Parsippany Economic Development Committee Chairman Frank Cahill, Mayor Pulkit Desai and Council Vice President Diya Patel joined other local dignitaries, friends and family of the owner to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Hidden Village Ink, Parsippany’s first tattoo parlor.
PARSIPPANY — Hidden Village Ink LLC celebrated its official ribbon cutting on Saturday, August 22, marking the opening of Parsippany’s first tattoo parlor.
The new business is located inside Phenix Salon Suites at 1101 Route 46 East in Parsippany. Local officials, community members, friends and supporters gathered Saturday afternoon to welcome Hidden Village Ink and commemorate the milestone opening.
The ribbon cutting was especially significant because Hidden Village Ink is the first tattoo parlor to operate in Parsippany. The opening adds a new type of personal-service business to the township and represents another locally operated business choosing to establish itself along the Route 46 corridor.
Hidden Village Ink operates from Suite 134 inside Phenix Salon Suites and specializes in tattoo services. The studio can be reached at 862-262-7319.
Saturday’s ceremony officially welcomed Hidden Village Ink to the Parsippany business community and recognized the opening of a business that is breaking new ground in the township.
Phenix Salon Suites provides private, customizable suites for independent beauty, wellness and personal-care professionals. Its Parsippany location includes businesses offering hair care, massage, lashes, nails, aesthetics, barbering and other specialty services, with Hidden Village Ink adding tattoo services to that mix.
Phenix also offers its independent professionals amenities including 24/7 suite access, complimentary Wi-Fi, basic equipment, utilities and other business resources. The salon-suite model allows entrepreneurs to operate independently while working from a professional shared location.
Hidden Village Ink LLC is located at 1101 Route 46 East in Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of Lake Hiawatha, a local organization dedicated to supporting the beautification of the North Beverwyck Road corridor, will host a Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, October 3, at the Parsippany Police Athletic League, 33 Baldwin Road, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The goal of the fundraiser is to bring holiday spirit back to downtown Lake Hiawatha. For years, the Friends of Lake Hiawatha provided festive decorations along North Beverwyck Road. However, as the ongoing revitalization project began, the old decorations became incompatible with the new light posts, leaving the corridor undecorated during construction. With construction now nearing completion, organizers are eager to restore holiday cheer with the fundraiser.
Event highlights include a meal provided by the Sons of Italy, $100 in play money to test attendees’ luck and skill at various casino games, opportunities to win prize baskets, and an evening with neighbors and community members.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Landmark Florist, located on North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha, or by calling Antoinette at (862) 432-2174. Advance purchases are strongly recommended, as tickets will only be sold at the door if the event does not sell out.
The Friends of Lake Hiawatha is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All proceeds from the event will go directly toward purchasing new decorations designed for the updated light posts. In addition to decorating the corridor, the organization hosts the annual Winterfest celebration, a community favorite featuring the arrival of Santa.
MORRISTOWN — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has promoted Andrew Ledet to the rank of sergeant, continuing a law enforcement career that began with the Morris County Park Police in 2017.
Ledet grew up in Rockaway Township and attended Morris Hills High School, where he competed in football and lacrosse. He earned All-Conference honors in lacrosse and received All-Conference, All-County and All-State recognition in football.
Ledet went on to play Division I football at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York. He graduated magna cum laude in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and a minor in physics.
After college, Ledet worked in several fields before beginning a career in technology. In 2015, he became a computer programmer with UnitedHealth Group.
He transitioned to law enforcement in 2017 when he joined the Morris County Park Police. Ledet graduated from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in November 2017 as a member of the 89th Basic Police Course.
Ledet served as a patrolman with the Park Police until the agency merged with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in January 2022. He continued serving in the Patrol Division following the merger and was promoted to corporal in January 2025.
During his law enforcement career, Ledet has completed several forms of specialized training. He is certified to operate all-terrain vehicles, is a licensed drone pilot and serves as a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and as a field training officer.
The Sheriff’s Office said Ledet’s background in athletics, mathematics, technology and law enforcement reflects his commitment to leadership, public service and continued professional development.
MORRIS COUNTY — State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco plans to introduce legislation aimed at improving paddle board safety following two recent deaths involving paddle boarders in Morris County.
The proposed legislation, called “Carlo’s Law,” would require paddle board rental businesses to provide renters with a safety tether and guidance from the New Jersey State Police on how to properly use the equipment in different water conditions. Rental businesses would also be required to regularly inspect and maintain the safety tethers they provide.
