COMPILED BY AIMEE LA FOUNTAIN
Around Town
NORTH BERGEN
STOP IN
FOR A RUM ON THE ROCKS
LIQUOR: COURTESY OF HAVANA RUM ROOM; BOUQUET: COURTESY OF W STUDIOS NEW YORK; STORE: COURTESY OF ROCK MY WORLD; SABOR LATIN BISTRO: ANNE-MARIE CARUSO
HAVANA RUM ROOM
The party got started when this trendy, Cuban-infused
lounge, featuring tapas, rums and sangrias, debuted in
North Bergen in November 2014. Staying true to its
name, the restaurant features rums from all over the
world, currently 35 varieties and counting. The long list
of tapas on the menu includes empanadas, chorizo,
calamari and sandwiches. Come to the restaurant to
celebrate your special event, holidays or drop in for one
of the DJ-hosted theme nights, such as Throwback
Thursdays or Latin Fridays. 7512 Broadway,
(201) 472-9450, havanarumroom.com
DISCOVER
T H E P O W E R O F C RYS TA L S
ROCK MY WORLD
VISIT
H AVA N A R I G H T H E R E
SABOR LATIN BISTRO
The venue, owned by Fernando Lopez, along with his wife,
Deborah, and brother, Oscar Toledo, has called North Bergen
home for nearly 15 years. The recently expanded restaurant is
ready to host any occasion, from large affairs to a cozy dinner
out. Designed to replicate the glitz of old world Havana, the
bistro features two spaces that can cater to up to 150 guests
and a Spanish-style wrap-around terrace. Sabor has menus for
brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as wines, tapas, specialty
drinks and bottle service. Stop by for a mojito or sit down
for a snapper or salmon entrée. The owners host an annual
pig roast, with proceeds benefiting North Bergen schools.
8809 River Road, (201) 943-6366, saborlatinbistro.com
The family-operated facility, founded by Chris,
Adriana and Lisa Petrocelli, is the largest crystal
shop and metaphysical learning center in New
Jersey. “Walking into the store is like stepping
into a peaceful oasis,” Adriana Petrocelli says.
The store’s selection features crystals, stones,
minerals and spiritual items that come directly
from mines and artisans spanning the globe.
Yoga and meditation classes are offered, as
well as lectures and workshops. The Petrocellis
honed their skills after years of study and
provide sessions for energy healing, chakra
balancing services, astrology readings and oneon-one spiritual guidance. 9100 Tonnelle Ave.,
(201) 713-9223, rockmyworldstore.com
SMELL
B E AU T I F U L
FLOWERS
BEETHOVEN’S
VERANDA
The shop, featuring “a
symphony of flowers and
plants,” is headed by president and principal designer
William Wurch, who’s
known as “the Nate Burkus
of the Gold Coast.” Wurch is
deeply involved in the flower
selection process, picking
locally grown premium
orchids, herbs, flowering
annuals, perennials and
fresh-cut flowers from
growers on a weekly basis.
“Excellent relationships with
my family of growers and
my commitment to service
translates into excellent
relationships with my customers,” Wurch says. The
shop provides arrangements
for weddings, galas and
holiday gifting. Additionally,
Wurch has lent his floral-consulting services to television
shows including Royal Pains
and Boardwalk Empire, and
is available for speaking
engagements. 8901 River
Road, (201) 945-9333,
beethovensveranda.com
(201) GOLD COAST MARCH 2016
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