Issuu

Bergen VOLUME 25 ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2026

Bergen NOVEMBER 2026 | $6.95 | BERGENMAG.COM | VOLUME 25 ISSUE 11

HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

GOOD

THE FOOD ISSUE

EATS 7 INSTA-APPETIZING STARTERS

SOURDOUGH RISES TO THE OCCASION FANTASTIC FLORALS FOR YOUR TABLE

OVEN FRESH

IN CLOSTER

THE COUNTY’S TOP LAWYERS

Inside Gate-Valley Recovery and Wellness Center Bergen_Gate Cover 8_25 x 10_875.qxp 10/2/26 2:56 PM Page 1

Take the First Step Toward Recovery from Substance Use Valley Health System offers inpatient withdrawal management (also known as detox) services through our Recovery and Wellness Unit as part of our comprehensive substance use treatment. Valley’s medically supervised program provides a comfortable, structured, and compassionate environment to begin recovery. Around-theclock medical care, a multidisciplinary team, and a holistic, evidence-based approach ensures personalized support for each patient.

Valley’s program offers: Medically supervised and comfortable withdrawal An expert, multidisciplinary team Holistic, evidence-based treatment Seamless transition to recovery Conﬁdential and compassionate support

Take the ﬁrst step. We are here to answer your call. 201-612-4949

Care Like No Other

ValleyHealth.com/Recovery

Untitled-96 1

10/5/26 10:00 AM

CV2-Valley Recovery and Wellness Center Bergen_Gate Cover 8_75 x 10_875.qxp 5/2/25 4:34 PM Page 1

Untitled-97 1

10/5/26 10:01 AM

Outside Gate-Valley Recovery and Wellness Center Bergen_Gate Cover 8_25 x 10_875.qxp_Layout 1 5/2/25 4:35 PM Page 1

Take the First Step Toward Recovery from Substance Use OPEN TO LEARN MORE

Untitled-96 1

10/5/26 10:01 AM

Untitled-6 1

10/15/26 10:39 AM

BY RB YE AR EA EA NE AS IIN ST NN TR RU UT TH HE ER RF FO OR RD D

Untitled-10 1

10/15/26 1:07 PM

Luxury, Simplified. Townhomes Designed for Elevated Living.

Presented by:

Taylor Lucyk | Broker Associate C: 201.971.9633 | taylorlucykgroup.com

Untitled-16 1

To discover more, visit www.victoriasestatesnj.com

10/16/26 9:52 AM

Contents NOV 2026

Features Trust Your Gut 34

Sour Power 46

Crazy For Caviar 54

Everyone deals with gastrointestinal symptoms from time to time. But don’t ignore them—they may be a sign of a larger problem.

Sourdough is tangy, funky and distinctive— and the famous bread is only the beginning.

The once-exclusive delicacy is shedding its stuffy reputation and becoming the life of the party.

The Story’s Happy Ending 56

Talk Of The Table 50 Appetizer Heaven (Times Seven) 36 Bergen County’s eateries excel in serving up the tasty treats that precede the main course. Check out, for example, some Instagram glimpses.

Florals set the stage for Thanksgiving gatherings that will connect, inspire and linger in happy memory.

Leaving behind an interior of stark white, a new Oakland home draws inspiration from Roald Dahl’s Matilda to deliver a cozy, colorful redesign.

Paws For A Reset 62

Take Sides 42 Even the finest golden-brown turkey tastes better if it’s flanked by four great supporting dishes.

The way we treat our pets has changed, and our dogged pursuit of their happiness has spawned a multi-billion-dollar industry.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 toc.indd 4

NOVEMBER 2026

10/19/26 3:04 PM

LiveWell Counseling

Personalized mental health care for every stage of life. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or other concerns, LiveWell can help you find the support and tools to feel more like yourself again. • One-on-One Counseling • Group Therapy • Family Therapy • Child and Adolescent Therapy

Untitled-98 1

• Medication Management • Esketamine Program for Treatment-Resistant Depression

10/6/26 10:18 AM

Contents NOV 2026

28 68 Departments Bergen Buzz 17 Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

Style Watch 24 Modern takes on plaid will keep you in style all season long.

Escapes 66

Gatherings 116

What’s the most delicious place on the map for someone who craves goodies? Here are five candidates, each within a reasonable drive.

Bergen residents always show up to support one another.

Tastes 68 These two gnocchi recipes put a fresh spin on Italian comfort food.

Home Front 26 Welcome dinner guests with a thoughtfully curated table.

Friends & Neighbors 28 Each fall, Teaneck hosts “the film festival with a social conscience.” Executive Director Jeremy Lentz tells its story.

Bar Tab 72 A splash of citrus and a hint of almond make this bourbonbased sip a seasonal standout.

Restaurant Review 112 It’s easy to satisfy many cravings at East Rutherford’s Thai Mex Station.

A Bergen Moment 120 A local photographer and her son return to Ramapo Valley County Reservation to capture fall’s beauty. SPECIAL SECTION

The County’s Top Lawyers 75 An independent research firm reveals Bergen’s best lawyers.

IN EVERY ISSUE ON THE COVER Learn tips to make your own sourdough starter on page 46.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 toc.indd 6

8 30 101 114

Editor’s Note Health News Where To Eat Be There

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 2:18 PM

Bergen Diabetes_Final_TO.indd Untitled-112 1 1

10/12/26 10/13/26 12:29 1:39 PM

EDITOR’S NOTE

Irresistible Temptations Each month’s BERGEN magazine is a feast of offerings for our readers, but in November that becomes almost literal. This is our Food Issue, and if you’ve picked it up just before lunchtime or dinnertime, be warned: It’s going to make you hungry. Among the things you’ll read about: • A deliciously smoky, mixed-grill platter with baklava for dessert and a glass of Turkish tea—in one of three new area eateries described on page 20. (But don’t turn there yet; read on!) • An appetizer of “golden-fried goat-cheese balls” complemented by “sweet honey, jewel-like fig jam and the subtle crunch of pistachio.” That tempting treat, offered at Suprema in Rutherford—is among seven great apps that make Bergen restaurants proud, described and pictured on page 36. • Tantalizing spinach ricotta gnocchi with sage butter and cherry tomatoes, which, along with another delectable gnocchi dish, graces pages 68 to 71. (It contains beneficial vitamin K, calcium and magnesium too—but who’s being virtuous?) • Savory, gingery Thai pad khing with shrimp, fresh vegetables and a “spice level” of 3— page 112—served in a new restaurant that can satisfy your cravings for—what’s that?—yes, Mexican delights as well. • Colorful stuffed squash as you’ve never known it, along with three other side dishes you can serve that will almost upstage your Thanksgiving turkey. See page 42. • “Starter” you can make even if you’re a beginner—starter for delicious sourdough bread, that is. Page 46. • Chocolate you can see and sample in chocolate’s hometown, Hershey, Pa. For travelers, it’s one of five deserving dessert destinations we highlight on page 66. • Caviar on a chip? That’s not as outrageous as it sounds, as you’ll learn on page 54. In case you’re too hungry now, I’ll turn to the non-food stories in this BERGEN. Our Special Report (page 62) describes the high-profile role—and perks—assigned these days to the county’s four-legged residents. We offer tips on floral displays (page 50) that will win your Thanksgiving centerpiece or tablescape an honored place in family holiday history. On page 56, find out how a famous author’s book for kids helped inspire the interior design of a new-construction townhouse in Oakland. Meet Jeremy Lentz, executive director of this month’s Teaneck “film festival with a social conscience,” page 28. See page 34 to find out what a doctor says about gastrointestinal symptoms—when they’re serious and when they’re not. Finally, on page 22 you’ll find 10 specialty markets around the county. One of them may be just the ticket for tracking down that hard-to-find international food product. (And yes, I do see that I’m back to food again—can’t seem to help it.) I’ll close by wishing you a happy Thanksgiving, full of great tastes—and gratitude for family and friends. As for deciding whether to indulge in the delights of the table on that special day, let’s consult the 1930s movie star Mae West. “I generally avoid temptation,” she explained, “unless I can’t resist it.”

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

BERG.1126 008_BERG_1126.indd memo.indd 18 Untitled-105 1

10/8/26 1:44 PM

10/15/26 10/19/26 12:52 9:22 AM PM

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY’S INTERIOR DESIGN DESTINATION book a complimentary design session today

SAVE UP TO 25%*

RIVER EDGE/PARAMUS ROUTE 4 EAST WOODCLIFF LAKE TICE’S MARKETPLACE *Discounts taken off our regular prices. Prior reductions may have been taken. Exclusions apply. Offer ends November 30, 2026. Ask a designer or visit ethanallen.com for details. ©2026 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.

Untitled-88 1

9/23/26 10:02 AM

Bergen Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA Creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN Contributing Editors LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF PAUL RANCE JR. DONNA ROLANDO Contributing Photographers MEGHAN BALCOM CHRIS MARKSBURY

ALL BRANDS & MODELS

ALWAYS START FULLY CHARGED EV HOME CHARGING INSTALL ATION EXPERTS

PRODUCTION Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE

BE SOCIAL Join our online community! LIKE us on Facebook: BergenMag FOLLOW us on X: @BergenMag SEE our photos on Instagram: @BergenMagNJ VIEW our boards on Pinterest: HealthandLife SEND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IDEAS TO: Editor, BERGEN, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; fax 201.746.8650; email editor@wainscotmedia.com. BERGEN assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials. BERGEN Magazine (USPS 2535-1) is published monthly by Wainscot Media LLC, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Periodicals postage paid at Mahwah, NJ, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bergen Magazine, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Subscription price: $48 per year. Send subscription orders to: Subscription Department, Bergen Magazine, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Copyright © 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Vol. 25, Issue 11, November 2026. Printed in the USA.

010_BERG_1126.indd 1 BERG.1126 masthead.indd 10

10/19/26 10:53 9:30 AM 10/16/26 AM

Untitled-116 1

10/14/26 10:32 AM

#1 Gift Store Bergen County! #2 Baby Store Bergen County!

Bergen Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY Associate Publisher CHRISTIE COLVILLE

Christmas Platters

Account Executive PEARL LISS

Ice Bucket and Tongs

Childrens’ Sweater

Director, Special Programs LAURA A. DOWDEN MARKETING, DIGITAL & OPERATIONS

BEAUTIFUL GIFTS, FESTIVE DÉCOR, AND MUDPIE FAVORITES FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.

Director of Marketing and Digital Media NIGEL EDELSHAIN Director of Operations CATHERINE ROSARIO Director of Advertising Services JACQUELYNN FISCHER

GIFT · BABY · HOME

Ridgewood · 6 Wilsey Square · 201-857-5004 Franklin Lakes · 826 Franklin Avenue · 201-485-8022 Montclair · 11 Midland Avenue · 201-857-5004 Pazzazed_1-3sq_1126_v4.indd 1

Chief Finance Officer STEVEN RESNICK Assistant Controller URSZULA JANECZKO 10/14/26 1:04 PM

Bergen (USPS 025-351) Published 12 times/year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 1202, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Publisher; Thomas Flannery, Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 1202, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, Editor; Rita Guarna, Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 1202, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Subscription Price: $14.00 US. Filing Date: 09/15/2026; Owner: Carroll V. Dowden, 13 Cameron Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458; Mark Dowden, 180 Washington Valley Rd., Morristown, NJ 07960; Lebhar Friedman, Inc., 241 Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. Issue Date for Circulation Data: September 2026. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: Total # of copies: 25,199; Outside County paid/requested mail subscriptions: 0; In- County paid/ requested mail subscriptions: 14,927; Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS: 0; Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS : 0. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 14,927; Outside County nonrequested copies: 0; In- County nonrequested copies: 10,073; Nonrequested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail: 0; Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail: 0. Total nonrequested distribution: 10,073; Total distribution: 25,000; Copies not distributed: 199; Total: 25,199; Percent paid and/ or requested circulation: 59.7%; No. Copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: Total # of copies: 25,322; Outside County paid/requested mail subscriptions: 0; In-County paid/requested mail subscriptions: 14,742; Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS: 0; Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS: 0; Total paid and/ or requested circulation: 14,742; Outside County nonrequested copies: 0; In-County nonrequested copies: 10,258; Nonrequested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail: 0; Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail: 0. Total nonrequested distribution: 10,258; Total distribution: 25,000; Copies not distributed: 322 Total: 25,322; Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 59.0%. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions and/or civil sanctions. Mark V. Dowden, Owner, 9/15/2026

BERG_StatementOfOwnership_1-3S_1126.indd 1

BERG.1126 masthead.indd 012_BERG_1126.indd 1 12

Accounts Receivable Manager KASIE CARLETON Office Manager KRIS PEPPER PUBLISHED BY WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN President & CEO MARK DOWDEN Senior Vice Presidents EDWARD R. BURNS, LIZETTE CHIN, THOMAS FLANNERY, RITA GUARNA Vice Presidents NIGEL EDELSHAIN, NOELLE HEFFERNAN, MARIA REGAN, STEVEN RESNICK ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Please contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to BERGEN, Circulation Department, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.573.5541

10/19/26 8:42 AM

10/12/26 10/19/26 2:58 9:42 PM AM

1 CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS * IN NJ. AGAIN.

Proud to provide your child with the best care in NJ and beyond: J Among the top 5 children’s hospitals in the NY-NJ Metro Area

Nationally ranked in 3 specialties:

J Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health J Diabetes & Endocrinology J Urology *Tied

JOSEPH M. SANZARI & K. HOVNANIAN CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

CHN-10261-USN Peds HUMC-BergenMag-9x10.875-26.indd 1 Untitled-13 1

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

10/1/26 2:07 PM

10/15/26 2:14 PM

EXPERTISE YOU CAN SEE

Advanced Facial Structure Rejuvenation with Cosmetic Fillers Minimal Downtime. Same-Day Results.

Reserve a Complimentary Consultation

201.226.9009

vervelaser.com

Bergen County 66 NJ-17, Paramus

NJ + NYC + MIAMI

Untitled-9 1

6/3/26 8:52 AM

BERGEN COUNTY’S

TOP LAWYERS

2026

WE SALUTE OUR 2026 BERGEN TOP LAWYERS

MEESE EDWARDS BREEN CONCIATORI & D’ARMINIO, P.C. 50 Tice Boulevard, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 T: 201-391-3737 www.meese-edwards.com

014_BERG_1126_rev1.indd 1

Named in Zoning, Planning & Land Use Law

Named in Matrimonial & Family Law

Named in Education Law

Named in Admiralty & Maritime Law

10/16/26 1:35 PM

Live Abundantly

More freedom to enjoy today. More confidence about tomorrow. At The Vista, every detail is designed to promote choice

and stress-free, resort-style living, so you can spend more

PR E M I U M S E N I O R L I V I N G I N B E R G E N CO U N T Y AT T H E V I S TA

time doing what you love. Plus, with the security of life care, you’ll have valuable peace of mind about the future. At The Vista, you can embrace today with confidence: because this chapter should be your best yet. Why wait to enjoy more?

To arrange a tour and

receive event invitations,

visit TheVista.org/Contact or call (201) 733-3487.

Untitled-98 1

299 Sicomac Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 TheVista.org | (201) 733-3487

10/6/26 10:19 AM

THE RIGHT TEAM. THE RIGHT TREATMENT. BETTER CANCER OUTCOMES. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we're changing what you might expect from cancer care. We're improving treatments, advancing surgical techniques, and finding new ways to help you recover faster, feel stronger, and enjoy more of life. Because cancer care isn't just about living longer — it's about living fully. Here for you in Basking Ridge, Middletown, and Montvale. Eleni Stavrou, MD Breast Medical Oncologist MSK in Bergen

THIS IS WHAT WE DO.

MSK.org/NewJersey 844 - 844 - 1929

©2026 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. All rights reserved. Based on Medicare patient data adjusted survival rate for all cancers combined when compared to all NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.

Untitled-7 1

10/9/26 9:29 AM

Bergen Buzz

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

TASTES OF THE SEASON

Nothing says “fall” like something warm and sweet right out of the oven. In that spirit, local experts share their go-to autumnal treats: “Pumpkin pie and pumpkin cake pops are always popular around the holidays, but I really recommend adding cream puffs to your dessert table. They are unique and add something special to the spread—light and creamy on the inside and crusty on the outside.” —Asli Aytas, Two Ladies Bakery North, Hasbrouck Heights

“For Thanksgiving, our pecan pie is fantastic. Even if people don’t love pecans normally, I tell them to try it, because the gooiness of the filling is perfect. For a non-pie option, I love our baked, apple-cider donuts. We offer them from September until Thanksgiving because they’re so popular. Because they’re baked, they are more moist than a fried version.” —Megan Loo, The Modern Cakery, Oradell

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.buzz.indd 17

“Our favorite seasonal treat is a slice of our pumpkin-spice, Basque-style cheesecake! The warm spices of fall are a great reminder that the holidays are coming.” —Torre Liebchen and Michelle Micek, Wish Upon a Pastry, Midland Park

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 2:44 PM

RUN BEFORE YOU GOBBLE

Turkey trots have become a holiday tradition for runners and walkers, offering a fun way to work up an appetite, catch up with visiting friends and relatives and start the day outdoors. Lace up and check out these trots: • Upper Saddle River 5K, Thursday, Nov. 26. Not officially dubbed a turkey trot, this run begins at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving. Proceeds will benefit the Center for Food Action, West Bergen Mental Health, USR Education Foundation and other groups. Info: usr5k.org • Leonia Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 26. This event includes a 5K and a one-mile run, both starting at Leonia High School. The 5K kicks off at 8 a.m., the one-miler at 9 a.m. Info: runsignup.com • River Vale Turkey Trot Charity Run/ Walk, Thursday, Nov. 26. The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., with proceeds benefiting Helping Hand Food Pantry. Food, games and vendors will greet everyone at the finish line. Info: rivervalenj.org

THAT COAT YOU DON’T NEED

As temperatures fall, it’s time to clear out the coat closet—and keep a neighbor warm in the process. Across Bergen County, organizations are kicking off their annual coat drives in November, making it easy to turn gently used outerwear into a meaningful donation. For example: • Through Jan. 6: Jersey Cares, 290 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston, 973.533.1993; jerseycares.org (for drop-off sites in Bergen) • Through Jan. 6: Christie’s International Real Estate Group, 1009 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, 201.962.9555; theagency onerock.com • Through Jan. 8: Russo Real Estate Teaneck, 873 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck, 201.837.8800; russorealestate.com • Through Jan. 9: Greater Bergen Realtors, 405 N. Midland Ave., Saddle Brook, 201.244.7000; greaterbergenrealtors.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.buzz.indd 18

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Xena, 9-year-old Great Dane-Mastiff mix; Harley, 9-year-old Great Dane-pitbull mix; and Korra, 3-year-old pitbull mutt Owner: Nima Ashtyani, Franklin Lakes Nima has a full house and lots of love with these three rambunctious pooches, adopted from shelters and named for famous fictional heroines and anti-heroines. Each brings a distinct personality to the mix. Xena is a social butterfly who enjoys meeting new people and making new friends; she’s been known to walk off and ask for belly rubs from strangers. Harley, on the other hand, is very shy and hates loud noises. “She despises going out, but refuses to stay home if her sisters are leaving,” says Nima. However, she’s affectionate with the people she knows, and loves to sit on laps and get scratches. Korra also enjoys meeting new people; her favorite activities include agility and obedience training classes and playing tug-of-war. Nima describes her as “a little cannonball—she slams her body into you for attention.” Frequent visitors to Bergen’s local breweries, the sisters can often be found at the Franklin Lakes Municipal Field and the Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Would you like to see your pet featured in an upcoming issue of BERGEN? Email a photo and brief description to Editor in Chief Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com. NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 10:54 AM

A physician who truly knows you, devoted to your whole health.

Depth of care that only time allows. Our physicians care for a deliberately limited number of patients, allowing for more personalized and attentive care.

Concierge primary care, now available in Ho-Ho-Kus

Untitled-13 1

INQUIRE NOW

harleystreetmed.com/nj inquiries@harleystreetmed.com

10/15/26 2:15 PM

BE THE HERO!

CULINARY CORNER

Now you can see the world of Minecraft as never before. American Dream in East Rutherford is hosting “Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue,” an interactive attraction based on the popular video-game franchise. Besides great photo ops with life-sized animals, monsters and locations from the game, all ages (including parents!) are invited to play through a real-world, story-driven rescue mission. Teams complete escape roomtype challenges through different game environments brought to life. Nov. 13 to Feb. 28.

When you tire of aping the Pilgrims with your feasts this month, be a pilgrim yourself—check out the international flavors found at three recently opened restaurants: FOOD FIESTA Regional Mexican flavor comes to Hackensack! Azul Restaurant, recently opened on River Street, combines an open kitchen with an industrial setting— concrete floors, high factory windows, black steel beams—and focuses on traditional Mexican cooking techniques, including fresh tortillas made on the comal. The tempting menu ranges from elote asado and crispy chicharrón norteño to carne asada and pollo en mole. And there’s an extensive selection of agave spirits and cocktails such as the Abasolo old-fashioned, made with Mexican corn whisky. • Azul, 120 River St., Hackensack, 201.375.4040; azulrestaurantnj.com CRAZY FOR KEBABS For Turkish and Mediterranean favorites, bring your appetite to Kebabe, which has plenty of smoky, grilled flavor. The new Englewood eatery offers everything from creamy hummus and fresh salads to juicy chicken, lamb and Adana kebabs, all complemented by rice, grilled vegetables and other flavorful sides. For the full experience, order a mixed-grill platter and make it a meal for the table, then finish with a piece of baklava and a glass of Turkish tea. • Kebabe Mediterranean Cuisine, 548 Grand Ave., Englewood, 201.408.2345; kebabecuisine.com THAT’S THE STORY A flavorful evening awaits at 333 Wok Story in Closter, which serves up a tempting mix of Chinese Korean classics, from savory jjajangmyeon and fried rice to the signature 333 seafood jjamppong, loaded with shrimp, squid, mussels, octopus and crab— while sweet-and-sour pork and spicy garlic shrimp make great additions for the table. With plenty of noodles, rice dishes and shareable specialties, you’ll be tempted to order a little of everything. • 333 Wok Story, 570 Piermont Rd., Closter, 201.767.6610; 333wokstory.com

ACTS OF KINDNESS

For Mahwah resident Marlene Loccke, 66, a garden is more than a place to grow flowers— it’s a way to grow happiness. All summer long, her backyard bursted with colorful coneflowers, zinnias, black-eyed Susans and other florals. But Loccke’s favorite part isn’t simply enjoying the blooms herself. She snips the prettiest ones, arranges them into cheerful bouquets and delivers them to her neighbors, just because. No special occasion, no request, no strings attached— just a thoughtful gesture. “I started doing this when I realized everyone should be enjoying this part of nature’s beauty,” she says. “My neighbors are always so happy to see them, and that’s exactly why I do it.” In a world that could always use a little more kindness, Loccke reminds us that sometimes the sweetest gifts grow right in our own backyards.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.buzz.indd 20

KUDOS TO…

…Tomas Villa, a science teacher at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, named Bergen County Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education. Villa teaches all levels of chemistry, including honors and special education sections. Under his guidance and “active learning” strategies, enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry sections has doubled at Northern Valley in response to student demand. He has presented at many educational conferences and helped develop the districtwide “reflection and revision” assessment to encourage students to adopt a growth mindset in response to setbacks. And he created radiantsims.com, a platform that hosts more than 80 custom science simulations that have been used in classrooms all over the world.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/19/26 8:48 AM

THERE ARE SOME THINGS A WOMAN SHOULDN’T FACE ALONE. THAT’S WHY WE’RE HERE. No matter where you are in life, an embrace can make it the right place to be. At Holy Name this is a concept we’ve had our arms around for generations. Helping you embrace that moment when families are born. Helping you embrace the challenges of raising a family. Supporting you as your life and your body changes. Introducing Holy Name for Her, comprehensive support for mind, body, and spirit to help you through the kinds of health journeys that women face.

forher.holyname.org

Untitled-6 1

10/15/26 9:39 AM

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

A little over a week after the Thanksgiving dishes have been cleared, people all over Bergen will be setting the table again for another joyous gathering. This year, Hanukkah begins Dec. 5, inviting families and communities to gather around menorahs and dinner tables alike. If you’re looking for ways to take part, stop by one of these community gatherings: • Dec. 4: Waldwick’s Annual Menorah Lighting, 4:30 p.m., Waldwick Public Library. • Dec. 9: Glen Rock’s Downtown Menorah Lighting, 6 p.m., Wilde Memorial Park. • Dec. 10: Ridgefield Park’s Menorah Lighting, 5:30 p.m., Ridgefield Park Municipal Building.

If you need a hand rounding out your holiday dessert table, or you’re craving rugelach the way Grandma used to make it or a traditional sufganiyot, check out these local kosher bakeries: • Bread Boutique & Café, 11 W. Railroad Ave., Tenafly, 732.289.8953 • Butterflake Bakery, 448 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, 201.836.3516 • Cafe DeMi, 1400 Palisade Ave. B, Teaneck, 551.501.2865 • The Deja Vu Bakery, 764 New Bridge Rd., Teaneck, 551.455.3040 • Zadies Bake Shop, 2150 Promenade Blvd., Fair Lawn, 201.796.6565

A WORLD OF FLAVOR

Bergen County’s grocery scene goes well beyond the usual weekly staples. Thanks to our diverse population, you can find specialty markets stocked with sometimes hard-to-find ingredients that bring kitchens around the world to life—and help you break out of the “what’s-for-dinner?” rut. Whether you’re hunting for Polish pierogi or Turkish spices, these markets merit adding to your shopping-destination list:

• Basci Mediterranean Food and Halal Meat Market, 185 Anderson Ave., Fairview. Find Middle-Eastern pantry ingredients, spices, sweets, nuts and halal meats at this neighborhood shop. • Broadway Food Palace, 23–08 Broadway, Fair Lawn. Specializing in Russian and Eastern European cuisine, this market has homemade meats, smoked seafood, baked goods and Russian specialties. • H Mart, multiple locations, hmart. com. This Korean-focused market has produce, seafood, meat, pantry staples, kimchi and prepared foods. There are H Mart locations in East Rutherford, Fort Lee, Leonia, Little Ferry, Paramus and Ridgefield. • Krakus Foods Polish Deli, 125 River Dr., Garfield, 973.777.8200. This Garfield institution offers imported BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.buzz.indd 22

Polish pantry goods, Polish deli meats, traditional sweets and prepared foods. • Mitsuwa Marketplace, 595 River Road, Edgewater, 201.941.9113; mitsuwa.com. Shoppers here will find Japanese produce, meats, dry goods, ingredients for sushi, ramen and Japanese home cooking. There’s also a food court and Japanese specialty shops. • NetCost Market, 221 Route 4, Paramus, 201.308.6888; netcostmarket. com. Stroll through the aisles of this large international market, known for Russian/Eastern European groceries, and discover items like pierogi, pelmeni, blintzes and smoked fish. • 99 Ranch Market, 450 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, 201.489.8899; 99ranch.com. This is a broad Asian supermarket with specialty items for Chinese, Korean and Filipino cuisines,

among others, with fresh produce and seafood, frozen foods, pantry ingredients and specialty products. • Nizam International Market, 608 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201.313.9540; nizammarketus.com. Drop by here for Turkish- and Balkan-focused ingredients, imported pantry items, Turkish coffee, specialty foods and a butcher counter. • Piast Meats & Provisions, 800 River Dr., Garfield, 973.614.1315; piast. com. Stop here for Polish cooking, with house-made smoked meats and imported Polish/European groceries. • Piccolo’s Gastronomia Italiana, 484 Bergen Blvd., Ridgefield, 201.313.0200; piccolosgastronomia.com. Looking for fresh cheese and meats, pasta and grains, sweets and snacks? This Italian market has everything you need.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 10:54 AM

BOARD CERTIFIED SPINE SURGEONS AND PHYSIATRY SERVICES

WHERE OUR TEAM BELIEVES IN CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT FIRST. 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

WESTWOOD

BLOOMFIELD

EAST BRUNSWICK

201.634.1811 COMPSPINECARE.COM

BRIDGEWATER

CompSpine_1-2H_0326.indd 1

NJ TOP DOCS 12 YEARS IN A ROW 2014-2026

2/4/26 1:17 PM

BERGEN COUNTY’S

TOP LAWYERS

2026

023_BERG_1126.indd 1

10/16/26 1:50 PM

Stamford Wool Blazer in Maroon and Olive Check us.boden.com

Mad For Plaid! Modern takes on a classic pattern will keep you in style all season long.

