Millburn Short Hills August 2025 by Wainscot Media

Millburn & Short Hills

Reflect on this year’s July 4th celebration, where a local hero was honored and celebrated.

Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard open up about life, style and their new Veronica Beard boutique in The Mall at Short Hills.

The Perfect Catch Inspired by a multicultural table, Chef PJ Calapa creates innovate flavors as the executive chef of Marea.

Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard at Veronica Beard’s first New Jersey store.

LLIKE A BEAUTIFUL row of Rose of Sharon, known for its late summer burst of color, this issue is chock-full of stories that keep that summer magic alive. We look back at all that goes into selecting a deserving recipient of the July Fourth Patriot’s Award, so if you were out of town, you are in luck and can learn all about Dorothy Kelly, this year’s deserving recipient. I quite agree with Jamie Serruto when he says that it’s important to honor folks; it helps inspire others to get involved and brings a sense of positive energy. I wonder who will be on the list next year.

Speaking of positive energy, it takes a village to cultivate a winning elementary school chess team. We pull back the veil on the impressive

Deerfield chess team and its talented young competitors who, with the help of the school, teachers, volunteers and mentors in town, have become a force to be reckoned with across the state. I have a lot of respect for these young strategists, as they do not have their parents present as they compete. That’s fierce! Thank you to the reader who brought this lovely story to our attention.

In keeping with our mission to be your go-to community magazine, there are so many great articles. This issue is unique in that Steve Grillo puts a pin in the plethora of dynamic businesses that five years of the SID have helped usher in, adding vitality to our downtown. It is truly impressive. This article is a keeper.

In addition to shopping locally, as August back-to-school shopping approaches, the Mall at Short Hills will surely be on our radar. For the style lovers among us, we were thrilled to feature the two “Veronicas” behind the national brand Veronica Beard and their first-ever New Jersey boutique. We love embodying a bit of connective tissue that binds the many pockets of this wonderful hamlet. Don’t forget to let us know what you’re thinking about as the summer winds down and we approach fall. We look forward to hearing from you!

Reach out to us anytime at marylima@ millburnandshorthills.com and editor@ millburnandshorthills.com.

Warm regards,

Mary Lima Publisher

Millburn & Short Hills

MAGAZINE

Publisher Mary Lima

Editor and Lead Writer

Eve Golden

Writers

Steve Grillo

Maile Winterbottom

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Art Director

Rosemary O’Connell

Associate Editor

Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

In our May issue, we mentioned Natia Rufolo lives in Morristown in our story featuring Raquel Stein; Natia actually resides in Mendham.

Millburn & Short Hills magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Millburn and Short Hills, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JULIA MALOOF VERDEROSA

Vibrant Revival

BY STEVE GRILLO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS

AUGUST 2025 MARKS the fifth anniversary of the establishment of Explore MillburnShort Hills as the Special Improvement District (SID) for the town, otherwise known as a Business Improvement District. One of the main reasons then-Mayor Jackie Lieberberg and then-Deputy Mayor Richard Wasserman advocated so strongly for the SID was the sky-high commercial vacancy rate of 16% across the five subdistricts of the SID. Fortunately, over the past five years, that rate has fallen to approximately 4.5%, and Downtown Millburn has a commercial vacancy rate of just 1%. This recovery is based on several factors, including a post-pandemic economic recovery, strong partnerships between Explore, the Township and property

owners and an effective intake and support system for new businesses.

Most people are shocked when I tell them that there are over 525 businesses in the SID (which does not include the Short Hills Mall). Millburn-Short Hills has welcomed 149 new businesses since August 2020, including 95 storefront businesses that you likely walk past every day. This issue will focus on the new arrivals for 2025 and some of the exciting businesses that are on the horizon.

FOOD

The Millburn food scene has been strong for years, with regional favorites including Millburn Deli, Goldberg’s World Famous Deli, Evoo and Lemon, La Pergola, Basilico, Thai

House and Millburn Standard. Over the past few years, some new favorites have popped up, including Springbone, SunnyScrambled and Millburn Ramen. This year, we have seen two new ice cream shops open, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Urban Scoop Ice Cream, both in the heart of downtown, as well as two new juice bars and health food stores, Healthy Organic Juices (formerly Green Nectar Market under the ownership of a former employee) and Peel’d Juice Bar. Both are just feet away from each other on Millburn Avenue.

