Number 5 of Westfield Area

westfieldarea

Find More Ways to #LoveWhereYouLive

Number 5

#LoveWhereYouLive

theisoldicollection.com

3 STONELEIGH PARK

Westfield

$2,795,000 | 6 Bedrooms | 5.2 Baths

2 westfieldarea Number 5 online at westfieldarea.com

westfieldarea

Find More Ways to #LoveWhereYouLive

Number 5

Contents

DREAM

HOME

LOCAL

DISH

MAD

SKILLS

NEAR

BUY

4

6 17 20

Welcome!

T

his is issue Number 5 of Westfield Area! I truly hope you enjoy reading it as much as

my team and I had creating it for you. I love our area hometowns and sharing what

makes them a unique place to live. Even as a lifelong resident, it’s hard to keep up

with the changes in our downtowns, main streets and malls. So, sit back, relax and

let’s catch up and find even more ways to #LoveWhereYouLive!

-Frank

Frank D. Isoldi

Publisher

ON THE COVER

Looking north on Elm Street in Downtown Westfield toward the

iconic Arcanum Hall {the town’s Empire State Building}.

westfieldarea is a free magazine published by westfieldarea.com © 2019.

Have a comment for us? A burning question? An idea for content?

Hit us up anytime via email at info@westfieldarea.com.

See a full list of locations that carry each westfieldarea issue on our website.

DREAM HOME

#LOVEWHEREYOULIVE MORE AT WESTFIELDAREA.COM/DREAMHOME

Three Things to Know

about 110 Wychwood Road

in Westfield!

Ding dong. Frank Isoldi takes you inside 110

Wychwood Road in Westfield, New Jersey and

shares three things about this stunning property

on the market.

More on The Isoldi Obession Vlog at

westfieldarea.com/vlog

or SCAN ->


#LoveWhereYouLive

theisoldicollection.com

715 HIGHLAND AVENUE

Westfield

$1,195,000 | 6 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths

12 STONELEIGH DRIVE

Scotch Plains

$1,499,900 | 6 Bedrooms | 6.1 Baths

352 ACKERMAN AVENUE

Mountainside

$650,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths

30 MOSS AVENUE

Westfield

$1,499,900 | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Baths

867 BRADFORD AVENUE

Westfield

$1,345,000 | 6 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths

525 FAIRMONT AVENUE

Westfield

$824,999 | 4 Bedrooms | 3.2 Baths

128 NORTH CHESTNUT STREET

Westfield

$1,245,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 3.2 Baths

315 WYCHWOOD ROAD

Westfield

$1,199,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths

295 WATCHUNG FORK

Westfield

$1,498,800 | 5 Bedrooms | 3.2 Baths

5

LOCAL DISH

#EATWHEREYOULIVE M ORE AT WESTFIELDAREA.COM/LOCALDISH

ICYMI

COURTESY @FLORENCERAVIOLICO

COURTESY @ORGREENPOKE

New Owner, Flavor

for Florence Ravioli

Co. in Scotch Plains

Ciao! A new owner has taken the helm of the

venerable Florence Ravioli Co. on Park Avenue

and the establishment’s new flavor is starting to

materialize. Customers of the local favorite will

find a newly renovated space, new signage, new

logo, new menu items and new friendly faces.

Florence Ravioli Co.’s origins date back to 1943

at its original location on South 10th Street in

Newark.

Orgreen Poke Brings

Hawaiian-Inspired Fare to

Westfield

Aloha! A new dining option in Downtown Westfield is redefining what it means to be

considered “fast food.” Orgreen Poke has opened its doors inside the newly refurbished

132 East Broad Street {in the former Dor L’Dor clothing shop}. The new restaurant says

diners can expect a menu full of fresh fish options, all crafted with a “non-oil” cooking

procedure. They also boast many organic, gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. Orgreen

Poke’s motto is “eat right, be bright.” Their menu includes a build-your-own Poke bowl

and special combos like its signature Orgreen Bowl which includes salmon, tuna, shrimp,

avocado, cucumber, edamame and a special sesame sauce, all topped with macadamia

nuts. Poke is a Hawaiian dish consisting of diced raw fish mixed with flavored sauces.

# F e e l i n g C r a b b y

Clark’s loss is Randolph, New Jersey’s gain, as

local celebrity Chef Eric LeVine moves on from

his tenure at Paragon Tap and Table, a craft

restaurant he helped establish on Central Avenue

in 2014. His new place is Mr. Crabby’s Craft

Kitchen + Bar, where he serves officially as executive

chef, and unofficially as a budding

hydroponic gardener.

COURTESY @CHEFERICL


COURTESY @LIONSROARBREWING

Lions Roar Brewing Co.

Sets Eyes on Westfield

Brewery Locale

Bottom’s up! A microbrewery is preparing to

open to the public inside the South Avenue

West traffic circle building in Downtown Westfield,

last occupied by the Dirt Beauty Shop. The

Lions Roar Brewing Co. will produce craft beers

at the facility. The brew team says its mission is

to “help you escape the 9 to 5.”

