Food + Beverage

2025 Food and Beverage Awards

Sponsored by Denville City Lifestyle and Denville Guide Article by Alessandra Guarneri, Denville Guide | Photography by Alessandra Guarneri, Brigitte Carucci, Mary Griffin This season, Denville City Lifestyle and Denville Guide joined forces to spotlight the best of our town’s vibrant food and beverage scene. With five carefully curated categories and votes from our community, the results are in—and they’re nothing short of delicious. 1. Best Cup of Coffee: Lake Born Coffee This was by far...

Food + Beverage

Serving Up Flavorful Memories

Dina Deleasa-Gonsar blends family, food, and storytelling in her debut cookbook. Article by Ellen S. Wilkowe | Photography by Michael Krautter For Dina Deleasa-Gonsar, every recipe is rooted in three pillars—food, family, and faith. They’re the foundation of her debut cookbook and the latest chapter in a career that’s taken her from reality TV to lifestyle media, and now, into publishing. Viewers first met her on Married to Jonas alongside her sister Danielle, and today she’s a regular...

Food + Beverage

The Art of Grazing

From grazing tables to cultural flavors, The Fig & Zaytoun redefines entertaining with edible artistry. Article by Ellen S. Wilkowe | Photography by Sha Memories, Ag Illustration For Suhair Najjar, being ‘on board’ is more than a phrase—it’s her way of life. As owner of The Fig & Zaytoun, a luxury grazing and charcuterie company, she transforms food into art, treating every board as a blank canvas for culinary creativity. And her path has evolved as seamlessly as the flavors she now so...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of Legacy

Decades of culinary passion simmer into one of New Jersey’s most beloved Italian kitchens: Gourmet Café. Article by Ellen S. Wilkowe | Photography by Brooke Micoletti, Gourmet Cafe The aroma of simmering sauces and freshly baked bread lingers in the air at The Gourmet Café, where every dish tells a story. For Chef Matt Pierone, that story began decades ago at a sink full of dishes and has since evolved into one of New Jersey’s most beloved Italian kitchens. What began as an unexpected moment...

Style + Beauty

The Mane Duo

Where partnership and passion unite—one style, one story, and one community at a time. At MJ Salon, it’s more than just a cut. Article by Ellen S. Wilkowe | Photography by Brooke Micoletti It’s not everyday a couple gets to talk shop at their shop. But that’s exactly the case for Manny and Jessica Cotto, the husband and wife team behind MJ Salon in Boonton. A community staple for five years now, the shop functions as one-part barber, one-part salon and a labor of love between the two. ...

Home Services

From Heart to Home, With Style

Every home tells a story—Reneww Design makes sure it’s yours. Article by Alessandra Guarneri | Photography by Brooke Micoletti and Michael Williams/Willventures-Photography Your home should be as unique as your fingerprint — that’s the Reneww Design promise. In fact, the design process goes beyond choosing colors or furniture — it starts with discovering what founder Kat Esteves calls each client’s “personal blueprint.” This guiding philosophy shapes every project, placing the focus not just...

Food + Beverage

Energy Bites

This fiber and protein-packed snack is perfect for a quick, nourishing energy boost. Article by Derek Lipton/Full Circle Sports Nutrition Whether you’re an athlete or active adult, snacking can make or break your nutrition goals. Not eating enough can lead to overeating at dinner or late-night snacking—especially if you're trying to lose weight. If you're focused on building muscle, it can mean missing out on essential calories. But without the right choices, snacking can do more harm than...

Health + Wellness

Energy Flows Where Intention Goes

Jill Marie Kelly empowers others to shift, release, and realign—no matter where they are. Article by Ellen S. Wilkowe | Photography by Alessandra Guarneri Jill Marie Kelly doesn't just radiate energy-she seems to channel it to support others. She's hands-on in every sense and is equally in tune to those who come in contact with her. A self-proclaimed lifelong empath, Kelly has worn many hats under the caregiving umbrella. She's worked as a preschool daycare teacher, certified nursing...

Education

Composing Life's First Symphony

At Bravo Music Academy, children grow into confident musicians through creativity, connection, and expression. Article by Donna Del Moro | Photography by Brooke Micoletti Music isn’t just sound—it’s the heartbeat of childhood growth. Just ask Christie Seyfarth, owner of Bravo Music Academy. Tucked outside of the heart of downtown Denville, Bravo Music Academy has been nurturing young musicians since 2016. The academy welcomes students as young as age three, offering private and group...

Local Services

Denville Animal Shelter: Rescued with Love

Where every animal’s story matters and second chances begin. Article by Ellen S. Wilkowe | Photography by Alessandra Guarneri There was plenty of woofing and tweeting. There was probably some meowing, too. Welcome to the Denville Animal Shelter. Here everyday has gone to the dogs—or the cats—and yes, even the birds. Located in Building 9 in the Department of Public Works complex on Morris Avenue, the shelter tends to about 150 animals per year and is operated by the Denville Police...