Home Care In Clifton, NJ

Looking for a restaurant with an intimate environment?

There are a number of places around New Jersey that offer just that. No matter which part of the Garden State you live or are planning a night out, there is a restaurant in your neck of the woods where you can eat by fireside.

The Barrow house, Clifton

The Barrow House is a Colonial-Era Farmhouse located in Clifton, NJ, on the site of a former farm. Modeled after a traditional Hall & Parlor Home, the space comprises seven unique rooms.

Guests can enjoy American Farm Fare like chicken Milanese, wild mushroom pasta, and filet mignon, 100-bottle curated wine list, handcrafted cocktails, and a huge selection of craft beer. This country, rustic bar/restaurant is so warm and welcoming and unique décor invites you get comfortable.

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The Cranford Hotel, Cranford

This is one of those historic properties that New Jersey is famous for. And on a cold winter night, nothing is as warm and cozy as this beautiful eatery built in 1882.

The Cranford Hotel has been serving up warm vibes in the Cranford community for almost 140 years with its intimate lighting, casual bar, wood booth seating and brick fireplace. Reviews of the food and staff here are glowing. Great for an intimate, romantic meal with that special someone.

Filomena Lakeview, Deptford

Filomena does Italian like no one else in the area. A stagecoach stop in the 1700s, Filomena Lakeview, named after the owner's mother, is now one of Gloucester County's best-known Italian restaurants. There are fireplaces in both upstairs and downstairs dining rooms, and you absolutely must try the gnocchi, made by the restaurant's 85-year-old namesake.

Tabor Road Tavern, Morris Plains

With its soaring vaulted ceilings and double-sided fireplace, you could almost be at a chic chalet in the Swiss Alps. I could spend all winter at the ski lodge-like bar, and the menu runs from hummus samplers, tomato braised meatballs and spicy shrimp egg rolls to Niman pork chops, pan-seared vermilion snapper and house-made penne.

Tabor Road specializes in local, seasonal food and award-winning wine and spirit offerings. It’s beautiful but not at all stuff and great for casual light fare or an elegant dining experience.

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Brickhouse Tavern and Tap, Neptune

This one is kind of a sports bar ... but wait, there’s more! 360-degree view of sports at all times – which is made even better with a craft cocktail or refreshing beer in hand. But the cool modern fireplace makes the atmosphere warm and special.

With a relaxed, sports-centric atmosphere, Brickhouse is a fun, energetic night out with a huge selection of local, craft and import beers, and a fun and eclectic menu of American food.

Firebirds Woodfired Grill, Eatontown

Don’t let the fact that this is a chain restaurant fool you. Its atmosphere is spectacular and just about everything is—as its name implies—woodfired. Look for perfectly prepared delicious steaks as well as plenty of healthy options Their 21-day-aged steaks are cut in-house and hardwood grilled along as are their sustainable seafood dishes and half-pound burgers.

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Ivy Inn, Hasbrouck Heights

Opened in the 1870s as a stagecoach inn, travelers in horse and carriage along Polifly Road (later named Terrace Avenue) stopped here to eat and drink in the tavern below and sleep in one of six guest quarters above. With its brick walls and live piano music, you’ll be brought back to a different era when dining out was a special occasion. The fireplaces in the dining rooms make it extra special, and Chef Jack Zaorski is a brilliantly accomplished chef whose dishes get raves.

Metuchen Inn, Metuchen

The Metuchen Inn has served fine food in its charming, historic atmosphere since 1843. This famous landmark features a world-class wine list, 3 working fireplaces and private rooms to make that special occasion truly memorable. Its pretty, but not stuffy, and cozy but elegant, too. It has a very simple mission statement: Serve delicious, affordable food that guests will want to return to week after week. And according to their rave reviews, they do.