STYLE WATCH Flylow Women’s Brigitte Tech Flannel Shirt 2026 flylowgear.com

Dôen Elowette Plaid Fringe Midi Skirt Nordstrom, Paramus, 201.843.1122

Maison Common Glen Plaid Wool Trousers Neiman Marcus, Paramus, 201.291.1920

Sammy Medium Plaid Print Wool Blend Convertible Shoulder Bag Michael Kors, Paramus, 201.368.8800

L’Artiste Marty Plaid Bootie DSW, Ramsey, 201.669.3053

Mesh Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress Banana Republic, Paramus, 201.843.1180

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 style watch.indd 24

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 10:55 AM

GIVING HOPE, SAVING LIVES. Donald A. McCain, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery • American Cancer Society 39th Annual Diamond Ball, Medical Honoree, 2018 • Jersey Choice Top Doctor 2025, New Jersey Monthly Magazine • Castle Connolly Top Doctors Award 2024 New York Metro Area • Inside NJ Top Doctors Award 2024 • 2016 Nobility in Science Award from National Pancreas Foundation • Vice Chairman of the John Theurer Cancer Center • Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology and Executive Vice Chair, Dept of Surgery, Hackensack Meridian Health University Medical Center • Inside NJ top Doctors Award 2025

BERGEN BERGEN COUNTY’S COUNTY’S

TOP TOPDOCTORS DOCTORS 2025 2026

WE PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE SURGICAL CARE FOR: Gastrointestinal Tract | Tumors | Colorectal Cancer | Liver Tumors | Pancreatic Cancer Breast Tumors | Sarcomas | Skin Cancers | Esophageal Cancer Donald A. McCain, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. 20 Prospect Avenue, Suite 603, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201.342.1010 • DrDonaldMcCain.com Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Untitled-1 1 DrMcCain_FP_0325.indd 1

Dr. McCain is extensively trained in the latest most effective resection techniques, including robotic resections for gastric and colorectal cancer, and minimally invasive resections for pancreatic and liver cancer. Dr. McCain works alongside specifical nursing staff, and works collaboratively with medical and radiation oncologists at the John Theurer Cancer center to develop a treatment plan for each patient.

10/16/26 PM 2/3/25 12:20 9:55 AM

HOME FRONT

Honeycomb Oval Platter Williams-Sonoma, Hackensack, 201.820.0338

Brunello Cucinelli Pair of Murano Wine Glasses shop.brunellocucinelli.com

New West KnifeWorks Carving Set newwestknifeworks.com

At Your Service A thoughtfully curated table will welcome guests with warmth.

Wedgwood Renaissance Grey 5-Piece Place Setting Macy’s, Paramus, 201.843.9100

Jeweled Leaf Napkins Rings, Set of 4 Williams-Sonoma

Tulum Serving Set serenaandlily.com

GSM Fall Table Runner amazon.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 home front.indd 26

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 12:56 PM

DON’T MISS THE MOMENT. Cancer is most treatable when caught early — and whether your screening brings reassurance or leads to treatment, Englewood Health will be with you every step of the way.

BOOK YOUR SCREENING Untitled-13 1

10/15/26 2:21 PM

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

Movies For A Cause On Nov. 5–12, the annual Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) will present a week-long program of films from across the planet. There also will be panel discussions, Q&As and a free “filmmaker boot camp” run by industry professionals, in which aspiring directors can learn the how-tos of making a film and getting it produced and distributed. Two awards with cash prizes will also be presented. Launched in 2006, the festival is a project of the Puffin Foundation, which provides artistic grant funding for marginalized communities. The Star-Ledger once called the event “the film festival with a social conscience.” At the helm of TIFF is Executive Director Jeremy Lentz, 46, who is also director of special projects at The Puffin Foundation—and the head of Lentz SAT Prep, a collegepreparatory program. He lives in Teaneck with his partner. How did you get involved in the film festival? I moved from New York City to Teaneck—suburbia—as an out gay man. I knew I needed to find a community, and I have a passion for the arts. I manage a college-prep business, but I’ve also produced Broadway shows and motion pictures. I started out with The Puffin Foundation as a volunteer with the now-defunct Teaneck Festival of Arts committee. In TIFF’s fourth year, the first executive director, Ellen Rand, stepped down. I was asked to step in. Now we’re in our 21st year. Tell us about the shows and movies. There’s one movie called The Fabulous Four that dropped on Netflix recently, with Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Megan Mullally and Sheryl Lee Ralph. I was co-producer on a Broadway run of Ohio State Murders starring Audra McDonald. Next month, I’m going to London because I’m one of the investors on the West End’s production of Rent. What makes TIFF unique? It has a permanent theme, “activism: making

change.” It fits well into Puffin Foundation’s mission—and with Teaneck’s unique history. How so? Teaneck was the first town in this country to voluntarily vote to desegregate public schools. Change happens here. The festival was co-founded in partnership with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Bergen–Passaic chapter, among other organizations. We screen art that calls on people to be change agents. I think film is the most powerful medium we have to do that. You have someone’s full attention for 90 minutes at least, no interruptions. A cool screening from the past? We hosted the New Jersey premiere of Amy Goodman’s documentary Steal This Story, Please! at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee back in January. It’s about the importance of independent journalism, and we had Goodman there to do a Q&A panel at the end, along with one of the film’s directors, Tia Lessin. The conversation was incredible. Something you’re excited about for this year? We’re screening a new documentary about BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.friends.indd 28

Bea Arthur, everyone’s favorite Golden Girl. There’s never-before-seen interview footage, and it dives deep not only into her as an actress, but also as an activist. We’re also hosting the Teaneck premiere of a film called We Met at Grossinger’s, created by Teaneck filmmaker Paula Eiselt. A community moment that stands out? Years ago we showed a film called Shared Legacies about the partnership between Jewish and African American communities during the Civil Rights Movement and other fights for social change, in the U.S. and internationally. That moment really resonated. A challenge? It’s become harder to bring people together over the time I’ve served as executive director, particularly people with opposing political viewpoints. We really do try to show films that build bridges and show that we have much in common, and we ask people to come in with an open mind. There are many ways we can work together for the betterment of our world. Have you seen that happen? Years ago, we showed a short film called Spirit Children, about a nun in Ghana running an orphanage for children born with physical disabilities. The orphanage didn’t have running water. A local woman named Lorna Hines saw the film, thought, “I need to do something about that,” and raised thousands of dollars through her church group to enable the nun to build a better facility. What a ripple effect, from one screening! Ever been starstruck? I once met Diana Ross and was so overcome I could barely speak—she was that much of an icon. Whose work do you admire? Sheryl Lee Ralph is the real deal. She does so much to uplift and empower Black women and other marginalized voices. She came out to the festival one year and spent a whole day with Teaneck High School students, talking about gun violence and school lockdowns. Your favorite place to eat in Teaneck? The new Turkish restaurant, Angora Mediterranean. The food and atmosphere are both exceptional. —Kirsten Meehan

Photo by Teaneck International Film Festival

Each fall, Teaneck gives the world “the film festival with a social conscience.” Executive Director Jeremy Lentz tells its story.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 10:55 AM

Seigel Bergen Top Lawyers 9 x 10.875_2026.qxp_Version 2 9/30/26 2:31 PM Page 1

JAN K. SEIGEL Partner

JONAS K. SEIGEL Partner

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S FELLOW BERGEN COUNTY TOP LAWYERS

Untitled-11 1

10/9/26 2:22 PM

HEALTH NEWS BIRDSONGS BOOST WELLBEING A study to determine the effects of different sounds on people’s emotional states finds that the sound of birds singing has positive effects on stress levels, improving overall mood and a sense of well-being. —Environmental Conservation

REASON TO MANAGE SLEEP APNEA

Moderate sleep apnea significantly increases mortality risk in young and middleaged adults—ages 20 to 59. In addition, the risk increases in people who have hypertension or cardiovascular disease. —Journal of Sleep Research

GI CANCER TO DOUBLE BY 2050

GLP-1S LINKED TO RISK OF HAIR LOSS

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and associated deaths will nearly double by 2050, according to projections from a global analysis. The reason? According to researchers, population growth, aging and increases in metabolic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, are to blame. The increase is expected in all major GI cancers, with pancreatic and colorectal cancers being the most prevalent. —Cancer

Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity are associated with an increased risk of hair loss, alopecia, in adults with type 2 diabetes, finds a recent study. While the risk is low, knowing this potential effect may help to inform treatment decisions. —The BMJ

2,510 The number of people who die every day from cardiovascular disease in the U.S. —American Heart Association

ANTIHISTAMINES AND ECZEMA Adding oral antihistamines to existing eczema treatments is unlikely to lead to reductions in itch severity, and may not reduce sleep disturbance or flare-ups, according to a recent review of the latest evidence. —The BMJ

BELLY FAT VS BMI

Body mass index (BMI) numbers used for years as a predictor of heart disease risk may not be the most accurate measure to determine it. In a study of adults over age 20, researchers found that people with a normal BMI but a high waist-to-hip ratio have up to a 50% higher risk for the disease. —Journal of the American College of Cardiology BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.healthbits.indd 30

—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 12:58 PM

Proton radiation therapy for cancer. Minimize side effects, maximize outcomes. Proton therapy is a highly targeted form of radiation that treats cancer while sparing nearby healthy tissue. That means more precise treatment and fewer side effects—and in New York it’s only available at the New York Proton Center.

Visit nyproton.com/targeted to request a consultation. 225 E 126th St., New York, NY 10035

Untitled-93 1

10/2/26 9:29 AM

PARTNER CONTENT

RECLAIM YOUR ACTIVE LIFESTYLE If you’ve been held back by orthopedic pain and want to return to the activities you love, Summit Health offers state-of-the-art treatment options.

BY SARAH NOLAN For Thomas K. John, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Summit Health, the most rewarding moments come when patients return to activities they thought pain had taken away—walking their daughter down the aisle, playing pickleball or simply using the stairs comfortably. “Pain has a way of shrinking a person’s world,” says Dr. John, a hip and knee replacement specialist. “Helping patients get that world back is why I do this work.” With multiple locations across Bergen County, Summit Health provides award-winning, individualized and convenient orthopedic care for residents looking to return to activities that bring them joy. A. Ylenia Giuffrida, MD, an orthopedic hand and microsurgery specialist at Summit Health, says it’s not her job to tell patients that they can’t do a desired activity.

Summit Health orthopedic surgeons A. Ylenia Giuffrida, MD, and Thomas K. John, MD

Summit_PartnerContenT_BER_1126_Final.indd 2

10/15/26 9:34 AM

PARTNER CONTENT

“It’s my job to help patients perform their favorite activities at the best ability level possible,” she says.

like, what you’ve stopped doing because of the pain and what you miss most.”

WHEN TO SEE A SPECIALIST Dr. Giuffrida treats both pediatric and adult patients with hand, wrist and elbow injuries or disorders. Dr. John specializes in adult reconstruction and joint replacement, diagnosing and treating a wide range of hip, knee and joint conditions.

The biggest misconception many patients have about seeing an orthopedic surgeon is that surgeons only consider surgical solutions. Sometimes a condition calls for a more conservative approach, the doctors say.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DON CHRISTENSEN

Knowing when it’s time to see a specialist can be difficult, but the doctors agree: If pain, swelling or bruising persist despite rest and over-the-counter medications, you should be evaluated. “A good rule of thumb,” says Dr. John, “is that if the pain is shaping your decisions, like skipping a walk, taking the elevator or turning down a trip, it’s worth getting answers.” PERSONALIZED CARE At Summit Health, individualized treatment plans are developed for patients. Dr. Giuffrida says factors like a patient’s age, occupation, activities and personal goals play a critical role in how she approaches treatment. Dr. John agrees. “An X-ray tells me what’s happening inside the joint,” he says, “but it doesn’t tell me what matters to you. I want to know what your day looks

Summit_PartnerContenT_BER_1126_Final.indd 3

NONSURGICAL OPTIONS For example, nonsurgical options like physical therapy and targeted strengthening can take the pressure off a painful joint. Anti-inflammatory medications and injections like corticosteroids can also provide relief. “The goal is to get you moving comfortably for as long as possible,” Dr. John says. “Surgery becomes a conversation when these approaches are no longer giving you the quality of life you want.” The prospect of having surgery can be daunting, but advances in medical devices and technology can reduce downtime and discomfort. An example in Dr. Giuffrida’s area of practice is surgery to correct trigger finger—a form of tendinitis that results in pain and mechanical symptoms when closing the finger.

Surgery was traditionally done in a hospital or surgery suite, but thanks to musculoskeletal ultrasounds, which allow doctors to see structures in great detail, and the development of special instruments, it can now be done in the office and takes only a few minutes. Dr. John says robotic-assisted and computernavigated joint replacement helps doctors perform surgery with a high level of precision. These tools can help with implant alignment and balancing the soft tissues around the joint, making for an easier recovery. “They’re not magic, and they’re not right for every case,” Dr. John says, “but in the right hands and for the right patient, they’re highly valuable tools.” Is pain shrinking your world? Perhaps it’s time to get evaluated. Summit Health makes it easy, with convenient locations close to home in Bergen County.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CALL 201-343-2277.

10/15/26 9:34 AM

TRUST YOUR GUT EVERYONE DEALS WITH GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS FROM TIME TO TIME. BUT DON’T IGNORE THEM—THEY MAY BE A SIGN OF A LARGER PROBLEM.

We’ve all had those days—your stomach is burbling and your abdomen aches. Food feels unfriendly. You want to keep a bathroom close at hand. Maybe you overindulged a bit or ate something that disagreed with you, or maybe you picked up something viral that will fix itself in the next day or two. (This is why you keep Pepto-Bismol in your medicine cabinet, after all.) But if they persist, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms create their own unique frustrations. For one, they’re very disruptive to dayto-day life and activities. For another, says Elliot Coburn, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey in Hackensack, “There’s a lot of overlap of symptoms between different diagnoses.” That can make the exact cause of your discomfort more difficult to nail down. “There are also many different things that can influence the way your gut feels,” says Dr. Coburn. “From dietary factors to emotional ones—we feel a lot of things, literally, in our gut.” • “Minor” misery—that deserves attention. Says Dr. Coburn: “Often, people—particularly young people—have their GI symptoms dismissed or blown off. They’ll hear, ‘Oh, it’s just stress. It’s hormonal. It’s nothing.’ But if you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, it’s probably not nothing.” One of the Elliot Coburn, M.D., most common explanations for persistent GI symptoms gastroenterologist, is irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. “This is an incredibly Gastroenterology Associates common diagnosis,” the doctor explains. “We think of New Jersey BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 health stomach issues.indd 34

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 2:20 PM

about 15 percent of the population has IBS, at least.” He describes the symptoms as “a bit non-specific. You’ll get abdominal cramping and changes in bowel habits, either diarrhea or constipation. People also complain about a loss of appetite and nausea. Often, these symptoms will be exacerbated by stress or dietary triggers.” Many of the body’s functions run through the gut. “There’s a reason that the gut is sometimes called the ‘second brain,’” says Dr. Coburn. “And sometimes the nervous system of the gut can behave independently of the rest of the nervous system. So you feel that abdominal cramping and urgency, often in response to increased stress or other environmental factors. It will also ebb and flow. You’ll have long periods of time when you’re feeling OK, and then you’ll start feeling really bad as the symptoms act up again.” IBS is a clinical diagnosis, meaning that is identified through symptoms and health history rather than a specific test. It is usually diagnosed in people under age 50, and the process is also often a matter of ruling other things out—someone might have a colonoscopy or an endoscopy in response to these symptoms but, in the case of IBS, the results will likely be normal. “The underlying process that causes it, which is a nervous-system interaction and nerves behaving erratically, is not something that comes up on these diagnostic tests. We are trying to rule out other things as opposed to identifying it specifically,” says Dr. Coburn. But he’s also quick to stress that “IBS is a very real condition. It holds weight with doctors, and it’s something we can treat. Nobody is giving you a ‘wastebasket diagnosis’ by telling you that you have IBS.” Treatment options are often multidisciplinary and can include connecting a patient with a mental health professional to manage stress and anxiety symptoms. “And then we have medications to help with the gut symptoms, from laxatives to address constipation to medications that help decrease sensitivity of the bowels, or decrease spasming. We have patients try cutting out dairy and other common food triggers. It can take a little trial and error, but it’s

absolutely treatable,” explains our expert. • A larger problem? “If you start seeing symptoms beyond cramping, changes in bowel habits and urgency—particularly blood in the stool, unintended weight loss or fevers—that’s something you shouldn’t ignore,” says Dr. Coburn. Symptoms persisting consistently for long periods, as opposed to getting better and worse depending on the day, are also a sign that you should reach out to a specialist as soon as possible. One such possibility is inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, which—according to an estimate from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases—affects some 12 percent of Americans. “IBD is about inflammation, not the neurological system,” explains the doctor. “Something is causing inflammation somewhere in the gut.” That inflammation is the cause of the fevers sometimes associated with these conditions. He continues: “Generally, this is used as an umbrella term for two specific diseases—Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.” Though the two are very similar, ulcerative colitis is an inflammation restricted to the colon, while inflammation from Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in your digestive tract. “These are conditions that are identified via colonoscopy and endoscopy, or biopsy,” Dr. Coburn says. Though often diagnosed in people between ages 20 and 30, they can appear at any age, and there’s also another peak in diagnoses in people between ages 50 and 60. IBD is caused by the body’s immune system attacking healthy bowel cells; exactly why this happens is still being studied. There are genetic aspects, says our expert, as the condition tends to run in families, and smoking puts you at a higher risk. Besides persistent GI symptoms such as cramping and urgency, IBD can also cause dehydration, difficulty in absorbing essential nutrients, joint pain, anemia and reduced bone density, and can put you at a higher risk for colon cancer and other complications.” It is also chronic. But, says Dr. Coburn, “This is not a hopeless disease. I have people coming into my office panicked like they’ve gotten a cancer diagnosis. We have very good therapies and many, many patients with IBD live normal, healthy lives.” Biologic medications have been a game changer in the treatment of IBD, according to Dr. Coburn. These medications work to suppress the immune reaction and shut down the inflammation before it starts. “They are very safe medications,” he says, “with very safe side-effect profiles. Truly, it is not a doom-and-gloom diagnosis— we really can help you.” Dr. Coburn stresses the need to pay attention to GI symptoms and to find a specialist if something feels wrong. “I see people who have ignored their symptoms and just lived with them for far too long, or have had others write it off as stress or bad food reactions,” he says. “Something serious could be going on, and even if it’s less serious, there’s no need to just endure it.” BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 health stomach issues.indd 35

TUMMY TROUBLE? Elliot Coburn, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey in Hackensack, explains conditions that could be causing persistent stomach pain: • Celiac disease. This gluten allergy produces serious stomach upset. “It causes cramping, bloating and diarrhea,” says Dr. Coburn. Another step in identifying the cause of persistent GI symptoms is to try a glutenfree diet for a while and see if that makes any difference. The only way to manage this allergy is to strictly avoid gluten in foods. • Colon cancer. Persistent abdominal discomfort, a change in bowel habits and blood in the stool are all also signs of colon cancer, particularly when combined with quickly feeling full when eating and anemia. “Particularly if you’re seeing blood in your stool, that’s a sign you need a workup and diagnosis panel from an expert,” Dr. Coburn says. • Diverticulitis. Common in adults over age 50, this condition occurs when an irregular, bulging pouch develops in the colon wall and then becomes inflamed. It can cause abdominal pain, fever, irregular bowel movements and nausea. For mild cases, this is often treated with a short-term liquid diet and antibiotics. More severe cases require surgery. • Inflammatory bowel disorder. “IBD is about inflammation,” says the doctor. An umbrella term for ulcerative colitis (when the inflammation is contained to the colon) and Crohn’s disease (which can happen anywhere in the GI tract), IBD also can cause blood in the stool, fevers and unexpected weight loss. It can be treated with biological medications. • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A clinical diagnosis related to how the nervous system in the gut responds to stimuli. Symptoms like abdominal cramping, feelings of urgency and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, ebb and flow over time. “We have medications to help,” says the doctor, which may be combined with mental health care to manage stress. • Lactose intolerance. “Some people have a real sensitivity to eating dairy,” says the doctor. He also says that one of the first steps in treating someone with these symptoms is to cut dairy products from the diet; doing so will ease symptoms with little other intervention. (And over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplements can help aid in the digestion of dairy, if you can’t resist the occasional cheese or ice cream.)

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 2:20 PM

APPETIZER

HEAVEN Bergen County’s eateries excel in serving up the tasty treats that precede the main course. Check out, for example, some Instagram glimpses.

When you’re out to dinner these days, even before the first entrée lands on the table there’s plenty to feast your eyes—and your appetite—on. The county’s chefs are turning out starters as thoughtfully composed as they are delicious—and as rewarding to the eye as to the taste buds. Instagram is no substitute for actual tasting, but its images do remind us of a truism of this culinary era: Sometimes the best part of dinner is what comes first.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.instabergen apps.indd 36

(Times Seven)

NOVEMBER 2026

10/19/26 2:56 PM

IMAGE COURTESY OF CAFE PANACHE

CAFÉ PANACHE, RAMSEY, @ CAFEPANACHE. There’s a certain elegance here; seasonal ingredients and thoughtful combinations have made this Ramsey destination a local favorite for decades. Its grilled octopus is a feast of contrasts: tender and charred, brightened by preserved lemon vinaigrette and romesco sauce, with lemon fingerlings and smoked paprika oil rounding out every savory, smoky bite.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.instabergen apps.indd 37

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 2:57 PM

SUPREMA, RUTHERFORD, @SUPREMAITALIAN. At Suprema, even a simple bite can feel like something special. Golden-fried goat cheese balls arrive warm, their tangy, creamy centers complemented by sweet honey, jewel-like fig jam and the subtle crunch of pistachio. Whether you’re craving salty or sweet, smooth or crisp, this app can please any palate.

SAMDAN RESTAURANT, CRESSKILL, @ SAMDANRESTAURANT. Here the vibrant flavors of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine fill a menu made for sharing and sampling. Samdan’s zucchini and eggplant chips turn humble vegetables into something enchanting: thinly sliced, fried until wonderfully crisp and stacked into a golden tower, with cool, creamy tzatziki alongside. This meze makes a very good case for starting with vegetables.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.instabergen apps.indd 38

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 2:57 PM

IMAGES COURTESY OF SUPREMA, SAMDAN RESTAURANT, VARKA RESTAURANT

VARKA RESTAURANT, RAMSEY, @VARKA_ ESTIATORIO. With its polished take on the flavors of the Greek islands, Varka brings a little Mediterranean escape to the heart of Ramsey. The tuna tartare captures that spirit beautifully: silky, fresh tuna and creamy avocado meet the pleasing crustiness of ciabatta chips. It’s light, delicate and wonderfully restrained, letting the quality of the ingredients do the talking.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.instabergen apps.indd 39

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 2:57 PM

W’S VILLAGE GRILLE, WALDWICK, @ WSVILLAGEGRILLE. There’s an easygoing warmth to this hometown favorite built for lingering over good food and good company. The bang bang shrimp captures that spirit in one irresistible bite, with lightly fried shrimp cloaked in a creamy, zesty sauce that brings just enough heat to keep things interesting. Golden, saucy and utterly snackable, this appetizer may not make it around the table.

FIRE & OAK, MONTVALE, @ FIREANDOAKMONTVALE. A tortilla chip provides the perfect canvas for Fire & Oak’s fresh take on tuna tartare, topped with silky avocado and a scattering of fragrant herbs. Cool and satisfyingly crunchy, the combination is a study in contrasting textures and bright, clean flavors—and a great reason not to skip the appetizer course.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.instabergen apps.indd 40

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:01 AM

IMAGES COURTESY OF W’S VILLAGE GRILLE, FIRE & OAK, BAR MUTZ

BAR MUTZ, WESTWOOD, @BAR.MUTZ. The humble mozzarella stick gets a stylish makeover at his lively, mozzarella-centric Westwood hot spot. Golden sticks of gooey, house-made cheese, with a drizzle of hot honey, create an irresistible combination of salty, creamy, crunchy and sweet. One taste, and this familiar favorite suddenly feels very grown-up.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.instabergen apps.indd 41

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:01 AM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.sides.indd 42

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 3:02 PM

TAKE SIDES Even the finest goldenbrown turkey tastes better if it’s flanked by 4 great supporting dishes.

Turkey is likely the star of your Thanksgiving

table, but remember: Hollywood gives out Oscars for supporting players as well as the top-billed. So don’t the side dishes that complement your entrée deserve some glory too? For a holiday meant to celebrate bounty and the harvest spirit, a hearty spread of side dishes and trimmings is as essential as that seasonal bird. From classic, comforting, honey-roasted carrots to a delightful, colorful take on stuffed squash, the four side dishes here will round out your table, fill the plates of your guests and play perfectly off your turkey. Make sure you save room for seconds!

