1064348_1393942358(web) final-the spot-spring 2014

8/12/2019 1064348_1393942358(WEB) FINAL-The Spot-Spring 2014

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Spring 2014

The County Seats

Guide To Dining,

Shopping, Health

& EntertainmentSPOT

INSIDE

Spring Break Dreamin

Baker John Cabreras Sweet Easter Treats

The Real Estate Market is Back


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3/32The Spot - March 2014

CoverPhotography by Gail Vachon

Mill Bky Own Jhn Cb hw f

his strawberry shortcake and other treats.

This page: Assorted pastries also available

at Mills Bakery.

Features

Supermom.....................................................4

Take a moment to breathe this Mothers Day

and shed your superhero cape.

Sping Dcng..................6

Pink, yellow and lavender. Fill your house

with these spring-like shades.

Make Time for Manners...................8

Were so busy its easy to put politeness on

the back burner. Dont.

Mills Bakery Goes Modern........................9

The pecan rings at Mills Bakery are sll just

as scrumpous but their home has a fresh

new look.

What to Wear................................12

Out with the wool and eece and in with the

naucal.

Prom-o-nomics.................................10

No need to break the bank on dresses, limos

or corsages.

C B Scn............................14

Find out whats making these small batchbrews a hit with beer acionados.

Eat the Pizza.............................18

The Garden State is known for its pizza but

some North Jersey pizzerias are seng the

bar higher.

Spingm Gwy............................20

Whether its the beach or the city, the choice

is yours for Spring Break travel.

Memory Lane...............................................25Remembering Valennes Days of yesteryear.

Spotlight.......................................................26

The real estate market is shaping up,

according to Maywood Realtor Victoria

Healey.

Nigng Min S.............................

A free app is your cket to the best

Hackensacks downtown has to oer.

Inside


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Spring may not be in the air yet but its certainly on every New Jerseyans mind these days.

We are ready to shed the winter boots and shovels and enjoy all the great things that Bergen

County has to offer.

In this spring edition of The Spot,we visit Mills Bakery, a Wood-Ridge landmark that still

offers the best butter cookies in the area but now also serves up more trendy fare such as

tiramisu. Mills is also gearing up for Easter with its signaturepizzagaina, the delectable Italian

meat pie.

We are preparing for St. Patricks Day with a look at craft beers. These small batch brews are

now available in flavors such as chipotle pepper, green apple and even garlic and cilantro as

found in Boaks Beers Double BW, a Belgian wheat beer with an Asian flair.

What a better time than now to plan a Spring Break getaway! The Spotoffers some

suggestions to suit the beach bum, history lover and even the most discerning traveler. If a day

at the San Diego Zoo sounds too taxing, how about an airboat tour of the Florida Everglades or

an afternoon ballgame?

Hackensacks Main Street is making it even easier to shop and dine without ever having to

deal with highway traffic or long lines. Thanks to a free mobile app, the shopping districts

restaurants and specialty shops are now at your fingertips. In the mood for Thai spring rolls or

in need of an Italian soccer jersey? Its all right there.

With spring and summer on the horizon, the real estate market is gearing up for increased

listings, showings and open houses. According to Maywood Realtor Victoria Healey, things are

looking up and our darkest days may be behind us.

Senior proms may be a couple of months away but preparations are in full swing. The

Spottakes a look at whats trending today and how it can be done on the cheap. Cant afford a

designer gown? Rent one. Limousines too expensive? Grab some friends and chip in on a party

bus.

Thanks to our diligent advertising managers,The Spotis once again filled with a variety

of products and services - some new, some long-time favorites. In an area as vibrant as Bergen

County, its often tough to keep up with whats happening, but our staff is on the pulse.

As the ice begins to melt, reconnect with neighbors, take a walk and enjoy some fresh air. I

may just see you on Main Street. Cheers!

Lauren Zisa

Editor in Chief

The Spot - March 2014

Editors Note

P: 201-488-5795

F. 201-343-8720

THE SPOTSpring 2014

Staf f

Publisher

Gail Vachon

Editor in ChiefLauren Zisa

Deputy Editor

Melody Travisano

Art Director

Donald Hatcher

Graphic Designer

Linda Lemos

Sales Managers

Karen Burke

Avis LoVecchio

Contributors

Joy Belgiovine

Barbara J. Gooding

Cynthia Grosso

Roseann Kearney

Sco Kearney

Jusn LoVecchio

Publ i c a t i on

Te next issue of Te Spotwill bedelivered to homes on June 20.Deadline for all advertising andeditorial submissions is May 22.

Contac t Us

77 Hudson St.

Hackensack, NJ 07601

[email protected]

www.cntyseat.com

www.facebook.com/cntyseat



First of all, Im not really a Supermom. I mean I dont actually wear a cape or anything, but I amresponsible for the lives of three little humans under the age of 10. When we all make it out of the house in themorning without an emergency trip to the E.R., I have achieved Supermom status. And for all of you moms

who do the same, each and every day, you too are Supermoms. You may think myexpectations are too low, but after years of striving to be theperfect mom and always being in control, Im absolutelyexhausted and Ive realized its impossible.