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The Grain House, Basking Ridge

Voted one of the 12 prettiest restaurants in New Jersey and also twice voted “the best coziest spot for drinks” by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, the Grain House has become something of a legend. With an ambiance dating back to the 18th century, The Grain House offers casual dining in a unique setting. Picture original beamed ceilings, impressive fireplaces, and a warm rustic décor. And the Grain House’s organic garden provides organic produce and herbs for their delicious recipes.

Gladstone Tavern, Peapack and Gladstone

Delicious American comfort food in a gorgeous setting. Where every single thing is made from scratch. Every dessert. Every loaf of bread. Everything. But what makes Gladstone Tavern so special is the atmosphere. An upscale tavern set in a beautifully restored 1847 farmhouse, it’s chic but friendly, with an unbelievably varied menu that has everything from duck confit to an impossible burger. There’s a kids' menu, too. Enjoy dinner with the family or a romantic evening. Either way, it’s a cozy night out by the fire. And as if that’s not enough, there is live music every Friday night.

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Storehouse at Sterling Ridge, Warren

This is luxury. Stonehouse at Sterling Ridge is in a word, exquisite. Set in the shadow of the Watchung Mountains, Stone House has a western lodge feel with stone walls, beams and a copper fireplace. The Stone House bar has comfy couches, and a great selection of cocktails and wines by the glass. But it’s not just the crackling fire that brings energy to the place. They also have monthly cocktail classes, live music and jazz brunch on Sundays. It’s website calls it a blend of “rustic cabin & city chic.”

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

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Inside ISLAND Waterpark, coming soon to Atlantic City

Gallery Credit: Joe Votruba

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

Construction has officially begun for The Showboat Hotel at Atlantic City’s most anticipated family entertainment venue: ISLAND waterpark.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

It will be constructed on the New Jersey Avenue beach block lot next to Showboat Hotel.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

As of right now, ISLAND Waterpark is expected to open in 2023.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

It will feature family friendly entertainment, as well as areas dedicated to adults only.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

Philadelphia, PA developer and Showboat Atlantic City owner Bart Blatstein is behind the new non-casino attraction.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

The 103,000-square-foot year-round indoor waterpark will feature water slides, pools and a lazy river, along with food & beverage and retail outlets, lounge areas and party rooms.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

Thanks to the park's retractable glass-pane roof, the entire project will be covered to make it truly a year-round destination.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

ISLAND Waterpark is part of a larger A.C. initiative to bring more family friendly and non-casino entertainment to the tourist destination.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

Owner and developer Developer Bart Blatstein has led this initiative for a number of years. They recently unveiled a video arcade called Starcade, and a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

With thrilling attractions like the surf simulator machine it can always be summer at the Showboat.

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“We are incredibly excited to begin this next phase in our development,” said Blatstein

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

He added, “Atlantic City has a long and rich history as a premier tourist destination. Showboat is committed to bringing non-gaming, family-friendly entertainment back to Atlantic City, and the waterpark is one more piece to that puzzle.”

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

All of NJ is hoping the new waterpark helps bring A.C. back to the level of popularity it once had.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

If ISLAND Waterpark catches on, expect more unique activities to start popping up in Atlantic City again. Don't get your hopes up on the diving horse, though.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

Here is the space Island Waterpark will eventually fill.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

Construction is now underway.

Provided by Lisa Johnson Communications

See you in A.C!

A Clifton man has been charged in connection with a $13 million scam that went after the elderly and small business owners, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Manoj Yadav, 40, who also resided in Jersey City, was arrested on Thursday and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his alleged part in a technical support scam that targeted more than 7,000 victims nationwide, according to Sellinger.

“The defendant and his conspirators are alleged to have misled their numerous victims into thinking that they were a legitimate technology support company affiliated with a major software company,” Sellinger stated in a release. “After claiming to provide technical support for issues involving the software company’s popular accounting software, they allegedly charged the victims exorbitant fees for purported support services that were not authorized by the software company.”