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.sides.indd 43

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:00 AM

STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH CHICKPEAS, CRANBERRIES, QUINOA

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON Yields 4 servings INGREDIENTS 1½ lbs. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces 1 Tbs. olive oil 1 Tbs. maple syrup 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Yields 4 servings INGREDIENTS 2 medium butternut squash, halved and seeded 1 cup quinoa, cooked 1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup dried cranberries 2 Tbs. olive oil, divided 1 small red onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled, optional 1/4 cup pine nuts or pecans, chopped 1 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. paprika salt and black pepper, to taste fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

DIRECTIONS Preheat your oven to 400°F. Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 45 to 55 minutes until fork-tender. While the squash roasts, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until absorbed. Fluff with a fork. Heat a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft (about 5 minutes), then add the garlic, cumin and paprika, cooking for 1 more minute. Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, dried cranberries and nuts. Let the roasted squash cool slightly. Scoop out a small amount of the center flesh if you want more room, and mix it into the quinoa filling. Stuff each squash half generously with the quinoa mixture. Top with feta cheese. Return the stuffed squash to the oven at 375°F and bake for about 10 minutes until hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.sides.indd 44

DIRECTIONS Heat your oven to 425°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts directly on the baking sheet with the olive oil, kosher salt and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them into a single layer, turning as many cut-sides down as possible to maximize browning. Scatter the chopped bacon pieces evenly across the pan over the sprouts, ensuring the bacon isn’t clumped together. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the mixture halfway through to ensure everything roasts evenly and the bacon becomes perfectly crisp. Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately drizzle the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar over the hot sprouts and bacon, tossing well to coat. Transfer to a bowl and serve.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:00 AM

HONEY GLAZED ROASTED CARROTS

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WITH MARSHMALLOWS AND PECANS

Yields 4–6 servings INGREDIENTS 2 lbs. carrots (washed, peeled, and sliced lengthwise) 1/3 cup butter, melted 1/4 cup honey 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbs. dried thyme sea salt and black pepper, to taste fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

DIRECTIONS Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the carrots into uniform pieces, about 4 to 5 inches long. Whisk together the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, sea salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss the carrots thoroughly in the honeybutter mixture until they are completely coated. Spread the carrots in a single layer across a large baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until they are fork-tender and lightly caramelized at the edges. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.sides.indd 45

Yields 8 servings INGREDIENTS The Sweet Potato Base 3 lbs. sweet potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes ½ cup unsalted butter, melted ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness) ½ cup light brown sugar, packed 2 large eggs, room temperature (helps the filling puff up beautifully) 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. fine sea salt The Crunchy Pecan Streusel 1½ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup light brown sugar, packed ¾ cup pecans, roughly chopped 4 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened The Gooey Finish 1½ to 2 cups miniature marshmallows

DIRECTIONS Place your cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the chunks are easily pierced with a fork. Drain completely. Heat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Transfer the hot sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, milk, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Use an electric hand mixer to whip everything on medium speed until completely smooth and fluffy. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. In a separate medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar and chopped pecans. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture turns into coarse, crumbly pebbles. Evenly sprinkle the pecan streusel over the top of the smooth sweet potato layer. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges. Carefully remove the dish from the oven and scatter the mini marshmallows uniformly over the pecan crunch. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Watch it closely—the marshmallows turn from perfectly golden brown to burnt very quickly!

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:00 AM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.Food Sourdough.indd 46

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 3:03 PM

From Your Oven:

SOUR POWER Sourdough is tangy, funky and distinctive—and the famous bread is only the beginning.

Sure, a lot of what you do in the kitchen can be generously described as magic, but there’s something particularly Merlinesque about sourdough. People will discuss one of their starters—a fermented mixture of flour and water that gives the bread its distinctive tang and allows it to rise without traditional yeast—as if it’s a friendly creature out of a piece of fantasy fiction. They feed it, they check if it’s alive and moving, they brag about its age and abilities. Online storefronts sell pieces of starters that are more than 100 years old, each describing the sour-tangy flavor profile it produces the way one might introduce a beloved child’s accomplishments. Each one is unique, some more sour and some more mild. They’re like culinary fingerprints. Though the population’s lockdown-induced fixation on baking bread has largely faded, sourdough’s stock is still rising. A scroll through social media (particularly TikTok and Instagram, where visuals rule) will show you all manner of round and artisanal loaves, and satisfying

videos of people crafting them (or showing off those slowly-bubbling starters). And it’s not just something on a screen—international bakery supply group Puratos saw a 40 percent rise in the popularity of sourdough in 2025. Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council agreed, identifying it as one of the 10 most important food trends of that year. It’s also gone beyond bread. Home cooks, your favorite local pizza joint and celebrity chefs like Marc Forgione have all have turned to the light of sourdough pizza. The fermentation of the starter blooms beautiful air bubbles throughout the crust while also giving it more structure. The result is the perfect balance between the texture of a Neapolitan slice and a crunch that would satisfy even the pickiest NYC foodie. That slight added acidity also plays great with tomato sauce. Use sourdough starter instead of yeast in donuts and you have a chewier bite and something a little more complex for your favorite sugary topping to bounce off. You’re probably already familiar with the sourdough pretzel, but you may

be seeing them pop up more on the appetizer menus of your favorite bars—fresh, warm and ready for dipping. Any doughy confection, be it savory or sweet, can be made into something a little bit more with the addition of that magical starter and some time for it do its work. Organic pasta wholesaler Bionaturae has even put out an innovated sourdough spaghetti you can sample, and U.K.-based Pump Street Chocolate released a sourdough-and-sea-salt chocolate bar. And get this: You can also feel less guilty for indulging. Research published in Nutrients in 2019 suggests that sourdough bread is easier to digest than bread made with regular yeast. It is also lower in gluten, and ideal for some people with mild intolerances to it (though not actual allergies). The fermentation process also means that sourdough is packed with probiotics, the healthy bacteria that aid in digestion and gut health, in addition to prebiotics and fiber. So spoon in more flour to feed that bubbling starter. This is a culinary magic worth embracing.

For advice on creating your own sourdough starter, see “From Your Oven: Bread Winner” on the following page. BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.Food Sourdough.indd 47

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:02 AM

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAWN LOCASCIO

Closter’s Dawn Locascio started Sourghdawn last year, turning a cooking hobby into a sourdough business.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.Food Sourdough.indd 48

NOVEMBER 2026

10/19/26 8:49 AM

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAWN LOCASCIO

From Your Oven:

BREAD WINNER

YOUR SOURDOUGH STARTER

For anyone intimidated by the idea of making sourdough at home, Dawn Locascio’s biggest piece of advice is surprisingly simple: “Don’t overthink it.” Rather than obsessing over exact measurements when feeding her starter before baking, she goes by appearance. “I eye it, and when it looks like a thick pancake mix I know it’s good to go.” Her approach may be less about rigid rules and more about learning to trust the process. Here’s a starter recipe to try:

For Closter’s Dawn Locascio, mastering the baking of sourdough meant learning to trust the process.

At first, Dawn Locascio of Closter was afraid her attempt to bake sourdough bread would be a non-starter. “I always loved to cook, and it always will be a passion of mine,” she says. “Baking, on the other hand, I didn’t love because of the precision that is required of it.” That changed in early 2025, when she began baking for her 5-year-old daughter. She started with farmer’s bread—a simple combination of yeast, flour and hot water. Then her sister-in-law suggested that Locascio try sourdough. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hesitant,” she says, “as all you hear about is how hard it is.” She quickly learned that sourdough does have its challenges, particularly when it comes to temperature. Getting her first loaves to rise proved frustrating. “I couldn’t understand why it was so flat, and I thought it had to do with the flour,” Locascio says. “But it really had everything to do with the temperature of the starter and the room—all of it.” That discovery became part of the

learning curve, as a warm kitchen can make it move quickly, while a cool kitchen can slow everything down. “You really never realize how much temperature in a kitchen can affect you until you make sourdough,” says Locascio. Then came the loaf that turned out just right. “The first time my loaf came out perfect, I felt like I’d won an Oscar,” she says. “I was so proud!” Her family and friends were equally enthusiastic. Their encouragement ultimately gave her the confidence to begin selling her bread, and Locascio launched her own business. “They all told me how delicious it was, and they gave me the confidence to sell it,” says Locascio, who created an Instagram account, @sourghdawn, to take online orders. “I am forever grateful for that push.” Today, Locascio reports, making sourdough has become “a hobby of mine and a way for me to relax after a hard day at work—or of being a mom all day. Even though it takes a lot of time I truly love it.” BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.Food Sourdough.indd 49

Easy Sourdough Starter whole-wheat or rye flour unbleached all-purpose flour water, preferably filtered or bottled if your tap water is heavily chlorinated a clean glass jar a kitchen scale (helpful, but not absolutely necessary) Day 1: Mix 50 grams all-purpose flour with 50 grams water in a clean jar. Stir until no dry flour remains. It should look like a thick pancake batter. Cover loosely with a lid or clean cloth and leave at room temperature, ideally between 70 and 78°F. Fit a rubber band around the jar at the starter’s starting level, which will make it easier to see how much it rises each day. Day 2: You may see bubbles—or you may see nothing. Both are normal. Discard about half of the starter, leaving approximately 50 grams in the jar. Add 50 grams allpurpose flour and 50 grams water, stir and cover loosely. Days 3 to 7: Repeat the same process every 24 hours: Keep 50 grams starter, then add 50 grams flour and 50 grams water, stir. As the starter becomes more active, you’ll see bubbles and notice that it rises after feeding. It may also develop a pleasantly tangy, yeasty smell. If your kitchen is cool, it may take longer than a week. Don’t worry; just understand that temperature matters a lot with sourdough. Your starter is ready to use with when it reliably doubles in size within 4–8 hours of feeding, looks bubbly and active, and has a pleasant sour/yeasty aroma.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/19/26 8:50 AM

Talk Of The Table

FANTASTIC FLORALS SET THE STAGE FOR THANKSGIVING GATHERINGS THAT WILL CONNECT, INSPIRE AND LINGER IN HAPPY MEMORY.

The true star of any gathering table is the meal you serve there, but savvy partygivers know that a bare table—or one set with an ill-considered centerpiece—is a missed opportunity for greatness. Assembling a Thanksgiving tablescape that feels right is like crafting the meal itself: The occasion demands tradition, but there’s room for a little innovation too. And more than a little floral beauty. In the centerpieces on the following pages, the warm traditions of fall become a beautiful base for modern twists and unexpected touches. Floral designer Stephanie Barbagiannis of Allendale Flowers in Allendale, pictured left, offers tips on creating arrangements that catch the eye, start conversation and eloquently complement a feast and good company.

Stephanie Barbergiannis, floral designer, Allendale Flowers

You want to embody the season in your centerpiece and tablescape and, as Allendale Flowers floral designer Stephanie Barbagiannis explains, “autumn is all about texture and warmth.” One sure way to add warmth is with the gently flickering light of candles. (If there are small children at your table, remember that batterypowered candles can produce a similar effect without a fire hazard.) As for texture, she says, “There are many beautiful options—berries, branches and mosses are all great.” Weaving those branches and mosses among the candles, with some gourds for a seasonal touch, is a simple, chic and festive way to tie a table together.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.centerpieces.indd 50

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:03 AM

“I love using viburnum berries,” says Barbagiannis. Small and deeply red, they’re ideal for adding a pop of color to a centerpiece. They’re also smart to reach for if you’re opting for something smaller-scale. “Multiple smaller, lower centerpieces give room on the table to add other items to the tablescape, like fruit,” she says. Berries tucked around bright blooms are a great start, but Barbagiannis also suggests adding “candles and small personal items” around these lower pieces. “You can make it superpersonalized and memorable,” she says.

If you’re eager to cast off custom a little more boldly, our expert is thrilled to guide you. “Last Thanksgiving, my centerpiece featured only bittersweet berries and grapevines on a moss base,” she says. “I love bittersweet berries in an arrangement—they have so much movement.” Also called “American bittersweets,” these fruit are a deep orange-red and grow in bunches, just right for catching eyes— and being tucked among nests of branches and moss for a woodsy, rustic feeling. When neutral moss or grapevines serve as the base, the color, shape and movement of the fruit take center stage.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.centerpieces.indd 51

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:42 PM

With so many serving plates and bowls already in play, Thanksgiving is a great time to use different vessels for your centerpieces. Says Barbagiannis: “Dough bowls, terracotta pots and stone urns make great containers for the fall.” And who can resist adding in leaves and a few of the season’s best gourds? This is also a great time to be creative, find a distinctive vessel and work with a designer to create something truly one-of-a-kind: “Bring your own vases and vessels to your florist to fill,” she says. “It’s the perfect way to personalize the space.”

Not a fan of the reds and oranges of a traditional Thanksgiving table? They’re not a requirement. “Do what you like,” Barbagiannis says. “Consider the décor you already have in your home and complement it when bringing flowers into a room.” If a lighter palette speaks to you and is a better match for the space, there’s no need to shy away from using pinks and soft greens in the autumn. She suggests “butterfly ranunculus in whimsical bud vases” for such a look. A few Granny Smith apples layered in will add a feeling of harvest abundance.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.centerpieces.indd 52

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:42 PM

If you have the space for them, says Barbagiannis, big pieces can truly set the stage for a fantastic event. “There’s nothing like walking into a room and seeing statement florals,” she says. “That initial ‘Wow!’ moment is an incredible first impression.” She suggests you “consider the scale of the room when ordering a grand piece. If you want to expand beyond the table, a large mantel is always a great spot for a focal point.” And, once again, she reminds you that it can be fun to break the norm: “Instead of traditional red, orange and yellow, consider reaching for plums, burgundies, wine tones and even black, which all create a great combination for the season.”

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.centerpieces.indd 53

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:42 PM

Crazy For

CAVIAR

THE ONCE-EXCLUSIVE DELICACY IS SHEDDING ITS STUFFY REPUTATION AND BECOMING THE LIFE OF THE PARTY.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.caviar.indd 54

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:03 AM

PARTY PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN FRANCHETTI

Lauren Franchetti, left, launched Luxury Caviar Services this year, providing roaming and table caviar service at private events.

There was a time when caviar arrived with a certain hush—the silver tin opened with ceremony, the tiny black pearls spooned onto mother-of-pearl, the whole affair reserved for palaces, penthouses and people who never had to ask what it cost. Caviar has long been offered to dignitaries at elaborate state dinners and treated as the prize at Michelin-starred restaurants like Manhattan’s Caviar Russe and The Russian Tea Room. Indeed, at the latter, an ounce of the briny delicacy carries a price tag of several hundred dollars. But caviar has been shedding some of that oldworld mystique. It still has plenty of prestige, but today those glistening beads are being used to turn an ordinary gathering into an occasion, whether perched atop a potato chip, tucked into a blini or passed by the spoonful at a party. Serving it with wine for an at-home girls’ night? You bet. Scooping some onto Baked Lay’s while watching the big game? Go for it! Caviar—sturgeon roe—has a long history. It was long prized as a delicacy around the Caspian Sea and in Russia. By the 19th century, caviar had become a coveted luxury on both sides of the Atlantic. Sturgeon were once so abundant in U.S. rivers—including the Delaware River here in New Jersey—that their eggs were harvested and exported to Europe. Overfishing eventually decimated wild sturgeon populations, transforming caviar from an abundant curiosity into the precious commodity we know today. Sustainable sturgeon farming helped change the equation somewhat and now supplies much of the world’s caviar. And somewhere along the way, caviar began making another transformation—from something served to the privileged few into something people could bring home, share and, yes, even eat off

a potato chip. It’s still very special—just not quite as pricey as it used to be. “Caviar’s recent resurgence into the mainstream began during COVID,” says Lauren Franchetti, a 20-plus-year food-industry veteran and a chef at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. “It became prevalent on social media, and people were ordering it sent to their homes.” Franchetti, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., took it a step further earlier this year when she launched the South Jersey-based Luxury Caviar Services. The business offers hosts both roaming and table caviar services as well as private tastings, among other options. (Roaming cannoli service, anyone?) “I started it after realizing that I couldn’t find caviar on menus while dining out,” she says. “I wanted to bring caviar to the people.” And perhaps that is the real luxury of caviar now: not simply having it, but having fun with it. Like sommeliers for hire and sushi chefs to go, caviar services are bringing the indulgence out of the dining room and into homes and parties, making a once-unimaginable food feel approachable. “I love breaking the stigma that caviar is just for wealthy people,” she says. “It’s really just food, and it shouldn’t be intimidating.” Consuming fish eggs, of course, can be a stigma of its own for some—there’s a certain “ick” factor for those who have yet to try them. (Picture Tom Hanks’ suddenly grown-up child character in the movie Big, after he tries beluga caviar for the first time.) “I was 19 and working in fine dining when I first tried it,” Franchetti recalls. “A chef explained everything to me, such as serving it at a certain temperature, and all I thought was, ‘Why are people paying $100 an ounce BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.caviar.indd 55

for this?’ But the more I tried it the more it made sense, and then I started to crave it. “It’s still not for everyone,” she continues. “I worked with chefs who wouldn’t eat it; their taste buds only wanted chicken tenders, and that’s OK. But that’s why a tasting event is ideal and a great intro to caviar—it allows people to enjoy a delicacy, try something different in small amounts and discover their favorites. The Italian white sturgeon is always a hit, and kaluga is making a comeback—it’s creamy and a larger pearl.” HOSTING CAVIAR MAGIC Though services like Franchetti’s can make at-home caviar tasting a breeze, hosts can also easily serve the delicacy themselves. The first step is ensuring that your guests are interested. “Ask them if they eat seafood,” Franchetti says. “That’s always a good place to start. Have them smell it first and remind them that caviar is salty.” You also want to make sure there’s enough caviar to go around: Franchetti recommends four ounces for a group of 10 people. And be sure you purchase it from a reputable specialty store or online dealer, such as NetCost Market in Paramus or Royal Touch Caviar in Saddle River, to ensure quality. Caviar can be served in a variety of ways. Franchetti’s favorite platforms for it include sweet potato latkes, blinis and eggs with chives. “Don’t count out a potato chip as well as ice-cold vodka and your favorite champagne,” she says. “There’s something magical about experiencing caviar. It’s definitely a unique food and experience, something that many find comforting.” And once you serve it, she promises, “it’s something that will have people talking for a long time.”

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 2:22 PM

A STORY’S

HAPPY ENDING Leaving behind an interior of stark white, a new Oakland townhouse draws inspiration from Roald Dahl’s Matilda to deliver a cozy, colorful redesign. Design by Melissa’s Designs & Co. Photography by Meghan Balcom

Text by Donna Rolando

A feast for the eyes, this Oakland dining room by interior designer Melissa Selvaggio establishes its identity with colorful ikat chairs, a flowering chandelier and bright blue sideboard.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1026. Melissa Design Oakland 2.indd 56

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:04 AM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1026. Melissa Design Oakland 2.indd 57

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 2:59 PM

When a single-by-choice mom traded her childhood home in Ringwood for a new-construction townhome in Oakland, she found the builder’s original design bland. This fun-loving spirit—who shudders at the thought of furniture too precious to sit on—craved an infusion of color and femininity, yet says she was too “paralyzed” to tackle the transformation on her own. “I like pretty and sweet, but not childish, which is hard to pull off,” Dana says. She praises the team at Chesterfield-based Melissa Designs & Co. for getting that balance right: “grown-up, but still feminine and sweet.” Principal designer Melissa Selvaggio modeled the look after the cottage of the lovable Miss Honey in Roald Dahl’s 1988 children’s novel Matilda , evoking a sense of pure charm, character and individuality. Dana’s passion for florals, blues and greens contributed to an inviting, feminine setting for her and her 5-year-old daughter, who reminded the designer of Matilda herself.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1026. Melissa Design Oakland 2.indd 58

Dana’s implicit trust made possible a seamless, four-month turnaround for a project that launched in December 2025, and soon after that she received her keys. Even gutting the powder room did not slow progress, as design firm co-owner Jennifer Friedberg had coordinated contractors since September and Selvaggio had the plans ready to go. Designing a limited, open-concept floor plan was no small feat, but Selvaggio achieved it with precise scale and a color palette that feels cohesive yet full of distinct, individual moments. The springboard was the family room, where Dana’s favorite focal point is a custom, arched wall unit designed by Selvaggio to hide away toys effortlessly while charming guests. “I would never think to put wallpaper behind a TV, but it looks really cool,” Dana says. Relocating the television from its former perch above the fireplace shifts the heart of the room—the designer’s intention.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:44 PM

This page: There’s no place like a powder room to showcase color. Selvaggio met that opportunity with floorto-ceiling elements of pink. Opposite page: Selvaggio’s hack for taming an open floor plan? Starting with one area—in this case, the family room—and spreading the magic.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1026. Melissa Design Oakland 2.indd 59

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 2:59 PM

Benjamin Moore’s Hollingsworth Green strategically links the bespoke shelving to the fireplace, which draws texture and warmth from a sea of grass cloth. Nearby, blush-pink swivel chairs join a blue sofa accented with leopard print and other playful pillows, all anchored by a “super-durable” wool rug as oversized linen draperies kick up the drama. In the dining room, Selvaggio brought “a little bit of fun” to the cerused oak chairs with a multi-hued ikat fabric, setting them against walls covered in Thibaut’s Zion wallpaper, a subtle ikat print over green shiplap. While a square table for eight offers a practical footprint for family gatherings, a bold, blue, grass-cloth sideboard by Made Goods is the room’s true showstopper, paired with Uttermost teak branches for an organic touch. Overhead, Mitzi’s blossoming, flower-like chandelier satisfies a floral-loving homeowner. While Selvaggio kept the builder’s kitchen mostly white, she woke up the backsplash with a playful pink mosaic plaid in honed marble by Artistic Tile.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1026. Melissa Design Oakland 2.indd 60

Counter stools from Four Hands complement the existing white oak floors and neatly tuck beneath the curved counter, conserving space while providing lumbar support. Color enjoys its grandest moment in the powder room, where Benjamin Moore’s Amaryllis carries rich blush tones from the beadboard all the way to the ceiling, perfectly harmonizing with a hand-painted wallpaper by York. Contributing to this envelope of pink is the subtly veined, chevron marble flooring, while a green Shaker vanity with a white framed mirror offers contrast. “I chose to go with the pink,” Selvaggio explains. “I wanted it to feel like them, their fun powder room. It speaks to who they are.” Upon reflection, the extent of the transformation surprises even Dana. “I look at the ‘before’ pictures and I think it was so boring in here. Everything is colorful now, the way I love it.”

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:04 AM

This page and opposite: No longer wrapped in white, the family room feeds the homeowner’s love for florals thanks to clever use of wallpaper on the custom wall unit. Velvet pillows accompany leopard prints on an oversized Vanguard sofa, proving lighthearted yet sophisticated.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1026. Melissa Design Oakland 2.indd 61

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:05 AM

Special Report

PAWS

FOR A RESET

The way we treat our pets has changed, and our dogged pursuit of their happiness has spawned a multi-billion-dollar industry. BY LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF

The hotel room was designed to evoke the lemon groves and turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast, from its ample chaise longue upholstered in beachy, blue-and-white stripes to the fish-and-sailboat stencils on the warm ocher walls. And while its sizable window doesn’t afford a view of the Bay of Napoli (it looks out on a busy road in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, instead), its current occupant, Mama, doesn’t appear to mind. That’s likely because Mama is a slightly skittish calico cat whose idea of exotic travel is a supervised trot around the hotel’s halls. Welcome to the Happy Cat Hotel & Spa. With its 33 themed rooms (like Austin Kitty Limits, Catsablanca and Mama’s favorite, Pawsitano), built-in shelving (should guests feel the urge to scramble up the wall), cubbies for privacy and in-room web cameras (so owners can monitor their felines 24/7), the hotel is emblematic of a sea change in the way we Americans regard—and treat—our pets. They’re no longer merely family-adjacent, but full-fledged family members who are thought to deserve the same kind of care we afford our children and ourselves. “Pets are not just pets,” says Mia Frezzo, D.V.M., a veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of Hasbrouck Heights. “They’re not just dogs and cats; they’re our clients’ children.” Caryl Blank, who shares her Fair

Lawn home with three cats, says of them, “They’re my people.” It’s a sentiment echoed by Mahwah’s Natalie Maniscalco, whose mixed-breed dog Louie is, she says, “very much part of the family.” No doubt, many of Bergen County’s 170,000-plus pet owners (the most of any county in the state) feel the same. And there are more pet owners, in Bergen and across the country, than ever before. In 2018, according to the American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 67 percent of households in the U.S. included at least one pet. By 2026, that percentage had climbed to 71.6, thanks, in part, to the pandemic, during which many of us adopted dogs, cats and other animal companions to ease the sting of lockdown—and also because young couples are waiting longer to have their first child, but not their first “fur baby.” Maybe, in our unsettled era, pet owners are looking for comfort they may not be able to get from other humans, and in exchange for that comfort, they’re willing to spend time and money to ensure their pets’ happiness. Whatever the reason for the rise in pet ownership, as the way we regard our pets has changed—and their numbers have grown—the way we care for them has changed as well, along with the industry that’s expanded to serve them—and thereby please and comfort us. BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.special report.indd 62

A HEALTHCARE REVOLUTION “Over the past 20 or 30 years,” says Frezzo, “the advancements in medicine have been incredible. And the ability for our clients to achieve the level of care that they want for their pets has paralleled those advancements.” Today, there are nearly as many medical specialties for animals as there are for humans, including ophthalmology, oncology, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, radiology, physical therapy and rehabilitative medicine. Total hip replacements for both dogs and cats are becoming increasingly common, and dogs can also undergo knee, elbow and ankle replacement. Just as humans can track their health and fitness with monitors like Fitbit, dog and cat owners can now equip their pets with a tracker to monitor heart rate, respiration, physical activity and sleep, and view all of that information on their phones. And as alternative treatments carve out a growing role in human medicine, pet owners and vets are increasingly turning to them as well. Frezzo incorporates the use of essential oils in her practice, and other vets offer chiropractic, acupuncture and swim therapy, among other nontraditional modalities. There are vets who specialize in pet hospice and others, like Bethany Hsia, D.V.M., who offer

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 2:23 PM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.special report.indd 63

