BC the Mag Late Spring '21

Flower Power

Garden State ‘ Springs’ Into ‘ Living Color’

BONDS IN HAIKU

A Teaneck mother-daughter connection through poetry

SWIMMING REBIRTH

Rutherford pair finds the right stroke ON THE WATER

Sea Scouts make a splash

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Late SPRING 2021

Publishers

Steven & Sharon Goldstein

PUBLISHERS

Associate Publisher

Sharon & Steven Goldstein

Br andon Goldstein

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Brandon Goldstein

Editorial Director

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

Design Director

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jessica LaPlaca-Br uno

Suzanne Giovanna Barr

FASHION DIRECTOR

Fashion Director

Candace Kristin

Candace Kr istin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Photographer

Nick Gagliano, Studio Uno Photography

Nick Gagliano

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Contributing Writers

C-SPAN

eLivingToday

Ron Ber gamini

Sheila M Clancy, MS, CHES

Hackensack University Medical Center

Tar a DeLorenzo

Kevin Czerwinski

Michelle DeSantis

Kristin Favaloro

Kr istin Favaloro

Jess Ford

Tr acy Flaher ty, CHHC

Brandon Goldstein

Br andon Goldstein

Michael L. Gross MD

Dr. Michael Gross

Soneca Guadara

Richard Posluszny

Soneca Guadar a Tar a Ippolito-Lafontant

Stefanie Sears

Mar ilyn Katzman

Richard Posluszny

Kimber ly Redmond

Mar y Ann Treger

Michele Weinstein

Bergen County The Magazine is published six times a year. Mail all editorial and advertising materials to 297-101 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email materials to steven@bcthemag.com.

For advertising and information, please call (201) 694-5197 or (201) 694-5196.

For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.

Bergen County The Magazine is published six times a year Mail all editor ial and adver tising mater ials to 297-101 Kinder kamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email mater ials to steven@bcthemag com

Copyright 2021. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

For adver tising and infor mation, please call (201) 694-5197 or (201) 694-5196 For subscr iption infor mation or to contact us , go to www bcthemag com

Copyr ight 2020 All mater ials are the proper ty of Ber gen County The Magazine, LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without wr itten consent from the publisher s

A Letter From The Editorial Director

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

During quarantine and the COVID-19 pandemic, I picked up a few new habits and hobbies. I started cross stitching once my two sons went to bed for the evening; I made personalized beaded bracelets that are all the rage right now for my family and friends; I redecorated my bedroom – the most neglected room in the house; and I started going to the drive-thru Starbucks in Emerson one morning a week.

Why? Well, to be honest, a friend of mine started this habit first. One morning, I saw her share a story on Instagram saying how she was packing up her two kids and heading to the drive-thru Starbucks for a reset – for her kids and herself. I immediately thought to myself, “Why am I not doing this?”

Quickly I declared one day a week our Drive-Thru Starbucks Day. Typically, it was based on that week’s weather. Icky weather? “Boys, hop in the car for a little adventure!” My boys and I would eat our breakfasts and then we’d head to the car for our little drive through the Pascack Valley. Often the radio wouldn’t be on; we’d chat and discuss whatever was on our minds that morning. And, do you know what happened? My youngest’s (now 2) vocabulary skyrocketed. My 4-year-old learned how to find his way home as he gave me turn-by-turn directions from his car seat.

One rainy morning, we arrived at the Starbucks pick-up-window to learn that my order had already been paid for by the person in the car in front of me. I’d heard of this happening, but I have never been on the receiving end (or giving end, if I’m being honest) of it. Typically, I order and pay via app, but in my haste to get out of the house I didn’t that morning, thus allowing this whole occurrence to happen.

With my latte in hand and two boys munching on chocolate cake pops in the backseat, the weight of world seemed to melt away, as funny as that sounds. Small acts of kindness can be deeply impacting. We often get so wrapped up in our own hurts and trials that we miss those around us who are in the middle of their own struggles.

In this issue, we’re introducing you to quite a few stories of struggles and kindness. You’ll read about Columbia Bank and The Boys and Girls Clubs in New Jersey’s efforts to warm the hearts of the homeless with Blankets of Hope; Amster’s Prospect Tavern, where diners become family; and Amy Losak, who kept the spirit of her mother alive through haikus, among others.

May their kindness warm your heart, like that free warm latte did for me.

Sending you love and virtual hugs,

follow us @ bcthemag

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12 nonprofit spotlight On The Water Sea Scouts Make A Splash

24 art

Haworth Artist Bursts With A Compulsion To Create

50 fashion Flower Power Garden State ‘Springs’ Into ‘Living Color’

70 the sports doctor Getting A Knee Up On Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

76 auto Tesla’s Biggest Nightmare The All-New Ford Mustang Mach-E

80 escapes Get Away Without Going Away Five Family Staycation Ideas That Won’t Break Your Budget

84 eats A Piece of Waldwick Lives in Amster’s Prospect Tavern

90 restaurant guide A Resource For Your Dining Pleasure

98 last laugh Oh Happy Days!

On The Water

Sea

Scouts

Make A Splash

Lisa Ferioli stepped outside her world and the experience proved to be exceptional.

The 21-year-old Mahwah resident completed her journey with the Sea Scouts, BSA in October, exiting the program with the impressive rank of Quartermaster, which is the equivalent to the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. Her time with the organization proved to be eventful and formative, providing her with an experience from which she believes other teenagers, particularly young woman, would benefit.

Sea Scouts, BSA is a program of the Boy Scouts of America designed for young men and women ages 14-20. The Sea Scouts have existed for more than 100 years, promoting better citizenship, while improving members’ boating skills through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social, service experiences and knowledge of our maritime heritage.

By Kevin Czerwinski

Ferioli was a member of Sea Scout Ship Ranger – units are called ships – which operates a 34-foot Bayliner cabin cruiser, an 18-foot sailboat, a 15-foot outboard runabout and a Sunfish sailboat on the Hudson River. The ship is also affiliated with the

Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla in Wyckoff.

“I would tell girls to take a chance and go outside their comfort zone,” Ferioli said. “Take a chance on the program. I didn’t initially think I would like it. It is a very male-dominated program but more girls make it more accessible and provide a different experience. It’s not just a program for boys; it’s a program for everyone.

“It’s a really impactful experience for anyone where you can learn about boats, leadership and different skillsets. Having these skills and having Sea Scouts on your resume is very beneficial.”

That Ferioli reached the rank of quartermaster is not much of a surprise when you consider the Sea Scouts are a family affair. Her older brother Matthew, 23, also achieved the rank of Quartermaster in addition to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Her father, Jim, has also served as a leader in the organization.

Jim Ferioli was a Boy Scout leader as well and when the Sea Scouts came to speak at a Boy Scout district meeting, he thought the organization would be perfect for his son. He was right.

“I knew Matt and his friends liked boats and the water,” Jim Ferioli said. “They had obtained the rank of Eagle

Scout and had gotten as far as they could with the Boy Scouts. I thought, ‘Hey, let’s try this out.’ I brought him and two other boys and they loved it. They learned about boats, knots, sailing and it was another opportunity for them to learn about leadership.

“I convinced Lisa to come down and she liked it as well. Both kids have their boating licenses now and handle themselves around water great. And for me, I got to spend more time with my kids and I got to help other kids, too, by being a leader. You can’t just have kids; you need to have leaders, too.”

One of those leaders is Westwood’s Drew Douma, whose sons Aaldrich, 17, and Theo, 14, are members of the ship Ranger. Drew Douma said he wanted to be a Sea Scout when he was a teenager and suggested to his older son that he might enjoy the experience.

Douma’s hunch proved to be correct. He said that Aaldrich, who had been a Cub/Boy Scout since he was 7, “fell right into it.”

“My son probably got it from me,” Drew Douma said. “We spend a lot of time on and around the water, so this is a pretty good fit for us.”

The unit’s ship is currently in dry dock in Havestraw,

N.Y. During the warmer months, though, the scouts spend time traveling up and down the Hudson River and taking trips as far away as Atlantic Highlands while learning how to handle and repair the boat.

“I’ve been into boats for a long time and I always wanted to go into the Coast Guard so this seemed like the perfect step,” said Aaldrich Douma, who intends to enlist in the Coast Guard after graduating from Westwood Regional High School in the spring. “My dad found it for me, we took a visit and I liked it. My favorite parts are the overnights and weekends on the boats. I also like that we have learned a lot of mechanical stuff in terms of the engine. I know how to service an engine a lot better now than when I joined.

“I would encourage kids to do this in addition to the Boy Scouts. There are a lot of cool places we go and things we do, things any other kid my age wouldn’t be able to do. I feel you can do both but if you can’t do both because of the time then I would recommend the Sea Scouts over the Boys Scouts because it is something unique and not many people get into it.” ■

My favorite parts are the overnights and weekends on the boats. I also like that we have learned a lot of mechanical stuff in terms of the engine. ❝ ❞

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A Swimming Rebirth In Rutherford

By Kevin Czerwinski

Mike Lazzara and Chris Dunn spent countless hours in the Rutherford Community Aquatic Center (RCAC) pool as children and teenagers, learning to swim and to be part of a team while creating memories that would last a lifetime.

So, when the Rutherford natives had a chance to give back to the community and to the pool that helped shape their lives, they didn’t hesitate. The lifelong friends and former collegiate swimmers joined forces with the Rutherford Board of Education in the late summer of 2019 to take over running the RCAC pool and facility.

The ensuing 19 months have been a rollercoaster ride for Lazzara and Dunn as they have worked to upgrade the facilities during a global pandemic and create a program that allows young swimmers in North Jersey to swim at the club level and compete around the country. The Rebel Aquatic Club, which operates under the auspices of the Lazzara and Dunn-created Rutherford Swim Association (RSA), made its first trip to a national competition when it traveled to Tampa, Fla. for The GSTA Swimming Championships in April.

The 22 swimmers, which range in age from 9 to 18, that made the trek helped Dunn and Lazzara complete the foundation for a program that has quickly become an integral part of Rutherford and the surrounding communities. The success the club enjoyed in Florida, combined with the upgrades that Lazzara and Dunn have made to the RCAC have set the stage for what should be an exciting 2021.

The RCAC had become outdated and

rundown by 2018 and was scheduled to be demolished and replaced by a new Rutherford High School cafeteria and kitchen as part of a $53 million schools upgrade referendum in the fall of 2018. That referendum was ultimately not passed by the community, a decision that saved the pool but left its future in limbo.

Lazzara, 30, saw the referendum’s defeat as an opportunity to bring the pool and accompanying facility back to the type of place it was when he was a child. So he and Dunn, 28, who swam together at Rutherford High School, teamed up and put in a bid to take over the pool. The pair were awarded the contract in the late summer of 2019 and have worked with the Rutherford Board of Education since to help create the type of facility that can be a community hub.

“We learned a lot of lessons at that pool,” said Lazzara, who swam collegiately at William Paterson in Wayne and at Montclair State University. “There are a lot of great memories there. The pool was on the referendum to be knocked down and turned into a cafeteria but Chris and I know how valuable a pool can be to a

community. That motivated us.

“We had an opportunity to serve the community and bring something positive that could have a tremendous influence on the community. It took a lot of hard work to get to that point. We were up against an organization [the previous tenant, the Meadowlands YMCA] that has a lot of history of success.”

Dunn and Lazzara signed a contract with the board of education on Aug. 30, 2019 and began operating the facility two days later. It was too late in the year to put together a competitive team, so they signed a one-year rental agreement with an existing team, allowing that squad to use the pool while they focused on building other programs, which included swim lessons.

The first session of swim lessons drew 40 would-be swimmers while the second session last winter topped 100. Then the pandemic ground everything to a halt.

“We knew we had to keep pushing forward at that point and the board let us renovate the pool in the meantime,” Lazzara said. “We drained it and acid washed it. To see it shine again was incredible. Next we renovated the lines. (Continued on page 20.)

