Bergen September 2025 by Wainscot Media

The Best of 2025

YOUR FAVES IN 100+ CATEGORIES

BRUNCH & BOWLING MALLS & MASSAGES SPAS & SEAFOOD AND MUCH MORE!

9 LOCALS SHARE AUTUMN TRADITIONS RIDGEWOOD YARD MAKES A SPLASH

Take the First Step Toward Recovery from Substance Use

Valley Health System now 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:

n Medically supervised and comfortable withdrawal

n An expert, multidisciplinary team

n Holistic, evidence-based treatment

n Seamless transition to recovery

n Conﬁdential and compassionate support

Take the First Step Toward Recovery from Substance Use

When the markets turn as volatile and confusing as they have over the last several years, even the most patient investors may come to question the wisdom of the investment plan they’ve been following.

We’d like to help – starting with a cup of coffee and a second opinion.

By appointment, you’re welcome to come in and sit with us for a while. We’ll have a conversation and talk about your financial goals what you’d like your investment portfolio to do for you. Then, we’ll review the portfolio and discuss our thoughts with you.

If we think your investments are well-suited to your long-term goals, we’ll gladly tell you so. If, on the other hand, we believe some of your investments may no longer fit with your goals, we’ll explain why, using plain English. We will also recommend some alternative strategies for your consideration.

Either way, the coffee is on us!

For a free consultation, please contact my office at 201-505-0472 and let us know if you like milk or cream. Or, if you prefer, we will bring the coffee to you.

ERIC L.

KOHLMEIER Senior Financial Advisor

Managing Director – Investments 100 Park Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656

Phone: 201-505-0472 Toll-Free: 888-213-1460 Fax: 908-598-3956

eric.kohlmeier@wellsfargo.com | www.erickohlmeier.com

Unlock Your Financial Future

Think “outside of the box” with a customized investment plan.

Are you ready to break free from the traditional investment mold?

We believe that your financial journey should be as unique as you are. Let’s craft a personalized investment plan that goes beyond the ordinary, tailored specifically to your goals and aspirations.

n Innovative Strategies: We leverage cuttingedge financial tools and insights to design a dynamic plan that is right for you.

n Personalized Approach: You are our top priority. We take the time to understand your needs, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives.

n Diverse Investment Options: We explore a wide range of opportunities to diversify your portfolio.

Call (201) 505-0472, visit in person, or go online at www.erickohlmeier.com

ERIC L. KOHLMEIER Senior Financial Advisor Managing Director

- Investments 100 Park Ave Park Ridge, NJ 07656

201-505-0472 phone

eric.kohlmeier@wellsfargo.com www.erickohlmeier.com

36 years in the business— 25 at Wells Fargo Advisors

For more information about working with Eric, please feel free to call, send an email, or stop by our convenient Park Ridge, NJ location today.

We look forward to meeting with you!

•

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Features

Age With Grace

(And Vitality) 42

Robust, fulfilling senior years are waiting for most of us—if we do our part. A Bergen doctor offers tips on how to get there.

Readers’ Choice 45

The ballots were counted, and readers chose the top local businesses in 100+ categories. Are your favorite spots among the winners?

Traditions Make

The Season 60

Nine Bergenites recall the fall activities their families cherish each year.

Pasta Perfect 66

Want a break from barbecue? Go Italian with a laid-back yet elegant party, big on flavor, that celebrates a humble ingredient.

Splash & Bash 70

The owners of a Ridgewood colonial love to have their serene new backyard pool all to themselves—and to share it with party guests too.

You Had To Be There 76

If you’ve been doing all your buying online lately, you’ve missed the big new thing in brick-and-mortar retail: “experiences.”

Departments

Bergen Buzz 25

Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

Style Watch 32

Stay in the loop with these knotty, chic options.

Home Front 36

Add history to your home with these artfully weathered pieces.

Friends & Neighbors 38

Regina Carter-Garnett of Maywood is a dynamic musical talent with a violin—and a passionate, empathetic advocate without one.

Escapes 80

Cheek to cheek with Manhattan, Bergenites are too sophisticated to care much about state boundaries. But if you let Garden State pride be your guide, what places you can visit.

Tastes 82

Fall’s favorite fruit takes center stage in these seasonal dishes.

Bar Tab 86

This sip brings the orchard to your glass—just in time for sweater weather.

Restaurant Review 132

Bold flavors and heartfelt hospitality at Ridgewood’s Chorn Thong create memorable experiences.

Gatherings

Bergen residents always show up to support one another.

A

Bergen Moment 144

A Hillsdale photographer moved by the of children honoring those who died in service to our country.

FreeStyle 2025 Readers’ Choice winner for Best New Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Ora FreeStyle Italian.

Our highly trained health care providers and therapists treat individuals of all ages with a variety of needs, including those with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, addictive behaviors, and more.

Your Votes Are Now In

This is a busy time of year, no doubt about it. As we all prepare to bid farewell to summer and send the kids back to the classroom, it’s also time for us here at BERGEN to present our annual Readers’ Choice issue. Starting on page 45, you’ll find a list of the businesses—from bagel shops to bicycle-repair places, from florists to fitness centers—that you, the readers, voted as top in our county. We invite you to browse those pages to see old favorites get their due—and find out about new places you ought to try. Inevitably there’s some great spot that’s been overlooked, so be sure to vote for it when next year’s balloting rolls around.

Check out, too, our preview of the fall season at our local theaters on page 28, or flip to page 30 to find out about the annual Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival. Then there are the apple-based dishes and drink we feature—with recipes—in our Tastes (page 82) and Bar Tab (page 86) sections. And on page 60, nine readers share their cherished fall family pastimes. Apple picking in Upstate New York, watching horror movies outdoors, running the grueling New York City Marathon: These and more are some of the autumn traditions your neighbors look forward to and enjoy most this time of year.

Neither Readers’ Choice nor the autumnal theme entirely defines this issue, of course—our interests are too broad for that. Consider some questions, for example. Can a ho-hum Ridgewood yard become exciting? (A family of four is grateful for designer Linda Granert’s vision and creative touch—page 70.) How much are you concerned about aging with grace and vitality? (You can have fulfilling senior years if you do your part—page 42.) And what versatile food (page 66) that starts with “P” and ends with “A” promises to enliven your late-summer or early-fall party? (Hint: The word has no Zs.)

Then there is the next big thing in brick-and-mortar retail: experiences. In this month’s special report on page 76, we explore the booming trend of experiential retail, which lures customers away from the internet with in-person experiences they can’t get online—we’re talking about knitting classes and yoga sessions, bingo nights and trivia quizzes. It generates buzz and exposure for the business, while giving consumers something fun to do.

In short, we’re confident that you’ll find many things of interest in this issue of BERGEN. Yes, it’s a busy time, but stealing a few minutes to read is permissible if it makes you wiser. (Or if it’s a pleasure—pleasure’s OK too.)

So enjoy!

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

Wealth Management Planning Today for

Wealth Management Planning Today for Tomorrow’s Enjoyment

Whether you are selling a business, inheriting wealth, or looking ahead towards retirement, we work in close collaboration with our investment team and outside advisors to ensure your plan is created efficiently and effectively with your defined objectives in mind. As your life changes and evolves, your plan grows with you - and as stewards of your wealth, we’re with you every step of the way.

Whether you are selling a business, inheriting wealth, or looking ahead work in close collaboration with our investment team and outside advisors is created efficiently and effectively with your defined objectives in mind. evolves, your plan grows with you - and as stewards of your wealth, we’re the way.

Whether business, inheriting work in close our investment is created effectively with and evolves, your - and

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 Photographer RAQUEL LANGWORTHY

PRODUCTION

Production Manager FERN E. MESHULAM

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

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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 © 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Vol. 24, Issue 9, September 2025. Printed in the USA.

Bergen

Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY

Account Executives

PENNY BOAG, CHRISTIE COLVILLE, PEARL LISS

Director, Special Programs

LAURA A. DOWDEN

MARKETING, DIGITAL & OPERATIONS

Director of Marketing and Digital Media

NIGEL EDELSHAIN

Director of Operations

CATHERINE ROSARIO

Director of Advertising Services

JACQUELYNN FISCHER

Chief Finance Officer

STEVEN RESNICK

Assistant Controller

URSZULA JANECZKO

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Office Manager

MARIA MARTUCCI

PUBLISHED BY WAINSCOT MEDIA

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Senior Vice Presidents

EDWARD R. BURNS, LIZETTE CHIN, THOMAS FLANNERY, RITA GUARNA

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Please contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

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General Practice, Emergency, Specialty Care, and More!

FDU HEALTH

TOP RANKED IN NURSING AND THAT’S JUST THE BEGINNING.

At FDU Health, we’re reimagining the future of healthcare education. Not only in nursing, but across dozens of other high-demand fields from pharmacy to respiratory therapy.

FDU Health is changing the way we teach — and how students learn. We’re partnering with industry, health systems and communities to deliver new healthcare solutions. And we’re preparing graduates to be collaborative, innovative — and ready to lead tomorrow’s healthcare teams with confidence.

Learn more at fdu.edu.

Florham Campus (Madison, NJ) • Metropolitan Campus (Teaneck, NJ)

FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY

Luxury Lives Here

Saks Fifth Avenue

Hermès

Gucci

Balenciaga

Saint Laurent

Alexander Wang

Louis Vuitton at Saks Fifth Avenue

Tiffany & Co.

Dolce & Gabbana

Ferrari

A Bathing Ape (BAPE)

Canada Goose

Gentle Monster

Zadig & Voltaire

EP Yaying

Jonathan Adler

TimeVallée

Amouage

Watches of Switzerland

Couture Kids

Carpaccio Ristorante

Isola Bella Champagne Bar

OPEN SUNDAYS

Valet Available On Weekends

Bergen Buzz

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

HONOR THY NEIGHBOR

September 11th is a day of remembrance, but also a day to come together and give back to our community. The National Day of Service encourages us to turn a moment of reflection into meaningful action through volunteerism. Whether it’s helping at a local food pantry, supporting first responders or joining a community cleanup, there are many ways to make a positive impact right here in Bergen. For example:

• The Center for Food Action will hold a “snack pack” event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Crowne Plaza in Englewood. Join guest Jen Maxfield of NBC 4 New York and other volunteers to create more than 2,000 snack packs to assist local children facing food insecurity. Reserve your spot at cfanj.org.

• Hackensack Riverkeeper will host its International Coastal Cleanup event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at 200 Lake Shore Dr. in Haworth. Find out more about the community cleanups at hackensackriverkeeper.org.

• Bergen Volunteers has several groups, including CHEER (Chore Homemaker Education Encouragement Rehabilitation, which pairs volunteers with socially isolated seniors) and CHORE (Chore Repairs, which performs home repairs and maintenance for seniors). Learn more at bergenvolunteers.org.

• Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County has volunteer shifts at the Bergen ReStore retail center in Westwood as well as opportunities to help with the organization’s current home-build project in Oradell. Sign up to volunteer at habitatbergen.org.

CELEBRATE!

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15, and whether or not that’s your ethnicity there are several ways to be a part of it:

• Eat authentic. You’ll find a wealth of food from many Hispanic cultures here. Try our Readers’ Choice Award pick for Best Mexican Restaurant, Lolita’s Mexican Cantina (65 Old Hook Rd., Westwood, 201.666.7998; lolitasmexicancantina.com). For Venezuelan cuisine, particularly a delicious take on Venezuelan street food, try Zetta’s Arepas Bistro (516 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201.559.1446; zettasarepasbistro.com). The flavors of Puerto Rico? Head over to Bistro Taino (107 E. Main St., Bogota, 201.678.0787; bistrotaino.com).

• Join the fun. Several local organizations will commemorate the occasion. Bergen County officials, the county’s Latino Advisory Committee and Bergen Community College have a tradition of teaming up for a full evening celebration that includes performances and speakers at the BCC Paramus campus (stay tuned to bergencountynj.gov for details). You can also head over to Hackensack on Sept. 27 for the Johnson Public Library’s celebration, held outside on the lawn and filled with food, music and dancing.

• Support the work. Local organizations, such as the Lyndhurst-based Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the Hackensack-based Latin American Institute, offer valuable resources from business-focused networking to Spanish-language legal assistance. These organizations are always looking for interest and support, whether through volunteering your time, pitching in at a food drive or other donation effort or spreading the word via social media.

NEW ON THE CAFFEINE SCENE

There’s nothing like an iced coffee to keep summer rolling— and happily several new coffee shops have popped up around the county. If you’re on the road far from your go-to shop, rest assured that there’s always a place to find a creamy latte (it’s pumpkin spice season, folks!), a sweet sip or a cozy ambiance. Try one of these:

• Bergen Coffee Roasters, 20 Sheridan Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201.595.0662; bergencoffee.com

• Café De Lyon, 318 Broad Ave., Leonia, 845.427.4245; cafedelyonus.com

• Caffè Barbaro, 20 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201.499.3644; barbaro coffee.myshopify.com

• La Messina Coffee House, 230 Main St., Fort Lee, 201.429.2441

• Rippin Coffee Roasters, 68 Schraalenburgh Rd., Harrington Park, 201.345.0717; rippinroasters.com

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Edgar, a 6-year-old mixed-breed Owners: Jan and David Parker of Upper Saddle River Edgar’s story starts like something out of an old country song. He and the rest of his litter were found in the back of a pickup truck in Mississippi, and each pup was originally named after a city. (Edgar was Denver.) Meanwhile, here in Bergen, the Parkers had recently lost their beloved rescue and were searching for a new dog. David found “Denver” through the animal adoption resource PetFinder, and the couple fell in love—with everything but his name. David and Jan spent days trying to figure out a better moniker, but couldn’t agree. They referred to their new puppy as “brown dog” throughout the adoption process and into the pooch’s first vet visit. Jan checked him in as “brown dog” and then, while in the waiting room, “I decided this had gone on long enough,” she says. “I made an executive ‘Dog Mom’ decision and advised the front desk that his name would be ‘Edgar,’ after Edgar Linton of Wuthering Heights.”

Edgar is, according to a doggy DNA test, 12.5 percent each American Eskimo dog, American Staffordshire, beagle, boxer, dalmatian and whippet—a true, proud mutt. And he’s brought nothing but happiness into the Parkers’ lives. “There’s no such thing as too many toys or walkies for Edgar,” says Jan. “Edgar rocks our world.”

Want to see your pet in an upcoming issue of BERGEN? Email a photo and a brief description to Editor in Chief Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@ wainscotmedia.com.

THE SHOWS MUST GO ON

As the weather cools, Bergen’s stages are heating up. Local theaters are rolling out an exciting fall lineup filled with musicals, dramas and comedies—perfect for date nights, family outings or a cultured solo escape. Here’s a sneak peek at shows you won’t want to miss this season, including one outside the county:

• Bergen County Players, Oradell. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Sept. 13–Oct. 11. The Game’s Afoot, Oct. 25–Nov. 15. Tickets and info: bcplayers.org

• Bergenstages, Ciccone Theatre, Paramus. The Kite Runner, play reading, Oct. 5. Tickets and info: bergen.edu

• Old Library Theatre, Fair Lawn. Jekyll & Hyde, Oct. 17–19, 24–26. Tickets and info: oldlibrarytheatre.com

CULINARY CORNER

Had enough barbecue this summer? September is perfect for trying something different, and these recently opened restaurants are ready to serve:

FOOD, VIBES AND MORE

Though the décor is chic and the vibe is lively, the food’s the star at 82 Oak Bar & Bistro. Now open in Garfield, the restaurant offers typical pub fare such as wings and fries but also caters to those looking for more: salads, salmon, steak, shrimp and even pasta dishes that don’t start with “S” are on the menu.

• 82 Oak Bar & Bistro, 149 Van Winkle Ave., Garfield, 973.474.1110; 82oak.com

MEET FOR MEDITERRANEAN

Brooklyn restaurateurs Inna and Eldad Mashiach have ventured into Bergen, opening up the Mediterranean eatery Mami in downtown Cresskill. The new restaurant is a treat for those craving kebabs and shawarma, but also appeals to those who want a burger, grilled branzino or schnitzel.

• Mami, 15 E. Madison Ave., Cresskill, 201.266.8931; mami-hospitality.com

TRY THAI

The chefs at PingYang Thai, recently opened in Hackensack, use fresh ingredients to treat diners to an authentic taste of Thailand. The menu ranges from familiar pad thai noodles and pad kra pao stir-fry to specials like tamarind duck and Ping Yang pork.

• PingYang Thai, 7 State St., Hackensack, 973.619.5567; pingyangthainj.com

A GREAT BERGEN EVENING

Mark your calendars and pick up your tickets—a big event in Bergen is coming, and you can be part of it. Join us for the annual Bergen Wine & Food Experience Sept. 18 at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, where we gather the county’s best (browse some on pages 45–59) for you to enjoy.

Sample cuisine from dozens of restaurants and caterers and sip fine wines, spirits, craft beers and cocktails from area vendors. Tickets are on sale now at bergenmag.com; their price includes a commemorative event cup and swag bag. We can’t wait to see you there!

• Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn. Bull Durham: The Musical, Oct. 2–Nov. 2. Tickets and info: papermill.org

• Players Guild of Leonia, Leonia. Red Speedo, Sept. 12–28. Where the Time Goes, Nov. 14–23. Tickets and info: leoniaplayers.org

GET REVVED UP

It’s almost time for the annual Andiamo Motorcycle Charity Run, which will buzz through the county beginning at 8 a.m. Sept. 14. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the spectacle, a 60-mile, police-escorted ride through southeast New York and North Jersey that begins and ends at Andiamo Restaurant in Haworth. The neighborhood eatery hosts a post-ride block party with food, music and festivities. Proceeds will benefit Englewood Health Foundation, Haworth Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Haworth Police Auxiliary, the Special Olympics and local charities. Want to get involved or join the ride? Visit andiamorun.com for details.

TOP 20 IN THE NATION.

GREAT CARE RIGHT HERE

Bergen County continues recognized as top-notch. HackUniversity Medical Center has named New Jersey’s top hospiU.S. News & World Report , a recognized leader in consumer adanalysis and rankings. HUMC listed in the publication’s Hospitals Honor Roll, a collecthe top 20 medical centers in country. U.S. News also honored Hospital in Paramus, No. 6 in rankings, and Englewood

10. Ratings were based rates, patient experience performance measures in 15 areas of care, such as cancer, and orthopedics.

FESTIVAL DAY

September is ideal for apple picking, browsing farmers’ markets—and stopping by Bergen’s biggest and most anticipated harvest festival. Every year, Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park comes alive for the Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival with food vendors, hands-on activities, a craft fair, carnival rides, a farmers’ market—and displays and exhibits from the Rutgers Bergen County Master Gardeners and 4-H youth organizations.

Standing for “Head, Heart, Hands and Health,” 4 - H is a national community of young people. In Bergen County, chapter heads are appointed and trained by Rutgers University. Besides the newly hatched chicks the organization brings every year, you can also browse the community and agriculture projects from young local 4-H members. In the past, those projects have included local scientific research and crafts. “4-H members have a lot of creative freedom when selecting what to enter, and many choose to represent themselves with something they’re passionate about,” says Alyssa Glynn, the senior program coordinator of Bergen’s 4-H chapters. “Once entered, each exhibit is judged and given a score and ribbon. It’s a great way for youth to display their skills and passions in a safe and uplifting environment..

Bergen County 4-H will also be collecting nonperishable food for local food pantries throughout the festival.

The Bergen County Harvest Festival takes place Sept. 26–28. See bergen.njaes.rutgers.edu for details.

FALL AT THE MALL

Bergen’s shopping centers are buzzing with new energy. From new store openings to stylish upgrades, there’s plenty to explore and browse this season. A few highlights:

• American Dream, East Rutherford. It’s all about experiences at this entertainment center. Great Big Game Show is an immersive, live event in which guests become contestants and compete in mini games, while Rolife allows visitors to create their own home décor using 3D art.

• Bergen Town Center, Paramus. There’s something new for almost everyone in the family. La Perla Cosmetics brings its line of cosmetics; Paint Me Bear lets all ages create their own keepsakes; and at The Slime Sundae bar anyone with a sweet tooth can get messy with dessert.

• Garden State Plaza, Paramus. As construction on the mall’s redevelopment project gets underway outside (goal: a town green and residential apartments), new stores and eateries inside add to the experience. Arriving this fall: Columbia Sportswear and Vuori offer performance apparel, The Sharp Notes has vinyl records for all genres, and Dreame is a leader in smart home cleaning products and appliances. New dining options include Vive la Crêpe and Salt & Butter, the mall’s first kosher restaurant.

• Shops at Riverside, Hackensack. Shopping here just got better with the addition of Anthropologie and Free People. The dining selection will expand soon as well, with Capon’s Chop House (by Bergen’s own celebrity chef Josh Capon) and Jinya Ramen Bar on the horizon.

Open Stitch Sweater Banana Republic, Edgewater, 201.941.0877

Scallop-Trim SweaterDress in Stripe J.Crew, Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.4123

Stay in the loop with these knotty, chic options.

Zimmermann Tallow Crochet Midi Skirt zimmermann.com

Knitted Dress Walmart, multiple locations

Seasoft Mid Rise Straight Pant

Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.1086

Madeline Linen & Organic-Cotton Cardigan garnethill.com

The Sak Women’s Lucia Crochet Medium Crossbody Bag Macy’s, Paramus, 201.843.9100

Athleta,

Annhoo

FACING CHILDHOOD CANCER

WITH COMPASSION, RESEARCH & HOPE

Hope & Heroes delivers world-class care, family-centered programs, and real healing to children with cancer and blood disorders. “We are always grateful to Hope & Heroes for their support,” says Maryana, Rhett’s mom. “They made sure we never felt alone.”