Bucco said Carlo’s Law grew out of another family’s heartbreak, and that the family wanted to turn their loss into something that could help protect others. He said he hopes the legislation can honor that memory by giving paddle boarders the information and safety equipment they need to come home safely.
The announcement follows two separate paddle boarding-related deaths in Morris County. Jonathan Gresseau, 23, of Netcong, was found dead in Tilcon Lake in Mount Olive Township after authorities said he fell into the water while paddle boarding with a group of adults. Gresseau had been reported missing around 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15, and was found around 11:00 a.m. the following day. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office said paddle boarding is not permitted on Tilcon Lake.
Hours later, Kaushik Sharma, 41, of Edison, was found dead in Lake Hopatcong at Hopatcong State Park in Roxbury Township. Authorities were alerted around 2:30 p.m. after bystanders spotted an unattended paddle board and notified a beach lifeguard. Sharma was found in the water around 7:00 p.m. following a multiagency search. Authorities believe Sharma had been paddle boarding in an area of the beach not supervised by lifeguards.
Under Bucco’s proposed legislation, State Police guidance would explain the proper use of a tether, the types of tethers appropriate for different water conditions, and potential risks associated with improper use. The legislation would also specify that a safety tether does not replace any required personal flotation device.
Bucco, a Republican representing portions of Morris and Passaic counties, plans to formally introduce the legislation during the Senate’s next quorum call, likely in September.
RANDOLPH — Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of County College of Morris, has been named the 2026 Chief Executive Officer for the Northeast Region by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).
The award recognizes exceptional leadership among community college presidents throughout the Northeast, honoring Iacono’s commitment to expanding pathways to higher education and career advancement.
“I am truly humbled and honored, considering the many exceptional presidents throughout the region, to be selected as ACCT’s CEO of the Northeastern region,” Iacono said. “My deepest gratitude to CCM’s Board of Trustees for their nomination, trust and continued support.”
Paul R. Licitra, chair of CCM’s Board of Trustees, said Iacono’s leadership has elevated the college while keeping students at the center of every decision, and that his ability to expand academic opportunities and build partnerships has strengthened the college’s impact throughout Morris County and beyond.
Under Iacono’s leadership, CCM has connected students to degree and certificate programs while helping ensure businesses have access to needed talent, through initiatives including College Promise Programs that create pathways to college for local high school students. CCM graduates rank among the highest paid alumni from community college graduates in New Jersey.
The college continues to expand its facilities and partnerships, including the soon-to-open 80,000-square-foot Center for Health Professions, an Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science, developed with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and home to the Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey. The Morris County Career Training Center, operated by the Morris County Vocational School District, opened on the CCM campus last year, further expanding opportunities for high school students.
CCM will soon launch Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting and Dental Radiography programs in its Center for Health Professions, supported by a $1 million grant from the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation. The college was also selected as one of only two New Jersey community colleges to partner with the AI Hub at Princeton University and the New Jersey Council of County Colleges for the state’s first U.S. Department of Labor Registered Data Scientist AI Apprenticeship grant. Among its newest initiatives is CCM’s Cyber Security Center and Ethical Hacking Lab, the first in New Jersey to be endorsed by the Department of Homeland Security.
During Iacono’s tenure, CCM has earned one of the highest graduation and transfer rates among New Jersey’s community colleges. College officials say the growth in facilities and programs has strengthened CCM’s role as a partner to local businesses and industries, supporting workforce development and economic mobility throughout Morris County.
Iacono also thanked CCM’s faculty, staff and administration, as well as ACCT, for their roles in the college’s work. The Association of Community College Trustees is a nonprofit representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern more than 1,000 community, technical and junior colleges in the United States and beyond.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Boonton family is raising funds for a wheelchair-accessible van for their daughter, Ellie Cooper, who lives with cerebral palsy and three rare genetic disorders.
Ellie was born at 26 weeks and spent her early weeks in the NICU. She is a primary wheelchair user and is also autistic. As she has grown, transferring her into a standard car seat has become increasingly difficult, and her family says a standard vehicle can no longer safely accommodate her, her wheelchair, and the medical equipment she requires.
