2008 RESULTS BY CATEGORY

READER PICKS

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP
Granny’s Attic
Ho-Ho-Kus
In recent years, antiques lovers have gravitated to the streets of Ho-Ho-Kus in search of vintage treasures. Granny’s Attic is tops in shops for antiques. What brings shoppers like Victoria Fernands of Ho-Ho-Kus to Granny’s is the uniqueness of the inventory. “They have very unusual items in the shop,” Fernands notes, “and it’s so much fun to explore.”
RUNNERS-UP: Brownstone Mill, Midland Park; The Antique Design Center, Upper Saddle River

BEST BAGELS
(A TIED CATEGORY)
Ridgewood Hot Bagels
Ridgewood
Ronnie’s Hillsdale Bagels
Hillsdale
In one of the most popular categories in the poll, the race “boiled” down to two standouts. By a healthy schmeer, last year’s winner, Ronnie’s Hillsdale Hot Bagels, and a newcomer among the voting responses, Ridgewood Hot Bagels, took top honors.
For Sue Wilhoit of Ridgewood, it’s more than just delicious bagels at Ridgewood Hot Bagels. “The people are very friendly,” she says. “I like it because you walk in there, and the people and the atmosphere make you feel really good.”
Customer service drives Ilene Pakett of Woodcliff Lake to Ronnie’s. “His bagels are always fresh; he listens to customers and tries to attend with their needs,” she notes. “He has a great business going, he’s very involved with the community, but his bagels just taste the best. Wherever we travel to, we always compare the bagels we buy with Ronnie’s – and Ronnie’s is the gold standard.”

BEST BAKERY
Butterflake Bake Shop
Teaneck
Nothing beats the sweet smell of fresh baked cakes and other confections. Butterflake Bake Shop, a classic along Cedar Lane in Teaneck, did anything but crumble against the competition.
“My family looks forward to their challah bread every Friday,” says Stefanie Jacobowitz of Leonia. “If there is any left after we devour it at Friday night dinner, we make the most delicious French toast out of it the next day!”
RUNNERS-UP: 2007 Readers’ Pick B&W Bakery, Hackensack

BEST BARBER SHOP
Larry and Phil’s Barber Shop
Midland Park
Need a trim? Slide into the chair at Larry and Phil’s for an old-fashioned shave and a haircut.
“The nicest guys in the world” is how Oakland’s Joseph Pillari describes Larry and Phil. “I go there because of two men in particular: Joe and Phil,” notes Pillari. “They do a terrific job, and cut my whole family’s hair. My two boys and I have been going there for about five years.”

BEST BURGER
(A TIED CATEGORY)
The Iron Horse
Westwood
Noah’s Ark
Teaneck
Here’s the beef. It’s a tossup between popular Westwood dining destination The Iron Horse, and poll newcomer Noah’s Ark in Teaneck, for the best burger in Bergen.
Oradell’s Pam Daly prefers to take a bite of a juicy burger at The Iron Horse, because “the burgers are so sumptuous – they’re just so tasty and fresh.” Miriam Finkel of Englewood praises the perfect size and preparation of the burgers at Noah’s Ark: “There is a new burger menu with all these great samplings. Everything is amazing, and everyone I know goes there and loves it.”

BEST BRUNCH
Shelly’s Café
Teaneck
New this year to the readers poll results is Shelly’s Café in Teaneck. Shelly’s beat out the Sheraton Crossroads, the Bicycle Club in Englewood Cliffs and the Clinton Inn in Tenafly for the choice of best brunch in Bergen.
“In my family, we all have different tastes, so Shelly’s is perfect. For brunch, they serve a full buffet, and you can get whatever you want,” says Elie Haller of Teaneck. “We constantly go back and forth, tasting each others’ selections. It’s a very casual atmosphere, and the food is very good.”

