"Table of Hope" a food pantry and a bus he renovated, outfitted with shelves
PARSIPPANY — In an effort to improve the distribution process, Table of Hope will now distribute food through a digital registration system in Parsippany starting January 8, 2021.
All food recipients will be required to register a full name with the number of members in their family. You will be sent a confirmation email once registration is complete.
Please bring the email with you when you come to pick up your food. You can either print it or show us a copy on your phone.
This process will help us better understand the appropriate amount of food to supply to the community. Your participation is greatly appreciated.
PARSIPPANY — COVID-19 is not taking the holidays off. In fact, most health experts are warning that the next several weeks will be the most challenging our country has faced during this pandemic, precisely from our traditions of getting together this time of year. It’s on EACH of us…to protect ALL of us.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 210. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, and November 21. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.
“While vaccines are beginning to arrive in New Jersey, the COVID-19 pandemic is still enveloping our state,” said Governor Murphy.“As we continue to fight this public health crisis, we require the ability to utilize all resources necessary to keep New Jerseyans safe.”
Executive Order No. 210 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.
For the full text of Executive Order No. 210, click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced that Morris County Vocational School of Technology student and Parsippany resident Riya Dadheech is the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for New Jersey’s 11th District. Riya’s app, Plate of Hope, creates a platform to connect and match food donors with food pantries in need.
“Food insecurity is a critical issue in our community and across the country as a result of the pandemic. Riya’s app connects food banks and those looking to help, allowing donors to target giving efficiently and food banks to get the items most needed,” said Representative Mikie Sherrill. “I’d like to thank Riya for her focus on helping others during this difficult time and congratulate her on winning this year’s competition. We had so many impressive submissions for the 2020 Congressional App Challenge and I applaud all the students who participated. I also want to thank both the computer science teachers in NJ-11 who encouraged their students to submit apps and our judges for their time and effort.”
“We’re incredibly proud of and humbled by the selfless acts of our student, Riya Dadheech,” said Principal Lynne Jackson of the Morris County School of Technology. “Riya’s commitment to volunteerism contributes to the well-being of the communities around us.”
“On behalf of Morris County and our board, I congratulate Riya Dadheech and the Morris County Vocational School of Technology. Her App not only demonstrates a keen awareness of the immense demand being made of our food pantries during the pandemic but also her propensity for the type of problem-solving we hope to find in our future leaders – and we no doubt believe Riya will be standing prominently among them one day. This award also reflects strongly on the Morris County Vocational School District, which regularly ranks among the best public schools in our area,” said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.
“I’ve been aware of Riya, her forward-thinking community spirit, and her zeal for volunteerism for about two years now,” said Michael Soriano, Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills. “Riya gives me hope for the future. Young people like Riya can teach those of us in civic leadership what’s important in life. I’m always impressed by her, and when I see the things she’s accomplished, it warms my heart.”
To watch Riya’s video submission explaining her app, click here.
Students from 11 different towns in the district participated in the app challenge this year. Judges scored apps based on functionality, creativity, and user experience. Our judges included:
Shahram Dabiri, STEM Manager, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Armaments Center, Picatinny Arsenal
Cassandra Mainiero, Human Capital Management Office, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), Picatinny Arsenal
Maria Gonzalez, Senior Associate STEM, Workforce Development with NJ1, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), Picatinny Arsenal
Alfred Bentley III, PhD, Founder and CEO, vipHomeLink
Professor Michael Tirrito, Assistant Professor, Information Technologies, County College of Morris
The Congressional App Challenge launched in 2014 to encourage students nationwide to code. The Congressional App Challenge is designed to engage student creativity and encourage their participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education fields. The winner’s App is eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website, House.gov.
The competition was open to middle school and high school students who live or attend school in NJ-11. The full set of eligibility rules for individual and team entries can be found by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — This year’s college experience looks a lot different – and it’s affecting students’ mental well-being. Addressing increased stress, anxiety, and depression on campuses in New Jersey, the Assembly Higher Education Committee advanced a bill connecting students to available mental health services.