The family’s need became more urgent after Ellie’s father, Josh, and their three oldest children were involved in a car accident during school drop-off. Everyone involved was uninjured, but the financial strain of maintaining two vehicles alongside Ellie’s medical expenses became unsustainable. The family, which has six members, is now relying on a borrowed vehicle that cannot safely transport everyone along with Ellie’s wheelchair and gear.
The family has partnered with Help Hope Live, a national nonprofit that specializes in medical fundraising, through its Mid-Atlantic Catastrophic Illness Fund. As of August 21, the campaign has raised $48,700 toward its $100,000 goal. Organizers say the funds will go toward purchasing a reliable wheelchair-accessible van, ensuring the family can travel together safely, and bridging costs that insurance and traditional financing do not cover. All donations are tax-deductible and managed directly by Help Hope Live.
Those interested in donating can visit the family’s campaign page at helphopelive.org, or mail a check payable to Help Hope Live, noted in honor of Ellie Cooper, to Help Hope Live, 2 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100, 100 Matsonford Road, Radnor, PA 19087.
PARSIPPANY — The 44th Annual Lead East Classic Car Show and Festival will take place Thursday, September 3, through Sunday, September 6, over Labor Day weekend at the Hilton Parsippany, 1 Hilton Court.
Billed as the largest oldies party around, the festival features concerts, classic cars, specialty cars, vendors and special guests. The event celebrates decades of legendary rock ‘n’ roll music with more than 34 live bands and musicians, plus five DJs performing both indoors and outdoors. Organizers say more than one million people have attended Lead East events over the years.
As part of the weekend’s lineup, American Music LLC presents The Doo Wop Project on Saturday, September 5, with opening act Memories Music. Radio personality Alan David Stein will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening. Tickets for the concert can be purchased by clicking here.
Since 1982, Lead East has offered a full weekend of classic cars and music, with two indoor stages, an outdoor stage and additional performance areas. The event includes drive-in movies, indoor films and cartoons for children, a clown brigade, and vendors selling food, refreshments, vintage clothing and other goods both indoors and outdoors. Food trucks and restaurant vendors offer a range of dining options, and the Hilton sells alcoholic beverages inside the hotel, with beer also available in the parking lot.
Weekend spectator wristbands cost $55 for adults and $45 for juniors ages 12 to 16. One-day admission is $20 for adults and $15 for juniors, with daily rates varying: $10 for adults and $5 for juniors on Thursday, $15 and $10 on Friday, $25 and $20 on Saturday, and $20 and $15 on Sunday. Children under 12 are admitted free. A one-day family plan, which includes two adults and all children up to age 16, costs $50. One-day car plans are $50 for a driver and passenger, or $35 for a driver with no passenger.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Denville man was charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle stop on Route 10 West, according to the Denville Police Department.
Officers stopped the vehicle at approximately 1:27 a.m. on August 14 after observing a moving violation. During the investigation, the driver was identified as Zarko Tamburin, 49, of Denville. Officers determined that Tamburin was operating the vehicle while intoxicated and placed him under arrest, transporting him to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.
Tamburin was issued the following summonses:
Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
Speeding (N.J.S.A. 39:4-98)
Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51b)
Consent to Breath Samples (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.2)
Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50a)
Tamburin was released pending a future court appearance in Denville Municipal Court.
Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
PARSIPPANY — Mosquito control treatment is scheduled for a wooded area in Parsippany early Sunday morning due to an increase in adult mosquito populations.
Weather permitting, the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control will treat the woods along Walsh Drive at Jannarone Park on Sunday, August 23, between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m.
The treatment will be conducted using an all-terrain vehicle. Officials said the treatment will use either Anvil 2+2, which contains the active ingredient Sumithrin, or Zenivex E4, which contains the active ingredient Etofenprox.
Residents with questions about the mosquito control program or scheduled treatments can contact the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control at (973) 285-6450. Additional information, including pesticide product labels, is available on the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control website.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Knights of Columbus, Council #3680, will host a free Soccer Challenge for boys and girls ages 9 to 14 on Saturday, September 12, at Brooklawn Middle School, 250 Beachwood Road.
Participants ages 9, 10 and 11 will compete from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by participants ages 12, 13 and 14 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The contest consists of 15 penalty kicks into different scoring sections of the net.
The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district and jurisdictional competitions. International champions are announced by the Knights of Columbus international headquarters based on scores from the jurisdiction-level competitions. All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event.