Right after we won the bid we were promised by a local bank in town that it would donate money to help us install starting blocks. So, the same week we drained the pool and redid it, we cleared and painted the deck and installed the starting blocks.

“We’re chipping off everything we want to do. We had a new timing system installed; something the pool didn’t have in its entire lifespan. Now kids are able to see their name on the board and their time. It’s exciting to see the new life that has been pumped into this place.”

Then there was the swim team. Dunn said the group practiced outdoors over the summer and that slowly more and more swimmers would take part in practices each week. By September, there were 75 members on the team.

“It was a good product at an affordable price,” said Dunn, who swam for three years at The College of New Jersey. “By the fall, we were able to move back into our facility. We got kids through word of mouth. The parents are pleased and the word has spread. We’re building a team; we had a bunch of kids try out at the end of March, so we have some new additions. Hopefully we’ll keep growing.”

and Lazzara shouldn’t have much of a problem adding to their squad. They had a host of top-10 finishes and strong performances that will only help the team continue to grow its already strong reputation.

The quartet of Olivia Piazza [East Rutherford], Julia Pamula [East Rutherford], Sydney Harris [Rutherford] and Angela Schembri [Rutherford] took second in the Girls 11-12 200Y Free Relay [2:01.93]. The quartet of Piazza, Schembri, Natalia Wdowiak [Wallington] and Nicole Szwaczka [Wallington] took third in the Girls 11-12 200Y Medley Relay [2:16.98]. Schembri also took second in the Girls 11-12 50Y Breast [37.19] while Szwaczka was fourth [37.76]. Delilah Rango [Rutherford] took third in the Girls 13-14 200Y Fly [2:49.41].

“The dedication of us not being willing to give up started before we won the bid,” Lazzara said. “There were a lot of people who weren’t sure. We didn’t get discouraged, though. Once they saw where we were coming from and what our approach was, they were going to change their minds. We were always taught that you have to work hard to earn it and that’s the same motto we’ve approached the

HawortH artist Bursts witH a

Compulsion To Create

Since he was a young boy in Englewood Cliffs, Russ Rubin has been bursting with a compulsion to create. Long bottled by pragmatic notions and a headlong adventure down the rabbit hole of the music industry, it’s come gushing out in explosions of color, shape and dimension. His escapist color-block worlds speak to the collisions between nature and civilization, between the world outside and the infinite worlds within.

Inspired as much by whacked-out old cartoon backdrops as Nike ACG and artists from Stuart Davis to Nina Chanel Abney, Rubin’s “Dream Lands” seem to dare us to hurl ourselves inside them, into the possibilities of a beauty beyond rationale.

From doodles in little notebooks and on spare bill envelopes to finger-drawn digital mockups, the images finally creep onto the canvas, ever evolving as Rubin slaps on layer after layer, tweaking curves and hues, building up dimension in the paint as he sweats and squints and rubs out his eyes in his basement lair, making and breaking the rules as he goes, hunting down that ever-elusive balance around the bend.

An artist and writer from the enchanted woods of New Jersey (he now lives and paints in Haworth), Rubin is an Artist-In-Residence at Harlem and Hackensack hospitals. His paintings have been featured at the White Space Gallery in Chelsea and at the YouTube Studios. He is currently knocking out private commissions whilst chasing a 3-year-old around a basement.

To learn more about Rubin or see more of his art, visit his website at www.russrubin.us or his Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/russrubin. ■

Bonds In HaIku

Teaneck Woman Stays Connected to Her Mother Through the Beauty of Haiku

Amy Losak’s love for poetry, particularly haiku, is attributed to her late mother, Sydell Rosenberg, as she learns to appreciate life’s simplest treasures.

Haiku are often without titles and speak for themselves.

“According to some poets, haiku should be able to be spoken in one breath: one-breath poetry,” says Losak.

However, though the length of haiku is short, this poetic form might be a bit more complex than what meets the eye.

“I would say that haiku is deceptively simple. It’s a simple but layered form of poetry – brief and yet expansive. The reader ‘completes’ the poem. It is a shared experience between writer and

Atwo-pagespread from H Is For Haiku

By Stefanie Sears

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Losak, from Teaneck, is a member and publicist of The Book Meshuggenahs (the group fondly named themselves after the Yiddish word for “crazy”), a group of 18 Jewish women living in the United States and Israel who publish award-winning children’s books that center on Jewish characters, themes and values to serve as a resource for Jewish families. In addition to Losak, the other New Jersey members include Chana Stiefel, also from Teaneck; Karen Rostoker-Gruber from Branchburg; Rachelle Burk from East Brunswick; and Laurie Wallmark from Ringoes.

The group originated on Facebook back in 2018 when Nancy Churnin of Dallas, Texas established the idea. Churnin also created the group’s Chai-ku Contest (“chai” is the Hebrew word for “life”), which is currently in its second year. The contest invites both adults and children to submit original Jewish-themed haiku for fun and prizes. Anyone, Jewish and not, is welcome to enter as long as they accurately portray Jewish culture with their poems.

What exactly is a haiku and what does it entail? Here is a brief overview course on the subject.

“What is haiku? That’s not an easy question!” says Losak. “There are a number of answers, depending on which poet you ask. I am still a beginner. Mom studied, practiced and wrote this form for

Amy Losak

decades. She was always learning. What I will say is that haiku, which originated and flowered in Japan, is the shortest form of poetry, but arguably the most expansive. Today, it is global in popularity. Poets from around the world share their work and uplift each other. The craft of haiku requires a certain way of ‘looking’ into slices of seasonal life, of finding bits of meaning and maybe even magic that we might otherwise overlook in the rush and rumble of our daily lives.”

Haiku also has its own rules.

“Many English-language haiku written today are shorter than the traditional structure many students may have been taught in school: three lines, with the first line containing five syllables, the second line, seven syllables and the third line, five again. Try to keep them to a max of 17 syllables, but keep in mind that content matters as much as, if not more than, syllable count. I enjoy writing haiku both ways. This luminous form requires both focus and flow: sensory immersion

in our surroundings. I consider haiku to be poetic mindfulness,” she says.

Here is an example of a Jewishthemed haiku written by Losak’s mother Sydell. It is written in 5-7-5 and was published in Haiku Magazine in 1968:

And the green grass grows through cracks of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

The following is another haiku, written by Losak and published in the Volume 48.2, Summer 2017 Issue of Modern Haiku: change of tenants imprint of the mezuzah on the front door frame

“For Syd, reading, writing and studying haiku was like a pathway to small but rewarding (and sometimes painful) revelations,” explains Losak.

Sydell, who passed away in 1996, was a New York City teacher, writer and a charter member of the Haiku Society of America, formed in 1968. Losak herself is also a member today.

“Mom woke up each day with a sense of anticipation and adventure,” Losak says. “I didn’t realize when I was younger, but thanks to her I learned an appreciation for small things, the importance of stopping and observing a sparrow, a pigeon, a butterfly, a squirrel. She referred to her work in a classic anthology first published in the 1970s as ‘city haiku.’”

Losak experienced her mother’s

influences a few years ago when she came across what she later identified as a black swallowtail butterfly.

“I was rushing to make the commuter bus into Manhattan for my work at a public relations agency. It was early, and I was already stressed. As I practically jogged down the street – I could hear the bus arriving, I glimpsed a stunning butterfly circling a rose bush in a neighbor’s front yard. It was magnificent. I stopped and just watched. That’s all. I let myself have that small moment of beauty and joy. I let the bus leave, because there’s always another bus, and lines, traffic congestion and delays. These quotidian annoyances are

“My mother helped me learn this way of using my senses to immerse myself in small but meaningful moments. It took me a long time to understand and use this gift.”

just

omnipresent, predictable, soulsapping. But that quiet yet vivid ‘butterfly moment’ was unique. It won’t happen again. There will be others, but not that one.

On a typically tense tizzy of a workday morning, I went in an

instant from ‘catching the bus’ to ‘catching my breath’ – and then releasing it,” she continues. “From franticness to stillness. It made a difference in the tenor of an ordinary day, if only for – and in — that moment. And I still made it to work on time. My mother helped me learn this way of using my senses to immerse myself in small but meaningful moments. It took me a long time to understand and use this gift. I need to use it more often.”

Starting in the mid-60s, Syd’s haiku and other poems have been well-anthologized and published in journals, books, newspapers and other media, including a Manhattan theater marquee in 1994. How-

STEPHANIE COHEN, MD

ever, her biggest dream of releasing a haiku alphabet picture book for children has finally been achieved posthumously. In 2018, Penny Candy Books released Syd’s collection “H Is For Haiku: A Treasury of Haiku from A to Z” with illustrations by Sawsan Chalabi. The book is based on at least one of Syd’s old manuscripts and has an introduction written by Losak herself. It also features Syd’s definition of haiku in her essay “On What Is Haiku” that was published

of English honored “H Is For Haiku” as a “Notable Poetry Book.” In October 2020, the independent literary press Kattywompus Press released Syd’s haiku chapbook “Poised Across the Sky” (see page 31).

“Some of her work is still published posthumously,” says Losak. “I even have a dogwood tree planted in her memory in Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Teaneck, with a haiku engraved on a stone marker, thanks to the Trees of

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ous print and online journals. Also, due to a collaboration between the Haiku Poets of the Garden State and the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens in Ringwood, for the second year in a row one of her haiku was displayed in an installation at the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens through the end of April 2021 to celebrate National Poetry Month: sun-clock my day unwinds with low-flying sparrows

She also made appearances for children at the Ridgefield Park and Teaneck public libraries and submitted a

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Columbia Bank Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey Team Up to Warm the Hearts of the Homeless with Blankets of Hope

Blankets Delivered with Children’s Handwritten Notes of Encouragement to People in Need

Columbia Bank Foundation, headquartered in Fair Lawn, Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey and Blankets of Hope have joined forces to make a difference in the lives of the homeless in New Jersey, by wrapping the less fortunate in the comfort of warm blankets. Together, the organizations have delivered 1,440 “Blankets of Hope,” to community members to help uplift spirits and offer compassion.

“Currently, approximately 9,000 New Jersey residents are without homes, and due to the pandemic, the number is rising.”

Purchased by the Columbia Bank Foundation, the blankets were distributed to nine Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey chapters, where youths participated in Blankets of Hope’s “Kindness Workshop.” Children were led through an empathy exercise to imagine what it’s like to experience homelessness, then created colorful, handwritten notes of hope, love and encouragement, to pair with each blanket. The heartwarming, inspiring gifts were delivered to local shelters and organizations in need (see images on next page).

Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey contributors and blanket recipients are as follows: Boys & Girls in NJ Chapters – Camden County, Clifton, Cumberland County, Garfield, Newark, Paterson and Passaic, Hawthorne, Hudson County and Union County; shelters/organizations in need include Joseph’s House in Camden, NJ Family Promise of Morris County in Morristown, Cumberland Family Shelter in Vineland, Center for Hope and Safety in Rochelle Park, Covenant House in Newark, Eva’s Village in Paterson, St. Paul’s CDC in Paterson, York Street Project in Jersey City and St. Joseph’s Social Service Center/Elizabeth Coalition in Elizabeth.

Currently, approximately 9,000 New Jersey residents are without homes, and due to the pandemic, the number is rising. The Columbia Bank Foundation recognizes now more than ever, its continual commitment to help citizens overcome challenges and gain a renewed sense of hope is paramount.

“As one of the largest private giving foundations in the state of New Jersey, the Columbia Bank Foundation is consistently looking for ways to maximize our impact,” said Thomas J. Kemly, president and CEO of Columbia Bank and president of the Columbia Bank Foundation. “Through our

provided the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey with a free kindness workshop and an opportunity to give back. These Blankets of Hope offer lifesaving warmth, as well as an encouraging mental health boost to those in need.”