BEST CANDY STORE
Conrad’s Confectionery
Westwood
Conrad’s has long been known for pleasing the sweet tooth. Less well known than some of the candy powerhouses in Bergen, Conrad’s received the most sugar cubes to be voted this year’s best.
With a charming, old-fashioned kind of ice cream shop-candy shop kind of appeal, Conrad’s is “a classic,” according to Bonnie O’Keeffe of Woodcliff Lake. “The folks at Conrad’s know what works, and they stick to it. Conrad’s has been around forever, and in my mind, something that’s so long-lasting is there for a reason. It’s just classic treats and ice cream.”
RUNNERS-UP: 2007 Readers’ Pick Hanna Krause Homemade Candies, Paramus; Bischoff’s, Teaneck

BEST CAR WASH
Ridgewood Auto Wash Company
Glen Rock
Scrub-a-dub-dub, Ridgewood Auto Wash Company once again leads the pack as the readers’ choice for best place in Bergen get your wheels squeaky clean. Your car will sparkle once the drying and polishing team rubs it down.
“Quick service and fair prices cause me to get in line for a car wash,” says Lynne Freeman of Ridgewood. “It’s also very convenient, which factors into the decision.”
RUNNER-UP: Urban Auto Spa, Franklin Lakes

BEST CATERER
Market Basket
Franklin Lakes
For the second time, the Market Basket in Franklin Lakes was an overwhelming choice for best caterer among (201) readers. Known for its catering expertise, Market Basket is a delightful emporium of holiday treats, including cheeses, specialty meats, baked goods and exotic produce. When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, pick up a succulently seasoned corned beef, and cook up a most delicious Irish feast – it’d make a leprechaun turn over his pot of gold.
“Delicious food, generous portions and creative dishes are the signature of Market Basket,” says Joan Velardi of Glen Rock. “The service is wonderful; my brother-in-law has used their food for events at the convention center, and everything is great.”
RUNNER-UP: Rave Events, Teaneck

BEST CHEESE SHOP
The Cheese Shop of Ridgewood
Ridgewood
Voted top choice for cheese among readers in 2007, The Cheese Shop of Ridgewood is once again a hands-down favorite. The reason, readers say, is the variety of fare offered at the Ridgewood Avenue shop. “The quality and variety of cheeses are fantastic,” says Deb Malnati of Mahwah. “I don’t go to Ridgewood that often, but when I do, I always stop in for a treat.”
RUNNERS-UP: Chez Cheeze, Tenafly; Jerry’s Gourmet, Englewood

BEST CHINESE FOOD
Golden Dynasty
Franklin Lakes
There are hundreds of Chinese restaurants in Bergen. The favorite among readers? Egg roll-er, drum-roll, please... it’s Golden Dynasty in Franklin Lakes.
Denise Rebori ventures from Woodcliff Lake to enjoy the fare. “My kids really like it, the staff are family-friendly, they have quick service and it’s just good Chinese food,” she notes.
RUNNERS-UP: Baumgart’s, Edgewater, Englewood and Ridgewood; Chopstix, Teaneck

BEST COFFEEHOUSE
Ridgewood Coffee Company
Ridgewood
Despite some stiff competition, Ridgewood Coffee Company again prevailed as Bergen bean counters’ choice for best coffeehouse. Located in the center of downtown Ridgewood, this java joint brews up a special blend of atmosphere and aroma to please customers like Keith Henthorn. “It’s just natural and relaxed,” he explains. “You’re greeted with such a welcoming; the barista always knows what I want. It’s a nice, homey place every time you go in.”
RUNNERS-UP: Cool Beans, Oradell; Holy Grounds, Allendale k, the variety of cheesecake offerings is the draw with the restaurant. “We love the chocolate mousse, pumpkin and Godiva chocolate cheesecakes,” Popkin says. Ridgewood’s Arlene Sobel agrees. “The Cheesecake Factory lives up to its name, with so many choices in cheesecakes – all of which have great flavors, freshness and decadence,” she says.