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 3:04 PM

in-home euthanasia. Hsia, the cofounder of CodaPet, which serves pet owners in and around Bergen County, says that demand for her service has increased. “It allows the family to write the story that they want to write about this end-of-life space,” she says. Some pet owners choose to play music or gather the entire family, including other pets, or opt to have the procedure done in a pet’s favorite spot. And home euthanasia eliminates the potential trauma of a trip to the vet’s office. BEYOND KIBBLE Increasingly, vets are providing special food for pets with food allergies or sensitivities—or whose owners simply seek an alternative to the cans and bags that line the supermarket aisle. They can also find those alternatives at online sites like chewy.com or specialized pet-supply stores such as PetSmart and PetCo. Fresh (refrigerated) and raw foods, as well as high-protein, organic and grain-free offerings are a growing segment of the so-called premium pet-food market in the U.S., which was worth more than $2.6 billion in 2025 and is expected to increase to $5.4 billion by 2034, according to the website Verified Market Reports. It’s not just our pets’ health that we’re concerned about; it’s also their happiness. “If cats aren’t happy with their food,” says Blank, “they’re not going to be happy with their life.” She’s continually trying new foods to sustain her cats’ joie de vivre. “When I go food shopping, people look at me like I’m a crazy person—I have so many different brands in the cart,” she says. TRAINING WITH LOVE It’s not surprising that, as we increasingly view our pets as family members, the way we train them is shifting from punishment to positive reinforcement. True, some trainers—and some pet owners—still use punitive techniques such as fitting a dog with a prong collar, which applies uncomfortable pressure to its neck when it pulls on its lead. But more and more trainers and owners are opting for what Cresskill-based certified dog trainer Brooke Greenberg calls “the kindness method.” This approach, she explains, “relies on utilizing something the dog likes—treats, play, affection—to get the behavior you want.” In fact, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has concluded that “positive reinforcement, utilizing rewards, is the best way and the most effective way to get the behavior that we’re looking for from our animals.” IT’S A TRIP More and more of us want to take our pets with us when we travel, and the booming pet-friendly

hotel industry reflects that desire. Worth $4.6 billion in 2025, the market is expected to nearly double within the next five years, according to The Business Research Company, with major chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham and Kimpton eager to welcome four-legged guests. Flying with cats and small dogs (or rabbits, if you’re a bunny “parent”) is relatively easy, as most airlines allow you to travel with your pet in a carrier that fits under the seat. Fees generally range from $100 to $300 per carrier. Larger dogs pose more of a problem because they may have to fly in the cargo hold—an unacceptable alternative for many who view their pets as family. That helps to explain why the past few years have seen the founding of airlines that specifically fly pets (along with their owners) in a style that most business-class travelers would envy. Ridgewood’s Susan and Bob Burke were eager to spend several months in France, but they couldn’t imagine taking such a prolonged trip without their dog, Watson. “He misses us terribly when we’re away,” Susan explains. A 35-pound Lagotto Romagnolo, Watson clearly wouldn’t fit under an airline seat, and the couple were unwilling to have him travel in the cargo hold, so they opted to fly with him to France on Bark Air. Founded in 2024, the airline allows dogs to fly with their owners in the cabin and offers suitable snacks and meals to all of its passengers. RetrievAir, founded in 2025, is a similar airline for pets and their people, while private carriers like K9 Jets offer an even more luxurious alternative. And, of course, if you can’t travel with your pet, you can book him or her into a pet hotel that offers more than just comfort. “Our clients are looking for next-level care,” says Lauren Vecchione, owner of the Happy Cat Hotel & Spa. “Twice a day, we monitor how much their animals are pooping, peeing, eating and drinking. I have an Excel spreadsheet that I review.” THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS When Mama isn’t lounging in her suite at the Happy Cat Hotel, you’ll likely find her chilling on her fenced-in Ridgewood porch. “I know that makes her happy,” says her owner, Candice Brogan. And making our pets happy is paramount, whatever it takes. Louie, for instance, accompanies his owners to outdoor movie nights and for long rides in the car. And though he’s in possession of what owner Maniscalco calls “two massive beds,” he prefers to snuggle with his humans overnight. “Originally, we weren’t going to allow him to do that,” she says. “But we allowed him to do that.” In many households, pets have almost as many toys as their young human counterparts. Every three months, for instance, Blank’s three cats receive a themed box of playthings. “The theme could be Down BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.special report.indd 64

by the Shore, with beach balls and beach blankets, or Fireman or School,” she says. “I sit on the floor, and they all come to help me unbox it.” And while many pet owners heed their veterinarians’ advice to keep their fur babies (especially cats) indoors when off the leash, owners are increasingly determined to offer pets the joys of fresh air and sunshine. Consider the catio—a screened enclosure, either freestanding or connected to the house with a flap or a tunnel, that allows felines to feel the wind in their fur. Boosted by the pandemic, the global market for catios is currently valued at $1.2 billion and expected to double over the next decade, according to Growth Market Reports. And dog owners who allow their pets to enjoy the freedom of a fenced-in yard can now have that yard professionally swept clean of dog detritus. Companies providing that service in Bergen include Poop 911, DoodyCalls and Bergen County Pooper Scoopers. AND IF THEY ROAM . . . Given how much we pamper and protect our pets, it’s clear that making sure we don’t lose them is high up on our list of concerns. Today, virtually all vets offer their clients the option of microchipping their pets, a simple procedure that involves inserting a tiny integrated circuit, containing an ID number linked to the pet’s owner, under its skin. “I think nearly everybody microchips their pets,” says Frezzo, who notes that pet owners need to update their information if they move or change phone numbers. It’s not a perfect system: “The pet has to be found and brought to a place where it’s going to be scanned, like a veterinary hospital or a shelter,” Frezzo notes. That’s why she also recommends adding a GPS tracker (similar to an Apple AirTag) that can tell you where your pet is in real time via your cell phone (as long as you and your pet are in an area with cell service). Keep in mind that even the most cosseted and cared-for pet can get out if it’s sufficiently spooked (by thunder, say, or fireworks) or simply takes a notion to check out the wild world beyond your front door. If you encounter what you think is a lost pet, the American Animal Hospital Association advises approaching it with caution. If you can’t corral it, or it doesn’t seem friendly, call animal control or a local pet rescue. If it allows you to approach, check for an ID containing contact information and get in touch with its owner. Otherwise, take it to a place where it can be scanned for a microchip—a veterinary hospital, say, or a shelter. If that doesn’t end in success, inform local veterinary hospitals, shelters and animal control departments and post a photo on social media. Even if you’re not a pet owner, you can help a lost pet by trying to reunite it with its family.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:05 AM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.special report.indd 65

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 3:04 PM

ESCAPES

SWEET SPOTS What’s the most delicious place on the map for someone who craves goodies? Here are five candidates, each within a reasonable drive.

Dessert, despite its name, isn’t something you necessarily deserve. But by golly, you want it anyway, and, if you’re like most of us, you find a sweet treat worth traveling for. If only it were true (perhaps we can start the rumor!) that calories are discounted 50 percent when you’re on a trip. So where will you go? Well…

THE PEZ VISITOR CENTER, Orange, Conn.

Here’s a candy you may be nostalgic for, and this destination celebrates the best of it. Whether you’re an avid collector of the colorful dispensers or simply a fan of the melt-in-your-mouth hard candies, this attraction is well worth blocking out an afternoon to enjoy—and it’s only an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Bergen. Browse more than 4,000 square feet dedicated to all things Pez, including the most comprehensive collection of Pez memorabilia on public display in the world, a Pez motorcycle built by Orange County Choppers, the world’s largest Pez dispenser, a trivia game and an interactive historical timeline. And stand in the viewing area and watch the manufacturing process as conveyor belts whisk the candy around as it’s shaped, flavored and packaged. Stay the night. Orange is 20 minutes away from bustling New Haven, so you have options aplenty for accommodations. Try the Blake Hotel, known for its boutique sensibility, the full kitchenettes in every room, the fantastic rooftop bar and the on-site Siena Ristorante, which offers seasonally inspired Italian cuisine; or choose the historic Hotel Marcel, built by the famed Marcel Breuer, with a sleek modernist aesthetic, an upscale cocktail bar and an awardwinning, eco-friendly ethos. After the tour. Stay in Orange and stop by the Stappa Vineyard, which offers estate-grown wines, wine flights, craft beers and a menu of crave-worthy charcuterie boxes to graze on, along with tours and local live music. Indoors, the Yale University Art Gallery, open to the public, offers some of the country’s best-curated collections of paintings, sculptures and photography. Maybe you’ll also wander the open parts of the Yale campus, where the Gothic architecture is an art exhibit in itself. Info: us.pez.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.escapes.indd 66

HERSHEY CHOCOLATE WORLD, Hershey, Pa.

The name of this town (and this attraction) says it all. America’s iconic chocolate brand has its celebrated hometown only about three hours from Bergen. To get the most chocolate possible, start with Hershey’s Chocolate Tour. Part amusement park ride, part history lesson and all delicious, it takes you through Hershey’s history and the how-tos of candy-bar making. Watch thousands of treats fly by, see roasting cocoa beans and smell rich milk chocolate. Guests also get to sample their favorite Hershey candies at the end. And right down the road, the Hershey Story Museum offers both a deep dive into founder Milton S. Hershey’s biography and an exploration of the history and science behind chocolate making. It includes a delicious, kid-friendly “chocolate lab” for the whole family. Stay the night. The Hotel Hershey balances refined elegance with family-friendly amenities and stellar service. Whatever you’re seeking, find it here. Deep relaxation? The on-site spa offers dozens of treatments, ranging from facials, full-body massages and hydrotherapy to a hair salon and manicures. Some sporting action? Drop by (or take a class!) at the state-of-the-art fitness center or the sports complex, where you can take advantage of volleyball and tennis courts. (Weather and season permitting, there’s also a stunning golf course; check online for availability.) Shop at the high-end retailers—or just relax beside the heated indoor pool. After the tour. Hersheypark is a theme park home to 15 roller coasters and endless seasonal events. (Pick up tickets for Christmas Candyland, opening on Nov. 13, and enjoy holiday lights, festive rides and displays and visits from Santa.) Next door to the theme park is ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, where you can visit owls, otters, gray wolves and ocelots. Also can’t-miss is Hershey Gardens, a botanical garden with a year-round, indoor butterfly atrium filled with colorful insects and a children’s garden. Info: chocolateworld.com

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:45 PM

THE TURKEY HILL EXPERIENCE, Columbia, Pa.

About three hours from here, you’ll find that Turkey Hill distinguishes itself with how hands-on and participatory it is. Learn about the company’s long history (it was founded in 1931) and see how Turkey Hill’s ice creams travel from farm to scoop. You can also make your own “virtual ice cream flavor”—and then create the package and a commercial for it in which you’re the star. Afterward, swing by the Flavor Lab and concoct a custom bite that fits your exact taste. Along the way, enjoy unlimited samples of ice cream (in flavors such as chocolate, mint chip, or black raspberry), plus sips of Turkey Hill drinks such as iced tea and lemonade Stay the night. Options abound here. Less than a half-hour’s drive away in York is the Yorktowne Hotel, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. Blending historic grandeur with modern luxury and designed in the Renaissance Revival style, it offers spacious rooms, glittering chandeliers, a Jazz-Age-inspired cocktail bar inside and a rooftop lounge and restaurant with jaw-dropping views. Also not far away is the Eden Resort & Suites in Lancaster, where upscale luxury blends with the attention to detail that marks a family-owned establishment. Stay in a multi-room suite or townhouse style villa for the ultimate comfort on the road. After the tour. Lancaster County is a recreation wonderland no matter what time of year you stop by. Also in Columbia is the National Watch and Clock Museum, a destination dedicated to the history and art of horology. More than 3,000 clocks and watches are on display, plus historical timekeeping devices such as sundials, hourglasses and fireclocks. In York is the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, welcoming musicians, comedians and dance acts from all over the county and state. Stop by Nov. 19 for an evening of bluegrass music, or at the end of the month to see the York Symphony’s holiday show. Info: turkeyhillexperience.com

HARBOR SWEETS, Salem, Mass.

About four-and-a-half hours from Bergen is this family-owned, handmade-chocolate and candy company, which is always eager to show off its facilities. The business was founded in 1973 by Ben Strohecker, who set out with the lofty goal of creating “the best chocolates in the world, regardless of cost.” You’ll have to decide for yourself whether he succeeded, but he certainly succeeded in creating a distinctive product: the “Sweet Sloops” line of chocolates in the shape of sailboats. Rather than a factory setting, this facility will give you an up-close and personal look at the people and processes that go into making chocolate by hand, from tempering to filling molds to dipping the finished product in caramel. Afterward, wander a wonderland of seasonal chocolate treats, truffles, specialty hot cocoa, buttercrunch and giftsets, all presented with distinctive New England flair. Stay the night. In the heart of downtown Salem is the Hawthorne Hotel, a stately and classic choice. Here you’ll find historic rooms and two fine dining options: The Tavern, with a wood-burning fireplace, oak-paneled walls, winged back chairs and a classic American menu, and Nathaniel’s, with breakfast or lunch in Roaring ’20s glamor. For something equally historic but a touch more playful, try The Merchant, where the dining room is painted jewel blue and pops of color give a modern edge to the décor. (There are heated bathroom floors and gas fireplaces too.) After the tour. Salem is one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts; you should explore that history while you visit. The Salem Witch Museum chronicles the infamous 1692 witch trials, plus the history of witches and witchcraft in modern culture and how our view of such “witch hunts” has changed. Close by is the New England Pirate Museum, filled with quirky exhibits on the little-known history of New England’s sea robbers. This is a downtown filled with psychics, herb shops, antiques and art galleries—enjoy a long walk and soak in the last of the fall vibes before winter. Info: harborsweets.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.escapes.indd 67

BEN & JERRY’S, Waterbury, Vt.

Just as it’s never actually too cold for ice cream, there’s no bad time of year to visit this locale. About five and a half hours from our county by car, this is the company’s first factory, and it still manufactures upwards of 350,000 pints per day. You can take a sneak peek behind the scenes. The experience starts with a 30-minute guided tour in which you see magic happen on the production-room floor, while your tour guide explains the process. You’ll also get to sample some sweet bites, then try another sample in the famous flavor room at the end. (Nondairy and vegan options are offered.) Then browse the outdoor Flavor Graveyard (where discontinued products are laid to rest), wander the gift shop and take in the scenery. Stay the night. For fantastic views, mountain vibes and amenities galore, Best Western Plus Waterbury– Stowe is the go-to. Enjoy a full hot breakfast, an indoor pool and a hot tub, a full fitness center and (in true local fashion) an on-property walking/hiking trail perfect for taking in the fresh air and getting your steps in. For a bespoke experience, consider the Old Stagecoach Inn, originally constructed in 1826. The vibe is historic, the rooms are charming and it’s right in the heart of the Waterbury Village Historic District. After the tour. Vermont continues to be charming in November, when the crowds thin out between foliage season and ski season and the pace is slow and indulgent. Explore Waterbury Village, where you’ll find a wide array of boutiques, antique shops, bookshops and curated consignment options. The dining scene is also world-class—check out over a dozen craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. For families, Cold Hollow Cider Mill will give you closeup view of apple cider being pressed (and a chance to pick up an exceptional apple-cider donut). If you don’t mind bundling up, this is also a great time of year to hike one of the local state parks, such as Little River or Waterbury Center. Enjoy the stark views and the lack of crowds before winter draws the crosscounty skiing crowd back. Info: benjerry.com —Kirsten Meehan

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:06 AM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.tastes.indd 68

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 3:06 PM

TASTES

Puffs Of Perfection

Delicate, pillowy and made for savoring, these two gnocchi recipes put a fresh spin on Italian comfort food.

SWEET POTATO GNOCCHI WITH HERBED WHITE WINE PAN SAUCE Yields 6 servings INGREDIENTS 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups once mashed) 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta 1 large egg 2–3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. kosher salt Herbed White Wine Pan Sauce 6 Tbs. salted butter 1 shallot, chopped 2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves, homegrown Burpee Tasty Thyme 2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc 1 pinch cayenne pepper kosher salt and pepper 1/2 cup manchego or Parmesan cheese, shaved

DIRECTIONS Preheat your oven to 400°F. Poke a few holes in the sweet potatoes and bake for 45 minutes or until soft and tender. When the sweet potatoes are cooked, slice them in half, allow to cool, and finely mash or puree them. In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, ricotta, egg, salt and flour. Stir the mixture until just combined. If the dough seems wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, until it can be formed into a ball. The dough should be sticky. Generously flour a clean counter and scrape the dough out onto it. Cut the dough into four equal pieces. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll the dough into a rope about 1 inch thick and cut into bite-size pieces. Repeat this process with the other pieces of dough and place the gnocchi on a baking sheet that has been dusted with flour. At this point, the gnocchi can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 1 day, and then boiled just before you are ready to eat. Or boiled right away. To make the sauce: Heat the butter and shallot in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook until the shallot is fragrant and the butter begins to brown, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the thyme and rosemary and cook 1 minute. Add the wine and cayenne, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes. Keep warm over low heat. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the gnocchi until they float to the top and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the gnocchi using a slotted spoon or spider strainer and drop right into the sauce, gently tossing to combine. If the sauce thickens up, add a splash of the gnocchi cooking water to thin it a bit. Divide the gnocchi among bowls. Top with manchego.

“I love this spin on traditional gnocchi. Classic white potatoes are swapped out for sweet potatoes, which are especially rich in vitamin A and a good source of fiber.” —Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, registered dietitian nutritionist, Forme Nutrition, Franklin Lakes

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.tastes.indd 69

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:07 AM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.tastes.indd 70

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 3:06 PM

TASTES

SPINACH RICOTTA GNOCCHI WITH SAGE BUTTER AND CHERRY TOMATOES Yields 8 servings INGREDIENTS 16 oz. thawed frozen chopped spinach 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese 2 egg yolks 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1 pinch kosher salt and black pepper 1 stick (8 Tbs.) salted butter 2 cloves garlic, smashed 8 leaves fresh sage, chopped 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups small cherry tomatoes 2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS To make the gnocchi: In a bowl, mix together the spinach, ricotta, egg yolks, flour, Parmesan and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir until just combined. If the dough feels wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough can be formed into a ball. The dough should be sticky. Flour the counter and scrape the dough out onto it. Cut the dough into four pieces. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll the dough into a rope about 1-inch thick and cut into bite-size pieces. Repeat this process, placing the gnocchi on a floured baking sheet. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the gnocchi until they float to the top and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Drain. Melt together the butter, garlic and sage in a large skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally until the butter is browning and the sage is crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Drop the gnocchi into the butter sauce, gently tossing to combine. Keep over low heat. In a skillet set over medium heat, add the olive oil, tomatoes and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes begin to pop, about 4-5 minutes. Turn off the heat, toss the tomatoes with the thyme and balsamic vinegar. Divide the gnocchi and sauce among bowls. Top with tomatoes and Parmesan.

“This is pasta you can feel good about. While pasta usually doesn’t provide much in the way of vegetables, this version is packed with spinach, which is rich in vitamin K and also provides calcium and magnesium.” —Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, registered dietitian nutritionist, Forme Nutrition, Franklin Lakes

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.tastes.indd 71

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:07 AM

BAR TAB

A Splash of Autumn A touch of citrus and a hint of almond make this bourbon-based sip a seasonal standout. ORANGE HARVEST COCKTAIL Makes: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS 11/2 oz. bourbon 11/2 oz. amaretto 1/2 oz. of simple syrup 1/2 cup of apple juice 1/4 cup of orange juice orange bitters dehydrated orange, rosemary, cinnamon stick, for garnish

“Swap apple cider for fresh apple juice, which will give the cocktail a richer flavor. Choose an unsweetened or minimally sweetened cider if possible.”

DIRECTIONS Combine bourbon, amaretto, simple syrup, apple juice and orange bitters into a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake and strain into glass over fresh ice. Top with orange juice. Garnish with a dehydrated orange, sprig of rosemary and cinnamon stick.

—Cassidy Brinkman, bartender, Garfield

COURTESY OF LIVINGLESH.COM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.bar tab.indd 72

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 2:24 PM

2020 - 2026

Untitled-8 1

10/9/26 9:24 AM

WHO’S WHO IN HEALTHCARE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WhosWho_SS_1126_Collect.indd 74

10/16/26 10:33 AM

WHO’S WHO IN HEALTHCARE

James W. Cahill, M.D. Cahill Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Joint Replacement 87 Summit Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.379.6221 140 Rt. 17N, Suite 255 Paramus, NJ 07652 | 201.261.5501 111 Dean Dr., Tenafly, NJ 07670 | 201.379.6221 www.cahillorthopedic.com | www.drjamescahillnj.com

What inspired you to specialize in orthopedics/sports medicine? I participated at the collegiate level in football as a running back and in track at Johns Hopkins University. I interacted with Sports Medicine and Training Room Staff on numerous occasions. I was able to observe the treatment and interaction of teammates with more significant injuries. I was inspired by the interaction the sports medicine physician had with the athletes. Our trainer at Johns Hopkins was very knowledgeable and inspired many of us to go into sports medicine.

What types of injuries or conditions do you most commonly treat? Are there any emerging trends you're seeing in patient needs? We treat a wide range of sports injuries. However, the most common are injuries to the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. Specifically, we treat tears of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus as well as ankle sprains and tendon tears. We also treat injuries of the shoulder and elbow consisting of labral tears, rotator cuff tears, and elbow injuries (Tommy John surgery). Our associate, Dr. Erik Contreras, has a particular interest in complex elbow injuries and Tommy John surgery. We also treat the full gamut of fractures and sprains, upper and lower extremity, bones, and ligaments. In addition, we have Superior Physical Therapy as part of our practice to deliver expert care and enhance recovery.

How has innovation like minimally invasive surgery or regenerative therapies changed the way you approach treatment? Robotic assistive surgery has become a large part of our joint replacement practice. This has been extremely beneficial for our middle-aged athletes. Mako robotic technology has proven safe, effective, and beneficial to our patients undergoing knee, hip, and shoulder replacements. Arthroscopic techniques have continued to advance and progress resulting in less pain and quicker recovery. Specifically, we can now regrow joint cartilage (MACI procedure). We also use regenerative therapies consisting of safe, proven, and effective biologic treatment and therapies. Many of these can be done in the office. Such treatments include stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and engineered/refined biologic products.

What’s one piece of advice you wish more patients understood about injury prevention or joint health? I would advise my younger athletes to be mindful that their bodies are developing. Participating in sports year-round can be problematic. Sometimes you have to listen to your body and back off a bit. Very often, talent overcomes a young athlete’s body development. Injuries can be the result. I would also advise when one does get injured, to be patient with the recovery. My advice for my adult patients would be proper conditioning and flexibility. Strength training is even more important as we get older. This goes a long way in terms of injury prevention. Participating in sports at a high level is very possible as we mature.

WhosWho_SS_1126_Collect.indd 75

10/16/26 10:33 AM

WHO’S WHO IN HEALTHCARE

Deanene V. Harrison, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology Northeast Occupational Audiology Associates 2 University Plaza Dr. Suite 226 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201.645.5440 | neocaudio.com

What inspired you to pursue audiology, and what continues to motivate you? I was drawn to healthcare because I wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Audiology stood out because hearing affects communication, relationships, education, employment, and overall quality of life. My clinical interests expanded to auditory processing and speech-in-noise testing after recognizing that some patients struggle with communication despite having normal results on traditional hearing tests. Helping children, adults, and families understand these challenges and find practical solutions remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

What services do you provide, and what sets your approach to patient care apart? Our practice provides comprehensive hearing and auditory services for adults and children ages six and older, including diagnostic hearing evaluations, auditory processing assessments, speech-in-noise testing, tinnitus management, hearing aid services, and occupational hearing conservation. My approach begins with listening. Every patient has unique concerns, communication needs, and goals, so recommendations should never be onesize-fits-all. I look beyond the audiogram to understand how patients function in real-world listening environments. This is particularly important for children who may struggle to follow directions or understand teachers in noisy classrooms despite normal peripheral hearing. Through individualized evaluations, I help patients and families better understand their challenges and explore appropriate solutions. My goal is for every patient to leave feeling heard, informed, and confident about their next steps.

Demetrios Panagiotou, M.D. FACC Keystone Cardiovascular Center

255 West Spring Valley Ave, Suite 200, Maywood, NJ 07607 | 201.882.6088 info@keystonecardiology.com | www.keystonecardiology.com

What inspired your approach to cardiology and patient care? My goal has always been to combine advanced cardiovascular expertise with truly personalized care. My training at institutions including Carnegie Mellon University, Weill Cornell Medical College, Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, NYU Hospital, and Columbia University Medical Center prepared me to care for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, with particular expertise in advanced cardiac imaging.

What distinguishes Keystone Cardiovascular Center from other practices? As an independent practice, Keystone Cardiovascular Center allows me to focus entirely on each patient’s individual needs without hospital affiliation or institutional constraints. I am board-certified in cardiovascular diseases, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology, and I treat conditions including coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. I also serve as an Assistant Professor of Cardiology and Internal Medicine at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

What is most important to you in your relationship with patients? Accessibility and continuity of care are central to my practice. I offer 24/7 availability and personalized follow-up, allowing me to develop lasting relationships with my patients. Many of those relationships begin through referrals from family members and friends. Ultimately, I want every patient to feel heard, supported, and confident that their care is tailored specifically to them.

WhosWho_SS_1126_Collect.indd 76

10/16/26 10:33 AM

WHO’S WHO IN HEALTHCARE

Joseph F. Capella, MD, ARM LIFT, BODY LIFT, INNER THIGH LIFT, MOMMY MAKEOVER, BREAST REDUCTION, TUMMY TUCK

Capella Plastic Surgery 545 Island Rd., Ramsey, NJ | 910 Park Ave., New York, NY 201.818.9199 | capellaplasticsurgery.net | Instagram: @capellaplasticsurgery

What inspired your focus on body contouring after significant weight loss? My interest grew naturally from my surgical training and family background. After completing my plastic surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, I worked alongside my father, Dr. Rafael Capella, a pioneer in bariatric surgery. Seeing the profound physical and emotional changes his patients experienced inspired me to focus on plastic surgery for those who had achieved significant weight loss.

What is the Capella Technique and how does it benefit patients? I have cared for more than 25,000 patients and performed over 15,000 surgical body-contouring procedures, including 3,000+ body lifts, 3,000+ mommy makeovers, 2,000+ arm lifts, and 1,000+ inner thigh lifts. This extensive experience led to the Capella Technique, refined for post-weight-loss and GLP-1 patients. It allows me to perform a lower body lift in about three hours rather than the typical six or more, and to combine a lower and an upper body lift in about six hours as a single operation, rather than multiple staged procedures. For appropriate patients, this can mean fewer operations, less time under anesthesia and shorter recovery periods.

What are you most proud of in your career? I am proud to have helped advance the field through both clinical experience and research. I have published the largest single-surgeon series for body, arm, and inner thigh lifts in patients after significant weight loss and co-authored 13 books, including one of the first patient-focused books on post-weight-loss body contouring. Ultimately, the greatest reward is seeing how these transformations can improve how patients live, move, and feel.