“The college life that many had imagined was put on hold or canceled. Campus closures due to the coronavirus, restrictions on socializing, and uncertainty about future careers are wreaking havoc on students’ mental health,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, a prime sponsor of the legislation. “While we know that students are experiencing more mental health disturbances, we also know they are not reaching out for help when they are in crisis. We need to make sure they are aware of the services that are available and they have that lifeline that is there any time they need to talk to someone.”
Under the bill (A3007), higher education institutions in the state will be required to ensure access to campus-based mental health care programs and services and provide newly enrolled students with information on their location and availability starting in the 2021-2022 academic year. Additionally, 24-hour toll-free telephone hotlines must be advertised in dormitories, libraries, and student centers.
“Providing information on mental health services at the beginning of the semester, when you are learning about how and where to access all the resources you need, reduces some of the stigma surrounding seeking out psychological help,” said Dunn. “Students will get information on everything from dental to mental. In order to prevent potential tragedies, we want to normalize mental health care so that they feel comfortable reaching out for help.”
Before the pandemic, Rowan University reported three suicides in just over two months in the fall of 2019. Last October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported suicide had become the second leading cause of death among 10-to-24-year olds. In August 2020, the CDC released a report on the pandemic’s effect on mental health that identified a disproportionate number of 18-to-24-year olds, about one-quarter of those surveyed, had seriously considered suicide in the last 30 days.
“Coronavirus shutdowns and closures have prevented people from scheduling doctors’ appointments and put people into isolation, both of which carry consequences to one’s health and well-being,” explained Dunn. “Mental health cannot wait. It has to be convenient and easily accessible for the person in crisis and this bill will help meet this timely need.”
MORRIS COUNTY — In response to the growing call from New Jersey citizens for election transparency and accuracy, the Morris County Republican Committee established the Election Accuracy Guardians for Legality and Equity (EAGLE) Project, Chaired by Elizabeth Nader of Morris Township. This election task force is charged with assuring voters have confidence in all aspects of how elections are conducted. The committee will be focused on voter roll clean-up, a review of vote-by-mail process accuracy issues, and potential measures to ensure voter confidence.
MCRC is thankful for the work and dedication of all Morris County employees working during this past general election. It is imperative that every voter in Morris County feels confidence in the electoral process. Our nation was built on the idea that our elected officials would assume office after free and fair elections. Unfortunately, that confidence has been broken throughout our Country.
Morris County Republican Committee Chairwoman Laura Marie Ali had this to say, “I am proud of the work our county committee and many volunteers did prior to the election to get out the vote-by-mail vote. It is due to their effort and massive grassroots action that we were successful with our state, county, and local candidates. We have a great responsibility to make sure our Morris County voters are confident that their voices and votes are accurately counted and received. Issues being raised at the national level require us to be razor-focused on assuring voter confidence is restored and that we fight for full transparency. We are proud to be doing that through our EAGLE Project, led by the amazing Elizabeth Nader. We invite our neighboring counties to join us in this effort.”
Snow covered trees on the corner of Flemington Drive and Lake Shore Drive
MORRIS COUNTY — All Morris County government offices will be closed on Thursday due to accumulating snow tonight and predictions the winter storm already impacting travel in the region will continue to pound most of New Jersey.
Non-essential county employees should not report to work. All essential employees and personnel critical to emergency services will remain activated.
The County College of Morris, Morris County School of Technology, Morris County Library, the Morris County Administration offices, and other county facilities will be closed.
Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency earlier today, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate the preparation, response, and recovery efforts for the storm with all county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies across the state.
New Jersey roads are expected to be impassable due to significant amounts of heavy, blowing, and drifting snow, low visibility, and whiteout conditions, with the highest impact expected overnight and into Thursday. Forecasts predict mostly wet snow, with total accumulations reaching 12 to 20 inches.
Winds are expected to be 10-15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
The Morris County Office of Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center (OEM) activated this morning at 5:00 a.m. as part of our continued preparedness activities.
