PARSIPPANY — Of all the industries devastated by COVID, hotels have perhaps been hit the hardest — and far worse than occupancy rates would suggest.
The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills passed an ordinance on August 12, 2003, requiring a 3% charge for every occupancy of a hotel or motel room in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills effective July 1, 2004. This amount is the maximum authorized amount approved by the State of New Jersey. (Click here to download ordinance). The Municipal Occupancy Tax is in addition to the State Occupancy Fee and the New Jersey Sales Tax.
The sign that was posted on the door of Fairfield Inn
One of Parsippany’s hotels, as an example, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, located at 3535 Route 46 East at Cherry Hill Road has been closed for months due to COVID-19. They recently reopened on May 6, 2021, after being closed for over a year. Other Parsippany hotels have been experiencing single-digit occupancies during COVID-19 causing Parsippany to lose drastic amounts in Municipal Occupancy Tax.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, located at 3535 Route 46 East at Cherry Hill Road
In 2019, the Township received $2,662,442.93 in Municipal Occupancy Tax revenue.
In 2020, the amount of Municipal Occupancy Tax was a little over 39% of the 2019 revenue or $1,040,512.04.
Municipal Occupany tax from hotels from January through April was down 75 percent from the same time in 2019. That is a difference of over $500,000 just the first four months of 2021.
The Municipal Occupancy Tax is not imposed when the occupant is a New Jersey State or federal agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision; the United Nations; or any other international organization of which the United States is a member as long as the occupancy is paid with government funds; space is rented for the purpose of assembly (e.g. a meeting, seminar, wedding, etc.); or occupancy lasts for at least 90 consecutive days.
MORRIS COUNTY — If you are a world traveler and fortunate enough to take that 8,000 miles plus trip to India, you would probably quickly notice that all along their highways you will find numerous small, rustic, roadside eateries serving whatever local cuisine is common for that region. These comforting and charming eateries, known for their tasty, healthy, satisfying food are called “Dhaba”.
A spacious, classy, and somewhat upscale ambiance awaits you within
Many people must travel far and wide to find a top-notch, truly authentic, traditional Indian restaurant with all those savory and unique tastes and spices that this fare is known for. If you are not up for that 8000-mile trip at this moment but happen to be a long-time fan of Indian cuisine, or just want to experience a different, and fun, culinary adventure, you will find Jashan by Dhaba more than ready to fill that need. Located right on Route 46 West in an attractive looking, stand-alone building, with eye-catching attractive, orange signage, Jashan by Dhaba, which describes itself as an Indian and Indo-Chinese Restaurant and Party Hall, literally translates to “celebration”, or as they like to say, a “celebration of Indian food”, and it just might be the place you are looking for.
Opened in September of 2019 (formerly the site of Mirchi) by the owner, Ankush Punhani, Jashan by Dhaba prides itself on offering a wide variety of dishes from the various regional areas of India, as well as some from Indochina, with an emphasis on Northern Indian fare, while still offering choices from the South. Many would describe Indian cuisine as being spicy, rich, flavorful, and diverse; of course, none of that should scare you off as your dish would be highly dependent on what you order and the degree of spiciness (heat) you prefer. And, when I mention that, I mean it as a good thing, as I personally enjoy my food with a flavorful kick.
Formerly the site of Mirchi
With that in mind, do yourself a favor and do not allow a lack of familiarity with the extensive menu, different, aromatic spices, or unaccustomed language to intimidate you. You will be depriving yourself of one of the great cuisines of the world if you do. The attentive wait staff at Jashan, who were all effusive and accommodating during my visit will gladly help guide you along the way; and as I have found, it is not that complicated or confusing once you get a grasp on some basic Indian phrases and cooking techniques. Or you can always follow the old rule of thumb; If you ever find yourself where you do not know the food, take cues from the tables of people who look like they might have grown up with the cuisine. Never a bad tip!
A spacious, classy, and somewhat upscale ambiance awaits you within. A pleasant, nicely appointed, modern, semi-formal setting, that still manages to make you feel cozy and comfortable with ethnic décor throughout, and soft Indian music playing in the background. Sparkling clean and clearly in full conformance with all current health (COVID) protocols, one should feel safe dining at this establishment. A restaurant’s appearance sets a tone, raises our expectations and suggests that the owner cares as much about our comfort as he does about the food they serve. Jashan by Dhaba has made that effort and succeeded.