DJ’S LIMOUSINE SERVICE

The Party Starts Here!

2 Passenger Rolls Royce Phantom

We cater to...

Birthday Parties,

Anniversaries, Sweet Sixteens,

Airport Transportation, Holidays, Events

and everything in between!

We Exceed Your Expectations!

8 Passenger Lincoln Limo

10 Passenger Chrysler 300 Limo

12 Passenger Mercedes

Sprinter LimoBus

20 Passenger Luxury LimoBus

DJsLimo.com

.com/DJsLimo

@DJsLimo

1-800-LIMOS-10

(908)-241-3393

Info@DJsLimo.com

12 North Avenue

Garwood, NJ 07027

Family Owned & Operated for Over 25 Years!

7

OhthePlaces ...

youneedcoffeenj

You Need Coffee, Scotch Plains

fettleandfare

Fettle + Fare, Westfield

hiddengems_nj

&grain, Garwood

Check out the foam on this fat free cappuccino! ...chicken soup! I can’t BRIE-LIEVE how delicious this was!

sweetandsavory_cranford

Subology, Cranford

notudejustfood

Magic Grill, Garwood

wu_angie

Inspiration Roll, Westfield

Classic #italiansub! ...sticky rice #dumplings! This is what dreams are made of...

staceysnacks

Taormina Restaurant, Kenilworth

twodopesfromjersey

Riverside Inn (The Dive), Cranford

bellassnacks

The Juice House, Garwood

8

Best branzino ever.

Deboned and filleted tableside...


Now this is a proper burger!

Two faced.

jersey.munchies

Kenilworth Diner, Kenilworth

freshpressjuiceco

Fresh Press Juice Co., Cranford

silencechewgood

Avenue East, Cranford

The jumbo cream puff looks like

it’s gonna eat me before I can eat it!

fanwood_grille

The Fanwood Grille, Fanwood

This is definitely going to be a special!

gisellevelasquez

Ambeli Greek Taverna, Cranford

#sushitime

fresh.bui

Fresh Bui, Westfield

Our very own original Falafel soup. LOVE Savory Special!

Malaysian Curry Chicken Puffs.

katiefelix816

Fiamma Woodfire Pizza, Westfield

farinolio

Farinolio, Westfield

emily_stylez

Tarantella’s Ristorante, Clark

...don’t hate the player... ...Tuscan sandwiches! Stuffed rigatoni!

9

INSPIRATION

The Saturday Night Graze

By Columnist Ellie Mroz

Peeps at ...

COURTESY @ANDGRAIN

When I was a

junior at Cornell

University, I

studied abroad

in Barcelona.

The majority of

students who

wanted to expand

their knowledge of the Spanish language

opted to spend their semester at the

University-affiliated program in Sevilla. But

not me. I wanted Barcelona for its rumored

easy access to the beach, the mountains

and several of my favorite brands’ flagship

stores. I also had an unexplored love for

the concept of tapas, the region’s food of

choice. Small dishes typically served with

drinks at a bar... what’s not to like?

I loved the concept of a cozy table, crowded

with small plates shared with friends,

late at night at seaside restaurants where

tables and chairs were scarce but bottles of

inexpensive cava were plentiful. So vastly

different from the American dinner norm

of ordering three individual courses just

for yourself. The weighty responsibility of

having to choose just one dish, with all the

options on the Cheesecake-factory-sized

menu, is enough to send me into an indecisive

tizzy, or worse, order envy. The concept

of tapas, the permission to order half a dozen

or more of the menu’s bite-sized options,

was as appealing to me as an afternoon

strolling through Parque Guell.

Fast forward 15 years, back here in the

Westfield area, and I’m still doing my best

to carry that Catalonian pastime along with

me on our lunches and date nights. No, I

haven’t found a Spanish tapas restaurant

I love (but if you have a reco for a place

with to-die-for croquettes, please send it

my way...), instead I like to partake in what

I have affectionately dubbed the Saturday

Night Graze. Three or more small courses at

three or more local restaurants in just one

evening.

COURTESY @ELLIEMROZDESIGN

COURTESY @PUBLICKHOUSE

We’ll start the Graze at a favorite spot, our

go-to if you will, Publick House in Mountainside.

Here I’ll order the Tuna Crisp,

which has gone through more variations

than I can remember, but, has remained one

of my favorite appetizers, shared or otherwise,

of all time. Wasabi creme, soy, spicy

mayo, and scallions sit atop fresh sushi tuna

and pan crisped rice. Perfection in 2.5 bites.

For my second course, I’d love nothing

more than a BBQ Burger from the Stage

House Tavern. I’m partial to the restaurant’s

cozy original location in Scotch Plains, but

if you’re looking to keep the drive short

you can hop right on Route 22 from Publick

House (or call a car if you also indulged

in one of Publick House’s signature hand

crafted cocktails) and hit up the new location

in Mountainside. Snuggle up outside

by the heat lamps and order the juicy, BBQ

sauce-smothered sandwich as an entree,

and you won’t be disappointed. An added local

bonus, the meat for their burgers comes

from another local favorite, John’s Meat

Market! Supporting two local businesses

with one meal sounds like a win to me.

