>
https://www.201.net/resources/Best+of+Bergen+2009
Best of Bergen 2009
Best Downtown Shopping
Ridgewood
Many of Bergen’s 70 communities have bustling downtown shopping districts, but Ridgewood, with its long avenue of boutiques, restaurants and parks, was chosen the favorite. The downtown, notes Tara Diamond-Kule of Glen Rock, “mixes ‘mom-and-pop’ with nationwide-chain shopping in a great balance.” Diamond-Kule also praises the diversity of food offerings to suit every palate. “Every age group can find something to do, eat or buy in downtown Ridgewood, from going to the movies, getting their hunger sated, or buying a new outfit for a night out.”
Runners-Up: Englewood, Westwood
Best Fireworks
Ridgewood Fourth of July
Whether viewed from Vets Field, Van Neste Square Park or the west side of the railroad tracks, Ridgewood’s fireworks continue to delight for this annual Independence Day tradition. “When our children were young,” recalls Barbara Baum of Montvale, “our family’s 4th of July celebration included a drive into Ridgewood to watch the town’s spectacular fireworks.” Way to light up the faces of young and old!
Best Homemade Ice Cream
Van Dyk’s Ice Cream, Ridgewood
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood of Ridgewood, Van Dyk’s continues to draw ice cream lovers throughout the seasons. Sensational scoopers pile cones and cups high with favorite flavors of choice. Village resident Randy Carson screams for his Van Dyk’s ice cream, which he calls “an outstanding product.” And, like many in this age of the franchise, Carson says he prefers to support family businesses like this one, whose roots on Ackerman Avenue date back more than a century.
Best Chinese Food
Baumgart’s, Edgewater, Englewood and Ridgewood locations
A surprise win this year for Best Chinese Food is Baumgart’s. A three-time winner for Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant, Baumgart’s has, increasingly, captivated the attention of Chinese-food lovers across Bergen. Renee Missbach of Ridgewood waxes eloquent about the homemade noodles (not to mention the homemade ice cream). “Baumgart’s has the most fresh and delicious Chinese food around. Whether it be a quick dinner or a special occasion celebration, it’s our family’s favorite place to eat!”
Best Coffeehouse
Ridgewood Coffee Company, Ridgewood
While ownership of this popular coffee house has changed over the years, there’s certainly no discontent brewing about the quality and popularity of the offerings. Java junkies still flock to the downtown Ridgewood gathering spot for a consistently good cup of joe and some lively conversation. “What it lacks in room or atmosphere, it makes up for in its great coffee,” says Caryn Starr-Gates of Fair Lawn. “The beans are roasted to perfection,” adds Starr-Gates, who also likes the dessert selections. And village resident Jeanette LaRocco applauds the “wonderful small-town feel of a place where they get to know their customers personally and make you feel like they do – even if you’re not a regular.”
Best Gift Shop
Happy Tuesday, Ridgewood
The owners of this eclectic gift shop will be mighty happy to learn that they have reclaimed the top spot in this competitive category. Andrea Glanz of Ho-Ho-Kus calls Happy Tuesday “the kind of store that you can always find something in – I never leave empty handed. Whether it’s holiday decorations, a hostess gift, new baby, teacher, wedding or birthday, they have the perfect thing for every occasion,” she says. “I love shopping there!”
https://www.201.net/resources/Best+of+Bergen+2009