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Best of Bergen 2010
Best of Bergen 2010
BEST STEAK
The Park Steak House, Park Ridge
The prime steaks are truly tops, but Chef John Halligan's dynamic menu and an impressive wine selection sets this winner apart from the crowd.
Best of Bergen 2010
BEST SUSHI
Sakura Bana, Ridgewood
Thanks to a recent expansion, more sushi fans can savor this bustling village favorite. To really get in on the action, take a seat at the sushi bar to watch chefs slice, dice and roll.
Best of Bergen 2010
BEST TAILOR
Sal Lauretta, Midland Park
A family business for three generations and more than 30 years, Sal Lauretta has a long tradition of dressing the fashion-conscious men of Bergen. And when it comes to tailoring, the staff make the clothes look as if they have been custom-designed for the client -- that's how carefully each suit, sports coat, slacks or other garments are fit to the frame. In addition, custom-made shirts are tailored exquisitely to complement the stylish wardrobe.
Best of Bergen 2010
BEST VETERINARIAN
Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus
The truth about cats and dogs is that they give "paws" up for the Oradell Animal Hospital -- one of the oldest veterinary clinics in Bergen. With more than 30 veterinarians on staff, it's no wonder that this comprehensive medical facility for pets is chosen by more of their owners.
Best of Bergen 2010
BEST YOGA CENTER
(three-way tie) Bikram Yoga, Westwood; Naturally Yoga, Glen Rock; Yoga Synthesis, Ramsey
"Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti," says Raji Thron, owner of Yoga Synthesis in Ramsey. "Peace to you all." That's the feeling that yoga enthusiasts get when they take it to the mat for a session of stretching and relaxation techniques. Surprisingly, the best yoga center was one of the most popular categories on the 2010 poll and three studios -- Yoga Synthesis, Bikram Yoga and Naturally Yoga -- tied for the top spot. Classes at these studios are taught as alignment based vinyasa (flow), integrating asana, breath, movement and meditation. Classes are also available for children and teens.
Best of Bergen 2010
BEST PLACE FOR A DAD'S NIGHT OUT
Axia Taverna, Tenafly
Is it the sleek, Tony Chi design, chef Alex Gorant's superb Greek food, or the welcoming mood set by general manager Tim Vlahopoulos? The guys who make Axia their go-to gathering spot would say all of the above.
Best of Bergen 2010
FAVORITE NEW RESTAURANT
Nisi estiatorio, Englewood
Arguably the most exciting new restaurant to open in Bergen in 2009, Nisi boasts a top-notch chef and a management team that gets every detail of this Greek-inspired restaurant just right.
Best of Bergen 2010
FAVORITE RESTAURANT PERSONALITY
(three-way tie) Don Dickstein, Andiamo Restaurant, Haworth; Buddy Gebhardt, The Park and Orchard, East Rutherford; Aldo Cascio, Aldo's, Wyckoff
These three affable hosts have all put in umpteen hours at their respective establishments -- each of which is a Bergen mainstay. Dickstein, the winner of last year's "Best Maitre d'" award, presides over the dining room of his family-run restaurant, while chefs Cascio and Gebhardt work primarily in their restaurants' kitchens. All are skilled at welcoming both regulars and newcomers with equal warmth.
Best of Bergen 2010
FAVORITE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Ridgewood
Many of Bergen's 70 communities have bustling downtown shopping districts, but Ridgewood, with its long avenue of boutiques, restaurants and parks, was chosen the favorite. Long-time fixtures like Hillmann Electric, Jekyll & Hide, Arthur Groom & Co., Bookends Bookstore and Town and Country Apothecary have enjoyed a faithful following for decades. National retailers including Gap, Gymboree, Ann Taylor, Lucky Brand, Country Curtains and Talbots compliment the family-run businesses that have been a tradition in the village.
Best of Bergen 2010
GOLF COURSE YOU'D MOST LIKE TO PLAY
Ridgewood Country Club, Paramus
2008's choice as the toughest course in Bergen and last year's choice as the most scenic, Ridgewood Country Club also seems to be course most Bergen golfers wish to play. A nationally ranked A.W. Tillinghast golf course, RCC is also an Audubon Society Cooperative Sanctuary. The 27-hole golf course is actually comprised of three individual 9-hole courses that can be combined and features tree-lined fairways, deep bunkers and sloping greens -- all signature features of a Tillinghast-designed course.
Best of Bergen 2010
MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
(tie) Chakra, Paramus; The Saddle River Inn, Saddle River
A relative "newcomer" compared to perennial favorite The Saddle River Inn, Chakra is also at the other end of spectrum for romantic atmosphere. Where the Inn is cozy and quaint, with a traditional French menu and a country feel, Chakra's large dining room features plush, curtained banquettes, contemporary cuisine and an exotic vibe.
Best of Bergen 2010
MOST SCENIC DRIVE
County Road 502
(201) Expert Pick, selected by Van Horneff, car collector and driving enthusiast
County Route 502 is the most relaxing, enjoyable drive around town. This dynamic road extends just shy of 24 miles from east to west across Northern Bergen, beginning on Franklin Lakes Road in Wayne and passing through Franklin Lakes Wyckoff, Waldwick, Saddle River, Washington Township, Ho-Ho-Kus, Emerson, Westwood and Closter before ending at 9W in Alpine. I love the turns and changes in the road. You are so much more engaged in your driving ...I also appreciate the transition to different neighborhoods ...For instance, Ho-Ho-Kus is something like a storybook with its homes. The best time to take this drive is either in the spring or fall months. I love the drive right after spring because the magnolias and azaleas have bloomed. Bergen County is absolutely beautiful with blooming flowers.
County Route 502 is the most relaxing, enjoyable drive around town. This dynamic road extends just shy of 24 miles from east to west across Northern Bergen, beginning on Franklin Lakes Road in Wayne and passing through Franklin Lakes Wyckoff, Waldwick, Saddle River, Washington Township, Ho-Ho-Kus, Emerson, Westwood and Closter before ending at 9W in Alpine. I love the turns and changes in the road. You are so much more engaged in your driving ...I also appreciate the transition to different neighborhoods ...For instance, Ho-Ho-Kus is something like a storybook with its homes. The best time to take this drive is either in the spring or fall months. I love the drive right after spring because the magnolias and azaleas have bloomed. Bergen County is absolutely beautiful with blooming flowers.
Best of Bergen 2010
MOST SCENIC PUBLIC GARDEN
Davis Johnson Park and Garden, Tenafly
(201) Expert Pick, selected by Chris Cipriano, owner Cipriano Landscape and Design, Ramsey
Located at the corner of Engle Street and Westervelt Avenue, this seven-acre site contains beautiful gardens and paths, including a redesigned rose garden, greenhouse, maintenance facility and meeting room, gazebo, brick patio, walking paths and lush landscaping. I choose the Davis Johnson Park and Garden primarily because the rose garden is one of my favorite in Bergen. This garden has the greatest variety of flowers, plants and trees by far.
Located at the corner of Engle Street and Westervelt Avenue, this seven-acre site contains beautiful gardens and paths, including a redesigned rose garden, greenhouse, maintenance facility and meeting room, gazebo, brick patio, walking paths and lush landscaping. I choose the Davis Johnson Park and Garden primarily because the rose garden is one of my favorite in Bergen. This garden has the greatest variety of flowers, plants and trees by far.