487-8329 ALEXANDER LOEB Alpine Periodontics & Dental Implants 680 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 202 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-634-9400 WONWOO JANG HoHoKus Dental Associates 625 N. Maple Ave., Suite 2 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-748-2271

PROSTHODONTICS

RYAN BURKE Christensen Dental Associates 71 Franklin Tpke., Suite 1-1 Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-652-1569 MARK L. DANBE Danbe Dental 500 Piermont Rd., Suite 203 Closter, NJ 07624 201-768-3513

PAUL W. GALITSIS Dr. Galitsis & Dr. Bovino 345 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite D Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-0787 BILL GATES Bill Gates, DDS, MS 104 Broadway Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-307-1919 JOHN JACKSON Orafacial Aesthetics, PA John Jackson, DDS 82 E. Allendale Rd., Suite 1B Saddle River, NJ 07458 201-410-7461

TOP DENTISTS LISTINGS

ALLISON LOEB Loeb Orthodontics 180 Ramapo Valley Rd. Oakland, NJ 07436 201-337-3701

JIN HA JOUNG Ridgewood Dental Associates 166 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-580-3875 MICHAEL W. KLOTZ Prosthodontics of Ho-Ho-Kus 312 Warren Ave., Suite 1 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-444-9777 GUILLERMO J. MOLINA Guillermo J. Molina, DDS 1200 E. Ridgewood Ave. Suite 106 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-670-7774 GLENN PHILLIPS Phillips Dentistry 235 Madison Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-5154 MARK SAMANI Ridgewood Dental Associates 166 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-580-3875 PETER TSATSARONIS Distinctive Dental Arts 696 Palisade Ave. Teaneck, NJ 7666 201-836-0623 NICHOLAS A. VERO Nicholas A. Vero, DDS 756 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-692-1919

DANIEL B. FEIT Feit & Jonas Dental 19 Franklin St. Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-569-4535

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Andrew M. Spector, D.M.D., FAGD, FICOI, FIADFA Gentle Dentistry, P.A.

173 Terrace St., Haworth, NJ 07641 • 201.384.1611 • www.GentleDentistry.com FOR OVER 60 YEARS, THIS BERGEN COUNTY LEGACY has been emulating its name, “Gentle Dentistry.” With a “patient always first philosophy,” Dr. Andrew Spector provides minimally invasive dental care supported by today’s most advanced technologies. A trusted expert in restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Spector specializes in two-visit smile makeovers and is celebrated in the field for his expertise in complete technology-driven care. “Our treatment goals revolve around one concept, utilizing technology and techniques that can simplify even the most complex procedures for our patients,” says Dr. Spector.

Combined with a distinguished team of associates, specialists, and a highly trained compassionate staff, this full-service, multi-specialty practice is uniquely qualified to handle all of your dental needs under one roof.

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With a focus on prevention, the team at Gentle Dentistry uses state-ofthe-art preventive programs to keep every patient’s needs at a minimum.

They strive to perform the fastest and most accurate treatment during each phase whether your care includes dental implants, full- mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, periodontal, or general care. “It’s our never-ending mission to make your family’s dental care effortless and to ensure that every case is completed to the utmost of perfection,” says Dr. Spector.

Gentle Dentistry P.A. offers a comprehensive list of services including two-visit smile makeovers, Cerec™ single-visit crowns, Solea™ CO2 laser drill free fillings, LANAP (laser-assisted bone regeneration), minimallyinvasive guided implant surgery, and oral cancer screening. Further, the

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

practice offers outstanding results in snoring and sleep apnea treatment through the use of 3D airway imaging, seamless communication with your sleep medicine physician, and comfortable oral appliances. In addition to family care for all ages, Gentle Dentistry also offers implant alternatives to dentures, minimally invasive “microscopic” root canals, and oral surgery.

“When consulting with a patient who is interested in cosmetic care, my first priority is to listen so that I can craft the smile that together we envision,” Dr. Spector adds. “Our digital previews allow the patient to “try on” the smile and experience how a well-done smile makeover can change their lives.” Dr. Spector’s long-standing relationship with a New York based world-renowned aesthetic lab helps create unique and personalized smile designs that have become his signature.

Dr. Spector is a passionate educator and renowned lecturer. He has trained over 3,500 dentists on the newest techniques and technologies and teaches hands-on, nationally-recognized coursework to aspiring esthetic and implant dentists for over 20 years. Dr. Spector has been awarded Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry, The International Congress of Oral Implantology, and The International

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Academy of Dental-Facial Aesthetics, and is a graduate of the Americus Center for Aesthetic Dentistry. His stellar training includes a two-year residency program in Full Mouth Rehabilitation and a two year program in Surgical Restorative Implantology at New York University. He has also served as Clinical Associate Professor at New York University, teaching surgical and prosthetic implantology.

A visit to Gentle Dentistry will forever change the way you look at dental care.

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Marissa Sala, D.D.S. Sabine Page, D.D.S. Wonwoo Jang, D.D.S. Ho-Ho-Kus Dental Associates

625 North Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus New Jersey 07423 WHEN A PATIENT WALKS THROUGH THE DOORS OF HOHOKUS DENTAL ASSOCIATES IN HOHOKUS, NJ, it becomes clear that the team is invested in more than just their smile. The patient-oriented and welcoming atmosphere is just the beginning. HoHoKus Dental Associates offers a variety of services catering to all ages and needs, including but not limited to comprehensive evaluations, teeth whitening, dental bonding, Invisalign™ clear aligners, veneers, dental implants and nightguards. Their modern office makes cosmetic and restorative dentistry easier than ever, using high-end dental technology alongside a comfortable environment.

HoHoKus Dental Associates celebrates Dr. Marissa Sala, Dr. Sabine Page, and Dr. Wonwoo Jang, on being awarded “Top Doc” for

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2024. Since joining the practice in 2013, Dr. Marissa Sala has integrated artistry into dentistry. Elevating beyond general dental care, Dr. Sala helps patients realize their aesthetic goals. She not only excels as a top Invisalign™ Treatment provider, but also treats sleep apnea through dental therapy. Dr. Sabine Page delivers high-quality, personalized dental services to ensure optimal oral health. Dr. Wonwoo Jang, a board-certified periodontist, provides periodontal services and specializes in the placement of dental implants, contributing to the optimal care of patients.

Trusting HoHoKus Dental Associates ensures patients consistently receive the highest quality and cutting-edge dental care.

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Jason M. Auerbach, D.D.S. (River Edge) Sung Hee Cho, D.D.S., M.D. (Westwood) Jared Rosenstock, D.D.S. (Englewood) Michael Perrino, D.D.S., M.D. (Englewood) Justin P. Richer, D.M.D. (River Edge) Riverside Oral Surgery

River Edge | Westwood | Englewood NESTLED IN THE HEART OF BERGEN COUNTY, RIVERSIDE ORAL SURGERY stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of oral surgery.

Founded in 2007, this state-of-the-art practice has become synonymous with unparalleled patient care, cutting-edge procedures, and a commitment to redefining the oral surgery experience.

At the helm of Riverside Oral Surgery is Dr. Jason M. Auerbach, a highly esteemed oral and maxillofacial surgeon known for his expertise and dedication to advancing the field. Dr. Auerbach’s passion for providing top-notch care led to the establishment of Riverside Oral Surgery, where every aspect of the patient journey is meticulously crafted to ensure comfort and confidence.

The team at Riverside Oral Surgery comprises a roster of skilled surgeons, each bringing their unique expertise to the practice. Dr. Sung Hee Cho, Dr. Jared Rosenstock, Dr. Michael Perrino, and Dr. Justin P. Richer join Dr. Auerbach in providing a comprehensive range of oral surgery services.

Together, they form a dynamic team committed to meeting the diverse needs of their patients.

One of the standout features of Riverside Oral Surgery is the array of services offered, catering to both routine and complex cases. The practice covers a spectrum of oral and maxillofacial procedures, from wisdom tooth extraction to corrective jaw surgery. Driven by a philosophy of continuous improvement, the surgeons at Riverside Oral Surgery stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field, ensuring that patients receive the most innovative and effective treatments available.

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Beyond the clinical excellence, Riverside Oral Surgery places a premium on patient experience. The moment one steps into their modern and welcoming facility, a sense of assurance pervades the atmosphere. The friendly and knowledgeable team are dedicated to making each patient feel at ease, addressing concerns, and providing clear information every step of the way.

The commitment to patient-centric care extends to the utilization of cutting-edge technology and techniques to enhance precision, minimize discomfort, and accelerate recovery. This dedication to staying at the forefront of oral surgery sets Riverside Oral Surgery apart as a leader in the field.

The practice’s impact goes beyond the confines of their office. Dr. Auerbach and his team actively engage with the community, participating in educational initiatives and outreach programs. Their mission is not only to provide exceptional oral surgery but also to empower individuals with knowledge about their oral health.

Riverside Oral Surgery’s commitment to patient care, coupled with a team of skilled surgeons and a comprehensive range of services, sets it apart in Bergen County. As Riverside Oral Surgery continues to redefine and cultivate the optimal patient experience, it remains a trusted destination for those seeking top-tier oral and maxillofacial care.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE AND READ REVIEWS FROM PATIENTS LIKE YOU, OR VISIT RIVERSIDEORALSURGERY.COM

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Zahra Hosseini, D.M.D. 810 Main St., 2nd floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601 • 201.212.4860 145 Prospect St., Suite 202, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.444.9011 • www.dentacarenj.com SAFELY CARING FOR YOUR FAMILIES DENTAL NEEDS Meet Dr. Zahra Hosseini, a passionate dental provider embracing advancements in the industry that provide safer solutions to her patients.

These advancements in dentistry have allowed Dr. Hosseini to better treat patients with a combination of higher quality materials and diagnostic tools.

Dr. Hosseini has been committed to moving away from toxic chemicals and materials over the years, including amalgam - a silver-colored filling material that has mercury in it which can be used to fill a tooth after decay has been removed. While many people still have old amalgam, or silver fillings, we no longer place these in our patients’ teeth in our practice, as better, safer material such as composite has become the filling material of choice. Modern-generation composite is a resin-based filling material that is “filled in” to a tooth and cured with a light to harden. Besides being aesthetically pleasing and tooth colored to match a patient’s teeth, composite does not contain the harmful mercury that amalgams do.

compromised, we recommend removal and replacement. Using a holistic approach, we remove these amalgam fillings ensuring proper patient and environmental safety throughout the procedure. This replacement comes by way of either a new filling or a ceramic crown placed following a conservative, minimal reduction method of preparation.