We put enormous pressure on ourselves and we are squarelyresting those pressures on the shoulders of our children. Iam not saying to let the kids go all Lord of the Fliesand rulethemselves, but we need to take a moment and breathe. Yes, weall want our children to succeed, to be strong, be nice and tobe happy, but we must realize that its not going to happenall of the time. And more importantly, we need to stopjudging other moms who may parent their kids differently

the Tiger Moms, the Helicopter Moms, the Dance Moms, theFree Range Moms, the Pinterest Moms or the Super Fit Moms

who appear on magazine covers under the headline, WhatsYour Excuse?

Apparently there is a name for each one of us, and we are all doingsomething wrong. Look, as long as your children arent abused,

neglected or in danger, lets lose the labels and stop the finger-pointing. We areall guilty of quietly sizing up another moms parenting, but the funny thing about

raising kids is that anything can happen at any given moment. In fact, a lot of it isout of your hands. The seemingly well-behaved toddler who sat still during SundayMass can suddenly pass gas rather loudly during the homily. These things happen(It did to me). Let it go.

The weary mom of that kid wearing his Halloween costume in Target (in April) needsa nod of encouragement, not your judgment. As fellow moms, we should empathize, not

criticize. And if we havent been there yet, we may be there tomorrow. I never imagined that Iwould feed my kids chicken shaped as dinosaurs. Now, I find myself finishing the half-eatenT-Rex chicken scraps out of their plates. Not all the time, but it has happened, more than once, in

fact.

This Mothers Day, lets give ourselves, our kids and our fellow moms, a much-needed break. Lets stopbeing so hard on ourselves and on one another and celebrate the little daily victories like remembering to packyour preschooler a show-and-tell toy on the right day and laugh at our not-so-stellar mommy moments, likewhen the class stuffed animal went missing on your watch (sorry Mr. Knufflebunny, wherever you are). So,go ahead and tell that mom over there with the kid having a meltdown in Aisle 2 that you can relate and thatshes got a little spit up dripping from her shirt. Then give her a tissue, and maybe some wine.Happy Mothers Day!

By Joy Belgiov ine

Joy Belgiov ine is a wri ter for The Spot and the mom of three daughters .

Confession

A


8/326 The Spot - March 2014

BYROSEANNKEARNEY s inSpring has always been my favorite season. Its a time of rejuvenation and renewal. Spring is acelebration of life. It is the end of a cold, harsh

winter and the birthing of a new Earth.

My fondest memories of spring involve Easter

and Mothers Day with my dad in Jersey City. My

dad owned and operated a small taxi cab business

or more than 30 years, and every Easter and

Mothers Day he sold owers on the sidewalk inront of his ofce. My brother, Peter, helped him.

When my son, Scott, was old enough, he joined

hem on the corner of Bowers and Central, selling

mums, hyacinths, tulips, lilies and azaleas. The

scent of the owers was sweet and clean and the

colors were breathtaking.

Every year, when spring comes around, I

emember those beautiful owers, and that

memory inspires me to decorate my clients homes

or this wonderful season.

I have a few simple suggestions

hat will make your home light

and airy and get it ready for

spring without spending a lot

of money. The rst thing that I

suggest is to de-clutter. Get rid of

some of your accessories. Take

down your dark, heavy drapes,

clean those windows and let the

sun shine in. Out with the dark

winter blahs and dark colors and

in with the light and new.

Pale pinks, yellows, lavender and various shad

of white were the colors of my dads owers and

love to use this palette to decorate in the spring

Cover your furniture with white slipcovers. Pi

up and remove your dark area rugs and repla

them with jute, sisal or sea grass area rugs. Ve

inexpensive.

Introduce a few pieces of wicker or ratt

furniture. Keep everything sparse, white a

neutral. Add a few potted plants in pastel colo

Buy an old iron garden gate in an antique shop fa few dollars and cover it with vines or a wreat

It makes a great wall treatment and its so ve

springy and beautiful.

When I recently moved from a large home to

small apartment, I decided to decorate with wh

slip-covered furniture for all seasons. I have wh

walls, a white slip-covered sofa, chaise loungchair and ottoman. I added a pine cocktail tab

and pine library wall. I have sisal rugs, a few bla



e ir

accessories, and black and white toile window

treatments. This look is fresh, bright and always

feels like spring. I love it and it seems to make

everyone who visits happy.

Most people are afraid of white. Dont be. Its so

easy to throw slipcovers into a washing machine

and they come out like new. It doesnt matterf you have a dog with muddy paws or kids with

peanut butter-covered hands. White is easy to live

with and it always looks crisp, clean and beautiful.

