Bergen Health & Life

Spas with a plus

Set in a lush, 7,00 square feet adorned with live plants and softly glowing candlelight, Castle Rock at La Cantera—named one of the nation’s top 100 spa resorts in Condé Nast Traveler—is home to four massage rooms, two facial rooms, a salon space and more.

Bergen Buzz: Exotic escape

“The combo at Mambo”—that’s what husband-and-wife team Louis Nunez and CiCi Chan-Nunez happily call the unusual culture clash at their cozy Rutherford BYOB, Mambo Tea House

Bergenfest 2010

Check out the very best from Bergenfest 2010. Food, belly dancers, models and more.

Puppy Love

“I found Kenny’s baby picture on the website www.puppyfinder.com and fell in love—how could I resist that face? He’s a Schnauzer-poodle mix who was bred in Missouri and flown to us at 10 weeks old. Although he was nervous when we picked him up at Newark Airport, it didn’t take long for him to melt right in.”

House parties with a twist

If pizza, cake and a few rounds of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” just aren’t cutting it, soup up your little one’s birthday bash with one of these fun fêtes—each of which will come right to your home:

Wiser wares

This ain’t your papa’s general store. From accessories made by nonprofit global women’s organizations to kitchenware crafted with recycled materials, Teaneck General Store (201-530-5046) offers unique merchandise made with social and environmental consciousness.

Autumn by the sea: Your Cape May vacation

“Seaside charm” doesn’t get much more charming than Cape May. America’s oldest oceanfront resort (and the first entire town to be named a National Historic Landmark), its streets are bursting with quaint delights. Thanks to its famous “gingerbread” Victorian homes and a host of family-friendly activities, it’s a perfect spot for an impromptu autumn getaway.

Smashburger is smashing good!

If you’re in the mood for a quick bite that is a step up than your average fast food chain, then you have to try the new Smashburger restaurant at The Shops at Riverside mall. Smashburger made its debut in August at its new Bergen County location.

A chat with Robert Egan

The 52-year-old restauranteur-author on barbecue, family-and his unusual friendship with North Korean Diplomats

Prize those eyes

For more good-sight insight, Bergen Health & Life asked Jeffrey Anshel, O.D. (doctor of optometry), president of the Ocular Nutrition Society, for advice on six possible threats to your eyes.

Bergen Readers' Choice Awards 2010!

See all the photos and descriptions of our proud roster of winners that you voted "best." Click here to find out where your local loves are hiding and check out who will be giving yummy samples at Bergenfest 2010!

The Wellness Room at Bergenfest 2010

Along our local Readers Choice winners, Bergenfest 2010 will provide a Wellness Room for its guests. Stop in for mini-consultations, screenings, massages, spray tans, and information from local health, wellness and beauty professionals.

Paradise, twice

2 jaunts to refresh body, mind and spirit: The blissful beaches of Grand Cayman and Colorado's rugged vistas

Tasty spaces

A local designer gives his Park Ridge restaurant a look that befits its acclaimed cuisine

World's fare

Bergen Health & Life asked four premier local chefs, each specializing in a different cuisine, to take us step-by-step through one of their favorite healthy recipes. Here’s what you need to give mealtime an international flavor:

Rockin' rollers

Consider them north Jersey’s toughest all-girl athletic league: THE GARDEN STATE ROLLERGIRLS (www.gardenstaterollergirls.com) are warriors on wheels.