BEST COMMUNITY PARK
Van Saun County Park
Forest and Continental Avenues, Paramus
Extensive upgrades to this park from when most (201) readers were kids are now a hit with their own children for a “family day out.”
“As soon as the weather gets nice, I pack up the kids and we head for the Van Saun Zoo,” says Lori Orlando of Ramsey. “It’s just the right size to keep everyone entertained – without getting too tired from all the walking.” Orlando’s family loves the animals, especially the butterfly exhibit in the summer, and always tries to hop the train for a quick ride. “They love the tunnel,” she adds. “If time allows, we also try to play in the Harmony Park across the road, or go on the merry-go-round.”
Elaine Nazzaro of Upper Saddle River also can’t seem to get enough of Van Saun, taking her grandkids there over the past 20 years. “We took our first grandchild there when he was a tot, and he’s 18,” she notes. “We now have a little guy who is 2 1/2, and we are taking him there also. For many, many years we have been visiting Van Saun Park for the animals, the train and for everything the park has to offer. It’s just a park that keeps giving and giving as long as we keep having grandkids.”
RUNNERS-UP: Wild Duck Pond, Ridgewood; Votee Park, Teaneck

BEST CUT AND COLOR
Mania’s Hair Styling
Park Ridge
This category was a veritable blowout for 2008, with Mania’s topping the list for a cut and color. The reason seems to lie in the level of customer service the salon provides.
“They are just fantastic, everybody is so friendly,” says Dawn McPartland of Park Ridge. “The first time you walk in there, they make you feel like you are a very special person. They give you a tour of the place, and they explain everything and you just feel special and very well taken care of.”

BEST DESSERT MENU
The Cheesecake Factory
The Shops at Riverside, Hackensack
Say “Cheesecake!” for this year’s choice for the best dessert menu: The Cheesecake Factory. When it comes to readers like Debra Popkin of Teanec

BEST DINER
Matthew’s Colonial Diner
Waldwick
If there’s one thing that (201) readers know, it’s a good diner. Drive around Bergen, and you’ll see dozens of these quintessentially New Jersey establishments – each with a parking lot full of hungry customers, and an endless menu of choices. For the second time, readers singled out Matthew’s Colonial Diner as the best. Frank Mortimer of Ho-Ho-Kus puts it simply: “The food, as well as the service, is always top notch.”
RUNNER-UP: Park Ridge Diner, Park Ridge

BEST DRY CLEANER
Eddie’s
Waldwick
Bergen’s busting with quality dry-cleaning services, but voters choose to starch their shirts at Eddie’s in Waldwick.
“I use him because he’s reliable and when I tell him, ‘Hey, I got a stain here,’ he doesn’t worry about it,” says Paul Meismer of Ridgewood. “Eddie says, ‘Tell me what it is,’ and he gets it right out.”

BEST FIREWORKS
Ridgewood Fourth of July
Bergen residents positively crackle with excitement at the prospect of the annual fireworks display from readers’ choice Ridgewood. Lisa Mayer-Aschhoff of Glen Rock shows the uninitiated the light: “It’s just a spectacular display. If you can deal with the crowd and get a spot, it’s definitely worth it.”
RUNNERS-UP: Allendale Fourth of July; Wyckoff Labor Day

BEST FARMSTAND
(A TIED CATEGORY)
Abma’s Farm Market
Wyckoff
DePiero’s Farm
Montvale
It’s a tie between Abma’s Farm Market and DePiero’s. Ridgewood resident Maura Fleming likes the fact the poultry and produce sold at Abma’s are grown and raised right on the premises: “With Abma’s, they actually have homemade apple pies, and the chicken is their own chicken, the eggs are their own eggs.”
Audrey Gheysen of Park Ridge travels to DePiero’s for its superior array of fresh produce. “They have a wonderful selection throughout the year, they have good pricing and the produce is fresh,” she notes.
RUNNER-UP: Demarest Farm, Hillsdale