About Columbia Bank Foundation

Columbia Bank Foundation is one of the New Jersey’s largest charitable foundations with roughly $60 million

designated in funding for future community-based projects and charitable programs. The foundation was created to serve the needs of local communities, and provide grants and contributions to organizations recognized as taxexempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Columbia Bank Foundation actively seeks to provide support in seven major areas: affordable housing programs, community investment and economic development opportunities, financial literacy and educational opportunities, health and human services, food insecurity, environmental sustainability and the arts. Special consideration is always given to programs that provide a measurable community impact. For more information regarding the Columbia Bank Foundation and grant eligibility requirements, please visit www.columbiabankonline.com/ columbia-foundation.

About Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey

Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey is an alliance of 22 Boys & Girls Club organizations serving over 70,000 youth ages 5-18 throughout the Garden State. Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey is a collaborative effort representing all 22 Clubs with the purpose of building local Club capacity; raising public awareness; and securing resources and financial support to increase the impact and

(Continued on page 36.)

Head, shoulders, knees and toes – and everywhere in between. When you need an x-ray, MRI, ultrasound, CT scan or mammogram who sees you matters.

We accept most insurances and offer same-day/walk-in appointments with a doctor’s prescription. Access to full-service diagnostic imaging and breast health services by highly experienced technologists and board-certified, subspecialty-trained radiologists has never been easier.

Open weekdays.

Free parking and access to public transportation. 22-02 Broadway, Fair Lawn 551-299-2900 www.englewoodhealth.org/imaging

room for your longest toe to push off

The main portion of the shoe that surrounds your foot is called uppers M odern s hoes have s ynthetic uppers rather t h a n l e a t h

q u

best suited to your expected usage.

reach of local Clubs. Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey works to strengthen and grow the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs which is: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring responsible citizens.

lighter, washable, breathe better and are more flexible, re-

The midsole is located between the outsole and the upper Many believe it is the most important part of any running shoe It controls excessive foot motion and provides cushi

About Blankets of Hope

i

“Blankets of Hope has now donated over 31,000 blankets and handwritten notes to those in need –and counting.”

Polyurethane is also commonly used; although durable, it

Blankets of Hope is an educational 501(c)3 nonprofit helping students practice empathy and kindness by donating blankets – each paired with an inspirational handwritten note - to those experiencing homelessness. Its mission: to inspire a global movement of kindness, one blanket at a time. Its vision: to live in a world united in love.

are all attempts to increase cushioning and durability at the same time

The outsole is the treaded layer on the bottom of the shoe

g l u e d t o t h

traction and absorbs shock The outsole is usually made of b l o w n r u b b e

It started as a small family project. It was Summer 2016 when Brooklyn brothers Mike and Nick Fiorito quit their 9-5 jobs in search of more meaningful work. For months, they jumped from one entrepreneurial venture to the next,

combination of the three Blown rubber is the lightest, but least dur able. Solid rubber materials are considered the best material for training shoes Stud or waffle outsoles are good

failing miserably every step of the way. By the time winter came around, Mike and Nick were losing all hope. To get their minds off their failures, Mike and Nick started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to buy blankets for people living on the freezing cold streets of NYC. With the helping hands of friends and family, they hand-delivered 100 “Blankets of Hope” to those in need.

ridged sole, which is more flexible and best for running on asphalt or cement

The heel counter is the rigid material that surrounds the heel Its function is to stabilize and support the heel An additional external counter is usually added between the midsole and the base of the heel for extra support Sometimes a wedge is used to add height to the heel. This enhances the ability of the shoe to absorb shock and reduce injury

Little did the brothers know, their good deed would pay them back in ways they couldn’t imagine. On the other side of the country, a video portraying Blankets of Hope had captured the heart of top Forbes-ranked venture capitalist, Todd Chaffee. Their guardian angel had arrived. With Todd’s mentorship and financial support, the brothers transformed their small family project into a globally recognized non-profit organization. Blankets of Hope has now donated over 31,000 blankets and handwritten notes to those in need – and counting. ■

Hackensack Students Win Prizes in C-SPAN Video Documentary Competition

During unprecedented times, students addressed issues of national importance

Courtesy of C-SPAN

Amy Choi and Sarah Basil, students in Hackensack, are winners in C-SPAN’s national 2021 StudentCam competition. Choi and Basil have received $250 as honorable mention winners for the documentary, “Medical Fraud: Stealing Our Money, Stealing Our Health,” which can be viewed online here, www.viddler.com/v/ff2e9cdd.

The competition, now in its 17th year, invited all middle and high school students to enter by producing a short documentary. C-SPAN, in cooperation with cable television partners, asked students to join the national conversation on the challenges our country is facing with the theme: “Explore the issue you most want the president and

new Congress to address in 2021.”

Despite the unique challenges brought about by COVID-19 this year, more than 2,300 students across the country participated in the contest. C-SPAN received over 1,200 entries from 43 states and Washington, D.C. The most popular topics addressed were health care (14.9 percent); environmental and energy policy (14.6 percent); equal rights and equity (13.5 percent); criminal justice/policing (7.6 percent); and education (7.5 percent).

“With the continual shift in the educational landscape, it is difficult to overstate just how challenging the pandemic has proven for schools across our nation,” said Craig

(Continued on page 40.)

The

Emergency

The

Bobbi

The

Viva Margarita

364 Lawton Ave ,Cliffside Park 551-313-0760

WHAT IS BERGEN JEWISH CHAPEL AND WHY IS IT UNIQUE?

The Bergen Jewish Chapel Concept is an online funeral arrangement process with the goal of alleviating a family's stress and burden while dealing with end of life issues.

Our process helps families to:

• Gather vital information you need before you need it

• Benefit from our full disclosure of services, merchandise, and pricing

• Eliminate the burden of a face to face meeting at a funeral home location, while still benefiting from our personal attention to our families

• Maintain Traditions

789 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666 (201) 836-0202

268 Kinderkamack Road Oradell, NJ 07649

Owner/Manager Daniel W. Leber NJ Lic. No 3186

Ridge Thai (BYOB)

50 Chestnut St , Ridgewood 201-493-9929

SPANISH

El Cid

205 Paramus Rd , Paramus 201-843-0123

Thai West (BYOB) 22 Jefferson Ave , Westwood 201-497-6981

McAndrew, director, C-SPAN Education Relations. “We are so impressed by the resilience and ingenuity of this year’s prize-winning students who have delivered among the finest short films in the history of the StudentCam competition.”

Meson Madrid Restaurant 343 Bergen Blvd , Palisades Park 201-947-1038

Wyckoff Thai Cuisine 314 Franklin Ave , Wyckoff 201-485-8855

C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable television companies, who also support StudentCam. In Hackensack, C-SPAN is available locally through Optimum and Altice USA Business.

Sangria 1033 MacArthur Blvd , Mahwah 201-962-3310

Sayola

50 Prospect Ter , Tenafly 201-871-2182

Tapas De España 7909 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen 201-453-1690

PERSIAN

Kabab on the Cliff 23 Godwin Ave , Ridgewood 201-444-5100

“Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic that students faced this year, these local winners showed creativity, resourcefulness and a strong work ethic to create documentaries addressing important issues on both the local and national level,” said Jen Ostrager, vice president of community affairs, Altice USA. “Optimum continues to be committed to strengthening our communities through educational programs, including our longstanding partnership with C-SPAN and StudentCam.”

Rose (BYOB) 1150 Teaneck Rd , Teaneck 201-569-3600

TURKISH

Taste of Spain 493 Tappan Rd , Northvale 201-767-8904

THAI

Bangkok Garden 261 Main St , Hackensack 201-487-2620

Cinar 214 Kinderkamack Rd , Emerson, 201-523-9284

Hakki Babba (BYOB) 555 Anderson Ave , Cliffside Park 201-840-8444

Hunkar (BYOB) 319 Hackensack St , Carlstadt 201-507-0606

These winners are among 299 students from across the country winning a total of $100,000. C-SPAN is awarding one grand prize, four first prizes, 16 second prizes, 32 third prizes and 97 honorable mention prizes. These winning videos will receive cash awards of $5,000, $3,000, $1,500, $750 and $250, respectively.

Clifton Thai 239 Parker Ave , Clifton 973-253-1400

Chok Dee Thai Kitchen 561 Livingston St., Norwood 201-750-8880

Gao Thai Kitchen (BYOB) 63 Main St , Ramsey 201-962-2691

High school students competed on a regional level, with the United States divided into three regions: West, Central and East. Middle school students were judged on a national basis. The grand-prize winner was selected nationally among all regions and grade levels.

Istanblue Restaurant (BYOB) 645 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge 201-262-4400

Istanbul Café & Grill (BYOB) 14-25 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn 201-791-2222

The 150 winning videos can be viewed at www.studentcam.org and may be used in a broadcast with attribution to C-SPAN.

Malee Fine Thai Cuisine (BYOB) 2 E Ridgewood Ave , Ridgewood 201-612-7797

Massaman Thai Cuisine 312 Hackensack St , Carlstadt 201-559-1424

Kebab Istanbul 5819 John F Kennedy Blvd , North Bergen 201-861-4400

The annual StudentCam competition is sponsored by the C-SPAN Education Foundation. Videos were evaluated by a panel of educators and C-SPAN representatives based on the thoughtful examination of the competition’s theme, quality of expression, inclusion of varying sides of the documentary’s topic and effective incorporation of C-SPAN programming.■

Marmaris Cafe (BYOB) 820 River Rd , Edgewater 201-943-9090

Pimaan Thai Restaurant (BYOB) 79 Kinderkamack Rd , Emerson 201-967-0440

Samdan 178 Piermont Rd , Cresskill 201-816-7343

Turkish Kitchen 297 Palisade Ave , Cliffside Park

Wellness Exams are Essential to Ongoing Health

Even During a Pandemic

Enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols remain in place, so there’s no reason to skip your annual in-person exam

(Continued on page 44.)

No matter your age, annual wellness checks with a primary care provider are an essential part of ongoing health — even when you are feeling well.

However, concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and scheduling challenges have caused many people to skip these critical, in-person annual checkups. In some cases, putting off these appointments has resulted in postponed screenings and delayed diagnoses of physical and mental health conditions.

“Certain health conditions can go undetected without the use of screening tests,” said Nora Tossounian, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Hackensack University Medical Center who treats patients age 18 and older. “Unfortunately, some patients who postponed screenings due to the pandemic were later diagnosed in the advanced stages.”

Wellness Check Benefits

One of the main benefits of a wellness visit is that patients and providers can spend more time discussing the patient’s overall

Enhanced Safety Measures Protect Patients

All Hackensack University Medical Center primary care facilities are taking steps to keep patients and providers safe, including:

1. Pre-screening of all patients by phone and at the door

2. Staggering appointments to promote physical distancing

3. Universal masking for patients, employees and visitors

4. Temperature screenings

5. Rigorous cleaning protocols based on public health guidelines

6. Increased use of telemedicine

7. Providing an opportunity for all team members to promptly receive the COVID-19 vaccine

8. Requiring all team members to complete a self-screening questionnaire before working

health when compared to a sick visit, when only one acute problem or concern is addressed.

“Annual wellness exams allow providers to look at the patient’s health from a holistic perspective, so we can work together to develop a comprehensive care plan,” said Dr. Tossounian.

Providers also look at a patient’s personal and family health history and order screening or diagnostic tests based on age and symptoms.

“Although telemedicine is useful in certain situations, we can’t overlook the benefits of an in-person exam,” said Dr. Tossounian. “During in-person visits, I have noticed a mole on the back, a nodule on the thyroid, or a lump on the arm; in some instances, further test-

ing has revealed early stages of treatable cancer.”

Wellness checks also allow providers to screen for and initiate conversations about substance use, as well as anxiety and depression, which have been on the rise during the pandemic.

“We can connect people with behavioral health services or prescribe medication as the situation warrants,” said Dr. Tossounian.

Enhanced Safety Protocols

According to Dr. Tossounian, patients can rest assured that Hackensack University Medical Center’s primary care facilities are taking steps to keep patients and team members safe, including pre-screening of all patients

(Continued on page 46.)