When Rhett was just two years old, he was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. What should have been a carefree time in toddlerhood instead became a blur of hospital rooms, chemotherapy, and fear. His parents were overwhelmed—not only by the diagnosis, but by the long, uncertain road ahead.

That road changed the day they were introduced to Hope & Heroes.

In addition to the care Rhett received from his doctors and nurses, Hope & Heroes became an integral part of his treatment journey. They funded programs that offered Rhett emotional and physical support, like integrative medicine, child life specialists, and the Arts in Medicine Studio—an innovative art program that brings creativity into

the hospital setting. For Rhett and his family, Hope & Heroes became a lifeline.

Today, Rhett is 15 —and thriving. He plays football and lacrosse, takes quarterback lessons, and embraces every moment of the healthy, active life his parents once feared he might never have. “We are always grateful to Hope & Heroes for their support,” says Maryana, Rhett’s mom. “They made sure we never felt alone.”

Hope & Heroes is the tri-state region’s leading pediatric charity, funding the life-saving work on childhood cancer and blood disorders. Their impact spans seven premier pediatric cancer centers across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut supporting over 600 doctors and healthcare providers and helping more than 1,000 newly diagnosed children each year.

Unlike large national organizations, their local focus ensures direct support to the communities they serve. They don’t just fund research—they empower patients, families, and medical professionals, combining cutting-edge science with deeply compassionate care. Their work bridges equity gaps by ensuring children from all backgrounds have access to the best treatment and supportive services available.

Founded in 1996 by Dr. Michael Weiner, Hope & Heroes began with the vision that every child deserves world-class care, no matter their background or insurance status.

Together, we can ensure no family faces childhood cancer alone.

--Attend the Hope & Heroes Annual Gala on Thursday, November 6th, at The Glasshouse in NYC.

--Join quarterly art making events at The MET.

--Host a fundraiser, wear gold this month in support of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, or share their story.

Every dollar makes a difference. Scan the QR code to make a gift. Call 332.330.1025, email contact@hopeandheroes.org, or visit www.hopeandheroes.org.

The name itself came from a teenage patient’s letter to her baseball hero, sparking a movement that continues to change lives nearly 30 years later.

Hope & Heroes addresses the full spectrum of care—from funding immunotherapy research to supporting patient nutrition, transportation, education, housing, and mental health. They walk alongside families through the most difficult moments, offering not only resources but also hope.

Whether underwriting groundbreaking research, funding psychosocial programs, or easing the daily burden on families, Hope & Heroes treats each child as more than a patient—they see them as a whole person, with a future worth fighting for.

Rhett in treatment

Rhett is positioned on the far right, alongside his parents, Maryana and Aaron, and his younger brother, Landon.

Josh

Sawyer Wood Round Mirror

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

Virtuoso

Maywood’s Regina Carter-Garnett is a dynamic musical talent with a violin—and a passionate, empathetic advocate without one.

In the music industry, it’s hard to say that someone has done everything, but jazz violinist Regina Carter-Garnett of Maywood comes close. Now 59, she’s recorded 10 studio albums as a band leader or co-leader and been a featured artist on nearly two dozen more. (One, Eddie Palmieri’s Listen Here! , won the Grammy for Best Latin Jazz album in 2006.) She’s toured the world, received a MacArthur Fellows grant and a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Fellowship, sat as a Pulitzer Prize jurist three times and worked with musicians Ray Brown, Dolly Parton and Billy Joel.

Originally from Detroit, Carter-Garnett moved to Maywood in 2004 with her husband, drummer Alvester Garnett.

How did you come to music?

My late mother taught kindergarten—she wanted my older brothers and me to be exposed to art. My brothers both took piano lessons. One day when I was 2, I walked up to the piano and started playing the piece my brother was working on. The teacher asked, “Who taught her that?” My mother put me in lessons, but I didn’t want to learn to read music; I wanted to play my own songs. My teacher suggested we stop—she didn’t want to ruin my love of music by forcing it. When I was 4, a music school in Detroit started using the Suzuki method, where you learn to play by ear first and then you learn to read music. My mom enrolled me there, I started the violin and loved it. Why jazz?

turned my world upside down. I said, “You can do this with the violin? Well, I know what I’m going to do for a living.”

How did you find your feet in the industry? The first challenge was convincing my mother, who wanted me to pursue something more stable. But my passion was strong. When I was in high school, I toured on the weekends with a rock-funk band. After college, I joined an all-women’s group called Straight Ahead. We played the Detroit Jazz Festival, then the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Someone heard us rehearsing our set and asked if we would open for Nina Simone, which we jumped at. That’s what got us signed with Atlantic Records.

I was being taught classical and my brothers were listening to Motown and funk. In high school, my best friend gave me three albums: Jean-Luc Ponty, Noel Pointer and Stéphane Grappelli. They

A favorite moment?

I traveled to Genoa, Italy, to play a famous violin [“the Canon”] owned by classical violinist Paganini. Usually only classical players can use

the instrument. But the mayor of Genoa loved jazz, and he thought it was a great idea. There was pushback. People hear the word “jazz” and they think—well, I’m not sure what they think. But the concert was sold out. I got to record on that violin—my album Paganini: After A Dream

A time you were star-struck?

Working with Ray Brown. He’s a legend. He was the most loving person, very grandfatherly, but he could be cantankerous. He hated how much I was on my phone.

What are you working on now?

I’m recovering from two cervical spine surgeries I had a year and a half ago, to repair a pinched nerve. I’m in occupational and physical therapy, and I haven’t been able to hold my bow. I can only play for about five minutes. But being a violinist is a huge part of my identity. I’m trying to write music, but what am I going to do if I can never play again? A couple of years ago, I was trained as an end-of-life doula, and I’ve volunteered in hospice facilities. I think I’ll pivot there.

Tell us about that.

When my mom was passing, I canceled most of my gigs to be home. For her last three months, I was with her every day. I’d play musical recordings for her. She couldn’t communicate anymore, but her vitals would change. People say all the time that music is healing, and it sounds like namby-pamby, but I saw it firsthand. What’s it like being married to another musician? Alvester originally played in my band—that’s how we met. Once we got together, we were engaged and married within nine months in 2004. After that, he would still play with me professionally, but we would always have separate hotel rooms on the road. When we were working, we weren’t married. Then we’d get on the airplane to come home and be married.

Favorite thing about Bergen?

I love Maywood. I love my home. This was the last house Alvester and I looked at, and I knew right away. He went downstairs, I went upstairs, we met in the middle and I said, “This is it.”

—Kirsten Meehan

by Jeff

Photo

Dunn

HEALTH NEWS

MOM’S OBESITY AFFECTS BABIES

Children born to mothers who are obese with a BMI of 35 or higher are at heightened risk of being admitted to the hospital for an infection, finds a long-term study. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight before and after the pregnancy, say the researchers.

—BMJ Medicine

LOW-CAL DIET LINKED TO DEPRESSION

Following a low-calorie diet is linked to a heightened risk of depressive symptoms, according to recently published research. Men and those who are overweight may be especially vulnerable to the effects of restrictive eating, the findings suggest. A healthy diet rich in minimally processed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins and fish, is generally associated with a lower risk of depression, while an unhealthy diet, dominated by ultra-processed foods, refined carbs, saturated fats, processed meats and sweets, is generally associated with a heightened risk, explain the researchers.

—BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health

1 IN 7 ADULT SMOKERS HAVE DIFFICULTIES

Around 1 in 7 U.S. adults who currently smoke may have some degree of disability, suggests the first study of its kind. And the prevalence of disability and/ or some degree of functional difficulty is twice as high among those who continue to puff away as it is among those who have never smoked. The figures suggest that 40 percent of the estimated 25 million adults who currently smoke experience some level of functional difficulty in 6 core areas: vision; hearing; walking or climbing steps; communication; cognition; and self-care.

—Tobacco Control

FASTING SAME AS TRADITIONAL DIETS

Intermittent fasting diets appear to have similar benefits to traditional calorie-restricted diets for weight loss, according to an analysis of data. And alternate-day fasting demonstrates greater benefits compared with both calorie restriction and other intermittent fasting approaches, but researchers say longer trials are needed.

—The BMJ

SMOKING POT LINKED TO HEART DISEASE

Cannabis use is linked to a doubling of the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, with significantly heightened risks of having a stroke or acute coronary syndrome—sudden reduced or blocked blood flow to the heart, finds a pooled analysis of real-world data.

—Heart

BEWARE TODDLERS SWALLOWING MAGNETS

Thousands of young children worldwide are swallowing magnets despite an increase in regulations. The swallowing of small high-powered magnets is a significant issue worldwide, especially among children under the age of 4, because they are commonly found in household items, such as toys, remote controls and small household appliances.

—Injury Prevention

DEMENTIA DECLINES

New cases of dementia United States declined 2015 to 2021. However, number of people the condition continued to rise likely due to population aging, nearly 2.9 million traditional Medicare beneficiaries— around 12 percent—living with a dementia diagnosis in 2021.

—The BMJ

—Compiled by Paul

West Spring Valley Ave, Suite 200, Maywood, NJ 07607 •

info@keystonecardiology.com • www.keystonecardiology.com

DR. DEMETRIOS PANAGIOTOU, A DISTINGUISHED CARDIOLOGIST AND FOUNDER OF KEYSTONE CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER IN MAYWOOD, NJ, offers advanced, personalized care to patients in Bergen County and the greater tri-state area. With a medical background from prestigious institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University, Weill Cornell Medical College, Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, NYU Hospital, and Columbia University Medical Center, Dr. Panagiotou brings expertise in cardiovascular disease and advanced cardiac imaging.

Dr. Panagiotou has an appointment as an Assistant Professor of Cardiology and Internal Medicine at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. His board certifications in cardiovascular diseases, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology ensure patients receive comprehensive care for conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. His independent practice, free from hospital affiliation, allows for unbiased, patient-focused care tailored to individual needs. This independence sets him apart, giving patients a VIP experience with unparalleled attention and treatment recommendations free from hospital constraints.

What truly sets Dr. Panagiotou apart is his personalized approach. He combines extensive training with unwavering dedication to accessibility, offering 24/7 availability and personalized follow-up care. This dedication creates a unique bond with his patients, often bringing them in through

from families and friends.

Age With Grace (And Vitality!)

ROBUST, FULFILLING SENIOR YEARS ARE WAITING FOR MOST OF US—IF WE DO OUR PART. A BERGEN DOCTOR OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO GET THERE.

Despina Psillides, M.D., geriatrician and primary care physician, Englewood Health

Life is finite— we can’t change that. But there is no reason why the final decades of a life can’t be among the best. Age, after all, brings a wealth of advantages: Experience and the wisdom and confidence that come with time are major assets (and the salt-andpepper look is always in). Gone are the days when retirement meant taking to the rocking chair and watching the world go by. With life expectancy in the U.S. rising again after taking a dip in 2022, your “golden” years can be fulfilling and fun—if you take proper care of yourself.

Says Despina Psillides, M.D., a geriatrician and primary care physician with Englewood Health who practices in Harrington Park and Northvale: “Aging—and what it means—has shifted significantly in society. People are surprised to learn that at age 65 someone is considered ‘geriatric,’ because people are living more active lives well into their 80s and 90s.”

The keys to achieving that life are “healthy aging” practices. Explains Dr. Psillides: “The goal of healthy aging is not only to live longer, but also to enhance our quality of life as we age.” Though “good sense” practices such as maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular exercise and keeping up with vaccinations play a large part, it goes beyond that. “We also focus on mental well-being by managing stress, practicing mindfulness and fostering relationships and social connections,” she says.

Ways to age gracefully?

Give yourself a hand

Considering all the ways you use your hands and fingers, it’s logical that keeping them in top condition is a priority. In particular, grip strength can decrease as we get older, which can be a hindrance to independence. A strong grip strength allows you to open jars and prescription bottles, yes, but is also important for catching yourself on something when you fall—and pulling yourself back up to your feet if you do. To maintain your grip strength, Dr. Psillides suggests “squeezing a stress ball

while you are watching TV to help maintain strength and flexibility.” In the realm of preventive care, she also suggests using an ergonomic setup if you work at a desk or a computer “to help avoid wrist injuries.”

Something as simple as using a wrist rest can significantly lower your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive-strain injuries. The doctor flags “tremors, numbness and tingling” as “concerning” symptoms you should mention to a doctor right away, as they could be signs of a more serious health concern such as Parkinson’s disease.

Hear yourself out

Dr. Psillides calls hearing loss “a significant aspect of aging” and notes that it’s also a risk factor for dementia. “Hearing is a complex process and, when it is impaired, the brain works harder to process and comprehend sounds,” says the geriatrician. “This extra effort can cause strain in other areas of the brain.” Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, is very common—according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, one in three adults between 65 and 74 experiences it. Though there are steps you can take to protect your hearing (reach for ear plugs if your work or play takes you around loud noises and don’t blast music through your earbuds), there’s no surefire way to prevent it. But don’t just accept it. “It is important to get tested for hearing loss early,” says Dr. Psillides. “Even if hearing aids aren’t needed immediately, regular testing allows for comparison over time to track any changes and determine when they might become necessary. Many of the seniors I work with are hesitant to use hearing aids, but I always emphasize the connection between hearing and memory. Plus, modern hearing aids are very different from the older models. Today’s devices include discreet options that are barely noticeable, as well as models that connect directly to Bluetooth for convenience.”

Keep your mind sharp

We all know the benefits of staying physically active (in many respects the phrase “use it or

lose it” applies), but keeping mentally active can be just as important. “As a geriatrician, one of my key roles with my patients is discussing memory concerns,” Dr. Psillides says. “Many people underestimate the value of activities that support memory—anything that keeps the mind active, such as puzzles and word games, helps maintain brain health.” Her top tip? “Learning something new is a powerful way to challenge your mind. Whether it’s learning a new song on an instrument or a new card game with friends, this is an easy way to challenge the mind and stimulate cognition.”

Stay connected

“Social connection becomes increasingly important as we age,” says the doctor. “Isolation can be just as much of a health risk as obesity or smoking.” Not only can loneliness contribute to anxiety and depression, it can also speed up cognitive decline and even, according to the National Institute on Aging, put you at a higher risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. “Many communities offer community centers and senior programs that provide classes, lectures and overnight trips to help foster social engagement,” says Dr. Psillides. These programs will also often help you keep up with the active lifestyle and exercise needed to keep your body in good condition.

The doctor stresses communicating with your physician, and considering your health outside of regular doctor’s visits. “We are generally good at managing our physical health through doctors’ appointments and screenings,” she says. “However, we often overlook the importance of caring for our health outside the doctor’s office. Simple practices make a difference.”

Finally, try not to let pride, shyness, fear or a feeling that you ought to be selfsufficient keep you from reaching out for help or advice. “If you feel overwhelmed by the challenges of growing older,” says Dr. Psillides, “your primary care doctor or geriatrician can provide valuable support.”

READERS’ CHOICE

WE COUNTED THE VOTES, AND YOU’VE DETERMINED WHO’S CREAM OF THE CROP. ENJOY THE WINNERS IN MORE THAN 100 CATEGORIES— FROM SUSHI AND SPAS TO GYMS AND JEWELRY STORES.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

BREAKFAST

Willow & Whisk, 319 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, 201.425.9931; willowandwhisk.com

This Wyckoff eatery is a repeat winner in this category, perhaps because it always delivers on its promise to serve an elevated spread. For instance, the lemon ricotta pancakes are a crowd favorite, the brioche French toast will have you craving seconds and, for those looking for something savory, the shakshuka and avocado toast always satisfies. Pro tip: Check out the mocktail menu, which offers options such as the “lem-berry spritzer,” with strawberry-blood orange puree, fresh-squeezed lemonade and seltzer.

Photo courtesy of Willow & Whisk

RESTAURANTS

& FOOD

BAGELS

1. Goldberg’s Multiple locations goldbergsnj.com

2. Teaneck Road Hot Bagels 976 Teaneck Rd. Teaneck 201.833.0410

3. Bagel Nosh Multiple locations bagelnoshtogo.com

BAKERY

1. Polkadot Cake Shop 137 Stuyvesant Ave. Lyndhurst 551.333.3195 polkadotcake.com

2. B&W Bakery 614 Main St. Hackensack 201.342.5577 bandwbakery.com

3. Rispoli 23 Emerson Plaza E. Emerson 20.265.4009 rispolipastryshop.com

BARBECUE

1. Brother’s Smokehouse 900 Rte. 17 N. Ramsey 551.264.9073 brotherssmokehousenj. com

2. Kimchi Smoke BBQ Shack

2 Godwin Ave. Ridgewood 201.447.6653 kimchismokeorders.com

3. Cubby’s 249 S. River St. Hackensack 201.488.9389 cubbysbarbeque.com

BREAKFAST

1. Willow & Whisk 319 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.425.9931 willowandwhisk.com

2. Giovanna’s Café 19 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.825.5835 giovannascafe.com

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

BRUNCH

1. Willow & Whisk 319 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.425.9931 willowandwhisk.com

2. Farm & Flour 434-436 Pulis Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.942.2066 farmandflournj.com

3. Graze 611 N. Maple Ave. Ho-Ho-Kus 201.543.0144 grazehhk.com

BURGERS

1. Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 S. Carlstadt 201.933.4000 biggies.com

2. White Manna 358 River St. Hackensack whitemanna.com

3. Westwood Prime Eats (TIE) 198 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.664.0069 westwoodprime meats.com

3. Steve’s Burgers (TIE) 506 Rte. 46 Garfield 973.772.1770 steves-burgers. foodjoyy.com

BUTCHER

1. Westwood Prime Eats 198 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.664.0069 westwoodprime meats.com

2. Steve’s Market 41 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.327.9466 stevesmarket.com

3. B&M Market

146 Kinderkamack Rd. Unit B Park Ridge 201.391.4373 bmfoodlovers.com

BYO RESTAURANT

1. Sanducci’s Trattoria

620 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com

2. Mezza Luna 22 Jefferson Ave. Westwood 201.722.8822 mezzawestwood.com

3. Café Panache

130 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com

CANDY/ CHOCOLATE

1. Conrad’s Confectionery 107 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.664.2895 conrads1928.com

2. Luxx Chocolat (by appointment only) 133 Kinderkamack Rd. Park Ridge 201.312.7936 luxxchocolat.shop

CANDY/ CHOCOLATE

Conrad’s Confectionery, 107 Westwood Ave., Westwood, 201.664.2895; conrads1928.com

3. Critchley’s 812 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.967.1800 critchleyscandies.com

CHINESE RESTAURANT

1. TS Ma 637 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff 201891.8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com

2. Hanami Multiple locations 201.666.8508 hanamirestaurant.com

3. Good Taste 22 Church St. Ramsey 201.236.1970 goodtastenj.com

COFFEEHOUSE

1. Pour City Roasters 807 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.485.7087 pourcityroasters.com

2. The Barista’s Touch (TIE) 66A Park Ave. Hillsdale

2. Humphrey’s (TIE) 160 Terrace St., Suite 1 Haworth 201.338.2207 humphreyscoffee.com

3. The Dell Coffee Co. (TIE) 360 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell 201.846.6293

3. Rey Sol Coffee (TIE) 22 Chestnut St. Ridgewood 908.227.1804 reysolcoffee.com

CRAFT BREWERY

1. Hackensack Brewing Company 78 Johnson Ave. Hackensack 201.880.1768 hackensackbrewing.com

2. Five Dimes Brewery 247 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.497.8455 fivedimesbrewery.com

3. Gearblock Brewing Company 140 Franklin Tpke., # 2 Waldwick 201.962.2057 gearblockbrewing.com

CUPCAKES

1. Kara Kakes

799 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.485.8889 kara-kakes.com

2. Mr. Cupcakes Multiple locations 973.859.0180 mrcupcakes.com

3. Lori’s Mixing Bowl 88 La Roche Ave. Harrington Park 201.499.0001 lorismixingbowl.com

DINER

1. Stateline Diner 375 Rte. 17 Mahwah 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com

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

3. Matthew’s Diner 4 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick 201.447.1411 matthewsdiner.com

DONUTS 1. Glaze Donuts Multiple locations glazedonuts.com

Whether you’re buying a sweet gift for a special someone or treating yourself, Westwood’s famed shop has 97 years of experience to ensure you always get the perfect treat. You’ll find everything from chocolate-covered pretzels to elevated chocolate truffles here, plus gummy candy favorites and saltwater taffy. Conrad’s also makes shopping easy, with special “by occasion” collections for Valentine’s, Easter and more. * – not in Bergen County

2. Black Magic Bakehouse 19 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood blackmagicbake house.com

3. Duck Donuts Multiple locations duckdonuts.com

FARMERS’ MARKET

1. Ramsey Farmers’ Market 2 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.675.6866 ramseyfarmersmarket.org

2. River Vale Farmers’ Market 406 Rivervale Road River Vale rivervalenj.org

3. Paramus Farmers’ Market

1 Carlough Dr. Paramus paramusborough.org

FISH MARKET

1. Peter’s Fish Market 190 Godwin Ave. Midland Park 201.444.3331 petersfishmarket.com

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

3. The Fish Dock 219A Closter Dock Rd. Closter 201.564.7939 thefishdock.com

FRENCH RESTAURANT

1. Latour 6 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood 201.445.5056 latourridgewood.com

2. Cafe Panache 130 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com

3. Brasserie Mémère 107 Vervalen St. Closter 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com

GLUTEN-FREE GOODIES

1. Pizza Nova 24 Washington St. Tenafly 201.894.9700 pizza-nova.foodjoyy.com

ICE CREAM

Cranberry Junction, 19 Temple Ave., Hackensack, 201.546.8966; cranberryjunction icecream.com

This Hackensack staple is instantly recognizable, with its bright pink exterior and brightly painted interior. And it’s not all looks—the ice cream is out-of-this-world. Grab classic chocolate, vanilla or strawberry, or opt for a flavor like banana pudding or a different frozen treat altogether. Gelato, milkshakes and soft-serve also are available.