For dessert, I like nothing more than a

cookie. Tempt me with the finest French

pastry or creamiest gelato, and I’m going

for the cookie. Chocolate chip, to be exact.

And no one does it better than &grain in

Garwood. The perfect consistency (not too

chewy, not too crispy) and somehow the

chips stay perfectly melty. How DO they do

it?

Aside from the obvious benefit of not

having the dreaded “which restaurant do

we choose” debate with your dinner date,

you don’t have to choose! You can go to

them all! You get the added bonus of three

locales with three distinct environments. •

Ellie Mroz is the columnist for Westfield Area

magazine. She and her husband are the superhero

team behind Michael Robert Construction

and Ellie Mroz Design based in Westfield.

100 Steps Kitchen + Raw Bar in Cranford

Boxwood Coffee in Westfield Spice Bazaar in Westfield

Ginger Sushi, Fanwood

Fiamma, Westfield Scoops in Scotch Plains

Echo Tap in Moutainside


Entrances and Walkways

Containers and Plantings

Westfield’s #1

Full Service

Landscape Provider

908-413-4440

liveoaklandscape.com

Fireplaces and Firetables

Patios and Outdoor Kitchens

11

WHERETOEATNOW

Local Breakthrough Establishments You Gotta Try!

Anumber of notable

neighborhood restaurants

are helping to

heat up the area’s

dining scene of late.

But, three in particular

are making their

mark on our hometowns

and dishing out delicious cuisine to

locals. Looking to dine out? These breakthrough

restaurants are sure to please the

palate...

Spice Bazaar

Westfield

It was the success of a Valentine’s Day prix

fixe menu with a modern flair that prompted

the owners of Spice Bazaar to make a bold

change to its new restaurant in Westfield.

“We went from a six page menu to a one

page menu,” said Simran Bakshi, the owner of

Spice Bazzaar.

And while Bakshi and his fiancé, Kanika


Vij, still serve traditional Indian cuisine and

favorites like Chicken Tikka Masala and

an assortment of curries, they pivoted to a

much more modern, seasonal menu, allowing

their young, classical-trained Chefs to get a

bit more creative and offer dining options

that you typically

wouldn’t find on

menus in Mumbai

{or on Oak Tree

Road in Edison for

that matter!}.

“We now emphasize

more on the

modern aspect

of Indian dining,”

said Bakshi. “For

example, not a lot

of Indian restaurants

play with

seafood, they will

usually just have

shrimp or salmon

on the grill, but

we do crab cakes,

we do calamari.

We do lobster, sea

COURTESY @SPICEBAZAARNJ

bass and other seasonal

favorites.

Yet, they all still retain

that quintessential,

spice-dominated approach

that one would expect to

find.

“India is known for spices,

and we’ve got that, but,

we also play around with

it and have fun. There are

certain dishes that you

really can’t call yourself an

Indian restaurant and not

have, but, then our Chefs

take those same spices and

same ideas and we experiment,

we even have an

Indian-inspired lasagna.”

And he says locals are

helping to chart the course

forward, by trying new

things and giving feedback.

“This is a restaurant

town,” said Bakshi, “The

residents support the local

dining scene.”

Bakshi says he most enjoys

diversifying the dining

options for area residents

in the heart of one of the State’s best downtowns.

“It’s really what Westfield is known

for, and we think it’s amazing.”

COURTESY @1958CUBANCUISINE

1958 Cuban

Westfield

All throughout the start of 2018, 1958

Cuban Cuisine was a media darling of sorts,

snagging unpaid write-ups in the Star Ledger

and others. The seemingly overnight success

of the corner restaurant in the Boulevard

Historic District {formerly home to the Boulevard

Bistro} was attributed by many to its

Cuban-native Chef, J.R Gonzalez.

“It just felt like home here,” the Executive

Chef explained to a visiting reporter earlier

this year.

Chef Raul, as he is referred to by the restaurant’s

team, continues to turn heads, winning

at the 2018 Paella Cook-Off Festival in Perth

Amboy.

“If you haven’t tried his Paella you’re missing

out,” posted 1958 Cuban Cuisine after his

victory.

Local foodies also attest to the authentic

family vibe produced by Luis and Sofia Perez

{you might also know her from Sofi’s Color

Lounge}.

The husband and wife team say when you

step into their establishment they want to

take you to Cuba… all without the hassle of

packing.

“There is Cuban music, punching a loud,

catchy beat. On the walls, there is Cuban art

and scenes of Cuba. And you can smell the

results of culinary work in a fine Cuban kitchen,”

explained the duo, who say they chose the

restaurant’s name because it marks the final

year Cuba was a free country.

Among the signature dishes are Ropa Vieja,

Lechon Asado, Bistec de Palomilla and, of

course, the world famous Cuban sandwich.

They also feature weekend specials like grilled

pork chops and other seasonal offerings.