“Dr. Tossounian stressed that COVID-19 shouldn’t prevent people from seeking wellness care. She said being proactive — even during a pandemic — is one of the most important things people can do for their health.”

Recommended Preventive Screenings by Age for Men and Women

These guidelines are a modified version of the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce screening guidelines. Please note that these are only guidelines; speak to your provider regarding the appropriateness of these tests and whether additional ones are necessary, based upon your risk.

Age 20-30:  PAP every 3 years (women)

Age 30-40:  PAP every 3 years (women), cholesterol levels

Age 40-50:  PAP every 3 years (women), diabetes screening, mammograms (women, discuss frequency with provider), colonoscopies (now starting age 45), cholesterol levels

Age 50-60:  PAP every 3 years (women), diabetes screening, mammograms (women, discuss frequency with provider), bone density test, colonoscopies, hepatitis C screening, cholesterol levels, lung cancer screening (starting at age 55) for certain smokers or former smokers, prostate cancer screening (men)

Age 60-70:  PAP every 3 years (women, until age 65), diabetes screening, cholesterol levels, mammograms (women, discuss frequency with provider), bone density test, colonoscopies, hepatitis C screening, lung cancer screening for certain smokers or former smokers, prostate cancer screening (men)

Age 70-80:  mammograms (women, discuss frequency with provider) and colonoscopies up to age 75, bone density test, cholesterol levels, hepatitis C screening, lung cancer screening for certain smokers or former smokers, prostate cancer screening (optional for men)

Age 80 and up:  bone density test; mammograms (women) and colonoscopies are case-specific and after having discussion with your provider regarding risks and benefits

by phone and at the door; staggering appointments to promote physical distancing; universal masking for patients, employees and visitors; temperature screenings; rigorous cleaning protocols based on public health guidelines; and increased use of telemedicine.

“Although many team members have already received the COVID-19 vaccine, we are continuing to use complete personal protective equipment — including double-masking, goggles, face shields and gloves as appropriate — during all in-person exams,” said Dr. Tossounian.

Dr. Tossounian stressed that COVID-19 shouldn’t prevent people from seeking wellness care. She said being proactive — even during a pandemic — is one of the most important things people can do for their health.

“When it comes to the pandemic, we thought it was a sprint, but it turned out to be a marathon — and we’re still running it,” said Dr. Tossounian. “Don’t wait to get your wellness care back on track.”■

How to Pick tHe RigHt JewelRy FoR youR outFit

Who doesn’t love jewelry? We all do. Men and women can be found wearing it with a passion. It comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. It’s a great way to accessorize your outfit.

Jewelry is versatile and can be worn in our day-to-day lives. Some pieces are more valuable than others, where they need to be kept safely and maintained meticulously. Sometimes we have more jewelry than we need, but when wearing there are some things to consider. For instance:

Let your jeweLry be compatibLe with your outfit. Consider your wardrobe and the kind of jewelry you prefer to wear. What is your lifestyle? Are you the type of person to wear the same jewelry over and over or do you like to mix and match and wear versatile pieces?

pay attention to neckLines. The key is to create a balanced cohesive look. For instance, if you are wearing a strapless dress, pair it with a necklace that sits at your collar bone or a chunky chocker. Balance your look with a long necklace if you happen to be wearing loose fitting clothing; wearing a long necklace can balance your look from appearing short and wide. pair boLd with basic. The same goes true of wearing basic with bold. If you decide to wear big statement earrings, don’t wear a necklace. Want to wear a lot of bracelets? Forgo the rings. It’s all about proportion when pairing your jewelry to your outfit. Clothing should be neutral and classic if you want your jewelry to stand out. Otherwise keep it simple like a pair of stud earrings. Less is more when it comes to formal outfits also. Shiny delicate jewelry will always work best.

match braceLets to sLeeves. The longer the sleeves, the fewer bracelets. The shorter the sleeves, the more bracelets.

match print shapes. You probably wouldn’t think of this one and most people don’t, but the shape of your earrings or necklace should match the shape of the design of your dress. Therefore, if the design is angled stripes, you wouldn’t want to pair it with circular hoop earrings.

comfort is key. You don’t want to wear something to heavy or with sharp edges. Earrings, for instances, that are heavy can wear down your ear lobes and even cause damage. Remember, it’s all about the comfort.

budget. Fine jewelry, such as gold, silver and platinum, along with diamonds, are great investment pieces. Treat yourself every now and then to these types of pieces. However, if purchasing the real thing is difficult, know that you can buy pieces that are gold plated for less money; they will give you the same look and feel for less.

match jeweLry to skin tone. If you have cool undertones, white metals, such as silver and platinum, will look best. If you have warm undertones, then gold and rose gold will look best on you. Diamonds look great on all skin tones, luckily. If your skin tone is neutral, well then you hit the jackpot! You can wear any type of metal.

Hopefully these tips will help you save time and frustration when picking out jewelry to wear with your outfit. Remember, it’s all about proportion. So, if in doubt, take a look in the mirror. Play around and see what looks best on you.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who helps women feel beautiful and confident to rise to their highest and best selves through style. Want to know more style and fashion tips? Follow her on Instagram (@Styledbysoneca) and/or visit her website, www.stylebysoneca.com.

by Soneca Guadara

� Fashion � Flower Power

Garden State ‘SPRINGS’ Into ‘LIVING COLOR’ o

From

From Neiman Marcus at Westfield Garden State Plaza.

PhotograPher: Nick Gagliano, Studio Uno Photography

Style Director: Candace Kristin, Westfield Garden State Plaza

Hair: Kim Rusbach, Eric Alt Salon

Makeup: Vanessa Rizzo

Models: Aleksandra & Haylie

Style Assistant: Sarah Hansson

Location: Spring in Living Color at Westfield Garden State Plaza

Clothing:

All clothing available at Westfield Garden State Plaza retailers.

From Weekend at Max Mara at Westfield Garden State Plaza.

From All Saints at Westfield Garden State Plaza.

A Jersey girl with a serious makeup and skincare obsession.

The Next Big Event

Events are slowly making a comeback. Last year pulled the break on large gatherings, resulting in many postponed or cancelled events. Have a wedding or maybe a family reunion on the horizon? You’ll want to look picture ready. The following six tips will help you prep for your next big event.

by Kristin Favaloro

Tip #1: Book An In-Spa Facial.

In-spa facials are always a good idea. However, they are especially perfect when preparing for a special event. A facial will help keep skin fresh and glowing and makes makeup application even more flawless. I highly recommend checking out Slate Med Spa in Paramus for a VI Peel facial treatment; your skin will be glowing.

Tip #2: Stay Hydrated.

Staying hydrated is key to having great skin for that big event. Try drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and eating some hydrating fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, cucumbers, celery and grapefruit are great options to add to your diet. Avoiding processed and fried food is also a good idea to keep breakouts at bay. I love adding Sakara Beauty & Detox Water Drops to my water to supercharge moisture and flush out toxins and bloat; they are truly amazing.

Tip #3: Keep Up With Your Skin Care Regimen.

Keeping up with a skin care regimen on a daily basis is key to optimal skin health. I try to have a daily regimen both day and night to keep my skin looking great. Washing your face, toning and exfoliating, serums and moisturizer should be used every day. Lately, I have been loving the Glow Recipe line available at Sephora, especially the Watermelon Glow Toner and the Dew Drops. This line is some of the best skincare I have tried to really achieve that glowing skin. For acne prone skin, I highly recommend the Ole Henriksen Balance It All line to mattify, reduce the look of pores and balance the complexion.

Tip #4: Invest In At-Home Treatments.

There are tons of at-home treatments that you can do weekly or bi-weekly. Exfoliating scrubs, sheet masks and deep pore cleansing masks are just a few great ideas to try out. Depending on your skin type, the choices are endless. An exfoliating scrub that is a great option is the Goop Glow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator, which leaves your skin baby soft and super glowing. One of my favorite sheet masks is the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet Mask. Packed with botanical oils and extracts, this is the perfect mask to do the day of your big event right before your makeup application.

Tip #5: Rest Is Best.

Getting the proper amount of rest also is great for your skin. Sleeping at least 8 hours a night is really important to overall health for everyone. When we are sleep deprived, it shows in our skin. Who wants that when you are getting event ready?! Trying to get into the same bedtime routine every night really helps to stay on track. While you sleep, why not treat yourself to some skincare treatments?! I love the Origins Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask. Packed with avocado and swiss glacier water, this mask will keep your skin hydrated for 72 hours.

Tip #6: Get A Spray Tan.

Last but not least, to really get that sun-kissed glow, I highly recommend a spray tan, especially one from Brushed Tanning in Wyckoff. Whether you want a subtle glow or to look like you spent a day at the beach, these tanning experts will custom blend the right glow for you and your big event.

Kristin Favaloro is a Jersey girl with a serious makeup and skincare obsession. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pg/beautyandtheburbsnj or visit her blog at www.beautyandtheburbsnj.com to discover all that Bergen County has to make a beautiful you. Have a product you’d like Kristin to check out? Email her directly at beautyandtheburbs201@ gmail.com.

GettinG a Knee Up on

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Professional and college sports may finally be getting up to full speed, and with that comes an increase in sports injuries. One of the most common injuries in both contact and non-contact sports is a tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Listed here are ten not the most frequently asked questions about the ACL.

１ What is the anterior cruciate ligament?

Ligaments connect one bone to another. The ACL sits in the center of the knee just in front (anterior) of the PCL and connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). When you plant your foot and rotate your trunk, your ACL causes your body to stop as your weight shifts. In most people, if your ACL does not function, your knee will “give way” and you will fall down.

２ Is this the same as a torn cartilage?

The answer is no. In the knee there are two types of cartilage: the articular cartilage and the menisci. The articular cartilage is the Teflon coating on the end of the bones that keeps them gliding and the menisci are the shock absorbers. The ligaments – there are four including the ACL – act more like seat belts. Even though these are all separate structures, they are often injured at the same time.

３ How is the ACL usually injured?

Typically, the ACL is torn in two ways – through contact and non-contact injuries. Contact injuries occur in sports such as football, and surprisingly are not as common as in non-contact injuries that occur in sports such as basketball or soccer. Both contact and non-contact injuries occur when the knee is twisted or bent on a fixed foot. A “pop” and immediate swelling often accompany the injury. Usually, the athlete cannot continue to play after an acute ACL injury. Non-contact ACL

“One

of the most common injuries in both contact and non-contact sports is a tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).”

By Michael L. Gross, MD

“The ACL is a ligament and, therefore, cannot be seen on an X-ray.”

tears are much more frequent in women than men playing the same sport. This is usually due to the way women land after they jump, and this difference can be corrected with a series of instructional exercises.

４ What is the best thing to do when an ACL injury is suspected?

On the field, after an initial evaluation by a qualified trainer or team doctor, the answer is RICE: Rest the knee with splinting to prevent further injury; Ice to reduce inflammation and prevent further swelling; light Compression to reduce swelling; and Elevation to control bleeding in the joint. Once this is done, evaluation by an orthopedist or sports medicine specialist is recommended.

５ What happens at the doctor’s office?

First, the doctor will ask questions about how the injury occurred. He or she may also ask about your age and activity level, both at work and during recreation. Your general health is also important. Next, the doctor will examine you. This is a hands-on evaluation to determine what the injuries are and their severity. If your knee is very swollen, the doctor may drain it with a needle and syringe. X-rays can be very useful at this point, serving to check for injuries to the bones, the status of growth plates or, in older patients, the presence or absence of arthritis.

６ What about an MRI?

MRIs are very useful for the evaluation of ACL injuries, as well as the other injuries that accompany them. The

ACL is a ligament and, therefore, cannot be seen on an X-ray. Even though the injury may be strongly suspected after an examination and X-rays, it can be reliably confirmed with an MRI. In addition, an MRI can detect injuries that were not originally appreciated.