3. Conrad’s Confectionery 107 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.664.2895 conrads1928.com

INDIAN RESTAURANT

1. Rudra Indian Bistro 561 Cedar Ln. Teaneck 201.530.7575 rudraindianbistro.com

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

3. Bombay Hut (TIE) 18A E. Prospect St. Waldwick 201.857.3266 bombayhut.com

3. Downtown Dhaba (TIE) 266 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

1. Masa Sushi & Grill (TIE) 81 W. Allendale Rd. Allendale 201.934.6616 masasushiandgrill.com

1. Tawara (TIE) 53 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.825.8712 tawarajapanese restaurant.com

2. Matsu (TIE) 140 Broadway Hillsdale 201.930.1896 matsusushibest.com

2. Kiku Restaurant (TIE) 385 Rte. 9W Alpine 201.767.6322

365 Rte. 17 Paramus 201.265.7200 kikurestaurantsnj.com

GOURMET GROCERY

1. Market Basket 813 Franklin Lake Rd. Franklin Lakes 201.891.2000 marketbasket.com

2. Maywood Market 78 W. Pleasant Ave. Maywood 201.843.8361 maywoodsmarketplace. com

3. Steve’s Market (TIE) 41 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.327.9466 stevesmarket.com

3. Uncle Giuseppe’s (TIE) 10 Triangle Plz. Ramsey 201.995.6800 uncleg.com

GREEK

RESTAURANT

1. Nisiotis Taverna 365 Queen Anne Rd. Teaneck 201.287.1007 nisiotistaverna.com

2. Varka 30 N. Spruce St. Ramsey 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

3. Greek City 1300 Rte. 17, #12 Ramsey 201.760.2500 greekcityrestaurant.com

HOT DOGS

1. 1950 Originals 325 Broadway Westwood 201.275.0622 1950originals.com

2. Hiram’s 1345 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee 201.592.9602

3. Hank’s Franks 210 Rte. 46 Lodi 973.473.8589

ICE CREAM

1. Cranberry Junction 19 Temple Ave. Hackensack 201.546.8966 cranberryjunctionicecream.com

2. Van Dyk’s Ice Cream 145 Ackerman Ave. Ridgewood 201.444.1429 vandyksicecream.com

ITALIAN DELI

1. Italian Riviera 8 E. Prospect St. Waldwick 201.652.9415

2. A&S Italian Market 525 Cedar Hill Ave. Wyckoff 201.447.0800 aandsitalianmarket.com

3. Moranos Gourmet Market 1 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.825.8020 moranos.com

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

1. Sanducci’s Trattoria 620 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com

2. Pizza Nova 24 Washington St. Tenafly 201.894.9700 pizza-nova.foodjoyy.com

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

* – not in Bergen County

JEWISH DELI

1. Kosher Nosh Deli 894 Prospect St. Glen Rock 201.445.1186 koshernosh.com

2. Foster Village Kosher Delicatessen 469 S. Washington Ave. Bergenfield 201.384.7100 fostervillagekosherdeli. com

JUICE BAR 1. Beets Juice Bar Multiple locations beetsjuicebar.com

2. The Power Plant Cafe 20 Nordhoff Pl. Englewood thepowerplantcafe.com

KOREAN RESTAURANT

1. Cast Iron Pot 356 Bergen Blvd. Fairview 201.941.1047 castironpotbbq.com

Photo courtesy of Cranberry Junction

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Sanducci’s Trattoria, 620 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201.599.0600; sanduccis.com

Bergen County has some spectacular Italian restaurants, which makes Sanducci’s third straight win in this category all the more impressive. Family owned and operated, the restaurant boasts a menu packed with all the classics you crave, from chicken parmigiana to pizza to seafood pasta. It also has a beautiful patio for outdoor dining and, if you’re hosting a large party, offers a catering service that’s sure to please.

MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

Samdan, 178 Piermont Rd., Cresskill, 201.816.7343; samdanrestaurantnj.com

This longtime eatery’s Mediterranean favorites always impress, but its new-to-you dishes can quickly become new go-tos. Chicken, beef and lamb kababs, gyro, hummus and lentil soup are just the start of its list of offerings. Make sure you save room for dessert—traditional Turkish kadayif, made of shredded filo dough and syrup, is a crowd pleaser.

courtesy

Photo

of Samdan

1. Samdan 178 Piermont Rd. Cresskill 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurantnj.com

2. Varka 30 N. Spruce St. Ramsey 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

3. Mezza 22 Jefferson Ave. Westwood 201.722.8822 mezzalivingston.com MEXICAN

1. Lolita’s Mexican Cantina 65 Old Hook Rd. Westwood 201.666.7998 lolitasmexicancantina.com

2. El Azteca Multiple locations aztecasrestaurants.com

3. Chapala Grill

2 S. Washington Ave. Bergenfield 201.387.2107 chapalamexicancuisine. com

MOZZARELLA

1. Uncle Giuseppe’s 10 Triangle Plz. Ramsey 201.995.6800 uncleg.com

2. Annabella’s House of Mozzarella 900 Paterson Plank Rd. East Rutherford 201.804.0303 annabellasmozz.com

3. A&S Wyckoff (TIE) 525 Cedar Hill Ave. Wyckoff 201.447.0800 aandsitalianmarket.com

3. Vinnie’s Mootz (TIE) 356 Valley Brook Ave. Lyndhurst 201.468.0117 vinniesmootz.com

NEW RESTAURANT

1. ORA FreeStyle Italian 304 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell 201.267.4304 orainthedell.com

2. The Spring House 91 W. Clinton Ave. Tenafly 201.353.0080 springhousetenafly.com

OUTDOOR DINING

1. Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave. Haworth 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net

2. Sanducci’s Trattoria 620 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com

PIZZA

1. Pizza Nova 24 Washington St. Tenafly 201.894.9700 pizza-nova.foodjoyy.com

2. Kinchley’s Tavern 586 Franklin Tpke. Ramsey 201.934.7777 kinchleyspizza.com

3. Sanducci’s Pizza Kitchen 620 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.523.9300 sanduccis.com

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

1. Saddle River Inn 2 Barnstable Ct. Saddle River 201.825.4016 saddleriverinn.com

2. Cafe Panache 130 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com

3. Shannon Rose 1200 Rte. 17 N. Ramsey 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

1. The River Palm Terrace 1416 River Rd. Edgewater 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com

2. Varka 30 N. Spruce St. Ramsey 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

3. Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 S. Carlstadt 201.933.4000 biggies.com

STEAKHOUSE

1. The River Palm Terrace 1416 River Rd. Edgewater 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com

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

3. Capital Grille 1 Garden State Plaza Paramus 201.845.7040 thecapitalgrille.com

SUSHI

1. The River Palm Terrace 1416 River Rd. Edgewater 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com

2. Masa Sushi & Grill 81 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale 201.934.6616 masasushiandgrill.com

3. Sushi X 23 Chestnut St. Ridgewood 201.689.7878 sushixnj.com

THAI RESTAURANT

1. Pimaan Thai Restaurant 79 Kinderkamack Rd. Emerson 201.967.0440 pimaanthai.com

2. GAO Thai Kitchen 63 W. Main St. Ramsey 201.962.2691 gaothaikitchen.com

3. Wyckoff Thai 314 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.485.8855 wyckoffthai.com

VEGAN/VEGETARIAN

RESTAURANT

1. Pizza Nova 24 Washington St. Tenafly 201.894.9700 pizza-nova.foodjoyy.com

PIZZA

Pizza Nova, 24 Washington St., Tenafly, 201.894.9700; pizza-nova.foodjoyy.com

Nobody does pizza like New Jersey, and Bergen’s best slice proudly lives up to that claim. The chefs behind Pizza Nova have been perfecting their pies since 1979. Get a classic cheese pie or try one of their specialties like Tex Mex (topped with jalapeño and Spanish onions) or San Diego (sauteed spinach and feta). Want something sweet? This shop offers a s’mores pizza on a graham cracker crust. Where do we order?

2. Veggie Heaven 473 Cedar Ln. Teaneck 201.836.0887 orderveggieheaven.com

3. Freakin’ Vegan 39 Godwin Ave. Ridgewood 201.677.2421 freakin-vegan.com

WATERFRONT DINING

1. Chart House * 1700 Harbor Blvd. Weehawken 201.348.6628 chart-house.com

2. Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar 2 Main St. Edgewater 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com

3. De Novo European Pub 1257 River Rd. Edgewater 201.496.6161 denovoeuropeanpub.com

WINGS

1. Pizza Nova 24 Washington St. Tenafly 201.894.9700 pizza-nova.foodjoyy.com

2. Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 S. Carlstadt 201.933.4000 biggies.com

3. Blue 42 (TIE) 158 Market St. Elmwood Park 201.773.0970 blue42bar.com

3. Grant Street Cafe (TIE) 25 Grant Ave. Dumont 201.385.1705 thegrantstreetcafe.com

ENTERTAINMENT BOWLING

1. Montvale Lanes 14 W. Grand Ave. Montvale 201.391.3400 montvalelanes.com

2. Bowlero 22-22 Maple Ave. Fair Lawn 201.797.5400 bowlero.com

3. Pinstripes 1 Garden State Plaza Blvd. Paramus 551.966.0420 pinstripes.com

* – not in Bergen County

CATERING (OFF-PREMISE)

1. Shortrounds Catering 189 Kinderkamack Rd. Emerson 201.261.6585 shortroundscatering.com

2. Market Basket 813 Franklin Lake Rd. Franklin Lakes 201.891.2000 marketbasket.com

CIGAR SHOP

1. Casa de Monte Cristo 184 Rte.17 N. Paramus 201.261.7988 casademontecristo.com

CRAFT COCKTAILS

1. The Craftsman 1609 Maple Ave. Fair Lawn 201.773.8985 thecraftsmannj.com

2. Sofia Englewood 36 Engle St. Englewood 201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

1. Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 Carlstadt 201.933.4000 biggies.com

2. The Craftsman 1609 Maple Ave. Fair Lawn 201.773.8985 thecraftsmannj.com

3. Concourse Club 379 Rte. 17 S. Wood-Ridge 201.710.6459 concourseclubnj.com

HAPPY HOUR

1. Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 Carlstadt 201.933.4000 biggies.com

2. Grant Street Cafe 25 Grant Ave. Dumont 201.385.1705 thegrantstreetcafe.com

HIKING TRAIL

1. Ramapo Valley County Reservation Mahwah co.bergen.nj.us

CRAFT COCKTAILS

The Craftsman, 1609 Maple Ave., Fair Lawn, 201.773.8985; thecraftsmannj.com

A good specialty cocktail starts with a creative name, and The Craftsman has some great ones: “Tequila Mockingbird,” “The Tailor’s Daughter” and “Penicillin,” just to name three. The best part? Every single sip lives up to the strength of the name. The Craftsman’s cocktails put truly unique spins on classic drinks (try the bleu martini, made with bleu cheeseinfused vodka) in addition to new options that will have you ordering a second.

IRISH PUB

1. Shannon Rose 1200 Rte. 17 N. Ramsey 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com

2. PJ Finnegan’s 274 Fairview Ave. Westwood 201.664.7576 pjfinnegans.com

3. MacMurphy’s (TIE) 8 Godwin Ave. Ridgewood 201.444.0500 macmurphys.com

3. Davey’s Irish Pub (TIE) 5 Park St. Montvale 201.391.9356 daveyspub.com

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Bergen Performing Arts Center 30 N. Van Brunt St. Englewood 201.227.1030 bergenpac.org

LIVE MUSIC

1. Mason Jar (TIE) 219 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah 201.529.2302 masonjarmahwah.com

3. J.A. McFaul Environmental Center 150 Crescent Ave. Wyckoff 201.891.5571 co.bergen.nj.us

NEIGHBORHOOD

BAR

1. Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 Carlstadt 201.933.4000 biggies.com

2. Allendale Bar & Grill

67 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com

3. Mahwah Bar and Grill

2 Island Rd. Mahwah 201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com

RECEPTION HALL

1. The Doghouse Saloon (TIE) 270 Pascack Rd. Township of Washington 201.722.1820

2. The Shannon Rose 1200 Rte. 17 N. Ramsey 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com

MARGARITAS

1. Blue Moon 327 Franklin Ave., Suite J Wyckoff 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com

2. Lolita’s Mexican Cantina 65 Old Hook Rd. Westwood 201.666.7998 lolitasmexican cantina.com

NATURE CENTER

1. Tenafly Nature Center 313 Hudson Ave. Tenafly 201.568.6093 tenaflynaturecenter.org

2. Flat Rock Brook 443 Van Nostrand Ave. Englewood 201.567.1265 flatrockbrook.org

SHOPPING APPLIANCES

1. Oberg & Lindquist 671 Broadway Westwood 201.664.1300 obergandlindquist.com

2. P.C. Richard & Son 317 Rte. 17 Paramus 201.262.7676 pcrichard.com

BIKE SHOP

1. Ridgewood Cycle 35 N. Broad St. Ridgewood 201.444.2553 ridgewoodcycle.com

2. Westwood Cycle 182 Third Ave. Westwood 201.664.1688 westwoodcycle.com

1. Seasons 644 Pascack Rd. Township of Washington 201.664.6141 seasonscatering.com

2. The Terrace at Biagio’s 293 Paramus Rd. Paramus 201.652.7900 biagios.com

3. The Venetian 546 River Dr. Garfield 973.546.2250 venetiannj.com

SPORTS BAR

1. Biggie’s 430 Rte. 17 Carlstadt 201.933.4000 biggies.com

2. Miller’s Ale House 270 Rte. 4 Paramus 201.342.4800 millersalehouse.com

3. W’s Village Grille 71 Crescent Ave. Waldwick 201.670.8200 wsvillagegrille.com

3. Steve’s Moped & Bicycle World 40 Park Ave. Dumont 201.384.7777 stevesmoped.com

BRIDAL SHOPPING

1. Bijou Bridal 393 Rte. 17 Paramus 201.262.8889 bijoubridal.com

CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE

1. Pazzazed Gift & Home 826 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.485-8022

6 Wilsey Square Ridgewood 201.857.5004 pazzazed.com

2. Ginger & Cream 350 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.2440 gingerncream.com 3. Marcia’s Attic for Kids 29 N. Dean St. Englewood 201.894.5701

VINTAGE CLOTHING 1. Fabulous Finds 186 Center Ave. Westwood 201.263.1766 fabulousfindsnj.com

BRIDAL SHOP

Bijou Bridal, 393 Rte. 17, Paramus, 201.262.8889; bijoubridal.com

For the past 19 years, this shop has been helping brides-to-be say yes to the dress. Customers here have some of the world’s leading designers at their fingertips and a knowledgeable and experienced staff ready to guide them along the way. Bijou’s experts all have the same goal you do: ensuring you look as perfect on your wedding day as you deserve.

MEN’S FASHION

Sal Lauretta for Men, 621 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201.444.1666; sallauretta.com

While there’s more to making a good first impression than great style, looking good certainly gives you a leg up. Sal Lauretta makes sure guys have that advantage and more. Offering a carefully curated collection of luxury menswear brands and more than 50 years of experience, this specialty store and its experts offer everything from style consultation to custom tailoring. Whether you need to turn heads at your next function or want to spruce up your wardrobe, make Sal Lauretta your first stop.

Photo courtesy of Sal Lauretta for Men

FINE JEWELRY

1. Marsel’s Jewelry 484 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.342.4400 marselsjewelry.com

2. Hartger’s (TIE) 699 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff 201.891.0044 hartgersjewelers.com

2. LaViano (TIE)

175 Westwood Ave. Westwood

201.664.0616 lavianojewelers.com

3. Devon Jewelers

303 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff

201.848.8489 devonsjewelers.com

GIFT SHOP

1. Pazzazed Gift & Home

826 Franklin Ave Franklin Lakes 201.485.8022

6 Wilsey Square Ridgewood 201.857.5004 pazzazed.com

2. Lily & Kate

66 E. Main St. Ramsey

201.327.5459 shoplilykategifts.com

3. Ginger & Cream

350 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.2440 gingerncream.com

HARDWARE

1. Home Hardware

27 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick 201.652.5666 acehomehardware.com

2. Ramsey Hardware & Paint 14 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.327.0433 ramseyhardware.com

3. Ace Hardware

Multiple locations acehardware.com

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE

1. Bookends 211 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood 201.445.0726 book-ends.org

2. Books & Greetings 271 Livingston St. Northvale 201.784.2665 booksandgreetings.com

3. Dear Reader 382 Main St. Wyckoff 201.565.2033 shopdearreader.com

INDEPENDENT HEALTH FOOD STORE

1. Organica 246 Livingston St. Northvale 201.767.8182 organicanaturalfoods.com

LIGHTING

1. Capitol Lighting (TIE) 290 Rte. 4 Paramus 201.843.5353 1800lighting.com

1. Wyckoff Lighting (TIE) 390 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.891.3600 wyckofflightingcenter.com

MALL

1. Garden State Plaza 1 Garden State Plaza Blvd. Paramus 201.843.2121 westfield.com

2. Paramus Park (TIE) 700 Paramus Park Paramus 201.261.6108 paramuspark.com

2. The Shops at Riverside (TIE) 390 Hackensack Ave. Hackensack 201.489.2212 simon.com

3. American Dream (TIE) 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford 833.263.7326 americandream.com

3. Bergen Town Center (TIE) Bergen Town Center Paramus 201.845.4050 bergentowncenter.com

MEN’S FASHION

1. Sal Lauretta 621 Godwin Ave. Midland Park 201.444.1666 sallauretta.com

NURSERY/ GARDEN CENTER

1. Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery 100 Franklin Tpke. Allendale 201.327.3156 rohslers.com

2. Metropolitan Farm 119 Hickory Ln. Closter 201.767.0244 metropolitanfarm.com

3. Secor Farms 85 Airmont Rd. Mahwah 201.529.2595 secorfarms.com

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

1. Backyard Living 235 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood 201.689.9111 bylnj.com

2. Fortunoff Backyard Store 141 Rte. 17 Paramus 201.262.1700 fortunoffbys.com

PAINT STORE

1. Norton’s Paint 632 Rte. 17 Paramus 201.447.4747 nortonspaint.com

2. Pete & John’s (TIE) 400 Ramapo Valley Rd. Oakland 201.337.0233 peteandjohnspaint market.com

2. Waldwick Paint and Wallpaper (TIE) 28 E. Prospect St. Waldwick 201.444.2882 waldwickpaint.com

PET BOUTIQUE

1. Fur The Love of Pets 32 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell 201.599.9500 furtheloveofpets.com

SHOPPING DESTINATION

Ginger n’ Cream, 350 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.664.2440; gingerncream.com This women’s boutique has all the benefits of a department store with all the friendliness, charm and ethos of a mom-and-pop. With curated styles selected with Bergenites in mind, the shop has outfits and accessories for any occasion. Add to that a large assortment of home goods, shoes, kids’ products and even honey (yes, the food), and you may never shop at a big box store again.

2. Paramus Puppy Spa 23 N. Farview Ave. Paramus 201.880.4146 paramuspuppyspa.com

SHOPPING DESTINATION

1. Ginger N’ Cream 350 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.2440 gingerncream.com

2. Garden State Plaza (TIE) One Garden State Plaza Blvd. Paramus 201.843.2121 westfield.com

2. Wostbrock Home (TIE) 225 Goffle Rd. Ridgewood 201.445.0807 wostbrockhome.com

3. Tice’s Corner 441 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Woodcliff Lake 201.221.8148 ticescorner.com

SPORTING GOODS/ OUTDOORS STORE

1. Dick’s Multiple locations dickssportinggoods.com

2. Ramsey Outdoor 835 Rte. 17 Ramsey 201.327.8141 ramseyoutdoor.com

3. Campmor 810 Rte. 17 Paramus 201.445.5000 campmor.com

TILE STORE 1. Wayne Tile Multiple locations waynetile.com

TOYS

1. Tons of Toys Multiple locations tonsoftoys.com

WINE SHOP 1. Total Wine Multiple locations totalwine.com

2. Gary’s Closter 67 Vervalen St. Closter 201.297.5000 garyswine.com

3. Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirit World 626 N. Maple Ave. Ho-Ho-Kus 201.444.2033 carlorussowine.com

* – not in Bergen County

WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

1. Ginger N’ Cream

350 Center Ave. Westwood 201.664.2440 gingerncream.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

AIRBRUSH TAN

1. The Hair & Beauty Lounge 440 Forest Ave. Paramus

201.261.9400 thehairandbeauty loungenewjersey.com

2. Brushed Tanning Studio

394 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff 201.921.3663 brushedtanning studio.com

BARBER

1. Stag House (TIE) 67 E. Allendale Rd. Saddle River 201.670.0110 njstaghouse.com

1. The B Hive (TIE) 269 Broadway Hillsdale 201.470.4483 thebhivesalon.com

2. Headhunters Salon 100 Church St., # 4 Lodi 973.916.1636

BLOWOUT

1. The Hair & Beauty Lounge 440 Forest Ave. Paramus 201.261.9400 thehairandbeautyloungenewjersey.com

2. The B Hive 269 Broadway Hillsdale 201.470.4483 thebhivesalon.com

3. Salon C 277 Main St. New Milford 201.262.0026 salonc-hairdesign.com

DAY SPA

1. Fond & Faye Medical & Wellness Spa 21 Park Ave. Rutherford 973.330-5303 fondandfayemedspa.com

2. Fountain Spa 1100 Rte. 17 Ramsey 201.327.5155

BARBER

Stag House, 67 E. Allendale Rd., Saddle River, 201.670.0110; njstaghouse.com

Boasting what it calls a “passion for barbering and a knack for people,” this salon goes out of its way to elevate the barbershop experience. You can grab a cut or a shave, of course (sure to make you look fantastic), but clients also can stop in for special facials, an aromatherapy scalp treatment, specialized manicures for men, gray blending and more.