Massa

Scotch Plains

The aromas of Roma are now prevalent on

Park Avenue in Scotch Plains Centre. That’s

courtesy of the Massaro Family of Cranford;

Marco {born in Italy!}, Jennifer {born

in Jersey!} and their young son Mateo. They

set up the authentic Roman pizzeria, Massa

after studying for years the unique method to

deliver a traditional “square” pie found on the

streets of Italy’s capital.

13

COURTESY @MASSARSP

“The process that we use is really important;

like in Rome, we take 72 hours to let

the dough rise,” noted Jennifer Massaro,

“We won’t speed up that process.”

The slow go results in a very light pie that

is full of large bubbles and celebrated for

its crispy bite.

Besides imported ingredients like San

Marzano tomatoes, the flour plays a starring

role.

“It naturally has no GMO (genetically

modified organisms). It’s a whole, stoneground

flour from Italy. It’s unprocessed.

A lot of American flours have bleach or

bromine in it,” said Massaro.

The Roman pies are sold by the slice

during the day {not weighed, like in Rome}

and by the pan in the evening. Full pans

offers 12 slices, half pans have six. Gluten

free and vegan options are also available.

Massa also has a small market that features

Italian specialties like canned tomatoes,

pestos, dried pastas, sea salt, cookies,

flour and jams.

“All of the products are from Italy. We

curate them all and plan to rotate them out

throughout the year,” noted Massaro.

The Massaro Family says Scotch Plains

could not have been more welcoming and

supportive of their opening.

“The town has been amazing. Lots of people

of all ages and demographics have come

in. It’s been pretty awesome,” said Massaro.

“I think people were ready for something a

bit different.” •


Area Guide to Dining Out

100stepscranford

100 Steps Kitchen + Raw Bar, Cranford

houdinipizzalaboratory

Houdini Pizza Laboratory, Fanwood

#EATWHEREYOULIVE

mr.bin_sushi_cranford_

Mr. Bin Sushi, Cranford

clarkbbq

Clark BBQ Churrasqueira, Clark

paragontapandtable

Paragon Tap & Table, Clark

tablespooncafenj

Tablespoon Cafe, Cranford

#ClarkNJ

Asian Taste

33 Westfield Avenue

732-827-2828

Traditional Korean, Japanese

and Thai favorites, including

bulgogi, bibimbop and sushi.

Asian Fusion, $$

Bistro 1051

1051 Raritan Road

732-680-1051

@bistro1051

Modern Clarkton strip mall

eatery offering an eclectic

menu wiht an assortment of

Italian seafood and sushi.

Italian-Asian Fusion, $$

Clark BBQ Churrasqueira

1419 Raritan Road

732-396-4600

@clarkbbq

Super cozy, casual restaurant

and bar serving classic

Portuguese-style BBQ, sides

and sangria.

Portuguese, Barbeque, $

Deli King of Clark

30 Clarkton Drive

732-574-2040

“Been there forever” outpost

for kosher classics from

corned beef to knishes.

Jewish Deli, $$

Paragon Tap & Table

77 Central Avenue

732-931-1776

@paragontapandtable

Exciting gastropub offering

numerous craft beers and bar.

Gastropub, $$

Tarantella Ristorante

1199 Raritan Road

732-396-3700

Classic “red sauce” trattoria

serving up Italian-American

favorites like stuffed rigatoni

and bolognese.

Italian, $$

Thailand Restaurant

291 Central Avenue

732-388-4441

Re-opened, unassuming, no

frills roadside “Thai diner”

offering traditional dishes.

Take-out business is always

booming.

Thai, $

#CranfordNJ

100 Steps

Supper Club + Raw Bar

215 Centennial Avenue

908-276-0153

@100stepscranford

Boisterous New American

restaurant featuring a traditional

oyster bar.

Seafood, New American $$$

A Toute Heure

232 Centennial Avenue

908-276-6600

@ath_cranford

Popular bistro-inspired

restaurant serving sophisticated,

market-fresh cuisine

in chic, cozy quarters. New

owners have kept farm-to-table

concept.

American (New), $$$

Amblei Greek Taverna

29 North Union Avenue

(908) 272-4111

Often very crowded, corner

Greek restaurant in the heart

of Downtown Cranford.

Traditional Greek music helps

set the mood and create an

authentic atmosphere.

Greek, Mediterranean, $$

Avenue East


908-272-7258

A true range of Asian dishes

are available at this contemporary

restaurant, from Thai

curries to Chinese to sushi.

Asian Fusion, $$

Mr. Bin Sushi & Grill


908-272-2617

@mr.bin_sushi_cranford_

Creative sushi menu items

include Sea urchins. Noodles

and hibachi too.

Japanese, Sushi, $$

Pairings

10 Walnut Avenue

908-276-4026

@pairings_cranfordnj

Refined New American

restaurant known for pairing

innovative flavors in its

market-driven dishes. Pre-fixe

menu available.