７ Is surgery always necessary?

Treatment for an ACL tear will vary depending upon the patient’s individual needs. For example, the young athlete involved in agility sports will most likely require surgery to safely return to sports. In a limited number of patients, surgery may not be the correct solution the less active, usually older, individual may be able to return to a quieter lifestyle without surgery. However, it is important to realize that a torn ACL will not heal without surgery. Also, the ACL may scar into nearby structures, regaining some function and providing some stability to the knee. In addition, strengthening the muscles around the knee may, in some cases, compensate for the loss of stability caused by a tear in the ACL.

Non-surgical treatment may be effective for patients who are elderly or have a very low activity level. If the overall stability of the knee is intact, your doctor may recommend simple, nonsurgical options. Remember, many people who initially opt for non-surgical treatment, require surgery in the future as they do more damage or as their knees become unstable over time. This process can take several years. In a young and active individual, who has an unreasonable amount of instability in the knee, surgery is necessary to give the best and most reliable result to allow for continued safe participation both in sports and daily activities.

８ What are the options for ACL surgery?

Most ACL tears cannot simply be sutured (stitched) back together. To surgically repair the ACL and restore knee stability, the ligament must be reconstructed or replaced. Your doctor will replace your torn ligament with a tissue graft. This graft acts as scaffolding for a

(Continued on page 74.)

new ligament to grow on.

Grafts can be obtained from several sources. Often, they are taken from the patellar tendon, which runs between the kneecap and the shinbone. Hamstring tendons at the back of the thigh are also a common source of grafts. Sometimes a quadriceps tendon, which runs from the kneecap into the thigh, is used. Finally, a cadaver graft (allograft) can be used. Cadaver grafts can use even stronger tendons from other parts of the body besides the knee.

There are advantages and disadvantages to all graft sources. To help determine which is best for you, you should discuss graft choices with your orthopedic surgeon. As with all surgical procedures, you should confirm that your doctor feels comfortable doing the procedure and performs the procedure frequently.

９ How is ACL surgery done?

The surgery is performed arthroscopically and as an outpatient procedure. This means that the surgery is done with small incisions and uses a TV camera the size of a ballpoint pen and minimally invasive techniques. The TV camera is inserted in the knee and any remaining blood is flushed out. Any other injuries are thoroughly addressed and repaired. The remaining stump of the original ACL is removed, and small tunnels are drilled at the attachment sites of the ACL on the femur and the tibia. Regardless of which ACL graft has been selected, it is fashioned to fit exactly in the tunnels and to be the correct length that corresponds to the patient’s anatomy. The graft is carefully fitted in the previously drilled tunnels and secured in place with non-metallic screws. Finally, the incisions are closed, a dressing is applied, and the patient is sent to the recovery room for home discharge after several hours.

１０ What happens after ACL surgery?

Physical therapy is a crucial part of any successful ACL surgery. Many orthopedic surgeons strongly suggest that physical therapy begins immediately after the surgery. Much of the success of ACL reconstructive surgery

“Physical therapy is a crucial part of any successful ACL surgery.”

depends on the patient’s dedication to the rigorous physical therapy regimen. With new surgical techniques and stronger graft fixation, current physical therapy techniques use an accelerated and aggressive course of rehabilitation. Weight bearing and range of motion exercises are started extremely early and progress rapidly.

The patient may return to sports when there is no longer pain or swelling, when there is full range of motion in the knee, and when muscle strength, endurance, coordination and functional use of the leg have been fully restored.

The patient’s sense of balance and leg control must also be restored using exercises designed to improve muscular control. This usually takes six to nine months. With an allograft, it may take up to nine months until the graft is strong enough to allow for full participation in sports. Ideally, use of a functional brace when returning to sports is not necessary after a successful ACL reconstruction. While some patients may feel a greater sense of security by wearing one, they are generally not needed or helpful.

Michael L. Gross, MD, is the founder and director of Active Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Hackensack. He is the section chief of sports medicine at Hackensack/Meridian University Medical Center, the chairman of the department of Orthopedic Surgery at New Bridge Medical Center, the clinical director of Orthopedics for Summit Health and an assistant professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. He can be reached by at drgross@activeorthopedic.com or at 201-343-2277. ■

Tesla’s Biggest Nightmare:

The All-new Ford MusTAng MAch-e

By Richard Posluszny

Electric vehicles (EVs) have taken the world by storm. Depending who you ask, they may tell you it was done by force. Others would argue it’s been largely driven by one man, Elon Musk, and his brand, Tesla. Sure, EVs existed before Musk’s time in the spotlight but the cold, hard truth is that they weren’t cool.

Today though, everyone wants a piece of the real world’s Tony Stark.

Although just about every single auto manufacturer has an EV roadmap, the first offerings out of the gate were rather lackluster. Many were based on economy cars and lack any cachet. Or they cost nearly $200,000 and are not realistic daily drivers since they deplete miles exceedingly fast. Frankly, the badges we all know, and love are struggling to compete against Tesla. Until now, that is.

Ford has mounted an attack in form of the all-new Mustang Mach-E. Controversial since its debut, many enthusiasts bemoaned the use of the Mustang nameplate for a sportutility vehicle. But it’s actually apt for a variety of reasons.

Most critically, Ford needed to bring something that represented performance and had instant brand recognition. Additionally, it had to fight fire — Tesla — with fire. It’s actually a genius play.

And though it boasts four doors and is an SUV, when you get a good look at the Mach-E you’ll note it has some Mustang-inspired cues. Take a closer look at things like the sharp headlights (image 1), the “hips” that are integrated into the rear fenders, the fastback-like roofline and the sculpted rear end (image 2). If you excuse the peculiar front grill on my Premium-trimmed test vehicle, there’s a lot to like about this design.

That’s because it’s bold and different. One thing I noticed: I don’t think there’s even one Ford badge on the outside. What you do get, however, is the Mustang logo (image 3).

You also get a tremendous amount of attention wherever you go. On a drive from New Jersey to Brooklyn, I was honked at, given the thumbs up, flagged down by pedestrians

“Sliding behind the three-spoke steering wheel and getting more comfortable in the cabin, every occupant’s attention will be drawn to the 15.5-inch, portrait-layout infotainment screen located in the center of the dashboard.”

and I had people in traffic rolling down their windows to strike up a conversation about the Mach-E. It’s a magnet for positivity.

Very rarely does a vehicle have this kind of impact on people.

Sliding behind the three-spoke steering wheel and getting more comfortable in the cabin, every occupant’s attention will be drawn to the 15.5-inch, portrait-layout infotainment screen located in the center of the dashboard. Ford is really gunning for Tesla with this move and, boy, it brought its “A” game. The software works wonderfully. It’s fast and it delivers an incredibly intuitive user experience — a rare treat in today’s autos. You don’t need a master’s degree in computer science to dive into this system.

Even better, rather than rely on this centrally located screen to display all of the vehicle information a la Tesla, Ford did something smart. Directly behind the steering wheel is a letterbox, 10-inch display that serves as your instrument panel.

While it’s not customizable, it is a useful and welcome addition.

Elsewhere around the cockpit, you’ll note there’s usable room whether in front or back. Nice touches include the Bang & Olufsen sound system and the panoramic, fixed glass roof.

Of great importance though is the vehicle’s perceived build quality. Unlike the mainstream EVs that tend to feel like economy cars and Tesla’s suspect interiors, the MachE feels like a real luxury automobile. There’s a certain amount of substance to the touchpoints and, overall, every component felt solid. It even feels a step above what typically ships from Ford. Clearly, the automaker is paying attention to the small details with this specific product, and it shows.

What does take getting used to are the little things with an EV.

One would be wind noise.

Although my vehicle was equipped with dual-pane glass on the front windows, at speed you’re going to

hear wind. Overall, it’s not that bad, however, it does take getting used to as you do not have a motor blocking out that sound. The same can be said for the suspension, which seemed noisier over bumps than other EVs I’ve piloted.

And then there’s the charging. Simply put, if you’re expecting to juice up your ride with a 120-volt standard outlet, just stop reading now. If you want any EV, plan on working with an electrician to install 240-volt outlets or budget to have an EV-specific charger installed in your garage.

Now, driving the Mach-E.

My test vehicle was an all-wheel drive model fitted with the extended range battery — a “must have” option, in my opinion. The extended range variant in Premium trim is said to achieve 270 miles on a full charge but that wasn’t my experience. Even when letting the vehicle charge up to 100 percent of battery life, I couldn’t break more than 212 miles before even setting off.

“The silver lining is that there is quite a bit of EV infrastructure (charging stations) built up these days ...”

Why? Well, during my testing the temperatures were in the mid-tohigh 30s. And low temperatures effect range when you’re dealing with EVs.

How bad, you ask? It can be quite significant. After starting the vehicle and setting home for a drive that was about 31 miles, the vehicle ripped through over 70 miles of range on a brisk evening. This gave me range anxiety as I was planning a drive from New Jersey to Brooklyn — over 100 miles, round trip.

On the day of my journey though it was 60 degrees, and I had no issues. In fact, the battery held onto significantly more range. For example, I had driven approximately 30 miles and only 10 miles came off the range. So, it takes a bit of getting used to and a sense of adventure.

The silver lining is that there is quite a bit of EV infrastructure (charging stations) built up these days but, frankly, I don’t have time to wait at a mall or some other ran-

dom parking lot while my vehicle gets juiced up. Be 100 percent sure you want to take the plunge before you put an order in on any EV.

As the extended range variant has the larger, 88 kWh capacity, it’s quite zippy. That’s because it produces what equates to 346 horsepower and 428 lb.-ft. of instant torque. Zero to 60 happens in a quick 4.8 seconds, which is sports car fast.

Even better, when you toggle “one pedal driving” you don’t have to worry much about braking as the you can feather the throttle (Translation: Let your foot gently off the accelerator.) to bring the Mach-E to a controlled and smooth stop.

Over potholes and other imperfections, the Mach-E does a pretty good job at isolating passengers. But the suspension is on the firmer side, so, it’s not all roses as it can get bouncy at times. On the bright side, it can corner pretty well given the squat stance, and the weight

from the batteries is located low and in between all four wheels.

While this Mustang’s steering feel is completely numbed out, Ford got the weighting just right. It’s confidence inspiring and feels sporting.

After spending a handful of days with the Mach-E, I came to one conclusion: This is a great product. Whether I was running errands around town, commuting at highway speed or sitting in traffic on the Cross-Bronx Expressway, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. And I was proud to drive it.

That’s not always the case with Ford’s vehicles. While it’s produced some amazing vehicles in recent years, it’s also missed on a few. There’s no question in this case, however. The all-new Mustang Mach-E is fantastic. It just needs more range to match up better against the latest Teslas.

If it were my money and I had to choose between the two, there’s no question, I’d be adding this Ford to my garage.■

Five Family Staycation Ideas That Won’t Break Your Budget

Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter.

However, a staycation – a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) – can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel, especially now during this trying time.

Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your local area’s attractions and prove you don’t have to go far to spend safe quality time together.

Visit local landmarks. Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to be tourists. Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit local landmarks like museums or try an out-of-the-way restaurant (or two) you’ve never eaten at before. camp out in the backyard. Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations.

set up a picnic in the park. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the park. You can enjoy a casual meal then take advantage of the open space for a family walk or game of tag before retreating to the playground to let the little ones expel any leftover energy.

haVe a home spa day. If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish.

Visit an amusement park. No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and waterslides while skipping those that may not provide quite the same entertainment value.

Find more tips and tricks for enjoying family time together at eLivingtoday.com. ■

How to Throw a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

SummerAll Long

Cinco de Mayo is an early May celebration typically marked by margaritas, tacos and colorful decorations. Often confused with Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican celebration of their army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

by Jess Ford

In Mexico, this date is celebrated with parades, dancing and even battle reenactments. In the U.S., we typically use this as an excuse to enjoy our favorite Mexican food and drinks, and typically the warmer weather. Below are some tips and tricks to throw a Cinco de Mayo party all summer long while highlighting authentic Mexican culture.