MASSAGE/ BODYWORK

1. Fond & Faye Medical & Wellness Spa 21 Park Ave. Rutherford 973.330-5303 fondandfayemedspa.com

2. Stretch Boss 16 Park Ave. Rutherford 862.299.9471 thestretchboss.com

3. Fountain Spa 1100 Rte. 17 Ramsey 201.327.5155

10 Shops at Riverside Hackensack 201.327.5155 thefountainspa.com

PILATES STUDIO

1. Femme 34 Commerce Way Hackensack 201.549.5200 femmenj.com

2. Shree Yoga 3 Barnstable Ct. Saddle River 201.822.1131 shreeyoga.com

3. Immerse 540 Durie Ave. Closter 201.256.3666 immerse.world

SERVICES CAR

DETAILING

1. Urban Auto Spa (TIE) 827 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.560.1144

785 Rte. 17 Ramsey 201.327.8660 urbanautospa.com

1. APC Waldwick (TIE) 149 Franklin Tpke. Waldwick 201.670.1900 autopolishingcenter.com

10 Shops at Riverside Hackensack 201.327.5155 thefountainspa.com

3. Sojo Day Spa 660 River Rd. Edgewater 201.313.7200 sojospaclub.com

EYEBROW SHAPING

1. The Hair & Beauty Lounge 440 Forest Ave. Paramus 201.261.9400 thehairandbeautyloungenewjersey.com

2. European Wax Center Multiple locations

FACIAL

1. Fond & Faye

Medical & Wellness Spa 21 Park Ave. Rutherford 973.330-5303 fondandfayemedspa.com

2. The Hair & Beauty Lounge

440 Forest Ave. Paramus 201.261.9400 thehairandbeautyloungenewjersey.com

3. Fountain Spa 1100 Rte. 17 Ramsey 201.327.5155

10 Shops at Riverside Hackensack 201.327.5155 thefountainspa.com

HAIR COLORIST

1. The Hair & Beauty Lounge 440 Forest Ave. Paramus 201.261.9400 thehairandbeauty loungenewjersey.com

2. The B Hive 269 Broadway Hillsdale 201.470.4483 thebhivesalon.com

3. Salon C 277 Main St. New Milford 201.262.0026 salonc-hairdesign.com

MAKEUP

APPLICATION

1. The Hair & Beauty Lounge

440 Forest Ave. Paramus 201.261.9400 thehairandbeautyloungenewjersey.com

2. Body Sculptors 23 Park Ave Rutherford 551.282-9920 bodysculptorsnj.com

3. Club Pilates Multiple locations clubpilates.com

SALON

1. The Hair & Beauty Lounge 440 Forest Ave. Paramus 201.261.9400 thehairandbeautyloungenewjersey.com

2. Salon C 277 Main St. New Milford 201.262.0026 salonc-hairdesign.com

3. The B Hive 269 Broadway Hillsdale 201.470.4483 thebhivesalon.com

YOGA 1. Femme 34 Commerce Way Hackensack 201.549.5200 femmenj.com

* – not in Bergen County

CLOSET DESIGN

1. Granert Interior Design & Planning 225 Franklin Ave., #3 Midland Park 201.251.8377 granertinterior designnj.com

2. Ulrich Inc. 100 Chestnut St. Ridgewood 201.445.1260 ulrichinc.com FLORIST 1. Allendale Florist 72 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale 201.962.7272 allendaleflowers.com

2. Denis Florist 185 D Madison Ave. New Milford 201.262.9463 denisflowers.com

3. Beers Flowers (TIE) 33 Oak St. Ridgewood 201.445.4111 beersflowers.com

Photo courtesy of Stag House

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Laurie DiGiacomo Interiors, 4 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201.755.9640; lauriedigiacomointeriors.com

With a keen eye for detail, Laurie DiGiacomo launched her eponymous firm in 2006 and has cultivated a reputation for excellence and approachability. She goes out of her way to understand her client’s lifestyles, preferences and history to create spaces that truly feel like home. Curating a vibe that’s luxe but always livable, DiGiacomo gives clients plenty of reasons to leave rave reviews and come back for second projects.

Photo courtesy of Laurie DiGiacomo Interiors

3. Colony Florist (TIE) 762 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes 201.891.2060 colonyfloristonline.com

3. Monsoon (TIE) 15 Broadway Cresskill 201.250.8110 monsoonflowers.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

1. Laurie DiGiacomo Interiors 4 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood 201.755.9640 lauriedigiacomo interiors.com

2. Granert Interior Planning & Design 225 Franklin Ave., #3 Midland Park 201.251.8377 granertinterior designnj.com

3. Wostbrock Home 225 Goffle Rd. Ridgewood 201.445.0807 wostbrockhome.com

JEWELRY REPAIR

1. Marsel’s Jewelry 484 Kinderkamack Rd. River Edge 201.342.4400 marselsjewelry.com

2. LaViano 175 Westwood Ave. Westwood 201.664.0616 lavianojewelers.com

3. Jon Pierre Jewelers (TIE) 125 Washington Ave., # 1 Dumont 201.384.5573 johnpierrejewelersnj.com

* – not in Bergen County

PET RESORT

Kathy Santo Dog Training, 21 Harrison Ave., Waldwick, 201.512.8316; kathysanto dogtraining.com

Its name may say “training,” but this long-time business is all about pampering your pooch. Kathy Santo Dog Training is popular and highly recommended for good reasons. For instance, the Play & Train groups ensure your pup is perfectly socialized with other dogs, while the Board and Train program provides supervised, open play and a “sleepover” at a trainer’s house. You and your dog can rest easy here, as the team prides itself on loving dogs just as much as you do.

3. Callahan Jewelers (TIE) 220 Closter Dock Rd. Closter 201.768.6136 callahanjewelers diamondrings.com

KITCHEN REMODELER

1. Ulrich Inc. 100 Chestnut St. Ridgewood 201.445.1260 ulrichinc.com

2. Kitchen & Bath Vision (TIE) 401 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell 201.262.0081 kitchenandbathvision.com

2. Granert Interior Design & Planning (TIE) 225 Franklin Ave., #3 Midland Park 201.251.8377 granertinterior designnj.com

3. Belloso Legacy Contractors 371 McKinley Blvd. Paramus

PET GROOMER

1. Paramus Puppy Spa 23 N. Farview Ave. Paramus 201.880.4146 paramuspuppyspa.com

2. Fur the Love of Pets 32 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell 201.599.9500 furtheloveofpets.com

3. Pet A Groom 25 N. Spruce St. Ramsey 201.818.2554

PET RESORT

1. Kathy Santo Dog Training 21 Harrison Ave. Waldwick 201.512.8316 kathysantodogtraining. com

VETERINARY CENTER

1. Oradell Animal Hospital 580 Winters Ave. Paramus 201.262.0010 oradell.com

2. Bergen County Veterinary 120 Hopper Ave. Waldwick 201.447.4444 bergencounty veterinarycenter.com

3. Pets Aloud 357 Forest Rd. Mahwah

201.891.3455 petsaloudveterinary.com

WRITE-IN CATEGORIES

MEDICAL SPA

1. Fond & Faye Medical & Wellness Spa 21 Park Ave. Rutherford 973.330-5303 fondandfayemedspa.com

FITNESS STUDIO

1. Femme 34 Commerce Way Hackensack 201.549.5200 femmenj.com

TRADITIONS MAKE THE SEASON

NINE BERGENITES RECALL THE FALL ACTIVITIES THEIR FAMILIES CHERISH EACH YEAR.

BY DONNA ROLANDO

What does your family do every autumn? When BERGEN posed that question to residents of our county, responses varied widely. Here, you’ll read what nine people had to say about the annual traditions that make it feel like fall. Maybe one of these tales will spark a kindred memory of your own—or inspire a new tradition your tribe can start this year:

APPLES, HAY AND MEMORIES —

Tom Schuh, 34, Ridgewood. “My family started apple picking and fall hayrides probably when I was 8 or 9. We would love going to all the local farms like Demarest Farms in Hillsdale and Secor Farms in Mahwah and having the hot apple cider with apple-cider doughnuts dunked in. Such good memories! And then, as we grew older, my cousins and I continued the tradition with our children. Once it gets a little bit more toward October, we love to go pumpkin picking and then make the Jack-o’-lanterns with the kids. It’s something that’s really special and unique to living in the Northeast, just being able to see all the beautiful colors and getting to experience that with my parents and now with my son Daniel. He’s almost starting to walk now, and cannot wait to be able to take him and throw him on my shoulders and have him pick the apples.”

ARMY OF ANIMATRONICS —

Angela Langner, 46, Ramsey. “This tradition started about seven years ago. My 13-year-old son, Preston Simchera, loves both Halloween and mechanics. He would go into Spirit Halloween and want to spend countless hours there checking out all of the new animatronics and how they worked. He received his first Halloween animatronic—Michael Myers—as a gift from a friend. Every year since, we’ve purchased at least one new animatronic from Spirit Halloween, Home Depot or another source and added it to our collection. What started as just a small Halloween decoration setup has grown into a two-room, haunted house walk-through, which he and I put together and decorate. We start this in about mid- to late September so that it is ready for Halloween. Family, friends and neighbors come by to enjoy his haunted house. At the end of the evening, our closest friends and family gather for dinner, and the kids swap candy and treats.”

HOW SWEET IT IS —

Julene Stassou, 52, Fort Lee. “For many years, since my two children were little, we’ve been going to Pennings Orchard in Warwick, N.Y. We pick apples and then come home, make natural applesauce and give it out to family members. We also have a sourdough starter that we feed every week, and we make focaccia bread. make a sweet spread with the apples and cinnamon we get from the orchard, and we give that out too. We started doing it—my daughter’s in college now—I would say 15 years ago. My grandmother used to take me to the same place apple picking every year when I was a little girl, and I wanted to continue the tradition with my kids. Then, because I’m a dietician, we added in ‘Let’s make a healthy bread out of this and applesauce and share it with our family.’”

Angela Langner

LONG ISLAND CYCLING —

Mike Grotz, 61, Ridgewood.

“I called a buddy on Long Island and said, ‘Hey, I’m going to be out there a couple of hours, can you give me a bike ride to do?’ He said, ‘I’ll do you one better; I’ll go for a ride with you.’ We started in Riverhead and went up along the North Fork, and when we got to Greenport, we took the ferry over to Shelter Island. We rode our bikes around Shelter Island, which is absolutely the most gorgeous, untouched gem. Then we took a ferry to Sag Harbor and rode around there, and ended back in Riverhead, a 75-mile ride. Once word got out that we did this, a bunch of the guys we ride with were like, ‘Can we do this too?’ and we said, ‘Sure.’ Last year we had 15 people; the first year we had maybe seven. We stop and have lunch in Sag Harbor or Shelter Island and have a nice dinner afterward. We’ve been doing this for eight years. Usually because the weather is really nice, we go out the second or third week in September—it’s not going to be so crowded. Sometimes I try to get these guys to donate to a charity. The last few years we did Tunnel to Towers.”

WARBLER WATCHING —

Terry Milligan, 81, Teaneck.

“I’ve been trying to document everything that lives at the Teaneck Creek Park. I taught biology for 41 years [at River Dell High School in Oradell] and I’m a docent at the Museum of National History, talking to people about dinosaurs. I have a little dog, and I walk in the park just about every day and observe. I have an iPhone, so I take photos. In the fall, it’s very beautiful and you see different well as turtles frogs) gradually disappearing as well as group of migrating birds that are very hard to photograph because they’re small and fast and they’re migrating through for a couple weeks. They are warblers, and they’re the most beautiful birds you’ll see.”

Mike Grotz

NIGHTMARE ON WEST END —

Peter Maltin, 47, Ridgewood. “In 2016 I recognized that we didn’t have a lot of trick-or-treaters here in our part of town. Our kids were young, and I wanted to try and get more spirit in this area. We were able to fill the yard with all types of props, animatronics and such; and our kids (ages 9 to 14 currently) would do some popping out and scaring with some of their friends. I’m a financial planner, so this has just become a creative outlet. For instance, my daughter and I took a black barrel and made it into a toxic barrel with different things coming out. Normally planning starts in June, and it takes five to six weeks to set it up. We’re typically open on Fridays and Saturdays, starting usually that second weekend in October. We’ll do Mischief Night and then Halloween. Last year the final count of visitors was 3,000 to 4,000 people, and on Halloween alone probably 1,200. There’s no cost, no reservations—some people ask those things—just weather dependency. See our Facebook site (Ridgewood Halloween House) for updates.”

MOVIE MAGIC — Samantha Ramirez, 36, of Rutherford. “When we moved to Rutherford from Queens, a big selling point was the outdoors. We wanted to really enjoy the backyard and get our family and friends together. We do an outdoor movie night when the school year starts. My daughter is a big horror-movie fan, so we will do popcorn and a themed movie. Our garage is detached in the backyard, so we have what looks like a sheet and we bought a mini projector and big outdoor speaker. I think last year we did the original Beetlejuice The year before that we had a lot of younger kids, so we did Elemental My husband (Gabe, 45) designs tickets to give to the kids, and they have a punch thing at the bottom so they can get chips, a drink and candy. Then we go on Amazon and get little movie trays so the kids can have the same thing that’s at the movie theater.”

Peter

Maltin

NEW YORK CITY MARATHON —

Eric Leskin, 59, Tenafly. “I’m treasurer of the Palisades Running Club, a group of about 50 Bergen County runners. We work with the Achilles Group, which is for disabled runners in Bergen and has about members. For the past two years I’ve supported the Achilles Group by guiding disabled runners in the New York City Marathon. For the most part, it has been visually impaired runners. Usually two guys per athlete (as guide) is the regulation for the marathon, which occurs each November. This year I’m doing it myself. I just got in on the lottery to run it myself, so this year I’m going to take off from Achilles. I probably do about 40 races throughout the 12 months, some 5K, some 10K and then a handful of marathons.”

A TIME FOR ‘AMUSEMENT’ —

David Ciancio, 52, Rutherford.

“Every fall my son and I go to Dorney Park, an amusement park in Pennsylvania, for ‘the Haunt.’ After 6 p.m. they turn the whole park into a scare zone, with zombies and creatures and monsters and things that go bump in the night. During the day they do this thing called Fall Fest. You can wear a costume if you’re under 12 years old and you can paint your face. At night it’s very spooky but you can buy a ‘no boo’ necklace so the monsters aren’t allowed to frighten you. We go every year to the Fall Fest and do the fun younger-kid stuff. Then we stay for when it turns into the Haunt and we buy the ‘no boo’ necklaces so we can walk among the monsters. We invite all of our friends, and it’s a tradition. We’re an amusement park family.”

Pasta Perfect

Want a break from barbecue?

Go Italian with a laid-back yet elegant party, big on flavor, that celebrates a humble ingredient.

If you’d like to create a different vibe for your next outdoor get-together, a pasta party may be the answer.

In her latest book, Swing By!: Entertaining Recipes & the New Art of Gathering, entertaining expert Stephanie Nass offers advice on how to make pasta the star of your show, using that comfort food not only for the main dish but also as inspiration for cocktails, table décor—and even a wearable accessory. Flip through for recipes and a few tips—as well as thoughts from Aimee Petersen, party planner at Wyckoff-based The Perfect Shindig—for a festive and fun pasta party.

FARFALLE-MEATBALL BITES

Yields 8 servings

At this party, guests were greeted with Farfalle Bites: mini grape-size meatballs, a basil leaf and a farfalle bow on a toothpick with homemade tomato sauce for dipping. Mini anything is cute but especially meatballs.

INGREDIENTS

n ½ pound farfalle, cooked al dente the day of serving, tossed with olive oil, and laid in a single layer on baking sheets

n ½ lb. ground beef

n ¼ lb. ground veal

n 1 large egg yolk

n 1½ tsp. kosher salt

n 15 fresh basil leaves, halved

n ½ to 1 cup homemade tomato sauce, for dipping

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the beef, veal, yolk and salt. Roll the meatballs into grape-size balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Let rest until cool enough to handle.

On a toothpick, skewer 1 piece farfalle with 1 basil leaf and 1 meatball. Arrange on serving platter with the warm tomato sauce. Serve immediately.

This page: Mini-meatball skewers with farfalle, basil and a tomato sauce dip are easy to assemble and can be a fun twist on traditional spaghetti and meatballs. An Italian-inspired tablecloth adds to the pasta-party theme. Fresh basil in a simple container can do double duty—it can serve as a centerpiece, and when snipped it’s a tasty garnish. Opposite: Entertaining expert Stephanie Nass suggests using ingredients not just for food, but also for a beautiful table arrangement.

For an elevated pasta party, break out fancy linens and flatware, layer your plates (add a fun wicker-like charger) and go economical on the décor. Use cleaned-out tomato cans as vases and fill them with raw pasta, go heavy on tomatoes for table décor—the ones on the vine as well as single tomatoes of all sizes—and line the table with basil plants. I always love a personal touch too so break out those raw lasagne noodles and write each guests name on a noodle for the top of your layered plate stack.”

—Aimee Petersen, party planner, The Perfect Shindig, Wyckoff

VODKA SAUCE BLOODY MARY

Yields 8 servings

This drink is more than just delicious; it’s clever. The “vodka sauce” is, of course, a play on the iconic pasta dish, and the oregano and red chili flakes play it up.

INGREDIENTS

n 4 cups vodka

n 4 cups tomato juice

n 5 Tbs. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

n 1 tsp. dried oregano

n 2 Tbs. red chili flakes (optional, for rim)

n ice

n 8 fresh basil leaves, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a pitcher, combine the vodka, tomato juice, 4 tablespoons of the lemon juice and the oregano. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

If making the chili flake rim, pour the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice into a shallow bowl and put the chili flakes on a shallow plate. Dunk the rim of each tumbler into the lemon juice and then into the chili flakes, turning to coat.

When ready to serve, add ice to each prepared tumbler, stir the cocktail and evenly distribute among the glasses. Garnish with a basil leaf.

This page: Earrings adorned with farfalle are a versatile accessory—they can be worn throughout the event or used as table décor. Meatballs, too, can be enjoyed in different ways, either as an appetizer or with the main course. Opposite: The party isn’t complete without a pasta-inspired cocktail.

All recipes and photos are reprinted with permission from Swing By!: Entertaining Recipes & the New Art of Gathering by Stephanie Nass (Rizzoli New York, 2024). Photography by Stockton Johnson.

SPLASH & BASH

The owners of a Ridgewood colonial love to have their serene new backyard pool all to themselves— and to share it with party guests too.

Design by Linda Granert, Granert Interior Planning & Design

Photography by Raquel Langworthy

Text by Donna Rolando

For a Ridgewood family of four who lived for years without making the desired splash in their yard, the summer of 2024 brought a tidal wave of new beginnings. That’s when luxury outdoor living—what their designer Linda Granert calls a poolside paradise—revolutionized the grounds of their five-bedroom colonial, offering multifunctional convenience wrapped in lush landscaping. The homeowners and their two school-age daughters now have the best of both worlds: a lively, self-sufficient entertainment hub and tranquility when that last guest has gone.

Key to the yard’s transformation was an in-ground pool (Lehmann Pools & Spas) and a versatile cabana with a

Serenity meets spirit in a Ridgewood outdoor oasis with dual purposes, for a family that loves both the hum of a lively crowd and the hush of solitude. This page: Chaise-longue chairs join lush landscaping for the perfect poolside retreat. Opposite page: The pergola’s string lighting is one of several levels of illumination geared toward the site’s many uses, especially entertaining.

fully equipped kitchen, bar, bathroom and changing area. Even the outdoor furniture, including lots of loungers, benefited from the designer’s touch. She curated treasures from Four Hands, Essentials for Living and West Elm, homing in on woven rope and the soft tones of gray-wash wood.

Think a garage storage area is as far from outdoor luxury as a summer sunrise from the dark of night? Well, this project’s cabana with kitchen is repurposed from storage and provided “just the perfect amount of space” for a fridge, dishwasher and other essentials, says the designer.

The family’s requirement, according to Granert, “was to have a pull-up window so that they could make the cabana more indoor/ outdoor.” This garage-door-style window maximizes natural light when open but also functions well when closed, she explains.

In keeping with the indoor/outdoor goal, a pergola with a retractable sunshade (and adorned with string lighting) creates an inviting shelter. Granert also hit the indoor/outdoor mark by making sure all the cabana’s finishes—from fabrics to stone— would guard against mold, mildew and water damage.

The family loves to entertain, so Granert went a step beyond with easy-to-clean features such as porcelain flooring—durable with the look of distressed wood. Not only is the floor lowmaintenance, but its blue-gray tones also inspired other elements like the quartz countertops in soft white with gray veining. “I usually select the floor first,” says Granert, noting the simplicity of working from the ground up.

For a beachy color punch “cohesive with the pool,” Granert introduced custom Shaker cabinets in turquoise

(Sherwin-Williams Grand Canal). “The space is for entertaining, so they wanted a color that would be unexpected and fun,” she recalls. Adding to the variety, the turquoise is paired with Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee on the cabana exterior.