For more information, contact Frank Palmieri at [email protected] or (973) 868-6102.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee Member Mahesh Prajapati, Lexica Property Manager Marcy Cowen, Mayor Pulkit Desai, Economic Development Committee Chairman Frank Cahill, Council President Judy Hernandez, Maintenance Supervisor Michael Uzzi, Assistant Property Manager Matthew Perez and Economic Development Committee Member Nick Rafanello gather for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lexica Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — Lexica Parsippany welcomed residents, township officials and members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community “Meet and Greet” at the residential community, located at 11-21 Upper Pond Road.Mayor Pulkit Desai joined members of the Economic Development Committee and the Lexica management team for the celebration, which provided residents with an opportunity to meet one another, speak with township representatives and learn more about the Parsippany community.
Little residents celebrating at the “Meet and Greet”
“This is what building a strong community is all about,” Desai said. “Parsippany is more than a place to live; it is a community where residents, businesses and local government come together. We are pleased to welcome the residents of Lexica and make sure they know about the many programs, services and businesses available throughout our township.”
Mayor Desai chatting with residents of Lexica
Lexica is a modern residential community offering studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with amenities that include a fitness center, swimming pool, resident clubhouse, courtyards, electric vehicle charging stations, pet facilities and spaces designed for remote work. The community is professionally managed by Willow Bridge Property Company.
Mayor Desai chatting with residents of Lexica
As part of the event, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee distributed its “Welcome to Our Community” package to Lexica residents. The package included information about Parsippany-Troy Hills, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Craftsman Farms, local transportation and other community resources.
Parsippany Economic Development distributed “Welcome to Our Community” folders to all the residents in attendance
Residents also received information and special offers from participating local merchants, including Outback Steakhouse, Applebee’s and Chick-fil-A Parsippany, among others.
Economic Development Committee Chairman Frank Cahill said the program is designed to build a connection between new residents and Parsippany’s business community from the moment they arrive.
“Our goal is to reach out to new residents, welcome them to Parsippany and introduce them to the local businesses that help make our community special,” Cahill said. “When residents shop, dine and do business locally, they are supporting their neighbors and strengthening Parsippany’s economy. The Welcome to Our Community program creates that connection from day one.”
The gathering also gave residents an opportunity to meet Mayor Desai and members of the Economic Development Committee in an informal setting while learning more about their new community.
Lexica Property Manager Marcy Cowen, Maintenance Supervisor Michael Uzzi and Assistant Property Manager Matthew Perez represented the property during the event.
For more information about Lexica, call (973) 658-6500 or visit livelexica.com.
A behavioral health professional welcomes a visitor at a crisis care center. Morris County is among five New Jersey counties slated to receive a new Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Center as part of the state’s expansion of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline system.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County is one of five counties slated for a new Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Center as part of a $16.45 million state investment to expand New Jersey’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline system, the Department of Human Services said.
The funding will support the phased rollout of the centers in Morris, Bergen, Camden, Essex and Monmouth counties. Of the total investment, $14.95 million comes from state funding and $1.5 million from a federal Mental Health Block Grant through the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The state portion includes $8.66 million in unused appropriations from the most recent fiscal year and $6.3 million carried forward from the prior fiscal year.
The centers are designed to give people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis a place to receive immediate assessment, stabilization and treatment, along with connections to ongoing behavioral health care, as an alternative to a hospital emergency room or law enforcement response.
Governor Mikie Sherrill said the investment ensures every New Jersey resident knows that reaching out during a crisis will be met with support. Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha said 988 serves as the entry point to a broader behavioral health crisis system, and that the funding will help the state build out places for people to go, whether by appointment or as a walk-in, when they need help.
Senate President Nick Scutari said the centers would expand the reach of the 988 system while easing pressure on hospitals and police, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said the effort reflects years of legislative work to build a fuller continuum of crisis care in the state. Senator Joe Vitale and Assemblywoman Andrea Katz both said the centers would give people a safer, more appropriate option than automatically turning to an emergency room during a crisis.
Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Valerie Mielke and Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services Assistant Commissioner David Helfand said the centers reflect an effort to build a system where people in crisis can be treated with dignity in a setting designed specifically for stabilization, rather than relying on emergency departments not suited to their needs.
New Jersey launched its 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022, offering free, confidential calls, texts and chats with crisis counselors, as well as mobile crisis response and other community-based behavioral health services. The Department of Human Services said it is developing a phased implementation schedule for the five centers and will release further details as they are finalized.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide-related crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School will host a motorcade on Thursday, August 27, celebrating its band, cheer and football programs ahead of the fall season.