Remember, always keep it simple . . . and enjoy

spring!



Today, in our faster-than-a-speeding-bullet society, most of us are very busy.However, with all this busyness, are wefinding time to be polite?

In America, a greeting many people use isHello, how are you?

We all know the common response tothat question has been fine. But have younoticed how often the response is I am sobusy?

When we are busy moving so fast, wemay not have time to hold the door forsomeone, to allow someone to go aheadof us in traffic, etc. Be aware that theseactions of busyness may conve y an attitudeof rudeness.

Is holding the door for someone just apolite action or an outward indication of a

much deeper belief? Holding the door forsomeone is not just an action, but rather,it is an attit ude.

When you watch people who let the doorslam in the face of the person behindthem and you observe these people in l ife,they live their whole life l ike that. Theyoften have a marriage, a business and anexistence that is inconsiderate of others.

Please know that your manners andetiquette are not just polite actions, theyare symptoms of your attitude, an attitudethat is directly related to your success inbusiness and in your personal l ife.

Let us be constantly reminded of ourattitude by the little actions we do to checkourselves and gauge how we are doing inlife. Let us hold the door.

Please do not let busyness rob us of thefew seconds it takes to be polite, considerateof others, and convey to people through ouractions, we are stil l Fine, thank you.

Find Time

to bePolite

By Cynthia GrossoCharleston School of Protocol and Etiquette

The Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette specializes in assisting individuals and corporations pursue higher

levels of professionalism, leadership and the skill of polish. The school offers seminars and consulting services in

business etiquette, leadership and medical office protocol, www.charlestonschoolofprotocol.com.



Mills Bakery has been a neighborhood staple in Wood-Ridge since opening its doorsin 1920, serving up old-fashioned sweet treats such as pecan rings, crumb cake,apple turnovers and butter cookies. And while the shelves may still showcase thedelicious desserts loyal customers crave, the bakery has taken on a whole new look.

We are always going to be Mills, but I wanted to put my mark on theplace. This is my legacy, says John Cabrera, owner and head baker.Cabrera, who bought the bakery four years ago, started working at Millsas a dishwasher at only 14 years old. He quickly worked his way up the

ranks through high school, all the while developing a passion for bakingIts all I know, he says. Im in this forever.After attaining his associates degree in baking and pastry arts fromJohnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, Cabrera tooka job as head baker of the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Whenhe heard about an opportunity to return home and buy Mills Bakery, thevery place in which he honed his craft, Cabrera didnt hesitate.

Since I bought Mills, I wanted to give the place a facelift,Cabrera says. We still have a comfortable, old-fashioned feel, but everything has beenupdated.

Cabrera, who oversees a team of 15, completely gutted the bakery and changed the layout,adding a copper-tin ceiling, dark-stained woodwork and yellow walls. Cabrera says customer

feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and hopes that the fresh look will attract a new,younger clientele.

The changes also extend to the kitchen. Cabrera has expanded the bakery menu to includegourmet desserts with a European fair, such as French mousse cakes and tiramisu.

The Mills recipes are staying exactly the same, Cabrera strongly emphasizes. Mills famousIrish soda bread and the Pizzagaina a traditional Italian meat and cheese pie prepared forEaster - will hit bakery shelves soon with the holidays approaching.

To balance the old with the new, Cabrera is always looking for opportunities to break into newmarkets and media.

In 2011, his custom ball-and-chain cake was featured on TLCs Say Yes To The Dress: BigBlissand he continues to experiment with even more intricate specialty cakes and creations.

Cabrera also has several corporate accounts and designs customized bakery baskets/gifts forthe holidays.

There is no job too big or too small, Cabrera says.I love what I do. Everything else is just the icing on the cake.

Mills Bakery is located at

275 Valley Boulevard, Wood-Ridge, NJ.

For more information,

call 201-438-7690 or visit www.mills-bakery.com.

The shop opens at 6 a.m. seven days a week.

By Joy Belgiovine

O ld-Fashioned SweetsModern Twist



Prom season is in full bloom and so are the

costs associated with the big night. Golden

Asp, a leading prom dress re ta iler since 1969,

recently announced that the price of attending

a high school prom in 2014 is projected to hitlevels never seen before, w ith the average

cost at more than $1,900 per couple.

Were finding that the average cost of prom

has been rising 34 percent per year since

2011, said Jon Liney, founder/owner of

Golden Asp. Based on that rate, this year,

parents and students are projected to spend

an astonishing $1,949 on prom - roughly $500

more than last year.

But the big night doesnt necessarily need to

break the bank.

The DressFor girls, the dress is typically the biggest

prom expense.