While subway tile has been around the block, Granert’s brick-pattern, ceramic version from Wayne Tile stands out for its distressed gray edging, which complements the flooring that got the design ball rolling. Following today’s trend in exterior projects, she used woven gray rope in several areas, including the counter/bar seating with its weathered teak legs. Also notable is that right outside the cabana the designer introduced “a sectional in a woven rope material with indoor/ outdoor fabric and cushions and a little coffee table that doubles as a firepit,” she says. It may be disguised as a table, but make

no mistake—this firepit was carved, not crayoned, in this young family’s wish list. S’mores, anyone?

Throughout the project, Granert worked to make sure that each vignette flowed seamlessly and contributed to entertaining ease. Case in point is the dining area where, dressed to impress, the outdoor table follows the gray-wash pattern, complementing the setting.

“The landscape architect [Andrew Kosits of Riverstone Design Studio in Mahwah] loved everything because the finishes worked well with the paver color and stones in the yard,” she recalls. The table’s location is also the epitome of convenience near the colonial’s French doors to the kitchen.

The project met the family’s wish list on every level, recalls Granert. “They love it, and they use it all the time,” she says. “The addition of the pool created a personal retreat within the confines of their backyard.”

This page: Dressed up for good times, this outdoor table features a softly distressed look that complements its surroundings. Opposite page: In harmony with this landscaped pool setting, these designer-curated lounge chairs are the king of relaxation.

Special Report

YOU HAD TO BE THERE

If you’ve been doing all your buying online lately, you’ve missed the big new thing in brick-and-mortar retail: “experiences.”

In a light-washed room overlooking the Saddle River, seven women and one burly man work on their stitchery projects as the volume of conversation gently rises. Wyckoff resident Denise Venice is finally attacking the embroidery she’s put off for months (well, years), while across the table, Tina Lanciotti of Woodcliff Lake is about to embark on a crocheted mushroom. Overseeing it all is Tanja Israel, proprietor of Bayou, a Saddle River gift shop featuring the creations of artisans both local and far-flung. On any given evening, you may find Israel presiding over an origami workshop, a makeup class, watercolor lessons or a tutorial in kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with powdered gold. Tonight, though, the assembled participants have gathered for the popular “Stitch and Bitch,” a meetup for those who love to work with thread and yarn or just want to keep their hands busy while connecting with, and making, friends.

Increasingly, Bergen County retailers like Israel are offering shoppers something beyond shopping—in the form of classes, workshops, meetups, celebrations, special events and other

BY LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF

experiences. So-called experiential retail, which aims to lure customers off the internet with in-person experiences they can’t get online, is already reshaping (and revitalizing) Bergen’s malls and shopping centers. Bergen Town Center, for instance, holds a free weekly yoga class on its parking deck, and Westfield Garden State Plaza hosts an exercise program (also free) in one of its courtyards. American Dream, of course, is all about the experience, with its water and theme parks, ski jump, mini golf, laser tag and arcades. Now a growing number of smaller retailers are working to counter the Amazon effect with special experiences of their own. As the International Council of Shopping Centers noted in a recent report, experiential retail “isn’t just a fad but the future of retail as we know it.”

“Smaller retailers are copying bigger retailers,” says Joanne Cimiluca, director of the Bergen County Division of Economic Development. “A mom-and-pop shop hosts free cooking demonstrations to showcase their cookware and give customers a hands-on experience and a sampling of free food. Show me a Costco on a

Saturday and tell me who doesn’t love free food! Small business owners are getting savvy, and it’s paying off.”

Nowhere is that more evident than in the proliferation of “paint-and-sip” studios, which, over the past decade or so, have become a worldwide phenomenon. The experience they offer is one of gentle creation—no demanding art lessons, just friendly guidance in the production of a still life or a beachscape—fueled by a glass or two of wine and some friendly conversation. Two years ago, Melanie Valenti and her fiancé, Ryan Cali, opened The Spotted Canvas, a paint-and-sip studio in Maywood, as a secondary business. (She’s a mental health therapist and he works at a Fortune 500 company.) They get plenty of repeat customers, she says, “because people like the experience—it allows them to wind down and relax—and the fact that they also leave with something at the end.”

While the wine is certainly a draw, collegiality is central to the success of The Spotted Canvas and other paint-and-sip spaces. Local bars have understood that concept for years, bringing in customers, who might otherwise be content to

drink much more cheaply at home, with live music—a trend that’s widened to include casual dining establishments and extended beyond local bands and bards. The Orange Lantern in Paramus, for example, entices customers to abandon their couches with trivia and karaoke nights, dart competitions, and a Wednesday-night “Blues and Beyond Jam” led by guitarist Dave Fields. Musicians at every skill level are invited to bring their instruments and jam onstage, in an event that’s as popular with the audience as it is with the players.

“People are mesmerized,” says Fields. “It’s a really magical night because you never know what’s going to happen—it’s like a potluck supper.” Nick Laganella, the bar’s owner, brought Fields on a year ago to help attract customers on Wednesdays, traditionally a slow night for bars and restaurants. Similarly, House of ’Que, a barbecue restaurant within American Dream, hosts trivia nights every Wednesday, and Five Dimes Brewery in Westwood offers trivia on Wednesdays and bingo—“which is really popular,” says owner Chris Alepa—on Thursdays.

making workshops, fiber-arts meetups, and improv classes—are all potential customers. “While they’re here,” she says, “they’re browsing and they’re shopping.”

And while some experiences are free, many retailers charge attendees a fee, usually modest, which nevertheless means the events garner income as well as customers. “If we’re doing 10 vitamin drips versus two,” says Kallopoulos, “it benefits the business as income.”

For the most part, the experiences offered reflect the products and services being sold, which makes sense: If you’re shopping for yeast, flour and sugar, say, you’d probably be interested in baking classes (and vice versa). Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff, for instance, sells produce and plants and also hosts a workshop that teaches participants how to grow and care for succulents. Tenafly’s Sewncute carries high-end sewing machines and children’s clothing

as a kid and forgot how much fun it was. Now I’m totally hooked.”

But it seems to be the opportunity to do something—anything, really—in person and with other people that’s the more powerful draw. “The bottom line is that humans are social animals— we need to be with other people,” says Maureen Ellis-Davis, a professor of sociology at Bergen Community College. “We need experiences like these to stay grounded, to feel cared for, and if we don’t have that, we don’t thrive.” Workshops and lessons fill a void that goes beyond the lessons learned. “There seems to be a renewed interest in sewing,” says Parlegreco. “Everyone has a cute, shiny machine in the bottom of their closet, and nobody remembers how to thread the bobbin.

YouTube is great for that, but there’s something to be said for sitting there with your machine with experienced and inexperienced sewers alike and just relearning.”

“Humans are social animals—we need to be with other people. We need experiences like these to stay grounded, to feel cared for, and if we don’t have that, we don’t thrive.”

—Maureen Ellis-Davis, professor of sociology, Bergen Community College

Retail shops, on the other hand, tend to schedule experiences in their off hours, since many don’t have the room to accommodate event-goers and shoppers at the same time. Even so, those experiences are designed, at least in part, to attract potential retail customers. Dianne Zenn, the proprietor of Ridgewood’s Secret Studio Store, hosts both the Virtual Pen Society, a writers’ group, and the Not Just Knitting Circle for crafters. “People come in for both,” she says, “and they’re in the store”—by which she means they may buy something then and there or come back later and perhaps bring a friend.

Experiences also help generate word-of-mouth. Nena Kallopoulos, the founder of Englewood’s Drip Medi Spa, hosts vitamin-drip events for corporate and other groups. Not only do they generate new customers (“If they come once, they may become loyal clients and get other services,” she says), they also help generate buzz. “Everyone is posting,” she notes, “so an event also gets you social-media exposure.”

Kethley Parlegreco, who owns the Preservation Society Vintage Shoppe & Studio at The Brownstone Mill in Midland Park, notes that the clients who attend her events—which include felting workshops, matcha pop-ups, pillow-

and offers sewing lessons, while Yarn Diva in Hillsdale sells knitting supplies and hosts Knit Fix sessions for customers who’ve dropped a stitch or otherwise undermined their knitting efforts.

Sometimes, though, the experiences on offer reflect a special interest of the proprietor that lies beyond the products proffered. Zenn, for instance, the self-published author of Startown Biyobot, which she describes as “a sci-fi action adventure romcom with LGBTQ elements,” started her writers’ group to create a community of writers facing common challenges. Parlegreco decided to launch an improv workshop in part because she’d met improv performers through her husband, who curates a performing arts space. (In addition, she says, the Brownstone Mill’s acoustics are fabulous, and she wanted to take advantage of them.)

Bayou’s Israel says her workshops grow out of both her own interests—she’s a master of several crafts—and those of the community she works with. This fall, for instance, she’ll be hosting a workshop dedicated to decorating witches’ hats, even though she admits she’s not a huge fan of Halloween.

Customers, of course, gravitate toward experiences that speak to their interests. “I happened to be having dinner at ’Que when someone handed me a bingo card,” says Rutherford resident Carly Russo. “I used to play it

And while taking a class in the craft of your choice may not turn you into a skilled artisan, it has other benefits.

“We all need crafting,” says Israel. “It’s good for your blood pressure; it’s good for neural connections in the brain; it’s very good when you feel awkward or shy—it’s easier to talk with people while your hands are busy.”

She likens what she does to “weaving the fabric of community,” and she could be right.

Hillsdale resident Tina Williams is a regular at Bayou, and what keeps her coming back are the people she’s connected with there. “Five years ago, I became disabled, and I just isolated myself,” she explains. Then a friend suggested she attend one of Bayou’s workshops. The experience, she says, “opened my neural pathways and opened the ability to create community and connections that I had cut myself off from. I will honestly tell you that Bayou saved me.”

There’s a pleasing symmetry to that: The internet ushered in a new era, allowing us to shop, communicate and entertain ourselves from a distance. But in doing so, it not only hurt the brick-and-mortar retailers and local restaurants that once formed the backbone of our communities, it also cut us off—from our downtowns and from one another. Experiential retail could help ailing local businesses and, in the process, help us regain a lost sense of community—not to mention paint a seascape, show off our trivia chops or crochet a mushroom.

5 JOYS OF JERSEY

Cheek to cheek with Manhattan, Bergenites are too sophisticated to care much about state boundaries. But if they let Garden State pride be their guide, what places they can visit.

For a state that’s relatively small in area, New Jersey unquestionably “punches above its weight” in beautiful scenery, historical attractions, to-die-for food and a legacy of incredible music and art. And it’s all worth exploring. New Jerseyans know that driving from the state’s northernmost point to its southern tip will only take about three-and-a-half hours—unless you hit traffic. (They’re also hip to the fact that “unless you hit traffic” is a laugh line.)

Yes, New York and Philly are on our state’s doorstep, and even D.C. and New England are a reasonable drive away. But what if you let state pride rule? New Jersey boosters don’t get together on everything (Taylor ham vs. pork roll, for example), but they do agree that five destinations are worth visiting:

WATERLOO VILLAGE, STANHOPE, SUSSEX COUNTY

This historical site is an authentic, restored 19th-century village, founded on the banks of the Morris Canal in 1820. Besides some truly beautiful scenery and the perfect spot for a day hike (nearby, stunning Quarry Lake is great for photo ops), Waterloo offers living-history tours of Victorian buildings, a blacksmith shop and a grist- and sawmill for a nice balance of education and adventure. The Rutan Cabin, moved to Waterloo from Frankford Township in the 1980s, illustrates the lives of pioneer families in the area. Also, check out Winakung, a recreated Lenape Indian Village that celebrates the native people of New Jersey with hands-on exhibits. Craving even more history? Nearby Wild West City is a quirky theme park based on 1880s Dodge City, Kansas. Explore this “cowboy” town complete with shops, museums, pony and train rides, and panning for “gold.” It’s inhabited by costumed actors who bring history to life.

Stop for a bite. Also in Stanhope is the Black Forest Inn, an old-world German restaurant with an ambiance matched only by its menu. Wood paneling, stainedglass windows and cozy corner booths complement culinary offerings that include potato pancakes, traditional sausage, duck breast with apple and seasonal specials, all highlighting fresh local flavors.

More info: nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/ historic/waterloovillage.html; wildwestcity.com

PRINCETON, MERCER COUNTY

This town’s Ivy League legacy speaks for itself, and visiting the campus isn’t just for hopeful prospective students—yes, many parts are open to tour. The Gothic architecture is jaw-dropping, with dramatic arches, castle-like towers and ribbed vaults that transport your imagination to another time and place. Every facet of high art and culture is at your fingertips here. Princeton University Concerts bring you up-close and personal with some of the world’s finest classical musicians (on Sept. 25, for instance, the Takács String Quartet plays Mozart) and, while the university’s art museum is closed for renovations until the end of October, the Art@Bainbridge gallery space on Nassau Street is currently showing the abstract works of popular contemporary artist Leni Paquet-Morante. History? Drumthwacket, the official residence of the governor of New Jersey, also in Princeton, offers tours starting in September. Explore the charming downtown, with everything from chic, high-end jewelers to carefully curated boutiques to independent bookshops.

Stop for a bite. Want to indulge your sweet tooth? The Bent Spoon is a can’tmiss—it was named one of the world’s best ice-cream shops by Financial Times in 2022. With a “farm-to-spoon” sensibility, a plethora of creative flavors like lemon-lilac and a constantly rotating menu, this is a spot worth revisiting. More info: experienceprinceton.org

ASBURY PARK, MONMOUTH COUNTY

We know you can see that classic “Greetings from…” postcard in your head. A small, bustling city on the seaside, Asbury Park is an arts-and-culture hub and has been fertile ground for some of New Jersey’s best-known and best-loved musical acts. Visit that history with a stop at the iconic Stone Pony, which just celebrated 50 years in 2024 and is known for launching the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. (Punk legends The Menzingers are stopping by Sept. 27). Other famous venues? Asbury Lanes, where you can also bowl a few games; House of Independents, which quickly established itself as one of the premier music destinations of AP’s downtown; and The Wonder Bar, a nightclub and grill as entrenched in the local music scene as the Stone Pony itself. When you need a break from the music, stop by the Silverball Retro Arcade, where you can play more than 150 pinball machines, both vintage and modern. Stop for a bite. Asbury Park has a thriving culinary scene. Try, for example, the whimsical European brasserie Pascal & Sabine, open for brunch and dinner. Duck confit eggs benedict for brunch and pan-seared scallops for dinner are just the start of the menu, and don’t skip on the cocktails—the Buzz and Bloom, for instance, which combines tequila with chilihoney and lemon juice.

More info: apboardwalk.com

CAMDEN, CAMDEN COUNTY

You might think this is the wrong side of the state for an underwater adventure, but you’d be wrong. Tucked on the Delaware River waterfront, Camden’s Adventure Aquarium, one of the country’s finest, is filled with animals you won’t get a glimpse of anywhere else. See a colony of endangered African penguins and the only Nile hippopotamuses on display in an aquarium in the world. You can also walk across the Shark Bridge, an 18-foot-long, V-shaped suspension bridge that lets you stand inches above the Shark Realm exhibit, which is filled with sandbar, sand-tiger and nurse sharks. Once you’ve seen all the animals, stop by the USS New Jersey, an Iowa-class battleship that began its service during World War II and was decommissioned in the early 1990s as “America’s most decorated battleship.” It now serves as a museum and memorial, with tours offered daily. Keep an eye on the website for special events, such as the oncea-month Happy Hour on the ship’s top deck (Sept. 25), which offers a complimentary drink, live entertainment and light food in addition to the tour.

Stop for a bite. For award-winning soul food, try Corinne’s Place, known for its family-owned sensibility and down-home ambiance. The vintage dining room is cozy, and the food speaks for itself: BBQ pork ribs, meat loaf, smothered chicken and fried porgy are options, plus sides like candied yams, mac-and-cheese, and okra, corn and tomatoes. More info: camdencounty.com

Our state’s southernmost tip is a wonderland for anyone who loves the outdoors. Cape May State Park offers 244 acres to walk, hike, bike, bird or photograph. From sandy dunes to saltwater marshes to sparse coastal forests, every part of the ecosystem has a chance to shine here—and the shortest trail can be walked entirely on a wheelchairaccessible raised footpath, so all can enjoy it. Though you can’t swim here because of underwater hazards, you can surf-fish with a New Jersey fishing license and picnic to your heart’s content. Also consider stopping by the Cape May Lighthouse—2.5 million visitors have climbed its 199 spiral steps since it opened in the late 1980s. The view is breathtaking, overlooking both the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. For an even more special experience, join one of the Full Moon Lighthouse Climbs, offered monthly through November, and see the landscape and water bathed in moonlight. Stop for a bite. Super-fresh seafood and outdoor, waterside dining options are the name of the game here. The Lobster House has been open for four generations—try its impressive raw bar, including clams, oysters and a house-special crab soup, all served in an authentic, waterfront boathouse dining room. The main dining room has a spread of the freshest seafood options available, plus prime-rib and (dare we spoil the mood?) New York strip steaks. More info capemay.com

—Kirsten Meehan

CAPE MAY POINT, CAPE MAY COUNTY

TASTES

An Apple A Day

Fall’s favorite fruit takes center stage with these any seasonal dishes.

CHICKEN APPLE SKILLET

Yields 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 2 Tbs. olive oil, divided

n 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, divided

n 2 medium sweet-crisp apples, cored and cut into ½ inch thick slices (such as Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn)

n 1 onion, thinly sliced

n 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided

n 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs,

or 4 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

n ¼ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

n ¼ tsp. granulated garlic powder

n 2/3 cup chicken stock

n 2 tsp. brown sugar

n 4 Tbs. heavy cream

n ¼ tsp. apple cider vinegar

n chives, chopped, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter along with the onion and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the apple and cook 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Carefully remove the apple and onion mixture to a bowl and set aside. To the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium heat. Sprinkle the chicken on all sides with ¼ teaspoon salt, garlic power and black pepper. Cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side.

Add the apple-onion mixture back to the pan along with the chicken stock and brown sugar, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and cook until the chicken reaches 160°F, about 8-12 minutes.

Remove the chicken to a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, add the cream to the pan and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and taste, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over top, sprinkled with chives if desired.

“I like a recipe that offers an option for chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Yes, the thighs will have more flavor, but they are also higher in saturated fat, which can contribute to high cholesterol. The chicken breasts are lower in overall fat and contain no saturated fat, making it part of a heart healthy diet. If you really want the flavor of the chicken thighs, you can always do half and half!”

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

SAVORY APPLE THYME TART

Yields 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 1 batch store-bought or homemade pie dough (enough for two individual 6-inch tarts)

n 1 Tbs. unsalted butter

n 1 Tbs. olive oil

n 1 small yellow onion, sliced into

thin rings

n ½ cup crème fraîche

n 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

n 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded

n ½ Tbs. fresh thyme leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish

n 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced

n salt and freshly ground pepper

TASTES

DIRECTIONS

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough and press into two six-inch tart pans, trimming off excess. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line the dough with parchment paper and top with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights. Continue baking until the crust is golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes more.

Transfer tart pans to a wire rack and let cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.

Meanwhile, make the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil and swirl the pan to combine. Add the onions and cook until lightly browned and starting to caramelize, about 8 minutes per side. Remove from heat.

In a small bowl, stir together the crème fraîche and mustard and spread evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with half of the cheese and the thyme. Arrange the apple slices and onions on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Bake on the top oven rack until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with thyme, cut into slices and serve.

“Crème

fraîche has a slightly tangy flavor and a thick, rich consistency. If you can’t find it at the grocery store, make it at home by combining ½ cup heavy cream and one teaspoon buttermilk and letting it culture at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt can also be good substitutes.”

—Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, registered dietitian nutritionist, Forme Nutrition, Franklin Lakes

Fall For The Flavor

This sweet and spiced sip brings the orchard to your glass— just in time for sweater weather.

RED APPLE CIDER SANGRIA

Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 3 apples, sliced

n 4 cinnamon sticks

n 1 bottle pinot noir (about 24 fl. oz.), chilled

n 2 cups cold apple cider

n 1/2 cup Grand Marnier liqueur

n 3 Tbs. pure maple syrup

For the rim

n 3 Tbs. brown sugar

n 1 tsp. cinnamon

n 1 orange wedge

DIRECTIONS

In the bottom of a pitcher, add the apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Pour in the wine, apple cider, Grand Marnier and maple syrup. Stir to mix. Stick it in the fridge for 30 minutes to bring everything together.

To serve, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon on a plate. Rim the glasses with an orange wedge and dip in the cinnamon sugar. Fill the glasses with ice and pour the sangria over top, being sure to get some of the fruit in the glass.

“Though oranges are more commonly used in spring sangria, you can use about a half cup of orange juice instead of maple syrup in this recipe. The drink will have similar autumn sweetness but with less sugar.”

—Brian

Dorsey, bartender, Westwood

F A C E S 2025 A

Showcase of Innovative Businesses

LEE KOJANIS, DDS, (Right), JOHN KALLIS, DMD, (Center), TYLER ZENGA, DDS, MD, (Left)

WHEN IT COMES TO COMBINING SURGICAL EXCELLENCE WITH AN EMPATHETIC TOUCH, Premier Oral Surgery Group stands unrivaled. Our acclaimed surgeons are compassionate professionals at the pinnacle of their field, prioritizing patient care above all else. With an understanding that oral surgery can often be a source of anxiety and stress, our team devotes itself to fostering an environment of empathy, understanding, and kindness. We take the time to listen, ensure your comfort, and explain every step of your treatment in a way you can understand. Our aim is to transform your perception of oral surgery from an intimidating ordeal to a journey of oral health restoration with a team you trust.