Watch for updated alerts on Morris County OEM’s Facebook page.
Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Council President Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Emily Peterson, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilwoman Janice McCarthy
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council meeting Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.
Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.
PARSIPPANY — Small businesses and start-ups saddled with a mandate to purchase workers’ compensation coverage despite a lack of employees could see some relief under legislation advanced by the Assembly Labor Committee today.
The bill (A508), sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Assemblyman Jay Webber, revises the definition of employer in the workers’ compensation law. Partnerships that consist of two partners or S corporations with only one employee who is also the sole shareholder could save on unnecessary coverage.
“Our small businesses have struggled to stay afloat in the face of coronavirus shutdowns and it’s time we remove this undue mandate that is hindering their ability to survive,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Revising the workers’ compensation law so that businesses without employees can save on unnecessary coverage is one way our state can support their success.”
About three out of every 10 small businesses in the state have closed during the course of the coronavirus crisis.
“In order to foster an economic recovery, New Jersey needs to step up its support of small businesses,” continued DeCroce. “It’s critical to find ways to help owners in every stage – the start-ups trying to get off the ground, small businesses who need help getting through this crisis, and those who want to grow. This bill will allow small businesses to save on excessive insurance and spend that money on efforts to better help them achieve their goals.”
Failing to carry the proper insurance can currently result in fines up to $5,000 for the first 10 days and up to $5,000 every 10-day period thereafter. It is classified as a disorderly person offense and, if determined to be willful, a crime of the fourth degree.
The Senate passed the bill (S967) unanimously on February 10.
Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant, 52 No. Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha
PARSIPPANY — Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant, 52 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. (973) 794-6700.
I have always been a fan of authentic Mexican food. I am not talking about those fast-food chain Tex-Mex joints that dot our strip malls and highways. I am talking about real food that one would find South of the Border. I did not have to go far to find Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant, a small independent, family-owned neighborhood eatery on North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha, directly across from the Fire Station. If you are not familiar, No. Beverwyck Road is a vibrant, lively business section of Parsippany with a surprisingly large selection of excellent multi-cultural restaurants and shops.
Maddy’s is the type of place you might just walk by without noticing it despite its attractive and welcoming Mexican themed storefront. Maddy’s web page describes their business as a family restaurant serving authentic Mexican food in addition to their own unique twist on classic meals. Sounded good to me.
Immediately upon entering I was struck by the casual, colorful, festive, appealing Mexican décor and ambiance that quite literally jumps right out at you. Impressive murals cover the walls, colorful Mexican artifacts are carefully placed throughout, and the properly spaced tables are covered with multi-color checkered tablecloths. The lighting is comfortable and the brick accents along the walls really add a sense of class.
I was warmly greeted and seated by Nancy, who is the daughter of owners/Chefs Andres Galvez Santiago and Isabel Gonzalez Salazar. Mrs. Salazar came out to chat for a moment and welcome me to the restaurant, which was a nice touch. Very personable, hospitable people, and as I was about to find out, great Mexican chefs. I did learn that Andres and Isabel arrived from their homeland in Mexico and acquired Maddy’s five years ago. I was looking for authentic Mexican food using traditional homemade recipes and I could tell that this clearly was the place.
Carne a La Mexicana
I then was confronted with the tough chore of deciding between the Carne a La Mexicana Dinner Plate (grilled steak mixed with sauteed jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes, which came with three corn tortillas, rice, and beans) and the Wet Burrito (rice, beans, cheese, with choice of chicken, steak, or pulled pork. Covered with red sauce, melted cheese & Mexican sour cream). After some thought, I finally decided on the Carne a La Mexicana Dinner Plate as that seemed to be one of Maddy’s signature dishes and it sounded delicious. But first, a complimentary bowl of tasty, crunchy, and crispy home-made tortilla chips, accompanied with both tangy red (not too hot) and sweet salsa verde was brought to the table.