Food

Include your favorite foods like chips, salsa and, of course, guacamole. Set up a taco bar with fresh corn tortillas, cilantro, red onions and assorted meats like carne asada (marinated, grilled beef) and carnitas (braised, shredded pork). Enjoy side dishes like elote, also known as Mexican Street Corn – grill corn on the cob and top with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder (like Tajin) and lime juice.

Looking for something a bit different? Try making mole. This dish contains many ingredients and takes a little time but is definitely worth it. Our favorite is lamb mole over arroz rojo (red rice) or for a twist on a classic, over red quinoa.

For dessert, try tres leches, flan, rice pudding or stray from authentic and make pinata cupcakes. Make your favorite cupcakes, scoop out the center and fill with sprinkles. Top with your favorite frosting. When you bite into the cupcake, you will release the colorful sprinkles.

Drinks

Margaritas are classic, but there are so many other ways to enjoy tequila and mezcal. Try a Paloma, which is tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda. If you can’t find grapefruit soda, use grapefruit juice and seltzer. Feel free to add a salt rim. Mezcal has become popular

over the years and is great in cocktails but can also be enjoyed over ice.

For those that are unfamiliar with mezcal, mezcal is made from agave, like tequila, but is processed differently. While agave for tequila is processed right away, agave for mezcal is roasted over a fire, typically in a pit, which is what gives mezcal its distinct smokey flavor.

Some mezcal cocktails to try including mezcal negroni, mezcal paloma, mezcal margarita or try creating your own.

Music

Create a playlist with both traditional mariachi music and Mexican pop for a blend of new and old Mexican culture.

Décor

Use bright festive colors to decorate. Think vibrant and colorful. Hang multicolored papel picado banners (delicate cut paper flags) for an authentic festive feel. Use plants like cactus and succulents as décor or create centerpieces using colored Gerber daisies, roses or bring in color from confetti and festive pots. When setting a table or table display, use a colorful serape as the table runner.

For more information on Cinco de Mayo or celebrations in general, visit www.peppercornevents.com or email us at hello@peppercornevents.com.

Jess Ford is the chef/owner of Peppercorn Events, a catering company based in Bergen County. Peppercorn Events specializes in local, seasonal, custom catering. Jess is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a level 2 Sommelier. Prior to opening Peppercorn Events, Jess worked in restaurants in NYC and Brooklyn, studied farm-to-table cuisine in California, worked on an organic farm in England and traveled to China, Israel and throughout Europe studying food and wine. ■

A Piece Of Waldwick Lives In Amster’s Prospect Tavern

By Kevin Czerwinski

It would be difficult to imagine Waldwick without Amster’s Prospect Tavern.

It would be difficult to fathom Amster’s Prospect Tavern without owner Norman Levine or general manager Deb Fearon greeting customers and telling stories to the North Jersey patrons who frequent the popular eatery.

It would be difficult to picture Levine and Fearon without Jessica Shinnick-Guerrieri standing alongside them, providing the glue as the restaurant’s figurative adopted daughter, helping to keep it running smoothly with her bright smile and charm.

It would be, well, you get the idea. There are a lot of layers to Amster’s and we haven’t even gotten to the food. The warmth and inviting atmosphere of the nearly 100-year-old establishment has made Amster’s one of the most popular restaurants, not only in Waldwick, but in all of North Jersey. That dining there feels like you’re having a Sunday dinner with family isn’t a coincidence. It’s simply part of the experience created by Levine and his team.

“This place gives people a sense of home,” said Shinnick-Guerrieri, who began working there as a waitress while she was in college some 15 years ago and has filled a variety of roles since. She currently works as a director of sales for Stew Leonard Wines but continues to contribute at Amster’s whenever possible.

“A lot of the people in Waldwick don’t leave or if they do, they come back. We see a lot of patrons who were in here as kids come back now along with the people who never left Waldwick,” she continued. “This place always

“Amster’s is a business that has been alive and thriving since 1926.”

feels like it’s your house. It’s a personal thing and we’re on a first name basis with most of the customers. There has been a lot of Warrior [the nickname of the town’s high school] pride here. People are vested in the local businesses and keeping them alive.”

Amster’s is a business that has been alive and thriving since 1926. It started as a grocery store and remained as such until Prohibition was repealed in 1933. It remains one of the oldest establishments in North Jersey and has gone through some changes over the last nine decades but essentially has remained the place that Waldwick residents proudly call their own.

It’s also been called Sadie’s [after Levine’s grandmother], Ruthie’s [after his aunt], Norm’s or simply The Tavern, reflecting which member of Levine’s family owned and operated it at the time. And if you look carefully at the stonework on the front of the building, you’ll notice that it says it was built in 1927. That’s because the mason didn’t know how to make a six so he simply made 1927 the building’s birthdate.

While Levine, 66, grew up in nearby Suffern, N.Y., where his father owned the local pharmacy, he spent countless hours in Waldwick and ultimately came to take over Amster’s when it was still just a bar. That was more than four decades ago and he shows no signs of slowing down. He first added a back patio to the bar and later enclosed it, making it a dining room.

Levine also recently switched to an electronic register system after Amster’s simply used pen and paper for more than 90 years.

“I just enjoy each day,” he said. “It’s a lot of work here but it’s a labor of love. It’s something where I wake up every day and I enjoy doing it. We have met a lot of great people here.”

One of the great people that Levine and Co. have met is Chef Joseph Grecco, who recently joined the staff and has helped transform Amster’s menu. The flair and lusciousness of his cuisine has taken helped the menu graduate from just bar food to a full-blown restaurant, which include specials such as Coq Au Vin, Seared Day Boat

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community, having raised more than a $250,000 for the Waldwick’s Special Olympics Team, The Bergen County Wildcats. He hosts an annual golf outing, which is a several-day affair that has grown from a few buddies to a massive beefsteak dinner at The Brownstone in Paterson.

swers, find someone who does.

9 . The key to finding the best shoe is comfort, not price.

supporting the local business in North Jersey the way his patrons support him. He also is very active in the

“We started off with eight of us playing golf and we just got bigger and bigger,” Levine said. “We have been able to raise a good amount of money for them to help them continue their programs for the year. The money helped them buy a bus, uniforms and have social functions.”

Dr Michael Gross is the founder and director of Active Orthopedic and Sports Medicine He is the section chief of sports medicine and the orthopedic director of the Center for Sports Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center Dr Gross has written numerous articles and book chapters on sports injuries He has taken care of some of Bergen County’s finest athletes – weekend warriors to professional athletes Dr Gross can be reached by email at drgross@activeorthopedic com

It’s all part of what makes Levine and Amster’s an integral part of Waldwick’s fabric, a part that would be difficult to imagine not being there.■

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Shout Out to Some of Our Favorite Local List Members

The Timepiece Collection

58 E. Palisades Ave., Englewood 877.678.8463

www.thetimepiececollection.com

B&M Fine Dining at Home

192 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge

201.391.4373

www.bmfoodlovers.com

Marcia’s Attic for Kids

29 N. Dean St., Englewood 201.894.5701 www.marciasatticforkids.com

Saddle River Inn

2 Barnstable Court, Saddle River 201.825.4016 www.saddleriverinn.com

Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski

Michele Iannone

201.280.7044 https://sites.touchstonecrystal.com/ sites/miannone

Boutique 811

811 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes 201.485.8650 www.boutique811.com

Goldstein Jewelers

9.5 W. Railroad Ave., Tenafly 201.871.8774 www.goldsteintenafly.com

We Knead the Dough 201.888.2222 www.wekneadthedoughcookies.com

Eric Alt Salon

77 West Allendale Road, Allendale 201.438.0900 www.ericaltsalon.com

D’Amore Jewelers

731 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park

201.945.0530 www.damorejewelers.com

OrthoASAP by Active Ortho Multiple Locations 844.228.4836 www.activeorthopedic.com

Alt Eats Café 622 North Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus 201.444.1300 www.alteatscafe.com

Westfield Garden State Plaza 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus 201.843.2121 www.westfield.com/gardenstateplaza

JC Landscaping

143 Broadway, Woodcliff Lake 201.573.8868 http://www.jclandscapinginc.com

Meat Market Steakhouse

37B Berdan Ave., Wayne 973.706.8888 www.meatmarketsteakhousewayne.com

Rich’s Automotive

50 Chestnut St., Emerson 201.262.3333 www.richsautospecialists.com

Sonny T Restaurant

259 Johnson Ave., River Edge 201.342.1233 www.sonnytnj.com

David Kasinos Catering and Events Nj-NYC-Westchester-Hamptons 201.887.1400 www.davidkasinoscatering.com

Bageriet Bakery

355 Essex St., Hackensack 201.487.8787 www.thebageriet.com

American (Contemporary & Traditional)

The Abbey

Ramsey Golf and Country Club 105 Lakeside Dr., Ramsey, 201-818-9298

Allendale Bar & Grill

67 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale, 201-327-3197

Allendale Eats

101 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-825-0110

Alt Eats Cafe

622 North Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-251-2222

Bacari Grill

800 Ridgewood Rd., Washington Township, 201-358-6330

Bareburger

129 Vervalen St., Closter, 201-660-7720

The Barn

359 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, 201-848-0108

The Barrow House

1296 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, 862-336-7070

The Bicycle Club

487 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-894-0880

Biddy O’Malley’s

Irish Bistro and Bar

191 Paris Ave., Northvale, 201-564-7893

Big Papa Smokem

352 Palisades Ave., Bogota, 201-742-5704

Bonefish Grill

601 From Rd., Paramus, 201-261-2355

Boom Burger

180 NJ-17, Mahwah, 201-529-1806

Brady’s at the Station

5 W. Main St., Ramsey, 201-327-9748

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

21 Teterboro Landing Dr., Teterboro, 551-313-7450

The Brick House

179 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, 201-848-1211

Café 37 (BYOB)

37 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-857-0437

Café Amici Wyckoff (BYOB) 315 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, 201-848-0198

� Restaurant Guide �

Café Amici Ho-Ho-Kus (BYOB)

4 Sycamore Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-389-6377

Café Angelique

1 Piermont Rd., Tenafly, 201-541-1010

Café Matisse (BYOB)

167 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-935-2995

City Perch Kitchen and Bar 2023 Hudson St., Fort Lee, 201-582-7101

Chakra

144 W. State Route 4, Paramus, 201-566-1530

Center Tavern

170 Center Ave., Westwood, 201-666-2200

Coach House Restaurant 55 NJ-4, Hackensack, 201-488-4999

Coffee & Cornbread Co. 1350B Queen Anne Rd., Teaneck, 201-862-0600

The Cornerstone 84 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201-666-8688

Crow’s Nest

309 Vincent Ave., Hackensack, 201-342-5445

Cubby’s BBQ Restaurant

249 S. River St. Hackensack, 201-488-9389

Davey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 5 Park St., Montvale, 201-391-9356

East Coast Burger Company 75 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-857-0277

Emerson Hotel Restaurant 31 Emerson Plaza, Emerson, 201-262-7557

Esposito’s Park Café

790 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-313-2441

Esty Street

86 Spring Valley Rd., Park Ridge, 201-307-1515

Farmhouse Café & Eatery 15 E. Madison Ave., Cresskill, 201-266-8931

301 Center Ave., Westwood, 201-664-8424

Fire and Oak

100 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale, 201-307-1100

Giovanni’s Deli 22-08 Morlot Ave., Fair Lawn,

201-791-1911

Glenn Rock Inn

222 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201-445-2362

Gross’s La Strada

231 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-670-9233

Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar

2 Main St., Edgewater, 201-943-1900

Hearth and Tap

125 N. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale, 201-307-6300

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern

1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-445-4115

Houston’s

The Shop’s at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack, 201-488-5667