Proudly rooted in Bergen County, Premier Oral Surgery Group is a truly local, surgeon-owned practice—free of outside corporate influence. We’re your neighborhood specialists, committed solely to the health and well-being of our local communities. With locations in Englewood Cliffs, Bergenfield, and our newest state-of-the-art office in Ho-Ho-Kus, we remain dedicated to providing advanced, compassionate surgical care where it matters most: close to home. Learn more at www.premieroralsurgerygroup.com.

BERGEN MEDICAL ASSOCIATES EMBRACES A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE. At Bergen Medical Associates, we are committed to delivering advanced, whole-patient care across our multispecialty facilities. “Our goal is to provide top-tier medical services tailored to the unique needs of each patient,” explains Dr. Eric Avezzano, CEO and Managing Partner of the practice. “We emphasize a therapeutic atmosphere and seamless access to our healthcare team.”

Eric Avezzano, M.D.

Crystal Broussard, M.D.

Robert Levine, M.D.

Anthony Delillo, M.D.

Alicia Carti, A.P.N.

Bhavik Bhandari, M.D.

Sandeep Kour, M.D.

Deana Nes, D.O.

Allen Griggs, D.O.

Kathleen Staunton, A.P.N.

Alyse Bellomo, M.D.

Kedar Gokhale, M.D.

Alan Briker, M.D.

Jackie Ulzheimer, A.P.N.

Nina Cheung, M.D.

Laurie Schlussel, R.D., M.A.

Carolyn Mudry, DO Harry Fried, MD Margaret Co, M.D.

Jeff Chung, M.D.

Patients appreciate the convenience of a “one-stop shop” experience, where various medical specialties are housed under one roof. With over 40 board-certified physicians and a skilled team of nurses and staff, the practice offers expertise in fields such as internal medicine, family medicine, gastroenterology, rheumatology, endocrinology, allergy and immunology, sports medicine, orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, urology, nutrition, weight management, and podiatry. The practice fosters collaboration among its physicians, ensuring a continuum of care that spans from preventative services and wellness to managing complex health concerns. Bergen Medical Associates also accommodates patients with extended weekday and Saturday hours, same-day appointments, and accepts most insurance plans.

Robert Pittman, M.D.

Heather Klavan, M.D.

Andy Koo, M.D.

Holly Cullen, M.D.

Richard Garden, M.D.

Samantha Rosenzweig, D.P.M.

Veena Desai, M.D.

Vivian Lan, M.D.

Michael Khalil, DO

Erica Rosenbaum, M.D.

Neeta Motiwala, M.D.

Michael Loreti, MD

Janelle Yee, MD

Sanchita Gupta, M.D.

Sabrina Tempesta, D.O.

Jenny Ayala, M.D.

Jaclyn Heuer, A.P.N.

Francis McGorty, M.D.

Nicole Brand, M.D. Mahmood Karimi, MD

Paul Kovatis, MD

Susan Flanzman, M.D.

THE FACE OF

A COHESIVE, EXPERIENCED DENTAL TEAM

LIANY FARINAS-HAN, DMD SMILES BY BERGEN DENTAL

339 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432 | 201.444.3049

310 Main Street, Emerson, NJ 07630 | 201.261.3364

166 Washington Avenue, Dumont, NJ 07628 | 201.384.2112 | www.smilesbybergendental.com

AT THE CORE OF DR. LIANY FARINAS-HAN’S PRACTICE is the belief that exceptional dental care begins with a strong, unified team. Across all three Bergen County locations, patients benefit from the strength of a group that is deeply committed to collaboration, shared values and continuous training. This approach ensures that no matter which location you visit, you’ll receive the same high-quality care from professionals who work seamlessly together. “A cohesive team is like a good dance partner,” says Dr. Farinas-Han. “You can read each other's next move without uttering a word.” The decision to grow from a single office to eventually three wasn’t just about space— it was about people. The additional offices enhance the ability to match patients’ busy lives through flexible scheduling, easier access and quicker response in emergencies.

At Smiles By Bergen Dental, patients receive a full range of services including preventive dentistry, gum disease treatments, implants, veneers and Invisalign. With the gifted hands of a Juilliard School classically trained concert pianist, Dr. Farinas-Han has a particular flair for cosmetic dentistry creating unique smiles that build confidence and boost self-esteem. As indisputable as the consistent exceptional care and unmatched aesthetic results is the joy and rapport that radiates throughout all offices.

973.247.1860 | www.renosappliance.com

SHOPPING FOR AN APPLIANCE CAN BE AN OVERWHELMING EXPERIENCE. What makes the journey stress-free is knowing you are in the hands of the “family” team at Reno’s Appliance, made up of knowledgeable sales professionals familiar with all brands and manufacturers. Always dedicated to offering new and improved services, Reno’s Appliance also has an on-site Corporate Chef available to demonstrate a variety of appliances. What began in 1951 as Reno’s Radio and TV Repair Shop has grown into a 16,000-square-foot designer showroom serving the tri-state area and offering a full range of appliances. More than just an appliance company, Reno’s is committed to the growth and welfare of Paterson and is proud to be bestowed the “Faith in Paterson Award” honored by the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce for its exceptional investments and initiatives in the local economy.

Reno’s three sons continue the tradition, highlighting customer satisfaction and creating a unique shopping experience at every visit.

THE FACE OF

JOHN MINICHETTI, DMD

THE CENTER FOR IMPLANTS AND AESTHETICS AT ENGLEWOOD DENTAL 370 Grand Avenue, Suite 200, Englewood, NJ 07631 | 201.871.3555 | englewooddental.com

MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, Dr. John Minichetti began practicing cosmetic and implant dentistry as an innovative solution to replacing missing teeth and improving smiles. Dr. Minichetti and his elite team of General Dentists, Drs. Anna Hong, Cara Minichetti, and Joseph D’Amore, are leaders in the dental community, addressing both simple and complicated cases with the same degree of attention and expertise.

Dr. Minichetti’s office is Bergen County’s cutting-edge facility for cosmetic and implant procedures and provides quality comprehensive care in general, pediatric, laser, facial aesthetics and orthodontic dentistry. The practice hosts an in-house lab, Digital X-rays, CAT Scan, a board-certified anesthesiologist and a specialized surgical suite. Dr. Minichetti often receives patient referrals from other dentists. As Chief of Dentistry at Englewood Hospital and former President of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the American Board of Oral Implantology, Dr. Minichetti brings expertise to his practice and enjoys teaching clinicians from around the world. Testimonials from colleagues and patients agree that Dr. Minichetti’s office sets the standards for quality dental care.

THE FACE OF

BERGEN COUNTY’S TOP PRODUCING AGENT

ROI KLIPPER, REALTOR ASSOCIATE THE KLIPPER GROUP CORCORAN INFINITY PROPERTIES

105 S. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

O: 201.781.8387 | C: 201.780.1234

IG: @theklippergroup

WHEN IT COMES TO BERGEN COUNTY REAL ESTATE, one name stands out above the rest- Roi Klipper, a leading real estate agent and driving force behind The Klipper Group at Corcoran Infinity Properties. Roi’s brand is rapidly expanding into new towns, from Glen Rock to Saddle River, with listings throughout Bergen County. Roi prides himself on his exceptional negotiating skills and personalized approach to his client’s needs. Specializing in assisting first-time homebuyers, investors, sellers, and builders in finding their perfect property, Roi has carved a niche in off-market opportunities, uncovering hidden gems for eager buyers, and securing quick, seamless transactions for sellers. Roi has broken sales records multiple times over his career and prides himself on his unique marketing and out of the box creativity.

Recognized with the prestigious New Jersey Realtors® Circle of Excellence Award at the Platinum Level 3 years in a row and counting. Roi’s dedication and hard work are evident in his outstanding achievements. He ranks in the top 1% of Realtors in Bergen County, 1.5% in the nation based on Real Trends, has $250MM in sales, and is the #1 agent in Glen Rock since 2022. To stay up to date on his latest listings or to get more information please visit www. TheKlipperGroup.com - IG: @theklippergroup

THE FACES OF

POWERFUL ADVOCACY & COMPASSIONATE COUNSEL

ANGELO SARNO, ESQ. JOSEPH V. MACERI, ESQ.

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

446 Route 35, Building C, Suite 101, Eatontown, NJ 07724 | 848.257.0100

19 Cattano Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960 | 973.922.3900 | www.sarnolawfirm.com

FOUNDED ON THE BELIEF THAT LEGAL EXCELLENCE DEMANDS MORE THAN JUST KNOWLEDGE, 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 and Managing Partner Angelo Sarno and Hackensack Managing Partner Joseph V. Maceri – both certified matrimonial attorneys by the Supreme Court of New Jersey – focus their practices on complex family law cases. They share a deep commitment to protecting children and securing the best possible outcomes for their clients and families.

Both attorneys are recognized for their representation in high-profile cases that have helped shape legal precedent within the matrimonial law community. They have expertly handled high-conflict child custody disputes, high net worth divorces involving complex business valuations and dissolutions, as well as multifaceted post-divorce litigation. Their practice is distinguished by their ability to balance the intricacies of family law with the profound emotional impact these matters have on the individuals involved.

ROBERT KAYAL, MD, FAAOS, FAAHKS KAYAL ORTHOPAEDIC CENTER

Franklin Lakes | Glen Rock | Westwood

Paramus | North Bergen | Wyckoff

Midland Park | Fort Lee | Saddle Brook

844.777.0910 | www.kayalortho.com

DR. ROBERT A. KAYAL ISN’T JUST RESHAPING BONES, MUSCLES AND JOINTS – he’s redefining what it means to deliver world-class orthopaedic care. As Founder, President, CEO and Chairman of Kayal Orthopaedic Center, Dr. Kayal has built a multispecialty practice that’s become the premier destination for cutting-edge treatment across New Jersey and New York.

With a stellar reputation in joint replacement, sports medicine and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Kayal is at the forefront of medical innovation. He’s a pioneer in roboticassisted joint replacement, delivering personalized procedures with stunning accuracy and gamechanging outcomes. Under his visionary leadership, Kayal Orthopaedic Center has grown into a comprehensive musculoskeletal institute offering care in spine health, rheumatology, physical therapy and osteoporosis treatment all under one roof.

Whether you're an athlete looking to get back in the game or someone reclaiming everyday mobility, his passion for precision, commitment to rapid recovery and belief in building lifelong partnerships with patients transforms outcomes and changes lives.

In his book, Mastering The Business of Medicine & The Doctor-Patient Relationship, Dr. Kayal shares his 25-year journey from solo practitioner to leading nearly 20 medical centers. The book is both a blueprint and toolkit offering proven advice on patient care, business strategy and ethical leadership empowering doctors to thrive in both medicine and entrepreneurship.

THE FACES OF

AESTHETIC, IMPLANT, & MINIMALLY INVASIVE DENTAL CARE

ANDREW SPECTOR, DMD, FAGD, FICOI, JAY SPECTOR, DDS

GENTLE DENTISTRY, P.A. 173 Terrace Street, Haworth, NJ 07641 | 201.384.1611 | www.gentledentistry.com

SINCE 1961, GENTLE DENTISTRY HAS BEEN HELPING PATIENTS SMILE. Now three generations strong, Dr. Andrew Spector welcomes his oldest son, Dr. Jay Spector, a graduate of New York University Dental School to the practice. Gentle Dentistry is built upon a legacy of over six decades of collective experience centered around personalized service and exceptional care. Recognized as a 2024 & 2025 top finalist in (201) Magazine’s Best of Bergen Readers’ Poll Gentle Dentistry is honored to serve the community with empathy and grace, while advancing the spirit of comprehensive care and minimally invasive dentistry.

Committed to making you dental care effortless, Gentle Dentistry embraces today’s most revolutionary dental technologies. The multi-specialty dental team offers comprehensive services where minimally invasive, technology driven techniques provide the best in implant dentistry, cosmetic smile makeovers, and technology enhanced general care. The highly trained staff is truly exceptional, providing unparalleled expertise and unwavering care. Their attention to detail ensures a seamless experience ensuring every patient leaves with a smile. Additionally, Dr. Spector’s unique vision for aesthetic dentistry is shaped by his passion to deliver beautiful, natural smiles. Experience a different kind of dentistry where the name conveys the promise and the commitment to excellence ensures impeccable results.

THE

BERGEN COUNTY REAL ESTATE

TAYLOR LUCYK, BROKER ASSOCIATE THE TAYLOR LUCYK GROUP CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

C: 201.360.1292 | O: 201.975.4141 TaylorLucykGroup@gmail.com www.TaylorLucykGroup.com

IG: @TaylorLucyk @TheTaylorLucykGroup

IN THE COMPETITIVE WORLD OF BERGEN COUNTY REAL ESTATE, few names command the level of respect, recognition, and results as Taylor Lucyk. Leader of The Taylor Lucyk Group—ranked the #1 Large Real Estate Team in New Jersey by The Wall Street Journal RealTrends The Thousand in 2025—Taylor has become the name synonymous with prestige, performance, and elevated client service.

With over $1 billion in lifetime sales, the coveted #1 ranking on the NJMLS, and the highest brand recognition in Northern NJ, Taylor’s success is driven by strategic expertise, innovative digital marketing, and an unwavering dedication. Taylor and his team are known not just for their high-level performance, but for delivering an elevated client experience marked by discretion, precision, and personalized attention.

Recognized for breaking records and earning numerous industry accolades, Taylor leads a full-time, multi-service team of top agents who offer tailored, white-glove service to every client—from first-time buyers to luxury sellers and elite developers and investors.

His curated approach to branding, listing presentation, and negotiation consistently delivers exceptional results in even the most competitive markets.

Trusted, respected, and results-driven, Taylor Lucyk isn’t just leading the market—he’s setting the standard for what real estate service should be in Bergen County.

FACE OF

THE FACES OF

THE ORTHOPEDIC TEAM TO TRUST

PETER DENOBLE, MD, FAAOS

MODERN ORTHOPAEDICS OF NEW JERSEY

72 Rt. 17N., Paramus, NJ 07652 | 2025 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite C, Wayne, NJ 07470 3799 Rt 46, Suite 207 Parsippany, NJ 07504 | 201.751.2301 | www.modernorthonj.com

MODERN ORTHOPAEDICS OF NEW JERSEY IS BERGEN COUNTY’S MODERN DESTINATION for musculoskeletal care, merging cutting-edge technology with personal attention. We start with proven non-operative options—targeted physical therapy, focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), platelet-rich plasma, and more to ease pain fast and keep you active.

When surgery is required, our surgeons perform endoscopic carpal-tunnel release, arthroscopic shoulder repair, and robotic, muscle-sparing knee, hip, and shoulder replacements that minimize tissue damage, scarring, and often let patients go home the same day. Our Accelerated Recovery Program layers pre-hab coaching, opioid-sparing analgesia, early guided physical therapy, ESWT, and EMTT to shorten return-towork timelines by weeks.

All care is delivered by fellowship-trained specialists: hand-to-shoulder experts Peter DeNoble, MD, David Ratliff, MD, and Alejandro MoralesRestrepo, MD; sports-medicine surgeon James Lee Jr., MD, who offers robotic total knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, and advanced knee arthroscopy; and orthopedic trauma surgeon Lorraine Stern, MD, providing state-of-the-art fracture care. From non-operative innovation to next-generation surgery and accelerated rehab, Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey puts healing on the fast track.

www.Dianedurocherinteriors.com A WELL-RESPECTED DESIGNER FOR OVER 25 YEARS, Diane Durocher believes that the foundation of successful design is trust and confidence. Connecting on a deeply personal level enables Diane to design inspired spaces that reflect her clients’ unique personalities and lifestyles. With a keen eye for color, outstanding space planning skills, and the ability to design customized pieces, she rises to the challenge of transforming a blank slate into a stunning reality and brings her clients’ visions to life. Her ultimate goal is to exceed her clients’ expectations.

Diane is an award-winning designer whose talent has been recognized throughout her career. She has received numerous “Design of Excellence” awards from the NJ Chapter of ASID, has been selected to showcase her work in many prominent designer showhouses in NJ and NY, and is often featured in prestigious design publications.

She believes that a well-designed home is not just a lovely backdrop, it influences how we live our lives.

THE FACE OF NEW DEVELOPMENT & LUXURY REAL ESTATE

TARYN BYRON, ASSOCIATE BROKER CORCORAN INFINITY PROPERTIES

1018 Closter Dock Road, Alpine, NJ 07620 | O: 201.768.6868

C: 732.362.1523 | IG @tarynbyron

IN A MARKET WHERE EXCELLENCE IS THE BASELINE AND EXPECTATIONS ARE SKY-HIGH, TARYN BYRON DOESN’T JUST RISE TO THE OCCASION — SHE REDEFINES IT.

With over 20 years of experience in high-end real estate and a uniquely multidimensional background, Taryn has earned her place as Bergen County’s go-to authority in luxury sales and new development. Her approach blends sharp business acumen with a refined design sensibility — a rare fusion of skills honed through a degree in Business Management from Rutgers, architectural coursework at NJIT, and years spent managing construction projects in New Jersey and Northern California.

This depth of expertise allows her to see beyond the surface — to assess not just the beauty of a property, but its potential. Whether working with individual homeowners, advising investors, or consulting developers on branding, leasing, and sales strategies for largescale projects, Taryn operates with vision, precision, and undeniable style.

Known for her bold marketing, savvy social media presence, and ability to read the market several steps ahead, Taryn has built a reputation for delivering results with impact — all while remaining grounded, honest, and refreshingly relatable.

Her work isn’t transactional — it’s transformational. For Taryn, luxury isn’t about price tags; it’s about the experience, the strategy, and the story. And that’s exactly why she’s the name Bergen County trusts when it comes to real estate that demands more than the ordinary.

THE FACE OF

GENERATIONS OF SMILES

ANTHONY CARAMICO, DMD

MIDLAND PARK FAMILY DENTISTRY

662 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432 | 201.447.5555 | midlandparkfamilydentistry.com

AT MIDLAND PARK FAMILY DENTISTRY, LED BY DR. ANTHONY CARAMICO, known affectionately as Dr. Tony, exceptional care is the everyday standard. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Tony and his team pair advanced technology with a warm, patient-focused approach that has earned the trust of generations.

The practice features CEREC technology for same-day crowns (no messy impressions or waiting for the lab). Patients leave with a beautiful, permanent crown in just one visit. A standout offering is the Solea laser, which allows fillings to be performed without anesthesia or drills. It’s quick, painless and eliminates the lingering numbness patients typically expect. Midland Park Family Dentistry also provides specialized care with in-house periodontist Dr. David Greco, who performs dental implants and LANAP laser gum therapy right in the office.

Dr. Tony’s commitment to innovation and safety is unwavering. Long before national guidelines required it, the practice exceeded CDC and OSHA infection control standards. “I stay at the forefront of the industry to deliver the highest level of personalized care,” says Dr. Tony. At Midland Park Family Dentistry, excellence isn’t the goal—it’s the starting point.

MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN, ESQ.

A graduate of Harvard University School of Law, Michael J. Epstein has been a practicing attorney for nearly 30 years. The Epstein Law Firm, founded by his father, stands on a legacy of resilience and a steadfast commitment to justice for clients throughout New Jersey and beyond.

Michael’s knowledge, experience and dedication has brought him to the forefront of the legal profession particularly in the areas of Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Negligence, Legal Malpractice, Employment Law, Civil Litigation and Commercial Litigation. Michael combines clear communication, compassionate support, tailored strategies and strong advocacy to pursue the compensation or resolution his clients deserve—steadfastly championing their rights every step of the way. He understands the importance of building strong, trusted relationships so that his clients feel supported, respected and empowered throughout the legal process. As both a skilled negotiator and litigator, Michael navigates the complexities of the legal system with precision and determination delivering strong, favorable outcomes for his clients.

THE FACES OF

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

RIVERSIDE ORAL SURGERY

Scan the QR code to learn more, or visit RIVERSIDEORALSURGERY.COM

RIVERSIDE ORAL SURGERY, NEW JERSEY’S PREMIER ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY GROUP, was founded 18 years ago by Dr. Jason M. Auerbach. His singular focus was to create “the optimal patient experience…each and every time” and that philosophy still remains the group’s hallmark today. All of Riverside’s oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly skilled and extensively trained in providing comprehensive and progressive oral and maxillofacial care to patients of all ages.

With a rapidly expanding footprint and a full scope of surgical offerings, the Official Oral Surgeons of the New Jersey Devils, Riverside Oral Surgery, is the ideal choice for patients throughout New Jersey. Whether it’s care for wisdom teeth, dental implants, head and neck pathology, facial cosmetics, TMJ, or any other issue oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to treat, Riverside Oral Surgery has multiple board-certified, and fellowship trained surgeons and a qualified team dedicated to the patient experience. Riverside Oral Surgery, proudly selected as the ONLY dental practice in the state awarded NJBIZ Best Places to work, offers a solution custom built for you. Dr. Auerbach, who is also Instagram’s @bloodytoothguy, explains the success of the group, “I founded this practice to provide care ‘The Riverside Way’, where every patient we are privileged to treat is assured our utmost attention, uncompromised care, and a predictable exceptional outcome.”

THE FACE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT

REHAN ALI, MD

COMPLETE PAIN & SPINE INSTITUTE 1144 East Ridgewood Ave., Floor 2, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 | 201.336.0188 www.njpainandspine.com

DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED IN INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MEDICINE AND ANESTHESIOLOGY, DR. REHAN ALI is at the forefront of modern pain management. Known for his patient-centered approach and commitment to minimally invasive solutions, Dr. Ali combines clinical expertise with cutting-edge techniques to restore function and dramatically improve quality of life. Beyond his clinical expertise in alleviating acute and chronic pain, Dr. Ali is known for his empathy and commitment to patient education, clearly explaining conditions and treatments to empower patients in their recovery. He is dedicated to helping patients reclaim comfort, mobility and confidence in their everyday lives.