DESIGN & LIFESTYLE

The Millburn-Short Hills homeowner has a discerning eye, and the town has some

amazing home decor, interior design and architecture firms. This year, we welcomed Raquel Stein Interior Design Studio on Millburn Avenue. We also saw the arrival of the second store in the BACKYARD Living brand. This store on Morris Turnpike features all the top-flight outdoor furniture brands you are looking for, as well as some great home decor. Finally, September will see the opening of GATHER in downtown. This will be GATHER’s first brick-and-mortar store after operating online and as a pop-up in surrounding towns. They specialize in antique art, furniture and unique objects, including found treasures.

CLOTHING

Millburn has a growing retail clothing sector, and we have had three new arrivals this year. SESTRA (formerly known as Bridge Showroom) recently opened on Upper Millburn Avenue and works with retailers to source the finest European styles for sale here in America. Founded 20 years ago, and recently opened here in Millburn, Siatta Jeans carries jeans and shorts styled with braided African print fabrics, cowry shells, hand-painted masks and patches of African-print fabric. Enzo Custom is another newcomer to Upper Millburn Avenue. This custom men’s fashion store has over a dozen locations in the coolest cities in the nation, and now they are here to serve Millburn and Short Hills customers.

HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

Health, wellness and beauty have long been staple sectors of our local business community. 2025 has seen the arrival of some really interesting concepts and businesses. Concierge Pediatrics on Morris Turnpike offers membershipbased pediatric wellness with a focus on digital access, which can be a huge help for busy parents or those traveling with small children. Right next door, JAG Physical Therapy opened one of the newest locations in the region, bringing the total to over 100 in the metro area. SugaringNYC opened in downtown and offers a variety of services, including

their hallmark sugaring, which is a natural alternative to waxing. Also in downtown, Millburn Wellness Center recently opened at 60 Essex St. and offers massages for reasonable prices in a gorgeous and clean environment. Finally, SkinSpirit opened in the Wyoming Business Center this past June. With over 50 locations nationwide, SkinSpirit offers Botox, fillers, facials, peels, microneedling, laser hair removal and more.

A UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

This year has seen the creation of one of the most unique woman-owned and empowered business models in the area. When Lisa Raymond Goldfarb came to Downtown in 2023, we knew we had found a wonderful advocate, supporter and partner. Lisa is a world-class portrait photographer with a second-floor studio above the Charles Schwab office on Millburn Avenue. She recently created a collaborative studio with three female photographer friends. We are thrilled to welcome Emily Feinsod Photography, Julia Maloof Verderosa Studio and Naki Studios to Downtown Millburn.

THE BEST OF THE REST

2025 has also seen the arrival of Pop Blossom Studio in Downtown, which is a workshop dedicated to helping children explore their creativity and become confident. Ship Short Hills is a packaging, mailing, (and pretty much everything else you could ever need) store on Upper Millburn Avenue and Veterinary Emergency Group has recently opened on Morris Turnpike, to provide 24/7 care for your furry friends.

None of this success would be possible without the hard work, investment and faith of our entrepreneurs, property owners and local community. We need to all work together to keep this momentum going, which means committing to shopping and supporting local. Even our franchises and chains are staffed by people who live and support our local community, so make sure to visit Explore’s website and social media to find new shopping opportunities.

ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORTHILLS

Explore Millburn-Short Hills is the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to support and promote the businesses throughout the five areas of the Special Improvement District that was established in 2020. Explore organizes numerous events, musical performances, educational programs, and networking events. The organization is also responsible for various public art and streetscaping projects in the town, including the Millburn Art Alley and Town Hall Plaza.

Opposite page, left: Backyard Living; Right: Concierge Pediatrics. Above: Ship Short Hills

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A Fresh Start

Rose Arrondell, a familiar face from Green Nectar Market, trades her employee roots for ownership, relaunching as Healthy Organic Juices.

AFTER ALMOST TWELVE years as an associate at Green Nectar Market, Rose Arrondell stepped into ownership and discovered an exciting new chapter. “The creative freedom has been incredible,” Arrondell shares, now suddenly the one making every decision. “I want to sincerely thank Tara, who built and led this business for 12 years before stepping aside,” she says. “I am grateful for the opportunity she gave me to grow and be part of

BY EVE GOLDEN

something special.” This shift allowed experimentation with new ingredients and connecting with customers on a new level. “It’s exciting when someone requests a custom blend or wants to try something new. The best part is seeing ideas I’ve had for years come to life and watching customers get excited about them.”