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Authorities claim that, from 2017 to 2023, Yadav and his conspirators, many located in India, pretended to be a technology support company affiliated with a major U.S. business and accounting software company. The company would contact victims on the phone to fix technical issues with the accounting software and then charge exorbitant fees or additional subscription fees. One elderly victim was scammed out of $9,010, according to court documents.

The U.S Attorney accuses Yadav of sending the co-conspirators over $13 million and keeping 17% of the funds. Authorities say Yadav acquired the funds through his company, Phebs Software Services, LLC.

The company went by many names, including Phebs Software Services, PN Bookkeeping Services, Phebbs Consulting, Quickbooks Tech Assist, Quickbook US, Quickbooks Accounting, and Quickbooks Support Team.

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“We allege Yadav lied to software users and forced them to pay for services that would usually come free with their initial purchase,” FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “The amount he's accused of stealing from his victims and the number of victims seem shocking; however, we are seeing an incredible increase in all types of tech support scams.

"The fraudsters are pretty savvy in how they con money out of people, even those of us who think we’re smart enough to not fall for it," Dennehy said. "If you think you’re a victim, please reach out to the FBI.”

If convicted, Yadav is facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines.

2-minute read

NorthJersey.com

After being scammed out of almost $600,000 last September by someone posing as a contractor that had done business with the city in the past, Clifton officials are planning to hire a firm that will vet all payments to avoid such issues in the future.

Even though the city was eventually made whole, council members said it left them upset and concerned.

For starters, the members of the City Council said they were not notified of the scam until the following March, after an investigation was conducted. After the experience, council members wanted assurances that measures were being taken to prevent further scams.

City Chief Financial Officer Joseph Kunz said that while attending a conference of municipal finance officials he learned of Payment Works, a Massachusetts company that specializes in working with vendors and protecting against identity theft and fraud. He recommended that the city hire the company.

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"Since the city has had fraudulent payment exposures in the past, this service is an added layer of safety and security for the city, our vendors and bank accounts," Kunz said.

The cost of the service is $14,000 to set up the required software and about $35,000 for the service. Payment Works submitted a proposal for a three-year contract that will cost the city a total of $120,000. Payment Works will work with existing vendors and any new ones the city takes on.

What happened?

After council members approved payment on Sept. 20, 2022, to vendor Smith-Sondy Asphalt Construction Co. of Wallington for services rendered, an electronic payment was made three days later. In the past, the city sent the vendor a paper check via U.S. mail.

The payment was made to a fake account set up in the name of Smith-Sondy in Woodforest National Bank in Louisiana, and an investigation ensued.

City Manager Nick Villano said the city recouped all of the money paid out.

Most of the money was returned after the bank was contacted, and the rest, between $150,000 and $200,000 was made up by the city's insurance, Villano said.

"The game has changed," he said. "There's a bunch of people looking to pick you off."

Councilman Joe Kolodziej said that from his perspective, the hiring of Payment Works is money well spent. Besides minimizing the potential for loss, it also frees up the CFO to perform other duties.

It also puts Clifton in the forefront of addressing a growing problem, joining other local governments in other states that have hired companies like Payment Works, he said.

Villano said once the city goes forward with the deal, it will take a short time for the firm begin the task of bill payments.

The highly awaited prequel to the globally revered "Hunger Games" series is poised to debut in theaters this week.

Titled "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," the film delves into the genesis of future President Coriolanus Snow as he undertakes the mentorship of District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird (played by Clifton's own Rachel Zegler) in the 10th-annual Hunger Games.

Here is all you need to know about the upcoming movie.

When is 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' releasing?

Adapted from Suzanne Collins' 2020 bestselling book, the movie is scheduled to hit screens nationwide on Nov. 17, set 64 years prior to the first "Hunger Games" book and film.

The movie's premiere is set to be preceded by a live IMAX fan event Monday in select theaters across major cities including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle. The red-carpet event, featuring the cast and filmmakers, will provide exclusive insights into the film's creation, followed by an advanced screening at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Los Angeles.

Tickets for this much-anticipated cinematic event are available for purchase exclusively through the theaters' website.