Historically, the sweet spot price range

for a prom dress was between $300 to

$350, yet over the last few years, parentsare buying in the $400 to $450 price

range, Liney said. If you want to

save, first and foremost set and

stick to a budget. Its a great

example to show your kids,

and as a retailer, I can

always tell when parents have

had a budget conversation with their

daughter beforehand. Its much

easier to get through the buying

process when these expectations

are set.

Thinking outside of the

dressing room can also

help nab a dress for less.

Score a Sample

Dress These floor

model dresses

often come with a

smaller price tag. Most

often, these are sold as-is, with no choice

as to color or size. Always ask about sample

dress discounts, and, if you see any stains or

snags, ask if the discount can be increased.

Also, try call ing a few local shops and ask ifthey are having any sample dress sale days.

Take It to a Tailor Lets say you found a

great dress at a great price, but the sizing

is a bit off. It often pays to bring it t o a local

tailor for a little nip and tuck for the perfect

fit. Tailoring is a great option too when you

want to update the style of an older dress by

either changing the length or adding some

minor alterations.

Do Your Homework When I walk into

a boutique store, I already know whatthe dress is selling for online and at the

department stores. This helps me negotiate

a better price, said Elena Rega, whose

daughter, Lauren, is a senior at

Immaculate Heart Academy. Rega

has been honing her dress-for-

less skills for some time. Rega

said shes even called dress

manufacturers personally

to research her options.

It really pays to do yourresearch. It takes time, but

you can save hundreds.

Liney cautions

that when buying

a prom dress

online one must ensure that

it is a legitimate retailer.

The Authentic Dress Guide

on Lineys site -www.

goldenaspprom.com/

authentic-prom-dresses

- is a great resource

to help you detect a

shady prom dress

retailer from a

reputable one.

PROM-O-NOMICS

Photo Courtesy Golden A



The RideGetting around in style on promnight requires some research todo it in the most affordable way.Sharing costs is key, advisedAnthony Giaquinto of Three GsElite Chauffeur Service in SouthHackensack. Try to get a group

together to share the costs of a10-person limo or a party bus fora larger bunch, Giaquinto said.He also recommended rent-ing the limo for a block of timeversus just a drop off and pickup because the hourly rate dropswhen you rent the vehicle longer.Giaquinto said hourly rates canstart at $75 depending on thecar and how long it is needed.He also recommended book-ing at least three to four monthsin advance. When choosing acompany, check its reputation,the experience of the drivers, thetype of vehicles and their age.

The Hair and MakeupMany salons offer discounted packages for a hair andmakeup bundle, making it more affordable to haveboth done professionally. Vincenzas A Cut Above inHackensack runs a hair and makeup prom special(including a complimentary gift) for $100.

The convenience of having your hair and makeup donetogether is great, but frst make sure the makeup artists

have experience under their belt, said Vincenza Sellitto,salon owner. She warns that some shops may hire aninexperienced person to do makeup at prom season justto increase the package price. She recommends callingthe salon frst, asking questions and talking to clients

about their experiences.

You dont necessarily need to go in for a tr ial run, butbring in pictures (of both your dress and hairstyles youlike) and be specifc when talking to your stylist, she said.

Sellitto prides herself on ensuring a fun, stress-freeexperience for prom primping. This is our specialty

and we take this day as serious as the girls do, sheexplained. Being a mom to two daughters, I know what

these girls expect.We put on the musicand make it a funexperience for them.

One fnal tip is to book

your hair and makeupappointment as soon asyour prom date is set tosecure a spot.

Start Surfing Not only is the

Web a great place to comparison

shop and nab coupons, but

there are several Web sites that

offer formal dress rental options.

For those who want to dazzle

in a brand name dress without

committing to a hefty price tag,

visit www.renttherunway.comand www.lendingluxury.com,

which have designer dresses

available for low rental prices.

Set Up a Swap Your friends

have friends at other schools,

so why not spread the word

and get together for a dress

swap. Sometimes shopping in

someone elses closet offers

better options than retail and

you cant beat the price ofborrowing.

Fun orals dont haveto be expensive. John

Kosakowski, owner ofBill OSheas Floristin Hasbrouck Heights,

recommends using miniroses for a girls corsage.

These are very popular

because they areaffordable, look greatand come in a varietyof colors, Kosakowskisaid. You can easilycustomize them with anaccented ribbon or band,even if you decide to

go with a more neutralcolored ower. The

average price of a smallrose wristlet can be aslow as $25, without anyadded embellishmentslike jewels, and

approximately $35 whenyou start adding somebling, Kosakowskiexplained. For guys,a coordinated lookis key, so their datesmay request pops of

color using ribbons

or a secondary oral.Boutonnieres typicallyrun approximately $10.

The TuxGuys have it easy,but to make the tuxselection processrun as smoothly aspossible, boys shouldcommunicate withtheir dates about colorpreferences before

going to the store.Many retailers willrun rental specialsduring prom season,with a basic tuxedo

and tting costingapproximately $50.