The decision to rename the business Healthy Organic Juices was driven by transparency. “I wanted something

that immediately tells people what we’re about,” says Arrondell. The straightforward name honors the shop’s legacy while carving a new identity, and customers have embraced the change. Arrondell shares, “It also gave me the freedom to create my own identity while honoring what made this place special. Customers have been really supportive of the change. We offer exactly what we promise: healthy organic juices.”

PRESSED TO PERFECTION

Balancing tradition with creativity, the menu features functional blends tailored to diverse lifestyles. “My previous experience as a teacher showed me that people respond well when you explain the ‘why’ behind things,” Arrondell explains. “We offer focus fuel, recovery blends and immunity boosts for everyone from students to busy parents to athletes.”

Simple and subtle tweaks have also proven successful. “I’ve decided to reduce the amount of celery in our green juices to ensure a balanced flavor profile, allowing you to enjoy the full taste of all the ingredients,” she continues. “Additionally, I plan to offer a selection of hot dishes, including curry-based and vegetable options.”

PURE AND POWERFUL

One drink stands out as personal and customer favorite. The Green Nectar—a blend of kale, cucumber, celery, spinach, lemon, ginger and apple—dominates sales. “It’s designed for sustained energy—no sugar crash,” Arrondell shares. “Hearing it’s a morning ritual for many brings me joy; we’ve created some amazing custom blends this way,” she says. “Custom drink creation is a science and an art,” she explains. The process starts with understanding goals and preferences. “I guide customers through education and let them discover the solution.” Through rebranding, subtle menu tweaks and a focus on simple, wholesome ingredients, Healthy Organic Juices is the spot where health and flavor blissfully coexist.

PULP FICTION: THE TRUTH BEHIND

THE SUPERFOOD MYTHS

Nutrient-dense ingredients are always at the root of Healthy Organic Juices.

BEETS

Fact: Beets are rich in nitrates, which help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Fiction: Beets are said to detoxify, but the body naturally detoxifies through the liver and kidneys.

ACBL (apples, carrots, beets, lemon), originally a custom blend juice, quickly grew in popularity, earning it a permanent spot on the menu.

TURMERIC

Fact: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may benefit health.

Fiction: Turmeric is effective in any form— actually curcumin, the active compound, is poorly absorbed on its own and is more effective when consumed with black pepper.

Ginger Shots with black pepper, cayenne, lemon and turmeric are strong but tasty and packed with nutrition.

CHIA SEEDS

Fact: Chia seeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can support digestive health and heart health.

Fiction: Chia seeds must be ground to access their nutrients. Unlike flaxseeds, chia seeds can be eaten whole and still provide their nutritional benefits.

Overnight Oats (oats, flaxseed, chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, mango) are perfect for sustained energy, and they bring a fun texture to smoothies and snacks.

SPIRULINA

Fact: Spirulina is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, making it a highly nutritious supplement.

Fiction: While spirulina offers nutrients support energy levels, it doesn’t provide immediate energy boost like caffeine.

Rose’s pick, the Blue Popeye smoothie (blueberries, spinach, dates, spirulina, almond milk, almond butter), offers a rich, satisfying snack.

DIRECTORY OF SPONSORS

Many thanks to our committed sponsors, who make it possible for us to bring you high-quality local stories each month. Shopping and doing business close to home are excellent ways to support our community. When you visit our sponsors, please tell them Millburn & Short Hills magazine sent you!

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Stars, Stripes and Service

Town Fourth of July Celebration honors the power of community service.

BY MAILE WINTERBOTTOM

LLAST MONTH, the Millburn’s Fourth of July Committee successfully organized another celebration of the nation’s inception, featuring fireworks, food and a reading of the Declaration of Independence in Taylor Park. The holiday also marked the chance to honor a hero in service to the Millburn and Short Hills community, highlighting the importance of selflessness on a day of patriotic unity.

PATRIOTISM VENERATED

Jamie Serruto, who presides over the town committee that puts together the event each year, reflects on

the goals of the celebration for the community. “Our mission is plain and simple: It’s to encourage and further the patriotic, historical and educational observance of the U.S. Independence Day in the township of Millburn and to promote civic pride in our community, state and country.”

