PARSIPPANY — The stage is set for exceptional new beginnings as officials break ground on PARQ. Located at the former Lanidex Plaza in Parsippany, PARQ is a distinctive, emerging multi-generational community that will encompass townhomes, multi-family residences, onsite retail, open green spaces, and state-of-the-art amenities.

Emcee Joe O’Neill welcomed an enthusiastic crowd filled with local and state officials, as well as businesses and media representatives from Parsippany and beyond. Anthony Milelli, Principal Director of PARQ, took to the podium to express how PARQ will instill a new sense of community and placemaking by celebrating the balance of health, happiness, and well-being. “Urban renewal and revitalization projects are vital to stimulate the economy, enhance property values and instill a sense of civic pride,” he said.

Back in the late 60s, PARQ was formerly known as Olson’s Farm prior to being rezoned as an office park called Lanidex Plaza that served Parsippany for many years, according to Robert Garafolo, Principal Attorney of PARQ. “But just like Olson’s Farm, Lanidex Plaza became less active and less vibrant, and the owners decided it needed to be redeveloped or repurposed,” Garafolo. “After some negotiation, we have since created PARQ Parsippany. Now and in the future, PARQ is going to be a very valuable, magnificent asset to the town of Parsippany.”

Haytham Haidar, Managing Director of PARQ, noted how this project will usher in a new era in Morris County. “PARQ will forge us into the 21^st century with state-of-the-art facilities, vast and welcoming green spaces for the community to enjoy, a recreational complex open to residents and sports programs to utilize, and enhanced revenue as a result of the site’s modernization,” Haidar added.

The approved plan will be implemented in two phases, according to Haidar. The first phase includes Multi-Family Building 1, which features 275 multi-family residences, convenience retail, indoor and outdoor amenity space, and ample parking. It will also highlight 75 clustered courtyard townhomes with two-car garages. The townhomes will feature contemporary farmhouse-style architecture with access to a clubhouse and outdoor pool. Convenient, master-down home designs are also available. An athletic field, concession building, restrooms, and playground are also included in the first phase.

The second phase includes Multi-Family Building 2, which features 250 multi-family residences, convenience retail, indoor and outdoor amenity space, and ample parking. The residences will allow the Township of Parsippany to fulfill part of its state-mandated affordable housing obligations.

The two luxury multi-family buildings tout green design elements, as well as smart buildings and home features that promote wellness. These features include Energy Star® appliances and lighting fixtures; windows with Low-E coating; low flow water fixtures; programmable thermostats, and electric car charging stations in each building’s parking garage. Each multi-family building also features an elegant welcoming lobby with motor court drop-off; upscale club suite; private event room; children’s playroom; state-of-the-art fitness center; a resort-style pool with outdoor BBQ and lounging areas, and co-working alcoves.

PARQ will ensure physical spaces reflect community values. “The result will be a compelling neighborhood that will transform Parsippany into a place where people are conveniently connected by foot, bike, car, or public transport,” said Haidar.

Located near I-287 and I-80, PARQ residents can be at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City in just over an hour via the NJ Transit® Parsippany-Troy Hills Park/Ride. For those who are up for more of an adventure, the world’s most admired cities are just hours away via Newark International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.

PARQ’s vision is for the revitalization to seamlessly integrate the design of the project into the existing fabric of the community. The transformation of the 23-acre portion of Lanidex Plaza will conclude in 2025. “This new, authentic neighborhood will be upscale, welcoming, and humble,” said Haidar. “At PARQ, the best is yet to come.”

About PARQ
The PARQ development team includes Garofalo O’Neill Ruggierio, LLC, Real Estate Law; Minno & Wasko, Architects and Planners; Design 446, Marketing and Advertising; Greystar Real Estate Partners; Sue Adler, Keller Williams Premier Properties; Langan Engineering & Environmental Services; Melillo + Bauer Associates, Landscape Architects, and Mary Cook Associates, Interior Design.

PARSIPPANY — Unfortunately, despite having the opportunity to visit various parts of Asia in my youth, I never had the pleasure of visiting Thailand. I enjoy Thai cuisine and it would have been great to experience one of their open-air food vendors, storefront, or waterway eateries, or even try out an upscale Bangkok restaurant. I may not have been able to get to Thailand, but I can still enjoy a true sense of Thailand culture, as well as some of their authentic cuisines right here in Parsippany.

Siam Heritage Thai Kitchen, located among a series of storefronts in a small strip mall on New Road, at the intersection of Route 46 East, one of Parsippany’s newest additions, held their soft opening this past September and their grand opening October 25. Previously, Hwang Bu Ja, a Korean restaurant had occupied the location. The exterior does not stand out from the other similar-looking glass front restaurants and shops that line the strip, but upon entering you encounter a small, but cozy-looking interior, with comfortably situated wooden tables, in a well-lit, sparkling clean, cozy, casual ambiance.

The warm feeling interior is thoughtfully complemented with a soothing color scheme, simple décor (more will be coming), soft recessed lighting, and relaxing music playing in the background. I should mention there is a limited off-road, free, parking lot at the location, and there are also spots on the side of the mall that should be able to accommodate your needs.

I arrived with a small group of friends, and we were made to feel immediately at home. Our server/manager, Tau, could not have been more cordial or welcoming. Service was prompt, attentive, and efficient. Water, menus, and cutlery were quick to arrive (interestingly, Thai cutlery generally consists of a fork and large spoon. The spoon is held in the right hand and used in place of a knife, and the fork helps to arrange the food on the spoon before bringing it to the mouth. As all ingredients in the dishes come already cut up, there is no need for a knife -of course, you can always use chopsticks), and we began to ponder over many mouthwatering choices. The menu was extensive enough to accommodate everyone’s individual tastes, so we were off to a good start. This is a BYOB, so I brought along some Thai LEO beer which perfectly complimented my dishes.