Hungry Peddler

44 E. Madison Ave., Cresskill, 201-894-0718

Iron Horse

20 Washington Ave., Westwood, 201-666-9682

Ivy Inn

268 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, 201-393-7699

Jackson Hole

362 Grande Ave., Englewood, 201-871-7444

Just Janice (BYOB)

23 Sheridan Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-445-2666

The Kosher Nosh Deli

894 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-1186

Lakeside Grille & Bar

105 Lakeside Dr., Ramsey, 201-327-0009

Mahwah Bar & Grill

2 Island Rd., Mahwah, 201-529-8056

Mason Jar

219 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, 201-529-2302

Mitchell’s Seafood Market 541 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-840-9311

MK Valencia

228 Main St., Ridgefield Park, 201-373-0228

Mob Burger

525 Moonachie Ave, Wood-Ridge, 201-728-4891 Nostramana Café

51 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 551-264-9200

Nellie’s Place 9 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, 201-652-8626

Nikki’s Bar & Grill

213 Washington Ave., Little Ferry, 201-518-2883

Noah’s Ark (Kosher) 493 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, 201-692-1200

Oceanos

2-27 Saddle River Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-796-0546

Palmer’s Crossing 145 Dean Dr., (Clinton Ave.), Clinton Inn Hotel, Tenafly, 201-567-4800

Park Wood Delicatessen 342 Erie Ave., Midland Park, 201-689-0855

Pearl Restaurant (BYOB) 17 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-857-5100

Peppercorns 176 Colony Ave., Park Ridge, 201-391-2818

Pizzaiolo By Brothers 85 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-444-4944

P.J. Finnegan’s 274 Fairview Ave., Westwood, 201-664-7576

Plank Pizza Company

383 Market St. Bldg. D, Saddle Brooke, 201-843-2426

Railroad Café

170 Union Ave., East Rutherford, 201-939-0644

Raymond’s 101 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-445-5125

Reilly’s Rib Cage (BYOB) 49 W. Church St., Bergenfield, 201-771-7200

Regina’s Steakhouse and Grill 827 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck, 201-862-1996

Restaurant L 9 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, 201-785-1112

Rolling Pin Café

341 Broadway, Westwood, 201-666-4660

Roots Steakhouse 17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-444-1922

Rosario’s Trattoria (BYOB)

29 Central Ave., Midland Park, 201-445-3335

Rotunda Garden State Plaza (Rtes. 17 & 4), Paramus, 201-843-7693

Ruby Tuesday Route 4 & 17, Paramus, 201-909-0886

Rutherford Pancake House 40 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-340-4171

Sal’s Good Eats

80 Green St., Teterboro, 201-288-1170

Section 201

704 River Rd., New Milford, 201-262-5600

Shelly’s Vegetarian Café and Caterers

482 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, 201-692-0001

Steel Wheel Tavern

51 N. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-882-1800

St. Eve’s Restaurant (BYOB) 611 N. Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-857-4717

Stony Hill Inn

231 Polify Rd. (Rt. 80), Hackensack, 201-342-4085

Tommy Fox’s Public House

32 S. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, 201-384-0900

Twisted Elm

435 River Dr., Elmwood Park, 201-791-3705

Veggie Heaven 473 Cedar Ln., Teaneck, 201-836-0887

Victoria’s

336 Queen Anne Rd., Teaneck, 201-801-0888

Village Green (BYOB) 36 Prospect St., Ridgewood, 201-445-2914

Waterside

7800 B. River Rd., North Bergen, 201-861-7767

White Maple Café (BYOB) 47 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-447-1953

103 Prime

103 Spring Valley Rd., Park Ridge, 201-391-2220

Asian/Asian Fusion

I Fish (BYOB)

114 Country Rd., Tenafly,

201-569-1111

Wok Bar

200 Main St., Fort Lee, 858-999-5555

Chinese/Korean/ Korean BBQ

Dong Chun Hong 144 Main St., Fort Lee, 201-592-0450

Golden Dynasty

825 Franklin Lakes Rd., Franklin Lakes, 201-891-7866

295 Kinderkamack Rd., Hillsdale, 201-358-8685

Kimchi Mama 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn, 201-703-2905

Kimchi Smoke BBQ

301 Center Ave., Westwood, 201-497-6333

Mr. Wok & Sushi (BYOB)

1 Highwood Ave. 2nd Floor, Tenafly, 201-569-3969

Myung Ga Won 72 Piermont Road, Tenafly, 201-500-1111

Petite Soo Chow

� Restaurant Guide �

607 Gorge Road, Cliffside Park, 201-313-1666

P.F. Chang’s The Shops at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack, 201-646-1565

T.S. Ma Wyckoff 637 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, 201-891-8870

Continental Cuisine

Al Di La

1 Hoboken Rd., East Rutherford, 201-939-1128

Fountainview Restaurant

Sheraton Crossroads, 1 International Blvd. (Rt. 17N.), Mahwah, 201-529-1313

Rudy’s 107 Anderson Ave., Hackensack, 201-489-4831

Continental/American

W’s Grill 20 Elm St., Oakland, 201-651-0005

Continental/French

Café Panache (BYOB)

130 E. Main St. (Lake St.), Ramsey, 201-934-0030

Latour (BYOB)

6 East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-445-5056

Le Jardin

1257 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-224-9898

Madeleine’s Petite Paris

416 Tappan Rd., Northvale, 201-767-0063

Saddle River Inn (BYOB)

2 Barnstable Ct., Saddle River, 201-825-4016

Continental/Italian

Andrea’s Ristorante Italiano (BYOB)

20 E. Prospect St., Waldwick, 201-670-0275, 201-670-7958

Davia

6-09 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn, 201-797-6767

Sage (BYOB) 17-15 Broadway, Fair Lawn,

201-797-0500

Savini

168 West Crescent Ave., Allendale, 201-760-3700

Villa Amalfi

793 Palisades Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-886-8626

Cuban

Azúcar Cuban Cuisine 171 Schraalenburgh Rd., Closter, 201-660-7977

Casual Habana Cafe (BYOB) 125 Main St., Hackensack, 201-880-9844

Mambo Tea House (BYOB) 98 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-933-1262

Mis Raices 1214 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck, 201-530-7233

Rebecca’s Restaurant (BYOB) 236 Old River Rd., Edgewater, 201-943-8808

Rumba Cubana 1807 45th St., North Bergen, 201-553-9100

Dominican

Punta Cana

2151 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee, 201-849-5556

Eclectic Contemporary

Bibi’z Restaurant and Lounge 284 Center Ave., Westwood, 201-722-8600

Baumgart’s Café (BYOB) 59 The Promenade, Edgewater, 201-313-3889

45 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201-569-6267

158 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-612-5688

Café Matisse (BYOB)

167 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-935-2995

G.W. Grill

2139 Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee, 201-947-2440

Port of Call (POC) (BYOB)

450 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, 201-488-0888

The Rail Yard Tavern

14-26 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-773-3372

Sofia

36 Engle St., Englewood, 201-541-8530

200 Tice

200 Tice Blvd., Woodcliff Lake, (Inside The Woodcliff Lake Hilton) 201-391-3600

201 Supper Club

90 W. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201-541-0101

Fondue

The Melting Pot

250 Center Ave., Westwood, 201-664-8877

French

The Chef’s Table (BYOB)

754 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201-891-6644

Latour (BYOB)

6 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-445-5056

Greek

� Restaurant Guide �

A Taste of Greece (BYOB)

935 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-967-0029

Axia Taverna 18 Piermont Rd., Tenafly, 201-569-5999

Daily Treat

177 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood 201-652-9113

Eons 17 NJ-17, Paramus, 212-696-1234

Greek Corner Grill (BYOB)

99 Park Ave., Park Ridge, 201-476-1400

GRK Grill (BYOB)

39 Union Ave., Cresskill, 201-399-7670

The Greek Village 254 Livingston St., Northvale, 201-750-8570

It’s Greek to Me

352 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-945-5447

36 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood,

201-568-0440

1611 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee, 201-947-2050

21 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-612-2600

487 Broadway, Westwood, 201-722-3511

2020 Central Road, Fort Lee, 201-947-2055

Taverna Mykonos

238 Broadway, Elmwood Park, 201-703-9200

Varka

30 N. Spruce St., Ramsey, 201-995-9333

Indian

Art of Spice (BYOB)

159 Main St., Hackensack, 201-342-3444

BHOJ (BYOB)

430 Market St., Elmwood Park, 201-797-6800

Kailash (BYOB)

22 Oak St., Ridgewood, 201-251-9693

Mantra

275 NJ-4, Paramus, 201-342-8868

Mausam (BYOB)

76 Market St., Clifton, 973-472-3663

Nirvana Indian Kitchen (BYOB)

29 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-818-2300

Spice Mantra (BYOB)

6 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201-568-1122

Silli Point (BYOB)

498 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-941-0271

Taste of India (BYOB)

166 Cedar Ln., Teaneck, 201-692-3222

Irish

Biddy O’Malley’s Irish Bistro and Bar 36 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201-608-5545

191 Paris Ave., Northvale, 201-564-7893

Poitin Still 774 Main St., Hackensack, 201-487-0660

Italian

Aldo & Gianni Ristorante 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale, 201-391-6866

Aldo’s (BYOB) 640 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, 201-891-2618

A Mano

24 Franklin Ave. (at Chestnut St.), Ridgewood, 201-493-2000

Amarone 63 Cedar Ln., Teaneck, 201-833-1897

Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave., Haworth, 201-384-1551

Angelo’s Restaurant 263 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, 201-939-1922

Arturo’s 41 Central Ave., Midland Park, 201-444-2466

Baci Italian Grill

36 Jefferson Ave., Westwood, 201-722-1900

� Restaurant Guide �

Now, the Café is set for its biggest evolution yet Star ting Jan 21, the Saddle River Café will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, as well as (BYOB) brunch on Saturdays and Sundays

534 Durie Ave., Closter, 201-784-9036

Buongiorno’s (BYOB)

Barcelona’s

38 Harrison Ave., Garfield, 973-778-4930

Bazzarelli

117 Moonachie Rd., Moonachie, 201-641-4010

Bellissimo (BYOB)

589 Ramapo Valley Rd., Oakland, 201-337-6693

Cliff’s Steakhouse

If by some strange chance there was nothing on the menu that strikes your fancy, there are daily specials for both lunch and dinner – and they always include some sor t of unique beverage special, such as the Immune Shot, perfect for keeping those wear y winter germs at bay in a refreshing shot.

12 S. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale, 201-746-6669

Bensi

459 Rt. 17S, Hasbrouck Heights, 201-727-9525

183 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, 201-297-7444

Bici

61 E. Main St., Ramsey, 201-962-9015

Bistro 107

107 Moonachie Rd., Moonachie, 201-440-3339

86 Washington Ave., Dumont, 201-501-8000

Café Amici (BYOB)

4 Sycamore Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-389-6377

Caffe Annello (BYOB)

429 Broadway Ave., Westwood, 201-786-8137

Then, there’s the burrata Ever yday, the Café offers a new twist on this trendy cheese . Though you ’ re used to seeing it with prosciutto and red pepper, Knott, Means and their team add their twist to elevate it using seasonal ingredients and the creativity they’ve become known for We could write more about it, but the Saddle River Café’s food does the talking.

