Morris, NJ October 2023

Our Local Culinary Creations!

PORTOFINO’S PREMIER ITALIAN RESTAURANT

MORE THAN AN AWARD WINNING PIZZA

A JOURNEY OF PERSEVERANCE

Our Local Culinary Creations!

October 2023

Welcome fall! With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town. We had the pleasure of sitting down with some of our favorite local restaurants and learning about their fall menus—so get your tastebuds ready, you are in for a treat.

October to me brings the warm seasonal scents of fall and with that, memories to my mind of sitting in my mom’s kitchen, and the aroma of cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, and soups of any kind brings me right back to her table. Today, one of my favorite fall activities with the kids is going to our local farms for freshly made apple pies from their orchards! What are some of yours?

There is an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

We encourage you to try the places we have featured in our October issue and build new memories of your own enjoying our “Local Culinary Creations”!

If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within the ten communities we serve, we would love to hear from you. Email John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for advertising opportunities or Ana.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for editorials or just call us at 973-944-1440.

We look forward to seeing you around town!

ANA AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @MORRISCITYLIFESTYLE

October 2023

PUBLISHERS

John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kaitlyn Keane | Kaitlyn.Keane@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Courtney Franks | courtney.franks@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Kaitlyn Keane, Ben Meyer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Jorda Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

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A JOURNEY OF PERSEVERANCE

As a family law attorney for 17 years and a partner with Fox Rothschild LLP in the Morristown office, Sandra Fava is used to fighting for others. More recently, she faced a much more personal battle.

“I was diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer in September of 2020, and because of COVID, I couldn’t bring anyone with me to treatments and we weren’t allowing visitors at home,” she says. Fortunately, she didn’t have to go through her struggle alone.

“I’ve been married to Christopher for 13 years and we have three children. They would put on little shows for me and make me cards and pictures. There was a lot of special time with them, which I’ll forever cherish.”

Her mother also moved in to help. “My mom’s a phenomenal cook,” says Sandra. “I joke that I’m a cancer patient who actually gained weight.”

Another family member who gave her a lot of love has four legs. “We have a 16-year-old dog named Penny who was a rescue from a puppy mill. She’s my old lady and now I take care of her.”

Sandra also has a top notch medical team. “I received all of my treatment except for radiation at  Morristown Medical Center,

Carol G. Simon breast cancer center. My breast surgeon, Dr. Leah Gendler, was just phenomenal and so was my oncologist, Dr. Ellen Early. Their care was above and beyond what I had ever expected.”

While going through treatment, she continued to be there for her clients, even though it was difficult. “I had the support of my team and did try to take medical leave, but it’s hard in my practice because people don’t usually hire a family law and divorce attorney based on the firm they’re with, but instead hire the person they feel a connection to,” says Sandra.

Until last October, she kept her medical situation private. “In my support group through the hospital, one woman, a retired executive, challenged me and asked, ‘Don’t you think with your career you have the opportunity to be a proponent of awareness and letting people know that it’s not just older women, or not just women, who get breast cancer?’ That really resonated with me.”

Since then, Sandra has done some speaking engagements and an annual breast cancer walk with her family. And since her diagnosis, she’s hosted an annual Pink Party fundraiser at her home. “All the money we raise goes to

Play for P.I.N.K., which focuses its efforts on research, not only for a cure, but for treatments for people who are survivors.”

Sandra admits that she worries about the future and wants to be there for her family. “Even though you may ‘beat cancer,’ you’ll wonder for the rest of your life if it’s going to come back or come back in a different way. People look at me and say I look great, but the treatment you receive can have long-term lasting unseen effects. I have severe neuropathy and some arthritis now. I have issues from radiation with my range of movement on my right side. Those are things that I have to work on daily in order to feel well.”

It’s important to stay positive, she says. “I had moments when I thought I couldn’t do another day, but somehow I did. It’s hard to see yourself so differently. You think, I’m only 40 years old, but I feel like I’m 80. Keeping positive is something that helped me get through it all.”

Sandra always tries to find things to smile about, and being involved as a trustee of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is one. A nonprofit organization, CASA provide services for foster children and foster families to make sure they have whatever they need. This may be computers for school, backpacks with school supplies, funding for camp, or paying for extracurricular activities they’re interested in pursuing like sports or music. “It’s touched the lives of so many children,” she says. “The stories are beyond incredible about children who credit their life successes to CASA.”