Internationally renowned Thai Chef, and Corporate President, Punsak Puncharoen, known professionally as Chef Oudy visited us at our table and was kind enough to share his story with me. The amiable and courteous Chef, who assured me that Siam Heritage’s Thai food is truly authentic and is the same food and quality as one would find if in Bangkok, began his culinary journey at the age of ten when he was sent to live at a Temple to learn kae sa luk, the art of fruit and vegetable carving. Thai food is known for its artistic and beautiful presentation of food. Kae sa luk, which dates to the 14th Century, requires extreme dedication to learn to carve the food perfectly and intricately, as it was done primarily for royal families. That humble beginning began his journey, and his love of food, and his eventually acquiring a reputation recognized by the current Royal Family of Thailand. Chef Oudy, who came to the U.S. in 1990, along with three partners, oversees seven locations throughout the United States (one in Union) and three more internationally, under the corporate name of Noodlefan Thai. We are fortunate to have one of his world-class restaurants right here in Parsippany.

Our group started off by sharing several appetizers; Thai Spring Rolls (paw pia tod), fried thin wrappers, filled with carrots, cabbage, and bean thread noodles, fried to golden perfection and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce; Shumai, minced shrimp and ground chicken wrapped in wonton wrappers and steamed till soft and fluffy and served with soy vinaigrette; Curry Puffs, puff pastry filled with curried chicken, caramelized onions, diced potatoes and served with cucumber relish on the side; and Wings, fried marinated chicken wings coated with enough honey-sweet chili sauce to stimulate your taste buds.

The appetizers were satisfying enough, but being fans of Thai cuisine we were anxious for our entrees. My friend Mike F started off his meal with a small serving of Tom Yom soup. Small it was not! Generously sized serving of Thailand’s most famous soup, a light, spicy/sour soup simmered with mushroom, galangal, lemongrass, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It got a serious thumbs up from Mike.

I settled on the Crying Tiger เสือร้องไห้ (seua rong hai); grilled marinated beef steak (flank steak) served with Tamarind chili dipping sauce. The steak was cooked a perfect medium as ordered, and the presentation was beautiful, it was moist, juicy, and savory. The steak came on a bed of lettuce and shredded carrots, and the Jaew sauce (on the side) was a spicy, savory, tangy, aromatic, pungent sauce that really made the steak pop. The exquisite dish that I would gladly have again. Take note, Thai food, though known to be spicy does not have to be. There are plenty of sweet and salty alternatives. Your server can help you with your decisions if you are new to this cuisine. I personally like very spicy food, but I ordered my meal “spicy” since it was my first time at this restaurant. It certainly had a mild kick but next time I will be going with the “X-spicy.”  This restaurant offers your meal with No Chile, Mild, Spicy, X Spicy, and Thai Spicy. Do not go with the Thai Spicy unless you know you can really manage fiery hot food.

My friend Mike Z ordered the Asian Eggplant with Seafood (มะเขือยาวผัดพริกเผา). A gorgeous dish of Asian eggplants, garlic, onions, chilies, basil, and bell peppers, mixed and cooked in a zesty house special soy sauce. Bob, went with the Spicy Goat Cumin, a goat stew with red and green peppers, garlic, and fried chilies, with cumin sauce; and finally, Mike, the Tom Yom guy, had Crispy Salmon Strips over Pad Thai (“ผัดไทย”), with rice noodles sauteed in pad thai sauce with eggs, dried bean curd, bean sprouts, and scallions, and served with Thai sauce, lime, and peanuts on the side.  Every meal came with a side dish of your choice of rice.  Everyone raved over their individual dishes, the consensus was that everything was delicious and that this restaurant certainly deserves another visit in the near future.

Topping it all off, the house treated us to a Mango with Sticky Rice dessert. I love mango’s and I love sticky rice, so I do not think anything else needs to be said. I would say to someone not familiar that Thai food is like an exotic version of Chinese food. The two cuisines are similar in many ways. Give your palate a treat and give Thai a try, with its variety of dishes filled with thick noodles, fresh vegetables, chicken, lamb, goat, shrimp, and beef, all of which can be sweet, salty, spicy, or sour, I think you will be happy you did.

Closed Monday – Kitchen Break 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Dine-In – Take Out. Catering Services Available  – BYOB – Delivery – Off Road Parking.

Siam Heritage Thai Kitchen is located at 65 New Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054. (973) 310-9127.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael  Soriano, Robert Peluso, President Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, Ildiko Peluso, Board member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, and residents helped celebrate the grand opening of Siam Heritage, a new Thai restaurant in the New Road Plaza.

“I have been dreaming of putting up my own [restaurant] and now it is a reality”, said Punsak Puncharoen or professionally known as Chef Oudy.

Born in Bangkok, Thailand, and brought up in the deep traditions of Thai cooking, Chef Oudy left his home at 17 to commence his formal culinary career. Oudy has worked in some of the finest restaurants, creating innovative menus captivating the eyes as well as the palate.

Chef Oudy’s skills have been recognized by the Royal Family of Thailand who twice chose him to organize exclusive events for the Prince and Princess during official visits to the U.S.

Siam Heritage brings authentic Thai cooking to Parsippany with delectable entrees, vegan cuisine, desserts, and kids’ selections, all at a very nice price. Siam Heritage is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is located at 65 New Road. They can be reached by calling (973) 310-9127.