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Coffee Keeps With Tradition at Havana Espresso

August 14, 2014 by

Drip coffee has been around for centuries, and with all the advances in technology, it’s easy to forget that the true art of making exceptional java is a subtle and simple one. At Havana Espresso in Englewood, the proprietors proudly make their coffee the way it’s been done since the 1400s, and locals overwhelmingly choose their product over competing chains.

Here, 100% Arabica beans are roasted locally and ground fresh for maximum flavor. Owner Maria Cristina is incredibly welcoming and friendly, treating all of her customers like family. After you’ve ordered your coffee drink, take some time to peruse the food options. The baked egg white frittatas are hearty and satisfying, and the panini-style sandwiches are out of this world. Go for the classic Cuban, which pairs ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and grainy mustard for an explosion of flavor. The salads are also very good!

Havana Espresso
46 N. Dean Street
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 541-0765
havanaespresso.com
www.yelp.com/biz/havana-espresso-englewood-3

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Sabor Peru: Taste Peruvian Cuisine

August 7, 2014 by

Located across from Lincoln Park, Sabor Peru prides itself on preparing and serving tasty Peruvian cuisine. Come for lunch or dinner and check out the charming décor, with comfortable seating and friendly atmosphere.

If you’re new to Peruvian food, don’t worry. The friendly wait staff will be more than happy to help you with your selections. You will find a menu loaded homemade soups and ceviches, both of which are specialties. Folks rave about the tender octopus in the ceviche and the Peruvian chicken noodle soup. And whether you get the stir-fry, grilled or breaded entrees, you and your family will always be eager to return.

Visit Sabor Peru's website to learn more about this Rutherford restaurant.

Sabor Peru
8 Highland Cross
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 935-7378
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sabor-peru-rutherford

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Take Your Best Photo Ever With the Help of Photoshop

July 24, 2014 by

Let's face it: Pictures don't always present us in the best light. We all have those moments when we wished a photo came out just a little bit better. Photoshop is a great program for retouching photos, but it can be daunting for those of us who aren't too tech-savvy. You don't have to be a computer wizard to create beautiful photos; just follow these five easy tutorials.

1. Make your eyes pop in three easy steps.

2. Add Instagram-like filters to make pictures stand out.

3. Shave off a few pounds with the shear filter.

4. Enhance the features in your photo.

5. Remove blemishes and spots for flawless skin.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Bergen Performing Arts Center: All The World’s a Stage

July 17, 2014 by

The John Harms Center in Englewood originally opened in 1926 as a movie theater, and over the intervening decades, the venue has evolved to become one of the leading cultural institutions in the state. It closed its doors in 2003, but a group of concerned citizens formed a nonprofit group to breathe new life into the venue.

Now named the Bergen Performing Arts Center, this excellent theater space plays host to a wide variety of musical acts, including Sting, Vanessa Williams, and Woody Allen. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra also plays here regularly. In fact, no less an authority than Tony Bennett has called the hall the “best-sounding theatrical hall in the American song tradition.”

Visit the Bergen Performing Arts Center's website to see a calendar of upcoming shows!

Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 N. Van Brunt Street
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 816-8168
www.bergenpac.org
www.yelp.com/biz/bergen-performing-arts-center-englewood-2

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Nibble Artisanal Chocolates at Matisse Chocolatier

July 10, 2014 by

One of northern New Jersey’s most popular gourmet chocolatiers is located in Englewood: Matisse Chocolatier. It’s a little hard to find; you need to go around the back of the building to find the entrance. But you'll immediately know you're in the right place as you're greeted by the intoxicating aroma of fresh chocolate!

The selection is far too extensive to mention everything, but some can’t-miss creations include the savory, decadent salted caramel chocolates, which are delicate and rich. Other favorites include the chocolate-coated pretzel rods, the almond bark, and the shaped chocolate lollipops. Chocolate-dipped fruit is also very popular, but it’s smart to call in to reserve some in advance, as they're made fresh each day and sell out quickly.

The walls are covered with photographs and endorsements from legions of celebrities who love Matisse's delicacies, including Jersey’s favorite son, Bruce Springsteen.

Matisse Chocolatier
260 Grand Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 568-2288
www.getfreshchocolate.com
www.yelp.com/biz/matisse-chocolatier-englewood

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Expression Yarn Studio: Englewood Crafts

July 3, 2014 by

Knitting and crocheting have enjoyed a resurgence in the last decade or so, with a new generation of young people discovering the pleasure of crafting with their own hands, but Englewood’s Expression Yarn Studio is no Johnny-come-lately. They’ve been in business since 1978 in their cozy shop, providing generations of New Jersey knitters with the tools of their craft at affordable prices.

Wool, silk, linen, cotton and even alpaca yarns are on offer here, all at excellent prices. Blended yarns are also available. They also sell Clover needles, thimbles and a selection of other accessories. The owner produces knitting patterns the old-fashioned way – by hand – and she’s happy to help you find something that’s appropriate to your skill level. Visit the Expression Yarn Studio website to learn more about this Englewood craft store.

Expression Yarn Studio
13 E. Ivy Lane
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 569-4111
http://www.expressionyarnstudio.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/expression-yarn-studio-englewood

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Eat and Drink Local at Evergreen Fine Fresh Foods

June 26, 2014 by

If your stomach is rumbling around lunchtime, take a tip from Englewood locals and get yourself to Evergreen Fine Fresh Foods. Unlike most of the other area delis, this place stands out with a commitment to seasonal, fresh foods.

The menu changes each and every day, but a few things remain consistent. The “low carb lunch” is a popular among dieters, pairing lean protein (most get it with chicken) with delicately seared haricots verts, asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower seasoned with a hint of sesame oil. The accompanying lemon basil aioli also receives two thumbs up from regulars. Sandwiches and wraps are equally robust, while the popular juice bar serves both traditional blends and some unique offerings. (The Green Tea Arnold Palmer is a zesty, invigorating drink that wins raves.)

Prices are very reasonable at Evergreen Fine Fresh Foods.

Evergreen Fine Fresh Foods
260 Grand Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 541-1234
www.facebook.com/evergreenfinefreshfoods?rf=265622996869065
www.yelp.com/biz/evergreen-fine-fresh-foods-englewood-2

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Caffeine Hides in These Two Common Foods

June 19, 2014 by

Caffeine can give you a great boost of energy in the morning, but it can also cause headaches and annoying jitters when you drink too much. If you already cut out coffee but still feel the side effects of caffeine, you may be getting it from a different source altogether. Here are two surprising sources of caffeine that you may not know about.

  1. Decaf coffee. While you may think that switching to decaf is a solution to your caffeine problems, you still can’t go wild with your coffee intake. A cup of decaf coffee contains about five milligrams of caffeine, which is much less than a normal cup of regular, but it can still cause you to feel some side effects if you drink too much.
  2. Chocolate-flavored foods. Even if you opt for a plain old cup of hot chocolate instead of the espresso flavored truffles, many chocolate flavored foods contain a great deal of caffeine. Instant breakfast drinks can have about nine milligrams of caffeine, while powdered hot chocolate mix can also contain around nine milligrams. Be sure to check the label on any chocolate products that you purchase.

12 Surprising Sources of Caffeine [Health.com]
7 Hidden Sources of Caffeine [Eating Well]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall: Fine New Jersey Shopping

June 12, 2014 by

Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall is a shopper’s destination in New Jersey, with just about every store you could possibly ask for, plus an array of great dining and entertainment options. They’re also about to open a new ‘Premium Fashion District’ with fantastic upscale stores like A/X Armani Exchange, Sandro, Robin’s Jean, Forever Flawless, Ivviva and Kiko Make Up Milano.

The mall’s anchor stores – Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and JC Penney – are where you head to find everything from the latest fashions to house wares. Dining and snacking options abound, so don’t hesitate to treat your taste buds at Charley’s Grilled Subs, Capital Grille, Bourbon Street Café, MW’s Hawaiian Grill, Ruby Thai, or Chipotle. You can even enjoy a ride on the giant carousel!

Visit the mall's website to see a directory of shops.

Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall
1 Garden State Plaza
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 843-2121
http://www.westfield.com/gardenstateplaza/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/westfield-garden-state-plaza-mall-paramus

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Enjoy a Burger at Shake Shack’s Paramus Location

June 5, 2014 by

"Believe the hype." That's the advice of one regular patron of Shake Shack's location in Paramus. If you haven't heard the buzz surrounding this franchise restaurant, which boasts more than 30 locations worldwide, here's the deal: It's a self-described "modern day roadside burger stand" that was spawned from a single hot dog cart in Manhattan's Madison Square Park.

With a decidedly retro, all-American vibe, burgers, fries, hot dogs, and frozen desserts are all made to-order, presented on cafeteria-style trays. You'll need two hands (and a hearty appetite) to tackle the burgers here: Juicy Angus beef patties are piled high with toppings, pushing the limits of the burgers' signature wax paper wrappers. Staying true to the franchise's roots, grilled hot dogs are on the menu, too, while crinkle-cut fries provide a salty complement to Shake Shack's thick, handspun milkshakes and Concretes. What's a Concrete, you ask? It's a blended, spoonable custard dessert replete with cookies, candies, and sweet sauces. (Don't skip the Bergen County Blend, a Concrete flavor signature to the Paramus location.)

The first Shake Shack franchise in New Jersey, Shake Shack's Paramus location is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Shake Shack
479 Route 17 South
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 241-2381
www.shakeshack.com/location/paramus-nj
www.yelp.com/biz/shake-shack-paramus

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Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,
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