RIDGEWOOD YMCA

The Ridgewood YMCA is more than a gym. More than a summer camp. More than a community center. We are a place where people of every age, every ability, and every walk of life come together. For almost 125 years, the Ridgewood YMCA has been a place where lives are changed—one person, one family, one community at a time. RIDGEWOODYMCA.ORG | 112 OAK STREET RIDGEWOOD NJ

WhosWho_SS_1126_Collect.indd 77

10/16/26 10:34 AM

Pictured representatives of the Bergen County office from top left to right: Brian M. Satz, Ephrat S. Orgel, Ryan P. Mulvaney, Richard C. Szuch, Ariel Kirshenbaum, Robert P. Donovan, Elisabeth K. Freer; bottom left to right: Nathania E. Lim, Keith J. McWha, Ryan L. O’Neill, Salvatore A. Giampiccolo, Shirley D. Moreno, Nicole DiBello, John N. Visconi. Not pictured: David M. Stewart, Bob Gordon, Kelley M. Brogan, Rita Portenti, Aliza L. Sherman

Stevens & Lee Bergen County – Community Ties and a Regional Reputation for Client Service Excellence STEVENS & LEE’S BERGEN COUNTY OFFICE

tevens & Lee is proud to be a part of the Bergen County community. Established locally in May 2020, the Bergen County office has more than doubled in size through the addition of local lawyers and professionals in our affiliate Stevens & Lee Public Affairs, a New Jersey-focused public affairs firm. Our Bergen location provides a complete range of high-end legal services to local, regional and national clients. Working with clients in this region for decades, our Bergen County team has a well-established reputation for tireless client advocacy and value-driven service. We believe that helping local clients to achieve their goals and utilize relationships we’ve fostered through Bergen’s business networks serves to strengthen our community and contributes to a more vibrant business market. Our highly experienced professionals have long represented clients in a wide range of industries operating here, in neighboring

www.stevenslee.com | 201.857.6760

New York, across the country and internationally. They provide counsel in transactional, tax and other corporate matters, as well as in litigation, trusts and estates, real estate and intellectual property, including specialized services, such as patent law. With each representation, we partner with clients to assist them in advancing their business goals. Given the talent, experience and sense of community instilled in our Bergen County team, Stevens & Lee is uniquely positioned to serve business clients within this key market. With 19 offices – including locations in Bergen, Basking Ridge, Chatham, Princeton and New York City – and more than 230 lawyers, Stevens & Lee is among the 200 largest law firms in the country. Stevens & Lee is the cornerstone of The Stevens & Lee Companies, a platform of affiliated professional service firms which provides a full range of legal, investment banking, financial advisory, insurance risk management, public affairs and government consulting services.

Congratulations to our Stevens & Lee lawyers recognized as “Top Lawyers” in Bergen County!

BERGEN COUNTY’S

TOP LAWYERS

2026

Stevens & Lee is a Pennsylvania Professional Corporation. Thomas B. Lewis and Salvatore A. Giampiccolo, NJ Managing Attorneys. Attorney Advertising.

StevensLee_FP_1126_v3.indd 1

10/16/26 1:57 PM

BERGEN COUNTY’S

TOP LAWYERS LISTINGS

SPECIAL SECTION

TOP LAWYERS

2026 TO HELP YOU FIND SOME OF THE BEST ATTORNEYS IN BERGEN COUNTY, across 38 different specialties, BERGEN magazine commissioned Professional Research Services (PRS) of Troy, Michigan to conduct a peer-review survey of hundreds of practicing and active lawyers across the county. They were asked to select peers whom they deem are the best within their specialty areas and whom they would seek out for particular legal needs. PRS checked with the New Jersey state bar to make sure that those attorneys receiving the highest vote totals within each specialty area are active and practicing before finalizing the Top Lawyer list. Inclusion in the Top Lawyer list cannot be purchased; it is solely based on the attorney’s standing among their peers. We recognize that there are many good attorneys who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within Bergen County.

TopLawyersListings_BER_1126_Rev.indd 79

10/16/26 4:19 PM

TOP LAWYERS LISTINGS

ADMINISTRATIVE & REGULATORY THOMAS ABBATE DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP 61 S. Paramus Rd., Suite 250 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-907-5294 JOSH REINITZ Reinitz Law, LLC 0-100 27th St. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-345-6262 KIM D. RINGLER The Ringler Law Firm 167 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-800-0002

ADMIRALTY & MARITIME THOMAS C. MARTIN Meese, Edwards, Breen, Conciatori & D’arminio, P.C. 50 Tice Blvd., Suite 380 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-391-3737 TIMOTHY M. ORTOLANI Kaufman Dolowich LLP 25 Main St., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-708-8244 GINO A. ZONGHETTI Kaufman Dolowich LLP 25 Main St., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-708-8240

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION DEMETRIA BOGOSIAN FABLE Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2139 HARRY G. CARROLL Meyerson, Fox, & Conte, P.A. 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202 ROBERT P. CONTILLO Ferro Labella & Weiss L.L.C. 27 Warren St. The Landmark Building, Suite 201 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110 EDWARD A. JEREJIAN Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri & Jacobs, LLC 169 Ramapo Valley Rd. Upper Level Suite 105 Oakland, NJ 07436 551-231-0780 PETER J. MELCHIONNE Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9056

TopLawyersListings_BER_1126_Rev.indd 80

BONNIE J. MIZDOL Ferro Labella & Weiss L.L.C. 27 Warren St. The Landmark Building, Suite 201 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110 MICHAEL LEBSON PRIGOFF Lebson & Prigoff, LLC 560 Sylvan Ave., Suite 1205 Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-568-4000 MARION B. SOLOMON Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers 1 University Plaza Dr., Suite 400 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-809-3594

ANTITRUST RACHEL A. MONGIELLO Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6222 JENNIFER SCULLION Seeger Weiss LLP 55 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 212-584-0700

APPELLATE PRACTICE PHILIP DE VENCENTES Galantucci & Patuto 21 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-646-1100 ANDREW T. FEDE Archer & Greiner, P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 353 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-498-8538 CJ GRIFFIN Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-4930 JOSH REINITZ Reinitz Law, LLC 0-100 27th St. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-345-6262 BRENDAN M. WALSH Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-4948

BANKING RENATA A. HELSTOSKI Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2126

THOMAS LOIKITH Harwood Lloyd, LLP 130 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-359-3551

KARL J. NORGAARD Norgaard, O’Boyle, & Hannon 184 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-871-1333

RICHARD J. LAMBERT Dunn Lambert, LLC 15 E. Midland Ave., Suite 3D Paramus, NJ 07652 201-502-8815

ADOLPH A. ROMEI Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2104

MARK E. NORGAARD Norgaard, O’Boyle, & Hannon 184 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-871-1333

BANKRUPTCY

JOHN I. O’BOYLE Norgaard, O’Boyle, & Hannon 184 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-871-1333

DYLAN NEWTON Archer & Greiner, P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 353 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-498-8518

ALEXANDER G. BENISATTO Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP 411 Hackensack Ave. Continental Plaza II Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-3900 MICHAEL BOYD Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri 550 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 136 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-277-0177 JOHN P. DI IORIO Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP 411 Hackensack Ave. Continental Plaza II Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-3900 CHARLES M. FORMAN Forman Holt 365 W. Passaic St., Suite 400 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 917-575-5032 MICHAEL E. HOLT Forman Holt 365 W. Passaic St., Suite 400 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-857-7110 RYAN T. JARECK Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6278 ERIN J. KENNEDY Forman Holt 365 W. Passaic St., Suite 400 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-857-7109 KRISTA L. KULP Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6317 ANDREW J. NAIDECK Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A. 473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-502-7309 CASSANDRA NORGAARD Norgaard, O’Boyle, & Hannon 184 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-871-1333

GEORGE M. PANGIS The Pangis Law Firm, PLLC 184 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-210-8850 ROBERT P. SHAPIRO Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP 411 Hackensack Ave. Continental Plaza II Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-3900 MICHAEL D. SIROTA Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6262 DAVID L. STEVENS ClearPath Law, LLC 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 400 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-502-2241

BUSINESS, CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL BRUCE J. ACKERMAN Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-4933 MICHAEL A. AUSTIN Conte Clayton & Austin, P.A. 666 Godwin Ave., Suite 320 Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-904-2007 GRACE C. BERTONE Bertone Piccini LLP 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-483-9331 PAUL S. DOHERTY III Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9056 KURT HARTMANN Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8088

RANDY T. PEARCE Pearce Law, L.L.C. 25 Main St. Court Plaza North, Suite 602 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-3400 JEREMY S. PICCINI Bertone Piccini LLP 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-483-9332 ROBERT PLATVOET Bertone Piccini LLP 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-399-7235 JASON SHAFRON Shafron Law Group 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 400 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-7200

CHANCERY PRACTICE MAURICE GIRO Giro & Associates LLC 1060 Main St., Suite 303 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-502-9177 CONRAD M. OLEAR Strasser & Associates, P.C. 7 E. Ridgewood Ave. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-445-9001 WILLIAM I. STRASSER Strasser & Associates, P.C. 7 E. Ridgewood Ave. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-445-9001

CIVIL LITIGATION ANTHONY BIANCO Bertone Piccini LLP 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-399-7231 MICHAEL D. CAMARINOS Camarinos Law Group LLC 411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 2 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-509-5000 ARTHUR N. CHAGARIS Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2122

10/16/26 4:19 PM

MICHAEL EPSTEIN The Epstein Law Firm 340 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-231-7847 SALVATORE A. GIAMPICCOLO Stevens & Lee 669 River Dr., Suite 201 Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 201-857-6767 MARTIN R. KAFAFIAN Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2102 ARTHUR M. NEISS Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2114 LEONARD P. ROSA Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8033 JAMESON P. VAN ECK Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION ANTHONY BIANCO Bertone Piccini LLP 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-399-7231 MATTHEW F. GATELY Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP Park 80 West-Plaza One, 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600 SCOTT B. PIEKARSKY Offit Kurman 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 158 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-245-9887 MATTHEW J. ROSS Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-573-1810

TopLawyersListings_BER_1126_Rev.indd 81

CONSTRUCTION

PAUL PERKINS The Perkins Firm, LLC 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 551-502-0042

ALAN G. PEYROUTON Peyrouton Law 200 Passaic St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-686-9538

DENIS SERKIN Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

KEVIN G. ROE The Law Office of Kevin G. Roe 425 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-6777

KEVIN M. FOLTMER Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

CHRISTINA N. STRIPP Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP Park 80 West-Plaza One, 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

JAMES B. SEPLOWITZ Foy & Seplowitz LLC 24 Bergen St., Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-457-0071

BRIAN GLICOS Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

MICHAEL S. ZICHERMAN Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

PATRICK J. GREENE, JR. Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

CRIMINAL: NON-WHITE COLLAR

JOSEPH BARBIERE Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6213 ROBERT A. DRUCKER Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

DANIEL R. GUADALUPE Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-373-2062 CHARLES F. KENNY Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434 DEANNA L. KOESTEL Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-373-2063 MATTHEW D. LAKIND Tesser & Cohen 946 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-1100 ROBERT J. MACPHERSON Cokinos | Young 82 E. Allendale Rd. Saddle River, NJ 07458 908-489-3518 BRUCE D. MELLER Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434 GERARD J. ONORATA Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

FRANK V. CARBONETTI Lucianna & Lucianna, P.A. 111 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-9090 LOUIS G. DEANGELIS Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC 346 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-254-8484 JASON E. FOY Foy & Seplowitz LLC 24 Bergen St., Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-457-0071 JOSEPH A. HAYDEN, JR. Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-639-2004 OMID S. IRANI Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys At Law 21 Main St., Suite 150 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-502-9238 BRIAN J. NEARY Connell Foley LLP 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, Suite 305 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-436-5781 EVAN A. OSTRER Guaglardi & Meliti, LLP 365 W. Passaic St., Suite 130 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 516-644-7747

LISA SQUITIERI Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri 550 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 136 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-277-0177 WARREN S. SUTNICK Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys At Law 21 Main St., Suite 150 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-502-9238

CRIMINAL: WHITE COLLAR MARK A. BERMAN Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8015 PAUL B. BRICKFIELD Law Offices of Paul B. Brickfield 135 Prospect St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-488-7707 SEVERIANO EMILE LISBOA IV Galantucci & Patuto 21 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-646-1100 RYAN L. O’NEILL Stevens & Lee 669 River Dr., Suite 201 Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 201-857-6769 LAURA C. SUTNICK Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys At Law 21 Main St., Suite 150 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-502-9238 JUSTIN P. WALDER Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-639-2018

CUSTODY DANIELLE J. CARDONE Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A. 473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-502-7309 EMILY CARSTENSEN Torchin Martel Orr, LLC 210 Route 4 East, Suite 211 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-971-4866 SARA J. CORCORAN Corcoran Family Law Group, LLC 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 400 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-5151 TANYA L. FREEMAN Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney At Law 411 Hackensack Ave., Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 862-420-9605

TOP LAWYERS LISTINGS

JAMES DINIRO Albergo Shmaruk & Kofman, LLC 77 Hudson St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-354-4999

RUTH KIM Kim Family Law, LLC 52 Forest Ave., Suite 201 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-494-5800 ANGELA G. KIM Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8026 BRIAN C. MARTEL Torchin Martel Orr, LLC 210 Route 4 East, Suite 211 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-971-4866 CATHY J. POLLAK Cathy J. Pollak, Esq., LLC 21-00 Route 208, Suite 210 Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-688-7666 SILVANA D. RASO Faugno Weis Duarte Raso, LLC 235 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-1234 JASON D. ROTH Murano & Roth, LLC 800 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 202N Oradell, NJ 07649 201-265-3400 MICHAEL E. SPINATO Harwood Lloyd, LLP 130 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-359-3654 AMANDA S. TRIGG Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP Park 80 West-Plaza One, 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

10/16/26 4:19 PM

TOP LAWYERS LISTINGS

DEBTOR & CREDITOR

HEALTH CARE

KENNETH L. BAUM Law Offices of Kenneth L. Baum 167 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-853-3030

ADRIAN ALTUNKARA Garfunkel Wild, P.C. 411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 10 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-518-3443

EDUCATION

STEVEN R. ANTICO Garfunkel Wild, P.C. 411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 10 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-518-3434

FRANCES BARTO Barto & Barto LLC 15 Warren St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-5277 STACEY THERESE CHERRY Fogarty, Hara, LaPira & Cherry, LLC 21-00 Route 208 South Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-791-3340 KAREN F. EDLER Meese, Edwards, Breen, Conciatori & D’arminio, P.C. 50 Tice Blvd., Suite 380 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-391-3737 MICHELLE KRONE Manes & Weinberg, LLC 140 E. Ridgewood Ave. SouthTower, Suite 415 Paramus, NJ 07652 973-376-7733

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS BRUCE L. ATKINS Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. 21 Main St., Suite 352 Hackensack, NJ 07601 551-245-8894 ROBERT A. BLASS Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2146

ENVIRONMENTAL DANIELE CERVINO Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2125 RICHARD J. ERICSSON Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6346

GENERAL PRACTICE VINCE A. SICARI Vince A. Sicari, Esq., Attorney At Law P.O. Box 9157 Paramus, NJ 07653 201-261-3345

TopLawyersListings_BER_1126_Rev.indd 82

ROBERT A. BLASS Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2146 JEFFREY S. BROWN Garfunkel Wild, P.C. 411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 10 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-518-3400 TIM GONZALEZ Rivkin Radler LLP 25 Main St. Court Plaza North, Suite 501 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-287-2497 KIMBERLY KEMPTON-SERRA Garfunkel Wild, P.C. 411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 10 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-518-3403

IMMIGRATION CAROLINA T. CURBELO The Law Office of Carolina T. Curbelo, LLC 41 N. Broad St., Floor 2 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-379-4040 DAVID H. NACHMAN Nachman, Phulwani, Zimovcak Law Group, P.C. 487 Goffle Rd. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 551-291-1107 WILLIAM J. QUIRK William J. Quirk, Esq. 354 State St., Suite 202 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-968-0800 PRERAK A. ZAVERI Zaveri Law Firm P.C. 167 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-289-5393

INSURANCE BARBARA B. COMERFORD Law Offices of Barbara B. Comerford 45 Eisenhower Dr #110, Suite 110 Paramus, NJ 07645 (201) 444-4493

FRANK M. COSCIA Scura, Wigfield, Heyer, Stevens & Cammarota, LLP 3 University Plaza Dr., Suite 207 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-554-9811

PAUL S. DOHERTY III Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-441-9056

DAVID H. NACHMAN Nachman, Phulwani, Zimovcak Law Group, P.C. 487 Goffle Rd. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 551-291-1107

RAFAEL A. LLANO Archer & Greiner, P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 353 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-498-8517

EVAN L. GOLDMAN Goldman Davis Krumholz & Dillon, P.C. 3 University Plaza Dr. Suite 410 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-2600

KEVIN J. O’CONNOR Peckar & Abramson, P.C. 70 Grand Ave. River Edge, NJ 07661 201-343-3434

DONALD A. OTTAUNICK Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201.525-6229

GARY S. GRAIFMAN Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. 135 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Suite 200 Montvale, NJ07645 201-425-0241

DOUGLAS V. SANCHEZ Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP 50 Tice Blvd., Suite 250 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-474-7100 VALERIE A. VLADYKA Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP 411 Hackensack Ave. Continental Plaza II Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-3900

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY NANCY A. DEL PIZZO Rivkin Radler LLP 25 Main St. Court Plaza North, Suite 501 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-287-2472 DAVID S. GOLD Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6305 CRISTIN M. KEEGAN Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2129 RICHARD L. RAVIN Hartman & Winnicki, P.C. 74 Passaic St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-967-8040

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT HANNAH E. BACON Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold, LLP 1386 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-461-1111 CHRISTOPHER J. CARCICH Carcich O’Shea Attorneys At Law 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-988-1308

ROOSEVELT JEAN Law Offices of Roosevelt Jean, LLC 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-446-8486 RANDI W. KOCHMAN Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6309 KENNETH K. LEHN Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, P.C. 21 Main St., Suite 101 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-3800 WALTER LUERS Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP Park 80 West-Plaza One, 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600 MICHAEL MALATINO Malatino & Elko LLC 220 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite F-2 Westwood, NJ 07675 201-580-3300 MARISSA A. MASTROIANNI Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6223 CARLY SKARBNIK MEREDITH Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. 21 Main St., Suite 352 Hackensack, NJ 07601 551-245-8894 MICHAEL NICHOLAS MOREA Morea Law LLC 555 Goffle Rd., Suite 202 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-345-5412

SHEILA O’SHEA-CRISCIONE Carcich O’Shea Attorneys At Law 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-988-1308 PATRICK PAPALIA Archer & Greiner, P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 353 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-498-8504 ALEX PISAREVSKY Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP Park 80 West-Plaza One, 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600 DAVID I. ROSEN Rosen Solutions LLC 285 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 119 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-632-1669 GREGG H. SALKA Salka Law LLC 1 University Plaza Dr., Suite 516 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-880-6220 MARALEE SANDERS Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 1002 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-649-8073 JOHN L. SHAHDANIAN Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 251 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-533-1000 SAM SMITH Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. 135 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Suite 200 Montvale, NJ 07645 866-971-0927

10/16/26 4:19 PM

BRIAN R. ADE Rivkin Radler LLP 25 Main St. Court Plaza North, Suite 501 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-287-2461 RAYMOND M. BROWN Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-5478 EVA K. CAREY Bertone Piccini LLP 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-483-7245 ARTHUR N. CHAGARIS Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2122 DEANNA L. KOESTEL Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-373-2063 STUART KOMROWER Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St. Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6331 TIMOTHY P. MALONE Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-270-4938 STEVEN PONTELL Meyerson, Fox & Conte, P.A. 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202 CARLOS F. RIVERA Seeger Weiss LLP 55 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 973-639-9100 ASAAD K. SIDDIQI Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 251 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-533-1000

TopLawyersListings_BER_1126_Rev.indd 83

LINDA S. STRAUSS Linda Strauss Law, LLC 779 Bayard St. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-559-0049 JAMES V. ZARRILLO Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2142

MATRIMONIAL & FAMILY CHARLES C. ABUT Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 706 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-347-9187 JAN L. BERNSTEIN Phillips Nizer LLP 433 Hackensack Ave., Suite 803 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-975-4417 KEVIN L. BREMER Bremer & Buckner LLC 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 312 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-2141 JOSHUA THOM BUCKNER Bremer & Buckner LLC 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 312 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-2141 DANIELLE J. CARDONE Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A. 473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-502-7309 ALEXANDRA M. COGLIANESE Bremer & Buckner LLC 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 312 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-2141 AARON COHEN Meese, Edwards, Breen, Conciatori & D’arminio, P.C. 50 Tice Blvd., Suite 380 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-391-3737 JOSHUA P. COHN Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP Park 80 West-Plaza One, 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600 ASHLEY T. COOPER Weinberg & Cooper, LLC 1 University Plaza Dr., Suite 516 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-580-3934 SCOTT D. DANAHER Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 706 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-840-1059

NATALIE N. DIRATSOUIAN Offit Kurman 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 158 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-245-9869

STEPHANIE LEHMAN Offit Kurman 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 158 Hackensack, NJ 07601 732-218-1800

JHANICE V. DOMINGO Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, East Wing, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-584-3077

JOSEPH V. MACERI Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 706 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-347-9198

MARA DOOSKIN Meyerson, Fox, & Conte, P.A. 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202 JEFFREY M. FIORELLO Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP Park 80 West-Plaza One, 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600 ANNE M. FOX Meyerson, Fox, & Conte, P.A. 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202 KERI L. GREENE Bremer & Buckner LLC 2 University Plaza Dr., Suite 312 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-488-2141

MARK P. MAROTTA Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC 25 E. Spring Valley Ave. Suite 320 Maywood, NJ 07607 201-368-7713 THOMAS R. MCCONNELL Cadicina Law, LLC 279 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 973-270-9166 EILISH M. MCLOUGHLIN Torchin Martel Orr, LLC 210 Route 4 East, Suite 211 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-971-4866 STACEY L. MILLER Atkins, Tafuri, Minassian, D’Amato, Beane & Miller, P.A. 887 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 3 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-967-5060

WILLIAM J. HEIMBUCH Heimbuch & Solimano PC 12 Route 17 North, Suite 210 Paramus, NJ 07642 201-489-0300

KELSEY MULHOLLAND Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP Park 80 West-Plaza One, 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600

ARMANDO R. HORTA Horta Law 58-60 Main St., Suite 1A Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-375-3975

EVELYN F. NISSIRIOS Meyerson, Fox & Conte, P.A. 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

NANCY MURRAY HORTA The Law Offices of Nancy Murray Horta, LLC 58-60 Main St., Suite 1A Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-308-5256

LAURA A. NUNNINK November & Nunnink, LLC 16-00 Route 208 South Suite 201 Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-612-1005

BARRY L. KAUFMAN Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, PC 21 Main St., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4747

SCOTT W. ORR Torchin Martel Orr, LLC 210 Route 4 East, Suite 211 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-971-4866

ROBERT (BOB) KORNITZER Kornitzer Family Law, LLC 12 Route 17 North, Suite 211 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-992-6870

LYNDA PICINIC Meyerson, Fox, & Conte, P.A. 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202 KENNETH R. RUSH DiLorenzo & Rush 60 Court St., Suite 3 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-502-3612

ANGELO SARNO Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 706 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-561-8310 AMY L. SAUTER Pescatore & Sauter, LLC 340 W. Passaic St., Floor 3 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-343-7700 CARRIE S. SCHULTZ Schultz & Associates, LLC 55 Hudson St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-340-9036 PASQUA SCIANCALEPORE CADICINA Cadicina Law, LLC 279 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 973-270-9166

TOP LAWYERS LISTINGS

LITIGATION

MICHAEL E. SPINATO Harwood Lloyd, LLP 130 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-359-3654 ROBERT J. TAFURI Atkins, Tafuri, Minassian, D’Amato, Beane & Miller, P.A. 887 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 3 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-967-5060 VICTORIA TOMASELLA Tomasella & Associates, LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-885-6240 DAVID TORCHIN Torchin Martel Orr, LLC 210 Route 4 East, Suite 211 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-971-4866 COURTNEY VACCA Tomasella & Associates, LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-885-6240 RICHARD H. WEINER Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, PC 21 Main St., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4747

MUNICIPAL JOSEPH DECOTIIS III DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP 61 S. Paramus Rd., Suite 250 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-928-1100 BRIAN T. GIBLIN Giblin & Gannaio Two Forest Ave., Suite 200 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-262-9500

10/16/26 4:19 PM

TOP LAWYERS LISTINGS

ROBERT T. REGAN Robert T. Regan, PC 345 Kinderkamack Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-3344

NEGLIGENCE E. DREW BRITCHER Britcher, Leone & Sergio, LLC 55 Harristown Rd., Suite 305 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-444-1644 MICHAEL EPSTEIN The Epstein Law Firm 340 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-231-7847 MICHAEL A. RABASCA The Epstein Law Firm 340 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-231-7847

PERSONAL INJURY ERIC J. ARETSKY Aretsky Law Group, P.C. 45 N. Broad, Suite 19 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 800-537-4154 ROSEMARIE ARNOLD Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold, LLP 1386 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-461-1111 EVAN D. BAKER Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. 375 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666 833-862-3205 SHERI A. BREEN Zammitti Shaw & Breen 481 Hackensack Ave., Suite 2A Hackensack, NJ 07601 862-529-0365 BRANDON J. BRODERICK Brandon J. Broderick LLC 65 Route 4 East River Edge, NJ 07661 877-958-8015 PAIGE R. BUTLER Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold, LLP 1386 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-461-1111 DONALD A. CAMINITI Breslin & Breslin, P.A. 41 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-249-6152 KATE CARBALLO Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. 135 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Suite 200 Montvale, NJ 07645 866-971-0927

TopLawyersListings_BER_1126_Rev.indd 84

PAUL M. DA COSTA Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 706 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-840-1061 NOVA DONA DAMOUNI LEAHY Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold, LLP 1386 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-461-1111

BRIAN R. LEHRER Brandon J. Broderick LLC 65 Route 4 East River Edge, NJ 07661 973-486-4550 MICHAEL MAGGIANO Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. Court Plaza South, 21 Main St. Suite 203 Hackensack, NJ 07601 (201) 585-9111

DANIEL J. COHEN A.Y. Strauss 25 Main St. Court Plaza North, Floor 6 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-0201

BENJAMIN B. COOPER Law Office of Benjamin B. Cooper 47 N. Franklin Tpke. Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-258-7374

MICHAEL A. RABASCA The Epstein Law Firm 340 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-231-7847

ROBERTO CUAN Cuan Law, LLC 101 Cedar Ln., Suites 102 & 103 Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-837-8788

MARC C. SAPERSTEIN Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. 375 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666 833-862-3205

LISA D. FISCHBERG The Law Office of Lisa D. Fischberg, Esq. 16 Seneca Trace Haworth, NJ 07641 201-385-7024

PAUL K. DEGRADO DeGrado Law, LLC 250 Moonachie Rd., Suite 200 Moonachie, NJ 07074 201-678-9007

CHRISTOPHER J. METCALFE Seigel Law 505 Goffle Rd., Suite 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-474-0335

DANIEL B. DEVINNEY Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC 401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 706 Hackensack, NJ 07601 973-840-2172

