At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
June 2026: Our Men's Issue
June has a way of slowing things down in the best possible way. The days stretch a little longer, the pace softens, and we find more opportunities to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the moments that often pass too quickly. It’s also a time to recognize the men who shape our lives fathers, mentors, partners, and friends who show up with quiet strength, steady support, and a sense of presence that doesn’t always ask for recognition.
In this month’s issue, we’re highlighting stories that reflect that spirit. From entrepreneurs and professionals building with intention, to local businesses creating spaces for connection, each feature offers a look at what it means to lead, provide, and grow in today’s world. There’s a sense of craftsmanship that runs throughout whether it’s in the way something is built, prepared, or thoughtfully experienced.
You’ll find inspiration in the details this month. A perfectly balanced cocktail. A business built from the ground up. A space made for wellness and innovation. These are the moments that define not just success, but meaning. They remind us that taking pride in what we do and how we show up matters.
As Father’s Day approaches, we hope this issue encourages you to take a moment to appreciate the people who have made an impact in your life. Sometimes it’s not about grand gestures, but the consistency, care, and intention behind them.
From Naples to Livingston, Vette Invites You To Dine Inside
A Love Letter To Italian Cuisine
Chef and Sommelier Maurizio De Rosa brings generations of Neapolitan tradition to the table with modern elegance, pristine ingredients, and soulful technique. Handmade pastas, smoked cocktails, and unforgettable desserts unfold course by course, like a story meant to be savored—not rushed.
Discover the Four-Course Tasting Menu ($55), available Monday through Thursday, or indulge in the Seven-Course Tasting Experience and à la carte favorites any day of the week. Pair it all with expertly curated Italian wines and cocktails at the full bar.
Your table in Naples awaits— right here in Livingston. This is more than dinner. This is Vette.
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
Raise A GLASS TO Father’s DAY
Celebrate Father’s Day with authentic Italian cuisine, crafted cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated dining experience.
ARTICLE BY STEPHANY AZNAR PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA
At Vette Ristorante at Calabria, Chef Maurizio de Rosa brings more than three decades of global experience to a dining concept rooted in tradition, precision, and hospitality. Born in Naples, his culinary philosophy was shaped early by family, where cooking was an act of care and connection. Today, that same mindset defines the experience at Vette, where every dish and every detail is designed to tell a story.
Located within the longstanding Calabria space, Vette represents a thoughtful evolution of Italian dining in Livingston, blending the warmth of a neighborhood restaurant with the refinement of a modern culinary destination.
“I believe that New Jersey has a lot of Italian restaurants, but they are rooted in the Italian American culinary tradition,” says Chef de Rosa. “We strive to be authentic and contemporary, just like a restaurant that you would encounter in Naples or the Amalfi Coast today.”
De Rosa’s approach is grounded in balance and simplicity, drawing from his experiences in kitchens across New York, Buenos Aires, and beyond. His goal is not just to serve a meal, but to create an experience that lingers, one that begins the moment guests arrive and continues long after they leave.
That philosophy is especially evident in Vette’s weekday tasting menu, designed for those looking to slow down and savor each course at a relaxed pace. It’s an experience that feels particularly fitting for Father’s Day, where time spent together becomes just as meaningful as what’s on the table.
At Vette, the menu reflects a deep connection to Naples while embracing modern technique and local sourcing. Handmade pastas, freshly sourced seafood, and thoughtfully prepared dishes like stuffed zucchini flowers to highlight the beauty of
Making of Coffee Vermouth
simplicity, allowing ingredients to take center stage. From classic favorites to refined coastal preparations, each plate balances tradition with a contemporary edge. The tasting menu offers a curated journey through these flavors, giving guests the opportunity to experience the full depth of Chef de Rosa’s culinary perspective.
At Vette, the experience extends seamlessly from the kitchen to the bar, where the same level of care and craftsmanship is applied to every cocktail. Thoughtfully designed to complement the menu, each drink reflects balance, depth, and a respect for classic Italian flavors.
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
Rainbow Long Raviolo
For Father’s Day, that attention to detail offers the perfect opportunity to elevate the occasion. Whether you’re planning a relaxed evening at home or gathering around the table with family, a wellcrafted cocktail adds a layer of intention to the moment. Much like Chef de Rosa’s approach to food, these drinks focus on simplicity done well, letting a few key ingredients come together in a way that feels both familiar and refined.
