Life + Culture

A Growing Community

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Community Garden cultivates friendships and fellowship Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Terry Azad and Cathy Harris PAGE 1 paragraph If you are like me, you have driven by the Frazee House on Raritan Road and seen the hundreds of pumpkins piled up every Fall.  Perhaps you’ve noticed activity happening behind the historic building and wondered to yourself, “What is going on back there?”  The answer?  Goodness. There is genuine goodness being practiced by the...

Wellness

Tips to Out Run Your Fork

From Local Fitness Experts and Gym Owners Tony and Melissa Bianchino Article by Tony and Melissa Bianchino Do achievable workouts Don't use a busy schedule as an excuse to avoid working out.  30 Minute Workouts can make a big impact in a small amount of time. Energy is low? Take a walk.  Just find a way to move.    Be accountable Hire a trainer or join a small group training to hold yourself accountable to those supporting your success. Make the commitment to yourself and your family to be...

Wellness

Dine Out Stress-free

Simple and effective strategies for keeping the joy in eating out Article by Jordana Edelstein Eating out is one of life’s great joys. The food, the fun, the company. But then the overthinking kicks in. Am I eating too much? How many calories are in this? And suddenly, what was meant to be a great time turns stressful. Here’s how you can change that.  These are my top 4 tips to help you eat out and enjoy every bite, stress free. Plate Pit Stop : Sharing apps or dessert? Put your portion on...

Food + Beverage

Uncorking the Truth: Wine Myths Debunked

Local wine expert Dan Amatuzzi returns to answer the most common questions and misconceptions about wine Article by Dan Amatuzzi Q: Does all wine get better with age? A: No, the majority of wines should be opened within a few years of bottling. Analysts estimate that over 90% of wines produced each year are meant to be consumed within five years. Most wines, especially those under $30, are best enjoyed young and fresh. Q: Is red wine supposed to be served at room temperature? A: The pros...

Food + Beverage

Chef's Choice

Scotch Plains-Fanwood chefs share their favorite signature dishes Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Chelsea Doyle Chef Armen Saqe, Jessica's Restaurant Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Crepe This menu staple created by Chef Armen is inspired by a dish he enjoyed in Lyon, France.  A savory warm crepe that is rich and indulgent, filled with jumbo lump crab meat and the freshest, seasonal wild mushrooms.  Everything about this dish is comforting.  From the homemade crepe made with brown butter to...

Food + Beverage

Feed Your Soul

Sisters Michelene and Alicia Lambros Share a Healthy Lifestyle with Soul Bowls Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Craig Smith On any given day you can walk in to Soul Bowls on Mountain Avenue in Scotch Plains and feel instantly uplifted by the vibrant walls, and equally colorful bowls, smoothies and juices that are lovingly prepared for your body (and soul). The place is a reflection of local sisters and owners, Michelene and Alicia Lambros, both bright and spirited souls in their own...

Education

The Building Blocks of St. Joseph's High School

St. Joseph's High School in Metuchen promotes well-rounded men inside and outside of the classroom Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Provided St. Joseph High School in Metuchen prides itself on the caliber of young men it graduates into the world. They provide strong building blocks in academics, leadership, character formation, service and brotherhood to be a man of the future, ready to make a difference in the world.  Perhaps most importantly, they give young men empowerment...

Style + Beauty

Hand Painted Love Stories

ZB Couture delivers custom luxury wedding & formal wear Photography by Provided by Zahra Batool Scotch Plains resident Zahra Batool is living out her girlhood dream of becoming an artist. As a Master Designer, and Founder / CEO of ZB Couture, she creates hand painted wedding dresses and made-to-order gowns for bridals and formal occasions. Each gown offers timeless and classic beauty through Zahra’s intricately hand-painted motifs on luxury fabrics of the highest quality. Every ZB Couture...

Local Services

Seniors Live in Style

Brandywine Mountain Ridge provides seniors with surroundings and activities that suit their individual needs and style Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Provided If you are considering long term care for yourself or your loved one, visit Brandywine Mountain Ridge by Monarch in Watchung for a glimpse of what is possible. The grounds are immaculate, and the interior shared spaces feel like a high-end hotel. There is a refreshment station as soon as you enter, offering fruit infused water...

Home + Design

INTERIOR DESIGN: TRENDY VS. TIMELESS

Making today’s hottest items part of your forever home Article and Photography by Ethan Allen’s Watchung Design Team We’ve all fallen head over heels for something trendy, spent big to bring it home, and discovered it wasn’t so great after all. With furniture or home décor, those missteps can take a big bite out of your wallet. That’s why working with an interior designer can be a huge advantage, explains Lisa Matrale, a design consultant at Ethan Allen in Watchung. “A good designer steers...