American (New), $$$

Riverside Inn

2 South Avenue West

908-272-0045

@romolasnj

White-tablecloth BYOB venue

for Mediterranean meals emphasizing

seafood and upscale

meats.

American (New), Seafood $$$

Romola’s Seafood & Grille

2 South Avenue West

908-272-0045

@romolasnj

White-tablecloth BYOB venue

for Mediterranean meals emphasizing

seafood and upscale

meats.

American (New), Seafood $$$

Siam Inn

110 North Avenue West

908-325-6446

Small digs, but big flavors.

Traditional dishes and Thai

dumplings.

Thai, $$

Tablespoon Cafe


908-325-6446

Small digs, but big flavors.

Traditional dishes and Thai

dumplings.

Thai, $$

#FanwoodNJ

Houdini Pizza Laboratory

25 South Avenue

908-288-7118

@houdinipizzalaboratory

New cozy cucina delivering

artisanal pizzas, Italian staples

and reimagined classics in

trendy digs.

Italian, Pizza, $$

Sheelen’s Crossing

200 South Avenue

908-753-4500

@sheelens_crossing

Only pub in town delivers

Irish and pub favorites. Bloody

Mary bar is popular.

American (New), Pub, $$

15

Guide to Dining Out

limanigrill

Limani Seafood Grill, Westfield

ferrarosrestaurant

Ferraro’s Restaurant, Westfield

#GarwoodNJ

&grain

700 North Avenue

908-232-2233

@andgrain

Highly praised cafe serving

breakfast, sandwiches, salads,

soups & quiches, featuring

stellar Stumptown Coffee,

amid stylish ampersand-laden

decor.

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch,

Coffee & Teas, $$

Fusion D’Lite

348 North Avenue

908-928-1289

@fusiondlite

Unassuming, casual spot for

sushi and Asian dishes.

Asian Fusion, Sushi, $$,

Rosie’s Wine Bar

514 North Avenue

908-518-9463

@rosieswinebar

Down to earth environment

where wine novices and wine

pros alike feel comfortable

pulling the corks of their

favorite bottles and sharing

them with delicious food.

American (New), Wine Bar,

$$

Rudy’s

514 North Avenue

908-518-9463

@rosieswinebar

Down to earth environment

where wine novices and wine

pros alike feel comfortable

pulling the corks of their

favorite bottles and sharing

them with delicious food.

American (New), Wine Bar,

$$

#KenilworthNJ

Boulevard Five 72

572 Boulevard

908-709-1200

@boulevardfive72

Swanky spot for upmarket

New American dishes (including

a fixed-price menu) and a

varied wine list.

American (New), $$$

La Campagnola

520 South 31st Street

908-241-9200

Cozy restaurant preparing

traditional Italian cuisine such

as burrata, lasagna and meat/

seafood dishes.

Italian, $$

Le Rendez-Vous Bistro

520 Boulevard

908-931-0888

Popular destination for refined,

seasonal French cuisine

served in an intimate dining

room.

French, $$$

Taormina Restaurant

482 Boulevard

908-497-1717

An upscale Italian menu

presented with wine and

andgrain

&grain, Garwood

YUUUUM!!!!

darbyroadpub

Darby Road Pub, Scotch Plains


cocktails in a posh setting with

a separate bar area.

Italian, $$

#MountainsideNJ

Daimatsu

860 Mountain Ave

908-233-7888

Informal Japanese venue

offering sushi rolls, teriyaki,

udon and other standards in a

relaxed setting.

Japanese, Sushi, $$

Publick House

899 Mountain Ave

908-233-2355

@publickhouse

Warmly decorated gastropub

serving Irish and New American

plates, plus craft brews,

wine and killer cocktails.

American (New), Gastro Pub,

$$

Spanish Tavern

1239 Route 22

908-232-2171

Serving paella and other traditional

dishes in a lively setting.

Sangria makes everyone

happy.

Spanish, Seafood, $$

Mosaico

1072 Route 22

908-233-3553

@mosaico_italian_restaurant

Stylish, classic Italian menu

with great desserts.

Italian, $

Echo Tap and Grill

1079 Route 22

908-264-7100

@echotapandgrille

Trendy, industrial-inspired

restaurant/bar featuring lots of

draft beers and a diverse menu.

American (New), Bar, $$

#ScotchPlainsNJ

Darby Road

450 Park Avenue

908-288-7667

@darbyroadpub

Creative gastropub menu, craft

beers on tap, inventive cocktails,

lots of flat screen TVs and

a seasonal beer garden.

American (New), Pub $$

Massa Roman Square

405 Park Avenue

908-312-9499

@massarsp

Hours-long process delivers

authentically crispy Roman-style

pizzas. Small Italian

market delivers imports.

Italian, Pizza, $

Grillstone Restaurant

2377 Route 22

(908) 889-8000

@grillestone

Modern restaurant for casual

American cuisine, specialty

cocktails plus great outdoor

space.

American (New), Fusion $$

Stage House Tavern

366 Park Avenue

908-322-4224

@stagehousetavern

Lively American eatery serving

pub grub in a sprawling rustic

Colonial building with a popular

outdoor patio.

American (Traditional), $$

#WestfieldNJ

16 Prospect Wine Bar and

Bistro

16 Prospect Street

908-232-7320

@16prospect

Quirky decor and live music

lend this casual wine bar a

bohemian vibe.

American (traditional), $$$

1958 Cuban

301 South Ave West

908-232-3187

@1958cubancuisine

Family-owned BYOB eatery

with Cuban art offering modern

and traditional dishes.

Cuban, $$

Addams Tavern

115 Elm Street

908-232-3201

@theaddamstavern

Reservations are recommended

at this New American,

farm-to-table cuisine in a

drop-dead gorgeous setting.

Chef Nick DeRosa returns to

his hometown.

American (New), $$$

Akai Japanese

Sushi Lounge

102 East Broad Street

908-264-8660

@akai__lounge

Well regarded Sushi and

cocktail lounge in the heart of

Downtown Westfield.

Japanese, Sushi, $$

Chez Catherine


(908) 654-4011

@chezcatherine_nj

Longstanding, elegant French

restaurant offering upmarket à

la carte lunches and fixed-price

dinners.

French, $$$

Ferraro’s Restaurant

14 Elm Street

908-232-1105

@ferrarosrestaurant

For decades, a neighborhood

staple delivering traditional

Italian meals, pizzas and excellent

daily specials.

Italian, Pizza, $$

Fiamma Wood Fired Pizza

108 Quimby Street

908- 654-0401

@fiamma_pizza

900-degree, wood-fired brick

oven churns out delectable

pies.

Pizza, Italian, $$

Limani Seafood Grill


908-276-6600

@limanigrill

Popular BYOB restaurant serving

Greek seafood and other

Mediterranean specialties in a

newly-expanded space.

Greek, Seafood, $$$

Roosterspin


908-276-6600

@roosterspin_nj

Buzz-worthy, industrial-chic,

Korean eatery and bar featuring

karaoke.

Korean, Wings, $$

Spice Bazaar

39 Elm Street

908-389-1888

@spicebazaarnj

An extensive menu of Indian

classics, seasonal specials and

modern fusion.

Indian $$

Splash of Thai

321 South Avenue West

(908) 232-0402

Traditional Thai recipes served

in an intimate, vibrantly decorated

dining room.

Thai, $$

Sweet Waters

Steak House

43 Elm Street

908-317-2599

@sweetwatersnj

Upscale, old-school, traditional

steakhouse known for

its steaks, chops seafood and

cocktails.

American (traditional), Steakhouse,

$$$

Xocolatz

Restaurant & Grill

235 Elmer Street

908-232-3962

@xocolatz

Opened in 2002 as a dessert

and coffee shop (hence the

name Xocolatz for chocolate),

now serving American comfort

food in a casual setting..

American (New), $$

MAD SKILLS

#HIREWHEREYOULIVE MORE AT WESTFIELDAREA.COM/MADSKILLS

Annealed Studio in Cranford

Reached Out to Stay-cationers

The studio hosted a unique

opportunity for parents and their

teens {13 and up} who enjoyed a

Spring Break in the area.

Cranford’s Home Power Yoga

Offers 40-Day Challenge

“40 Days to a Personal Revolution”

is based on the belief that it takes no

less than 40 days to create a habit.

A great experiment for all!

Alpha Performance’s

Big Gains

The Alpha fitness brand has opened

gyms in Garwood and Westfield’s

Central Avenue.

E M O J I F I E D

Fanwood’s K9 Resorts Turns

Cuteness Factor Waaay Up

The upscale daycare and “luxury

hotel” for dogs has upped its cuteness

game {c’mon their so adorable!}

on Instagram.

Frank’s Auto Body Expansion

in Downtown Fanwood

In 2019, they are not only expanding

their facility and investing more into

their location, they are also continuing

their outreach on social media.

CKO Kickboxing is Open in Clark

CKO Kickboxing has opened its Clark

location on Central Avenue in the new

Clark Commercial Center. The gym

was founded in Hoboken in 1997.

“We have clients that

are in their 80s, we have

clients that are in their

teens...”

Adam Pantastico of Studio Fit in Westfield chats

about keeping resolutions, group training and

other topics...

More on The Isoldi Connection podcast at

westfieldarea.com/listen

or SCAN ->

S I T D O W N

17

INTEL

WOW!

Downtown

Dental Opens

Stylish

Location

There’s a new dentist in

Westfield, as Downtown

Dental opens its doors on

North Avenue. And Dr. Paul

Zhivago {a New York City

transplant} and his team are

already making the rounds and

introducing themselves to the

area. “We can’t wait to meet

you and make your smile the

best it can be,” they recently

posted on social media.

Downtown Dental’s grand

opening was in March .

<-yes,

that’s

snooki!