With a focus on civic pride on all levels, the town’s Fourth of July Committee chooses to honor a local resident or organization each year that embodies the patriotism of the day’s celebration. This honor, entitled the Patriot Award, is awarded in Taylor Park on July 4th as part of the event’s morning programming. Serruto,

noting past honorees, reflects on the values carried by recipients of the Patriot Award. “The Patriot Award from the Millburn-Short Hills Fourth of July Committee honors somebody who has provided and contributed selfless service to the community in a volunteer capacity,” Serruto says. “Past honorees have included other community leaders, veterans and lifelong volunteers in different capacities in the community. There have been organizations such as the Scouts and the First Aid Squad and nonprofits such as the Education Foundation and the Scholastic Boosters.”

Opposite page: Dorothy Kelly (far left of flag) continues her dedicated service to the community—Friends of the Millburn Library Board Members at the 2025 Memorial Day Parade, Millburn High School. Photograph by Sapna Gupta. This page: Fourth of July Committee members gather with the Millburn Police Honor Guard at last year’s Fourth of July celebration to pay tribute to first responders. Photograph by Millburn Short Hills Fourth of July Committee.

HIGHLIGHTING HOLISTIC SERVICE

After choosing several nominees, the Committee’s 16 volunteers vote on who should receive the award through a process of deliberation.

This year’s recipient, Dorothy Kelly, has been involved in a tapestry of town initiatives, representing a meaningful case in the value of deep and far-reaching community service. From her leadership in the Caring Kids Program at Millburn Schools to her extensive work at the Millburn Library and Millburn Historical Society, Kelly has “shown a commitment to her community that stands out,” Serruto notes.

“Dorothy’s volunteerism has

been centered around educating the community and preserving our history, so moving forward and also looking back at the same time—whether that be character education through Caring Kids, whether that be preserving the history and knowing about the history through the Historical Society, as well as through the library in advancing our knowledge and being innovative and creative for the future,” Serruto says. “Her work is a part of this cross section of bettering oneself, being open to new things and learning new things and also to be cognizant of where you’ve come from.”

For the past several years, Kelly has helped spearhead Caring Kids, a program which teaches empathy skills to students at the Millburn elementary schools. Kelly reflects on the importance of Caring Kids to her on a personal level: “Caring Kids is probably the most important work that I have done personally, in terms of what I hope to achieve,” she says. “Something that I’m passionate about is having empathy towards people who are different. My son has special needs, and I was grateful that in the Millburn schools this program existed, and I feel like it made a difference because people were very accepting.”

Left: Ellen and Jamie Serruto of the Fourth of July Committee with Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam at the 2024 morning event in Taylor Park. Photograph by Millburn Short Hills Fourth of July Committee.

Right: Dorothy Kelly refills the Taylor Park Little Free Library. She helped launch the program in 2020 with the Friends of the Millburn Library board. Photograph by Mara Epstein.

UNITING THROUGH HISTORY

In addition to her work at Caring Kids, Kelly has been deeply involved at the Millburn Free Public Library and the Millburn Historical Society, teaching local residents the importance of togetherness and learning where one came from. Kelly notes the connection between work at the Library and her work at the Historical Society in fostering unity. “[My work at the Millburn Historical Society] branched out into a community-centered idea of giving people a sense of belonging and a sense that we’re all in this together,” Kelly says. “People have different viewpoints, people have

different political positions, other positions, but we all are here and now, and it’s a sense of, ‘Let’s celebrate what we have together.’”

More recently, Kelly has developed the Little Free Library program in town, helping to install three lending libraries across town in Taylor Park, the Short Hills Train Station and the Millburn Municipal Pool. She has also given a series of historical lectures on a range of topics, from the town’s milling history to the legacy of Stuart Hartshorn.

As the Fourth of July Committee plans to honor more individuals with the Patriot Award in the

coming years, Serruto reflects on the significance of the award as a vital component of the annual Fourth of July celebration. Serruto says, “It’s important to honor folks because it helps inspire others to get involved and brings a sense of positive energy to a time when we need hope, and we need reminders of how blessed we are in celebrating our independence and celebrating the great strengths of our nation.”

Maile Winterbottom is a lifelong Short Hills resident and a student journalist.

Fireworks at the Fourth of July Committee’s annual display, Millburn High School. Photograph by Millburn Short Hills Fourth of July Committee.