Chester Francis ofMens Discount Suitsin Lodi has tuxedosstarting at $49.99 andrecommended rentingyour tux two weeksbefore the prom to

ensure enough timein case a special coloror size needs to beordered.

The Flowers



1. FLORALS We got a taste of the oral trend lastpring when we saw perennials popping up on owy topsnd skinny jeans. This season we are going to see vibrantoral prints on everything from jumpsuits to maxi dresses.

Minty blues, yellows and soft pink will be prominent in thiseminine pattern.

2. GLAM GRUNGE Grunge makes a comeback,but dont expect to see the same Seattle-inspired casualgrunge we saw in the 1990s. Spring 2014 is calling for amore glamorous take on the grunge look. We will see theame relaxed owy dresses with biker jackets and denim

vests but the fabrications will be richer and the patterns

more modern and embellished.3. NAUTICAL Jumpsuits and shirtdresses will play anmportant role in this next spring trend. Look for ginghamhecks and stripes to add a little clean and simple fun to

your wardrobe.

4. WHITE The crisp white shirt is coming back thiseason, as well as the white dress. Tuck your shirts intoipped boyfriend jeans for a casual cool day look and wear

your white dresses with a light leather jacket for a greatdate night.

5. PINK Pink shoes, dresses, shorts...you name it!Pink is back big time so embrace your girly girl side andmake this hot hue part of your wardrobe.

6. TRIBAL We were introduced to this Indian- aMoroccan-inspired trend last year and its going strong2014. Expect to see embellished pencil skirts, patternjackets and cozy knits.

7. MOD Bright and geometric prints were all trage on the runways back in September, so get ready go retro now that this trend is nally hitting all the racksyour favorite department stores. Try an A-line shift dreor cropped pants to transport you back to the 1960s.

8. SPRINGPLAID We were mad for plaid this wintand we are checking out this trend again this spring. Loadorable in plaid halter dresses and skirts and pair thewith peep toe booties for super-stylish look.

9. RED Red has major staying power as far as whcolors keeping trending. Poppy is a attering fave tspring and easily brightens any look.

10. HAIRACCESSORIES The side part is bain style and so are hair accessories. Gold barretteheadbands and leather ties will make a big statement tseason.

The Style Duo is a full service, personal shopping and styling compa

based in New York/ New Jersey. For more information, visit http

thestyleduo.com.

Floral PatternsNow Trending

By The Style Duo:

Mindy and Paula Shapiro

There is nothing more exciting than seeingspring clothes hit the racks at your favoritestores. The spring fashions of 2014 deliver fun,happy colors and interesting and detailed fabrics,so fashionistas get ready to pack away thosewinter sweaters and start embracing lighter andmore whimsical styles.

Thanks to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week back inSeptember, we got a great rst glimpse at whatsin store for spring feminine and airy prints,ethnic and tribal patterns and a great new andfresh approach to grunge called glam grunge.

Here,the Style Duobreaks downthe top trendsfor spring :

2 The Spot - March 2014



Tapping into

The Craft BeBy Joy Belgiovine

Fun, trendy names are no longer reserved for those girly mixed drinks on the bar menu. FromCaramel Apple Ale to Gnarley Barley, craft beers offer a avorful, robust alternative to thmainstream, big name beers. Craft beers tend to be higher in alcohol content and not as lighand low-calorie as a pilsner. Craft beer drinkers arent about how much they can consume, theare in it for the taste and quality of the beverage.

The craft beer industry really goes back about 25 years or so, and its been growing steadily at a

double-digit rate, said Brian Boak, owner of Pompton Lakes-based Boaks Beer.

Even though overall beer sales were down 2 percent through the rst half of 2013, the BrewerAssociation in Boulder, Colo. claims that the American craft beer industry continues to show signicangrowth. American craft beer sales rose 15 percent and volume grew 13 percent during the rst six monthof 2013, with approximately 7.3 million barrels of beer sold by small and independent craft brewers.

This is up from 6.4 million barrels sold during the rshalf of 2012.People really like a different variety and the more intenseavor that a craft beer offers over pilsner beers, saidAnthony Yeswita, craft beer representative at Peerless

Beverage, a Union-based distributor.

For us (Bergen County), the brands Brooklyn BreweryCaptain Lawrence Brewing Company, Brewery Ommegangand Blue Point Brewing Company are among the populabrands, Yeswita said. Every bar I deal with is going thecraft beer route.

Craft beers follow the buying local trend that has beeprevalent throughout todays food industry.

Consumers want to buy local, gourmet and natural,

says Brian Iarossi, owner of Three Wise Monks Pub iGareld. In business for three years, Three Wise Monks habeen hosting a series of popular events where all of thtaps feature customer favorites from the same brewer foan evening.

But the craft beer phenomenon is not something new. Ifact, this business is actually a throw back to simpler time

In the 1700s there were about 4,000 breweries thatserved their immediate areas and local bars, Boaksexplained. Today, there are a little over 2,000 brewersin the United States.