Followed next by the appetizer I went with, the Chorizquezo (melted cheese mixed with Mexican sausage served with a choice of corn or flour). The Chorizquezo was right up my alley and it was a meal in itself. Maddy’s is a BYOB so I brought along some Tecate Cerveza to compliment the meal.
My entrée, the Carne a La Mexicana Dinner Plate was delicious. The grilled steak was cooked exactly right. This generously portioned dish was hot, juicy, and mouthwatering. The quality toppings were flavorful, fresh, and seasoned to perfection and really enhanced the steak. The sides of tortillas, rice, and beans were a treat. I did it but I cannot imagine how I finished this feast.
Chicken Flautas
Of course, Maddy’s does have a full menu with all the traditional Mexican dishes you would expect and more. One thing that stood out, beyond the great flavor, was the size of the portions. I sat and observed as servings of the Wet Burrito, Steak Fajitas and Chicken Flautas came out. Each serving was huge and looked fantastic.
I was probably a nuisance, but the other friendly diners were courteous enough to allow me to photograph their dishes for this review. I think the pictures speak for themselves.
Overall, this was a great dining experience. Delicious, fresh, flavorful food. Generous portions. Reasonable prices. Excellent and professional service. Fun, friendly, and attractive décor. What more could you want? I would highly recommend giving Maddy’s a try.
Wet Burrito
And please come out and support all our small, independent local businesses in any way you can.
Inside Dining, Take Out, BYOB, Curbside Pick Up, Street Parking, Catering Services Available.
Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant, 52 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. (973) 794-6700. Click here to view their website.
Publishers Note: As a service to help our restaurants during these hard times, Parsippany Focus will be publishing reviews.
Steak FajitasMaddy’s Mexican Restaurant, 52 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. (973) 794-6700.
Attorney Christopher Deininger with retired Parsippany Police Capt. James Carifi
PARSIPPANY — Superior Court Appellate Division (Docket No. A-2356-17T1) granted James Carifi a new trial in Carifi vs. Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, and Governing Body of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. (also known as Carifi I).
In the decision dated on Tuesday, December 14, the Appellate Division stated “On appeal, Plaintiff argues that the trial judge effectively declined to answer the jury’s question inquiring “who or what does [the Township] include,” resulting in a harmful error that warrants a new trial.” We agree.
“Based upon our review of the trial record, if properly instructed, a reasonable jury could have found that upper-level supervisory personnel within the PD retaliated against [Carifi] for engaging in protected whistleblower activities. …[Plaintiff] presented substantial evidence that would support a determination that other supervisory employees in the PD – the deputy chief and one or more captains – engaged in retaliatory action against plaintiff…”
The Judge stated “Plaintiff presented compelling evidence that Capt. Paul Philipps response was clearly incorrect and constituted either a careless misstatement or a deliberate lie.” In announcing the ruling, the Judge stated: “that the trial court committed error in any of its other pretrial or trial rulings, we discern no basis to find that any such errors constituted harmful error.”
This case relates to October 24, 2011, when plaintiff James Carifi, then a captain in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department (the PD), filed a complaint in the Law Division asserting various causes of action related to his employment. By the time of trial, only the plaintiff’s whistleblower claim remained, alleging defendants violated the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA).
This action (Carifi I) was the first of three lawsuits involving the plaintiff and the Township. In Carifi II, filed in October 2013, the Township sued the plaintiff for breach of contract, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills v. Carifi, No. MRS-L-2604-13; in that suit, the Township alleged plaintiff wrongfully refused to repay the tuition for his graduate degree, after he did not remain employed as an officer for two years after receiving his degree. Carifi II settled before trial. On December 26, 2014, the plaintiff filed suit in Carifi v. Barberio, Inglesino, et al., MRS-L-3140-14 (Carifi III); in that action, the plaintiff alleged tortious conduct against the Township and four other defendants. On August 28, 2017, the Law Division granted dismissal motions filed by each defendant, after determining the plaintiff’s complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted.
Plaintiff then appealed the dismissal of Carifi III (A-0597-17); in a separate opinion issued simultaneously with this opinion, and the Courts affirm the dismissal of Carifi III. Attorney Christopher Deininger, representing James Carifi said an appeal to the New Jersey Supreme Court is being considered.