Meet the Veronicas

The visionary duo behind Veronica Beard introduces their coveted style at The Mall at Short Hills—establishing the brand’s first New Jersey boutique.

BY EVE GOLDEN

IIN THE EVER-EVOLVING fashion landscape, Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard have distinguished themselves as architects of modern luxury. The sisters-in-law co-founded a brand that blends understated elegance with real-life hustle, transforming everyday wardrobes into statements of strength and style.

POWER MOVES

The decision to launch the first Veronica Beard standalone store in New Jersey at The Mall at Short Hills speaks to something deeper than business strategy. “Short Hills has always felt like a natural extension of our community,” Swanson Beard shares. “It’s filled with women who lead full, busy

lives and value both quality and personal style. That’s exactly who we design for.” Growing up bicoastal between Napa and Palm Beach, followed by attending fashion school in New York, Swanson Beard developed her aesthetic early. “I was always obsessed with fashion—devouring magazines, knowing all the

Opposite page: Veronica Swanson Beard (left) and Veronica Miele Beard (right) created Veronica Beard Jean, a denim-focused collection for every off-duty wardrobe look. This page: The Mall at Short Hills houses Veronica Beard’s first standalone store in New Jersey.

models, cutting out editorials,” she shares. “There’s definitely an unfussy, laid-back sensibility I took from California, but New York gave me a love for polish and the power of great tailoring.”

For Miele Beard, the New Jersey location represents a personal homecoming; growing up in North Caldwell, she feels a deep connection to the area. “As a proud Jersey girl, this one really hits home for me,” she says. “We’ve been expanding so

much globally, but opening in Short Hills feels incredibly special—it’s like coming full circle.” And her own formative experiences shaped the brand’s philosophy. “When I started working on Wall Street, the trading floor became my runway,” says Miele Beard. “I loved dressing up—structured blazers, sharp heels, a little drama. It gave me confidence, and that mindset really laid the groundwork for what we do now at Veronica Beard.

THE DESIGN THAT CHANGED THE CONVERSATION

The iconic Veronica Beard Dickey Jacket, their multifunctional blazer with a zip-in feature for customizable collar inserts, distills their vision. Embodying their brand’s DNA, this piece is a clever design juxtaposition— offering various looks from masculine and feminine to structured and soft.

“I remember seeing a woman on the street wearing one of our Dickey Jackets and thinking, ‘Wow, that’s our vision, out in the world,’” Miele Beard says. “It solves a problem and takes the stress out of getting dressed.” Swanson Beard adds, “I always ask, ‘Does this feel like something I could wear three different ways?’ That versatility is key—and it’s why so many of our pieces are grounded in great tailoring and unexpected pairings. The concept of the Dickey Jacket is our answer to looking classic, chic and versatile without having to think too much about it.”

At the heart of the brand is the Veronica Beard customer. “She’s a boss, a traveler, a mom—often all at once— and reaches for clothes that make her feel powerful and feminine, not one or the other,” Miele Beard says. Swanson Beard echoes, “She is very intentional, including how she shops. She loves brands that align with her values. Quality, versatility and authenticity for her are nonnegotiables.”

WHEN CREATIVE COLLABORATION TURNS TO GOLD

Great success lies in a dynamic creative alliance. “I don’t have sisters— Veronica is my sister,” Miele Beard explains. “We respect each other’s instincts and always find our way to the best idea, together.” This sisterhood extends into every aspect of their process. “We’re together in every design meeting, every fitting, every discussion about the brand.” Swanson Beard

continues, “We’re always aligned on the big picture, even if we come at things differently. That’s our superpower and what makes every success more meaningful.”

The Veronicas’ creative synergy has evolved into a commitment to social impact, with VB Gives Back becoming integral to their mission. “We’ve raised $7 million and couldn’t be prouder,” Miele Beard says. “We think about sustainability in every step—from sourcing fabrics to producing fewer, better pieces,” Swanson Beard adds. As the brand continues to evolve, their Fall 2025 collections promise fresh perspectives. “We are so excited about fall—it’s sexy yet nonchalant, undone yet polished—a modern take on boho,” Swanson Beard says. “We had so much fun mixing masculine with feminine, pairing airy chiffon with sleek leather, corduroy and denim.” Miele Beard continues, “We were inspired by the idea of icons—in your city, in your wardrobe.”