BEST FLORIST
Perry’s
Glen Rock
Consistent quality and excellent service best describe this business, where customers like Elyse Beidner of Glen Rock have the utmost confidence in every bouquet. “When I leave them to their own devices like I did for my last holiday, I just walked in and said ‘Here are my containers, here are my colors, just do something,’” she explains of the loyalty that blossomed over years of frequenting her neighborhood florist. “The arrangements were beautiful. The people at Perry’s are very creative.”
RUNNERS-UP: Dean Street Greenery, Englewood; Allendale Flowers, Allendale

BEST FRAME SHOP
Frame It Yourself of Westwood
Westwood
Personalized service is the reason readers like Carol Hill of Waldwick chose Frame It Yourself of Westwood as Bergen’s best frame shop. “They provide excellent color consultations,” she says, “and they help customers with limited design expertise make the right choice for a frame that will be in keeping with their specific home décor.”
RUNNER-UP: Jewel Spiegel Gallery, Englewood

BEST GIFT SHOP
Animations
Teaneck
Cedar Lane in Teaneck sparkles just a little bit more thanks to Animations, readers’ choice for the county’s best gift shop. “The store owners think about their clients and their customers; they think about quality, and not just about mass-producing,” says Teaneck local Elana Silber. “Overall, it’s just an amazing store.”
RUNNERS-UP: 2007 Readers’ Pick Happy Tuesday, Ridgewood; Blue Tulip, Englewood

BEST GYM
The Gym
Englewood and Montvale
A staff pick as the best gym in Bergen in 2007, The Gym has now graduated to the best among readers for its high-tech, futuristic workout environment.
“The staff is very professional, and the equipment is quite impressive,” says Beth Krugman of Englewood. “My sister-in-law is a gym rat, and she was bowled over by it, and whenever she comes to visit, she always goes there and begs them to let her in.”

BEST HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
(A TIED CATEGORY)
Van Dyk’s Ice Cream
Ridgewood
Bischoff’s
Teaneck
It’s a tie! Voters on the eastern side of Bergen cast their ballots for Bischoff’s, a Teaneck landmark. Westside Bergen residents voted for Van Dyk’s Ice Cream, a Ridgewood mainstay.
Why did these two scoop the competition? “’Cause there is no better,” Richard Narins, Woodcliff Lake, says of Bischoff’s. “They have the best, most unbelievable ice cream in the world.” Because of their Heavenly Hash alone, the Teaneck ice cream parlor has been his regular dessert destination for two decades.
As for Van Dyk’s, Fair Lawn’s Eileen Rocco raves about the “interesting” flavors and “always warm” staff, as well as the generous portions. “The ice cream tastes good, is very creamy and has always had such great flavor,” Rocco adds.

BEST ITALIAN DELI
Casa Del Sol
Woodcliff Lake
Lorraine Riscinti of River Vale likens the food at Casa Del Sol to that available along the famed Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. “I am from the Bronx, and I am used to good Italian food,” she explains. “Casa Del Sol is the closest thing I could find to Arthur Avenue here in Bergen!”
RUNNERS-UP: Jerry’s Gourmet, Englewood; Italian Riviera, Waldwick; and La Strada,
Midland Park

BEST ITALIAN FOOD
Arturo’s Restaurant
Midland Park
Mangia tutti! Italian restaurants abound in Bergen, but when choosing the most “al dente,” readers voted for Arturo’s. Wyckoff’s Monica Oake touts Arturo’s, saying “everything – from the service to the owner to the food – everything is superb.”
And for Bruce Silver of Fair Lawn, the enjoyment is in the true family environment of the place. “The father’s in the kitchen, the mom is walking around and the sons are there, so you know you are coming into a family restaurant – but it’s very elegant, and the service is great,” he says.
RUNNERS-UP: Andiamo Restaurant, Haworth; Savini Restaurant, Allendale; and Aldo’s Italian Restaurant, Wyckoff

BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Baumgart’s
Edgewater, Englewood and Ridgewood
A second annual serving of kudos goes to Baumgart’s, whose three Bergen restaurants were once again named as the most kid-friendly by (201) readers. Lori Starer of Tenafly makes it clear: “The service is quick, they like kids, and on the kid’s menu, there is always something that each one likes,” says Starer, who relishes the mix of a Chinese restaurant that has cheeseburgers and hamburgers and hot dogs – “that’s what kids like. I have two teenagers,” Starer adds, “but they have been going there since they were very young.”