Michael Marrosky, Joe Serrecchia, Paul McDougall, Sean Rice, Scott Burns and Eric Bisch
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 recently donated $2,750 to the New Jersey Firemen’s Home using Beacon Grants from Elks National Foundation.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 donated the money to help the Firemen’s Home with COVID-19 relief.
The New Jersey Firemen’s Home is the only licensed health care facility in the State of New Jersey whose primary mission is dedicated to the men and women of the New Jersey Fire Service. Located on the historic Lathrop Estates in Boonton – the Firemen’s Home provides both long-term care and residential health care services.
Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 is located at 230 Parsippany Road.
Riya Dadheech, Michele Picone, Director Parsippany Health and Human Services, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano
PARSIPPANY — Purple Paint delivered around 1,000 pounds of food to the Parsippany Food Pantry as well as donated $1,000. This was the result of a two-week-long food drive hosted by Purple Paint. This was in honor of the Hindu celebration Diwali which was on November 14.
Purple Paint delivered around 1,000 pounds of food to the Parsippany Food Pantry
Purple Paint was able to raise these funds through online classes under the program Classes 4 A Cause. Young middle and high school students held online classes and 100% of the funds raised were donated to support this cause. They do private tutoring and the classes are still open. Purple Paint requests your help and support. Click here and enroll your children today or make a donation now to support our community.
Riya Dadheech gives Mayor Michael Soriano the “Covid handshake”
Riya Dadheech says “I am very grateful to all of the support we received from the numerous grocery stores and people within our community. Without their help, we would have never been able to accomplish this.” Below is a list of several of the local businesses which supported the Purple Paint Diwali Food Drive.
Indian Bazaar – East Hanover, Route 10
Delight Big Bazaar – Parsippany
Shoprite – Parsippany
Whole Foods – Parsippany
Foodtown – North Beverwyck Road
Tirupati Farmers Market – Parsippany
This movement to help and support our community during this very difficult time in our lives continues. We must come together as a community to really make a difference. Although everyone had thought the need for food was finally slowing down we were wrong. It seems there is another Covid spike and the endless need for food in our community has once again grown. We need YOUR help to provide meals for young children and families in our community. Please join this movement to help your community by making a donation now at donate.purplepaint.org!
Purple Paint is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to serve children in need around the world selflessly and with compassion to create a positive impact on society. For more information, please call (551) 216-9855 or click here or click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Mental Health Association in New Jersey honored NewBridge Services’ Victoria Ferlauto as a Behavioral Healthcare Hero for innovative leadership that has ensured the safe, steady treatment of adults with severe mental illness throughout the pandemic.
Ferlauto, director of NewBridge Services adult day treatment program, was featured in MHANJ’s 20th Annual Evening of Excellence, a 30-minute program to air on News12+ Optimum 61, Verizon FiOS 530, and MHANJ Facebook Live on Saturday, December 12. The show, honoring six mental health professionals, will be rebroadcast Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
“We are tremendously proud of Viki, whose efforts exemplify the entire staff’s commitment to our clients,” NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden said. Borden noted that Ferlauto “demonstrated deep care and concern for her staff as well as clients.”
Ferlauto was unaware she had been nominated for the award until MHANJ contacted her late last month. “I was touched and honored, and it came as a surprise!” she said.
“It must be said that the staff is all heroes as well, reminding society that mental health matters, now more than ever!” Ferlauto said. She joined NewBridge in 1998 and a year later was promoted to oversee both the adult day treatment programs in both Morris and Passaic counties.
When Gov. Murphy ordered the statewide shut down in March, Ferlauto worked feverishly over a weekend on a plan to keep essential treatment going. Video conferencing wasn’t an option, so Ferlauto went old-school: on Monday morning, staff phoned clients and used conference calling to connect them with group sessions.