Asif Naim and Pat Minutillo
A foodie friend of mine, who loves Indian food, has been praising this venue for a while, so I invited him along for this review and as a helpful guide. Our host and waiter, Asif Naim, could not have been more accommodating to our needs. As suggested by Asif, we sat at one of the restaurants several comfortable, plush leather, semi-circular booths. Gave us plenty of room to spread out! The very amiable and personable General Manager, Purushottam-Pudasaini, joined us at our table to welcome us, and we had an opportunity for a very enjoyable chat. Puru, as he told us to call him, prior to managing Jashan grew up in Nepal and started his career in the food industry as a dishwasher before eventually finding his way to Dubai, where he managed the Ritz-Carlton for 13 years, then onto San Diego, where he managed 5 different Indian restaurants at the same time. In 2019 he found his way to Jashan by Dhaba. Puru told me that “he loves what he does and finds it very personally rewarding”. He went on, “making people happy, organizing special events in people’s lives, setting up corporate and private events, and ensuring great service and customer comfort is very important.” When asked what he likes about New Jersey, he stated, “I like the four different seasons the most, as they remind me of growing up in Nepal”.
Soya Chop Achari
As soon as we were seated our wine was uncorked, poured, and placed in an ice bucket as we began to peruse our phone-generated menu. By the way, I should mention that Jashan is a BYOB, so bring along your favorite. The large menu offers a nice selection of vegetarian, meat, fish, and egg dishes. There is an emphasis on lamb, goat, and chicken for your meat selection. For you steak lovers, you will not find that on the menu. Asif, our waiter, was there to helpfully answer our questions, offer advice, and provide guidance along the way.
We started with the Galouti Kebab; minced lamb patties that came with two of the chef’s special sauces. Very moist and flavorful, and the sauces were a great accompaniment. Three nice-sized patties, so there was plenty to share. Asif then returned with a complimentary dish that he thought we would like; Soya Chop Achari. This vegetarian dish, made primarily from soybeans, was delicious. The taste was nicely textured, somewhat chewy, and creamy inside with a slightly crispy shell. The seasoning was perfect and spicy. There was certainly a lot going with multiple layers of flavors and spices hitting your taste buds. The spiciness was also perfect, not too hot, but just enough to hit you with a few waves of pleasant heat.
Goat Vindaloo
For entrees, I chose to go with Goat Vindaloo, while my friend chose the Saffron Chicken. Goat Vindaloo was not on the menu (lamb is), but they gladly made it for me. I was given a choice of my heat level, from 1 to 10. I chose a 7, but I could have gone higher. Next time! The goat meat was fall off the bone savory and delicious, tender, and juicy. The taste of goat is slightly less sweet than beef and not the least bit gamey (as some people believe), and blended perfectly with the saucy, spicy, curry dish, Vindaloo. The Saffron Chicken, which I did get to taste, was extremely flavorful. A spicy dish, yet sort of sweet, aromatic, and earthy, with the scent and flavor of saffron clearly prominent. This was the first time I tried this gorgeous golden-colored dish, and its complexity demonstrates why Indian cuisine is considered one of the most flavorful cuisines in the world.
Garlic Naan
For sides, we went with some tasty Garlic Naan, and Biryani Rice. The Biryani Rice was courteously prepared for us as a special sample of the rice typically served with a traditional Indian Biryani dish. This delectable rice dish derives its, multitude of flavors, and special tastes through the blending of many diverse spices. I do not know how they do it, but it was excellent!
Staying in gavone mode, despite being totally satiated, I still had to try their dessert; Gulab Jamon. I mean, you have to do what you have to do, right! Round, milk-based, fried delicacies, sweet-tasting treats that melt in your mouth, soaked in a rose-watered scented syrup, it was a perfect way to cap off this feast. Jashan by Dhaba is certainly a “celebration of Indian food.”
Beautiful Ambiance and Vibe
Great food, outstanding, friendly, and attentive service, beautiful ambiance and vibe, very reasonable prices, large private parking lot, BYOB. I would recommend you stop in and enjoy an evening at Jashan.
अच्छे भोजन अच्छे दोस्त
Jashan By Dhaba is located at 252 Route 46 West, Parsippany. (973) 521-9100. Click here to view the website.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no longer need to wear masks or physically distance — whether indoors or outdoors in most circumstances.
“We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a media briefing Thursday afternoon.
“Based on the continuing downward trajectory of cases, the scientific data on the performance of our vaccines, and our understanding of how the virus spreads,” Walensky said, “that moment has come for those who are fully vaccinated.”
The new recommendations come more than a year after the CDC first suggested that Americans should wear masks to protect against spreading or catching the coronavirus. At that time, the U.S. was logging more than 1,000 COVID-19 deaths a day.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. That gives the immune system enough time to develop antibodies against the virus. According to CDC data, more than 35 percent of the population has now been fully vaccinated.
There are a few caveats, however. People who have compromised immune systems, for example, should talk to their doctors about continuing with mitigation measures. And even fully vaccinated people may still be asked to wear masks in certain places, such as in hospitals or other health care settings, as well as public transportation.
“Right now for travel, we’re asking people to wear their masks,” Walensky said. “We still have the requirement to wear masks when you travel on buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation.”