Coffee, a staple of Italian culture, takes center stage here, bringing richness and depth to two classic-style cocktails. The result is something bold yet approachable, perfect for celebrating.
Here’s a recipe you can make at home or enjoy at Vette, Calabria, and pair it with a meal here. Whether you’re raising a glass at the restaurant or recreating the experience in your own kitchen, these drinks capture the spirit of Father’s Day simple, thoughtful, and meant to be shared.
COFFEE VERMOUTH
Ingredients
• Ice
• Dry vermouth
• Espresso coffee
• Coffee vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Nolet Gin (or any other gin)
• Cherry
Instructions
Using equal parts of the ingredients, brew the vermouth with espresso using a moka pot, filling the base with dry vermouth to the valve and packing the filter with ground coffee. Once brewed and cooled, combine 1 oz coffee-infused vermouth, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz gin in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain over a large ice cube in an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a cherry.
COFFEE AMERICANO
Ingredients
• Ice
• 1.5 oz Coffee vermouth
• 1.5 oz Campari
• Seltzer Water
• Orange Peel
Instructions
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the coffee vermouth made from using the recipe above and Campari, then gently stir to combine. Top with seltzer water and give a light stir to incorporate. Garnish with an orange peel and serve immediately.
Vette Ristorante at Calabria offers an experience designed for both special occasions and everyday moments worth celebrating. With a focus on thoughtful service and attention to detail, the atmosphere invites guests to settle in, slow down, and enjoy each course at their own pace.
The weekday tasting menu provides a curated way to explore the kitchen’s offerings, while the full menu allows for a more personalized dining experience.
Whether you’re planning a special Father’s Day dinner or a night out, Vette delivers thoughtful cuisine and warm hospitality.
Vette Ristorante at Calabria
588 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ (973) 441-9999 Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions.
EXCEPTIONAL DENTISTRY BY SPECIALIZED DENTISTS
Dr. Azizian, DDS & Dr. Sallustio, DDS
Dr. Sallustio and Dr. Azizian practice a full scope of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Sallustio and Azizian help patients regain confidence in their smile. The doctors also provide life-changing treatments including, same day All-on-4 implants, prosthetics for oral cancer, trauma and congenital defects including cleft lip and palate. Schedule a consultation with Drs. Sallustio and Azizian to analyze your smile.
30 years of experience, latest technologies and continually educate dentists on implant dentistry.
Built
To Last
ARTICLE BY BRIAN BOYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA
From a 1910 family business to a 24-location regional leader, GPS blends service, inventory and innovation to meet evolving customer and wellness-driven demand.
For more than a century, General Plumbing Supply (GPS) has quietly built a reputation that many companies chase but few sustain: trust. Founded in 1910 and now led by fourth-generation President Justin Friedman, the company has grown into a 24-location operation with 550 employees serving customers across New York and New Jersey.
But scale alone doesn’t define GPS. Its longevity and continued growth comes down to a disciplined focus on relationships, service, and a willingness to evolve alongside its customers.
“We’ve always been a relationship-driven business,” Friedman said. “Whether it’s our customers, our vendors, or our employees, that connection is what has allowed us to grow and sustain ourselves over time.”
A DIFFERENT KIND OF DISTRIBUTOR
In a competitive wholesale distribution landscape, GPS has carved out a distinct position. While many competitors lean heavily on price or scale, GPS differentiates through accessibility, responsiveness and inventory depth.
That inventory strategy is not incidental it’s central to the company’s value proposition. By maintaining strong stock positions across key product categories, GPS ensures it can serve both trade professionals and retail customers without delay. From plumbers and contractors to designers and homeowners, the company’s customer base is diverse and expectations are high.
“Whether it’s a contractor who needs something immediately or a homeowner planning a renovation, we want to be able to deliver,” Friedman said. “That’s where our inventory and our team really make a difference.”
POWERING GROWTH THROUGH PARTNERSHIP
Another cornerstone of GPS’s success has been its strategic partnerships, particularly with premium brands like Kohler. Over time, that relationship has evolved beyond distribution into a more immersive retail experience.
“Our partnership with Kohler has been incredibly important,” Friedman said. “It allows us to offer a higher-end, more curated experience for our customers while aligning with a brand that shares our commitment to quality.”
That alignment has also positioned GPS to stay ahead of emerging trends, particularly as consumer expectations shift toward more personalized and design-driven spaces.
“WE’RE SEEING A REAL MOVEMENT TOWARD WELLNESS,”
FRIEDMAN NOTED.