Participants will meet at Parsippany High School at 4:00 p.m. and depart at 4:15 p.m., stopping at the homes of seniors before picking up members of the band, cheer and football teams along the route. Police and fire vehicles, along with friends and family, will follow behind as the procession makes its way back to the school.
The motorcade will return to the field at 5:00 p.m. for introductions and a celebration, followed by pizza at the concession stand.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School will host a “Vikings Motorcade” on Tuesday, August 25 at 4:00 p.m., inviting residents to line the streets and cheer on student-athletes as the fall sports season gets underway.
The motorcade will begin at Parsippany Hills High School and wind through several neighborhoods before returning to the school. The route includes stops and turns at Tar Drive, Brooklawn Drive, Tabor Road and Tarn Drive; Lakeshore Drive, Drumlin Road, Moraine Road, Highland Court, Ferncliff Road, Sedgefield Road, Littleton Road, Halsey Road and Ludlow Drive; Camden Road; and Delbrook Road, Laurelton Road, Berlin Road, Littleton Road and East Brooklawn Road, before heading back to the high school by way of Marston Road, Littleton Road and Rita Drive.
Organizers are encouraging residents along the route to show their Viking pride by lining the streets and cheering on the procession as it passes.
Parsippany Police Department is located at 3339 Route 46.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department has received a $7,000 grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to support increased impaired-driving enforcement as part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
The funding will allow the department to conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints aimed at identifying and removing impaired drivers from the road. The enforcement mobilization runs from August 19 through Labor Day, September 7.
Statewide, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety awarded more than $511,580 in grant funding to 106 local law enforcement agencies, along with $191,153 to the New Jersey State Police, to support the effort. Parsippany-Troy Hills was one of five Morris County departments to receive funding, along with Chester Township, Dover, Jefferson and Riverdale, each also receiving $7,000.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said impaired drivers put children, passengers, families, pedestrians, cyclists and police officers at risk on the road, and urged residents to arrange a sober ride, designate a driver, or stay put rather than get behind the wheel after drinking.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,367 people were killed nationwide in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2024, accounting for about 20 percent of all traffic fatalities.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Keansburg man was arrested and charged with eluding law enforcement after fleeing a traffic stop in Denville, according to the Denville Police Department.
Officers stopped Christopher J. Cox, 33, on East Main Street on Tuesday, August 18, at approximately 10:57 p.m. after observing a moving violation, police said. Cox provided officers with a New York driver’s license but refused to provide the required vehicle documentation, then placed the vehicle in drive and fled the scene, according to police.
Because officers already had Cox’s driver’s license and his identity was known, a motor vehicle pursuit was not initiated, police said.
Members of the Denville Police Department Detective Bureau located and took Cox into custody on Wednesday, August 19.
Cox was charged with eluding law enforcement officers (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2b, third degree) and issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, including:
Failure to Provide an Insurance Card (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29c)
Failure to Possess a Registration Card (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29b)
Operating an Unregistered Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:3-4)
Disregarding a Stop Sign (N.J.S.A. 39:4-144)
Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
Failure to Signal (N.J.S.A. 39:4-126)
Failure to Maintain Lane (N.J.S.A. 39:4-88)
Improper Lane Change (N.J.S.A. 39:4-66)
Cox was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a future court appearance in Morris County Superior Court.
Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Gold-toned plates, chopsticks and tableware help create the simple Korean-inspired setting inside Tasty House at 148 Parsippany Road.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s restaurant scene is getting another international addition with Tasty House, a new Korean restaurant at 148 Parsippany Road that is preparing to celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, August 29.
Even before the official grand opening, Tasty House is already showing what it hopes will set it apart: fresh ingredients, traditional Korean flavors and food that feels satisfying without being excessively heavy.
The restaurant’s focus on freshness becomes apparent almost immediately after sitting down.
Before our main order arrived, the table was served a selection of complimentary Korean side dishes, including homemade kimchi, freshly cut radish and potato salad. The kimchi was particularly impressive. Fresh, crisp and packed with flavor, it had enough spice to make itself known without overwhelming the rest of the meal. The radish provided a refreshing contrast, while the potato salad added a milder element to the opening spread.
