BERGEN REVIEW MEDIA HIGHEST RATED RESTAURANTS THIS YEAR

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Latour's
Ridgewood, NJ
(201) 445-5056
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Oceanos
Fair Lawn, NJ
(201) 796-0546
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Cafe Panache_
Ramsey,NJ
(201) 934-0030
il Villaggio
Carlstadt,NJ
(201) 934-0030

Food Trends 

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​Will Millennials Topple Big Meat? New Poll Finds Nearly Half Have Cut Out Meat Because of Its Environmental Impact

Never doubt the power of Millennials! As one of the most powerful groups of consumers in the U.S., with nearly 25 percent of the population falling …
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​The Menu Changes Nightly At This Hidden Gem Restaurant In New Jersey

Most of the time, when someone calls a restaurant a hidden gem, it can feel like a bit of a letdown. However, we know of one restaurant in New Jersey that is truly the definition of a hidden gem. It’s off the beaten path, it’s family-owned, and it doesn’t look like a typical restaurant. You can’t search the menu online either. We’re talking about 15 Fox Place.    Learn More

​Eating More of This Food for Breakfast Can Help Reverse Muscle Loss as You Age

Nothing beats a hearty breakfast filled with yummy foods like eggs and avocados. Along with tasting great, new research claims that starting our day with protein-rich staples like these will also go a long way in helping us keep our muscles strong as we age.
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​Opening Alert: Lab Burger Co, Oradell, NJ

The operation is from the owners of neighboring Calabria Pizza, named both for their original restaurant and in memory of Minx, their beloved black Labrador. Their burgers are from grass-fed beef from Pat LaFrieda. Website

​17 High-Protein Sandwiches That Will Actually Keep You Full

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​They're easy to make and totally satisfying. Learn More
Alpha Foods Steakless Ranchero Burrito | 100% Plant-Based Protein | Dairy Free | Vegan Meat Substitute​
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If we can get vegan bacon right, we can save humanity​

​Here’s the truth: Vegan bacon has historically sucked. Most of the packaged varieties look and taste like salty cardboard, and while home made tempeh …
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Gatherings: The social equivalent of soul food, cozy home gatherings and small-group entertainments are drawing us closer – to simple pleasures and to each other.
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​Thrive market offers food as it should be: made of real ingredients, safe for the environment, fairly priced, created for your needs, and delicious. Choose a FREE gift, up to $24 value, when you purchase a Thrive Market membership
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​A New Crop of Plant-Based Foods

​Sales of foods and beverages positioned as plant-based reached $5.6 billion in multi-outlet, specialty, and natural channels, up 29% for the year ended Dec. 27, 2020, according to SPINS.
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OUR SELECTED RESTAURANTS THAT MEET OUR HIGH CRITERIA, AND HAVE THE HIGHEST
CROWD-SOURCE REVIEWS ON VARIOUS WEBSITES 

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​It brings to Bergen County’s tony northeast a level of New American food and drink not previously available there. Count on compelling salads, soups and seafood, gratifying meat and fowl, and attentive service in a relaxed, comfortable dining room, bar and seasonal fire-pit patio.
Molos Restaurant, is a Greek and Mediterranean inspired Seafood Restaurant located on the Hudson River. The floor to ceiling windows on this two-story restaurant overlook the New York City Skyline. Signature dishes include the whole fish, which is displayed in our fish market, and saganaki flame served tableside.
When it comes to one of the best Italian restaurants in bergen county NJ, Il Villagio can surely deliver.
​Experience an evening at Il Villaggio, one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in Carlstadt NJ. As one of the best restaurants in Carlstadt, their beautiful decor promises a comfortable and relaxing dining experience. Enjoy the most beautifully prepared dishes, presented by the expert chefs at this, one of the top restaurants in Carlstadt New Jersey. When you view the photos of Il Villaggio, you’ll start to experience one of the most popular Carlstadt NJ restaurants for yourself.

NANNI RISTORANTE IN ROCHELLE PARK

Nanni Ristorante in Rochelle Park successfully combines Old World charm and dependability with exciting cuisine and an array of specials sure to please the palate.
Locals rave about their Veal shank, the ressotos, Beef braciole & the Saltimbocca Alla Romana. Two of the Pasta favorites are 
the Rigatoni Calabrese & the Penne Amatriciana. What is the best thing people get from their experience here at Nanni's restaurant? Well,  besides the great italian cuisine? It would be the great service the comfortable ambiance & the drinks are excellent for the price. Says Manny the maître d/manager.  
When it comes to dining at Biagio’s it's all in the family. Under the creative lens of Chef Jimmy Perides, this family-owned and operated restaurant in Bergen County NJ has come to see its home-style Italian classics served right alongside fresh and contemporary daily specials.