Bottagra Restaurant 80 Wagaraw Rd., Hawthorne, 973-423-4433

Buon Gusto (BYOB)

Caffe Capri (BYOB)

119 Park Ave., East Rutherford, 201-460-1039

Café Italiano Ristorante 14 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-461-5041

Café L’Amore (BYOB)

455 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, 201-337-5558

Café Tivoli

533 Shaler Blvd., Ridgefield, 201-941-5561

Cassie’s

18 S. Dean St., Englewood, 201-541-6760

Cenzino Ristorante

18 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-944-0233

Dimora

100 Piermont Rd., Norwood, 201-750-5000

Dino’s

12 Tappan Rd., Harrington Park, 201-767-4245

Due (BYOB)

16-18 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-857-3231

Fiona’s Restaurant (BYOB) 118 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-857-5800

Fontana Di Trevi (BYOB)

248 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, 201-242-9040

Fratelli’s Coal-Burning Pizza

206 Route 46, Elmwood Park, 201-797-7552

Gianna’s

843 Washington Ave., Carlstadt, 201-460-7997

Giovanna’s Café

19 E. Main St., Ramsey, 201-825-5835

GoodFellas Ristorante 61 Midland Ave., Garfield, 973-478-4000

Granita Grille

467 Broadway, Westwood, 201-664-9846

Grissini Restaurant 484 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-568-3535

Guilio’s

154 Washington St., Tappan, NY, 845-359-3657

Il Giardino (BYOB) 153 Paris Ave., Northvale, 201-750-0060

Il Mulino Ristorante (BYOB) 132 Veterans Plaza, Dumont, 201-384-7767

Il Villaggio

651 NJ-17N (between Rtes. 3&46), Carlstadt, 201-953-7733

In Napoli

116 Main St., Fort Lee, 201-947-2500

Kinchley’s Tavern

586 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, 201-934-7777

L’Angolo Trattoria Italiana (BYOB) 696 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-941-0853

La Cambusa

517 River Drive, Garfield, 973-445-7222

La Lanterna (BYOB)

29 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-444-5520

La Vecchia Napoli 2 Hillard Ave., Edgewater, 201-941-6799

Locale Café

208 Piermont Rd., Closter, 201-750-3233

Luka’s (BYOB) 10 River Road, Bogota, 201-440-2996

Lu Nello

182 Stevens Ave., Cedar Grove, 973-837-1660

Maggiano’s Little Italy

The Shops at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack, 201-221-2030

� Restaurant Guide �

Martini Grill

187 Hackensack St., Wood-Ridge, 201-939-2000

Nanni Ristorante

53 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, (behind Garden State Plaza), 201-843-1250

Nonna’s Cucina (BYOB)

918 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-2758

Olivella’s

7709 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen, 201-662-6110

Osso Buco

343 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201-664-1600

Picco Tavern

160 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, 201-880-8750

Portobello

175 Ramapo Valley Rd. (Rt. 202), Oakland, 201-337-8990

Puzo’s Family Restaurant

4 Garfield Ave., Hawthorne, 973-423-2288

Rocca (BYOB)

203 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201-670-4945

Roxanne’s

150 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, 201-529-0007

Rugova Restaurant & Bar

259 Johnson Ave., River Edge, 201-880-8488

Sanducci’s Trattoria (BYOB) 620 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-599-0600

Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn 105 Old New Bridge Rd., New Milford, 201-692-7700

Sergio’s Missione (BYOB) 2 N. Mercer St., Lodi, 973-778-4545

Sicilian Sun (BYOB) 604 N. Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-444-3494

Solari’s

61 S. River St., Hackensack, 201-487-1969

Sonny T Restaurant

259 Johnson Ave., River Edge, 201-342-1233

Sorrento (BYOB) 132 Park Ave., East Rutherford, 201-507-0093

Trattoria Giotto (BYOB) 15 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-528-7142

Trovato’s Due 4 Barbara Ln., Oakland, 201-337-0813

Vicolo Ristorante 216 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, 201-497-8777

Woodstone Pizza Bar & Grill

352 W. Passaic St., Rochelle Park, 201-845-7600

Zozo’s Restaurant 625 River Vale Rd., River Vale, 201-391-3195

Japanese

Akai Lounge 11 N. Dean St., Englewood, 201-541-0086

Asahi (BYOB) 1475 Bergen Blvd., Fort Lee, 201-944-5113

Blu Sushi (BYOB) 26 Wilsey Square, Ridgewood, 201-882-1700

Cocoro

856 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201-560-1333

Daruma (BYOB) 45 N. Dean St., Englewood, 201-567-9600

Fuki Sushi (BYOB) 828 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-225-0160

Gen Sushi & Hibachi 14B Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale, 201-930-9188

Hanami (BYOB) 41 Union Ave., Cresskill, 201-567-8508

301 Center Ave., Westwood, 201-666-8508

Hiro 254 Degraw Ave., Teaneck, 201-692-1002

Hiura

400 Main St. Ste. B, Fort Lee, 201-346-0110

Kazuki (BYOB) 638 Westwood Ave., River Vale, 201-263-1811

Kiku

5-9 Rt. 9W (Palisades Pkwy.), Alpine, 201-767-6322

365 Rt. 17S, Paramus, 201-265-7200

Kumo (BYOB) 55 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-652-0088

Kyoto (BYOB) 78 Washington Ave., Dumont,

� Restaurant Guide �

201-384-5544

Masa Sushi & Grill (BYOB)

81 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-934-6616

Matsu Sushi & Grill

140 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201-722-9388

Matsuya

490 Market St., Saddle Brook, 201-843-5811

Mei Sushi

Japanese Restaurant

14-20 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-398-9882

Minado

1 Valley Rd., Little Ferry, 201-931-1522

Mount Fuji

Japanese Steak House

193 NJ-17, Hasbrouck Heights, 201-288-2800

Nizi Sushi (BYOB)

300 Union Ave., Rutherford, 201-804-7666

Sarku Japan

Bergen Town Center, Rt. 4W (Forest Ave.), Paramus,

201-880-6551

Sakura-Bana (BYOB)

43 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-447-6525

Sendai Japanese Restaurant & Grill

178 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-225-0995

Sushi Cruise (BYOB)

725 River Road #51, Edgewater, 201-313-3611

Sushi Village (BYOB)

700-90 Broadway, Westwood, 201-666-8800

Sushi X (BYOB) 23 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-689-7878

Umeya 156 Piermont Rd., Cresskill, 201-816-0511

Tawara Japanese Restaurant (BYOB)

53 W. Main St., Ramsey, 201-825-8712

Wasabi 848 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-493-7575

Yuki

2 S. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale, 201-391-9877

Yuki Hana (BYOB)

131 Kinderkamack Rd., Park Ridge, 201-391-3230

Latin

Mambo Empanadas (BYOB)

313 Union Ave., Rutherford, 201-933-3888

Mediterranean

The Kebabci (BYOB)

259 Valley Blvd., Wood-Ridge, 201-728-4949

Mado (BYOB)

570 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-265-3629

Mediterraneo (BYOB)

23 N. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-447-0022

Mezza (BYOB)

20 Jefferson Ave., Westwood, 201-722-8822

Novo (BYOB)

37 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-444-4910

Mexican

A Taco Affair

81 Main St., Little Falls, 973-812-8226

Azteca (BYOB)

47 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-438-2111

Jalepenos 930 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-5566

La Frontera (BYOB)

37 E. Broadway, Hackensack, 201-880-7731

Leon

16 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-857-0297

Mariachi Grill (BYOB)

262 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst, 201-528-7493

Riviera Maya (BYOB)

252 E. Fort Lee Rd., Bogota, 201-996-1380

Viva Margarita

364 Lawton Ave., Cliffside Park, 551-313-0760

Spanish

El Cid

205 Paramus Rd., Paramus, 201-843-0123

Meson Madrid Restaurant 343 Bergen Blvd., Palisades Park, 201-947-1038

Sangria

1033 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, 201-962-3310

Sayola

50 Prospect Ter., Tenafly, 201-871-2182

Tapas De España 7909 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen, 201-453-1690

Taste of Spain

493 Tappan Rd., Northvale, 201-767-8904

Thai

Bangkok Garden

261 Main St., Hackensack, 201-487-2620

Clifton Thai

239 Parker Ave., Clifton, 973-253-1400

Chok Dee Thai Kitchen

561 Livingston St., Norwood,

� Restaurant Guide �

201-750-8880

Gao Thai Kitchen (BYOB)

63 Main St., Ramsey, 201-962-2691

Malee Fine Thai Cuisine (BYOB)

2 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-612-7797

Massaman Thai Cuisine

312 Hackensack St., Carlstadt, 201-559-1424

Pimaan Thai Restaurant (BYOB)

79 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-967-0440

Ridge Thai (BYOB)

50 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-493-9929

Thai West (BYOB)

22 Jefferson Ave., Westwood, 201-497-6981

Wyckoff Thai Cuisine

314 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, 201-485-8855

Persian

Kabab on the Cliff

23 Godwin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-444-5100

Pardis Persian Grill (BYOB)

47 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-652-8000

Rose (BYOB)

1150 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck, 201-569-3600

Turkish

Cinar

214 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-523-9284

Hakki Babba (BYOB)

555 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-840-8444

Hunkar (BYOB)

319 Hackensack St., Carlstadt, 201-507-0606

Istanblue Restaurant (BYOB)

645 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-262-4400

Istanbul Café & Grill (BYOB)

14-25 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-791-2222

Kebab Istanbul

5819 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen, 201-861-4400

Marmaris Cafe (BYOB) 820 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-943-9090

Samdan

178 Piermont Rd., Cresskill, 201-816-7343

Turkish Kitchen

297 Palisade Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-943-7733

Turkuaz (BYOB)

1550 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee, 201-944-1115

Vietnamese

Bistro Du Saigon 168 Main St., Fort Lee, 201-592-0100

Ma Mí Eatery 546 Durie Ave., Closter, 201-660-7826

Mekong Grill (BYOB) 24 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-445-0011

Pho Miu Vietnamese Restaurant 255 Pascack Rd., Township of Washington, 201-497-3915

Saigon Kitchen (BYOB) 2024 Center Ave., Fort Lee, 201-592-8890

Simply Vietnamese (BYOB) 1 Highwood Ave, Tenafly, 201-568-7770

TC’s Little Taste of Saigon (BYOB) 419 Goffle Rd., Ridgewood, 201-445-5509

� Last Laugh�

Oh Happy Days!

By Brandon Goldstein

OK, so it’s that time of the year. I started thinking about what to get Mom and Dad for their respective “holidays” (Yeah, Hallmark, I’m calling you out!), but as time gets closer, I still haven’t been able to think of anything. They have it all! They’re old and can buy their own gifts. A macaroni necklace, my go-to favorite as a kid, just doesn’t seem to cut it these days. What probably got in my way of thinking of what to do for them on their special days (the one besides their birthdays and their anniversary) was the celebration of all those other new made-up holidays that saw Mother’s and Father’s Day and were totally inspired, thinking “We could do that too!” Happy Grilled Cheese Day, folks.

I’m not even sure Hallmark, those schemers, is behind it anymore. I blame the Internet for this travesty of making April 2nd anything more than simply… April 2nd (also known as National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day). What has gone wrong with the world? I sent a card last year and Mr. PB&J never even said thank you.

So, what really happens? We only have 365 days in a year, so some people are starting to share their days, right? I know the going joke used to be that Earth Day shared a day with 4/20, the most epic Earth celebrating holiday there is. Of course, I was clearly listening to the wrong people (it’s on 4/22). Whatever, my dealer is still a stand-up guy!

But now my smart ass question of “When is Son’s Day?” actually has an answer. It’s this August. You can start thinking about what to get me now, Mom!

When did all these holidays actually become celebrated? I do believe our mothers and fathers deserve a day. They did, after all, raise fine specimens. But our grandparents? They are getting the perks of Mother’s and Father’s Day already, and they still want more? Nana’s gettin’ greedy!

So, this year, I’m going to start making holidays of my own, based arbitrarily on my moods. For obvious reasons, they will revolve mostly around the things I like. Let’s say tacos. National Taco Day sounds great. We all go to the taco store and receive a free taco. Perfect! Oh wait, there already is a National Taco Day in October…

Hmmm… Maybe I can think of something more outlandish, yet still amazing. How about espresso? Not quite as notable as coffee, but still enjoyed by select energy junkies. Damn, that’s already April 17th. There must be something without a day!

Oh, well, until I think of one, I’ll just have to go back and figure out what to get good ole’ Ma and Pops for their special “holidays.” Suggestions are welcome; macaroni necklaces are not. ■

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