Even though the vaccines work well, they are not perfect, and breakthrough infections can occur. Of the more than 117 million people in the U.S. who have been fully vaccinated, 9,245 later tested positive for Covid-19. Those illnesses have generally been mild.
For now, the CDC guidance only applies to those who have been fully vaccinated. Soon, that group will include kids ages 12 and older, now that the CDC and Food and Drug Administration have both signed off on Covid-19 vaccines for that age group.
The CDC is expected to update its guidance on children in school and summer camps soon.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall began vaccinating children aged 12 and up this morning, under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued by the federal Food and Drug Administration allowing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for use on children younger than 16 years old.
While expanding the vaccine use, anyone under 18 years old will still be required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive the vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have only been approved for those 18 years and older.
Vaccinations at the Rockaway Township facility will be provided to any New Jersey resident, and walk-ups at the facility will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The hours of been extended today to 7:45 p.m. for walk-ups.
Starting this weekend, the Center will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Appointments also are available and offer a wider range of hours.
If you or someone you know are homebound and needs a vaccination, you can contact the Morris County Homebound COVID-19 Vaccination Program at (973) 326-7828.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School music department is proud to present the return of Live Music and will be performing a “Spring Concert Showcase” on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. at the PHS Turf Field, 309 Baldwin Road.
Performances by: Winter Guard, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble & Concert Band, Choir & Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Women’s Ensemble, Men’s/Lower Vice Ensemble, and special guests, the PHS Marching Band!!
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.
The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service and be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation.
All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at (732) 850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To apply online as a blood drive volunteer click here.
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has its own mail-in ballot drop box at Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
The Ballot Drop boxes are all outside and under surveillance 24/7. They resemble a USPS Blue Mailbox, but are Red, White & Blue and display “Morris County – Official Ballot DropBox.” The ballots will be picked up by county representatives. All security measures will be followed when collecting and transporting the ballots back to the Board of Elections.
For a list of the other Ballot Drop boxes located in Morris County click here.
Additional locations may be added before the next election. You can deposit your ballot approximately 45 days prior to each election. All Ballot Drop boxes will be closed at 8 pm on Election Day.
The Powerball jackpot for Saturday’s lottery drawing has climbed to an estimated $157 million, with a cash option of $108.2 million. The drawing will be held at 10:59 p.m. and televised on WABC-7 in New York City and Fox 29 in Philadelphia. NJ.com will publish the winning numbers immediately following the conclusion of the drawing. No one across the country hit Wednesday’s $143.6 million jackpot. A pair of $1 million, second-prize tickets were sold — one in Michigan and one in Florida. Both tickets matched five numbers but not the Powerball A third-prize, $50,000 ticket was bought at Leonia Ne…
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Elvin Giordano reported to the Waterview Park and Ride on Friday, April 9 at 5:15 a.m. on a report of debris in the roadway.
The 2011 White Econoline van was sitting on the curb of the bus stop
Upon arrival, Officer Giordano observed a 2011 White Econoline van unoccupied with heavy front-end damage sitting on the curb of the bus stop. The van was traveling westbound on Route 46 going over the concrete curb, striking the brick wall, continuing through the bus shelter before coming to its final resting place behind the Waterview Park and Ride sign.
The vehicle was left in this position by an unknown driver.
Ajaco Towing towed the vehicle and the owner, Inglesia Dedios Eman of Montclair was notified. The van was stolen from outside of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
I have had the pleasure of working with Judy Hernandez for the past three years on the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Board and I am happy to consider her my friend. I support her campaign for Parsippany Township Council.
Judy has dedicated her life to making the world a better place by becoming an Environmental and Civil Engineer. She has professional experience by working on projects from the proposal, to contracts and planning stages, to design and constructions.
She is a 21 year resident of Parsippany, raised her family here and she has been involved locally with school, community groups, and township committees.
Judy has worked to support the world around her and in her current role as the Vice-Chair of the Parsippany Environmental Advisory board and the Mayor’s appointee on the Planning board, she is working to make the planet and Parsippany more sustainable.
I have lived in the Mount Tabor part of Parsippany all of my life, raised my children here and now my children are raising their children here, and I believe Judy is one of the most qualified individuals to serve on the Town Council. She understands that helping people of our community comes before politics and will always strive to do the right thing.
Judy is open to new ideas, listens carefully by considering all sides, and will work with the mayor and the rest of the council to address the issues that affect our community and our people.
I have complete confidence in Judy and her passion to keep Parsippany on the road to sustainability for future generations. She will do whatever she can to keep Parsippany the best town for every single resident who lives here.
I am making the right choice for Parsippany and voting for Judy Hernandez for Town Council.
Ajaco Towing towed the vehicle and the owner, Inglesia Dedios Eman of Montclair was notified. The van was stolen from outside of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Dear Editor: