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Haute Middle Eastern Cuisine Arrives in New Jersey

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Chef Elie Kahlon of Novo puts the finishing touch on a salmon dish.

April 29, 2015
By Curt Schleier

Diners at Novo, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, likely appreciate the spices, imported from the Middle East, that accent their meals. Some might even be aware that their food was cooked on an open-flame oven called a taboon or that a special Arabic steamer was used to prepare the couscous.

But will they get that every dish comes with a heavy dollop of memory, forged in the Israeli-born chef’s upbringing? Hard to say. But the chef in question, Elie Kahlon, certainly hopes so.

But for the Middle Eastern music that’s piped into the dining room at Novo, the restaurant/s look and feel seem less Mediterranean than American contemporary, with modern fixtures lighting chic wooden tables. Yet it all works quite well, thank you.

In fact, the Record, the local paper, recently called Novo ā€œarguably North Jersey’s best new restaurant.ā€ It had been In business less than half a year when it earned 3½ out of 4 stars from the paper’s restaurant critic last January.

https://forward.com/food/307041/middle-eastern-flavor-arrives-in-new-jersey/

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More NJ small businesses for sale for less

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APRIL 29, 2015 Ā  Ā LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY MELANIE ANZIDEI
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

* More firms are for sale, but asking price is less than in 2014

More New Jersey small businesses may be on the market compared with last year, but asking prices for those businesses have declined.

A total of 1,867 small businesses in New Jersey were listed for sale during the first quarter, up from 1,801 in the same period last year, according to a quarterly report by online marketplace BizBuySell. The median asking price for the businesses, however, dropped to $265,000 this year from $269,000 in 2014, as median revenue for the companies rose to $445,778 from $420,000.

Though asking prices have fallen, business owners shouldn’t worry, according to Bob House, group general manager of BizBuySell.com.

“The decrease was only slight and shouldn’t be considered alarming,” House said in an email Tuesday. “It’s still good to see that the median revenue and cash flow of New Jersey small businesses increased slightly. These numbers indicate improving small business financial health.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/market-for-n-j-small-businesses-on-rise-1.1321197

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COMING THIS WEEK TO BOOKENDS

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Tuesday, April 28th @ 7:00pm- DEAN MCDERMOTT will sign his new cookbook: The Gourmet Dad ($27.95)

Wednesday, April 29th @ 8:00pm- JOHN “JOHNNY ROTTEN” LYDON, will sign his new book: Anger is An Energy ($28.99).

Thursday, April 30th @ 7:00pm- BODHI the Menswear Dog, will be here for the book: Menswear Dog Presents: The New Classics ($16.95).

Saturday, May 2nd @ 2:00pm- STEVE KATZ, will sign his new book: Blood Sweat and My Rock N’ Roll Years ($26.95)

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. Ā We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ Ā  07450 Ā  201-445-0726

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Alex and Ani Launch Party 10- 8pm Today

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Alex and Ani Launch Party – April 25

Alex and Ani will be hosting a launch party for two new collections that they have in the store from 10 – 8 on Sat. April 25. They will be setting up a table of lite bites and refreshments from surrounding Ridgewood businesses and will be showing all of these new products!

HEATHER VOTOR
STORE MANAGER

201.857.0911
134 EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE
RIDGEWOOD, NJ 07450
WWW.ALEXANDANI.COM

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Emmy Winning Blind Broadcaster, Ed Lucas and Columnist, Bill Pennington talk Baseball at Bookends

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Ed Lucas & Bill Pennington Sunday, April 26th @ 2:00pm
Emmy Winning Blind Broadcaster, Ed Lucas, and Ā Award-winning New York Times Sports Columnist, Bill Pennington will DISCUSS and sign their books: Seeing Home & Billy Martin
Books available April 21st

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. Ā We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ Ā  07450 Ā  201-445-0726

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Porch Light Theater Presents “How I Learned to Drive”

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A 2014/15 MAIN STAGE PRODUCTION
HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE
Directed by RYAN PIFHER
Stage Managed by CODI CHESTER
FRIDAY, APRIL 24 @ 8PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 8PM

Winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize. Co-winner of the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Co-winner of the 1998 Lucille Lortel Award for outstanding play. “Ms. Vogel has written a lovely, harrowing guide to the crippling persistence of one woman’s memories.” Ā—NY Times.

A wildly funny, surprising and devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE is the story of a woman who learns the rules of the road and life from behind the wheel.
GENERAL ADMISSION ~ DOORS OPEN 30 MIN PRIOR TO SHOWTIME
$22 ADULTS / $19 STUDENTS & SENIORS

GROUP RATES AVAILABLE! CONTACT US FOR DETAILS.

PORCH LIGHT PRODUCTIONS // 555 BROAD STREET GLEN ROCK NJ 07452 // PHONE 201.857.3520
VISIT OUR WEBSITE PORCHLIGHTPRODUCTIONS.ORG FOR A FULL SEASON LINEUP

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Baseball’s Jim Kaat at Bookends Tonight 7:00pm

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Baseball’s Jim Kaat Thursday, April 23rd @ 7:00pm
Former Major League Pitcher & Broadcaster for the New York Yankees, Jim Kaat, will sign his new book: Ā If These Walls Could Talk

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. Ā We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ Ā  07450 Ā  201-445-0726

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Today is Founders day for the Ridgewood blog

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James J Foytlin founder of the Ridgewood Blog

The Ridgewood blog was founded in March of 2006 by James J Foytlin aka PJ Blogger . Mr. Foytlin was born and raised in Ridgewood ,New Jersey and is a graduate of Ridgewood High School .

Ridgewood NJ, – Oct. 26, 2009 – RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — The Ridgewood blog ( https://theridgewoodblog.blogspot.com/ ) was founded in March of 2006 by James J Foytlin aka PJ Blogger .[1] Mr. Foytlin was born and raised in Ridgewood ,New Jersey and is a graduate of Ridgewood High School .[2] [3]

After many years living in New York City[4] Mr Foytlin returned to Ridgewood after a divorce and the tragic events of 9/11 . Once he settled in he noticed a lack of sufficient news coverage of local events . One day a friend from Brazil[5] showed him her home town on the internet and to Mr. Foytlin’s great surprise when he tried to reciprocate he was utterly dismayed at the absolute lake coverage of his home town. After all Ridgewood is only 18 miles from midtown Manhattan[6] the media capitol of world and there was not a single picture of Ridgewood to be found . How could this be? Ridgewood is a picturesque upper middle class village of around 25,000 located in Bergen county in northern New Jersey[7] . Founded by Dutch settlers before it became an English colony[8] . The town or village as its called is steeped in Ā rich history and tradition .Known for a large amount of Victorian era housing , a quality school system and a family friendly atmosphere.

Though busy getting reacquainted with his home town the fact that the Village of Ridgewood Ā was so under represented on the internet Ā continued to disturb Mr. Foytlin. Mr. Foytlin had been writing news letters for his job in financial services since the mid 1990’s . The popular flip, off beat investment strategy news letters had become email blasts with the advent of readily accessible internet.[9] By 2004 the email blasts were converted into blog format for the One Small Voice blog (https://onesmallvoice.blogspot.com/ ). [10]

Around that time the Village of Ridgewood had finally completed it’s much anticipated and long delayed renovation of the Village hall which has been flooded out due to Hurricane Floyd.[11] The renovation was marred by huge cost over runs and lengthy delays. In 2005 it opened with great fan fare , was once again flooded with the very first rain . Mr. Foytlin was more shocked by the abject lack of responsibility taken by elected officials than the fact that the $9 million dollar renovation had to some extent been a failure . That was the breaking point and Mr. Foytlin had had enough so he decided to give , citizen journalism a go and created the Ridgewood blog in March of 2006. [12]

The birth of PJ Blogger .By this time Blogging its seems had become quite the rage and mainstream news anchors such as Dan Rather had questioned the validity of information from non professionals sitting around in their Pajama’s blogging.[13] Mr. Foytlin not a fan of Dan Rather or any of the mainstream media decided to blog under the name PJ Blogger as a play on words and to plant himself firmly in the camp of the new digital media.

Innovations by the Ridgewood blog to citizen journalism.

ā€œThe Flyā€ is a column on the Ridgewood blog the originates from the expression ,ā€I’d like to be a fly on the wall ā€œ . The idea is that every citizen has both a unique perspective and experience and these two factors can be used to gather news and opinions about local issues. Originally only of handful of people in town participated but with time the Ridgewood blog can now count on 20–40 semi regular contributors. These post are both anonymous and signed and are largely opinion as well a breaking news.[14]

The Ridgewood blog brings a free market lassie fare point of view to local issues . Mr. Foytlin aka PJ Blogger has stated that for local issues there are only two kinds of people ;the ones who say spend what every you want because I will not be around to pay the bill and the second group which are more focused on the ,ā€be careful this is my money your spendingā€ . The Ridgewood blog is dedicated to the interplay of there two groups.[15]

[1][12] the Ridgewood blog website https://theridgewoodblog.blogspot.com/
[2] Birth Certificate born in Valley Hospital , Ridgewood 04/09/1962
[3] Ridgewood High School Class 1980
[4] 444 East 86th street ,530 East 72nd
[5] Monica Rocha
[6] Mapquest
[7] United States 2000 Census, the village population was 24,936.
[8] https://www.americantowns.com/nj/ridgewood/organization/vi…
[9] Fahnestock & Co. now Oppenheimer & Co.
[10] https://onesmallvoice.blogspot.com/
[11] https://www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/localhistory/lh_vh_pease.htm
[13] https://www.opinionjournal.com/diary/?id=110005611
[14] [15] James J Foytlin

sign up for the Ridgewood blog eblastĀ https://theridgewoodblog.net/stay-updated/

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Coming This Week to Bookends in Ridgewood …

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Tuesday, April 7th @ 7:00pm- MARIEL HEMINGWAY

Wednesday, April 8th @ 7:00pm- LORRAINE BRACCO

Thursday, April 9th @ 7:00pm- NICHOLAS MEGALIS

Friday, April 10th @ 4:30pm- DAN GUTMAN

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. Ā We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ Ā  07450 Ā  201-445-0726

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Kings Food Markets : Easter & Passover Catering

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Kings Food Markets : Easter & Passover Catering
March 30,2015

Ridgewood NJ, Kings Food Markets offers a full range of catering services tailored to fit each family’s needs – and this Easter and Passover is no different. To get you started with your menu, we’ve hand-selected the following dishes to serve:

Kings Easter Catering Menu

1. Ā  Ā  Ā  Savory Starters

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Fig and Almond Baked Brie

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Spinach and Artichoke Poppers

2. Ā  Ā  Ā  Extraordinary Entrees

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Kings Herb Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast

·         Hardwood Smoked ½ Spiral Ham

3. Ā  Ā  Ā  Sensational Sides

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Wheatberry and Dried Fruit Salad

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Potato and Leek Torta

Kings Passover Catering Menu

1. Ā  Ā  Ā  Keeping it Kosher

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Stuffed Cabbage

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Kings Antibiotic-free Rotisserie Chicken

2. Ā  Ā  Ā  Seafood Staples

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Fresh Pack Whitefish

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Black Pear Salmon

3. Ā  Ā  Ā  Additions to Accent Any Meal

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Home-style Matzo Balls

Ā· Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Kings Traditional Potato Latkes

Kings’ catering services extend beyond the kitchen, though, offering an array of floral arrangements, such as locally grown tulips, and hostess gifts that will surely bring added life to your gatherings.

Of course, however, if you prefer to cook yourself, Kings offers a great assortment of inspirational recipes for both Easter and Passover – including all of the necessary ingredients to make your holiday a memorable one. And if your meal is in need of just one more dish, we offer a great assortment of side dishes that will surely complement your mea

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Readers think parking rates increase drives away even more business from CBD

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Isn’t $80.00 a month a bit excessive? How much does a typical employee earn? Was that ever investigated or was $80.00 chosen because it sounded good?

It is bad enough that hourly parking rates have been doubled. Ridgewood may find that it’s parking problem is solved because people won’t pay those rates. (and an extra .35 cents if you use your smart phone!).

January – December 2015

Ridgewood Parking Permits – RPP

Hourly meter rates in all Village lots and streets are now $.50 per hour from 10AM to 6PM,
Monday through Saturday.

RPP – Ridgewood Parking Permit provides ā€˜coinless’ convenience and can be used for unlimited parking at all lots. Ā Annual permits are issued for a calendar year to residents at a cost of $750. Ā RPP are issued to Non Residents at a fee of $1,500 and require parking in the Cottage Place or Rt. 17 Park & Ride Lots. Ā As in the past, you can pay by check or cash. We have added a credit card feature that will have a 3% convenience fee charged to the purchaser.

Applications are available at the Village Hall Reception Desk or by Clicking Here, Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM starting December 19, 2014. Ā Applicants – residents and non residents – must show current Driver’s License and valid Vehicle Registration(s) for up to three vehicles. For flexibility, you can list 3 vehicles on a permit, but the permit can only be used by 1 car for 1 parking space at a time.