BEST KOSHER DELI
Noah’s Ark Restaurant and Deli
Teaneck
Noah’s Ark burst on to the Readers Poll list of bests in more than one category this year. Asher Forst of Englewood says it’s the comfortable environment coupled with great food that sealed the votes for this kosher deli (also a winner in the “best burger” category). “The staff are very knowledgeable about the food they are serving, and make recommendations when you are unsure of what you want,” Forst says. That’s no chopped liver.
RUNNER-UP: Kosher Nosh, Glen Rock

BEST MARGARITA
Blue Moon
Englewood
Bottom’s up for Blue Moon of Englewood, which scored readers’ pick for Bergen’s best version of this tequila-based cocktail.
Pat Montalbano of Tenafly pours on the compliments: “It’s just the right mix of fresh lime juice and tequila, they don’t use mixes just fresh, good quality ingredients. Whether it’s with or without salt, frozen or straight-up, it’s simple and fresh, and that’s what makes it the best.”
RUNNER-UP: Mamá Mexico, Englewood Cliffs

BEST NURSERY
Rohsler’sAllendale Nursery and Garden Shoppe
Allendale
Five generations of Rohslers have tended countless annuals and perennials that have brightened the landscape for homeowners from western Bergen and farther afield.
For Patty Nazzaro of Saddle River, Rohsler’s longstanding tradition of excellent service keeps her coming back: “They are extremely helpful with directions about the planting, caring and maintaining of the plants and trees that you purchase and advise you on what would work for you and your landscape design. Plus, they have been there for quite a long time, and have a great reputation.”
RUNNER-UP: 2007 Expert Pick Victoria’s, Paramus

BEST OUTDOOR TENNIS COURTS
Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club
When it comes to outdoor tennis courts, it’s hard to “match” the caliber of the Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club.
Rich Fels of Ridgewood loves the beauty of the quiet setting.
“It is just an absolutely wonderful setting in urban suburbia where we live,” he enthuses. “For the people who use it, it’s just the best value in the world.”

BEST PAINT STORE
Norton Paint
Paramus
Last year’s brush with success for Norton Paint has happened again; Norton makes a splash as the repeat winner for readers’ pick in the “best paint store” category.
The loyalty Norton Paint inspires in Carla Vitacco of Hackensack dates back a lot further than 2007. “My family has been trusting the expertise of the staff at Norton Paint for more than 30 years,” she says. “I can’t recall ever buying paint anywhere else. I remember the excitement of buying the paint for my first place. We’ve never been anything but satisfied with the service and the quality of the products.”
RUNNERS-UP: Eagle Paint, Englewood; Ridgewood Paint, Ridgewood; and Waldwick Paint, Waldwick

BEST PARADE
Ridgewood Fourth of July
The unmistakable string of folding chairs that dot the parade route down the streets of Ridgewood days before the Fourth of July has become a signature of this popular event. Marching bands, baton twirlers, clowns, classic cars and more draw thousands of residents and visitors to the annual Independence Day celebration.
“My family loves to go every year,” says Ridgewood’s Audra Shelko. “We honor our local veterans and firefighters and policemen, and it’s just a fun day for the entire family.”
RUNNERS-UP: Glen Rock Fourth of July; Ridgefield Park Fourth of July

BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST
Country Pancake House
Ridgewood
It’s best to work up an appetite – a big, big appetite – when you sit down for breakfast at the Country Pancake House. With oversized portions that beg to be taken home as leftovers, the restaurant fills the hungriest bellies to the brim. And, don’t forget to try the chocolate chip cornbread, served as a starter for every meal.
Upper Saddle River’s Adriana Vallorosi brings her hungry men to the restaurant when she can. “I go there with my two boys and my hubby – we like to eat!” she says. “The food is delicious, with a wide variety of pancakes that are enormous sizes.”

BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S PARTY
Unbelieva-Bill’s
Waldwick
It continues to be unbelievable – or shall we say UNBELIEVA-BILLS – the lengths to which parents will go to throw the perfect party for their children. This Waldwick-based party paradise delighted readers in 2007, and holds its first-place position in 2008.
Parents may book the parties at Unbelieva-Bills, but it’s the kids who really call the shots there. One of New Jersey’s largest youth-centered entertainment centers, it’s a major destination for Bergen kids of all ages. “I love the bumper cars,” says 11-year-old Haley Duggan of Ridgewood. “It’s so much fun to drive the cars and bump into other kids.”

BEST PLACE TO POSE FOR WEDDING PICTURES
Davis-Johnson Gardens
Corner of Engle Street and Westervelt Avenue, Tenafly
Brides and grooms be advised that Davis-Johnson Gardens is considered by experts and readers alike to be the best place to pose for wedding pix.
“It’s just a very romantic place,” says Kathryn Manuelian of Tenafly. “I’ve seen a number of wedding parties over the years having their pictures taken there, and there are a lot of venues they could go to within the park so that they have variety. The spot where the gazebo is, is a good place for a major wedding picture, but you can find places all over, like under the trees from different angles, and over by the rocks.”

BEST PUB GRUB
Allendale Bar and Grill
Allendale
Readers certainly know their ABGs when choosing the best pub grub in Bergen. For the second time, Allendale Bar and Grill is a favorite choice for “apps” and other pub snacks.
The pub gets a bit of a “ribbing” from fan Don Willenborg of Ridgewood. “AB&G has beef ribs that they take from the prime rib, and they make beef BBQ ribs out of them. They are absolutely my favorite of any restaurant that I’ve been to, anywhere. Picture a gigantic prime rib bone, and you get like four of those, and that’s your beef ribs. They just rate high in my book.”
RUNNER-UP: Davey’s Locker, Montvale

BEST SPA
The Fountain Spa
Ramsey
When choosing where best to kick back and relax for a glorious spa treatment, readers favor The Fountain Spa.
“It’s just a pleasant place to go – that’s why I like it,” says Gail D’Oca of Glen Rock. “I’ve even given it as a gift to my husband, and he enjoyed it.”
Donna M. Sirico of Allendale agrees: “The staff give incredible service when it comes to massages and facials. My husband and I have both had massages there, and they do a really great job.”
BEST SPORTS BAR
The Office Beer Bar and Grill
Ridgewood
A “fun, get-together kind of place” is how Oradell’s Elaine Schuber describes The Office. Complete with wide-screen TVs to catch all the big sporting events, it has “a lively bar scene and restaurant,” Schuber says. “It is very diverse, and there is music to keep spirits high.”
RUNNER-UP: Davey’s Locker (2007 Readers’ Pick), Montvale

BEST SUSHI
Sushi Metsuyan
Teaneck
Teaneck truly came alive in the 2008 readers poll, including in the “best sushi” category. Unknown to overseers of the (201) dining guide was Sushi Metsuyan, but according to readers like Matthew Herenstein of Teaneck, this restaurant is a true find. “The choices on the menu are varied, and the sushi is very fresh. The restaurant offers well beyond the standard sushi fare, and also has a large number of rolls – a lot of which I haven’t seen anywhere else.”
RUNNERS-UP: Sakura Bana, Ridgewood and 2007 Readers’ Pick Flirt Sushi Lounge, Allendale