DOMHNALL (DONNY) O’CATHAIN O’Cathain Law Group LLC 21 Main St., Suite 250 Hackensack, NJ 07601 848-375-1097

ROBERT A. BERNS Kaufman Dolowich LLP 25 Main St., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-708-8231

JAN K. SEIGEL Seigel Law 505 Goffle Rd., Suite 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-474-0335

ANA PARIKH Rivkin Radler LLP 25 Main St. Court Plaza North, Suite 501 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-287-2465

CHRISTOPHER DIGIROLAMO Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. Court Plaza South, 21 Main St. Suite 203 Hackensack, NJ 07601 (201) 585-9111 BRIAN A. HELD Lynch Law Firm, P.C. 440 Route 17 North, Floor 3 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-500-6000 JAMES T. HUNT, JR. Hunt & Associates, LLC 365 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 866-456-4868 MENA H. IBRAHIM Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold, LLP 1386 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-461-1111 BARRY S. KANTROWITZ Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. 135 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Suite 200 Montvale, NJ 07645 866-971-0927 CHRISTOPHER T. KAROUNOS Brandon J. Broderick LLC 65 Route 4 East River Edge, NJ 07661 877-640-5612 ADAM LEDERMAN Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. 375 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666 833-862-3205

JONAS K. SEIGEL Seigel Law 505 Goffle Rd., Suite 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-474-0335 SHERWIN TSAI Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. 375 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666 833-862-3205 JORDAN D. YUELYS Law Offices of Jordan D. Yuelys 505 Main St., Suite 304 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-996-0056 NATALIE A. ZAMMITTI SHAW Zammitti Shaw & Breen 481 Hackensack Ave., Suite 2A Hackensack, NJ 07601 862-529-0365

PRODUCT LIABILITY BRIAN R. ADE Rivkin Radler LLP 25 Main St. Court Plaza North, Suite 501 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-287-2461 DAVID R. BUCHANAN Seeger Weiss LLP 55 Challenger Rd. Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 973-639-9100 DONALD A. CAMINITI Breslin & Breslin, P.A. 41 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-249-6152

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

IRAM P. VALENTIN Kaufman Dolowich LLP 25 Main St., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-708-8233

REAL ESTATE MITCHELL W. ABRAHAMS Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St. Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6292 RICHARD W. ABRAMSON Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6218 RUSSELL F. ANDERSON, JR. Bertone Piccini LLP 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-399-7240 LAUREN ANNE CAMARINOS Camarinos Law Group LLC 411 Hackensack Ave., Floor 2 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-509-5000 GINA L. CAMPANELLA Campanella Law Office LLC 289 Godwin Ave., Suite B Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-891-3726 RICHARD J. CONTE The Law Offices of Richard J. Conte., Esq. 178 Dayton St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-226-1000

GARY GIANNANTONIO Giannantonio & Roth, LLC 201 W. Passaic St., Suite 104 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-853-0100 BRIAN G. HANNON Norgaard, O’Boyle, & Hannon 184 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-871-1333 TONI ANN MARABELLO Marabello Law Firm LLC 242 Oradell Ave., Floor 2 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-815-9408 LISA M. MICHURA Law Offices of Lisa M. Michura 171 E. Ridgewood Ave. Suite 202 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-4100 ANDREW J. NAIDECK Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A. 473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-502-7309 JEANETTE A. ODYNSKI Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2127 JEREMY S. PICCINI Bertone Piccini LLP 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-483-9332 ANDREW ROTH Giannantonio & Roth, LLC 201 W. Passaic St., Suite 104 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 201-853-0100 MARY WYNN SEITER Buckalew Frizzell & Crevina LLP 55 Harristown Rd., Suite 205 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-612-5200 NICOLE A. SERELL Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2161

10/16/26 4:19 PM

NICHOLAS A. STRATTON Stratton Ashtyani Law Group 795 Franklin Ave., Suite 206 Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 201-464-2040 MELISSA SUAREZ Law Office of M. Suarez 473 Sylvan Ave., Floor 2 Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-569-1166 STEVEN A. WEISFELD Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2119 ADAM D. WOLPER Wolper Law Group, LLC 11-13 Sunflower Ave. Sunflower Plaza Paramus , NJ 07652 201-880-9186

TAXATION NICHOLAS C. PONZINI Ponzini Law, PC 36 Franklin Tpke., Suite 1 Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-967-0700 MARTIN M. SHENKMAN Shenkman Tietz P.O. Box 1130 Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-845-8400 SAMUEL WEINER Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6260

TRUSTS & ESTATES, WILLS & PROBATE

MELANIE R. COSTANTINO The Law Offices of Melanie R. Costantino 205 Robin Rd., Suite 203 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-580-2913 MERCEDES DIEGO Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP Park 80 West-Plaza One, 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 401 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-845-9600 GABRIELLE G. DRILLICH Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2109 EMERY C. DUELL Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2117 EIMI S. FIGLIO Archer & Greiner, P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 353 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-498-8543 FREDERIC C. GOETZ Frederic C. Goetz, Esq., LLC 167 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-313-4500 MARLEY A. GUERRERA Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus , NJ 07653 201-587-0888 MARIZE HELMY The Manna Helmy Law Group 66 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-502-8671

JONATHAN KUKIN Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus , NJ 07653 201-587-0888

GREGORY LOIS Lois Law Firm, LLC 66 Route 17 North, Suite 200 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-880-7213

CHARLES J. RABOLLI, JR. Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2169

ROCCO J. LABELLA Ferro Labella & Weiss L.L.C. 27 Warren St. The Landmark Building, Suite 201 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-9110

COREY P. MORANO The Morano Law Firm 54 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07652 201-598-5019

KATIE J. RAZIN Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888

FARANAK WALIPOUR Lynch Law Firm, P.C. 440 Route 17 North, Floor 3 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-500-6000

GERALD R. SALERNO Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, PC 21 Main St., Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-4747

JACQUELINE E. LASHER Williams Law Group, LLC 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 200 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-298-9229 ALANA F. LIGHTENBERG Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus , NJ 07653 201-490-6419 BARBARA MARTIN Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2133 LAWRENCE N. MEYERSON Meyerson, Fox & Conte, P.A. 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202 GEOFFREY D. MUELLER Law Offices of Geoffrey D. Mueller, LLC 610 E. Palisade Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-569-2533 BRIAN E. SHEA Rivkin Radler LLP 25 Main St. Court Plaza North, Suite 501 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-287-2498

RENATA F. CASELLA Williams Law Group, LLC 250 Pehle Ave., Suite 200 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-298-9229

BROOKE HODGINS Bertone Piccini LLP 777 Terrace Ave., Suite 201 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-399-7234

IRINA S. SHEA Irina S. Shea, Attorney At Law, LLC 88 W. Main St. Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-327-7000

ANDREW J. CEVASCO Archer & Greiner, P.C. 21 Main St. Court Plaza South, West Wing, Suite 353 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-498-8501

ABIGAIL DENBEAUX KAHL The Law Offices of Abigail Denbeaux Kahl, LLC 372 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 5 Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-8855

DANIEL P. SIMPSON A.Y. Strauss 25 Main St. Court Plaza North, Floor 6 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-0204

PEGGY SHEAHAN KNEE The Knee Law Firm, LLC 1 Kalisa Way, Suite 310 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-996-1200

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

JACK CHAN Law Office of Jack Chan LLC 580 Sylvan Ave., Suite 2M Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-592-0212 JOHN A. CONTE, JR. Meyerson, Fox & Conte, P.A. 1 Paragon Dr., Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-802-9202

TopLawyersListings_BER_1126_Rev.indd 85

ROBERT A. KNEE The Knee Law Firm, LLC 1 Kalisa Way, Suite 310 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-996-1200

JEFFREY I. AMTMAN Law Offices of Jeffrey I. Amtman 157 Engle St. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-567-7574 STEVEN H. COHEN Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. 375 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666 833-862-3205

JEFFREY R. YOUNGMAN Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC 65 Harristown Rd., Suite 207 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-791-4400

ZONING, PLANNING & LAND USE JENNIFER M. BERARDO Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888 WENDY M. BERGER Cole Schotz P.C. 25 Main St., Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-525-6203 ANTIMO A. DEL VECCHIO Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2107

JOHN A SCHEPISI Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A. 473 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-502-7309

TOP LAWYERS LISTINGS

BRENDA J. STEWART Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2116

DANIEL L. STEINHAGEN Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2128 JASON R. TUVEL Prime Tuvel & Miceli 1 University Plaza Dr., Suite 500 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-883-1010 JAMESON P. VAN ECK Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888

JAMES E. JAWORSKI Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888 ANDREW S. KOHUT Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888 JOHN J. LAMB Beattie Padovano, LLC 200 Market St., Suite 401 Montvale, NJ 07645 201-799-2173 STUART D. LIEBMAN Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP 12 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07653 201-587-0888 GREGORY MEESE Meese, Edwards, Breen, Conciatori & D’arminio, P.C. 50 Tice Blvd., Suite 380 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-391-3737

10/16/26 4:19 PM

top lawyers profiles TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 86

10/16/26 11:02 AM

Maggiano, Digirolamo & Lizzi P.C.

201 Columbia Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 | 201.585.9111 | maggianolaw.com ESTABLISHED IN 1974, MAGGIANO, DIGIROLAMO & LIZZI P.C. (MDL) is a nationally prominent personal injury law firm based in Fort Lee and Hackensack, New Jersey with offices also in the Bronx, New York. The firm is consistently named in Best Law Firms in America and represents catastrophically injured victims, earning significant recoveries totaling in excess of $1 billion. Founding Partner Michael Maggiano’s expertise includes complex matters involving Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord injury, Severe Burn Injuries and Wrongful Death. Managing Partner Christopher DiGirolamo is an acknowledged expert in the field of auto negligence, premises liability mass torts and Workers Compensation.

top lawyers profiles

MICHAEL MAGGIANO CHRISTOPHER DIGIROLAMO

Maggiano is acknowledged as one of the Top One Percent of Trial Lawyers in America by various lawyer rating groups and has been inducted as a Fellow in the elite American College of Trial Lawyers. He has received numerous accolades including being named Lawyer of the Year by the New Jersey Trial Lawyers and the Gerald B. O’Connor Award for Advocacy and Professionalism. The New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education has named Maggiano as Lecturer Laureate for his many contributions to Legal Education over the past three decades. Both he and DiGirolamo are sought-after lecturers in the NY\/ NJ Metro area and to law groups around the country. Maggiano is a past president of the New Jersey Association for Justice and an Advocate Member of the American Board of Trial Attorneys. He is recognized annually as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New Jersey and is regularly recognized as one of New Jersey’s Super Lawyers. Every year he recovers millions of dollars for his clients, many in high profile cases in all areas of personal injury litigation. DiGirolamo joined the firm in 1992 and was named Managing Partner in 1999. He is also highly regarded in the legal community and has also been acknowledged as one of the Top One Percent of Trial Lawyers in America and recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New Jersey and has been voted as a New Jersey’s Super Lawyers for the past 21 years. He has tried cases in both state and federal courts and argued before the New Jersey Supreme Court. DiGirolamo has been repeatedly recognized in the state and national media for resolving unique multi-million-dollar cases. He is asked to lecture to his peers and the judiciary every year and last year alone he spoke six (6) times including at the New Jersey State Bar Association Bench Bar Seminar to an audience of approximately 500 lawyers and judges. Recently, DiGirolamo recovered $6 million dollars for a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk, $1.88 million for injuries sustained from rear end hit by commercial vehicle, $1.275 for an injured police officer struck by an uninsured drunk driver, $1.5 million for a pedestrian struck in the crosswalk, $1.6 million settlement for a dog bite injury, as well as a $3 million dollar settlement in a complex golf cart injury case. He recovered $4.45 million for a minor injured by a drunk driver as well as $1.8 million for an architect injured on a job site in the Meadowlands. Throughout his career he has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients. Mr. DiGirolamo and Mr. Maggiano were both part of the lead trial counsel in the Mass Tort, In Re Tropicana Garage Collapse Case which resolved for over $100 Million Dollars, believed to be the largest construction accident settlement in United States history. Maggiano and DiGirolamo consistently are recognized by prestigious legal organizations for excellence in litigation and each have received multiple awards including Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Rating. In 1996, Michael Lizzi joined the firm and was named Partner in 1999. He specializes in complex tort litigation cases in the State Courts of New York and New Jersey where he utilizes his command of trial strategy and evidence law to achieve successful resolutions for his clients. He has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements representing clients in both states. MDL’s success stems from their client-centric approach, providing personalized legal services with strict attention to detail. The firm’s record of multimillion-dollar verdicts includes $10 million for a motor vehicle accident involving a government worker and $12 million wrongful death case for psychiatric hospital malpractice and a recent $2 million settlement for the mishandling of a body by a local funeral home. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi has been recognized year after year for the many community charitable endeavors and the firm prides themselves on the strong commitment to client advocacy and success in securing justice for injured clients solidifying its decades long position as one of New Jersey’s premier law firms.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 87

10/16/26 11:02 AM

top lawyers profiles

ANGELO SARNO, ESQ., Founding Partner, Family Law

PAUL M. DA COSTA, ESQ., Partner, Medical Malpractice & Personal Injury

JOSEPH V. MACERI, ESQ., Partner, Family Law

SCOTT DANAHER

DANIEL B. DEVINNEY, ESQ.,

Partner, Family Law

Partner, Medical Malpractice & Personal Injury

CHARLES C. ABUT, ESQ., Of Counsel, Family Law

SARNO da COSTA D’ANIELLO MACERI WEBB LLC 401 Hackensack Avenue, Suite 706, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.488.3366 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 100, Roseland, NJ 07068 | 973.274.5200 440 Route 22 East, Suite 170, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 | 908.927.0200 19 Cattano Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960 | 973.922.3900 446 Route 35, Building C, Suite 101, Eatontown, NJ 07724 | 848.257.0100 sarnolawfirm.com SARNO da COSTA D’ANIELLO MACERI WEBB BRINGS TOGETHER sharp skill, integrity and a unique strategic edge. Each attorney is carefully selected for their demonstrated dedication to the law and recognized expertise in Family Law, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury. By integrating talent and a strong spirit of collaboration, the firm’s attorneys and staff operate as a unified team consistently achieving standout results in highly sensitive legal matters. Founding Partner, Angelo Sarno, Esq., Hackensack Managing Partner, Joseph V. Maceri, and Charles C. Abut, Of Counsel– are among the few matrimonial lawyers certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. They focus their practices on complex family law cases involving extreme conflict child custody disputes, high net worth divorces concerning business valuations and dissolution, including multifaceted post-divorce litigation. These attorneys are recognized for their representation in high-profile cases that have helped shape legal precedent within the matrimonial law community. Paul M. da Costa, Esq. is the head of the firm’s Medical Malpractice/Personal Injury department and certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney. Paul is a member of the Board on Attorney Certification, Civil Certification Committee and an American Board of Trial Advocates President-Elect and Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. Paul has substantial experience handling high profile cases that garner both national and local media attention. Daniel B. Devinney, Esq, is a partner in the firm’s Medical Malpractice/Personal Injury department and also certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney. Dan focuses his practice on complex personal injury matters, including medical malpractice, dental malpractice, products liability, and catastrophic personal injury cases.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 88

10/16/26 11:02 AM

top lawyers profiles

MICHAEL EPSTEIN BARRY EPSTEIN MICHAEL RABASCA The Epstein Law Firm

340 West Passaic Street Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 | 201.845.5973 | theepsteinlawfirm.com FOR MORE THAN FIVE DECADES, The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., has built its reputation one client, one case and one courtroom at a time. Founded in the early 1970s by Barry D. Epstein, the family-run New Jersey firm represents clients in personal injury, medical and legal malpractice, employment matters, commercial litigation, estate disputes and other complex civil cases. The firm’s philosophy has remained consistent: prepare thoroughly, communicate honestly and treat every client’s case as a matter of real consequence. With more than 120 years of combined legal experience and over $100 million recovered for clients, the firm pairs sophisticated litigation skills with the accessibility of a close-knit practice. Clients work with attorneys who know their cases and remain personally involved through resolution. When a fair settlement cannot be reached, those attorneys are prepared to take the fight to trial. Barry D. Epstein, a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, established that foundation through decades of courtroom advocacy, significant verdicts and settlements, legal education and professional service. His values continue to shape the firm today. Michael J. Epstein carries that tradition forward. A Harvard-educated litigator and former judicial clerk, he brings broad civil litigation experience, leadership within the Bergen County Bar Association and a continuing commitment to legal education. Partner Michael A. Rabasca contributes extensive litigation experience and the same personal approach. His work reflects the firm’s belief that effective advocacy requires knowing the law, mastering the facts and understanding what the outcome means to the client. The firm’s attorneys regularly share their experience through continuing legal education programs. They also offer free consultations, inperson and virtual meetings, and responsive communication. In contingency-fee matters, clients pay no attorney’s fee unless the firm obtains a recovery. More than 50 years after its founding, The Epstein Law Firm remains independent, personal and ready for difficult cases. Michael Epstein and Michael Rabasca are carrying its legacy forward with the preparation, judgment and courtroom readiness that have always defined the practice and the individual attention every client deserves.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 89

10/16/26 11:02 AM

top lawyers profiles

ROBERTO CUAN, ESQ. Cuan Law, LLC

101 Cedar Lane, Suites 102 & 103, Teaneck, NJ 07666 | 201.837.8788 | roberto@cuanlawllc.com BY AGE 10, ROBERTO CUAN KNEW what he wanted to be when he grew up: a lawyer. Drawn to the challenge of criminal law, Roberto was told there is no better place to start than the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. He pursued the opportunity with unwavering determination and ultimately earned a position at an office that accepts less than 1% of applicants. What followed was an extraordinary education in the practice of law. From low-level crimes to high-level felonies, he gained firsthand experience in the courtroom and developed the skills that would become the foundation of his legal career. Today, after 25 years as a solo practitioner, Roberto continues to take on select criminal defense matters, particularly whitecollar cases. His practice, however, has evolved to focus primarily on real estate and business law, including large commercial transactions, landlord-tenant matters, real estate acquisitions and corporate entity formations. He also represents private lenders, businesses, and restaurants and assists individuals, families and businesses with estate planning. He brings the same meticulous attention to detail to every matter he handles. Supported by two paralegals, Roberto intentionally keeps his practice boutique so he can provide highly individualized service. Clients have direct access to him and, perhaps most importantly, know they will be heard. “Every client has different motivations,” he says. “It’s critical to listen.” Rather than approaching a matter as a formulaic transaction, Roberto takes the time to understand what each client wants to accomplish, then explains the options including their advantages and disadvantages in plain language. Ultimately, the decision belongs to the client, but he always advises with their best interest at heart. That combination of experience, meticulous preparation and personalized attention reflects Roberto’s commitment to providing every client with an advocate who is truly focused on their individual needs.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 90

10/16/26 11:02 AM

top lawyers profiles

JOHN A. SCHEPISI DANIELLE J. CARDONE MOUTINHO ANDREW J. NAIDECK Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A.

473 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 | 201.569.9898 | schepisi.com SINCE 1978, SCHEPISI & MCLAUGHLIN, P.A. HAS BEEN A TRUSTED NAME IN BERGEN COUNTY LAW For nearly five decades, Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A. has built its reputation on experience, personal attention, and an unwavering commitment to its clients. Our attorneys bring sophisticated legal knowledge and decades of experience while providing the individualized attention, responsiveness, and service clients expect from a firm that truly knows them. John A. Schepisi, Founder and President, has decades of experience in all aspects of land use and real estate development, as well as civil and commercial litigation. His extensive knowledge and practical approach provide clients with seasoned counsel in complex legal and business matters. Danielle J. Cardone Moutinho, Partner, represents clients in divorce and related matters, including child custody and parenting issues, alimony and support, equitable distribution, prenuptial agreements, and post-judgment matters. She combines compassion, determination, and skilled advocacy to guide clients through some of life’s most challenging transitions. Danielle also maintains a practice in land use and zoning matters. Andrew J. Naideck brings more than 35 years of legal experience to his practice, advising clients on real estate transactions, tax appeals, wills and estates, landlord/tenant matters, and business disputes. His depth of knowledge, practical judgment, and thoughtful approach enable him to provide sound, results-oriented counsel tailored to each client’s individual needs. At Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A., we understand that every legal matter is personal. Our clients know that we take their concerns seriously, listen carefully to their goals, and approach every matter with the same diligence, care, and commitment we would expect for our own affairs. EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST. PERSONAL ATTENTION YOU DESERVE.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 91

10/16/26 11:02 AM

top lawyers profiles

PAUL I. PERKINS, ESQ. The Perkins Firm, LLC

2 University Plaza, Suite 100, Hackensack, NJ 07666 | 551.502.0042 | pip@p-firm.com PAUL PERKINS KNOWS SOMETHING ABOUT TAKING THE STAGE. Before becoming a lawyer, he studied Musical Theater at Carnegie Mellon University and Opera at New England Conservatory of Music. However, his enduring inspiration would be found closer to home. Paul grew up watching his mother, a clinical social worker, work extensively with abused women and children. Through her, he saw the difference that one person can make in other’s lives. Her example led Paul to law and on the first day of law school, he knew he had found his calling. Admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 2006, Paul interned for The Honorable William H. Walls, U.S.D.J. before joining Cohn Lifland. There, he received an incredible foundation for practicing law. He launched his own boutique litigation practice in 2019 and became a Certified Trial Attorney in 2023. His firm focuses on business litigation representing primarily small- and mediumsized companies. In 2026, Paul was named a Super Lawyer. While performing on a stage may be behind him, Paul’s artistic background continues to influence the way he practices law. He approaches litigation creatively, particularly when developing trial strategies, and enjoys the challenge of thinking through complex matters from every angle. Just as important, he brings genuine feeling to his work. He believes that success isn’t simply measured in dollars, but more about developing meaningful, long-term relationships with his clients. “I get very emotional with my work because I love what I do,” he says. Helping a client through a difficult situation or helping protect a business that a family depends on is, in his words, an “honor and privilege.” It’s a philosophy that has remained constant throughout an unconventional journey. The combination of creativity, strategic thinking and genuine compassion continues to define Paul’s approach to the practice of law.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 92

10/16/26 11:02 AM

top lawyers profiles

KANTROWITZ, GOLDHAMER, GRAIFMAN, PERLMUTTER & CARBALLO, P.C. 135 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale, NJ 07645 | 201.391.7000 | kgglaw.com ESTABLISHED IN 1975, Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. has been serving Bergen County for fifty years. KGGLAW is one of Bergen County’s premier law firms, leading the way to excellence with its highly skilled and experienced attorneys in its personal injury, matrimonial, employment and consumer fraud class action practices. From the $14 million sexual harassment jury verdict achieved last year in Bergen County to the seven figure personal injury settlements it achieves, to KGGLAW’s recent multi-million dollar consumer fraud settlement in NJ federal court this fall against a major automobile manufacturer, to its hard-hitting, experienced four-attorney matrimonial department, the firm demonstrates the pinnacle of experience and excellence time and again. KGGLAW’s attorneys have taken cases to verdict in personal injury and employment law cases and tries matrimonial cases in Bergen County regularly. The firm is well-respected in the federal and state courts of NJ and NY for its professionalism, dedication and highly skilled legal acumen. KGGLAW, founded over fifty years ago, is a mainstay of Bergen County and is frequently lauded in the news for its achievements. This year’s Bergen Magazine recognized as Top Lawyers, KGGLAW’s Barry Kantrowitz, Kate Carballo, Gary Graifman and Sam Smith.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 93

10/16/26 11:03 AM

top lawyers profiles

BEATTIE PADOVANO, LLC 200 Market Street, Suite 401, Montvale, NJ 07645-1909 | 201.573.1810 | beattielaw.com BEATTIE PADOVANO, LLC HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A PREMIER LAW FIRM known for combining deep expertise with highly personal, client-focused service. Recognized as Top Lawyers in Bergen Magazine, the firm’s team of accomplished attorneys includes Robert A. Blass, Demetria Bogosian Fable, Daniele Cervino, Arthur N. Chagaris, Antimo A. Del Vecchio, Gabrielle Drillich, Emery C. Duell, Andrew T. Fede, Renata A. Helstoski, Martin R. Kafafian, Cristin M. Keegan, John J. Lamb, Barbara M. Martin, Arthur M. Neiss, Jeanette A. Odynski, Charles J. Rabolli, Jr., Adolph A. Romei, Matthew J. Ross, Nicole Serell, Daniel L. Steinhagen, Brenda J. Stewart, Steven A. Weisfeld, and James V. Zarrillo. Beattie Padovano offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including commercial real estate and leasing, corporate and banking matters, land use and affordable housing development, commercial litigation, health and employment law, environmental law, estate planning, and community association and tax matters. Occupying the entire 4th floor and part of the 3rd floor of the recently built modern North Market Workplace in Montvale, the firm meets with clients both in-person and virtually, providing flexibility, convenience, and a tailored approach to each individual matter. What sets Beattie Padovano apart is its unwavering commitment to integrity, excellence, and client satisfaction. The firm fosters a collaborative approach, ensuring every case benefits from the collective expertise and experience of its attorneys. Clients consistently praise the thoughtful, personalized attention they receive, from the warm welcome at the front desk to the careful guidance throughout each legal matter. Beattie Padovano also encourages pro bono work and active community engagement, reflecting a dedication to making a meaningful, lasting impact both inside and outside the courtroom and boardroom.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 94

10/16/26 11:03 AM

top lawyers profiles

TORCHIN MARTEL ORR, LLC (TMO LAW) Forest Office Center, 210 E. State Route 4, Suite 211, Paramus, NJ 07652 201.971.4866 | tmolawfirm.com | admin@tmolawfirm.com THOUGHTFUL COUNSEL. STRONG ADVOCACY. A PERSONAL APPROACH. At TMO Law we understand that divorce and family law matters involve some of life's most important decisions. Our attorneys combine experience, sound judgment, and personal attention to help clients navigate complex legal, financial, and family issues with confidence. Serving clients throughout Bergen County and New Jersey, our firm provides comprehensive representation in divorce, custody and parenting time, alimony, child support, equitable distribution, post-judgment matters, and prenuptial agreements. We also serve as mediators, arbitrators, and parenting coordinators. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our approach is tailored to each client's circumstances and goals. We provide candid advice, clear communication, and strong advocacy while remaining focused on protecting our clients' interests and helping them move forward. Take the next step with confidence. Learn how Torchin Martel Orr, LLC can help with your family law matter. Visit www.tmolawfirm.com or call today at 201-971-4866 to schedule your consultation

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 95

10/16/26 11:03 AM

top lawyers profiles

ROSEMARIE ARNOLD PAIGE R. BUTLER MENA H. IBRAHIM NOVA DONA DAMOUNI LEAHY HANNAH E. BACON Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold, LLP