More and more restaurants are now pairing

dishes with craft beers. Brian Iarossi of Three

Wise Monks Pub in Garfield explained that there

are definite rules when it comes to selecting the

right beer to complement a flavor profile.

IPAs (Indian Pale Ales) work best with spicier

food, Iarossi said. A typical lager is often

paired with hearty meats and fish, while wheat

beer ale works best with rich, heavy fare like

cheesesteaks.

Iarossi recommends chocolate coffee stouts

paired with chocolates or cheeses for dessert.

Anthony Tony G Giaquinto, owner of Tony

Gs Restaurant & Lounge in South Hackensack,

recommends pairing a favorite pizza with Angry

Orchard, a crisp apple cider-flavored craft

beer.

Craft BeerFood Pairings



r SceneBoak expects at

least half a dozennew brewers tostart up in NewJersey in thecoming year.

As the craft beer

industry grows,consumers willsee more sessionbeers, those that

pack a lot of avor like a traditional craft beer, butwith a lower alcohol and grain content. The ideas that one can drink more without getting toontoxicated too quickly.

Barrel-age craft beers are also very hot rightnow. Barrel-aging is a way for brewers to add extracomplexity and layers of avor to beer.

A wooden barrel (usually oak) that wasoriginally used to age a rum, wine, scotchor port, is used, Boak said. So the beer isinfused with the avor of what was once inthe barrel and then you can add additionallayers.

To create his popular Abbey Brown and TwoBlind Monks beers, Boak uses Jack Daniels-charredbarrels and Madagascar vanilla beans. Hes currentlyexperimenting with chipotle peppers to create a

very drinkable beer that packs a slight punch.


18/32

What Is a Craft Beer?

According the Brewers Association,an American craft brewer

is defined as:

SMALL

Annual production of 6 mil lion barrels of beer o r less.

INDEPENDENTLess than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned

or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by

an alcoholic beverage industry member who is nothimsel f a c raf t brewer.

XTRADITIONAL

A brewer who has ei the r an al l-mal t flagship

(the beer which represents the greatestvolume among that brewers brands ) orhas at least 50 percent of its volume

in either al l mal t beers o r inbeers which use adjunc ts

to enhance rathe r thanlighten flavor.



20/32

In many homes across this great nation of ours, Friday night is pizza

night. I don't know of any other food that has its own night of the week,

and deservedly so. When it comes to pizza, the phrase, The whole is greater than the

um of its parts, couldn't be truer. Dough, tomato sauce, cheese, each tasty enough in its own right. Together, they create

omething truly special.

I have done more than my share of consuming pizza (as well as burgers, subs, tacos, burritos and fried chicken)

all in the name of research. My all-time favorite pizza was enjoyed at Scarglatto's at Paramus Park Mall.

Unfortunately, it's no longer there, but there are plenty of other pizza paradises nearby. After

all, the rst pizzerias in the United States were opened in New York, and later, New Jersey,

espectively. In 1905, Gennaro Lombardi opened the rst pizzeria in the United States

n New York City.

When it comes to best thin crust pizza, Kinchley's Tavern (586 N. Franklin

Turnpike) in Ramsey is the undisputed champion. This pie is all about the ultra

hin crust which is crispy and delicious. The sauce is a bit sweet with a nice

ouch of oregano. The pizza is topped with a light layer of mozzarella

cheese. Balance is key here. The crust, the sauce, and the cheese all

complement one another and make for an outstanding thin crust pie.You can't get pizza by the slice at Kinchley's. Strictly whole pies only.

The best Neapolitan pizza this side of Naples can be found at Three

Guys from Italy (2854 Kennedy Boulevard) in Jersey City. If there is

uch a thing as the perfect Neapolitan pie, this is it. The crust is thin

and crispy with just the right amount of chew. The sauce is a traditional

pizza sauce. Savory. The mozzarella cheese on top is the real deal,

producing

ideal

browning,

melting,stretchiness and

fat and moisture

content. Three Guys

from Italy is all about

quality ingredients and

pizzaioli(pizza makers) who

know their stu. Three Guys' Jersey

City location may be a little bit out of the

way for some, but it's denitely worth the trip.


Mangia, Mangia La PizzBy Scott Kearn

Now before you go for that pizza run,there are three things you must remember:

Scott Kearney is an independent TV producer, writer for

The Spot and operator of Flavor Town Express Fast Food Tour

For more information he can be reached at 201-594-0128.

1. Pizza is best enjoyed with others.

2. Never eat pizza with a fork and knife.

3. As they say in Italy, Mangia.


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As the insufferable winter of 2014 comes to a close

it is the perfect time to plan a Spring Break trip out

the polar vortex and into the warmth.

