PARSIPPANY — The Birch Group, a privately-held commercial real estate investor, owner, and operator announced an extensive capital improvement initiative at 99 & 199 Cherry Hill Road, a two-building office park. The company will invest $1 million to transform the 191,249-square-foot complex’s lobbies and make upgrades to the conference rooms, hallways, bathrooms, and common spaces.

Since acquiring 99 & 199 Cherry Hill Road in January 2020, The Birch Group has taken a proactive and tenant-focused approach to the property’s improvements. The properties have consistently outperformed the overall market, and are currently occupied by a high-caliber roster of tenants that includes Bayada Home Healthcare, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Scholls Wellness Company – the manufacturer of Dr. Scholls.

“We see tremendous upside potential in 99 & 199 Cherry Hill Road, but we also recognize the importance of reinvesting in our properties to ensure they meet and exceed the needs and expectations of our tenants for many years to come,” said Mark Meiser, president and founder of The Birch Group. “For every Birch Group property we own, we listen carefully to the needs of existing and future tenants, and enact tailored improvement and marketing strategies to create workplace environments that help them prosper and attract top talent.”

Offering all of the benefits of a suburban office including a park-like setting, 99 & 199 Cherry Hill Road feature a landscaped exterior and common courtyard overlooking a reflective pond. Amenities at the property include a full-service cafeteria and conference centers.

Strategically located at the Interstate 80 interchange and only minutes from Interstate 287, with immediate access to Routes 46 and 202, the Cherry Hill Road buildings are in close proximity to retail centers, restaurants, and hotels, further complementing the complex’s existing amenities.

The Cushman & Wakefield team of Dan Johnsen and William O’Keefe serve as the exclusive leasing agent for the complex.

“Set within a desirable location that offers easy access to nearby transportation and neighborhood amenities, 99 & 199 Cherry Hill Road are ideal properties for a wide range of office users,” said O’Keefe, managing director at Cushman & Wakefield.

The Birch Group has a proven track record of creating immediate value that has led to successful lease-up at its properties – including the execution of its value-add strategy at 350-360 Mount Kemble in Morristown, an asset the company acquired in 2018.

The Birch Group is a privately-held commercial real estate investor, owner, and operator with a singular ability to uncover opportunities and create enduring value for partners, tenants and investors. Since 2014, we have deliberately expanded our portfolio of income-generating properties to include more than 3.8 million square feet of value-add office assets in strategic markets that demonstrate sound fundamentals and growth potential.

The Birch Group takes the long view, employing a methodical approach to investment in the pursuit of institutional-quality assets that consistently outperform any market cycle. For each property, we listen to the needs of existing and future tenants and enact tailored improvement and marketing strategies to create workplace environments that help them prosper. For more information click here.

MOUNTAIN LAKES — “We take great pride in striving to provide all our customers with a truly memorable and exceptional dining experience while at Barka, serving only the finest, freshest, healthiest food available”, says Besi Osmanaj, the very affable Manager of Barka, and our host for the evening. After a few minutes of talking to Besi, his sincere focus on customer service and satisfaction was evident, as well his description of the cuisine that was to come. We were in for a great meal!

Barka Mediterranean, which opened in 2016, features an impressive and diverse menu complete with an eye-popping variety of tempting dishes covering a wide selection of choices from the many and various geographical Mediterranean cultural take on food, including but not limited to, Albanian, Italian, Turkey, and Spain. Clearly, the stand-out stars of the menu are the fresh fish and prime meats, which are aged in-house for 28 days.  Unfortunately, the owners, brothers Skender (Kenny) and Sokol (Gino) Gjevukaj were not in during my visit, but it has been noted that Mr. Gjevukaj describes the essence of Barka’s cuisine as fresh, simple, healthy, and clean. As a side note, Barka simply translates to “small boat”. The brothers also, as part of an independently owned restaurant group, operate five other high-quality restaurants, including the popular Sear Grill House in Little Falls, and It is my understanding they plan on opening another upscale eatery in the Parsippany area soon. Based on my past dining experiences at both Barka and Sear, I will be looking forward to it.

Barka is a large, attractive, chic-looking building located on Route 46 East and was formerly the site of the South City Grill. There is plenty of parking in a large lot in the rear of the restaurant. As soon as you enter you are impressed with the contemporary vibe, as well as the eloquence of the interior. Gorgeous décor throughout the entire restaurant, and immediately on entering you encounter a cool and enticing fresh fish display at the entrance which seems to set the mood.  A true touch of class both inside and out. Warmly welcomed, greeted, and seated by a very attentive, prompt, and proficient wait staff, we were politely led to our beautiful, and elegantly appointed, white linen cloth-covered table for four; complete with sparkling glassware and thoughtfully placed utensils wrapped carefully in napkins. If it is your preference, you also have the choice to be seated at one of several cozy-looking horseshoe-style booths that align the sidewall.