“The clients were so happy we were calling them for the group,” supervising clinician Cheryl Schmidt said. Clients participated in daily skills-training groups on coping, emotional management, addiction recovery, and other topics.
Ferlauto planned how to safely have clients return to NewBridge for individual counseling sessions as soon as restrictions were lifted. As a volunteer on NewBridge’s COVID-19 safety committee, Ferlauto also ensured that staff receives and use personal protective equipment and that strict cleaning protocols are adhered to.
“She runs a tight ship, and is very supportive of her staff and compassionate about her clients,” said Derk Replogle, director of Addiction Services.
Ferlauto grew up in a tight-knit Hungarian neighborhood in Passaic, and as a young adult belonged to a semi-professional Hungarian folk dancing troupe that once performed at New York’s Avery Fisher Hall.
She planned on becoming an archeologist or anthropologist until she realized how much math was involved. “I decided instead to dig up people’s history, one by one,’’ Ferlauto said in a 2013 interview. As a student at Fordham University, “I fell in love with clinical psychology.’’
Ferlauto lives in Jefferson Township with her husband and, despite the pandemic, maintains close ties to relatives scattered throughout the U.S., she said. NewBridge, she added, “is like a second family to me.”
BOONTON — Looking for a dining experience that is a little different, innovative, and unique? How about a short jaunt to quaint and historic Main Street in Boonton, a thriving little downtown area were among a diverse and eclectic array of small stores shops, and restaurants you will find i2i Indian Italian Fusion Restaurant. Reportedly the only Indian Italian fusion restaurant in the world.
Chef Mickey Chopra, and his daughter Tamanna
i2i is the brainstorm of award-winning Master Chef Mickey Chopra. Immediately upon entering I was greeted by the highly personable, accommodating, and cordial Chef Mickey Chopra, and his daughter Tamanna, who could not have made us feel more welcomed or at home. The ambiance of i2i’s interior immediately presents an exceptionally clean, comfortable, warm, and casual vibe with a very classy décor while at the same time being very cozy and spacious.
Chef Mickey Chopra, and his daughter Tamanna with Patrick Minutillo
I guess I would be remiss if I did not note that Chef Chopra is very vigilant about maintaining all the mandated pandemic protocols and the seating is well-spaced throughout the restaurant.
Just talking to and seeing how enthusiastic and passionate Chef Mickey is about his cuisine was a great sign that I was in for a treat. This was my first time at i2i, so I was looking forward to trying something quite different from my usual dishes and I was not disappointed.
i2i Indian Italian Fusion
Not surprisingly, I had to try the dish famously reviewed by Dave Portnoy of Barstool Pizza who rated the dish a 9.3. If you follow Dave Portnoy you know this is an amazingly high score. The dish in question, the Chicken Makhani Penne Alla Vodka (Marsala marinated grilled chicken, slowly cooked in Indian spices with a creamy sauce and served over Penna pasta), but first on my radar was i2i’s unique appetizer, their Naanchos (A bowl of crispy naan chips with melted spicy cheese, mango chutney, and toppings).
Pearl Jamun (cheese and milk dumplings in a honey syrup)
These Naanchos were a nice twist from the traditional Nacho appetizer we are all used to. The sweet Mango Chutney and other toppings provided a savory kick to the flavorful Naan bread. There is no doubt Naanchos will be a must order every time I visit i2i. On Tamanna‘s recommendation, we also tried the Royal Butter Chicken (boneless fresh chicken pieces broiled in Indian spices and cooked in a buttery creamy tomato sauce). We were glad we followed her recommendation. What a great dinner. For dessert, we went with the Pearl Jamun (cheese and milk dumplings in a honey syrup) and the Rabri Cannoli (traditional Indian sweet made from milk solids and Pistachios filled in a Cannoli).
Chicken Makhani Penne Alla Vodka
Now back to the Chicken Makhani Penne Alla Vodka. I must agree with Portnoy, it was delicious. Chef Mickey’s merging of the two cultural dishes was an absolute genius, as the Indian spices added both flavors and fragrances to the chicken and pasta that really brought this dish all together. Excellent, and it went well with my BYOB Pinot Noir.