Award-Winning

Beauty Expert

&Esthetician,

Lora Condon

Finds New

Home

Lora Condon, aka the Beauty

Buster, can now be found at the

Utopia Salon and Day Spa in

Westfield, moving her acclaimed

services {including Bluezyme skin

treatments} out of her Jersey

Boutique Spa on West Broad

Street and into the sprawling

South Avenue facility owned by

Nubia Suarez. Condon officially

closed Jersey Boutique Spa in

January.

So Cool!

ChillRx

Cryotherapy is

Expanding

ChillRx Cryotherapy, the firm

that utilizes freezing/near freezing

temperatures to treat a slew

of ailments and promote wellness,

is expanding its footprint on

South Avenue. Welcome news to

the Downtown Westfield Development

Corporation (DWC).

“At a time when some businesses

are contracting, it is great to see

a thriving and growing downtown

business,” noted DWC. Like many

locals, Snooki {of MTV’s Jersey

Shore fame} utilized ChillRx’s

services in 2017.

Carpet and

Hardwood Flooring

Dimitrious Marmarou

908-265-6964

Hardwood Floors

Unlimited

908-233-1001

Chimney Repair

Desmond Morrow

from Afton

973-635-1460

Cleaning Service

CS Cleaning

(Cella Szaro)

908-925-5156

Decorators

Jennifer Watty

908-233-8128

Peggy Schott

201-926-1809

Ellie Mroz

908-232-0134

Electrician

Ron Pecina

732-770-1437

Estate Planning

Steve Burke

908-232-2300

Donald Vanarelli

908-232-7400

Estate Sales

Pine Cone

Antiques

908-337-5503

Florist

Christoffers

908-233-0500

Contracting

Alfano

Renovations

732-922-2020

Michael Robert

Construction

908-232-0134

Shoreline

908-272-0278

Colicchio

908-232-4619

FRANK’S

SHORT LIST

After being in the real estate business for three

decades, Frank D. Isoldi knows a thing or two

when it comes to referring local home owners to

area pros. The following are phone numbers to

some of Frank’s go-to folks in a number of key categories.

If you reach out, be sure to tell them Frank sent you!

Please note, this list is not an exhaustive for every category.

Gutter Cleaning

John and Kevin

McCormack

908-358-6297

Handyperson

Benninger and Sons

908-232-8085

Home Inspection

Precision

Consultants,

Chuck Arnone

973-702-8833

HVAC Contractor

Reel Strong

908-276-0900

Insurance

Frank Petronella,

State Farm

201-288-0099

Landscaper/

Irrigation

Live Oak

(Mike Sidlowski)

732-752-8030

Harmony Design

908-264-4440

Locksmith

McIntyer’s

908-232-2528

Mold Removal

Puro Clean

908-577-9120

Mortgage Advisor

Mike Stepek from

Guaranteed Rate

908-361-4972

Movers

White Glove

800-340-1911

New Home

Construction

Michael

Mahoney

908-377-3762

NCN Properties

908-963-2886

Pat Ferro

908-413-6410

Frank has no official affiliation with these

providers and does not guarantee their service.

Oil Tank Removal

Mike Waters

908-350-7778

Painters

Louis from Galdos

908-377-2190

Matt from

Neighborhood

908-296-1806

Plumber

Dion Natale

908-967-4770

Real Estate

Attorneys

Joyce

Wegbreit

908-518-9297

Lori

Ciarrocca Duffy

908-272-0200

Joseph Gachko

908-317-0500

Roofing

Hipp Roofing

908-233-4000

Termite/Pest

Crown

Termite

908-322-6288

Title Company

NRT Title

973-376-4643

Trash Hauler &

Dumpsters

Matt Costello

908-419-4884

Household

RND 908-232-7494

Tree Service

Rich’s Tree Service

(Alan)

908-721-2251

A-1 Tree Service (Mike)

732-841-7370

Waterproofing

Gregory

Waterproofing

732-381-7928

Zoning Attorney

Stephen Hehl

908-687-7000


Amped-Up Living

Have a Bold

Design Project?

I’m Onboard

1199 US-22, MountainsidE

908.233.8128

jen@jenwatty.com

jenwatty.com

NEAR BUY

#SHOPWHEREYOULIVE MORE AT WESTFIELDAREA.COM/MADSKILLS

SHOPPER’S NOTEBOOK...

If you’re looking to

take part in an innovative

candle recycle

program, look no

farther than Garwood,

where the newly

opened Love Valentine

{pronounced Valen-TEEN}

Boutique has launched

this hard to find service.

“No one is doing it and

people love the idea,”

explained Joeanne Valentine,

the boutique’s

owner. “It’s new to the

market.”

Valentine, a self-proclaimed

candle lover, says

the idea is simple. People

can enjoy their candles

and bring their used vessels

to her and she will

create a brand

new candle

using high-quality

soy-coconut

wax, natural

products and

toxin-free

scents...

Westfield’s

retail scene

for men got a

boost with the

recent opening

of Bespoke

by Gambert, a

shop that offers

made-to-order shirts,

accessories and readyto-wear-apparel

for all

seasons and occasions...