QUALITY PATIENT CARE - OUR PRIORITY Keeping our mind, body, and mouth healthy is crucial to living vibrantly.

We are proud to provide the best possible treatment to our patients by only using the highest quality materials in a safe and sanitary environment. Dr. Hosseini stays up to date on the advancements in our field and puts them into practice with top-quality patient care. For more information on the amalgam fillings, visit FDA.gov; https://www.fda.gov/ medical-devices/ dental-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings or IAOMT.org; https://iaomt.org/resources/dental-mercury -facts/mercury-poisoningsymptoms-dental-amalgam/ For more on Dr. Hosseini’s services, please visit www.dentacarenj.com

SAFER OPTIONS FOR OLD FILLINGS NEEDING REPLACEMENT If our patients come to us with older amalgam fillings that either have worn down, are leaking, have decay beneath them, or are otherwise

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Juliana Yun, D.D.S., PC

Ramsey Periodontics And Dental Implants

116 North Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446 • 201.825.7677 • www.drjulianayun.com “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” MAYA ANGELOU. Dr. Juliana Yun lives with intention. It’s a calling she attributes to her loving family for believing in her and supporting her journey. Her late father, the first Korean dentist in New York City, offered advice that resonates with Dr. Yun daily and guides her patient care philosophy, “Never forget that the mouth you are treating is connected to a human being with feelings and emotions.”

As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Yun offers a wide scope of periodontics, focusing on the healing aspect of dentistry and the importance of treating the whole patient for optimal health and a wellbalanced life. Dr. Yun’s conservative approach begins with developing a partnership and an honest dialogue with her patients so that they become an integral partner in their dental health. Her ultimate goal is to

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save teeth by making sure patients understand that through proper care they can keep their teeth for their entire lives.

Celebrating over 25 years in private practice, Dr. Yun’s expansive career includes service in the United States Navy, where she worked with colleagues from every part of the globe helping to sharpen her skills, shape her integrity and prepare her for the discipline necessary to face the challenges of the dental profession.

Dr. Yun’s proudest accomplishment is the personal connection she has fostered with her patients and the practice’s loyal and dedicated team.

Her very capable, tightly connected female staff shares a mutual respect that transfers to every one of her patients. Fostering an environment of trust, comfort and kinship, Dr. Yun offers patients more control and a deeper understanding of treatment leading to the heart of true patient care.

1/19/24 9:16 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Bram Alster, D.M.D. Jason Alster, D.D.S. 20-20 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 • 201.797.3044 • www.bramalsterdmd.com FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, DR. BRAM ALSTER has been dedicated to improving the oral health of New Jersey families. For the past nine years, Dr. Alster is proud to have his son, Dr. Jason Alster, practice with him carrying on the long-standing tradition of superior family, restorative and cosmetic dental care. Together with their staff, they deliver uncompromised quality and comfort to provide patients with healthy, beautiful smiles. “Delivering nothing short of excellence with integrity remains our ultimate goal,” says Dr. Bram Alster.

Both doctors emphasize the importance of educating patients by explaining different options for appropriate treatment. “It’s important that patients feel physically and mentally at ease,” says Dr. Jason Alster. “Our entire team helps achieve this important objective!” In their welcoming

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state-of-the-art office, services include dental implants, crowns, porcelain veneers, bonding, whitening, Invisalign, and now Botox. Cosmetic procedures are performed to look natural and subtle. ”We design smiles that conform to a patient’s facial features to achieve a harmonious, beautiful appearance,” notes the father-son team.

Dr. Jason teaches dental residents at Hackensack University Medical Center and also practices part-time in Manhattan. He is a member of the Bergen/Rockland Dental Study Club. Dr. Bram remains on staff at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. Both doctors are members of the ADA, AGD and are ”Fellows” of the International Academy of Oral Implantologists.

1/19/24 9:16 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Dayna Cassandra, D.D.S.

Dr. Dayna Cassandra Cosmetic Dentistry 351 Evelyn St., Paramus, NJ 07652 • 201.261.7645 • www.cosmeticdentistofparamus.com WHEN IT COMES TO DENTAL HEALTH, DR. DAYNA CASSANDRA HAS FOR 22 YEARS HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF TAKING CARE OF SO MANY PEOPLE OF BERGEN COUNTY AND BEYOND. Patients who choose Dr. Cassandra know that they are getting great care and that investing in their smile will afford them lifelong confidence, comfort, and beauty.

When meeting a new patient, one of the first questions she asks is, “Are you planning to keep your teeth for the rest of your life?” When she hears “Yes,” she commits to helping her patients do just that with a relationship that develops into one of trust and confidence.

Dr. Cassandra continues to have a strong desire to bridge the gap between medicine and dentistry. With that in mind, Dr. Cassandra and her team perform thorough examinations to gain insights into the health of their patients. Patients have access to important dental advice that helps them take steps towards achieving optimal overall physical and mental wellness. She also advises patients to “Take a tour of your mouth to gain awareness of your dental health and help establish your personal health goals.” Dr. Cassandra adds, “A steady investment in one’s smile will help manage time and costs and will likely prevent the chances of more extensive and expensive treatments.”

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Dr. Cassandra has built a strong and diversified team committed to ongoing training and delivering patient-centric care. The practice offers general dentistry, periodontal care, and advanced restorative dentistry. “My extensive training and investment in education has given me the privilege and the advantage in tackling the toughest cases with predictability. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, my team and I strive for nothing less than perfection,” she says.

The practice is equipped with technologies such as 3D imaging, 3D printing, and digital smile design, and now offers “same day” ceramics with the ability to make restorations in the office. Modern techniques combined with proven principles and existing concepts in dentistry help Dr. Cassandra and her team to deliver outstanding smiles and, most importantly, long-term function and desired aesthetics.grow and develop is one of her proudest accomplishments.

1/19/24 9:17 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Lance Vicente, D.M.D., Kevin M. Heaney, D.D.S. 261 Summit Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 • 201.487.4008 • www.peakfamilydentistry.com A PATIENT-CENTERED APPROACH THAT VALUES PROVIDING A RELAXING, FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. At Peak Family Dentistry, Dr. Lance Vicente and Dr. Kevin M. Heaney have been treating patients in Bergen County and the surrounding areas for over 35 years. This small office is dedicated to serving patients of all ages and walks of life, including children, adults, and those with special needs and significant medical complexities.

“We see many autistic and differently-abled adults,” says Dr. Vicente.

“We understand that these patients may require different methods of treatment, from simply spending more time getting to know them, to seeing them safely in the operating room.” Drs. Vicente and Heaney are very active at Hackensack University Medical Center, both taking time each week to mentor eighteen dental residents in the hospital’s dental clinic; Dr. Heaney is former director of the dental department. Their commitment to future dentists and their success benefits the community and profession greatly.

disabled and complex patients. “It is an invaluable resource to have when indicated by a patient’s medical nuances and physical capabilities,” shared Dr. Vicente.

Both doctors follow the philosophy of being lifelong learners. Dr. Vicente is the President-Elect for the Bergen County Dental Society and is currently working through the Kois Center curriculum, an intensive ninecourse program focusing on the latest advances in esthetics, implant and restorative dentistry. Both are members of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine; Dr. Heaney a Diplomate of the AADSM. In addition to advancing their education, the doctors continue to advance the technology of their practice, incorporating soft-tissue laser treatments, intraoral scanning and photographs, fully-digital patient records, and 3D printing.

“The evolution of digital dentistry is truly remarkable and patients have really expressed their comfort and interest in scanning as opposed to traditional putty impressions.”

“I find teaching to be such a rewarding way to give back to the profession,” says Dr. Vicente. In addition to teaching, both doctors have operating room privileges to comprehensively treat some of their more

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1/19/24 9:18 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Fred A. Puccio, D.D.S.

Midland Family Dental Care

243 Morse Ave., Wyckoff, 201.485.8847 • 765 Midland Ave., Garfield, • 973.340.4484 www.midlandfamilydental.com WITH TWO OFFICES AND AN OUTSTANDING TEAM OF FIVE DENTAL PROFESSIONALS, including an endodontist and oral surgeon, Midland Family Dental Care will meet all your family’s dental needs. For over 25 years, Dr. Fred A. Puccio has become one of the most respected names in the field. A leader in digital dentistry, Dr. Puccio is proud that “we provide the latest in cutting edge technology so that our patients receive the safest, most precise dental care available.

Midland Family Dental Care provides general dentistry, preventive care and a multitude of other services, including full mouth reconstruction, dental implants, root canals, complete smile makeovers, veneers, Invisalign, oral surgery, laser periodontal gum therapy, Botox, and facial fillers. In addition, a specialty of the practice, which is in high demand, is the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disturbances and sleep apnea from children to adults.

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Dr. Puccio can restore a patient’s mouth in just one day with either dental implants or porcelain restorations using Cad/Cam CEREC Technology, eliminating the need for messy impressions, temporaries, and multiple office visits. With the use of SOLEA, newest laser technology, they can restore a broken tooth or cavity without needles.

Dr. Puccio is pleased to offer Solea Sleep, a new laser therapy that provides relief for snoring. A 10-minute, one-time treatment, Solea gently tightens tissue in the soft palate, reducing vibrations that cause snoring.

Dr. Puccio attended New York University as an undergraduate, as well as NYU’s College of Dentistry. Additionally, Dr. Puccio is an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at New York University College of Dentistry in the Honors Aesthetic Clinic, where he relays his extensive knowledge of new dental digital technology and how it applies to cosmetic dentistry.

1/19/24 9:19 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Jody Z. Bardash, D.M.D. Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn

10-06 Saddle River Rd., Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 • 201.797.1555 • www.drbardash.com DR. JODY BARDASH, DR. MICHELLE MIRZA AND DR. ARI BARDASH of Dental Professionals of Fairlawn have a clear goal—to give every patient the gift of a brilliant smile to let their self-confidence shine through. Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, a comprehensive, state-of-the-art dental facility, uses the most advanced techniques for general and cosmetic dentistry to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles for life. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Bardash has gained a reputation as one of the finest cosmetic dentists in the country specializing in all aspects of full mouth reconstruction. Because he’s known for helping every patient recover their positive self-image with a new, beautiful smile, Dr. Bardash is consistently recognized as a Top Dentist. From 2003 to present day, Dr. Bardash has also been recognized as one of the top dentists in the country by the prestigious Consumers’ Research Council of America.