“PEOPLE ARE INVESTING MORE IN THEIR HOMES, AND THAT INCLUDES PRODUCTS THAT SUPPORT HEALTH, RELAXATION AND OVERALL WELL-BEING.”
THE RISE OF WELLNESS AT HOME
One of the most notable shifts in the industry and a key area of focus for GPS is the growing demand for wellness-oriented products in the home.
“We’re seeing a real movement toward wellness,” Friedman noted. “People are investing more in their homes, and that includes products that support health, relaxation and overall well-being.”
Through its partnership with Kohler and other manufacturers, GPS has introduced a range of new offerings that reflect this trend. Among them is the Solar by Remedy whole-plunge system, as well as infrared sauna solutions products that bring spa-like experiences into residential settings.
“These are not just luxury items anymore,” Friedman said. “They’re becoming part of how people think about their daily lives and their homes.”
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
While its foundation is rooted in tradition, GPS is equally focused on the future. Recent investments in technology and infrastructure reflect a company preparing for the next phase of growth.
The relocation of its headquarters to a larger facility in Piscataway is one example. The move not only provides additional operational capacity but also signals confidence in continued expansion.
At the same time, GPS is investing in e-commerce capabilities to better serve a changing customer base.
“We’re focused on making it easier for customers to do business with us,” Friedman said. “That includes enhancing our digital platforms while still maintaining the personal service we’re known for.”
Balancing those two elements technology and human connection is critical. For GPS, digital tools are not a replacement for relationships, but an extension of them.
PEOPLE AT THE CORE
Despite advancements in technology and shifts in the marketplace, one constant remains: the importance of people.
“Our business has always been about people,” Friedman said. “Hiring the right team, people who care about the customer experience that’s what drives everything we do.”
That philosophy extends across the organization, from showroom staff to warehouse teams to leadership. It’s also a key reason why GPS continues to earn repeat business and referrals, arguably the most valuable currency in any service-driven industry.
“We’ve grown a lot over the years, but the goal hasn’t changed,” Friedman added. “We want every customer interaction to be a positive one.”
A CENTURY-LONG PERSPECTIVE
As GPS approaches its next chapter, the company is guided by both its history and its vision for the future. Few businesses can point to more than 100 years of continuous operation, let alone sustained growth across multiple generations.
For Friedman, that legacy is both a point of pride and a responsibility.
“There’s a lot that comes with being a fourth-generation business,” he said. “You want to honor what was built before you, but also make sure you’re evolving and positioning the company for what’s next.”
If the past century is any indication, GPS is well positioned to do exactly that, continuing to adapt, innovate and deliver value in an industry that depends on both reliability and change.
Summit, NJ
ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
GUYS’ GUYS’
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts.
Scottsdale/Phoenix
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix
is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
New Orleans
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
CONTINUED >
GETAWAYS
GETAWAYS
FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
Bowling Green, Kentucky
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Austin
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
Is Whiskey On Ice
Nice?
BY EVE BUSHMAN
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
Pickle In A
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN WINGS SOAR TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE.
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wing flavor, never quite satisfied, until I heard a podcast suggestion: brining chicken wings in pickle juice. It sounded strange at first, but it yields incredibly tender and flavorful wings! Since then, I save pickle juice from every jar I buy just to recreate these beloved wings. If I run out of pickle juice, olive juice works too. I air fry mine, but if you don’t have an air fryer, cook them as you normally would. Don’t forget to toss them in a buttery dill sauce and try the Alabama white BBQ sauce for an extra layer of goodness!
Pickle Juice Brined Wings
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pounds chicken wings (flats and drummettes)
• Pickle juice - enough to cover wings
• 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 6 tablespoons butter
• A few dashes of hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place chicken wings in a non-reactive container and pour pickle juice over chicken wings until completely covered.
2. Place it in the fridge and let it marinate, covered, for at least 8 hours.
3. Drain wings, discard pickle juice, and completely pat wings dry.
4. Put dried wings in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Place wings in an air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd. Cook at 400 degrees for 28 minutes, turning every 8 minutes until crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in the oven for 35 - 40 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through.
6. Melt the butter and add a few splashes of hot sauce of your choice and mix in a bowl. Add wings and completely cover with butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toss a few times, and serve with my white barbeque sauce.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s)
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pepper, coarsely ground
• 1 tablespoon Creole mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk all ingredients together until blended. Dip your pickle juicebrined wings in this sauce and taste the joy! Store in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 weeks.