All lots including the Train Station Lot will require a free Ridgewood Commuter/Resident Parking Sticker in addition to the purchased RPP. Ā Resident/Commuter parking stickers are issued annually for free to residents only at the Village Hall Reception Desk. Ā This sticker confirms you are a resident.

RPP permit can be used in any metered space in lots to provide unlimited parking from the hours of 6am to 2am. They are not valid for street parking. The hangtag permit must be displayed on the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked. RPP does not guarantee availability of a parking space.

________________________________

Central Business District Employee Permits – CBDEP

Hourly rates in all Village lots and in streets are now $.50 per hour for a maximum of 3 hours. Ā Street and Lot meters are regulated from 10AM to 6PM, Monday through Saturday. Ā Vehicles parking for more than 3 hours will be in violation and subject to a ticket. Ā Repeat parking is also prohibited.

CBD employees have the opportunity to purchase CBD Employee Parking permits issued on a monthly basis. These permits provide parking in either the Ken Smith Property (at the corner of N. Broad/Chestnut and Franklin) or the Cottage Place Lot. Ā Monthly permits are issued to employees of Central Business District businesses at a cost of $80 per month. Ā CBDEP are reduced after the 15th of the month to $40. Ā Permits may be purchased by check, credit card, or cash. Ā Lost permits are not replaced.

Applications are available at the Village Hall Reception Desk or by Clicking Here, Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Ā Applicants must document that they are employed by a Ridgewood business and show their current Driver’s License and valid Vehicle Registration (s) for up to three vehicles. For flexibility, you can list 3 vehicles on a permit, but the permit can only be used by 1 car for 1 parking space at a time.

CBDEP can be used in any space at the Ken Smith property or any metered space at Cottage Place Lots to provide unlimited parking during the hours of 6am to 2am. The hangtag permit must be displayed on the rearview mirror. Ā CBDEP does not guarantee availability of a parking space.

Please refer to the Ridgewood Parking Guide that provides information and maps for locating parking lots in the Village at www.ridgewoodnj.net .

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Raymond’s in Ridgewood, Montclair to pay $345K in back wages

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Raymond’s in Ridgewood, Montclair to pay $345K in back wages

March 30, 2015 Ā  Ā Last updated: Monday, March 30, 2015, 2:50 PM
By MELANIE ANZIDEI

A Ridgewood restaurant chain and its owners must pay $325,534 in back wages to 160 workers for overtime and minimum wage violations, the U.S. Department of Labor said Monday.

Raymond’s Ridgewood LLC did not pay members of its kitchen staff for overtime and failed to pay tipped workers the proper wage rate, an investigation by the department’s Northern New Jersey Wage and Hour District Office found.

Employees at two locations were affected. At Raymond’s in Ridgewood, 84 employees are due $100,048 in back wages, said the department. This includes overtime back wages to its kitchen staff and tipped employees. The employer also failed to pay tipped workers in Ridgewood the proper wage rate from the beginning of their employment, the department said. At Raymond’s in Montclair, 76 workers are due $225,486 in overtime back wages, the agency said.

The restaurant chain agreed to make the payments, which are in the process of being paid, according to Department of Labor spokeswoman Leni Uddyback-Fortson. The back wages cover employee compensations from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2014.

Raymond Badach and Joanne Ricci, owners of the restaurant chain, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/raymond-s-in-ridgewood-montclair-to-pay-345k-in-back-wages-1.1298939

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Ben & Jerry’s Helps You with Employee Appreciation

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Ben & Jerry’s Helps You with Employee Appreciation

Office Event, Employee Appreciation, Just Because…

Ben & Jerry’s helps your business boost morale and increase productivity.

Call us today to book your April event featuring one of our Moo-Euphoric parties 201-867-1111 and we will waive the set up fee ($125) when you book before March 31, 2015.

Your employees will love the delicious toppings like fresh baked cookies and brownies, hot fudge, hot caramel and of course their favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavors.

Call Now: 201-867-1111

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Central Business District Employee Permits – CBDEP

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Central Business District Employee Permits – CBDEP

Monthly Central Business District Parking Permits are available for sale at Village Hall and allows parking for employees of Ridgewood businesses at the Ken Smith property or Cottage Place Lot. The fee is $80 per month. Payment may be made by check, cash or credit card.

Further information : 201/670-5500 x203