1386 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee, NJ 07024 | 201.461.1111 | courtroombulldog.com AT LAW OFFICES ROSEMARIE ARNOLD, LLP, EXCELLENCE ISN’T THE EXCEPTION, IT’S THE STANDARD. That’s why it comes as no surprise that five of our outstanding attorneys, Rosemarie Arnold, Paige Butler, Nova Dona Damouni Leahy, Mena Ibrahim and Hannah Bacon, have earned the distinction of “The Best of Bergen.” This recognition is more than an honor; it’s proof of the relentless advocacy, skill, and results our clients have come to expect from our firm in every case. With nineteen powerhouse lawyers working in unison, we have built a reputation as one of Bergen County’s premier personal injury law firms, rated 5 stars by Google, with over 650 reviews. Our attorneys don’t just handle cases; they change lives. From catastrophic injury claims to wrongful death actions, we have secured life-changing recoveries for victims and their families. These victories allow our clients not only to rebuild financially but also to reclaim dignity, independence, and peace of mind. We understand that every case represents a real person facing hardship, and we fight tirelessly to ensure no client ever feels like just a number. What sets us apart is our fearless pursuit of justice. Led by Rosemarie Arnold, hailed by The Bergen Record as “The Courtroom Bulldog Who Won’t Be Leashed”, our team has earned a reputation for going toe-to-toe with powerful insurance companies and winning. We do not back down, and we do not stop until our clients get the justice they deserve. When you choose Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold, LLP, you gain more than a lawyer, you gain a team of advocates who are in your corner from the first consultation to the final resolution. For more insight and weekly legal tips, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @courtroombulldog.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 96

10/16/26 11:03 AM

top lawyers profiles

WARREN S. SUTNICK LAURA C. SUTNICK OMID S. IRANI Sutnick & Sutnick, LLC

21 Main St., Suite 150, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.342.8555 | sutnicklaw.com

FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS, Sutnick & Sutnick, LLC has defended individuals facing serious criminal and traffic charges throughout Bergen County and New Jersey. As a boutique criminal defense firm, its attorneys understand that the best result is different for every client and every case. The firm represents clients in matters involving domestic violence, violent crimes, sex offenses, juvenile charges, shoplifting and theft, drug offenses, DWI/DUI, serious traffic violations, and expungements. Former prosecutors Warren Sutnick and Laura Sutnick have handled thousands of criminal and traffic cases during their more than 30 years practicing law. Warren is a Certified Municipal Court Law Attorney, and Laura is a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. Each has earned this distinction from the Supreme Court of New Jersey, a designation attained by fewer than 3% of attorneys statewide. Attorney Omid Irani represents clients facing serious criminal charges throughout New Jersey. Before entering private practice, he served as a judicial law clerk in the New Jersey Superior Court, giving him firsthand experience with the workings of the trial court. He is also the Immediate Past President and a Trustee of the Young Lawyers Division of the Bergen County Bar Association. Clients often come to Sutnick & Sutnick at one of the most difficult times in their lives. The firm’s attorneys take the time to understand not only the case, but what is at stake for the person facing it. Clients receive honest advice, careful preparation, and experienced advocacy that focuses on protecting their freedom, reputation, and future.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 97

10/16/26 11:03 AM

top lawyers profiles

JASON R. TUVEL, ESQ. Prime Tuvel & Miceli

1 University Plaza Dr., Suite 500, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201.883.1010 | jason@primelaw.com | primelaw.com JASON TUVEL HAS PRACTICED LAW for over 20 years, building a reputation as an attorney who advocates for the rights of his clients across all 21 counties of New Jersey. Jason has honed his legal expertise in land use, planning and zoning, municipal law, and real estate development law. Since becoming a partner at Prime Tuvel & Miceli in 2016, Jason has expanded the firm’s footprint into North Jersey and currently leads the legal team in their Hackensack and Hoboken locations. For over 50 years, Prime Tuvel & Miceli has expertly and rigorously represented its clients, whose backgrounds range from commercial clients and real estate developers to home builders and homeowners who are applying for site plan, subdivision, and variance approvals. Jason earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick and his J.D. Law Degree from Rutgers School of Law in Newark. Jason’s leadership roles have included serving as the Director of the Land Use Section for the New Jersey State Bar Association. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association. Jason regularly speaks for NJICLE and the New Jersey State Bar Association on various land use topics— from introduction courses for entry level practitioners to more complex subjects for seasoned attorneys. Additionally, Jason has been named to the New Jersey Super Lawyers list from 2022 through 2027 and was previously selected to the New Jersey Rising Stars list from 2011 to 2019.

SILVANA RASO, ESQ. Faugno Weis Duarte Raso, LLC

235 Main St., Suite 101, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201.488.1234 | silvana@fwdrlaw.com fwdrlaw.com FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES, Silvana Raso has built a distinguished practice devoted to family and matrimonial law. As a Partner at Faugno Weis Duarte Raso, LLC, she represents clients in sophisticated and often highly sensitive matters where experience, sound judgment, and strategic advocacy matter most. Her practice encompasses complex matrimonial litigation, highnet-worth divorces, parenting time and custody disputes, post-judgment cases, and appellate matters. Silvana is among a select group of attorneys recognized as a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, a designation reflecting substantial experience, demonstrated competence, and a proven record in the practice of matrimonial law. Silvana’s approach is both strategic and personal. She understands that even the most complex family law matters are ultimately about people, families, and the decisions that will shape their futures. Clients and referring attorneys turn to Silvana for her depth of experience, thoughtful counsel, and ability to remain focused and composed when the circumstances are at their most challenging. When a family law matter demands experience, perspective, and exceptional advocacy, Silvana Raso brings dedicated and time-tested experience to the table.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 98

10/16/26 11:03 AM

Carcich O’Shea

401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707 Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 201.988.1308 | carcichoshea.com CARCICH O’SHEA PROUDLY ANNOUNCES that Founding Partners Sheila O’Shea-Criscione, Esq. and Christopher J. Carcich, Esq. have once again been recognized as Bergen Magazine “Top Lawyers,” an honor based on peer nominations and reviews from attorneys throughout Bergen County. Based in Hackensack, N.J., Carcich O’Shea is a boutique employment-law and business-litigation firm representing individuals and small businesses. The firm handles discrimination, sexual harassment, wage-and-hour, whistleblower, employment-contract, restrictive-covenant, and business disputes, while also providing workplace counseling, training, policy review, and internal investigations.

top lawyers profiles

CHRISTOPHER J. CARICH SHEILA O’SHEA-CRISCIONE

Sheila O’Shea-Criscione brings more than 30 years of experience in employment and education law, representing employees, teachers, students, and small businesses. A qualified R. 1:40 mediator, she is a Trustee of the Bergen County Bar Association, President of Women Lawyers in Bergen, and a Master of the Justice Morris Pashman Inn of Court. She has also taught graduate and undergraduate courses as an adjunct professor at Montclair State University for nearly three decades. Christopher J. Carcich has more than 22 years of experience in business, employment, and insurance law. A SUNY Maritime graduate and former U.S. Merchant Marine Third Officer, he is licensed in New Jersey and New York. Ellen Marie Walsh brings more than 30 years of experience in employment and education law, representing employees and employers in workplace matters. She also advises businesses on OSHA compliance, employee handbooks and workplace policies, and employee training.

THOMAS R. MCCONNELL, PASQUA S. CADICINA, JOSEPH P. CADICINA* MORRIS COUNTY TOP LAWYER

CADICINA LAW, LLC.

279 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 36 Cattano Avenue, 6th Floor, Morristown, NJ 07960 973.270.9166 | cadicinalaw.com THE ATTORNEYS AT CADICINA LAW HAVE DEDICATED NEARLY THREE DECADES to guiding clients through some of life’s most difficult and emotional legal matters. The firm is a leading, respected boutique practice focused exclusively on divorce, family law, domestic violence, custody disputes, relocation matters and equitable distribution throughout Northern New Jersey. Inspired by a lifelong desire to help people, Mr. Cadicina and Mr. McConnell’s passion for family law began during judicial clerkships in the Bergen County Family Division and have remained the foundation of their careers. Today, clients throughout Bergen County and beyond appreciate the firm’s compassionate yet straightforward approach, built on honesty, dedication and realistic expectations. The practice provides experienced legal representation while remaining attentive to the personal challenges families face during difficult transitions. The members are widely respected within the legal community. They have been named Top Lawyers by Morris Essex Magazine for multiple years and are honored to receive the distinction in Bergen Magazine as well. Mr. Cadicina served as President of the Morris County Bar Association and Foundation. Mr. Cadicina and Mr. McConnell are members of the Bergen County Bar Association. With offices in Wyckoff and Morristown, Cadicina Law continues to provide personalized, client-focused representation to families throughout Northern New Jersey.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 99

10/16/26 11:03 AM

top lawyers profiles

ROBERT J. TAFURI, ESQ. STACEY L. MILLER, ESQ. ATKINS, TAFURI, MINASSIAN, D’AMATO, BEANE & MILLER, P.A. 887 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 3, River Edge, NJ 07661 | 201.967.5060 atkinstafuri.com

AT ATKINS, TAFURI, MINASSIAN, D’AMATO, BEANE & MILLER, P.A., Robert J. Tafuri and Stacey L. Miller combine decades of experience, sound judgment and a personal approach to the complexities of family law. The firm's highly qualified team of Jay R. Atkins, Chris Beane, Shannon Lacey, Ken D’amato and Stephen McNamara bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to each case, providing their clients with thoughtful counsel, collaborative insight and skilled representation tailored to their individual needs. Throughout his distinguished career, Robert has earned a reputation for practical, results-driven counsel and an unwavering commitment to clients. His early experience clerking for a pioneering Bergen County Family Court judge shaped his understanding of family law. Known as a tough, tenacious and honest advocate, Robert combines deep legal knowledge with a straightforward approach, taking time to understand each client’s circumstances and develop strategies focused on the best possible outcome. Stacey brings more than 21 years of family law experience, blending strategic thinking with genuine compassion. For her, this work is a personal commitment to helping people navigate one of life’s most challenging transitions. She tailors her approach to each client, seeking effective resolutions that minimize the financial and emotional toll. A trusted court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem and mediator, Stacey is respected for her sound judgment and ability to handle sensitive family matters with dignity and resolve. The firm’s strength lies in its depth of experience, formidable advocacy and a strong sense of responsibility to every client they represent.

MELISSA SUAREZ Law Office of Melissa Suarez

473 Sylvan Ave., 2nd Floor, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 | 201.569.1166 msuarezlaw.com MELISSA SUAREZ IS A PARTNER WHO TREATS YOU LIKE FAMILY. For 27 years, Melissa has been helping New Jersey families and businesses navigate their most important milestones with confidence. Walking into her Englewood Cliffs office means stepping into a welcoming environment where you aren’t just a file; you are treated with the personalized legal care that you deserve. From buying your very first home to securing your legacy through estate planning and business formation, Melissa and her team provide the elite, personable guidance that you need. As a former member of the New Jersey Attorney Ethics Committee, and multi-year Super Lawyers Honoree and Lawyer of Distinction, Melissa and her staff provide premier legal representation across key practice areas: • Residential Real Estate Transactions (From first-time home purchases to complex contracts) • Estate Planning (Securing your wealth and your family’s future) • Business Formations (Building a solid foundation for local entrepreneurs) A proud LGBTQ+ community ally and fully bilingual (Hablamos Español), Melissa has built an unmatched reputation of honesty, accessibility, and exceptional results.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 100

10/16/26 11:03 AM

Tomasella & Vacca, L.L.C.

401 Hackensack Ave., Suite 707, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201.655.7004 | tomasellavacca.com VICTORIA TOMASELLA AND COURTNEY VACCA of Tomasella & Vacca, LLC, are trusted family and divorce lawyers consistently recognized in their field. As is evident in their client testimonials, they genuinely fight for the rights of every client, meticulously balancing legal, financial and personal needs during some of the most difficult of times. Victoria and Courtney are dedicated advocates handling complex divorces, post-judgment litigation, custody and domestic violence cases.

top lawyers profiles

VICTORIA TOMASELLA COURTNEY VACCA

Well respected in her field, Victoria has been practicing family law for over 31 years. She was an adjunct professor at Pace University and worked as legal counsel for the Alternatives to Domestic Violence Agency. A mom of three, Victoria navigated through her own divorce and is well aware of the emotional toll it can take on a family if handled carelessly. Courtney Vacca is a tough and fearless advocate, yet honest and compassionate. She was nominated as a Rising Star attorney for her skillful and effectiveness in the courtroom. Understanding that family law issues impact nearly every aspect of life, Victoria and Courtney guide and inform their clients while providing reasonable and practical solutions. They often combine their expertise working strategically and collaboratively whether to resolve a case through settlement or in the courtroom.

RICHARD H. WEINER, GERALD R. SALERNO, BARRY L. KAUFMAN Aronsohn Weiner Salerno & Kaufman, P.C. is now part of Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, P.C.

21 Main Street, Suite 100, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.487.4747 | einhornlawyers.com IN JULY 2026, THE HACKENSACK LAW FIRM of Aronsohn Weiner Salerno & Kaufman, P.C. joined Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, P.C., continuing a long-standing tradition of providing sophisticated legal counsel and exceptional client service to individuals and businesses. Since 2022, Richard H. Weiner has been recognized in Band 1 by the prestigious Chambers High Net Worth Family/Matrimonial Guide, placing him in a select group of only six New Jersey family lawyers throughout the state ranked in this category. Gerald R. Salerno has received the Hon. Peter Ciolino Professional Lawyer of the Year Award for 2026 from the Bergen County Bar Association and is the third partner of the Firm to be honored with this designation. Richard H. Weiner, Gerald R. Salerno, and Barry L. Kaufman are included in the 2027 edition of the New Jersey Super Lawyers® list, published by Thomson Reuters, as well as the 2027 edition of the The Best Lawyers in America® list. Barry L. Kaufman also received the Best Lawyers 2027 Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” award (Hackensack). With offices in Hackensack, Parsippany, and New York City, the Firm has earned a reputation for providing high-quality legal services in complex family law, commercial litigation, zoning/land use and real estate matters, corporate and employment law, personal injury and workers’ compensation, trusts and estate planning, criminal defense, alternative dispute resolution, special education, estate/trust and probate litigation, and taxation, utilizing creative and cost-effective solutions while bringing compassion and integrity to every client engagement.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 101

10/16/26 11:04 AM

top lawyers profiles

ANDREW KOHUT JAMES JAWORSKI JENNIFER BERARDO JONATHAN KUKIN STUART LIEBMAN ALANA LIGHTENBERG KATIE RAZIN JAMESON VAN ECK MARLEY GUERRERA Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP

12 Route 17 N. - P.O. Box 1827 Paramus, NJ 07653 | 201.587.0888 | wellslaw.com FOR 40 YEARS, THE ATTORNEYS AT WELLS, JAWORSKI & LIEBMAN, LLP have advised individuals, businesses, developers and municipal boards on a broad range of legal matters in the areas of land use and zoning, commercial real estate, tax, trusts and estate planning, litigation and corporate law. This vast combination of experience allows the Firm’s attorneys to look at each matter from multiple perspectives, anticipate challenges, and develop strategies that address both immediate concerns and long-term goals. WJL’s longstanding presence in the region reflects an understanding of the local business and legal landscape, as well as the importance of building lasting relationships with clients. Its attorneys work closely with clients to understand their objectives, while also coordinating with municipalities, opposing counsel, business partners, consultants, and other professionals. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the Firm focuses on finding practical and creative solutions tailored to the circumstances of each client. Whether navigating a land use approval, structuring a commercial real estate transaction, addressing personal tax and estate planning concerns, or resolving a dispute through litigation, WJL attorneys bring experience across disciplines to help clients move matters forward efficiently and thoughtfully.

RIVKIN RADLER LLP

25 Main Street, Court Plaza North, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.287.2460 | rivkinradler.com

THROUGH SIX OFFICES AND 250 LAWYERS, Rivkin Radler consistently delivers focused and effective legal services. We are the advisor-of-choice to successful individuals, middle-market companies and large corporations. We provide strong representation and build even stronger client relationships. Many clients have been placing their trust in us for more than 30 years. Our unwavering commitment to total client satisfaction is the driving force behind our firm. Brian Shea practices in the areas of guardianship litigation, chancery litigation, and estate and trust administration and litigation. Ana Parikh has a diverse litigation background representing clients from individuals to corporate entities in state and federal court. Nancy Del Pizzo has more than 20 years of experience solving intellectual property disputes. Timothy Gonzalez advises on fraud and regulatory compliance issues, complex commercial disputes and intellectual property matters. Brian Ade dedicates a substantial portion of his legal practice to cases involving construction defects, product liability, utilities, and insurance coverage.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 102

10/16/26 11:04 AM

Giro & Associates, LLC 1060 Main St., Suite 303, River Edge, NJ 07661 201.255.4417 www.girolaw.com THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON THAT MAURICE GIRO HAS LEARNED FROM HIS ALMOST 20 YEARS PRACTICING LAW is the importance of active listening to build rapport and gain a deep understanding of the often complex and serious issues facing his clients. Drawing from personal experience—as the son of Cuban immigrants and with a military background serving in the Air Force—Maurice practices from a place of deep empathy, vast experience, honor and distinction. As former municipal public defender and municipal prosecutor, it became a clear and easy decision for Maurice to focus his practice on elder law, family law and estate planning, crafting strategies and solutions that allow clients to plan for the future, ensure quality long-term care and move forward in life with grace and dignity. In the very fast paced profession of law, Maurice knows how important it is to quickly adapt to new technologies and innovations in the field for better efficiency and quality service. With his very hands-on approach, Maurice is continually creating systems and leveraging technologies to streamline processes and increase productivity with the ultimate goal to service his clients with vigorous advocacy and thoughtful and discerning judgment.

BARBARA B. COMERFORD, ESQ. The Law Offices of Barbara B. Comerford 45 Eisenhower Drive, Suites 110, Paramus, NJ 07652 201.444.4493 1.866.444.6939 www.tristatedisabilitylaw.com FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS, Barbara B. Comerford has been a dedicated advocate for individuals navigating the complexities of disability law. Her national practice focuses exclusively on ERISA longterm disability, Social Security Disability, private disability insurance and government disability pension claims. She has successfully represented thousands of clients and has earned recognition as one of the nation’s leading disability attorneys. An independent organization of disability specialists has consistently recognized the firm among the nation’s Top 250 Disability Law Firms. Beyond her practice, she serves on international committees, presents webinars for state bar associations and national organizations, and is a Lawline faculty member, providing engaging online continuing legal education for fellow attorneys. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, education and client service.

MICHELLE KRONE, ESQ.

CATHY J. POLLAK, ESQ.

Manes & Weinberg, LLC 140 East Ridgewood Ave., Suite 415 South Tower, Paramus, NJ 07652

21-00 Route 208 South, Suite 210, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201.201.7417 cathy@cathypollaklaw.com cathypollaklaw.com

1136 Route 22, Suite 100, Mountainside, NJ 07092 973.376.7733 www.manesweinberg.com MICHELLE KRONE’S PASSION FOR ADVOCACY began in the classroom. As a special education teacher, she championed her students and ultimately pursued law to make an even greater impact. She brings that same dedication to her work at Manes & Weinberg, LLC, where she and her colleagues represent children with special needs and their families. The firm helps parents secure essential services through IEPs and 504 plans, address harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB), and plan for the future through guardianship and special needs trusts. Working alongside a team of advocates and attorneys, Michelle builds lasting relationships with families, providing guidance for as long as they need it. Few things are more rewarding for her than watching children grow from kindergarten through college, achieving milestones that once seemed out of reach.

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 103

top lawyers profiles

MAURICE GIRO

CATHY J. POLLAK has practiced law for decades, guided by a lifelong passion for advocating for individuals and families and protecting their rights. A highly skilled litigator and mediator, she has extensive experience helping families navigate complex legal issues in a well-organized, cost-effective manner. Her particular expertise includes cases involving forensic accountants and psychologists, integrating their specialized knowledge when required. She is also proficient in preparing Premarital Agreements. Providing clients with highly focused attention is central to her practice, recognizing the great stress and anxiety that often accompany divorce and post-divorce situations. Every client is unique and benefits from a personalized approach, as well as her experience both in and out of the courtroom. Committed to giving back to both her community and profession, Cathy serves as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Center For Hope & Safety, the largest nonprofit organization in Bergen County providing a broad range of services for survivors of domestic violence. Appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court, she also served terms on the Bergen County District IIA Ethics and Fee Arbitration Committees.

10/16/26 11:04 AM

top lawyers profiles

MARY WYNN SEITER, ESQ. Buckalew Frizzell & Crevina LLP 55 Harristown Road, Suite 205 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201.981.3774 mwseiter@lawnj.com lawnj.com MARY WYNN SEITER enjoys helping people, and that dedication shows in everything she does. Possessing more than 25 years’ experience as an attorney, she is a highly skilled practitioner who combines robust communication, creative thinking, and practical solutions to resolve diverse, challenging legal issues and guide her real estate clients to success in their transactions. Mary Wynn is also an experienced counselor to many condominium associations and HOAs, known for her expertise in guiding their Boards in all aspects of that field, notably including pursuing construction claims against developers, negotiating major contracts and assuring proper corporate governance. A Duke engineer and Yale Law grad, she spent her initial working years as a systems engineer and consultant, and that experience continues to benefit her clients in many ways.

Untitled-63 1 Stateline_1-4p_0926.indd 1

BERGEN

7/16/26 9:14 1:17 AM PM 7/23/26

FIND LISTINGS EXPANDED CONTACTS AND MORE

COUNTY’S

TOP LAWYERS

2026

SCAN OR VISIT BergenMag.com/bergen-top-lawyers-2026

TopLawyers_BERGEN_1126_collect.indd 104

10/16/26 11:04 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.

Allendale Bar & Grill, Allendale

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.wte.indd 105

105

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:49 PM

Sedona Taphouse 679 Anderson Ave. 201.943.2300 sedonataphouse.com Villa Amalfi 793 Palisade Ave. 201.886.8626 villaamalfi.com CLOSTER Brasserie Mémère 107 Vervalen St. 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com The Hill 252 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.899.4700 thehillcloster.com Lucio’s 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 luciosrestaurant.com Sear House 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhousenj.com

Chef Mediterranean, Cresskill

Stern & Bow 171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbow restaurant.com

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

BERGENFIELD Bamboo Grill 54 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.5951 bamboo-grill.com

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

Allendale Steakhouse 90 W. Allendale Ave. 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhouse.com

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

CARLSTADT Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 S. 201.933.4000 biggies.com

CRESSKILL Chef Mediterranean 38 Union Ave. 201.367.9565 chef-mediterranean. res-menu.com

The Cuban Around The Corner 260 S. Washington Ave. 201.574.8600

Hunkar Restaurant 319 Hackensack St. 201.507.0606 hunkarrestaurant.com

Hanami 41 Union Ave. 201.567.8508 hanamirestaurant.com

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

Il Villaggio 651 Rte. 17 N. 201.935.7733 ilvillaggio.com

Mami 15 E. Madison Ave. 201.266.8931 mami-hospitality.com

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

Upahar 326 Garden St. 201.855.7040

Samdan 178 Piermont Rd. 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurantnj.com

Mezza Luna 96 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.6556 mezzalunabistro.com Nirvana Indian Kitchen 29 W. Allendale Ave. 201.818.2300 nirvanaindiankitchen.com Savini 168 W. Crescent Ave. 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com ALPINE Kiku 385 Rte. 9 W. 201.767.6322 kikurestaurantsnj.com

CLIFFSIDE PARK 354 Steakhouse 354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499 354steakhouse.com

DEMAREST Yasou Mykonos 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasougreekfood.com

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

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.wte.indd 106

106

DUMONT Foschini’s Brick Oven Kitchen 21 E. Madison Ave. 201.387.9998 foschinis.com Grant Street Café 25 Grant Ave. 201.385.1705 thegrantstreetcafe.com La Taberna 31 W. Madison Ave. 201.374.1661 latabernanj.com Mexico Mi Amor 132 Veterans Plz. 201.244.5555 mexicomiamor.com EAST RUTHERFORD Al Di La 1 Hoboken Rd. 201.939.1128 aldilaitalianbistro.com 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 Elia Mediterranean 240 Hackensack St. 201.939.9292 elianj.com The Roosevelt 356 Paterson Ave. 201.713.3145 theroosevelt.us EDGEWATER 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 Fleming’s Steakhouse 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com

Greek Taverna 55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar 2 Main St., Suite G 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com Original Pancake House 15 The Promenade 201.366.4065 ophedgewater.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 Tommy’s Tavern + Tap 11 The Promenade 201.386.1700 tommystavernandtap. com ELMWOOD PARK Taverna Mykonos 238 Broadway 201.703.9200 tavernamykonos.com EMERSON Pimaan Thai 79 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.967.0440 pimaanthai.com ENGLEWOOD Blue Akai 23 E. Palisade Ave. 201.541.0086 akailounge.com Cassie’s 18 S. Dean St. 201.541.6760 cassiespizzeria.com CZEN Restaurant 36 N. Van Brunt St. 201.431.9199 czenrestaurant.com

Photo courtesy of Chef Mediterranean; Allendale Bar and Grill (previous page)

Rudy’s 591 Anderson Ave. 201.943.9252

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:49 PM

Hummus Elite 39 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.5600 hummuselite.com Khao Thai Cuisine 4 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.0344 khaothainj.com La Fonda Paisa 95 W. Palisade Ave. 201.871.3544 lafondapaisausa.com Lulu Mediterranean Grill 63 Nathaniel Pl. 201.569.2662 lululoungejersey.com Noches de Colombia 90 W. Palisade Ave. 201.567.4950 nochesdecolombia.com Pintxo y Tapas 47 N. Dean St. 201.569.9999 Grill House of Englewood 126 Engle St. 201.541.0020 grillhouseofenglewood. com Sofia 36 Engle St. 201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS Brownstone Pancake Factory 717 E. Palisade Ave. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com Café Italiano 14 Sylvan Ave. 201.461.5041 cafeitaliano.net Cliff’s Steakhouse 18 Sylvan Ave. 201.944.0233 cliffssteakhouse.com

Photo courtesy of Aquarius

Lefkes Estiatorio 495 Sylvan Ave. 201.408.4444 lefkesnj.com Grissini 484 Sylvan Ave. 201.568.3535 grissinirestaurant.com

FAIR LAWN Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings 2101 Promenade Blvd. 201.796.2625 acfp.com The Craftsman 1609 Maple Ave. 201.773.8985 thecraftsmannj.com Fair Lawn Diner 13-48 River Rd. 201.791.2895 fairlawndiner.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 Saigon Bistro 24-08 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.398.1883 saigonbistro.com FAIRVIEW Patsy’s 344 Bergen Blvd. 201.943.0627 patsysbistro.com FORT LEE Aquarius 230-234 Main St. 201.592.8338 aquariusrestaurant nj.com Baggios 212 Main St. 201.585.7979 baggiospizza restaurant.com Big Red Tomato 1205 Anderson Ave. 201.224.6500 brtnj.com Cap’t Loui 210 Main St. 201.461.7080 captloui.com