Although the college crowd may ock to Cancun fo

a booze-lled holiday, no need to leave the U.S. to

enjoy a bit of fun in the sun. Travel experts suggest

the following stateside destinations to suit anybudget:

Marco Island, FloridaYou y into Fort Myers and then drive down to

this beautiful island, the largest of Floridas Ten

Thousand Islands, located on the Gulf of Mexico.

There are tropical white sand beaches, mangroves,

water sports, airboat tours of the Everglades, great

shelling opportunities, golf and ne dining. Collier

Seminole State Park, just a few miles from the islan

has primitive camping, canoeing, shing, boating,

picnic grounds and a mile-long nature walk. Marco

Island is the epitome of Old Florida with modern da

comforts. The average April high temperature: 84.

Visit marcoislandorida.org.

PhoenixMarch is the best time to experience baseballs

spring training. Where else but Phoenix can you go

and see more than 15 major league teams - Arizona

Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies,

Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels of Anahei

Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, OaklanAthletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants,

Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians

Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds -play

without ever having to drive more than an hour? T

Cactus League ballparks are surrounded by mesas,

rock formations and cacti, all in a sunny backdrop.

Throughout March, travelers can expect great

games, cheap tickets, and the opportunity to meet th

athletes.

Visit mlb.com/springtraining.



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We often associate the cold and frosty months of winter with such honorable holidays as Presidents Day and Martin Lu-

ther King Day, however the one that brings us warmth, symbolism, traditions and romance is none other than Valentines

Day.

There are many theories of how this holiday came about but one of the most popular points to Roman times and a

priest named Valentine. At the time, the fear of bloody war battles began deterring soldiers from leaving their wives and

families. Knowing so, Emperor Claudius II outlawed all future engagements and marriages. Valentine however secretly

continued to arrange marriages between young women and men. When this was discovered, he was put to death on Feb.

14, on or about 270 AD. Not long after his death, Valentine was declared a saint for all his goodness and heroism in defy-

ing the emperor. In 498 AD, Pope Gelasius proclaimed Feb. 14 as St. Valentines Day and it ofcially became an occasion

to celebrate love.

Today, one cannot mistake the approach of this romantic holiday. After New Years, stores quickly stock their shelves

with heart-shaped candy boxes, jewelry, articles of red clothing and the best deals on a dozen long-stemmed red roses.

Candy boxes have a Valentines Day history of their own. Years back, the decorative boxes were made of sateen or an

embroidered fabric trimmed to perfection. Some displayed an image of a lovely Victorian era lady, impeccably

dressed and carrying a parasol in one hand and some bonbons or chocolate macaroons in the other. Brand

names such as Russell Stover, Fannie May, Van Houten and Whitmans have been most popular during this

holiday. In the 1970s, the cover of a Russell Stover heart-shaped candy box may have had the face of Elvis

Presley adorning it or even Barbie.

Valentines Day would not be complete without speaking of Cupid, a winged, impish little angel, presumed to

be the son of Venus, the goddess of love. With his arrow, invisible to human eyes, hed draw his bow and

shoot unknowing victims only for them to fall in love, sometimes with the rst person they saw. Lovebirds

and doves are also symbols of this holiday. Both birds tend to keep in pairs and stay with their mates for

life. Other symbols are the sugary hearts with sweet little phrases such as Be Mine or Forever Yours.

Thinking back as a child, I recall bringing small Valentine cards to school and placing them in a box

with a slot similar to a mailbox that was embellished with hearts made from paper doilies.

Later in the day, our Valentines would be distributed in the classroom. It was quite exciting.

Lastly, we cannot forget the many movies weve seen that pull on our heart strings, An Affair

to Remember, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, Pretty Woman, Casablanca and The Note-

book just to name a few. Then there are the love songs such as My Funny Valentine, which has

been sung by many artists including Billie Holiday and Bing Crosby. Dont forget Neil Sedaka singing

Calendar Girl, specically stating February, you are my little Valentine; When I Fall in Love by NatKing Cole; Endless Love by Lionel Richie and so many more.

So no matter how you spend Valentines Day, dont forget to extend some love and care to yourself.

Pamper yourself with some chocolates, take in a movie, listen to some songs, spend it with a

loved one or someone special. Maybe even try to determine who many years ago may have

sent you a little card simply asking you to Be Mine.

By Barbara J. Gooding

Barbara J. Gooding is a creative and historical writer based in Hackensack. Johannah Purdon contributed to this report.

A Warm Heart Remembers

The Spot - March 2014


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The real estate market in New Jersey, as in many parts of the country, has been extremelychallenging and hard to navigate for the past few years. Prices have dropped precipitously,nventory has been stagnant and short sales and foreclosures are rampant. Homeowners are

even beginning to doubt the value of home ownership.In 2012, we started to see gradual signs of improvement and that carried into 2013.

Industry reports are just now conrming how much the market improved last year.