Biagio's newly renovated main dining room and adjacent wine room, both with terracotta-colored walls and glowing fireplaces, provide the warmth of family-style dining without sacrificing the excitement of a bustling bistro.
Ventanas Restaurant:  Restaurateur Alexander Duran of Son Cubano and culinary titan Chef David Burke bring modern American-Asian-Cuban fare to Fort Lee, New Jersey
A place to lose yourself in the view or reflect upon good times with friends and family. 
Established in 1981, the Saddle River Inn is part of the William Packard Estate now known as Barnstable Court. As early as 1840 The Inn was operating as a sawmill and basket weaving factory. Hans and Imelda Egg opened the Saddle River Inn in 1981 and set a standard in fine dining French. In January of 2013 Jamie Knott and David Madison bought the business and continue the tradition.
Locally-grown and foraged cuisine with authentic & vibrant Italian influences. ​Felina offers a refreshingly unique Italian restaurant experience. ​
EXECUTIVE CHEF ADAM WEISS IS A TWO TIME ULTIMATE CHEF BERGEN COUNTY WINNER, AND BRINGS HIS TALENTS TO AN ECLECTIC MENU OF SMALL BITES, SHARE PLATES, SALADS, SANDWICHES AND ENTREES. LOCATED RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE GLEN ROCK TRAIN STATION, THE DECOR PAYS HOMAGE TO THE RAILROAD, AND FEATURES A VINTAGE FEEL OF RECLAIMED WOOD AND EXPOSED BRICK. COME ENJOY OUR CURATED SELECTION OF 20 CRAFT BEERS ON TAP, AND OUR DELICIOUS FOOD MENU TODAY.
In Napoli Restaurant opened to customers in 1984, serving the best southern Italian food.The steak, seafood and pasta have since achieved recognition beyond the immediate vicinity.Located just minutes from New York City by the George Washington Bridge side of New Jersey,it serves mostly people in New York and New Jersey.
We offer spacious and luxurious dining and bar facilities with free parking,as well as banqueting with capacity for 140 guests.
In addition, we cater fully at homes, offices and rented spaces.
Encounter creative and inspired authentic Italian dishes at what has become one of the most popular Bergen County NJ Italian restaurants. When you visit Savini, you’ll experience what is known as one of the absolute best Bergen County New Jersey Italian restaurants.

St. Eve's Restaurant

Serving artfully prepared meat, fish, vegetarian selections, and pastas made in house to Ho-Ho-Kus, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Allendale and surrounding towns in Bergen County, NJ.
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Truly one of the best restaurants in New Jersey. Sanzari's New Bridge Inn is working hard to be the top restaurant in Bergen County!
Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn is a place with something for just about everyone.  Our menu is generally centered around fine Italian cuisine, however we do have mainstays and specials that are Mediterranean, Asian and even Spanish inspired.  We offer a Bergen County fine dining experience that is relaxed enough for the entire family.  (and yes, kids are always welcome.) 
  • Turkish Red Lentil Soup 
  • Quinoa Stew 
  • Cream of Zucchini Soup
  • Chicken Tomatillo Soup                 
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Turkish Red Lentil Soup – Kirmizi Mercimek Corbasi​

By Aysegul SanfordThis Turkish Red Lentil Soup, also known as Mercimek Corbasi, is a creamy vegan soup made by cooking red lentils with vegetables in broth. One of the most popular soup recipes of Turkish cuisine, this healthy soup recipe requires 6 ingredients and 30 minutes of your time. Serve it by itself, with croutons on top, or with a drizzle of oil for a bowl of heartwarming goodness for everyone in your family.
​This Turkish Red Lentil Soup recipe is a heartwarming, vegan, and gluten-free soup you can make in one pot in 30 minutes. It is also one of the most popular Middle Eastern soup recipes that happens to be so easy to make.
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Ingredients:
For the soup:
  • ▢1 medium-sized onion chopped
  • ▢1 1/4 cup red lentils picked over and rinsed
  • ▢3 cloves of garlic minced
  • ▢1 small potato cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ▢1 large carrots – chopped approximately 1/2 cup chopped
  • ▢8 cups vegetable stock or a combination of water and stock
  • ▢2 teaspoons salt
  • ▢1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings
  • ▢2 tablespoons Italian parsley chopped
  • ▢1 cup croutons
  • ▢lemon wedges
  • ▢1 tbsp sumac
  • ▢Pinch of Aleppo Pepper, Urfa Chili or red pepper flakes
​Instructions:
  • Add onion, red lentils, garlic, potato, and carrot in a medium size heavy bottom pot. Pour in the stock.
  • Bring it to a boil in medium-high heat. Turn down the heat to low and let it cook until lentils are softened and potato cubes and carrots are cooked, 10-15 min. You can check doneness by inserting a knife in one of the vegetables. If it comes in and out easily, it should be good to go.
  • Off the heat, puree the soup using an immersion blender or do it batches using a food processor or blender.
  • Put it back on the heat, bring it to a one last boil.
  • Taste for seasoning and add if necessary. Ladle into bowls.
  • Serve it immediately with croutons, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges (optional).