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As a Premier Invisalign Provider, the Doctors also treat teenagers and adult patients with this advanced orthodontic treatment to avoid metal braces. Invisalign can achieve straighter teeth using customized clear trays that help to shift the teeth into the desired position while addressing multiple issues such as crossbites, overbites, underbites and misaligned teeth.

Dr. Bardash currently serves as an attending in the dental residency program at Hackensack University Medical Center as well as Englewood Hospital, and he is a member of a number of prestigious associations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Bardash donates his time and talents to the Health & Humanitarian Aid Foundation (HHAF) as a member of the dental outreach mission by treating villagers living in the impoverished jungles of Ghana, Africa.

1/19/24 9:20 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

John Minichetti, D.M.D.

The Center For Implants And Aesthetics At Englewood Dental 370 Grand Ave., Suite 200, Englewood, NJ 07631 • 201.871.3555 • www.englewooddental.com MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, DR. JOHN MINICHETTI began practicing cosmetic and implant dentistry as an innovative solution to replacing missing teeth and improving smiles. Dr. Minichetti and his team are leaders in the dental community, addressing both simple and complicated cases with the same degree of attention and expertise.

The practice is supported by experienced general and cosmetic dentists, including Dr. Anna Hong, Dr. Joseph D’Amore, and Dr. Cara Minichetti.

Dr. Minichetti and his associates utilize new techniques and digital technology, while also working as faculty members to teach dentists at Englewood Hospital. “That’s what keeps us cutting edge,” explains Dr. Minichetti. “We are very involved in teaching other dentists current trends in dentistry.”

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Dr. Minichetti’s office is Bergen County’s forefront facility for cosmetic and implant procedures and provides quality comprehensive care in general, pediatric, laser, facial aesthetics and orthodontic dentistry.

The practice hosts an in-house lab, digital X-rays, a board-certified anesthesiologist and a specialized surgical suite. Dr. Minichetti often receives patient referrals from other dentists. As Director of the Dental Residency Program at Englewood Hospital and Past-President of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Dr. Minichetti brings expertise to his practice and enjoys teaching clinicians from around the world.

Testimonials from colleagues and patients agree that Dr. Minichetti’s staff sets the standards for quality dental care.

1/19/24 9:20 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Anthony Caramico, D.M.D. Midland Park Family Dentistry

662 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432 • 201.447.5555 • www.midlandparkfamilydentistry.com team@midlandparkfamilydentistry.com MIDLAND PARK FAMILY DENTISTRY IS COMMITTED TO HELPING OUR PATIENTS MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HEALTH AND BEAUTIFUL SMILES. While this may seem like an easy task for a dental office, that’s not always the case. Delivering the best care requires a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and improvement for the entire team, which includes dentists, hygienists, assistants and our coordinators. It requires making investments in the latest technology, tools, and approaches the industry has to offer. And it requires not only meeting, but exceeding, all regulatory safety standards and guidelines.

Our office gets an A+ across all these categories, which are among the reasons we have been able to not only keep our current patients happy and healthy but attract a growing number of new patients.

today, and in the future. “Whenever you bring new people into the mix, you get new ideas and energy and see things a little bit differently,” says Dr. Tony. “We do it all intentionally so we can bring that dynamic to the practice and, ultimately, our patients.”

We are also passionate about making good oral health affordable for all, through our Care Plus Program. The Care Plus Program was designed

by Dr. Tony to provide significant in-office savings on dental services provided in our office. It’s a great way for families to access affordable dental care without the stress of dental insurance.

If you haven’t yet visited this office, Dr. Tony and his team encourage you to come experience a truly differentiated patient experience in a familyfocused atmosphere.

As part of our commitment to exceeding patient expectations and satisfaction, Dr. Tony has welcomed Dr. Bjorn Thorsen, Dr. Julie James and Dr. David Greco, a periodontist, to better serve our patients’ needs

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1/19/24 9:20 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Brian P. Trava, D.M.D.

NJ Root Canal

290 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506 • 973.423.0789 • 119 First St., Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 • 201.251.8131 1777 Hamburg Tpke, Wayne, NJ 07506 • 973.835.7500 • www.njrootcanal.com SAVING TEETH FOR OVER 30 YEARS makes NJ Root Canal the go-to practice for patients of all ages with simple or complex dental needs.

Established in 1990, Dr. Brian Trava, Dr. Sujean Oh, Dr. Alison Petix, Dr. Seung Shon, and Dr. James Yang have all received recognition as top doctors in the field of endodontics. The two-year specialty program trained the doctors to save natural teeth with root canals by diagnosing pain, while also addressing tooth trauma and the use of stem cell therapy to prevent children from having premature root canals.

NJ Root Canal utilizes 3D imaging, surgical microscopes, and researchbased techniques to detect extra roots and infections not seen by traditional methods. With higher success for saving a tooth, patients may save an average of over $4,000 not needing to replace an extracted tooth. One patient Aileen says: “I am the biggest ‘dentist wimp.’ I literally shake with fear. But going here always proves to me that if you have the

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right doctor, a root canal really is not that horrible of a thing. I highly recommend this practice.”

Born and raised locally, Dr. Trava graduated dental school from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in 1988. He completed his two-year, post-graduate work in Endodontics from UMDNJ in 1990. Starting his practice in Hawthorne in 1990, Dr. Trava later became an assistant clinical professor at UMDNJ, where he taught Postgraduate Endodontics from 1993 to 2000. Dr. Trava is a published author, who lectures nationally on diagnosing patients with 3-D imaging and laser technology.

Children are an important part of the practice. Dr. Trava says, “Trauma can have long-term complications from an esthetic and legal perspective if not handled properly the first time.”

1/19/24 9:21 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Yael Kryzman, D.D.S.

Palisades Dental Care

47 East Madison Ave., Dumont, NJ 07628 • 201.568.9811 • www.palisadesdentalcare.com “I AM A DENTIST WHO FEARS GOING TO THE DENTIST,” SAYS DR. YAEL KRYZMAN. “My fear gave birth to a dream. What if I could create a dental practice that I would love to visit, that patients would love to visit?”

That is how Palisades Dental Care was born.

Dr. Kryzman from Palisades Dental Care, Dumont, NJ, can prove that going to the dentist can be a pleasant experience. Dr. Kryzman gives her patients a lot of reasons to have a pleasant dental visit: a welcoming office and meticulous and personalized care. “One of my greatest strengths is connecting with patients,” says Dr. Yael Kryzman. “Our mission statement is to provide our patients with dental services that come from the heart and deliver the best outcomes possible with no exceptions. We love connecting with our patients as a whole person, not just their teeth.”

new facility in Dumont, NJ. Now with ten operatories, Dr. Kryzman and her associates have the capacity to better accommodate their patients, upholding a commitment to provide the highest quality of dental care for the whole family. A team of general dentists, an oral surgeon, a periodontist, and a pediatric dentist provides world-class dentistry using the latest skills and technology, such as 3D intraoral scanning and sameday in-office milling, conveniently available under one roof. Dr. Kryzman specializes in Digital Smile Design, which allows patients to preview their new smile before work begins. Palisades Dental Kids - the pediatric wing - is a fun-filled pediatric dental experience with interactive games and ceiling TVs, all designed for children’s comfort.

Dr. Kryzman and her team love designing smiles & paying attention to every detail. They invite prospective patients to visit their office for consultations.

After practicing for over ten years in Cresskill, Dr. Kryzman and her team moved to their new home - a state-of-the-art, beautiful, and modern

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1/19/24 9:24 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

John Saraydarian, D.M.D. Allendale Dental

42 West Allendale Ave., Allendale, NJ 07401 • 201.760.1116 • www.allendaledental.net DR. JOHN SARAYDARIAN IS DRIVEN BY ONE GOAL – TO PROVIDE HIS PATIENTS WITH A SIMPLE AND PLEASURABLE DENTAL EXPERIENCE. Dr. Saraydarian and his associates, Dr. Jenna Earnhardt and Dr. Jennifer Kim, strive to treat their patients with true comprehensive care. This has been accomplished through the incorporation of 3 specialists to the practice, Dr. Caroline Ahn in Endodontics, Dr. Sung Min Lee in Periodontics and Dr. Ani Merjian in Pediatrics. The enhanced scope of dental services available to patients here has made for not only an easier deliverance of care, but receipt of care as well. As a practice, the primary commitment made by all of the staff is to provide the highest quality of service to patients.

According to Dr. Saraydarian, “Honesty, integrity and quality treatment have been the pillars of my practice since opening in 2004. I consider my patients an extension of my family and I practice with genuine respect,

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thoughtfulness and sensitivity for each and every one of them. While diagnosis, treatment plans and care instructions are certainly critical to our time with patients, we always allow room for our patient’s concerns to shape the appointment. We take such pride in our frequent referrals and glowing word- of- mouth endorsements. We wouldn’t be the practice we are today without them.”

With a focus on preventative care, the dentists integrate innovative, state- of- the-art cosmetic and restorative dentistry in a friendly, relaxing environment using the most up-to-date technology. Ultimately, their objective is to establish every patient’s smile on a solid foundation that will promote excellent dental and physical health throughout their lifetime.

1/19/24 9:24 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Michael Duong, D.D.S. Precision Orthodontics

148 Prospect St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.444.7447 • www.luvmybraces.com AS THE OLD WISE PROVERB SAYS, “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Dr. Michael Duong is one of those lucky individuals to realize the profession that perfectly aligns with his strengths. His keen visual perception, mastery of science and excellent diagnostic skills, made orthodontics a no brainer.

Dr. Duong’s proudest accomplishment of his career is building his own practice. “I love coming to work. My team is super energetic, warm and caring. The patients we care for and the families we get to know are the epitome of each day,” says Dr. Duong. “Listening to the kid’s stories and watching them grow into beautiful adults is heartening. I treat patients of all ages and I take pride in knowing that they acquire a boost of confidence when facing the world with a beautiful smile.”

With technology constantly evolving, Dr. Duong teaches to stay on the cutting edge. He is an assistant clinical professor at Columbia University

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where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and orthodontic specialty training.

A stickler for making sure that treatment is working right and moving along as quickly as possible, Dr. Duong made the conscious decision to practice solo. Since 2010, when he first opened his doors, the practice has been growing. The doors are finally open to Dr. Duong’s new location in the heart of downtown, Ridgewood. Their super new modern office is equipped with the most advanced technology and provides the highest quality of care.

Dr. Duong is a strong believer in giving back to the community at the grassroots level where he can make a direct impact on his patients and their families. He donates to local schools, teams and religious institutions.

1/19/24 9:25 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

TYLER J. ZENGA

LEE C. KOJANIS

John N. Kallis, D.M.D Lee C. Kojanis, D.D.S. Tyler J. Zenga, D.D.S, M.D. Premier Oral Surgery Group

617 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 • 201.567.7500 375 S. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, NJ 07621 • 201.385.0775 www.premieroralsurgerygroup.com DR. LEE KOJANIS, CO-OWNER OF PREMIER ORAL SURGERY GROUP AND A FIVE-TIME CONSECUTIVE BEST-OF-BERGEN WINNER proudly announces that the practice’s newest associate, Dr. Tyler Zenga, is also named a Top Dentist. The practice was started by Dr. John Kallis, a previous best of bergen winner, over 15 years ago and the doctors focus on dental implant surgery, wisdom teeth extractions, bone grafting, Botox/fillers, outpatient sedation, jaw corrective surgery, and maxillofacial trauma. The practice is known in the community for providing patients with the best possible care in a serene and comforting environment.

Dr. Kojanis is highly recognized for his technical skills and extensive specialty training in complex facial trauma, Implantology, and corrective jaw surgery, using minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes and shorten recovery times. He earned his D.D.S. and graduated with honors from New York University College of Dentistry in 2014 and completed a highly reputable four-year oral and maxillofacial surgery program at New York University/Bellevue Hospital Center. Upon completion, he was credentialed as faculty where he continues to train residents on advances in the field. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Fellow of the American

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Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is also Section Chief of the Department of Oral Surgery at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center.

Dr. Zenga has extensive training in the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. He is a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician.

He received his D.D.S. from Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine in New York City where he graduated with top honors and then received his M.D. from Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Zenga completed the prestigious six-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program at Columbia University Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he treated and managed medically complex patients.

The entire team understands that oral surgery may be a source of anxiety and stress, and they take the time to listen, ensure comfort, and fully explain every step of treatment. Learn more about the practice at www.premieroralsurgerygroup.com.

1/19/24 9:26 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Mark Samani, D.M.D. Jin Ha Joung, D.M.D. Ridgewood Dental Associates

166 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.652.2474 • ridgewooddental.com DRS. MARK SAMANI AND JIN HA JOUNG ARE HUMBLED AND PROUD to consistently be considered among Bergen County and New Jersey’s Top Dentists for 15 years. From providing the highest quality adult restorative and implant dentistry to teaching dental students and dentists, the doctors take their role as leaders in the field of advanced dentistry very seriously.

Dr. Samani, a Prosthodontist, has 30-plus years of experience in adult restorative implant dentistry. He lectures extensively on all aspects of dental implants and sleep apnea and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine since 2000.

Dr. Joung, a Prosthodontist and a board-certified Periodontist, is one of only a handful of doctors in the country to be trained in both specialties.

As a dual specialist, he has a unique perspective on comprehensive care and treatment planning in the most complex cases.

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Ridgewood Dental Associates (RDA) continues to be Bergen County’s stronghold for adult restorative, implant, and esthetic dentistry utilizing state-of-the-art technology ranging from digital x-rays, and 3D cone beam CT scan imaging to CAD/CAM software, a 3D printer, and digital impressions. “Our treatment goals revolve around utilizing technology and techniques that can simplify even the most complex procedures for our patients. All of this is complimented by our incredibly caring staff who are highly trained and strive to create a comfortable experience for all of our patients.”

The doctors are passionate about continuing education and have created the Ridgewood Implant Institute (RII) at RDA which offers All-on-4® CE courses to general dentists educating them on every facet of the All-on-4® treatment. Additionally, patients have the opportunity to participate in this program for a reduced fee. The RII Conference Room provides a venue for practitioners to comfortably watch live-streamed surgeries being performed in the Surgical Suite by the doctors for our exclusive All-on-4® CE course. We invite you to contact our office for more information.

1/19/24 9:26 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Eric Veenstra, D.M.D. Veenstra Family Dental

44 Godwin Ave., Suite 200, Midland Park, NJ 07432 • 201.447.0300 • www.veenstradental.com FOR THE FATHER AND SON TEAM AT VEENSTRA FAMILY DENTAL, it’s all about family. After graduating from UMDNJ (now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine) in 2007, Dr. Eric Veenstra joined his father, Dr. Doug Veenstra, and the two feel blessed to be working together to continually grow in their service to the community where the practice has been for almost four decades. They truly feel their dental team and their patients are like part of the family.

Dr. Eric has taken thousands of hours of advanced dental education to offer the most up to date and best treatment options to his patients.

Veenstra Family Dental offers general and preventative care, cosmetic, implant dentistry and full mouth reconstruction to their loyal and trusted

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patients. Recently, Dr. Noah Ruitenberg joined the team of doctors and shares the same priorities of outstanding service, high-quality care, and commitment to education.

The one thing Dr. Eric says he is most thankful for in the practice is the amazing team he gets to work with day in and day out. “Everyone in the office cares deeply for our patients’ health as well as their overall wellbeing. It’s not just about treating teeth, but about treating people,” says Dr. Eric.

Fostering a culture of respect with a sprinkling of fun, Veenstra Family Dental is where excellence and people matter most.

1/19/24 9:27 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Gregory Baron, D.M.D. Baron Family Dentistry

135 Rodney St., Glen Rock, NJ 07452 • 201.670.8565 • www.gbarondmd.com DR. GREGORY BARON IS THE EPITOME OF KINDNESS, GRACIOUSNESS AND GOODWILL. That’s why his family-oriented practice, Baron Family Dentistry, is the perfect blend of advanced dentistry with personalized care. Dr. Baron earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Princeton University and received a Doctorate of Dental Medicine in 1985 from Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry. For the last 26 years, he has been a solo practitioner destined to have a home-office in his beloved community of Glen Rock to welcome your family as an extension of his own.

Dr. Baron personally sees every patient that walks through his door, intentionally keeping his practice small so that each patient can be heard, valued and cared for with compassion and respect. With each day presenting new challenges and the field of dentistry continually advancing and evolving, Dr. Baron appreciates the diversity of dental options available in family care and values the deep relationships he

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develops through multiple generations. In his own words, Dr. Baron says it best, “It’s a privilege to team up with specialists in the area, but I value the flexibility of being quarterback and the opportunity of helping people one-to-one.” Dr. Baron credits his compassionate team for their dedication in creating a warm and welcoming practice built on a foundation of stellar service and care. His greatest accomplishment is in seeing patients walk out the door with a healthy, functional, confident and beautiful smile.

When he’s not helping his patients, Dr. Baron enjoys creating memories with his beloved wife, Frances, two grown sons, Bradley and Tyler and his daughter-in-law, Mechella. Forever young at heart, Dr. Baron’s favorite escapes are at the shore in Wildwood Crest, Disney World and watching a good Yankees game.

1/19/24 9:27 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Donald J. Roman, D.M.D., MAGD Alissa Roman, D.D.S.

Roman Dental Arts: “Changing Smiles, Changing Lives” 747 Main St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 • 201.843.0440 • www.romansmiles.com

THE DOCTORS AT ROMAN DENTAL ARTS HAVE OVER 40 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE and training, providing their patients with exceptional care and attention. Dr.’s Donald and Alissa Roman exemplify a practice of two generations of dentists whose philosophy is to provide personalized care and attention to their patients. The entire staff embodies the doctors’ ideals that the expectations of their patients should be exceeded at each and every visit. Roman Dental Arts knows that without exceptional dental health, one cannot have ideal general well-being.

Dr. Donald is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, a qualification held by less than 2% of dentists nationwide. Dr. Alissa is on track to receive her Fellowship and Master’s from the AGD, being amongst the youngest dentists to reach this level of training. To attain this standing, a minimum of 1,110 hours of rigorous training

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and examinations must be satisfactorily accomplished. The Doctors understand that providing cutting-edge care and lasting results requires a commitment to postgraduate dental education.

Both doctors believe in employing the latest techniques in dental care, from laser therapy for shot-free fillings, single-visit crowns and veneers, to digital and 3D dental radiographs for precise diagnosis, and guided surgery for dental implant placement.

Roman Dental Arts continuously invests in cutting-edge technology and equipment in order to provide their patients with the best and most comfortable care possible. Dr. Donald and Alissa Roman believe that “Our Family is here to care for Your Family like no other dental office.”

1/19/24 9:28 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Dina Jackson, D.M.D. Edward Jackson, D.M.D., FAAPD State Street Smiles 405 Main St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 • 201.389.2183 (New Patients) • 201.487.7030 (Existing Patients) www.statestreetsmiles.com EVER SINCE MEETING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY OF NEW JERSEY, Drs. Dina and Edward Jackson have been a united front based on their deep respect and steadfast support.

The unique husband-and-wife team created a dental practice through a shared philosophy of building strong relationships and delivering an extraordinary dental experience to patients of any age.

Board-certified Dr. Eddie specializes in pediatric dentistry, highly respected in the field for his care in treating countless little smiles. Dr. Eddie takes to heart the very special responsibility that comes with treating children, and has mastered the art of calming their anxieties and recommending treatments with great sensitivity and care. He has come to be known as “the prize doctor” by his young patients who look forward to the fun trinkets they receive for being brave in the dental chair. It’s not unusual for Dr. Eddie to see a patient just two days old for procedures to correct tongue and lip tie conditions working closely with lactation consultants and speech therapists to provide the best follow-up care.

Dr. Eddie was the Section Chief of Pediatric Dentistry at Hackensack

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University Medical Center and continues to mentor residents at their program.

Dr. Dina practices general and restorative dentistry with a gentle nature and individualized approach that’s in a class by itself. She has a genuine interest in what her patients have to say to address their concerns and to help maintain good dental health. Dr. Dina spends much of her free time attending continuing education courses exemplifying her commitment to providing dental care with the highest standards, revolutionary materials and latest technologies and modalites.

With its focus on the patient relationship and experience, the multispecialty practice is equipped with TVs in every treatment room, iPads in the reception area and technologies to ensure a gentle, pain-free experience. The team includes an associate, an oral surgeon and compassionate support staff who are true “rock stars” and make sure to include laughter, and even a dance, throughout their busy day.

1/19/24 10:45 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Michael W. Klotz, D.M.D., M.DENT.SC., F.A.C.P.

Prosthodontics of Ho-Ho-Kus

312 Warren Ave, HoHoKus NJ 07423 • 201.444.9777 • www.smilehhk.com DR. MICHAEL KLOTZ is one of the rare board-certified prosthodontists in the country. He specializes in implant, aesthetic, and reconstructive dentistry using the most advanced digital dental technology available.

Along with his skillful team, Dr. Klotz continuously strives for the highest level of patient care and satisfaction.

Using his advanced training and technology, Dr. Klotz’s patients experience quicker, more efficient, and more comfortable visits. His practice incorporates 3D cone beam scans for highly detailed images of the teeth and jaws, 3D printing for the efficient fabrication of dental models and restorations, and 3D intraoral scanning to eliminate uncomfortable impressions. Having an in-office dental laboratory gives Dr Klotz two major advantages. First, he can maintain strict quality control over the restorations. Second, the restorations can often be fabricated in a more-timely fashion.

After earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree (D.M.D) at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey now known as Rutgers School of Dental Medicine), Dr. Klotz went on to study Prosthodontics, the dental specialty pertaining to dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures. He was accepted into a competitive three-year residency program in Prosthodontics at the

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University of Connecticut Health Center. During his post-graduate training, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Dental Science (M.Dent.Sc), concentrating his research on the bio-mechanics of dental implants.

Dr. Klotz continued his education with a fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where he cared for the complex needs of patients with head and neck cancer. While at MSKCC, he completed board certification in Prosthodontics, the most demanding and highest honor in the specialty. He has also published in peer-reviewed dental journals, has lectured nationally on various topics in Prosthodontics and implant dentistry, and is active in many local and national dental organizations.

While Dr. Klotz’s practice specializes in prosthodontics, they also take care of the general needs of all patients young and old. “I chose Prosthodontics as a way to help all patients with difficult dental issues as well as satisfy my passion for restoration and reconstruction of complex cases,” says Dr. Klotz. His greatest reward is completing life-changing dentistry and creating long-lasting relationships with his patients, many of whom have been coming to his practice for decades. For more information, visit www.smilehhk.com.

1/19/24 9:30 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Suzan Ghattas, D.D.S.

AC Dental of Paramus & Hackensack

4 Forest Ave., Suite 202, Paramus, NJ 07652 • 201.489.1084 • www.hackensackdental.com DR. GHATTAS MAINTAINS THE HIGHEST STANDARDS IN DENTISTRY by using the latest techniques and educating her patients on the most up-to-date dental options.

Providing cosmetic, Implant, and family Dentistry. With a passion for transforming smiles and promoting oral health, she provides the Gold Standard of care.

With over two decades of experience, her commitment to excellence starts from the moment she meets her patient, listening to the patient’s concerns. Dr. Ghattas’s skills as a General Dentist shine because she goes the extra mile to make customized, patient-centered treatment plans that deliver truly natural smiles. She has earned the loyalty of patients throughout the Bergen County community.

Dr. Ghattas is a member of the ADA, AGDA, AAFE, AACA, ICOI, and an Invisalign Gold plus provider.

Bill Gates, D.D.S., M.S.

104 Broadway, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 • 201.307.1919 • www.billgatesdds.com SMILING COMES NATURALLY for patients who receive Dr. Bill Gates’ quality esthetic dental care. Dr. Gates is a prosthodontist whose practice provides a broad range of care from family dentistry and implant restorations to comprehensive restorative care, Invisalign, and treatment of cancer patients. He is respected in Bergen County for developing individualized, customized plans to enhance or restore his patients’ smiles. He coordinates care with other specialists in Bergen County to ensure optimal esthetic and functional results.

Dr. Gates earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina, a Master of Science degree and Certificate in Prosthodontics from the University of Iowa, and a Maxillofacial Prosthetics Certificate from MD Anderson Cancer Center. He joined the team at Hackensack University Medical Center’s Center for Dentistry in 2019 as an attending faculty member and is currently an Executive Council member of the Bergen County Dental Society.

Dr. Gates brings an exceptional educational background and over 30 years of clinical expertise to Bergen County to help patients look and feel their best.

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1/19/24 9:31 AM

Clemente Orthodontics

60 W Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.447.2888 595 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 • 201.484.0600 www.clementeorthodontics.com STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES IN A FAMILY-OWNED PRACTICE: that’s what you’ll find at Clemente Orthodontics. Clemente Orthodontics has been treating patients in the area for over 35 years. Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, Drs. Nicole and Marissa Clemente, provide the complete array of modern orthodontic treatments and their patients range in age from 6 to 96.

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Michael Clemente, D.M.D., Nicole Clemente, D.D.S. Marissa Clemente, D.D.S.

Clemente Orthodontics always uses the latest technology available and couples that with their team’s vast experience to provide the best possible experience for their patients. With large private operatories; comfortable waiting rooms; convenient hours; all digital scanning processes; 100% complimentary initial consultations; and free on-site parking at all (3) locations… Clemente makes taking care of your orthodontic needs as easy as possible.

They are the #1 provider of Invisalign clear aligners in both Bergen and Rockland, holding the coveted Diamond Plus rating. Aside from Invisalign, they also treat with early-stage growth modification appliances; micro-mini braces; or whatever modality their patient’s need calls for. This long-standing family operated practice has (3) locations in Ridgewood and Woodcliff Lake, NJ as well as New City, NY.

Kelly McNally Passarelli, D.D.S.

172 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.444.4050 • www.theridgewooddentist.com

AS I REFLECT ON MY LAST 32 YEARS OF BEING PART OF THE WONDERFUL COMMUNITY OF RIDGEWOOD, two words immediately come to mind: pride and intention. It all began in 1992, having just graduated from dental school and newly married, I moved to New Jersey to join my husband and the already-established Passarelli practice founded by my father-in-law.

The principles of pride and intention have always served as our guiding force as my late husband, Larry Passarelli, and I worked hard to grow the practice his father founded in 1961. Having the practice thrive and develop while forming lasting relationships was always our goal. It is my mission to continue the Passarelli legacy by aspiring to make the practice even better and to ensure a true sense of family where excellent cosmetic and restorative care, in addition to routine maintenance, is provided with the utmost empathy and dignity.

It has been a challenge over the years for so many reasons. As a practice, I have evolved and grown but I could not have done it alone. My incredible staff has been there through it all. They are truly family and having developed such an amazing team is one of this practice’s finest accomplishments. I am looking towards the future with a continued goal of serving the community and enhancing and growing patient relationships by providing excellent care skillfully and compassionately.

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2/6/24 1:40 PM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Peter Tsatsaronis, D.M.D., P.A. Distinctive Dental Arts

696 Palisade Ave., Teaneck, NJ 07666 • 201.836.0623 • distinctivedentalnj.com THOROUGH AND FRIENDLY are words patients consistently use to describe their experience at Distinctive Dental Arts. Dr. Peter Tsatsaronis is proud of the long-term relationships he has built with his patients over time.

Dr. Tsatsaronis provides quality comprehensive dentistry, ranging from cleanings and preventive exams to prosthodontics, dental implants and cosmetic dental services. He performs complex dental reconstruction and employs only the latest digital and 3-D technology, which allows for crown placement in one visit.

Dr. Pete is committed to continuing education to remain at the forefront of his profession.

After receiving both his Doctor of Dental Medicine and his postdoctoral degree in prosthodontics from Tufts University in Boston, Dr. Tsatsaronis taught at both Tufts University and at Hackensack Medical Center.

Dr. Pete’s goal is to help patients maintain all of their teeth in maximum health through treatment focused on comfort, function, and appearance. He and his staff are dedicated to providing personalized treatment options delivered with a minimum of stress and expense.

Richard H. Shin, D.D.S., Alexander Loeb, D.D.S. Amit Amin, D.D.S. Alpine Periodontics & Dental Implants 680 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 202, Oradell, NJ 07649 | 973.228.8500 385 Clinton Ave., #1A, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 | 201.891.6270 519 Bloomfield Ave., Suite L-19, Caldwell, NJ 07006 | 973.228.8500 | www.alpineperio.com | www.essexperio.com THERE’S A REASON WHY ALPINE PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS CONTINUES TO EXPAND. Five top-notch periodontal and implant specialists, three welcoming offices — the newest in Wyckoff — with a host of compassionate staff members, and the most state-of-the-art technology in the field creates a winning combination to help patients smile. Founded by Dr. Richard H. Shin, recognized by New Jersey Monthly Magazine as a Top Dentist for 14 years, his philosophy is simple and clear. Alpine Periodontics & Dental Implants is a group of highly-trained specialists in periodontal disease, gum disease and dental implants who center their practice on establishing long-term, caring and professional relationships with patients.

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1/19/24 9:34 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Gabriel M. Strauss, D.M.D. Periodontal Associates of NJ

20 West Ivy Ln., Englewood, NJ 07631 201.567.7766 • www.periodontalassociatesnj.com

BERGEN

BOARD-CERTIFIED PERIODONTIST, DR. GABRIEL M. STRAUSS CONTINUES THE LEGACY OF SUPERIOR DENTAL SERVICE THAT HAS BEEN THE HALLMARK OF PERIODONTAL ASSOCIATES OF NJ FOR ALMOST 70 YEARS. Dr. Strauss specializes in all aspects of gum disease from mild to advanced cases and is involved in cutting-edge research and specialty procedures. He takes a conservative approach using the latest non-surgical and surgical techniques to save teeth, restore a patient’s periodontal health and prevent the development of future problems. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, he continued his studies completing a specialty in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at Rutgers University. Dr. Strauss has strong ties to the Bergen County community including close relationships with many of the area’s colleagues.

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1/18/24 4:58 PM

1/19/24 10:29 AM

BAR TAB

Winter Warmth Keep cozy all season long with a boozy twist to your traditional hot cocoa.

CROCK-POT RED WINE HOT COCOA Yields: 10 servings

INGREDIENTS n 21/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips n 1/4 cup cocoa powder n 1/2 cup granulated sugar n pinch kosher salt n 6 cups whole milk n 1 (750 ml.) bottle red wine n toasted marshmallows, for serving n chocolate shavings, for serving DIRECTIONS Combine chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, milk and wine in slow cooker. Cook on high for one hour, whisking every 20 minutes. Ladle cocoa into mugs and top with toasted marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

Recipe courtesy of delish.com

“What a wonderful drink for the season! A splash of chocolate liqueur, such as Baileys or Godiva, is an easy way to make it more decadent and perfect for an afterdinner drink.”

—Kaleigh WilliamsHerzog, Bogota

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FEBRUARY 2024

1/18/24 10:30 AM

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Dine And Unwind

New Milford’s Crespo Hookah Grill connects good friends with fine food—and an age-old pastime.

In the spirit of auld lang syne, a former

THE CDC’S VIEW ON SMOKING THE HOOKAH

CRESPO HOOKAH GRILL, 160 Henley Ave., New Milford, 201.694.4081; crespohookahgrill.com BERGENMAG.COM

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“Using a hookah to smoke tobacco poses serious health risks,” notes the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Because of the way a hookah is used, people who smoke hookah may absorb more of the toxic substances also found in cigarette smoke than people who smoke cigarettes do.”

Photos by Darius Amos

colleague and I decided to reconnect after nearly a decade had passed since we’d last exchanged in-person pleasantries. Sure, we could’ve caught up over a few brews at a neighborhood bar, but ours is a friendship that demands someplace special. We found that place in New Milford shortly after the holidays.

When it opened last fall, Crespo Hookah Grill caught my eye for two immediate reasons: The restaurant, which specializes in Mediterranean-inspired fare, replaced an Argentine bakery I once frequented. It also offered an activity my friend and I both enjoy.

Hookah is a Persian instrument that dates back to the 1500s, and it’s used recreationally to burn and smoke shisha, or flavored, tobacco. It’s not for everyone, of course, as smoking any tobacco product has health risks. (See sidebar article below.) It’s one’s personal preference to participate.

Crespo offers eight different hookah flavors as well as a special in-house mix. We ordered watermelon hookah to share, a fruity tobacco with a smooth aroma and taste. The large pipe came with an ample amount of tobacco (as well as two disposable plastic tips, one for each of us) and provided us relaxing puffs as we perused the food menu.

I’m always wide-eyed when I see Mediterranean cuisine, but tried to keep my order to a minimum and stay aligned with a shed-some-pounds resolution. To start, my friend and I split a trio of appetizers.

The first was sun-dried tomato pesto with pita, a wonderfully rich combination of tomatoes and pungent garlic. The dip was so delectable, with just the right amount of tomato-sweetened oil, that I nearly forgot about our second app, hummus with pita.

That’s not to call the hummus forgettable— it was the perfect blend of smooth chickpeas, lemon and garlic, and on any other day it could’ve been the star starter.

As much as we appreciated the two dips, Crespo’s chicken wings topped our selection of apps. Granted I only had one of the

eight palm-sized wings, but each bite had an amazing crunch of crispy skin and a satisfying amount of juicy meat. One could’ve finished an order and easily called it a day—they were just so satiating.

But there was much more to relish and plenty more shisha remaining in our hookah to experience. I toyed with the idea of digging into lamb chops as my entrée, but opted for a healthy grilled salmon option. The fish had brilliant char marks and just the right amount of translucency in the center—neither undercooked nor overcooked, a struggle for many restaurants. The salmon came with beds of delightful rice and mixed veggies, perfect accompaniments for each forkful of fish.

My friend, meanwhile, ordered the heartier strip steak, a well-marbled, medium-rare hunk of beef. Though I was too full from my own entrée to have a taste for myself, he recommended it to me for next time: I would’ve appreciated each tender, juicy bite of the red meat. The steak also came with small sides of rice and veggies, a more heart-healthy alternative to potatoes or french fries. (Fries are on the menu for those hoping for spuds.)

Rather than order flan or tres leches cake for dessert, we closed the night sipping espresso, smoking the hookah and catching up on old times. That’s the overall vibe of Crespo, which by then had filled with both boisterous groups and couples—all of whom were passing the time with a soothing activity, noteworthy bites and great company.

—Darius Amos

FEBRUARY 2024

1/16/24 8:28 AM

ON THE TOWN

Where To Eat

Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Bergen County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.

Foschini’s 21 E. Madison Ave. 201.387.9998 foschinis.com

Fleming’s Steakhouse 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com

CLOSTER Brasserie Mémère 107 Vervalen St. 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com

Grant Street Café 25 Grant Ave. 201.385.1705 thegrantstreetcafe.com

Greek Taverna 55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com

La Taberna 31 W. Madison Ave. 201.374.1661 latabernanj.com

Haven 2 Main St. 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com

EAST RUTHERFORD Al Di La 1 Hoboken Rd. 201.939.1128 aldilaitalianbistro.com

Original Pancake House 15 The Promenade 201.366.4065 ophedgewater.com

The Hill 252 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.899.4700 thehillcloster.com Locale Café and Bar 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 locale208closter.com Sear House 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhouse.com

ALLENDALE Allendale Bar & Grill 67 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com

ALPINE Kiku 385 Rte. 9 W. 201.767.6322

Allendale Steakhouse 95 W. Allendale Ave. 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhouse nj.com

BERGENFIELD Chapala Grill 52 S. Washington Ave. 201.387.2107 chapalamexican grill.com

Mezza Luna 96 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.6556 mezzalunabistro.com

Nihon Kai 41 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.3000 nihonkaijapanese.com

Nirvana Indian Kitchen 29 W. Allendale Ave. 201.818.2300 nirvanaindiankitchen.com

Tommy Fox’s Public House 32 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com

Savini 168 W. Crescent Ave. 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com

CARLSTADT Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 S. 201.933.4000 biggies.com Il Villaggio 651 Rte. 17 N. 201.935.7733 ilvillaggio.com CLIFFSIDE PARK 354 Steakhouse 354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499 354steakhouse.com Avo’s Grill 720 Anderson Ave. 201.945.9038 orderavos.com Rudy’s Restaurant 591 Anderson Ave. 201.943.9252

BOGOTA Luka’s Italian Cuisine 10 River Rd. 201.440.2996 lukasitaliancuisine.com

*Editor’s note—Patrons are encouraged to confirm individual restaurant hours as well as policies regarding reservations and curbside service.

Sedona Taphouse 679 Anderson Ave. 201.943.2300 sedonataphouse.com

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Stern & Bow 171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbow restaurant.com CRESSKILL Delvina Restaurant 172 Piermont Rd. 201.816.0239 delvinarestaurant.com Hanami 41 Union Ave. 201.567.8508 hanamirestaurant.com Samdan 178 Piermont Rd. 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurant.com DEMAREST Yasou Mykonos 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasoumykonos.com DUMONT Fink’s BBQ Smokehouse 26 W. Madison Ave. 201.384.3210 finksbbqsmoke house.com

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Annabella’s House of Mozzarella 900 Paterson Plank Rd. 201.804.0303 annabellasmozz.com Blarney Station Pub 258 Park Ave. 201.531.0001 blarneystation.com Caffé Capri 119 Park Ave. 201.460.1039 caffecaprirestaurant.com EDGEWATER Baumgart’s Café 59 The Promenade 201.313.3889 baumgartscafe.com Brownstone Pancake Factory 860 River Rd. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com De Novo European Pub 1257 River Rd. 201.496.6161 denovoeuropean pub.com Emma Bistro 2 Hilliard Ave. 201.402.7719 emmabistronj.com

Pier 115 115 River Rd. 201.313.2155 pier115barandgrill.com Rebecca’s 236 Old River Rd. 201.943.8808 rebeccasedgewater.com River Palm Terrace 1416 River Rd. 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com Roberto’s II 936 River Rd. 201.224.2524 robertosii.com Seak 725 River Rd., #30 201.402.3400 seaknj.com ELMWOOD PARK Taverna Mykonos 238 Broadway 201.703.9200 tavernamykonos.com Royal Warsaw 871 River Dr. 201.794.9277 royalwarsaw.com EMERSON Pimaan Thai 79 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.967.0440 pimaanthai.com

Photo courtesy of DeNovo European Pub

De Novo European Pub, Edgewater

Villa Amalfi 793 Palisade Ave. 201.886.8626 villaamalfi.com

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1/16/24 8:30 AM

ENGLEWOOD Akai Lounge 11 N. Dean St. 201.541.0086 akailounge.com Baumgart’s Café 45 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.6267 baumgartscafe.com Bennie’s 54 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.5700 benniesof englewood.com Cassie’s 18 S. Dean St. 201.541.6760 cassiespizzeria.com CZEN Restaurant 36 N. Van Brunt St. 201.431.9199 czenrestaurant.com Fat Choy 52 E. Palisade Ave. 201.408.4581 fatchoyworld.com Hummus Elite 39 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.5600 hummuselite.com La Fonda Paisa 95 W. Palisade Ave. 201.871.3544 lafondapaisausa.com Las Maravillas de Tulcingo 84 W. Palisade Ave. 201.568.1980 Noches de Colombia 90 W. Palisade Ave. 201.567.4950 nochesdecolombia.com Pintxo y Tapas 47 N. Dean St. 201.569.9999 englewoodtapas.com

Photo courtesy of Donatella Ristorante

Rose’s of Englewood 126 Engle St. 201.541.0020 rosesplacenj.com Sofia 36 Engle St. 201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com Tani Sushi & Asian Grill 44 E. Palisade Ave. 201.567.7888 taniofenglewood.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS Brownstone Pancake Factory 717 E. Palisade Ave. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com

Patsy’s 344 Old Bergen Blvd.

201.943.0627 patsysbistro.com FORT LEE Aquarius 230-234 Main St. 201.592.8338 aquariusrestaurant nj.com

Café Italiano 14 Sylvan Ave. 201.461.5041 cafeitaliano.net

GLEN ROCK Glen Rock Inn 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com

FRANKLIN LAKES The Chef’s Table 754 Franklin Ave. 201.891.6644 tctnj.com

Stone & Rail 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com

Maggiano’s Little Italy 70 Riverside Sq. 201.221.2030 maggianos.com

Sushi Cocoro 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com

Tani Sushi & Asian Grill 206 Rock Rd. 201.612.1188 taniofglenrock.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse 1 Riverside Sq. 201.487.1303 mortons.com The Oceanaire 175 Riverside Sq. 201.343.8862 theoceanaire.com

Cliff’s Steakhouse 18 Sylvan Ave. 201.944.0233 cliffssteakhouse.com

Baggios 212 Main St. 201.585.7979 baggiospizzarestaurant. com

Lefkes Estiatorio 495 Sylvan Ave. 201.408.4444 lefkesnj.com

Big Red Tomato 1205 Anderson Ave. 201.224.6500 brtnj.com

GARFIELD The Firehouse 42 Plauderville Ave. 973.478.2226 firehouse-restaurant.com

HACKENSACK Casual Habana Café 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com

Grissini 484 Sylvan Ave. 201.568.3535 grissinirestaurant.com

Cap’t Loui 210 Main St. 201.461.7080 captloui.com

Goodfellas 661 Midland Ave. 973.478.4000 goodfellasristorante.com

FAIR LAWN Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza 2101 Promenade Blvd.