As soon as we were seated, our water glasses were filled and a complimentary basket of warm bread, hummus, sliced radishes, and green and black olives were placed on the table for us to share while our drink orders were taken, courteously we were given plenty of time to peruse the menu.  There is a large, inviting, comfortable bar in Barka, which in post-pandemic times will once again clearly be a nice place to socialize, get together with friends, or just to enjoy a quality cocktail and a bite.

Even though you still cannot sit at the bar, Barka does continue an offer “Happy Hour”, seven days a week, from 4 pm to 7 pm.  If you are looking for a casually elegant, upscale, cozy, romantic venue for date night or any special occasion, Barka is certainly someplace to be considered.  On that note, if you are planning a party, Barka has five separate rooms that can accommodate your needs based on the size of your party. Personally, I fell in love with the private wine room.  Right up my alley!  I will certainly be keeping that in mind. And yes, all current pandemic health code requirements are always fully enforced.

For those of you who still feel more comfortable dining al fresco, Barka does offer a beautiful outdoor patio dining set up which, weather permitting, will probably be available by the time you read this review.

As for our dinner, for our appetizers, we shared the Pistachio Goat Cheese (Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese, with its tart and earthy flavor, coupled with the sweetness of Fig Jam and Honey), Shrimp Arrabiata (Tender, yet firm, fresh shrimp, with Spicy Garlic White Wine, Chopped and Italian Hot Peppers), and the Burrata Mozzarella (Fresh creamy, rich, indulgent Mozzarella, served with Baby Arugula, Mission Figs). Everything was packed with layers of satisfying flavor, and individually as scrumptious and delectable as they sound, not to mention, each dish provided an ample enough portion for three to share and satisfy us while we discussed our entrees.

Despite Barka’s highly regarded reputation for serving exceptionally fresh seafood, which is delivered five days a week, and is known to be cooked to perfection, (including their immensely popular Wild Whole Branzino), I, along with my group decided on three different cuts of steak. I love fish, but being more of a carnivore, I could not resist the Blue Moon Rib-Eye special, a succulent, perfectly executed, properly seasoned, dry-aged, Rib Eye steak, pepper dusted and topped with melted blue cheese, accompanied with sides of fingerling potatoes, broccoli rabe, with natural au jus. A savory, mouthwatering, delicious cut of meat; juicy, moist, tender, and loaded with beefy umami flavor. I enjoyed every bite!  Along with my steak, I managed to enjoy one of Barka’s well-made Bourbon Manhattan’s, my go-to libation.

My friends also went with the steak selections; one had the 10 oz. King Cut Prime Filet Mignon, and the other, the 6 oz. Petit. By all accounts, as well as by their clean dishes, their meals were as satisfying and delicious as mine, and there was nothing but high praise all around.

Finishing off we all went with the Apple Fritter dessert, and Cappuccinos. A luscious, flakey, glazed golden outer crust filled with apple stuffing and accompanied with strawberries and cream.  Great texture and just the right amount of sweetness. It was extremely gracious of our host, Besi, to offer us a complimentary Port Wine Aperitif to end a culinary exciting, and satisfying evening.

Obviously, I would highly recommend stopping in and enjoying any one of Barka’s fantastic dishes. This is truly fine dining that goes far above being just another meal. Dining at Barka is a dining experience.

Thank you to Mr. Osmanaj, and the full staff, at Barka for the great food, hospitality, and service. And as always, please come out and help support all our local businesses.

Dine-in, Take-Out, Curbside Pickup, Delivery, Private Parking Lot. Open 7 days a week.

Barka Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 60 Route 46 East, Mountain Lakes. (973) 917-3386. Click here for their website.

Reprinted from Tri-Town Focus Magazine, April 2021.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce’s Women In Business committee collected food to donate to the Parsippany Food Pantry.

In addition, Dr. Alan Rauchberg, Rauchberg Dental Group, donated $1,000 to the committee to help in the fundraising.  The $1,000 donation was then given to Michele Picone, Director of Parsippany Health and Human Services, to be used to purchase additional food for Parsippany Food Pantry.

Presenting the check to Ms. Picone, was Dr. Rauchberg. Jen Peel, PACC’s Women In Business Chairperson Jen Peel, President Robert Peluso, and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill were on hand during the presentation.

PACC’s Women In Business is open to any female business owner, manager, or employee looking to enhance their careers and networking opportunities.

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce click here.

Rauchberg Dental Group has been providing patients in the Parsippany area with the quality, comprehensive approach to the oral health care they deserve. They understand the importance of family, as well as the value of your family’s unique smiles. Their warm, inviting practice features the latest in dental technology, and their dedicated team of multiple specialists uniquely positions their office as a one-stop-shop for all your dental needs. From check-ups and cleanings to orthodontics to wisdom tooth extractions and other minor oral surgeries – they do it all!

For more information on Dr. Rauchberg, click here.