Quinoa Stew with Vegetables

by: AYSEGUL SANFORD
This Quinoa Stew Recipe brings the spicy flavors of Peruvian cuisine to your table in less than an hour. Filled with garden-fresh veggies and protein-packed quinoa, you won’t believe how hearty this vegan dish is!
Make this quinoa vegetable stew to get in your daily dose of vegetables and plant protein with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Today, I come to you with a Quinoa and Vegetable Stew recipe that you can make all year round. Vegan and gluten-free, it is a hearty and nutritious soup/stew recipe adapted from America’s Test Kitchen and comes together in one pot.
​Once you try this dish out, there are even more quinoa recipes for you to love. My Quinoa Chili and Mexican Quinoa are the healthy, delicious meals your recipe book has been looking for.
Yields: 6 Servings Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins
Quinoa stew recipe that is made in one pat. This hearty and easy to make soup recipe is vegan and gluten free.
Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium-size onion chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into small cubes
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons coriander
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  •  pound red potatoes cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup white quinoa washed thoroughly
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz.)
  •  cup frozen peas
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 avocado cut into small cubes
  • handful of fresh cilantro as garnish (optional)
Instructions:
  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven (or any other large, heavy bottom pot). Add in the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, 7-8 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic, paprika, coriander, and cumin. Cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds or so.
  • Add in the vegetable broth and potatoes. Bring it to a boil. Turn down the heat to medium-low and let it simmer 10-12 minutes.
  • Stir in the quinoa and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until both the potatoes and quinoa are cooked.
  • Stir in the corn and tomatoes and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the peas and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
  • Off the heat, season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle it in large bowls and garnish with avocado and cilantro before serving.
​​

Cream of Zucchini Soup

This Cream of Zucchini Soup recipe is perfect for the summer zucchini season but can really be enjoyed all year round! This versatile dish is great served cold on warm summer days, and if you are feeling cozier, you can easily serve it warm.
It is the perfect vegan, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, low-carb, low-fat, and dairy-free soup recipe for anyone. Not to mention, it is super quick and easy to make!
​A healthy zucchini soup recipe made with 5 ingredients in one pot in 30 minutes. This is the best way to use your garden zucchini. Serve it warm or cold this easy soup is guaranteed to please.
Ingredients:
  • 4 medium sized zucchini (approximately 1 ½ lbs) peeled & cut into 3 inch pieces
  • 1 small onion peeled and cut into half
  • 1 medium-sized 5 oz. Yukon gold potato, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth*
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Sauce or a few dollops of sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoon fresh dill or fresh parsley chopped
Instructions:
  • Place zucchini, onion, potato, garlic, vegetable broth, and salt and pepper in a medium size saucepan with a lid over medium-high heat.
  • Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until zucchini and potato are softened and tender.
  • Off the heat, using an immersion blender (regular blender or food processor), puree soup until creamy and no chunks remaining.
  • Garnish with a dollop of yogurt sauce, sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs.
    SERVES 4 

Crockpot Chicken Tomatillo Soup

By Aysegul Sanford
This Crock Pot Chicken Tomatillo Soup is an easy-to-make and set-it-and-forget recipe that you can make with only 15 minutes of hands-on time. Packed with all the Mexican flavors we love, this tomatillo stew is going to be the next weeknight meal you can put together in the morning and enjoy at dinner time.
An easy to make crockpot chicken tomatillo soup recipe that will take you no more than 15 minutes to prep. If you are looking for a way to up your chicken soup game, this delicious slow cooker chicken soup recipe is the way to go.
​Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed (910gr) Chicken breasts can also be used
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds tomatillos, husked, rinsed and cut in quarters (680 gr)
  • 2 jalapeno peppers chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic peeled and chopped
  • 3 cups homemade chicken stock (720 ml) or store-bought chicken stock would also work
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice and more as garnish
  • 1 ripe avocado cubed as garnish
​Instructions
  • To prep the chicken: Throughly dry the chicken thighs using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let them sit on the counter as you prep the rest of the ingredients.
  • Place the tomatillos, jalapeno peppers, garlic, and chicken stock in the bowl of your crockpot.
  • Transfer the chicken into the bowl.
  • Set it to low heat setting to cook for 7-8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
  • When cooked, using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a bowl. Shred it in leaving it in large chunks and set aside.
  • Add in the cilantro into the slow cooker. Using an immersion blender, puree the tomatillo mixture until smooth.
  • Return shredded chicken into the bowl.
  • Stir in the lime juice. Taste for seasoning and add in if necessary.
  • Garnish with slices of jalapeno pepper and avocado.
Yields: 6 servings  Prep Time: 15 mins  Cook Time: 8 hrs  Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
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​7 Healthy Foods for Better Life

Healthy foods are beneficial foods packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that can be added to your diet for better immunity system, a clearer head, and a happier and longer life. 

6 Best Drinks for Your Health 

​Not including water, here are the best top 6 beverages that combine hydration with incredible health benefits!

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California Delicious Golden State Gourmet Foods Gift Basket