If you are or have been, hesitant or skeptical about trying out some of these new fusion dishes, I think you are missing out, but no fear, i2i also offers a full menu of traditional Indian and Italian dishes and pizzas, from Chef Chopra’s attached restaurant, Vinnie’s Pizzeria, for those so inclined.
Rabri Cannoli (traditional Indian sweet made from milk solids and Pistachios filled in a Cannoli)
As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed this totally satisfying dining experience and would certainly recommend you stopping in and giving it a try.
And please come out and support all our small, independent local businesses in any way you can.
i2i Indian Italian Fusion is located at 408 Main Street, For more information call (973) 334-3403.
Gluten and vegetarian dishes available, BYOB, Street Parking, Take Out, Open 7 Days a Week.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has announced that starting Monday, December 14, all MVC Vehicle Centers will be open by appointment only. No walk-ins will be allowed at any Vehicle Centers.
“We’ve made tremendous progress in clearing the backlog of registrations for newly purchased used vehicles, which enables us to move fully to an appointment system in Vehicle Centers, reducing our capacity but increasing customer convenience,” said Sue Fulton, Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Appointments at Vehicle Centers for new titles/registrations and registration renewals for customers ineligible for online renewal are scheduled at NJMVC.gov. Recently, appointments were added at Vehicle Centers for duplicate or replacement titles.
Appointments during the hours 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays continue to be reserved for seniors. Eligible customers 65 years and older should look for the dedicated appointment option at NJMVC.gov.
At Trenton Regional/Vehicle Center, Regional services will continue to be available on a walk-in basis, but not regular vehicle transactions. Regional services include certain suspension and restoration services.
In early November, the MVC shifted ten Vehicle Centers to appointment-only. The remaining six Vehicle Centers will join them, starting Monday.
MVC Licensing Centers offer service by appointment for Out-of-State transfers, in-person renewals, and driver knowledge tests. Licensing Centers offer walk-in service for a new license, non-driver ID, or permit.
The MVC has added more appointments at all locations for improved customer service.
“While the new surge of COVID-19 cases continues to impact our staffing, we will be adding more appointments every day to accommodate those whose appointments were canceled due to COVID quarantines,” Fulton noted.
To make an appointment for any service, customers should log on to NJMVC.gov and scroll down to the “Schedule an Appointment” box or use the “Make Appointment” menu header. Appointments are scheduled on a rolling 30-day basis.
Most basic license and registration renewals or replacements can be completed online at NJMVC.gov. There are nearly thirty different online services and transactions available on the MVC website.
The MVC has implemented many changes in recent months. To help identify whether a transaction is available online, by appointment, or by walk-in, customers should check the new “How do I…?” Cheat Sheet in the Quick Links on the MVC home page.
PARSIPPANY — Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Parsippany Town Hall made the difficult choice to convert this year’s Christmas Tree lighting to a virtual celebration. This year’s celebration features Santa Claus riding to Town Hall on a Township Fire Truck just in time to light up the Christmas trees and our Township’s Holiday sprits!
Please follow Video-On-The-Go Channel 21, as well as the Township social Media Pages so see the tree lighting on-demand this weekend!
I have always been a fan of authentic Mexican food. I am not talking about those fast-food chain Tex-Mex joints that dot our strip malls and highways. I am talking about real food that one would find South of the Border. I did not have to go far to find Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant, a small independent, family-owned neighborhood eatery on North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha, directly across from the Fire Station. If you are not familiar, No. Beverwyck Road is a vibrant, lively business section of Parsippany with a surprisingly large selection of excellent multi-cultural restaurants and shops.
Immediately upon entering I was struck by the casual, colorful, festive, appealing Mexican décor and ambiance that quite literally jumps right out at you. Impressive murals cover the walls, colorful Mexican artifacts are carefully placed throughout, and the properly spaced tables are covered with multi-color checkered tablecloths. The lighting is comfortable and the brick accents along the walls really add a sense of class.