201.796.2625 acfp.com

Chillers Grill 2191 Fletcher Ave. 201.461.0075 chillersgrill.com

La Cambusa 517 River Dr. 973.272.8739 cambusanj.com

The Cheesecake Factory 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.488.0330 thecheesecakefactory. com

The Gyro Project 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.571.4501 thegyroproject.com

La Fortaleza 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 lafortalezamex restaurant.com

Fair Lawn Diner 13-48 River Rd. 201.791.2895 fairlawndiner.com Kimchi Mama 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.703.2905 kimchimamafairlawn.com Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill 2-27 Saddle River Rd. 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com Rose’s Place 32-01 Broadway 201.475.8800 rosesplacenj.com RP Prime Steakhouse 41-11 Rte. 4 W. 201.267.0702 rpprime.com Sage Restaurant 17-15 Broadway 201.797.0500 sagefairlawn.com FAIRVIEW Noches de Colombia 172 Broad Ave. 201.840.8428 nochesdecolombia.com

In Napoli 116 Main St. 201.947.2500 inapoli.com

Hot Fish 450 Hackensack Ave. 201.881.0180 hotfishhackensack.com Houston’s 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 houstons.com Lido Restaurant 701 Main St. 201.487.8721 thelidorestaurant.com

Kuba Restaurant 2139 Hudson Ter. 201.585.1601 kubarestaurant.com

LT Bar & Grill 390 Hackensack Ave. 551.287.6333 ltbarandgrill.com

P.F. Chang’s 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.646.1565 pfchangs.com The Picco Tavern 160 Prospect Ave. 201.880.8750 piccotavern.com Rosa Mexicano 60 Riverside Sq. 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com HARRINGTON PARK Donatella Ristorante 12 Tappan Rd. 201.767.4245 donatellasitalian. restaurant

Donatella Ristorante, Harrington Park

Pho Today 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.585.8818 Pomodoro 795 Abbott Blvd.

201.224.0800 pomodoro1.com Prime & Beyond 501 Main St. 201.461.0033 primeandbeyond.com Punta Cana 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.849.5556 puntacana restaurante.com

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Ventanas 200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthe modern.com

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ON THE TOWN HASBROUCK HEIGHTS Bensi 459 Rte. 17 S. 201.727.9525 bensihh.com

HO-HO-KUS Alt Eats 622 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.1300 alteatscafe.com

Foschini’s Brick Oven Pizza 298 Ridge Rd. 201.460.7600 foschinis.com

The Heights Bar & Grill 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338

Catchy Café 614 N. Maple Ave. 201.445.6400 thecatchycaterer.com

Michael’s Riverside 528 Riverside Ave. 201.939.6333 michaelsriverside.com

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn 1 E. Franklin Tpke.

201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com

MAHWAH Jun Lung 180 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.9898 junlungnj.com

Ivy Inn 268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com Sofia’s 220 Boulevard 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterranean grill.com

Ho-Ho-Kus Sushi Café 29 Sheridan Ave. 201.670.7677 hohokussushicafe.com

Tom Yum Koong 305 Boulevard 201.288.3840 tomyumkoong.net

St. Eve’s 611 N. Maple Ave. 201.857.4717 stevesnj.com

HAWORTH Alessandro’s 157 Terrace St. 201.385.8544 alessandrosnj.com

LEONIA Café Mignon 332 Broad Ave. 201.292.1992

Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net Naturoll Sushi 165 Terrace St. 201.387.7655 naturollsushi.com HILLSDALE The Cornerstone 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com Domani 387 Washington Ave. 201.722.8881 domanirestaurants.com Fig & Tomato 100 Park Ave. 201.722.8880 figandtomato eatery.com Matsu Sushi & Grill 140 Broadway 201.722.9388 Osso Buco 343 Broadway 201.664.1600 ossobucogrill.com

Dante’s Place 373 Broad Ave. 201.592.9071 dantesplace.com Fontana Tritone 248 Fort Lee Rd. 201.242.9040 LITTLE FERRY Segovia Steakhouse 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com LODI Kaya 334 N. Main St. 973.779.1128 kayalodi.com ReBar & Kitchen 132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com Sergio’s Missione 2 Mercer St. 973.778.4545 sergiosmissione.com LYNDHURST Angelo’s 263 Ridge Rd. 201.939.1922

Mahwah Bar & Grill 2 Island Rd. 201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com Nagoya 1007 MacArthur Blvd.

201.818.9933 nagoyacuisine.com Nonna’s 11 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com Roxanne’s 150 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.0007 roxannes restaurant.com

MIDLAND PARK Arturo’s 41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co Fiona’s Ristorante 118 Godwin Ave. 201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com Rosario’s Trattoria 29 Central Ave. 201.445.3335 rosariostrattoria menu.com MONTVALE Delpino Restaurant 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.391.6866 delpinorestaurant.com

NEW MILFORD Barrel & Brew 872 River Rd. 201.483.3329 barrelandbrews.com Casual Habana Café 200 Main St. 201.576.0400 casualhabanacafe.com Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn 105 Old New Bridge Rd. 201.692.7700 sanzaris.com NORTHVALE Biddy O’Malley’s 191 Paris Ave. 201.564.7893 biddyomalleys.com The Greek Village 254 Livingston St. 201.750.8570 greekvillagenj.com

Bellissimo 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com

Madeleine’s Petit Paris 416 Tappan Rd. 201.767.0063 madeleinespetitparis.com

Fire & Oak 100 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.307.1100 fireandoak.com

Olar Noso 493 Tappan Rd. 201.402.9355

Sangria 1033 MacArthur Blvd.

201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com

Gen Sushi & Hibachi 14B Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.930.9188 gensushimontvale.com

OAKLAND Cenzino 589 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.6693 cenzinos.com

State Line Diner 375 Rte. 17 N. 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com

Hearth & Tap Co. 125 N. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.307.6300 hearthandtap.com

Trovato’s Due 4 Barbara Ln. 201.337.0813 trovatosduenj.com

MAYWOOD Angelo’s Greek Taverna 245 Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektaverna nj.com

Yuki 2 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.9877 yukimontvale.com

Yuki 350 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8889 yuki-oakland.com

MOONACHIE Bazzarelli 117 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4010 bazzarellirestaurant.com

OLD TAPPAN Bosfa Italian Restaurant 183 Old Tappan Rd. 201.649.8730 bosfaitalianrestaurant. com

Maywood Inn’s Twin Door Tavern 122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com Maywood Pancake House 92 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.880.7842 maywoodpancake house.com

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The Seafood Gourmet 103 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8558 seafood-gourmet.com

Bistro 107 107 Moonachie Rd. 201.440.3339 bistro107nj.com Segovia 150 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4266 segoviarestaurant.com

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PALISADES PARK So Moon Nan Jip 238 Broad Ave. 201.944.3998 so-moon-nan-jip.com PARAMUS Biagio’s Ristorante 299 Paramus Rd. 201.652.0201 biagios.com

The Capital Grille 1 Garden State Plz. 201.845.7040 thecapitalgrille.com Grand Lux Cafe 1 Garden State Plz. 201.909.0399 grandluxcafe.com Kiku 365 Rte. 17 S. 201.265.7200 Mantra 275 Rte. 4 W. 201.342.8868 mantranj.com Suburban Diner 172 Rte. 17 N. 201.261.2605 suburbandiner17.com PARK RIDGE 103 Prime At Valentino’s 103 Spring Valley Rd. 201.391.2220 103prime.com Esty Street 86 Spring Valley Rd. 201.307.1515 estystreet.com The Park Steakhouse 151 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com Peppercorns 176 Colony Ave. 201.391.2818 peppercorns176.com Ridge Diner 125 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.4242 ridgediner.com RAMSEY Anthony Franco’s 128 E. Main St. 201.236.8000 afpizza.com Brady’s at the Station 5-7 W. Main St. 201.327.9748 bradysatthestation.net Café Panache 130 E. Main St. 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com Kinchley’s Tavern 586 N. Franklin Tpke.

201.934.7777 kinchleyspizza.com

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The Shannon Rose 1200 Rte. 17 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com Smyrna 21 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.7990 Tawara 53 W. Main St. 201.825.8712 Varka Estiatorio 30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com RIDGEFIELD Café Tivoli 533 Shaler Blvd.

201.941.5561 cafetivoli.com 88 Rice Shop 88 Rte. 46 W. 201.840.8688 88riceshop.com RIDGEFIELD PARK MK Valencia 228 Main St. 201.373.0228 mkvalenciarestaurant. com Thai Palace 218 E. Main St. 201.441.9119 thaipalacenj.com RIDGEWOOD Cafe 37 37 S. Broad Ave. 201.857.0437 cafe-37.com Cravings Tapas Bistro 8 Wilsey Sq. 201.857.8533 cravingstapas.com Delhi Accent 37 Chestnut St. 201.444.4910 delhiaccentnj.com

Photo courtesy of T.S. Ma Chinese Cuisine

Felina 54 E. Ridgewood Ave. 551.276.5454 felinarestaurant.com Green Fusion 22 Oak St. 201.670.7502 greenfusionnj.com It’s Greek to Me 21 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.612.2600 itsgreektome.com

La Lanterna 29 W. Ridgewood Ave. 201.444.5520 lalanternaof ridgewood.com

RIVER VALE Ammata Thai Kitchen 184 Rivervale Rd. 201.664.2299 ammata.com

Latour 6 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5056 latourridgewood.com

Armando’s Grill 688 Westwood Ave. 201.722.5820 armandostuscangrill.com

Lisa’s Mediterranean Cuisine 28 Oak St. 201.251.8686 lisasmediterranean cuisine.net

Let’s Meat Steakhouse 625 Rivervale Rd. 201.660.7960 letsmeatsteakhouse.com

Park West Tavern 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com

ROCHELLE PARK Nanni 53 W. Passaic St. 201.843.1250 nanni.com

Pearl 17 S. Broad St. 201.857.5100 pearlridgewood.com

RUTHERFORD Café Matisse 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 cafematisse.com