Recent collaborations with HEAD Sportswear, active-lifestyle brand The Upside, and the NFL have allowed Veronica Beard to extend its influence. “Collaborating allows us to play in new spaces and bring our style to different worlds,” Miele Beard says. “We’re so excited to be launching belts and a special jewelry collab with Sylvia Toledano this month.”

Yet, for all their business success and achievements, the Veronicas remain grounded in what matters— the Veronica Beard woman. “When a woman tells us she wore a certain piece to an important event or milestone, that’s the win,” Swanson Beard shares. Miele Beard adds, “When someone says, ‘I didn’t know what to wear, and then I put on your jacket and it just worked’—if we’ve taken the stress out of getting dressed, we’ve done our job.”

Veronica Miele Beard (right) and Jacquelyn Jablonski (left), founder of Autism Tomorrow, partnered with Veronica Beard for the grand opening event at The Mall at Short Hills.

FALL 2025 KEY LOOKS

Clockwise from left: Hooded dickeys continue as the brand’s DNA, attached to coats and blazers. Rich paisley prints deliver a modern take on boho. Tailoring and outerwear took priority this season.

The Perfect Catch

Short Hills’ PJ Calapa, Executive Chef at Marea, innovates flavor with coastal flair through an artful blend of heritage and haute cuisine.

BY EVE GOLDEN

LLONG BEFORE PJ Calapa was appointed Executive Chef at Manhattan’s esteemed Marea, known for its sophisticated Italian coastal cuisine, his culinary education began early. Growing up working in his grandfather’s Texas Gulf Coast fish business, he learned to judge quality through intuition and a few tricks of the trade. “I was taught at a very early age how to spot quality in fish—what signs to look for without having to filet the fish,” Calapa says. “Tricks were eyes and gills—eyes should be clear, not cloudy; gills should be bright red.” He also recalls, “I once was yelled at by an associate at Whole Foods for looking at the fish’s gills—‘Sir, please don’t touch the fish,’” he shares.

Though Marea’s menu leans coastal Italian, Calapa’s culinary DNA is steeped in Tex-Mex tradition. His grandmother’s Brownsville kitchen—a world of cast-iron skillets and communal meals—shaped his approach to food as an expression of love. “My grandmother’s inspirations will go with me forever—they have influenced every menu I’ve ever written,” he reflects. “Maybe not so directly as a dish or a recipe, but as an approach to a kitchen way of life; a level of respect and a love for sharing with friends and family.” This familial connection drives Marea’s dishes, where simplicity and generosity collide. Even the most refined crudo carries the warmth of a South Texas table.

Calapa at the helm in Marea’s kitchen, mastering the art of pasta.

CONNECTING CONCEPTS

Calapa’s time at Nobu 57 refined his technical skills, but his Gulf Coast upbringing is the cornerstone of his culinary compass. “Growing up on the Texas Gulf Coast, constantly being surrounded by fresh seafood, it was hard not to be pulled in that direction,” he explains. At Marea, he skillfully blends Japanese precision with coastal intuition, shown in creations like the branzino tartare. Calapa adds, “I don’t normally blend the cuisine of each tradition, but I have created dishes that

are philosophically South Texan, technically precise like in Japan and fit right into the cuisine of southern Italy.”

In 2016, Calapa moved beyond the safety of the Altamarea Group, where he initially helped open Ai Fiori, one of the group’s restaurants, to launch his own establishments, including the tavern-style venue The Spaniard. This leap into entrepreneurship reshaped his identity. “Once I left, I was no longer just the chef. I had to become much

more,” he recalls. “I became an accountant, plumber, lawyer and florist, to name a few, overnight!” These diverse roles grounded Calapa’s leadership, and when he returned to Marea, another of Altamarea Group’s venues, in 2021, he balanced reverence with innovation. “I always respected Marea and its menu, and knew I’d keep the signatures and introduce new dishes that would become signatures too. Marea is the best stage in New York City—it’s perfect for me.”

Top left and bottom: Marea’s refined dining experience, where ambiance meets culinary artistry.

Top right: Family First: PJ Calapa with his wife Archana and their kids, P.K. and Shayla.