Chillers Grill 2191 Fletcher Ave. 201.461.0075 chillersgrill.com

Stone & Rail 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com

Lido Restaurant 701 Main St. 201.487.8721 thelidorestaurant.com

In Napoli 116 Main St. 201.947.2500 inapoli.com

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

Maggiano’s Little Italy 70 Riverside Square Mall 201.221.2030 maggianos.com

Pho Today 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.585.8818 eatphotoday.com Pomodoro 795 Abbott Blvd. 201.224.0800 pomodoro1.com

The Cheesecake Factory 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.488.0330 thecheesecake factory.com

Prime & Beyond 501 Main St. 201.461.0033 primeandbeyond.com Punta Cana 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.849.5556 puntacanarestaurante.com Ventana’s 200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthe modern.com

Hot Fish 450 Hackensack Ave., #6 201.881.0180 hotfishhackensack.com Houston’s 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 houstons.com

FRANKLIN LAKES Harmony Mediterranean Grill 840 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8707 harmony-nj.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse 1 Riverside Square, Ste. 274 201.487.1303 mortons.com P.F. Chang’s 390 Hackensack Ave., Ste. 50 201.646.1565 pfchangs.com Rosa Mexicano 60 Riverside Square Mall 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com HARRINGTON PARK Donatella Ristorante 12 Tappan Rd. 201.767.4245 donatellasitalian. restaurant

The Heights Bar & Grill 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338 heightsbarandgrill.com Himalaya on Heights 313 Boulevard 201.257.8744 himalayaonheights.com Ivy Inn 268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com Sofia’s 220 Boulevard 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterranean grill.com Tom Yum Koong 305 Boulevard 201.288.3840 tomyumkoonghh.com Zaffron Bloom 194 Boulevard 201.571.0029 zaffronbloom.com

Aquarius, Fort Lee

Sushi Cocoro 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com GARFIELD Despecho Room 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 despechoroom.com The Firehouse 42 Plauderville Ave. 973.478.2226 thefirehouse.toast.site/ order Goodfellas 661 Midland Ave. 973.478.4000 goodfellasjersey.com GLEN ROCK Glen Rock Inn 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.wte.indd 107

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

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS Bensi 459 Rte. 17 S. 201.727.9525 bensihh.com

107

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:49 PM

ON THE TOWN HAWORTH Alessandro’s 157 Terrace St. 201.385.8544 alessandrosnj.com

LEONIA Dante’s Place 373 Broad Ave. 201.592.9071 dantesplace.com

Roxanne’s 150 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.0007 roxannes restaurant.com

Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net

Shumi Japanese Cuisine 354 Broad Ave. 201.272.6577 shumiomakase.com

RP Prime Steakhouse 209 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.529.1111 rpprime.com

HILLSDALE The Cornerstone 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com

LITTLE FERRY Segovia Steakhouse 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com

Sangria 1033 MacArthur Blvd. 201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com

Domani 387 Washington Ave. 201.722.8881 domanirestaurants.com

LODI ReBar & Kitchen 132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com

Fig & Tomato 100 Park Ave. 201.722.8880 figandtomatoeatery.com Koon Thai Eatery 126 Broadway 551.246.3646 koonthaieatery.com Matsu Sushi & Grill 140 Broadway 201.930.1896 matsusushibest.com Alba Italian Grill 343 Broadway 201.664.1600 albaitaliangrill.com HO-HO-KUS Alt Eats Café 622 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.1300 alteatscafe.com Catchy Café 614 N. Maple Ave. 201.445.6400 thecatchycaterer.com Ho-Ho-Kus Inn 1 E. Franklin Tpke. 201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com Ho-Ho-Kus Sushi Café 29 Sheridan Ave. 201.670.7677 hohokussushicafe.com St. Eve’s 611 N. Maple Ave. 201.857.4717 stevesnj.com

Sergio’s Missione 2 Mercer St. 973.778.4545 sergiosmissionelodi.com

State Line Diner 375 Rte. 17 N. 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com MAYWOOD Angelo’s Greek Taverna 245 Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektaverna.com

LYNDHURST Angelo’s 263 Ridge Rd. 201.939.1922

Maywood Inn’s Twin Door Tavern 122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com

Foschini’s Brick Oven Kitchen 298 Ridge Rd. 201.460.7600 foschinisbrickoven kitchen.com

Maywood Pancake House 92 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.880.7842 maywoodpancake house.com

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

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

Vezir 282 Ridge Rd. 201.595.0669 vezirnj.com

MIDLAND PARK Arturo’s 41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co

MAHWAH Mahwah Bar & Grill 2 Island Rd. 201.529.8056 mahwahbarandgrill.com

Fiona’s Ristorante 118 Godwin Ave. 201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com

Nagoya 1007 MacArthur Blvd. 201.818.9933 nagoyamahwah.com

Rosario’s Trattoria 29 Central Ave. 201.445.3335 rosariostrattoria.com

Nonna’s 11 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com

MONTVALE Delpino Restaurant 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.391.6866 delpinorestaurant.com

Novino Restaurant 64 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.529.1900 novinonj.com

Bellissimo 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.wte.indd 108

Fire & Oak 100 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.307.1100 fireandoak.com Gen Sushi & Hibachi 14B Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.930.9188 gensushimontvale.com Hearth & Tap Co. 125 N. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.307.6300 hearthandtap.com Yuki 2 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.9877 yukimontvale.com MOONACHIE Bazzarelli 117 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4010 bazzarellirestaurant.com Bistro 107 107 Moonachie Rd. 201.440.3339 bistro107nj.com Segovia 150 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4266 segoviarestaurant.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 Olar Noso 493 Tappan Rd. 201.402.9355 olarnoso.com

108

OAKLAND Cenzino 589 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.6693 cenzinos.com

Suburban Diner 172 Rte. 17 N. 201.261.2605 suburbandiner17.com

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

PARK RIDGE 103 Prime 103 Spring Valley Rd. 201.391.2220 103prime.com

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

The Park Steakhouse 151 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com

ORADELL Oak House 2 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.277.4892 oakhousenj.com

Peppercorns 176 Colony Ave. 201.391.2818 peppercorns176.com

Ora 304 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.267.4304 orainthedell.com OLD TAPPAN Bosfa Italian Restaurant 183 Old Tappan Rd. 201.649.8730 bosfaitalian restaurant.com Ramen Factory 216 Old Tappan Rd. 201.383.0510 ramenfactorynj.com 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 Café 1 Garden State Plz. 201.909.0399 grandluxcafe.com Kiku 365 Rte. 17 S. 201.265.7200 kikurestaurantsnj.com Mantra 275 Rte. 4 W. 201.342.8868 mantranj.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 bradysramsey.com Café Panache 130 E. Main St. 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com Kinchley’s Tavern 586 N. Franklin Tpke. 201.934.7777 kinchleyspizza.com The Shannon Rose 1200 Rte. 17 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com Smyrna 21 E. Main St. 201.934.7990 smyrnacaferamsey.com Tawara 53 W. Main St. 201.825.8712 tawarajapanese restaurant.com Varka Estiatorio 30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:49 PM

RIDGEFIELD Café Tivoli 533 Shaler Blvd. 201.941.5561 cafetivoli.com Karden 630 Broad Ave. 201.699.0988 karden630.com RIDGEFIELD PARK MK Valencia 228 Main St. 201.373.0228 mkvalencia restaurant.com Sparta Taverna 206 Main St. 201.296.0095 spartataverna.com RIDGEWOOD Bukhara Grill 37 Chestnut St. 201.444.4910 bukharagrillnj.com Cafe 37 37 S. Broad St. 201.857.0437 cafe-37.com Cravings Tapas Bistro 8 Wilsey Sq. 201.857.8533 cravingstapas.com Felina 18 Prospect St. 551.276.5454 bylandmark.com/felina Kimchi Smoke BBQ Shack 2 Godwin Ave. 201.447.6653 kimchismoke.com La Lanterna 29 W. Ridgewood Ave. 201.444.5520 lalanternaof ridgewood.com

Photo courtesy of The Ridge House

Latour 6 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5056 latourridgewood.com Meltemi Greek Restaurant 21 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.632.0022 meltemirestaurant.com Pardis Persian Grill 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.652.8000 pardispersiangrill.com

Fiorentini 98 Park Ave. 973.721.3404 fiorentinirest.com

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

Matisse 167 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 matisse167.com

Roots Steakhouse 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

Volare’s 7 Station Sq. 201.935.6606 volaresrestaurant.com

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

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

Village Green 36 Prospect St. 201.445.2914 villagegreen restaurant.com

Que Pasta 326 Market St. 201.712.1900 qpitalian.com

White Maple Café 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.345.9538 whitemaplecafe.com

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

RIVER EDGE Mado Restaurant 570 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.265.3629 madorestaurant. business.site Sanducci’s 620 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com RIVER VALE Ammata Thai Kitchen 184 Rivervale Rd., Suite 2 201.664.2299 ammata.com

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

Noah’s Ark 493 Cedar Ln. 201.692.1200 noahsark.net

RUTHERFORD Finch’s 801 Rutherford Ave. 201.231.3141 finchsdining.com

WOOD-RIDGE Al Chile 187 Hackensack St. 862.334.3616 alchilenj.com

TENAFLY Axia Taverna 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com

Downtown Dhaba 266 Center Ave. 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com

Concourse Club 379 Rte. 17 S. 201.710.6459 concourseclubnj.com

Farmhouse Café & Eatery 301 Center Ave. 201.664.8424 farmhousecafenj.com

Nelmani Indian Cuisine 200 Hackensack St. 201.728.4044 nelmaniwoodridge.com

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

B V Tuscany 368 Cedar Ln. 201.287.0404 bvtuscany.com Etc. Steakhouse 1409 Palisade Ave. 201.357.5677 etcsteakhouse.com

WESTWOOD Bon 487 Broadway 201.238.2371 bonwestwood.com

Sayola 50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurantnj.com

TEANECK Amarone 63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net

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

Zina’s Steakhouse & Grill 827 Teaneck Rd. 201.357.2479 zinassteakhouse.com

Brasserie 4 Washington St. 201.266.6400 tenaflybrasserie.com

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

WALDWICK Andrea’s Ristorante 20 E. Prospect St. 201.670.0275 andreasrestaurantnj.com Limoncello 32 Franklin Tpke. 201.652.5577 limoncellonj.com

Sweet T’s 166 W. Englewood Ave. 201.942.3030 sweettseatery.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.wte.indd 109

The Ridge House, Wood-Ridge

Park West Tavern 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com

109

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

Granita Grille 467 Broadway 201.664.9846 granitagrille restaurant.com Kimchi Smoke Barbecue 57 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.321.7996 kimchismoke.com Mezza 22 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.8822 mezzawestwood.com Osteria Crescendo 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.1900 osteriacrescendo.com The Tavern @ Iron Horse 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 thetavernwestwood.com Toba 250 Center Ave. 201.359.8497 tobarestaurant.com

The Ridge House 191 Valley Blvd. 973.939.5608 theridgehousenj.com WYCKOFF Aldo’s 640 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.2618 aldosofwyckoff.com Benares 327 Franklin Ave., Suite 4 201.904.2222 benaresnj.com Blue Moon Café 327 Franklin Ave. 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com T.S. Ma 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com Wyckoff Thai 314 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8855 wyckoffthai.com

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:49 PM

Elevated Gastropub Dining & Signature Cocktails Weekend Chef Specials Live Music Every Weekend Joe Trivia Tuesdays Private Events Available 146 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, NJ

201.690.6755

www.The4Leaves.com Instagram: @the4leavesnj

Elevated Dining, Rooted in Comfort From beautifully plated entrées to handcrafted cocktails, Four Leaves offers an evening experience rooted in elegance.

Paramus

OPENING THIS FALL USA Wine Traders is bringing a brand new shopping experience to Paramus with an exceptional selection of wine, spirits, beer and more. Our spacious new store will feature everyday favorites, premium bottles, fine wines, craft beer, and unique finds for every celebration and occasion. Whether you’re selecting the perfect gift or restocking your favorites, our knowledgeable and friendly team will be ready to help.

As one of the fastest growing independent retailers in New Jersey, we look forward to welcoming you to USA Wine Traders Paramus!

669 NJ-17, Paramus, NJ 07652 usawinetradersclub.com

Your Family Deserves Nothing but the Best! Uncle Giuseppe’s has a catering package for every occasion. Scan here or visit UncleG.com/catering to see all our catering options!

B&iagio's he Terrace

REQUEST A QUOTE

ELEGANT BANQUETS & EVENTS

Forever Starts Here....

Bergen MAGAZINE

2025 BERGEN’S BEST

NNER EST. 2001

293 PARAMUS ROAD Untitled-4 11 Untitled-39

PARAMUS, NJ

201.652.7900

WWW.THETERRACENJ.COM 3/28/24 8/7/25 1:04 9:54 PM AM

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Taste Of Two Lands When two people want completely different things for dinner, compromise can be tricky. Suppose, for example, that one person longs for the bright, aromatic flavors of Thai food, while the other has a heart set on Mexican flair. Usually, one person wins and the other settles. Faced with a similar dilemma on a Friday night this fall, my girlfriend and I hoped Thai Mex Station was the solution. The recently opened East Rutherford restaurant is the creation of a husband-and-wife team whose backgrounds inspired the concept—she is of Thai descent; his heritage is Mexican. Together they’ve created a menu where the two cuisines get equal billing—and where both sides of the table can order exactly what they’re craving. The restaurant itself is just as thoughtfully put together. Inside, Thai Mex Station has a chic, playful feel, with hand-painted art throughout the space, adding color and personality. The dining room reflects the couple’s vision: contemporary, welcoming and distinctly their own. We were at ease— and ready to see how well the two culinary traditions could coexist on one table. We decided to share our first starter, elote, which seemed like an appropriate way to ease into the menu’s Mexican side. The corn was a combination of sweet and savory, with the toppings adding plenty of flavor without overpowering the corn itself. Either I enjoyed it a little too much, or the spice level was a bit much for my girlfriend, because by the time we moved on, I had polished off four of the six pieces. For our second app, we each ordered fresh spring rolls. Normally I’m happy to share, but some things are simply better when you don’t have to negotiate how many are left. The spring rolls were light, fresh and refreshing, with slivers of mango providing a pleasant sweetness and a nice contrast to the richer dishes we’d encounter later in the meal. They were a good reminder that not everything has to arrive hot, heavy or covered in sauce to be satisfying.

THAI MEX STATION, 235 Paterson Ave., East Rutherford, 201.300.4818; thaimexstation.com

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 restaurant rev.indd 112

112

For my main course, I stayed firmly on the Thai side with the pad khing. I ordered it with jumbo shrimp, and “jumbo” is no exaggeration. Impressively large and substantial, the shrimp were more than a supporting player. I also went with a spice level of 3, which gave the dish a noticeable kick without overwhelming the other ingredients. The combination of the shrimp, fresh vegetables and savory, gingery pad khing made for an entrée that was comforting and full of personality. My girlfriend, meanwhile, went the other way with the grilled New York steak Mexi plate. The steak was delicious and brought heartiness to the meal, though there was one slight hiccup: She had requested it medium, and it arrived well done. While the steak had plenty of flavor, the difference was noticeable. Still, the dish—which came with beans, rice, guacamole and pico de gallo—delivered the bold flavors she was hoping for and made a convincing argument for the Mexican side of the menu. And that, really, is what makes Thai Mex Station so appealing. There’s no need to convince your dining companion that Thai is better than Mexican—or vice versa. You can order exactly what you’re in the mood for and still enjoy a meal together. By the time dessert rolled around, we had managed to find some common ground again with the mango sticky rice. It was a fitting way to end the meal, bringing us back to Thai flavors. The mango provided a bright, fruity finish, while the sweet, sticky rice added a comforting richness. Ultimately, the biggest appeal of Thai Mex Station may be right there in the name. It takes two cuisines that may not be the first pairing you’d expect and puts them together in a way that makes sense. If only “compromise” could always taste this good. —Darius Amos

Photos by Darius Amos

Thai Mex Station in East Rutherford makes it easy to satisfy very different cravings.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:50 PM

LAND ROVER ENGLEWOOD

LAND ROVER PARAMUS

30 Van Nostrand Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631 (201) 987-5437 www.landroverenglewood.com

405 NJ-17, Paramus, NJ 07652 (844) 718-8028 www.landroverparamus.com

Untitled-17 1

9/2/25 5:32 PM

HAPPENINGS

Be There

Festive music, thoughtful films and holiday classics— the season comes alive here in Bergen. NOV. 5-12 The TEANECK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is back for another year, screening feature-length films, documentaries and shorts. Stop by Teaneck venues, such as the Puffin Cultural Forum, Teaneck Cinemas and Temple Emeth, for movies that push the envelope and make you think—plus, meet and chat with directors and attend Q&As. Times vary by day; see teaneckfilmfestival. org for a full schedule.

NOV. 13-14 Catch a show by NYC comedy club favorite JOE DEVITO, who brings his dead-on timing and unexpected twists to Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford. He’s performed on Late Late Show, Comics Unleashed, Comedy Central, AXS-tv’s Gotham Comedy Live and was a semifinalist NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Nov. 13, and 6 and 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. Pick up tickets at bananascomedyclub.com.

NOV. 19 Celebrate a great night for an even better cause with the Junior League of Bergen County. At the LANTERNS AT THE LOFT fundraiser at Park West Loft in Ridgewood, guests can enjoy great food and drink, festive holiday decorations and silent auctions featuring prizes like a Tiffany & Co. purse, Hermès holiday scarf and Hermes enamel bracelet. Enjoy appetizers, dessert and a cash bar and laugh the night away. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, see thejlbc.org.

NOV. 13–21 Experience some of the Bard’s best at the Ramapo College’s Sharp Theater in Mahwah, which is staging AS YOU LIKE IT—with a twist. Part of “Play On Shakespeare,” this production has been reimagined with modern language and verse for maximum accessibility while keeping to the original’s meter and rhythm. Follow the story of brave and witty Rosalind, who disguises herself as a man to navigate a world of romantic roleplaying and unexpected love. Multiple seatings are available, including matinees. For tickets and more, see ramapo.edu.

NOV. 21–DEC. 29 A holiday tradition returns to Hillsdale, where Demarest Farms debuts its 2026 ORCHARD OF LIGHTS. The guided car tour is set to festive music (through a special station on your vehicle’s radio) and takes visitors through 32 acres of holiday light displays. After you’ve seen the lights, stop by the store to warm up near firepits, say hello to the animals at the petting zoo, grab a picture with Santa, enjoy some s’mores and take in the ambiance. Registration is required, and time slots start at 5 p.m. For more information, head over to orchardoflights.com.

*Editor’s note: All events are subject to cancellations or changes. Attendees are encouraged to confirm dates and times with organizers and venues.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 Be There.indd 114

NOV. 20 Two tribute acts come together for one spectacular show at the Williams Center in Rutherford, which welcomes Crystal Ship with Who’s Next for THE ULTIMATE DOORS TRIBUTE. These two bands will perform chart toppers and deep cuts by one of the most iconic acts in the history of rock. The show starts at 7 p.m. and is intended for the 18+ crowd. For tickets and more, check out williamscenter.co.

114

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:51 PM

NOV. 21 For a different kind of holiday celebration, head over to American Dream in East Rutherford, where the Dream Live Performing Arts Center welcomes CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND. This brand-new production blends world-class circus artistry with holiday music. Watch acrobatics, aerial performances and heart-pounding feats of strength. Two showtimes are available: 2 and 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, stop by americandream.com.

NOV. 22 One of the Bergen County Historical Society’s signature events, the RETREAT TO VICTORY, goes all-out in honor of America 250. Stop by Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge starting at 10 a.m. and be transported back to 1776, as reenactors portraying George Washington and other generals lead the Revolutionary Army on horseback across the bridge that saved a nation. Warm up with hot apple cider and donuts, and don’t miss the authentic Jersey-Dutch outdoor kitchen. For more information, see bergencountyhistory.org.

NOV. 27 Ready to travel “somewhere over the rainbow?” THE WIZARD OF OZ comes to the big screen at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, ready to charm a whole new generation. Watch as young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado and are transported to the magical Land of Oz, where they embark on a quest with three new friends to see the wizard who can return her home. The screening starts at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more info, see barrymore filmcenter.org.

NOV. 26 Whether you’re taking part in an old tradition or starting a new one, you’re welcome at the RIVER VALE RUN 4 THE LOVE & FITNESS WITH FRIENDS TURKEY TROT AND CHARITY 5K. Kick off your Thanksgiving and get some steps in with your family and loved ones along the picturesque River Vale streets. Strollers, costumes and a festive spirit are encouraged. Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the run begins at 8 a.m. For more, see runsignup.com.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 Be There.indd 115

115

DEC. 4 Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Waldwick, which hosts its annual MENORAH LIGHTING outside of the Waldwick Public Library. Stop by for an evening of prayer, community and treats for kids (both donuts and gelt will be provided), plus music and prizes for all. Everyone is welcome. The fun starts at 7 p.m. For more information, check out waldwicknj.gov. DEC. 5-6 One of the world’s most beloved ballets (and favorite holiday traditions) stops by Englewood’s Bergen Performing Arts center! Don’t miss THE NUTCRACKER, as performed by the New Jersey Ballet. Watch the beloved story of Clara, whose toy nutcracker magically comes to life and whisks her away to the Land of Sweets. Take in the dancing, special effects and story that will enchant adults and youngsters alike. Shows start at 1 and 4:30 p.m. each day. For tickets, see bergenpac.org.

NOVEMBER 2026

10/15/26 1:51 PM

ON THE TOWN

Gatherings

BERGEN WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE BERGEN magazine recently welcomed hundreds of guests to its annual Wine & Food Experience at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale. The evening brought together an enticing mix of food, drinks and local flavor, with restaurants, caterers and beverage vendors from Bergen County and beyond serving up delicious bites and refreshing pours. Beyond the culinary delights, guests explored interactive exhibits, enjoyed complimentary samples and entered to win prizes, while local experts in health, real estate and home furnishings shared their knowledge and showcased their latest offerings. Guests also danced the night away to two great bands: Tribal Legacy and Peter & the Master Keys.

Be sure to see our December issue for more photos from the Bergen Wine & Food Experience. BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.gatherings BW&F.indd 116

116

Photos by Chris Marksbury

Hundreds come together to enjoy the revelry of the “Best Night In Bergen.”

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 2:26 PM

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.gatherings BW&F.indd 117

117

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 2:27 PM

ON THE TOWN

Gatherings

Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors. 2

5 1. BERGEN VOLUNTEER MEDICAL INITIATIVE Hackensack-based Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative held its annual BVMI Golf Classic at Arcola Country Club in Paramus. The event helped raise funds to support BVMI’s mission of provided free, high-quality healthcare to uninsured adults in Bergen County.

2-3. CITY HARVEST Bergen’s own Josh Capon and CC Sabathia were among the nearly 130 participants in the annual Celebrity Chefs & Friends Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament at the Montclair Golf Club in West Orange. The event benefited City Harvest, New York City’s first and largest food rescue organization.

4-5. FAMILY PROMISE Ridgewood-based nonprofit Family Promise held its 27th annual golf fundraiser at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale. Proceeds from this outing directly benefit the group’s programs for working families in Bergen facing housing and food insecurity.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126 gatherings.indd 118

118

6. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY COMMITTEE This summer, the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Committee marked the 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington. Members hosted a program at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Hackensack, featuring powerful speeches, music and poetry.

7. TABLE TO TABLE Members of the Saddle Brook-based food rescue organization attended the Third Annual Food Security Summit. Attendees participated in networking events, presentations and conversation on how leaders across the county are working together to build a stronger food system.

9 8-9. KAPLEN JCC ON THE PALISADES Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, based in Tenafly, held its Play Fore! The Kids fundraiser at Alpine’s Montammy Golf Club. The event included a day of golf, tennis, games and a silent auction, raising money to support the JCC’s programs.

Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (1), City Harvest (2–3), Family Promise (4–5), MLK Jr. Birthday Committee (6), Table to Table (7), Kaplen JCC on the Palisades (8–9)

NOVEMBER 2026

10/12/26 2:53 PM

Untitled-112 1

10/13/26 1:37 PM

“I used to live in Mahwah, though I’ve since moved. I love bringing my son, Milo, to the different trails and parks I used to frequent. On this day, we took him to one of my favorite lookout spots at Ramapo Valley County Reservation, because I wanted to capture him in the fall colors. I love following him around and letting him take the lead on where to go—it’s always so fun to see what he’s interested in.” —Arianna Cuccio, Wanaque

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

BERGEN Magazine Volume 25, Issue 11 (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.

BERGENMAG.COM

BERG.1126.moment.indd 120

120

Photo courtesy of Arianna Cuccio. Instagram: @photosbyariannac

A BERGEN MOMENT

NOVEMBER 2026

10/16/26 11:10 AM

BERGEN COUNTY’S

TOP LAWYERS

2026 TOP LAWYERS 2026 Michael Maggiano Christopher DiGirolamo

COURAGE DEFINES US. JUSTICE DRIVES US. OUR CLIENTS INSPIRE US.

TOP RATED PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS MAGGIANO, DIGIROLAMO & LIZZI, P.C.

Car Accidents • Truck Accidents • Construction Site Accidents Premises Liability • Workers’ Compensation

201 COLUMBIA AVENUE, FORT LEE, NEW JERSEY 07024 | 201.585.9111 930 GRAND CONCOURSE, SUITE 1A, BRONX, NY 10451 | 212.543.1600 COURT PLAZA, 21 MAIN STREET, SUITE 203, HACKENSACK, NJ 07601 | 201.292.8182

WWW.MAGGIANOLAW.COM

Maggiano_FP_1126_v2.indd 1

10/16/26 10:26 AM

Valley Home Care Ad 2026 9 x 10.875.qxp_Layout 1 9/29/26 12:54 PM Page 1

Valley Home Care

Five Stars from Our Patients: The Highest Rating for Patient Experience Valley Home Care has earned five stars — the highest attainable — as recently reported by Medicare. Best of all, this five-star rating reflects the voices and experiences of the patients we serve, who reported they received exceptional care, clear communication from our team, and helpful education about medication, pain management, and safety throughout their experience with us. Thank you for placing your trust in us. We are privileged to care for you. We are Valley Home Care, and we are five stars!

To see our ﬁve-star rating, visit Medicare.gov/Care-Compare*. For more information about Valley Home Care, call 201-291-6000.

Care Like No Other

ValleyHealth.com/HomeCare * January to December 2025

Untitled-95 1

10/5/26 9:52 AM