Dr. Rehan Ali specializes in treating a wide range of debilitating conditions, including chronic back pain, arthritis, and migraines, with a focus on personalized, results-driven care. He prioritizes restoring function and improving mobility, using innovative, minimally invasive techniques tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Known for his compassionate approach and clinical experience, Dr. Ali is deeply committed to helping patients live more comfortably and actively. His dedication to achieving better outcomes continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of those he treats.

DENTISTRY

DAYNA CASSANDRA, DDS

DR. DAYNA CASSANDRA COSMETIC DENTISTRY

351 Evelyn St., Paramus, NJ 07652 201.261.7645

www.cosmeticdentistofparamus.com

FOR ALMOST 25 YEARS, DR. DAYNA CASSANDRA HAS PROUDLY SERVED the Bergen County community, providing personalized dental care rooted in trust, communication, and lasting relationships. Her philosophy is simple: actively listen, communicate honestly, and help patients take control of their dental health for a lifetime of confidence and comfort.

Patients are drawn to her practice not just for the high-quality care, but for the authentic, patient-first approach. “Are you planning to keep your teeth for life?” she often asks—because she’s committed to helping you do just that.

Dr. Cassandra’s practice blends time-tested principles with modern innovation. From digital smile design and same-day ceramics to AI-enhanced diagnostics and 3D imaging, she and her expert team use the latest tools to create natural-looking, long-lasting results.

With a strong, dedicated team by her side, Dr. Cassandra continues to stay ahead of dental advancements while staying true to her core values— delivering dentistry that improves comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

THE FACES OF FAMILY LAW

TORCHIN MARTEL ORR LLC

95 N. State Rt. 17, Suite 109, Paramus, NJ 07652 | 201.971.4866 | admin@tmolawfirm.com

TORCHIN MARTEL ORR LLC (“TMO”) WILL HELP YOU through what may be the most difficult time in your life. TMO, based in Paramus, has decades of combined legal experience and a vast history of positive results and feedback. Continually recognized as one of the top family law firms in Bergen County, TMO stresses a personal, comprehensive, compassionate, timely, effective, and dedicated approach to your matter. All TMO attorneys offer strategic advice and representation in all areas of family law. You will understand every aspect of your matter and be informed of all your options as we navigate the process together toward your desired outcome. Our firm is dedicated to not only resolving your matter, but helping to guide you into the next phase of your life. Please visit our website www.tmolawfirm.com or call us at 201.971.4866 for more information. We are here to help you and your family.

MODERN REAL ESTATE

DAVID

AS THE FOUNDER AND DRIVING FORCE BEHIND CORCORAN INFINITY PROPERTIES, David Arabia isn’t just building a booming real estate business but also creating a dynamic culture shift rooted in collaboration, creativity, and uncompromising excellence. With a clear vision, fueled by his decades of industry experience, David set out to redefine how a modern real estate brokerage operates - ultimately establishing a company where both agents and clients feel supported, valued, and inspired.

Today, with offices in Alpine, Edgewater, Ridgewood and River Vale, David’s talented team at Corcoran Infinity Properties consists of 140 agents who have specialties in every town throughout Bergen County and beyond into areas of Hudson/Essex Counties and New York state. He accredits the thriving successes of his high-performing team to their collective belief that exceptional service isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about building lasting relationships, understanding people’s dreams, and delivering results that feel personal and purposeful.

Whether it's through cutting-edge technology, thoughtfully curated marketing strategies, or a simple commitment to doing the right thing, David's leadership continues to raise the bar in real estate. His mission is clear: to create a space where people do their best work—and love doing it.

THE FACES OF

RELATIONSHIP BASED DENTISTRY

MICHAEL ISRAEL, DMD

PRECISION SMILES

71 Summit Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.342.7742 | www.precisionsmiles.net

WHEN DR. MICHAEL ISRAEL ASSUMED OWNERSHIP THIS PAST FEBRUARY of a well-established practice committed to excellence in patient care, he brought a fresh perspective and an innovative approach to reshaping the patient experience. At the top of his priorities was preserving a relationship-based model in a time when dentistry often feels rushed and impersonal. For Dr. Israel, dentistry is about more than procedures—it's about building lasting relationships through trust, clear communication and mutual respect.

Rooted in an ethos of empathy and excellence, the Precision Smiles dental team believes that in order to deliver the highest level of clinical care, compassion and precision must go hand in hand. Going above and beyond is not the exception, but what patients can always expect. Precision Smiles is a full-service practice equipped with the most advanced technology, all within a comfortable and aesthetically designed environment. Cosmetic procedures like Botox, veneers and fillers are also provided to enhance both the appearance and confidence of patients. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Israel is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dental Medicine at the Touro College of Dental Medicine. With genuine enthusiasm and a deep sense of purpose, Dr. Israel is proud to serve this new community.

THE FACES OF

ORTHOPEDICS

CAHILL ORTHOPEDIC SPORTS MEDICINE & JOINT REPLACEMENT

87 Summit Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601

140 North State Route 17, Suite 255, Paramus, NJ 07652 111 Dean Dr., Suite 1 North, Tenafly, NJ 07670

201.489.0022 | www.cahillorthopedic.com

THE PHYSICIANS AT CAHILL ORTHOPEDICS OFFER SPECIALIZED CARE IN SPORTS-RELATED INJURIES AND JOINT REPLACEMENTS.

Dr. James Cahill is a board certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with expertise in ACL reconstruction, arthroscopic shoulder stabilization and rotator cuff repair, as well as the management of pediatric sports injuries and trauma. Dr. Cahill is proud to serve as the Chief Orthopedic Team Physician for Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City. Having completed advanced fellowship training at NYU in sports medicine, he routinely provides care for professional, collegiate, and high school athletes. His practice is affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Health, where he is a senior attending orthopedic surgeon. He also performs surgery at Valley Hospital. His surgical techniques are at the forefront of orthopedic sports medicine and joint replacement, including Mako roboticassisted hip and knee replacements, which he is an expert in and performs on a regular basis. Dr. Cahill’s educational background includes John Hopkins University and Columbia University.

Dr. Erik Contreras is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery, sports medicine, and fracture care. Originally from Texas, he completed his orthopedic residency training at The Ohio State University, where he trained with expert surgeons taking care of NCAA Division 1 athletes. He then completed his fellowship training at the prestigious NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital in New York City, where he trained in all aspects of shoulder and elbow surgery under the guidance of worldrenowned orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Contreras has a particular interest in shoulder replacement surgery, including anatomic, reverse, and revision shoulder replacement. He also serves as an orthopedic team physician for Saint Peter’s University and routinely performs surgery for sports-related injuries of the shoulder and elbow including shoulder stabilization, UCL repair, and Tommy John surgery.

Dr. Jigar Gandhi is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon utilizing innovative, cutting-edge, minimally-invasive techniques, including robotics and intraoperative navigation to treat a range of spine conditions. He believes in a patient-centered approach, always focused on delivering the best outcome and patient experience.

JAMES W. CAHILL, MD

ERIK S. CONTRERAS, MD

JIGAR GANDHI, MD, PHARMD

THE FACE OF

BRIAN P. TRAVA, D.M.D.

NEW JERSEY ROOT CANAL

ENDODONTICS: ROOT CANAL SPECIALISTS- CONSISTENCY OF 35 YEARS DEVOTED to saving your natural teeth and rescuing troubled root canals from extraction. Replacing a tooth can be very expensive. Having five recognized specialists to discuss, diagnose and offer written second opinions is a great advantage for our patients. Additional areas of expertise include sports trauma, and stem cell science to regrow a nerve in a child’s tooth. WWW.NJSPORTSTRAUMA.COM. We have over 20 years of expertise in sedation endodontics, an area focused on special needs and apprehensive patients. Technology and science have made saving teeth routine. New standards for root canal treatment includes microscopes, 3-D imaging and bacterial elimination procedures.

671 Broadway, Westwood, NJ 07675 | 201.664.1300 | www.obergandlindquist.com

THE FAMILY-OWNED HOME APPLIANCE BUSINESS, OBERG & LINDQUIST, has been family-friendly—and pet-friendly—for over 70 years! Debra Oberg, president, has dedicated her life to carrying on her family's legacy. Growing up in the business, she started selling appliances at the age of 13 under her father's guidance, learning the importance of building relationships with customers. Under her leadership, Oberg & Lindquist has thrived for three generations, a rarity in the small business landscape. Oberg attributes the company's continued success to exceptional customer service and the trust her community places in the family-owned business. With a commitment to preserving this legacy, she has made strategic investments, such as enlarging the showroom, increasing inventory, expanding delivery capabilities, and strengthening her workforce.

Looking toward the future, Oberg envisions building state-of-the-art showrooms to enhance the customer experience. Her advice to fellow small business owners is clear: "Reputation, reputation, reputation—hold on to it tightly, protect it every minute while serving your community. It's everything. Never compromise your standards and stay grateful for your 'family' team and loyal customers."

WOSTBROCK HOME HAS BEEN A BERGEN COUNTY LANDMARK SINCE 1918, blending over a century of style with modern-day sophistication. Family-owned and operated for four generations, the business brings together a retail furnishings boutique, a full-service interior design studio, and a to-the-trade resource center—all under one impeccably styled roof.

Clients come for the stunning selections and stay for the service. Wostbrock is known for its approachable design team, personalized attention, and an ability to turn houses into homes that reflect their owners’ personalities and lifestyles. Whether you’re furnishing a single room or designing an entire home or commercial space, their expert designers offer complimentary in-home consultations and full-scale support—from concept through installation.

Recent design trends have clients embracing pattern, color, and customization—three things the Wostbrock team handles with flair. The showroom is ever-evolving, and this fall, it will host a series of exclusive events for both trade professionals and design lovers alike. From Bergen County to beyond, Wostbrock Home continues to raise the bar in interiors with timeless designs, curated collections, and a

built on integrity, creativity, and care.

Photo By: Alyson Barrow Photography & The Scout Guide-Bergen County.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

DR. FRED A. PUCCIO BRINGS MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF EXPERTISE to the field of cosmetic and implant dentistry, leading a team of five highly accomplished dental practitioners in a cutting-edge, fully digital environment. His approach combines artistic vision with technical precision, creating results that are not only beautiful, natural and elegant, but highly functional and durable. Dr. Puccio applies the same principles with his implant patients, ensuring that function aligns seamlessly with aesthetics. Dr. Puccio believes in treating the whole person by focusing on how oral health impacts overall well-being and quality of life. For him, the most rewarding aspect of dentistry is helping patients regain their confidence and live more fully through personalized, life-changing care.

Dr. Puccio is equally dedicated to mentoring, training and inspiring the next generation of dentists in the latest industry innovations. As a faculty member of NYU’s prestigious Apa Honors Program in Aesthetic Dentistry – renowned globally for its innovation, excellence in education, and world-class patient care – he contributes to the only program of its kind in the world. With every patient, Dr. Puccio strives to blend science and artistry for results that truly make a difference.

THE FACE OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

DONALD A. MCCAIN, M.D., PH.D., FACS

20 Prospect Ave., Suite 603, Hackensack, NJ 07601 | 201.342.1010 www.drdonaldmccain.com

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT NEARLY 97,610 new melanoma cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, resulting in 7,990 deaths. Dr. Donald McCain, Chief of Surgical Oncology at Hackensack University Medical Center, explains:

“The increasing incidence of intermediate and deep malignant melanomas has made genetic analysis for gene expression profiling and sentinel lymph node biopsy a necessary step in determining the risk of spread.”

Dr. McCain has the largest single practice performance of sentinel lymph biopsies and dissections—over 3,000 amid 20 years of experience. He advises Melanoma patients to have all suspicious lesions biopsied by their dermatologist, followed by a careful pathology review. Dr. McCain is Vice Chairman of the John Theurer Cancer Center and the Physician in charge of OR Operations at Hackensack Medical Center. Furthermore, he is the Chief of Surgical Oncology and completed his fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. McCain holds memberships in key national and regional professional organizations and is recognized for his research excellence in areas which include: Gastric Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer, Breast Cancer and Sarcoma.

MARY PREMTAJ, FOUNDING BROKER/BROKER ASSOCIATE THE PREMTAJ TEAM, COMPASS / BERGEN COUNTY REGIONAL OFFICE / RIDGEWOOD 1 Franklin Ave., Suite 2-3, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450 | C:201.410.8022 | O:551.284.0175 mary.premtaj@compass.com

MARY AND HER TEAM’S UNIQUE UNDERSTANDING OF BERGEN COUNTY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET, neighborhoods, housing stock, school systems and amenities ensures that clients receive knowledgeable, full-spectrum guidance when buying or selling. Mary is a reliable and loyal advocate who takes great care in creating customized strategies to exceed the goals of her clients. She is a fierce negotiator, and her unparalleled work ethic and efficient, attentive service mean that not a single minute of her clients’ time is wasted. As a Compass Founding Agent, Mary is aided in her quest for total client satisfaction by the renowned in-house marketing services, nationwide reach and industry- leading technology of the country’s largest independent brokerage. Mary’s team includes Director of Operations and Realtor, Michele Gordon, who ensures a stress-free client experience through the team’s fine-tuned processes. And fellow Realtors Wendy Gronich and Christian Schaefers, who facilitate seamless urban-to-suburban transitions, boast dual licenses in both NY and NJ. With over 40 years of combined experience, over $600,000 in career sales, and a reputation for unwavering integrity and discretion, it’s no surprise that the team’s business thrives on repeat and referral clientele. THE FACES OF

www.theshannonrose.com

WALKING INTO THE SHANNON ROSE immediately transports guests to Ireland…all without having to leave New Jersey. Its interior of Irish inspired décor is only the beginning. The unique menu of traditional Irish favorites and beyond utilizes only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and is sure to satisfy any palate. But those aren’t the only reasons people keep coming back. At the heart of it all is a magnificent management team led by General Manager, Sal La Verdi. They strive to foster the pub’s continued legacy of Irish hospitality and community outreach. The delicious food and family-oriented atmosphere keeps the spirit of giving alive within the tightknit community.

Whether enjoying a family meal, seeing your favorite band play live or having a private event catered, a visit to The Shannon Rose Irish Pub leaves guests with full stomachs and happy hearts. Be sure to stop by the Ramsey or Clifton, New Jersey locations to experience it for yourself.

Patients say they feel an immediate sense of trust and calm in Dr. Juliana Yun’s care—placing their confidence not just in her dental expertise, but in the peace of mind she brings to every visit. Known for her highly personalized approach, Dr. Yun, a board-certified periodontist, takes the time to listen and treat each person with compassion, kinship and respect. With a conservative philosophy and a holistic lens, she focuses on whole patient optimal health and healing rather than over-treating, addressing only what truly needs attention. Her goal is simple: to create a safe, welcoming space built on trust where people feel seen, cared for and confident in their dental health.

Dr. Yun credits much of the practice’s personal touch to her compassionate, tightly connected staff who share a mutual respect that transfers to every one of her patients. At the heart of it all is the wisdom passed down from her late father, the first Korean dentist in New York City, “Never forget that the mouth you are treating is connected to a human being with feelings and emotions.” That philosophy shapes every patient interaction, making her care not only clinical, but deeply human.

THE FACE OF ORTHOPAEDIC SPINE SURGERY AND WELLNESS

GBOLAHAN O. OKUBADEJO, MD, FAAOS THE INSTITUTE FOR COMPREHENSIVE SPINE CARE 25 Rockwood Place, Suite 335, Englewood, NJ 07631 | 877.854.8274 | www.nynjspine.com www.comprehensivewellnesshealth.com

RENOWNED AS ONE OF THE LEADING ORTHOPAEDIC SPINE SURGEONS in the NJ/NYC area, Dr. Gbolahan “Dr. Bo” Okubadejo brings more than 17 years of experience to his role as founder of The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care. Known for his mastery in minimally invasive and robotic spine surgery, Dr. Bo combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to help patients reclaim their lives from debilitating pain. His practice stands apart by offering not only advanced surgical solutions, but also a comprehensive approach to wellness—including non-surgical therapies and innovative fitness tools like the 360 CoreBoard, a patented core training device he invented.

Patients often describe Dr. Bo as a skilled surgeon and an empathetic listener with excellent bedside manner. His institute emphasizes communication, personalized treatment plans, and a deep commitment to each patient’s long-term well-being. With recent accolades as a top doctor in both New Jersey and New York, and an expanding suite of health and wellness offerings, Dr. Bo is redefining what it means to care for the spine—body, mind, and beyond.

THE FACE OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE IN BERGEN COUNTY

DIANE COOKSON BROKER ASSOCIATE | FOUNDING AGENT COMPASS NJ

1 Franklin Avenue Suites 2-3 Ridgewood NJ 07450

C: 201.788.6667 | O: 551.284.0175 www.dianecookson.com

IN THE FAST-MOVING WORLD OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE, DIANE COOKSON STANDS OUT, as a powerhouse leader known for her market expertise, innovative approach, and an unrivaled work ethic. Representing some of Northern New Jersey’s most exclusive properties, Diane brings a fresh, strategic edge to every transaction, leveraging high-impact marketing, state-of-the-art technology, and whiteglove concierge services tailored to each client’s unique goals.

Her success is backed by results: consistently ranked in the top 1.5% of agents nationwide by RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals, and a recipient of the New Jersey Realtors® Circle of Excellence® Platinum Award from 2018 through 2024.

But beyond the accolades, Diane’s true strength lies in her vast network and trusted relationships, both locally and across the country through her elite Compass partnerships. Whether she’s representing a historic estate or advising on a strategic investment, Diane’s dedication to her clients is unmatched.

"There’s no shortcut in this business—hard work, passion, and a commitment to making things happen are what drive me every day,” Diane says.

Diane Cookson is a licensed real estate broker salesperson affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented here is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY (IHA) offers more than a quality Catholic education for young women. IHA is a lifetime sisterhood to the more than 650 high school students who support and encourage one another for years after they graduate. Including the Class of 2025, 11,333 young women call themselves IHA alumnae.

Founded in 1960, IHA is the first college preparatory regional high school for young women in the Archdiocese of Newark. The faculty and staff focus on developing the God-given gifts and talents of IHA’s young women — academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially — preparing students for a lifetime of positive contributions to society.

To supplement the competitive athletics, professional-level performing arts programs, and superlative college prep curriculum, IHA recently launched its Scholae@theheart Program. This program allows students to investigate areas for postsecondary education and receive additional extracurricular experiences to support their learning. All of the scholae share a common liberal arts core curriculum that provides the foundation and skills that universities expect from top-tier applicants.

Whether you’re starting with basic obedience, navigating behavioral challenges, building advanced off-leash control, or exploring programs like Agility, Scent Work, AKC certification prep, or our specialized Therapy and Service Dog offerings, our team of expert trainers is with you every step of the way.

THE FACES OF MOUTHWATERING

BARBECUE

GAVIN FARELLA, JAMIE FARELLA, CHRIS FARELLA

BROTHERS SMOKEHOUSE BBQ & SOUL

Brothers Smokehouse: 900 Route 17 North, Ramsey, NJ 07446 | 551.264.9071

Brothers Barbecue: 2402 State Route 32, Cornwall, NY 12518 | 845.534.4227

Brothers Barbecue: 4242 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994 | 551.455.9956 www.brotherssmokehousenj.com

IT WAS SUMMER VACATIONS AT THE OUTER BANKS WHERE GET-TOGETHERS centered around traditional southern family recipes that kindled a love of cooking for the Farella brothers. Longing for the comfort of authentic BBQ and sweet tea, they took a leap by bringing the south to their home in the Hudson Valley, opening their first restaurant, a BBQ shack. At the heart of it all were the lessons instilled by their mom about the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, respect for the food and the art of hospitality.

Through years of hard work learning every aspect of the restaurant industry, the business has grown to three thriving locations. Voted #1 BBQ in Bergen Magazine as well as (201) Magazine’s Best of Bergen Readers’ Poll for 2024, the “band of brothers” serves up the most delicious BBQ and southern cuisine using family recipes handed down through generations. Whether you’re dining in, ordering online or in search of a caterer for your next party, Brothers Smokehouse BBQ & Soul has a daily selection of smoked meats, fried chicken and soul food dishes accompanied by delicious sides like potato salad, candied yams, collard greens and homemade cornbread that have mouths watering for days. Live soulful music every Friday night in Ramsey is the perfect way to start your weekend.

KAPLEN JCC ON THE PALISADES 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJ 07670 | 201.569.7900 | www.jccotp.org

THE KAPLEN JCC ON THE PALISADES IS A VIBRANT, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY committed to the well-being of every individual who walks through its doors. Rooted in Jewish values and tradition yet open to all, the JCC fosters a welcoming environment where community thrives. With flexible membership options, personalized tours, and ongoing public events, it’s easy to get involved. Whether you're seeking wellness, education, creativity, or connection, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is your home away from home.

The Kaplen JCC provides enriching programs for every age and stage of life. Seniors, adults, children, and individuals with special needs all find meaningful connection, support, and purpose here from the renowned Thurnauer School of Music and JCC Dance and Drama Schools to the Leonard and Syril Rubin Early Childhood Center and Neil Klatskin Summer Camps. Spanning 185,000 square feet with acres of outdoor space, the Kaplen JCC offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor aquatics, tennis and racquet courts, an indoor track, spa, and more.

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.