Top to bottom: Marea’s signature dishes: AVOCADO: spot prawn tartare, fennel, calabrian chilies, tarragon; MARUBINI: ricotta filled ravioli, cacio e pepe, tomato, basil, pine nut; BRANZINO: sea bass tartare, pistachio, calabrian chile, radish, chive

SUBURBAN INSPO

Calapa’s move to Short Hills, where he has lived for nine years, brought unexpected inspiration. “The influence is more outside cooking, more live fire,” he says, mentioning backyard grilling sessions that now inform Marea’s wood-fired dishes. His family’s multicultural table (South Texan meets Indian) keeps creativity alive. “My kids are starting to get involved with us cooking, and to understand what great food can do for the soul,” he says. Weekends involve farmers’ markets with his kids, P.K. (12) and Shayla (8). “They keep me grounded—my family has inspired my cooking by giving me a very strong foundation.”

After 21 years cooking in Manhattan, Calapa embraces the city’s trend toward more unpretentious dining. “I’m excited about a return to fun dining— an experience for all senses,” he says. “If you love something, stick around. It’ll probably come back.”

If given the chance, Calapa would revisit his grandmother’s arroz con pollo, slightly elevated but still rooted in tradition. “It’s her dish; I just chef’d it up a bit,” he says. “I was very lucky to have her up until recently to help guide me through this journey. She’d be surprised by how competitive New York is—but never by how I’ve handled it.”

Deerfield’s Gambit

Local students triumph in chess tournaments.

BY MAILE WINTERBOTTOM

Given the chess talent emerging from Deerfield, how has the game become such a phenomenon at the school?

day at a state tournament, so these kids are playing chess for four hours out of the day.

IN RECENT YEARS, Deerfield

School students have excelled in chess, with first and third graders winning state titles last November. Michael McCutheon, the Chess Team PTO Chair and “team hype man,” has supported their success by working with administrators and attending tournaments, witnessing the team’s growth and eagerly anticipating what’s next.

Can you describe the Deerfield Chess team’s success over the past few years?

The current third graders have won the state championship each of the last three years. The current first graders came in second place last year and are the reigning state champs. They are beating everybody by an incredible margin— the first-grade team is going to be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come. It’s kind of this crazy epicenter for talent.

Some kids say, ‘I play chess with my dad,’ or ‘I like playing chess with my aunt,’ and then they start playing more seriously and try out for the team. Success begets more success as more kids get into it. At one point, they discussed having some team members teach others how to play during recess on rainy days. So, it’s interesting to see how it permeates throughout the school in unique ways.

How does chess differ from other competitions, like recreational sports, that kids might be used to?

Unlike baseball, where parents are on the sidelines and can advocate for their kids, at chess tournaments it’s just the players and a handful of tournament directors present. Parents are ceremoniously shooed out of the room and can’t see what’s happening. If an issue arises, the player has to raise their hand and advocate for themselves.

What is a chess tournament like for those competing in it?

All the team members, ages 5 to 9, play five games in a

Considering that your brain uses 20% of your body’s energy, playing at that level for so long is like running a marathon. The power and courage these kids have is amazing.

What factors have helped the team succeed to the extent they have?

The chess coaches have been phenomenal. We have two coaches, Bilgen and Gensay, whose company is called Chess in Millburn. They teach a class for the team every Thursday. The team’s success is due to these coaches, the school and Principal Kelly Salazar; all these factors have come together to result in this string of successes.

Looking ahead, how do you see the team continuing its success in the future?

With these performances, the team’s success definitely seems to have a future. We also have a new principal this year from Wyoming School, and I’ve already met him to discuss what the chess team needs moving forward, so I’m optimistic about what’s to come.

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MCCUTHEON

Left and above: Deerfield School chess stars shine as a team of champions. Below: Deerfield Chess Team logo designed by Tharanga Goonetilleke.

A FAMILY TRADITION

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Millburn Presidents Cup 5k! It’s easily one of the best nights of the year. Our family has participated for the past four years, with five adults and six kids running the 5k and two younger ones joining the kids’ race, a fun 100-yard dash. Every year, two of our runners even fly in from California just for this event.

This year’s nearly 100-degree heat couldn’t keep us away, and all of us participated and finished. The crowd is fantastic, and the other runners are very encouraging, especially to the kids. We see many familiar faces and have made countless friends through this event.

We highly recommend it to anyone interested in running, as it’s an inspiring race that’s both competitive and kid-friendly!

-Tommy Gonnella

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