BEST SLICE OF PIZZA
Kinchley’s Tavern
Ramsey
Fans of Kinchley’s Tavern voted in full force to help 2007’s runner-up for the best slice of pizza grab the biggest piece of the pie. Helen Schoenknecht of Franklin Lakes applauds the thin-crust pizza and the variety of toppings offered at the tavern. “Whatever Kinchley’s puts on the pizza – the mix of spices and herbs and cheeses – it just melts in your mouth.”
RUNNER-UP: Brooklyn’s Brickoven Pizza Edgewater, Hackensack and Ridgewood locations

BEST WINE LIST
Park & Orchard
East Rutherford
In some ways, Park & Orchard feels like a restaurant you’d find along Ocean Drive in Miami’s South Beach. Along with a “happening” environment, Park & Orchard draws crowds as much for its extensive wine list as it does for its healthy menu. The restaurant has been heralded by wine connoisseurs nationwide, and continues to be one of the most popular spots in Bergen.
“Choosing the wine for the meal is a collaborative effort,” says Emily Ruffing of Ridgewood. “Staff help you pair your dinner with just the right wine.”
RUNNER-UP: The Park Steak House, Park Ridge

FAVORITE LOCAL PERSONALITY
Phil Simms
In 2007, readers selected Phil Simms as their favorite local sports personality. It would seem that Simms’ popularity is not limited to the gridiron or the broadcast booth, for readers selected him as the favorite local personality throughout Bergen. Described by (201) sports editor Bob Klapisch as a “class act, through and through,” Simms continues to enthrall fans long after he turned in his Giants jersey. Simms, who raised his family in Franklin Lakes and still calls the community home, is perhaps more widely recognized today as a commentator for CBS Sports than he was during his 15 years – and two Super Bowl victories – in the NFL. Not surprisingly, Bergen residents have long and loyal memories.
Count Mark Roman of Tenafly among one of the many loyalists. A Giants fan since – “well, prenatally,” he jokes – Roman says that, while growing up, he considered Simms “the best.” “There was some question back then as to whether he would be the starting quarterback or not, and he did end up being the starter. I like his stick-to-itiveness,” Roman adds of Simms, who still holds the highest passing percentage of any starting QB in a Super Bowl.
RUNNERS-UP: Danny Aiello, James Gandolfini and Lori Stokes

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
The Saddle River Inn
Saddle River
In an age when restaurants tinker with fusion and foam, there is still something to be said for familiar and French – especially when it’s served in the refined, genteel atmosphere of The Saddle River Inn. A Bergen favorite since 1981, the restaurant continues to shine as one of the area’s best. Housed in a charming red barn set in a pastoral landscape, it occupies pride of place in the center of the hamlet of Saddle River. Inside, lace-curtained windows and rustic beams festooned with dried flowers offer an appropriately old-fashioned backdrop for Swiss-born chef-owner Hans Egg’s classic cuisine.
“The location and atmosphere of the Saddle River Inn contribute to its charm,” says Sharon Kozinn of River Vale. “The ceiling is all warm and woody. Each table feels like it’s in its own cozy place even though many other tables in the dining room. And, the service is excellent; waitstaff is very unobtrusive – perfect for a romantic evening.”
RUNNERS-UP: Chakra, Paramus; Latour A French American Grill, Ridgewood

TOUGHEST GOLF HOLE
Ridgewood Country Club
Paramus
The field of votes was wide open in this category, but the consensus among readers is that overall, the golf course at Ridgewood Country Club is home to the toughest holes in Bergen.

BERGEN’S BEST-KEPT SECRET
Lampshades Plus Factory Outlet
Garfield
The toughest readers’ pick in the poll, the “Bergen’s best-kept secret” category was up for grabs this year. But, once all the votes were counted, the winner was Lampshades Plus Factory Outlet in Garfield.
This River Drive store makes its own brand of top-quality lampshades, and will do custom designs to suit just about any request. The “Plus” in the name includes shades for chandeliers and sconces, as well as shams and a whole array of other home-furnishing goods.
Blythe Lainof of Northvale has seen the light “It is a great store that has wonderful possibilities; you can just walk in with a lamp and get whatever you need.”