Guests begin their meal with complimentary side dishes including Tasty House’s homemade kimchi, freshly cut radish and potato salad.
It was a simple introduction, but one that established a theme that continued throughout the meal: the ingredients tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared.
We started with the pork dumplings, which proved to be one of the highlights of the visit.
The handmade dumplings were pan-fried together, creating an impressive golden, crispy layer across the plate. Breaking through the delicate crust revealed individual dumplings underneath with a savory pork and Napa cabbage filling. The contrast between the crisp exterior and tender filling made them difficult to stop eating.
Tasty House’s handmade pork and Napa cabbage dumplings are pan-fried beneath a thin, golden layer of crispy crust, adding texture to each bite.
The centerpiece of the meal, however, was the Stone Bowl Bibimbap.
Bibimbap is one of Korea’s most recognizable dishes, traditionally bringing rice, vegetables, protein and sauce together in a single bowl. Tasty House’s version arrives in a hot stone bowl packed with colorful ingredients and topped with an egg and house sauce.
Before anything is mixed together, the presentation alone stands out. Bright carrots, greens, cabbage, bean sprouts and other seasoned vegetables surround the egg, creating a dish that looks every bit as fresh as it tastes.
Once mixed, the ingredients come together especially well. The vegetables retain their individual textures and flavors while the house sauce adds richness and a mild kick throughout the bowl. The hot stone bowl also keeps the meal hot from beginning to end.
Tasty House’s colorful Stone Bowl Bibimbap features an egg surrounded by an assortment of fresh and seasoned vegetables, all brought together with the restaurant’s special house sauce.
The Stone Bowl Bibimbap is one of Tasty House’s popular dishes and comes with rice and seaweed soup.
What stood out most was how substantial the meal felt without becoming overly heavy. Between the vegetables, rice, egg and other ingredients, there was plenty of food, but the freshness of the components made it feel balanced.
That approach is central to Tasty House’s identity. The restaurant describes its cooking around four ideas: fresh, healthy, delicious and nutritious. Based on what we sampled, those descriptions fit.
The menu extends well beyond bibimbap and dumplings. Diners can find Korean BBQ, tofu stew, noodles, pancakes, hot pots, wraps, breakfast selections and other Korean specialties. Among the options are beef short ribs, chicken bulgogi, squid bulgogi, seafood pancakes and Tasty Beef Pot.
There is also something welcoming about the restaurant itself. The gold-toned tableware, simple interior and traditional Korean side dishes create a dining experience that feels distinctive without being intimidating for someone unfamiliar with Korean food.
For first-time visitors, the Stone Bowl Bibimbap is an easy place to start. For anyone already familiar with Korean cuisine, the homemade side dishes and handmade dumplings provide plenty of reason to explore further.
Tasty House may be new to Parsippany, but the food already gives the impression of a kitchen that knows exactly what it wants to serve.
With its official grand opening scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m.. Tasty House adds another option to Parsippany’s increasingly diverse dining scene and gives local residents a new place to experience fresh Korean cooking close to home. Join us at our grand opening to sample our delicious food.
Tasty House 148 Parsippany Road Parsippany, NJ 07054 (973) 240-7745 Open 5 days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday
PARSIPPANY — A missing white bicycle led to an outpouring of generosity from the Parsippany community, as Police Benevolent Association #131 members stepped in to replace the bike for a young girl named McKenna.
Lieutenant Brian Conover reached out to the family after seeing a post about the missing bike, not only as a police officer but as a father who wanted to help. McKenna’s mother, a social worker, said no one had any obligation to step in, which made the gesture that much more meaningful to her family.
“A toddler’s missing white bike could have been nothing more than an upsetting memory,” she said. “Instead, because of the Parsippany P.B.A. and the kindness of so many people in our community, it has become an opportunity to teach McKenna the more important lesson that there will always be moments when people disappoint us, and we also always have the choice to see where there is good, where there are people willing to show up and help.”
She said she hopes the story encourages others to look for similar opportunities in their own lives — checking on a neighbor, helping someone who is struggling, offering a compliment, returning a shopping cart, paying for someone’s coffee, holding a door open, or simply showing up for a stranger.
With McKenna’s father working as a firefighter and her mother as a social worker, service to others is deeply embedded in the family’s values. She said being on the receiving end of that same spirit of service was touching, and reflects the kind of community they are raising their daughter in.