The good news is that the local central Bergen

ounty area has a healthy housing inventory

with a 6.2-month supply of homes for sale

according to the January 2014 Otteau Report).

At this level, the market has stabilized and

prices are no longer decreasing. Hackensack has

a 6.9-month supply of inventory. Paramus and

Maywood, with a 3.9-month supply and 3.7-month

upply, respectively, are at a level in which

nventory is becoming scarce and buyers may vie

for properties.

According to the National Association of Realtors,

he number of sales for all of 2013 was the highest

ince 2006, and median prices, throughout much of

he country, maintained strong growth. The numberof home sales nationally is up 9.1 percent in 2013

vs. 2012, and prices nationally also increased

for the same time period.The number of distressed

properties on the market has decreased from more

han 24 percent in December 2012 to approximately

14 percent in December 2013.

n the Northeast, we see that the number of sales of

xisting homes is up by 6.6 percent; pending sales

are also on the rise, as reported in The National

Association of Realtors Existing Home Sales ReportDecember 2013). However, it is important to

ote that while sales are on the rise, prices

hemselves in New Jersey are still down from their

all-time high in June 2006 by approximately 15

o 20 percent, according to Corelogics economic

eport.

We still have a way to go but expect we can look

forward to a more normalized market with some

appreciation as we move through this year.

Victoria Healey is broker-owner of Vikki Healey Properties, based in Maywood.She may be contacted at [email protected].

R e a l E s tat e

By Victoria Healey

Spotlight

AllSignsPointto a

RE

COVERY

The rea

estate marke

is full o

opportunit

right now

For bot

sellers an

buyers thi

may, indeed

be just th

year to tak

your rea

estate dream

off hold

These statistics indicate that we can expect a

brisk spring real estate market. This, coupled with

still very low, although increasing, interest rates

presents an opportunity for homebuyers to make their

move while housing remains affordable.

For the rst time in a long time, we can look forward

to increased buying and selling, and with that will

come a stronger demand for real estate inventory.

Those rst-time homebuyers who were fearful to

take the plunge will now more seriously consider

purchasing a home. And, those homeowners who were

patiently waiting for a market rebound will nally be

able to extract some equity from their

homes and condently move forward with

greater purchasing power. Repeatbuyers wishing to relocate, retire or

move to a larger home can nally make

a move.




of PARAMUS

DISTINCTIVEFUNERALAND

CREMATIONSERVICE

FAMILYOWNEDANDOPERATED

visit us atwww.vanderplaat.com

Jonathan Vander Plaat, ManagerN.J. Lic. No. 3959

South 113 Farview AvenueParamus, NJ 07652

201-843-3100

APARTMENT FOR RENT


30/32

MAiN sTReeT


Main Streeat Your Fingertip

Searching for a new restaurant for date night

Need a specialty item but dont feel like dealing with the mall traffi

and lack of parking

The Hackensack Main Street App features the addresses, phone numbers, links to Web sites and eveneviews of the more than 300 eateries, specialty stores, retailers and service providers located onMain Street, between Atlantic and East Anderson streets. Some of the newest listings include Buy anave Furniture, 153 Main St.; Always Home Care, 187 Main St.; Main Street Barbershop, 203 Main St.;ttilis Grill & Cafe, 215 Main St.; Young Forever Kids Apparel, 217 Main St.; International BakeryItaly - Ecuador - Mexico), 221 Main St.; and El Panecillo Bakery & Cafe, 260 Main St. When lookingor restaurants users may filter by cuisine or distance from a location. One may also save andtar favorite retail shops, restaurants and service providers, visit merchant Web sites or call theight from the app. One may also filter by type of business.

ther features include: Integrated Google maps and navigation for location finding

Parking tab for easy navigation to all shopper parking Real estate section to list or find retail and office space on Main Street

Events section listing Main Street happenings

We are so excited to be able to give both residents and visitors to Hackensack a user-friendlyPhone or Android app that will allow them to explore all that Downtown Hackensack offers, sayserome Lombardo, board chairman, Upper Main Alliance, the group which created the app. Not onlyoes this app help you find the various retailers and restaurants. But it is also great for peopleho are looking to take advantage of the Hackensack downtown rehabilitation as it lists availableommercial real estate with pictures and contacts.

The app also features an event tab which lists happenings throughout Hackensacks Downtown.

We wanted to offer residents and visitors a sleek, convenient way to see the districts offeringt a glance. The app does just that, adds Al Dib, executive director, Upper Main Alliance.Unlike a printed guided, the apps dynamic content can be modified and published in an instant.Were confident that this new tool will prove beneficial and enjoyable to businesses and customerslike.

The new free mobile app, offered in both the App Store (for iPhone) and Play Store (for Android) ca

be easily found by searching Hackensack Main Street.


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PAIDPHILA PA 191PERMIT NO.

6498

1064348_1393942358(web) final-the spot-spring 2014

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