The Cast and Crew of 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes'

Starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth in the lead roles, the narrative unfurls the early stages of the indomitable President Snow, played by Blyth, as he encounters and mentors Lucy Gray Baird, embodied by the talented Zegler.

Rachael Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird

Rachel Zegler, an emerging force in the entertainment industry, brings her prowess to the role of Baird, marking a significant leap in her burgeoning career.

Zegler, born in May 2001, gained widespread attention after winning the role of Maria Vasquez in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of "West Side Story," propelling her into the limelight. Prior to her breakthrough in "West Side Story," Zegler showcased her vocal talent through various performances, amassing a dedicated following through social media and YouTube.

Earlier, Disney released the first image of its upcoming film, "Snow White" —a live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937 film, starring Zegler.

Zegler grew up in Clifton and went to Immaculate Conception High School.

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What do the reviews say about 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes'

Critics have lauded the prequel, with USA TODAY granting it 3 out of 4 stars, calling the movie "an enticing blend of dystopian action epic and musical drama that surpasses the previous films starring Jennifer Lawrence."

VARIETY highlighted the movie's seamless continuity with the original saga. They said it balances blood sport, endangered young love and a heightened level of political commentary that respects the intelligence of young audiences as only Collins can.

While the film currently holds a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 46 reviews, the audience rating is yet to be determined, building further intrigue and anticipation among fans.

CLIFTON – The most storied boys soccer program in Passaic County lore added another chapter to its illustrious history.

Clifton, winners of the most county titles, returned to the top with a dominating, 4-0 win over Wayne Valley in the Passaic County championship on Saturday at Clifton Schools Stadium.

It’s the Mustangs first county title since 2021 and a record 23rd in program history.

Three different players scored for the Mustangs, who led 2-0 at the half. Wiktor Kiszkiel opened the scoring in the eighth minute and Vitalii Datsyk followed with 1:46 left in the first half. Simon Deossa put the Mustangs up 3-0 just 90 seconds into the second half.

“Every year there’s different personalities here. When you see these kids grow from day one and they buy in, it’s magic,” Clifton coach Stan Lembryk said. “They’re old-school, blue-collar kids. They roll up their sleeves and give it their all. Hats off to Wayne Valley. Our message was pretty clear today. We had to be ourselves. Today was about habits and details. It was a great performance with some really good goals.”

In a fitting tribute, Clifton (12-1-1) was awarded the Fernando Rossi Trophy, given to the annual tournament winner and named in honor of the iconic late Clifton soccer coach. Rossi’s family, including wife Cleonida, daughter Tina, and son, Giuseppe, presented the award to the Mustangs.

“Coach Rossi was my mentor and to have his son and family here and present this trophy for the first time means a lot to a lot of people who have been around this program,” Lembryk said. “I’ve been around Clifton soccer for 40 years since I was a kid and Clifton soccer is a special place.”

Kiszkiel put the Mustangs on the board when he converted a penalty kick in the eighth minute after getting knocked to the turf by a Wayne Valley defender in front of the box.

“It was an early goal, but a deserved goal,” Lembryk said of the penalty kick. “It came out of a lot of pressure and came out of pursuit of the ball. We created it and to finish it really set us in the right direction.”

After Datsyk scored right before the half, Deossa opened the second half with a quick goal.

“This feels great. We won as a team and it wasn’t just me,” said Deossa, who ran his season goal total to seven. “We really wanted it this year, especially after losing in the final last year. We got it and worked for it.”

The shutout was the eighth of the season for Clifton’s defense. Since dropping a 3-0 contest to Ridgewood back on September 28, the Mustangs have won seven straight games to conclude the regular season.

“The defense was rock solid today. Defense wins championships,” Lembryk said. “They are tough. They put their body on the line and they’re always covering for each other. The energy is non-stop. This win puts us in a good place. Having the ability to deal with pressure and being back here after last season is positive. I’m proud of them.”