Raymond’s 101 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5125 raymondsnj.com

Finch’s 801 Rutherford Ave. 201.231.3141 finchsdining.com

Roots 17 Chestnut St. 201.444.1922 rootssteakhouse.com

Paisano’s 132 Park Ave. 201.935.5755 paisanos.com

S. Egidio 17 N. Broad St. 201.389.3525 segidiopizza.com

The Risotto House 88 Park Ave. 201.438.5344 therisottohouse.com

Steel Wheel Tavern 51 N. Broad St. 201.882.1800 steelwheeltavern.com

Volare’s 7 Station Sq. 201.935.6606 volaresrestaurant.com

Village Green 36 Prospect St. 201.445.2914 villagegreenrestaurant. com

SADDLE BROOK Midland Brew House 374 N. Midland Ave. 201.797.0070 midlandbrewhouse.com

White Maple Café 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.447.1953 whitemaplecafe.com

Que Pasta 326 Market St. 201.712.1900 qpitalian.com

RIVER EDGE Mado Restaurant 570 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.265.3629 madorestaurant. business.site

The Plank Pizza Co. Beer Parlor 383 Market St. 201.843.2426

Sanducci’s 620 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com

TEANECK Amarone 63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net

WALDWICK Andrea’s Ristorante 20 E. Prospect St. 201.670.0275 andreasrestaurantnj.com

WOODCLIFF LAKE Bareburger 455 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.746.9275 bareburger.com

B V Tuscany 368 Cedar Ln. 201.287.0404 bvtuscany.com

Limoncello 32 Franklin Tpke.

201.652.5577 limoncellonj.com

Etc. Steakhouse 1409 Palisade Ave. 201.357.5677 etcsteakhouse.com

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP Bacari Grill 800 Ridgewood Rd. 201.358.6330 bacarigrill.com

WOOD-RIDGE Al Toro 187 Hackensack St. 862.243.3850 al-toro-restaurant-bar. negocio.site

Noah’s Ark 493 Cedar Ln. 201.692.1200 noahsark.net Regina’s 827 Teaneck Rd. 201.862.1996 reginassteakhouse andgrill.com TENAFLY Axia Taverna 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com Brasserie 4 Washington St. 201.266.6400 tenaflybrasserie.com Sayola 50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurantnj.com

SADDLE RIVER The Saddle River Inn 2 Barnstable Ct. 201.825.4016 saddleriverinn.com

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T. S. Ma Chinese Cuisine, Wyckoff

TPR Restaurant 38 W. Railroad Ave. 201.871.0444 tprrest.com

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Gus’ Last Word 191 Valley Blvd.

973.939.5608 guslastword.com

WESTWOOD Caffé Anello 11 Madison Ave. 201.786.8137 caffeanello.com

WYCKOFF Aldo’s 640 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.2618 aldosofwyckoff.com

Downtown Dhaba 266 Center Ave. 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com

Benares 327 Franklin Ave. 201.904.2222 benaresnj.com

The Iron Horse 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 theironhorse.com

Blue Moon Café 327 Franklin Ave. 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexicancafé. com

Osteria Crescendo 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.1900 osteriacrescendo.com Phoenician Lounge 284 Center Ave. 201.722.8600 phoenicianlounge.com

T.S. Ma Chinese Cuisine 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com Wyckoff Thai 314 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8855 wyckoffthai.com

FEBRUARY 2024

1/16/24 8:31 AM

ON THE TOWN

Be There

From indoor 5Ks to cultural events to pro hockey, there’s something for everyone this month in Bergen.

FEB. 8, 15, 22 The Englewood Library is holding its annual BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM SERIES, with screenings at 2 p.m. every Thursday of the month. The movie schedule is Feb. 8: Hotel Rwanda, Feb. 15: I Am Not Your Negro and Feb. 22: Till. Stop by to celebrate Black voices, hear Black stories and talk about incredible movies.

Go to englewoodlibrary.org for more information.

FEB. 11 If you want to get some exercise and raise money for a good cause, stop by East Rutherford’s American Dream Mall for the RUN 24.7 event.

This indoor 5K raises money for Chesed 24/7, a charity that provides services such as shuttles, food and company for people who are sick, in hospitals or have a disability. Lace up your sneakers for charity and have some fun with your friends. See bikesignup.com and chesed247.org for more information.

FEB. 11, 18, 25 If the mid-winter blues are getting to you and you’re craving some outdoor time, Tenafly Nature Center invites you to try MAPLE SUGARING. This event is perfect for all ages, and teaches everything from identifying a maple tree to the process of making the syrup itself. Attendees will boil down freshly tapped maple sap into sugar, and be able to taste the sweet treat once it’s made. See tenaflynaturecenter.org for times and registration details. *Editor’s note: All events are subject to cancellations or changes. Attendees are encouraged to confirm times and dates with event organizers.

FEB. 17–18 NHL HOCKEY returns to Bergen this month!

The Outdoor Stadium Series at MetLife brings back-to-back games over the course of a weekend, pitting the New Jersey Devils vs. the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 17 and the New York Rangers against the New York Islanders on Feb. 18. These games are a spectacle, complete with music from New Jersey’s own Jonas Brothers as well as activities and special merchandise. Don’t miss your chance to see two classic East Coast hockey matchups. For ticket prices and rates, head over to ticketmaster.com.

FEB. 16–MARCH 4 If you see a giant big top tent springing up in your neighborhood, it’s because the FLIP CIRCUS is back in Paramus! Stop by and be amazed by acrobats and stunned by motorcycle stunts, all while laughing along with amazing clowns. This show has been going on for more than 50 years and four generations, and has toured all over North and South America. Head over to flipcircus.com for show times and ticket rates.

(Editor’s note: The show contains flashing lights that may affect visitors with photo sensitivities.)

FEB. 17 Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the Ramsey Library, which is holding a LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION at 1 p.m. with cultural performances, activities and snacks.

This event is free, educational and a great way to spend the afternoon with your family. Ramseylibrary.org has more information.

FEB. 17 Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum Salsa singer JERRY RIVERA is coming to the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood to give the show of a lifetime. Come see the expertise of a performer with nearly 40 years of experience who’s at the height of his talent and craft. His repertoire includes songs “Amores Como El Nuestro,” “Que Hay de Malo,” “Cuenta Conmigo” and many others. The show begins at 8 p.m. See bergenpac.org for more information, including ticket prices.

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FEB. 18 Interested in seeing something you’ve never seen before, and might never see again? Head over to Ridgefield Park’s The Mecca for the live wrestling event SHOWABUNGA 2.

Put on by Wrestlers’ Lab, an independent and experimental pro-wrestling company, this show promises a night of excitement, action and mayhem. Seven matches have been announced, and the show starts at 3 p.m. See eventbrite.com for more information and ticket prices.

FEB. 23–MARCH 3 Bergen Community College’s Bergenstages is bringing the award-winning play “SHE KILLS MONSTERS” to your backyard. Written by acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen, it tells a story of high schooler Agnes Evans as she deals with the death of her younger sister, Tilly, through tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons. See bergen.edu for show times and ticket information.

FEB. 25 The ADELPHI CHAMBER ENSEMBLE is commemorating its 70th year, and the members invite you to join them in Mahwah for a celebratory concert. This free event at the Mahwah Public Library starts at 3 p.m. and includes a string quartet with a repertoire of Haydn and Tchaikovsky.

See adelphiorchestra.org for more information.

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Gatherings

Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors.

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6 1. BOROUGH OF MONTVALE Borough officials joined owners and staff of 160 Summit Ave. for the building’s grand opening.

The site is the newest part of the town’s growing medical hub. 1. Montvale Mayor Michael N. Ghassali and members of the town’s economic development team

2-3. BERGENPAC bergenPAC hosted its annual fundraiser gala, featuring a performance by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

2. Liz Corsini, Valerie V. Huttle, Lloyd and Mrs. Rosenberg 3. Joe and Lynne Algrant

4-5. THE ELISABETH MORROW SCHOOL The Elisabeth Morrow School held its Book Fair & Storytelling Festival, bringing the community together to enjoy author discussions, workshops and musical storytelling sessions. 4.

Students enjoy the festivities.

5. Joseph Becker was one of the featured authors.

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6. VALLEY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY The Valley Hospital Auxiliary donated $400,000 to The Valley Hospital Foundation.

Funding is part of the auxiliary’s $3.1 million pledge to establish the Pediatric Section of the Emergency Department of The Valley Hospital in Paramus.

6. Auxiliary members present their donation.

7. BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Bergen Community College’s STEM Student Research Lab received a $25,000 donation from Veolia. The funding will benefit more than 2,000 in the STEM program.

7. Eric M. Friedman, Alan Weland, Chris Tully, Kevin O’Connor

Shea Communications (1), BergenPAC (2–3), The Elisabeth Morrow School (4–5), The Valley Hospital Auxiliary (6), Veolia (7)

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FEBRUARY 2024

1/16/24 8:23 AM

A BERGEN MOMENT

“We took a series of photos during our first walk of 2023 at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. We’re from out of town and were visiting a friend, who took us to this beautiful place to see the sunset. The parks in New Jersey can be gorgeous, and I always go to one during every visit. I love walking in this park with my partner, Peter, who loved checking out all the sights and the surrounding nature. It’s a peaceful haven from the cities, where we can forget ourselves.”

Send us your Bergen Moment! Email your photo and a short description to rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

BERGEN Magazine Volume 23, Issue 2 (ISSN# 2573-8151 and USPS 025-351) is published 12 times a year by Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Postmaster: Send address changes to Subscription Department, Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Periodicals postage paid at Park Ridge, N.J., and additional mailing offices.

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Photo courtesy of Kate Choi, Instagram: @renegadedresser

—Kate Choi, Portland, Oregon

FEBRUARY 2024

1/16/24 8:27 AM

Fall in love with the endless ways we’ll help you say “I Do” River Vale, NJ | edgewoodnj.com | @edgewoodccnj | 201-666-1200

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Healthgrades 100 Best Hospitals Ad 2024 9 x 10.875.qxp 1/11/24 3:27 PM Page 1

Among America’s Best Hospitals The Valley Hospital has once again been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades.

Valley is one of only three hospitals in New Jersey to achieve this distinction, and the only hospital in Bergen County to be recognized.

To make an appointment or for a second opinion, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 (1-800-825-5391).

Care Like No Other

®

ValleyHealth.com/100

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