Sandra is thankful for her family, friends, colleagues and team of doctors for helping her get through her cancer journey and for keeping her strong as a survivor. This allows her, in turn, to continue to help others.

To find out more about Sandra Fava and how she can help you and your family with your legal issues, go to FoxRothschild.com/SandraCFava; @ AskSandraFava on Instagram; and @DivorceNJLaw on X.

BREAST CANCER RESOURCES:

Susan G. Komen Foundation Komen.org

American Cancer Society Cancer.org

Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) PlayforPink.org

ADD SOME

Elegance Event TO YOUR NEXT

At your next event, why not treat your guests to Oystertainment®, a unique and fun service offered by Red Oyster? Instead of a stationary raw bar, Oystertainers, clad in their signature oyster-shucking uniform and bucket, will individually shuck oysters for each guest.

“It’s a unique experience that someone personally shucks the oyster for you; it makes you feel very special,” says Angelique van der Made, owner of Red Oyster, a boutique oyster catering company based in New York that has been making people happy for over 20 years. The company also has offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy.

These professional and personable Oystertainers don’t only shuck oysters, they also educate. They explain where an oyster is from, and why a particular oyster from Maine tastes different than one from Prince Edward Island. They can also recommend how to eat these delicacies and the condiments that go well with them. For example, hot sauce can be too overpowering and cover up the taste of the oyster, plus you should never just slurp one down. “Chewing it a few times brings out all the flavors - the salinity, the sweetness, the brininess, and the umami taste,” she says.

THESE OYSTERTAINERS WILL MAKE YOUR GUESTS FEEL SPECIAL

Red Oyster prefers to serve oysters from Northeastern waters, such as those found in Massachusetts and Maine and up to Prince Edward Island in Canada. Oysters from these regions have a strong shell and a nice combination of salinity and brininess, which gives them a lot more flavor.

“The oyster farmers ship to New York every night to a supplier in Brooklyn, and we get our oysters from there so they are always fresh,” says Angelique. The sooner they are eaten after being caught, the better they will taste.

Although many people equate oysters with summertime, they can be enjoyed year round, and most raw oysters actually have the best flavor in fall and early winter. When the waters get colder, oysters eat more and thus are plumper and sweeter. And unlike some other party foods, oysters are also good for you and promote a healthy immune system. These nutritious little mollusks include 59 trace elements, 12 vitamins, 19 amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. As a matter of fact, oysters contain more zinc than any other food. A medium-sized oyster provides at least 55 percent of your daily requirement for zinc and selenium.

Red Oyster provides oyster catering and oyster shuckers in New Jersey and New York, and has also served at parties in Philadelphia, Boston, Cape Cod and in other locations. You’ll also see Oystertainers at pop-up oyster bars and high end art fairs like those hosted by The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) and Art Basel.

In addition to oysters, Red Oyster offers another flavorful treat from the ocean - caviar – served with blini and sour cream. Just the word “caviar” adds a bit of elegance to any party. It can be served along with the oysters, or just on its own.

Have Oystertainers come to your next wedding, cocktail party, backyard get-together, and/or corporate event to give your guests a truly unique and interesting experience. These small shellfish are an absolute indulgence that promote an upscale feel to any party.

Even those who have never tried an oyster, or think they don’t like them, will come to appreciate this delicious delicacy. And who doesn’t like to indulge in some delicious caviar? Your guests will thank you long after the party is over.

Red-Oyster.com

“I could not imagine using any other agent other than Kim! She helped my husband and I sell our home and made the process extremely enjoyable. With her knowledge of the market and expertise the process was quick and easy. Kim is always responsive and supportive. We love working with her!“

Portofino’s Premier Italian Restaurant

Experience authentic Italian-American dishes with a unique and rustic flare

Portofino’s, a premier Italian restaurant in Morristown, proves to be a local culinary staple as it boasts a fine reputation for serving first-class Italian cuisine and fostering a warm and welcoming environment. As each dish is prepared with loving attention to detail, and perhaps best known for its family recipe “Our Famous Meatballs”, Portofino’s has been welcoming both locals and visitors since the early 90’s as a pizzeria. Since then, it has evolved into a white tablecloth establishment, celebrating the very best of the Italian dining experience. Whether guests are looking to meet for a casual meal, host a business luncheon, or honor a special occasion, Portofino’s elegant yet comfortable vibe provides the perfect setting.