Saddle River Inn, Saddle River

ON THE TOWN

ALLENDALE

Allendale Bar & Grill

67 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com

Allendale Steakhouse 95 W. Allendale Ave. 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhouse.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

BERGENFIELD

Bamboo Grill

54 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.5951 bamboo-grill.com

Chapala Grill

52 S. Washington Ave. 201.387.2107 chapalamexican grill.com

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

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

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

BOGOTA

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

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 luciosnj.com

Sear House 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhousenj.com

Stern & Bow

171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbow restaurant.com

CARLSTADT

Biggie’s

430 Rte. 17 S. 201.933.4000 biggies.com

Hunkar Restaurant

319 Hackensack Ave. 201.507.0606 hunkarrestaurant.com

Il Villaggio

651 Rte. 17 N. 201.935.7733 ilvillaggio.com

CLIFFSIDE PARK

354 Steakhouse

354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499 354steakhouse.com

Avos Grill

720 Anderson Ave. 201.945.9038 avosgrill.com

Rudy’s

591 Anderson Ave. 201.943.9252

DUMONT

Foschini’s Brick

Oven Kitchen

21 E. Madison Ave. 201.387.9998 foschinisbrickoven kitchen.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

CRESSKILL

Chef Mediterranean

38 Union Ave. 201.367.9565 chef-mediterranean. res-menu.com

Farmhouse Café 15 E. Madison Ave. 201.266.8931 farmhousecafenj.com

Hanami 41 Union Ave. 201.567.8508 hanamirestaurant.com

Samdan 178 Piermont Rd. 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurant.net

DEMAREST

Yasou Mykonos 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasougreekfood.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

Baumgart’s Café 59 The Promenade 201.313.3889 baumgartscafenj.com

Brownstone Pancake Factory 860 River Rd. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com

De Novo European Pub 1257 River Rd. 201.496.6161 denovoeuropean pub.com

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

ELMWOOD PARK Taverna Mykonos 238 Broadway 201.703.9200 tavernamykonos.com

EMERSON Pimaan Thai 79 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.967.0440 pimaanthai.com

ENGLEWOOD

Akai Lounge 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 Villa Amalfi

Villa Amalfi, Cliffside Park

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 englewoodtapas.com

Rose’s of Englewood

126 Engle St. 201.541.0020 rosesplacenj.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

Cliffs Steakhouse 18 Sylvan Ave. 201.944.0233 cliffssteakhouse.com

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 2101 Promenade Blvd. 201.796.2625 acfp.com

The Craftsman 1609 Maple Ave. 201.773.8985 thecraftmannj.com

Fair Lawn Diner 13-48 River Rd. 201.791.2895 fairlawndiner.com

Jerry’s Hot Chicken 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.402.9300 jerryshotchicken.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

In Napoli 116 Main St. 201.947.2500 inapoli.com

Kuba Restaurant

2139 Hudson Ter. 201.585.1601 kubarestaurant.com

Pho Today

2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.585.8818

Pomodoro 795 Abbott Blvd. 201.224.0800 pomodoro1.com

Prime & Beyond

501 Main St. 201.461.0033 primeandbeyond.com

Punta Cana

2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.849.5556 puntacanarestaurante.com

Ventana’s

200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthe modern.com

FRANKLIN LAKES

Harmony Mediterranean Grill

842 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8707 harmony-nj.com

Sushi Cocoro 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com

GARFIELD

The Firehouse 42 Plauderville Ave. 973.478.2226 firehousefamily restaurantnj.com

Goodfellas 661 Midland Ave. 973.478.4000 goodfellasrestaurant nj.org

La Fortaleza 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 lafortalezagarfield.com

GLEN ROCK

Glen Rock Inn 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com

Stone & Rail 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com

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

HACKENSACK

Casual Habana Café 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com

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

Hot Fish 450 Hackensack Ave., #6 201.881.0180 hotfishhackensack.com

Houston’s 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 houstons.com

Lido Restaurant 701 Main St. 201.487.8721 thelidorestaurant.com

Maggiano’s Little Italy

70 Riverside Sq. 201.221.2030 maggianos.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse 1 Riverside Sq. 201.487.1303 mortons.com

P.F. Chang’s 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.646.1565 pfchangs.com

Rosa Mexicano 60 Riverside Sq. 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com

HARRINGTON PARK

Donatella Ristorante 12 Tappan Rd. 201.767.4245 donatellasitalian. restaurant

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

Bensi

459 Rte. 17 S. 201.727.9525 bensihh.com

The Heights Bar & Grill 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338 heightsbarandgrill.com

Himalaya on Heights 313 Boulevard 201.257.8744 himalayaonheights0257. s4shops.com

Ivy Inn

268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com

Sofia’s 220 Boulevard 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterranean grill.com

Jerry’s Hot Chicken, Fair Lawn

Tom Yum Koong 305 Boulevard 201.288.3840 tomyumkoonghh.com

Zaffron Bloom 194 Boulevard 201.571.0029 zaffronbloom.com

HAWORTH

Alessandro’s 157 Terrace St. 201.385.8544 alessandrosnj.com

Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net

HILLSDALE

The Cornerstone 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com

Domani

387 Washington Ave. 201.722.8881 domanirestaurants.com

Fig & Tomato

100 Park Ave. 201.722.8880 figandtomatoeatery.com

Koon Thai Eatery 126 Broadway 551.246.3646 koonthaieatery.com

Matsu Sushi & Grill 140 Broadway 201.930.1896 matsusushibest.com

Osso Buco 343 Broadway 201.664.1600 ossobucogrill.com

HO-HO-KUS

Alt Eats 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

LEONIA

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

Shumi Japanese Cuisine 354 Broad Ave. 201.272.6577 shumiomakase.com

LITTLE FERRY

Segovia Steakhouse 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com

LODI

Kaya

334 N. Main St. 973.779.1128 kayalodi.com

ReBar & Kitchen

132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com

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

LYNDHURST

Angelo’s

263 Ridge Rd. 201.939.1922

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

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

MAHWAH

Mahwah Bar & Grill 2 Island Rd.

201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com

Nagoya

1007 MacArthur Blvd. 201.818.9933 nagoyamahwah.com

ON THE TOWN

Nonna’s 11 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com

Novino Restaurant 64 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.529.1900 novinonj.com

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

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

Sangria 1033 MacArthur Blvd. 201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.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

Maywood Inn’s

Twin Door Tavern

122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com

Maywood Pancake House

92 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.880.7842 maywoodpancake house.com

The Seafood Gourmet

103 W. Pleasant Ave.

201.843.8558 seafood-gourmet.com

MIDLAND PARK

Arturo’s

41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co

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

Rosario’s Trattoria 29 Central Ave. 201.445.3335

MONTVALE

Delpino Restaurant 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.391.6866 delpinorestaurant.com

Bellissimo

12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com

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

OAKLAND

Cenzino

589 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.6693 cenzinos.com

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

Yuki

350 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8889 yuki-oakland.com

ORADELL

Oak House 2 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.277.4892 oakhousenj.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

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

PARK RIDGE

103 Prime At Valentino’s 103 Spring Valley Rd. 201.391.2220 103prime.com

The Park Steakhouse 151 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com

Peppercorns 176 Colony Ave. 201.391.2818 peppercorns176.com

Ridge Diner 125 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.4242 ridgediner.com

RAMSEY

Anthony Franco’s 128 E. Main St. 201.236.8000 afpizza.com

Brady’s at the Station 5-7 W. Main St. 201.327.9748 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

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

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 felinarestaurant.com

Kimchi Smoke

BBQ Shack

2 Godwin Ave. 201.447.6653 kimchismoke.com

La Lanterna

29 W. Ridgewood Ave.

201.444.5520 lalanternaof ridgewood.com

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

Park West Tavern 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com

Raymond’s

101 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5125 raymondsnj.com

Roots Steakhouse 17 Chestnut St. 201.444.1922 rootssteakhouse.com

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

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

Village Green 36 Prospect St. 201.445.2914 villagegreen restaurant.com

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

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

ROCHELLE PARK

Nanni

53 W. Passaic St. 201.843.1250 nanni.com

RUTHERFORD

Finch’s 801 Rutherford Ave. 201.231.3141 finchsdining.com

Fiorentini 98 Park Ave. 973.721.3404 fiorentinirest.com

Matisse 167 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 cafematisse.com

Paisano’s 132 Park Ave. 201.935.5755 paisanos.com

The Risotto House 88 Park Ave. 201.438.5344 therisottohouse.com

Volare’s 7 Station Sq. 201.935.6606 volaresrestaurant.com

SADDLE BROOK

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

Que Pasta 326 Market St. 201.712.1900 qpitalian.com

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

SADDLE RIVER

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

TEANECK

Amarone 63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net

B V Tuscany 368 Cedar Ln. 201.287.0404 bvtuscany.com

Etc. Steakhouse 1409 Palisade Ave. 201.357.5677 etcsteakhouse.com

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

Regina’s 827 Teaneck Rd. 201.862.1996 reginassteakhouse andgrill.com

Sweet T’s

166 W. Englewood Ave. 201.942.3030 sweettseatery.com

TENAFLY

Axia Taverna 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com

Brasserie 4 Washington St. 201.266.6400 tenaflybrasserie.com

Sayola

50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurantnj.com

TPR Restaurant

38 W. Railroad Ave. 201.871.0444 tprrestaurant.com

WALDWICK

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

Limoncello

32 Franklin Tpke. 201.652.5577 limoncellonj.com

WASHINGTON

TOWNSHIP

Bacari Grill

800 Ridgewood Rd. 201.358.6330 bacarigrill.com

WESTWOOD

Bon

487 Broadway 201.238.2371 bonwestwood.com

Downtown Dhaba

266 Center Ave. 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com

Farmhouse Café & Eatery

301 Center Ave. 201.664.8424 farmhousecafenj.com

Granita Grille 467 Broadway 201.664.9846 granitagrille restaurant.com

Kimchi Smoke Barbecue

57 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.321.7996 kimchismoke.com

Melt Toba 250 Center Ave. 201.359.8497 tobarestaurant.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

WOOD-RIDGE

Al Chile

187 Hackensack St. 862.334.3616 mexicanfoodwoodridge.com

Concourse Club

379 Rte. 17 S. 201.710.6459 concourseclubnj.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

Ammata Thai Kitchen, River Vale

Celebrating 10 Years!

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Thai To Taste

Bold flavors and heartfelt hospitality at Ridgewood’s Chorn Thong create memorable dining experiences.

I get nostalgic whenever I walk up and down Ridgewood’s main business district, a place where I spent a good chunk of my early professional life. I remember a decade or so ago browsing the proliferation of mom-andpop shops along East Ridgewood Avenue and discussing the day’s talking points with co-workers over lunch.

My girlfriend and I planned to spend a warm Saturday along that stretch and take advantage of summer sales. Though there were fewer independent stores than we remembered, the number of new and inviting eateries—from fast-casual joints to refined dining establishments—had seemingly increased. That was good news, of course, as we built up an appetite during our stroll in the afternoon heat.

Our destination was Chorn Thong (which in Thailand loosely translates to “golden spoon”), a Thai restaurant that recently opened along the railroad tracks at the top of the avenue. It was less than a week old at that time (the storefront didn’t have a sign yet), so it could’ve been easy to miss. But as soon as we sat in the charming dining room, there was a constant flow of diners—a good indication that people knew where to go.

The draw here was the menu, which is inspired by spicy, bold and seafood-rich southern Thailand cooking. In comparison, many other Thai restaurants focus on milder dishes from the central part of that country (pad thai and green curry, for instance).

While Chorn Thong does offer those dishes, we immediately noticed selections that we hadn’t seen before in a Thai restaurant.

We started with a pair of appetizers that were new to us (although we’ve tried variations of them). The first was taro spring rolls, four fried wrappers filled with piping hot taro, carrots, vermicelli and cabbage. Everything is cooked fresh, so each piece was steaming hot; eat these slowly to savor the luscious flavor and to spare your tongue from the heat.

Our second app was tod mun goong, a trio of doughnut-shaped shrimp cakes, each

delicately fried like the best crab cakes served in a seafood restaurant. The shrimp mixture also contains ground pork for extra flavor and savoriness, while the accompanying sweet plum sauce balances every bite.

Already two fried dishes into the meal, I didn’t stop the trend when it came to entrees—I was too tempted by the softshell crab ka ree to turn it down. This dish came with four golden pieces of crispy crab served in a curry sauce made of egg, scallion, pepper and other spices. The rich, buttery and tangy crab was succulent on its own, but the sauce gave it a bolder (though not spicy) taste that made the dish much more flavorful than other softshell crab dishes I’ve had.

My girlfriend, meanwhile, went with the familiar green curry with confit chicken (a protein she chose over tofu, pork belly, brisket and seafood). Though green curry is found on most Thai menus, this version, she reported, was “one of the best” she’d ever had. After tasting the sauce and mixing it with rice (using the golden spoon at our table, naturally), I concurred. The curry was evenly sweet, spicy and creamy thanks to the balance of peppers, coconut milk, veggies and chicken fat. Chorn Thong makes this everyday dish special.

After clearing the table, our server spent time chatting with us, talking to us like we were old friends while also telling us about the restaurant’s coconut ice cream. We learned that his wife is the owner and chef of Chorn Thong, and that he has two restaurants of his own in Brooklyn. (Both of them checked on us on numerous occasions throughout the meal.) In that time, we also ordered mango sticky rice for dessert, a sweet comfort with fresh sliced mango and warm rice topped with a divine coconut milk and sugar mixture. Who needs ice cream?

We do, of course, and we’ll try it the next time we’re at Chorn Thong, making new memories.

—Darius Amos

Photos by Darius Amos

Intimate in Scale

Grand in Lifestyle

Only a limited number of people can call The Vista home. Nestled within Christian Health’s 78-acre campus, The Vista’s intimate size provides many advantages. Your individuality is respected and encouraged. Personalized service is a given. And the spirit of community is upbeat and uplifting. Intimate scale aside, The Vista’s amenities rival those found in many country clubs. Why wait? Explore the rewards of Bergen County’s premier life plan community today.

To arrange a tour and receive event invitations, visit TheVista.org/contact, or call (201) 684-9775.

SENIOR LIVING WITH Freedom and Peace of Mind

•

HAPPENINGS

Be There

Seasonal festivals? Live music? Local art? You’ll find all that and more in Bergen this month.

SEPT. 11

Catch TOUCH OF GREY , a popular Grateful Dead tribute band, live at the Williams Center in Rutherford. Known for its improvisational jams and authentic sound, this group has been impressing Deadheads since 2014 and brings all its talent to the center’s intimate space. The show is 18+, and the music starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, head over to williamscenter.co.

SEPT. 11

The Ruth Bauer Neustadter Gallery at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center is holding a free reception for HOPE & FREEDOM , a solo exhibition by internationally exhibited artist Mira Mitrova. Known for her vibrant, expressive work, Mitrova describes her paintings as a “rich tapestry of personal experiences.” welcome to browse the the artist and enjoy light The event begins at 6 p.m.

SEPT. 13-OCT. 11

The Bergen County Players in Oradell will put on their rendition of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL

Follow the journey of Brooklyn’s Carol Klein as she becomes Carole King, world-famous pop icon and hitmaker. Multiple performances are available, including matinee shows. For tickets and more information, head over to bcplayers.org.

SEPT. 18

Ready for the best night in Bergen? THE BERGEN FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCE returns to the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, giving guests a chance to sample cuisine from dozens of local restaurants and caterers as well as try fine wines, premium spirits, craft beers and specialty cocktails from area breweries and distilleries. The event also includes live music, giveaways, swag bags and much more. The fun starts at 6 p.m. For tickets and more, see bergenmag.com.

SEPT. 19–21

For a day of food, fun and culture, stop by the SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK FESTIVAL in Wyckoff. Take in music and sample dozens of Greek dishes (including a whole station dedicated to different preparations of octopus and a bakery station with all

kids to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in nearby Newark for a high-energy live performance by DANNY GO! , the beloved educational YouTuber known for his catchy songs and colorful cast of characters. Sing, dance and get your silly on with fan favorites like “Great Big Party,” “Sharks in the Water,” and “The Floor Is Lava.” Perfect for young audiences, this funfilled show starts at 5 p.m. For tickets and more information, head over to njpac.org.

SEPT. 26–28

Embrace fall vibes at the BERGEN COUNTY HARVEST FESTIVAL , which transforms Ridgefield Park’s Overpeck Park into a three-day seasonal wonderland of vendors, exhibits, live music, rides and children’s activities. Come hungry, because you can also enjoy dozens of gourmet food trucks. The festival opens at 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, see jcpromotions.info.

SEPT. 19–20

Stand-up comedian VLADIMIR CAAMAÑO brings his sharp wit and charismatic stage presence to Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford for four shows over two nights. Known for his appearances on Comedy Central’s House Party , Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Jimmy Kimmel Live , Caamaño delivers high-energy performances that blend personal storytelling with smart, observational humor. Showtimes are at 7, 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. For tickets and more, head over to bananascomedyclub.com.

SEPT. 28

Sunday Night Football is back as the NEW YORK GIANTS TAKE ON THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Watch as Big Blue takes on the defending AFC Champions in a clash of gridiron titans. The game starts at 8:20 p.m. For tickets and more, see metlifestadium.com.

SEPT. 28

All are welcome at the ACHILLES NEW JERSEY HOPE & POSSIBILITY 5K, 10K & WHEELER HALF MARATHON , an inclusive race that raises funds to connect people with disabilities to athletic programs. Whether you’re running, rolling or walking, this event celebrates determination and community. The race starts at 9 a.m. in Saddle River County Park in Rochelle Park, with all three distances starting simultaneously. For registration and more details, visit runsignup.com.

Bring the kids to Englewood’s Bergen Performing COCOMELON: LONG children’s on stage teacher, and to your You’re and Shows p.m. bergenpac.org.

OCT. Get tunes MUSIC

The transformed information, jcpromotions.info.

Gatherings

Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors.

1. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

Rose Kramer, Danielle Goldberg, Isabel Galinov, Yael Blaiberg, Maya Mikay, Jordyn Semegran (pictured from left) received scholarships from the National Council of Jewish Women, Bergen County.

2-3. BERGEN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Music icon Johnny Mathis performed his final concert “The Voice of Romance” at bergenPAC before an audience of celebrities, fans and friends. Before the concert, Mathis was honored with a plaque on bergenPAC’s Walk of Fame.

4-5. CAREPLUS NJ

CarePlus NJ hosted its 27th Annual Courage Awards Gala at The Venetian in Garfield. The program celebrated individuals and organizations that have shown dedication to advancing mental health, addiction recovery, and compassionate community care.

6. THE COMMUNITY CHEST

The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County presented its High School Young Women’s Leadership Program’s 2025 awards to Caitlin Liau of Tenafly, Chloey Cho of Englewood Cliffs and Lila Sora Bae of Cresskill. A ceremony took place at the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House in Tenafly.

7. FLAT ROCK NATURE CENTER

The County of Bergen joined local leaders in Englewood to celebrate new improvements at Flat Rock Nature Center. A grant of $195,000 supported upgrades to the community park, including a new outdoor classroom, modern playground, and a scenic picnic area along Jones Road.

8. GIRL SCOUT TROOP #95392

Earlier this year, the Glen Rock Board of Education honored Dylan Mangaroo, Kaitlyn Mennes, Coryn Meyers, Darin Nonas, Sarah Ring and Isabella Santa Cruz. The group of scouts have been together since Daisy level and have donated hundreds of hours of service to the Glen Rock community.

9. TEMPLE EMETH

Temple Emeth in Teaneck honored congregants who celebrated membership anniversaries. Those who reached milestones, from five to 50 years, were a presented special certificates of recognition and achievement.

10. HOLY NAME MEDICAL CENTER

The Lee Park Foundation presented the Lotus Award for Nursing and Clinical Care to Patrick Purcell, Donna MorganStephen, Jennie DeCastro and Audrey Ridwald. The award recognizes staff at Holy Name Medical Center who exemplify compassion and excellence in patient care.

11-12. ADLER APHASIA CENTER

Maywood-based

Adler Aphasia Center held its Voices of Aphasia Gala at Seasons in Township of Washington. This year’s honorees included Nicole Salzano, Norma Wellington Koster, Bernard Koster and the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

13-14. NEW CONCEPTS FOR LIVING

New Concepts for Living (NCFL), a provider of day programs and community residences for adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, held its Prom Night at its Achievement Center in Paramus. NCFL clients had a great time celebrating with families and friends.

15. TABLE TO TABLE

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, concluded its second annual Partners in Good Health Conference earlier this year. The conference connects the nonprofit’s partner pantries, shelters and other community partners, which distribute food donations to communities in need.

16. PSE&G FOUNDATION

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) celebrated the contributions of PSE&G, the PSEG Foundation and former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas at its annual Angel of Hope Gala at the Liberty House in Jersey City.

A BERGEN MOMENT

“I’m always touched by the intimacy and reverence of small-town ceremonies commemorating holidays like Memorial Day. In Hillsdale’s Veterans Park this year, one of the most moving moments was children planting flags to honor those who died in service to our country. This young man took great care to place his flag just right, as his expression shows. It was a gentle reminder of how our nation has held together through all kinds of challenges throughout its history.”

—Tom Jolly, Hillsdale

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

Photo courtesy of Tom Jolly, Instagram:

The path to back pain relief

begins at our new Spine

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

Eighty percent of us will experience back pain at least once in our lifetime. Valley’s Spine Center offers solutions. It all starts with a team of medical, surgical, pain management, and rehabilitation specialists delivering highly skilled treatment and ongoing management of acute and chronic back pain conditions. And with an experienced navigator dedicated to helping you schedule tests, imaging, and physician visits, you’ll get the care you need – plus peace of mind.

Make the call. Valley’s Spine Center experts are waiting to help.

To schedule your over-the-phone evaluation with Valley’s Spine Center navigator, call 201-689-3800. For more information, visit ValleyHealth.com /SpineCenter

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