Home & Style Features

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

Pod squad

Foodies aplenty have declared their love for edamame, an increasingly popular bean that packs a hefty nutritional punch.

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

Starter Home, Reborn

With 30 years of memories invested in this space—the couple’s first home, which they share with their daughter, a grad student—they found it hard to say goodbye.

Garden glory

“It contains indoor and outdoor pools, a koi pond, a greenhouse and expansive views of an adjacent golf course, but what I enjoy most are the mature plants and trees."

Mangia Verde

It was clear soon after we settled into our seats at Del Posto that we were in for a memorable experience.

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:

Tasty plates aplenty

Mom always told you to share. What better way than with a table full of flavorful dishes? Tapas—small plates of hot or cold appetizers, designed for sharing and available in endless tantalizing varieties—are perfect when paired with fruity libations and lively conversation.

Pod squad

Foodies extol health benefits and versatility of this lesser-known vegetable.

Just desserts

Want to eat healthy, but reluctant to skip dessert? Fear not—these tasty recipes that a trio of local chefs shared with Bergen Health & Life will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet.

Time for tempeh?

We understand your reluctance, really we do. Fermented soybeans? Formed into brick-like cakes? With a chunky, chewy texture? With all these strikes against it, why oh why should you give tempeh a chance?

Good Greek!

A nondescript strip mall. A bright neon sign that blazes “Greek Grill.” That’s all part of Niko’s Trapezi’s charm.

The power of polenta

Is polenta one of those foods you’ve heard about but don’t really know? Have no fear; it’s not mysterious. Polenta is cooked cornmeal—a longstanding comfort food of northern Italian origin that may even predate the invention of bread.

Bayou by the Sea

Any homage to New Orleans better be full of flair and flavor. Happily, that’s just what you get at Clementine’s Café.