Lisa Vitiello, owner of Portofino’s since 2015, has created a menu which showcases the perfect blend of Italian classics,

including an array of pastas tossed in a Grana Padano cheese wheel, delectable meat and seafood dishes, and of course, the renowned Sunday Gravy. With this, a variety of weekly specials are also offered. Portofino’s uses the freshest of ingredients to create dishes of distinguished flavor and caliber your palette will remember! Portofino’s operates on a B.Y.O. policy, and guests are encouraged to bring their favorite wine to pair and enjoy with their meals. And every Sunday Portofino’s offers a Sunday special that includes a Caesar salad, Rigatoni with sausage, ribs and meatballs, Chicken Parmesan and Cannoli for dessert for only $35 per person plus tax, dine in or take out.

Portofino’s is also well-known for its outstanding catering services with its sister company “Lisa’s Catering”. From providing meals on-site for private parties of

up to 80 guests in their designated function room, to large off-site events such as corporate and weddings, Portofino’s has been serving guests at events big and small for almost a decade. Along with any of the items from the full menu, guests may order pizzas to-go, a tasty and beloved treat exclusive to the takeout menu.

Portofino’s sets itself apart with its delicious chef-prepared dishes, exceptional personal service, inviting ambiance and decor, beautiful outdoor dining area and of course, Cinnabon - the restaurant’s very own “brand ambassador” a loveable French bulldog. If you are lucky, you may occasionally run into her welcoming guests at the receptionist desk! Grab your favorite bottle of wine and visit Portofino’s for a true authentic Italian experience!

https://portofinosrestaurant.com/

More Than an Award Winning Pizza

Over forty years ago, Calabria Restaurant & Pizza opened in Livingston. From their delectable upside down crunchy thin pizza to eggplant parmesan, Calabria’s made a reputation for authentic Italian food, fresh ingredients, and the first name I think of for pizza worth traveling for.

Don’t just take our word for it, Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports founder and CEO; Portnoy, notorious for his “One Bite Pizza Reviews”, where he tastes and rates pizzas from all over the world, awarded Calabria’s “Crunchy Thin Pizza” a staggering 8.9 out of 10 which ignited a frenzy for loyal Barstool fans to taste Calabria’s pizza. Their website crashed, with 645 orders the next day. People drove from as far as Pennsylvania lining up for their award winning Crunchy Thin pizza!

Calabria’s pizza is in such demand, they also distribute through Gold Belly, a food delivery service where customers can order food from their favorite restaurants nationwide. Crunchy thin is available with a variety of toppings, our family favorites are their Crunchy Thin Supreme and Mike’s Hot honey. Calabria’s has also been featured on GMA and The Today Show. The best part…we don’t have to drive very far or have it shipped! It’s right here in Livingston, New Jersey! Calabria’s also offers delicious traditional Italian dishes, including appetizers, healthy salads, creative cold and warm sandwiches innovated in their kitchen. You don’t have time to stop by and dine? No worries! Calabria’s offers free delivery with a minimum order of $10 for local

deliveries and orders of a minimum $15 for longer distances. Calabria’s also caters events, with professionally dressed, super friendly and knowledgeable staff of any size party, from home gatherings to weddings and corporate events. More than an award-winning pizzeria and restaurant, they can also host your parties offering small to large gathering spaces, parties of 10 to 180 guests, in their designated events rooms, in Livingston. Ask them about their large options catering menu. They will help you put together a great menu!

On those evenings when you are just too tired to cook, take advantage of Calabria’s special family meal offer that can feed a family of 4 to 6. These ½ tray family meals include a ½ tray of garden salad, choice of pasta types and sauces, a choice of a main dish including chicken parmesan, eggplant parmesan, chicken francese, chicken marsala to name a few, plus, a plain pizza pie, four Italian cookies and a bottle of red or white wine or sangria depending on the night…all for only $58! Yes, including a bottle of wine!

It’s the restaurant’s priority to make everyone feel welcomed, and like “famiglia”. Not only will you find authentic Italian cuisine, made with fresh ingredients, but also classic cocktails, beer and liquor at Calabria’s. So, make the short drive to Calabria’s and you will be welcomed with open arms, and you’ll soon find out why their pizza is rated in the top 1% statewide and 3% nationwide with Barstool. Please visit them online at,  https://calabrianj.com/

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“Not only will you find authentic Italian cuisine, made with fresh ingredients, but also classic cocktails, beer and liquor at Calabria’s.”