If you’re in the market

for vintage furniture, a

stop in Garwood would

be a wise decision with

the opening this winter of

Cheech and Roo on North

Avenue...

Essential oils often

promise help, but, they

do come with risks if not

used properly, or for the

right reasons.

“Essential oils are everywhere

these days, but

with so much conflicting

information out there,

it can become overwhelming

with questions

like: where do I start?”

posted Christa Teevan,

the Founder of The Oils

Room in Downtown Westfield.

The shop,

co-located with

Via Nutrition

on Elmer Street,

promises a

straight forward

approach

to educating

shoppers about

essential oils...

Warby Parker,

the eyeglasses

Inside Bespoke retailer that

by Gambert was born online,

has opened

its highly-anticipated

location in Downtown

Westfield...

Since the mid-1970s,


Wax on tap in Garwood

the Juxtapose

Gallery o n

Elm Street has

played an important

role in

the arts community

of Westfield

and the surrounding

area,

but, despite its

beloved status

in Downtown,

it too couldn’t

fight the ongoing

consumer

shift from instore

to online.

“Juxtapose Gallery

has been

a treasure in

Westfield since

the 1970s,”

posted the Juxtapose

team on its social media

channels. “But, like many

others, we have become

victim to the recession of

small business/brick and

mortar. This week marks

the beginning of our closing

sale.”

Owner Danielle D’Amico

thanked all of her clients

for their loyalty and

friendship throughout the

years. She did hint that

a new business venture

awaits online...

After more than 70 years

in business, the Castle

Bootery in Downtown

Westfield closed. The

popular children’s shoe

store announced its

demise to customers via

email.

“We want to thank all

of you for your support

and patronage over the

years,” the email read.

“We have greatly enjoyed

working with you

and your children

and will miss the

community.” ...

The new owner of

the independently

owned and operated

Bell’s Pharmacy o n

North Union Avenue

is promising continued

improvements

to the longtime

Cranford institution.

Samir Talati took over

Bell’s in 2016 and has

since stepped-up the

pharmacy’s game, including

the items it stocks

and the services it provides

for customers. The

store now sells books,

greeting cards, cosmetics

and even toys, according

to the Cranford

Downtown Business and

Economic Development

Office.

The beloved Williams

Nursery on Springfield

Avenue celebrated its

annual Spring awakening

{sounds grander than

re-opening} in March with

a burst of floral pics on

Facebook.

The Witch Baby Soap

e-merchant that made a

name for itself online,

amassing a cult-like fanbase

{they have nearly

200K Instagram followers}

for its occult bath

and body products has

opened a long-awaited

brick-and-mortar location

in Downtown Cranford.

Witch Baby Soap’s storefront

swung open its

doors on May 1 at 11

Eastman Street, allowing

its fans to experience its

full line of vegan and cruelty

beauty products in a

whole new way.

The company’s unique

twist is that alongside

its bath bombs, candles,

soaps, body oils and

scrubs, comes spell boxes

and other witchcraft-inspired

goods. •

Warby Parker of Westfield.

Over 20 Years of Experience in Home Renovations, Design and Construction

Family Owned and Operated ... and now close by!

#kitchengoals

Come visit our new Westfield Area

Kitchen and Bath Showroom.

Now open at

331 South Avenue in Garwood.

Let’s get started on your next project.

732.922.2020

alfanorenovations.com

@alfanorenovations

INTERVIEW

T H E F R I D G E

Remember how we used to hang the things

we loved and were proud of on the kitchen

fridge? Remember the colorful magnets? Well,

this is our vintage fridge! For this issue we

find awesome local merch...

“When people walk in here they

become part of our family, and they

get treated as such. I think that is the

strength of a mom-and-pop...”

Anna Mastroianni of Sole Fine Italian Shoes

in Westfield talks about shopping local,

iconic Arcanum Hall and other topics.

More on The Isoldi Connection podcast at

westfieldarea.com/listen

or SCAN ->

#RHOKNOWS...

1.

Great lightweight tee at Cranford’s Cougar

Headquarters in Centennial Village.

After a day a shopping...

gotta swing by a Downtown

restaurant. Rho loves to stop

by Sweet Waters!

2.

Root for the HOME 07090 baseball tee at

Barons Drug Store on East Broad Street!

3.

Drink up! Reusable party cups found at

The French Martini shop on Elm Street!


SWEET WATERS

STEAK HOUSE

An Unforgettable Dining Experience

908-317-2599

sweetwaterssteakhouse.com

23

westfieldarea

#LoveWhereYouLive

HIRING THE TOP AGENT ISN’T EXPENSIVE. IT’S PRICELESS.

Westfield Area Homes by Frank D. Isoldi

Broker/Sales Associate, Previews Property Specialist

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

For more, follow on instagram @frankdisoldi | twitter @homeswestfield

209 Central Avenue, Westfield

Cell Phone Number: 908-787-5990

THE SAVANNAH

111 PROSPECT STREET, 2F

Westfield

$1,095,000 | 2 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths

© 2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the

Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Number 5 of Westfield Area

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?