She added that she doesn’t want one person’s unkind act to become the takeaway from this story. There will always be unkind acts, she said, but there are also always opportunities to respond with kindness.
Lieutenant Brian Conover, Officer James Brennan, Officer Dave Cavaliere, and Mayor Pulkit Desai presented McKenna with her new bike.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Pulkit Desai greets New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell. Photo by Rohan Mruthik
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany recently hosted its largest-ever celebration of India’s Independence Day, held alongside a celebration of the United States’ founding, at Smith Field Park. The event was held with the support of Mayor Pulkit Desai and First Lady Sangita Desai, and was hosted by Hemil Kapadia and Khushi Prajapati of Switch Beats Entertainment.
Attendees dance together with Indian flags in hand during Parsippany’s celebration of India’s 80th Independence Day at Smith Field Park. Photo by Rohan Mruthik
The celebration ran for four hours and included a wide range of programming, including the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, a symbol of peace, wisdom and prosperity. Lighting a diya is an Indian tradition, but organizers noted that light belongs to every culture, every faith and every generation, representing hope, wisdom and a brighter tomorrow across generations past, present and future.
Morristown Councilman Chris Russo. Photo by Rohan MruthikParsippany-Troy Hill Economic Development Intern Rohan Mruthik with Congresswoman Analilia Mejia
The event was attended by many dignitaries, including Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Pulkit Desai, First Lady Sangita Desai, New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, U.S. Congresswoman Analilia Mejia, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Judy Hernandez, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Morristown Councilman Chris Russo, Randolph Councilman Joe Hataway and former Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella.
Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano looks over artwork presented by Vidyalaya School of Indian Languages, Culture and Drama during the India celebration.
The program also featured the National Anthem of the United States and the Pledge of Allegiance, performed solo by Sonia Dadheech, followed by the Indian flag hoisting, carried out by Indian Navy veteran Hari Kundaram, Indian Air Force veteran John Parekunnel, and U.S. Marine veteran and Mayor Pulkit Desai.
Fifteen children, ranging in age from three to fifteen, performed a live group singing of the Indian National Anthem.
Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella with Joe Hathaway at the Independence Day celebration, jointly honoring 80 years of India’s independence and 250 years of American independence.
The event also included a classical cultural showcase featuring Bharatanatyam by Kalashri School of Arts, a Kathak dance performance by Matra – The Beat Performing Arts Academy, a patriotic singing performance by Maanvit Gandhi, a patriotic dance performance by AUM Dance Creations, a yoga dance by Satvik Breath Yoga Studio, Garba and Bhangra by Shakti Performing Arts Collective, and a Zumba performance led by instructors Kiruba and Roshini.
Resin Jewelry by Sonia Dadheech was one of the many exhibitors at the celebration. Council President Judy Hernandez holds a piece of jewelry she just purchased.
Organizers said a large number of talented performers and community members turned out to Smith Field Park to show their patriotism for both India and the United States, and said they hope to make next year’s celebration even bigger.
Mayor Pulkit Desai samples a treat from the Frost & Flavors stand during Parsippany’s Independence Day celebration.
Saprize Saprize is located at
176 Parsippany Road, Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Just months after opening, Saprize Saprize continues to build its name throughout Parsippany and Morris County.
Following a grand opening that drew more than 900 customers, the locally owned restaurant says it has earned recognition as a top destination in the area while gaining attention for its combination of Mediterranean favorites and Nashville hot chicken.
Saprize Saprize has received coverage from Parsippany Focus, Patch, NorthJersey.com/The Record, AOL and StreetInsider. StreetInsider recently featured the restaurant as one of Parsippany’s fast-growing halal restaurant brands, highlighting its family history, Mediterranean classics and signature Nashville hot chicken.
At the center of the growing attention is the Smackwich, Saprize Saprize’s signature Nashville hot chicken sandwich. The restaurant also serves Dirty Fries, chicken tenders and its longtime chicken, gyro and falafel rice platters.
The concept is backed by more than 20 years of restaurant experience, beginning with Gyro King in Brooklyn and later expanding into New Jersey before the family created Saprize Saprize in Parsippany.
From a 900-plus customer grand opening to growing recognition and coverage across five media outlets, Saprize Saprize is quickly becoming a recognizable name in the Parsippany restaurant community.
Saprize Saprize 176 Parsippany Road, Parsippany, New Jersey (973) 240-7550 saprizesaprize.com
