MORRIS COUNTY — Help is available to help you pay your utility bills.
New Jersey’s grace period on utility shut-offs expires at the end of 2021. If you’re behind on your utility bills, your service may be disconnected after December 31.
Many households are newly eligible for financial assistance programs, including utility debt forgiveness and home energy assistance. You can apply for help now using the DCAid screening tool from the NJ Department of Community Affairs. (Click here for details)
If you’re behind on your utility bills, contact your utility as soon as possible to enroll in a Deferred Payment Agreement to lower your monthly payment and keep your service on.
Click here to learn more about utility assistance from the NJ Board of Public Utilities.
Portugalo Barbeque, (Authentic Wood Fired Portuguese Grille), is located at 3 Ronald Drive, East Hanover. (973) 577-2000.
EAST HANOVER — One would think that after just getting back from a trip to Kansas City that I would have had enough barbeque for a while. But let us not confuse Kansas City or any American ‘low and slow’ style with traditional Portuguese barbeque.
Portugalo Barbeque, (Authentic Wood Fired Portuguese Grille), is located at 3 Ronald Drive, East Hanover. (973) 577-2000.
The fact is, there are various global styles of BBQ, and each is unique in its own way. When I asked Portuguese Master Chef Tony Abilio about this he stated, “Portuguese BBQ, also known as a Churrascaria, certainly differs from American BBQ, all our meat is seasoned with a traditional, savory Piri-Piri marinade, consisting of African Bird’s eye Chili, garlic and spices; there is no sugar added. Throughout the several regions of Portugal, they all have their own unique coveted recipe, but most, if not all must include the Piri-Piri pepper. The meat is roasted over hardwood charcoal, and during the cooking process it is lathered with the Piri-Piri sauce, giving it a unique light smoke flavor and spicy tang.”
Kevin Hernandez, Patrick Minutillo and Tony Abilio
Portugalo Barbeque, which opened in October 2020 under new owner, Kevin Hernandez, and is located on a side street directly off Ridgedale Avenue in East Hanover on Ronald Drive (look for the colorful six-foot rooster outside). Chef Kevin came to the U.S.A. in 2008 and decided to pursue his love of cooking. He found work in several area restaurants in Morristown and East Hanover, honing his skills and developing his talent, finally as a kitchen manager at Rezza Trattoria e Pizza Romana in Roseland prior to opening up Portugalo BBQ, his first venture. An exceptionally talented cook, intelligent, and amiable young man, I have no doubt of his continued success.
Although a small venue, the restaurant is cozy, comfortable, casual, and sparkling clean. It exudes a friendly, family-style vibe inside, and even though it is small, it is nicely lighted and decorated. Take note, there are only three or four tables available for inside dining, along with some counter-style seating. There is plenty of comfortable seating outside with a protected overhang, and I understand they will have patio heaters in the cooler weather for those so inclined to dine outdoors. During my visit, I did eat al fresco because of the size of my group, and it was genuinely nice, beautifully decorated, and comfortable. The owner and staff are all very friendly, prompt, attentive, accommodating, and readily available to assist you with any needs or questions you may have. It did appear during my visit that Portugalo does do a vibrant take-out business. And Portugalo Barbeque is a BYOB, so I did bring along my favorite Portuguese vino.
Portuguese Sausage, Shrimp in a Garlic Sauce
As I said earlier, I went with a large group during this visit and the staff clearly went above and beyond preparing and ensuring us an excellent overall dining experience. The outside tables were nicely appointed and arranged to ensure everyone’s comfort. After we were all greeted and welcomed to the restaurant by the owner the banquet we were about to experience began.
Portugalo Barbeque, (Authentic Wood Fired Portuguese Grille), is located at 3 Ronald Drive, East Hanover. (973) 577-2000.
We started with the appetizers; Portuguese Chouriço Sausage Buns right out of the oven; homemade sourdough bread, soft, chewy, and delicious, followed by Caldo Verde, an iconic traditional, hearty, and famous Portuguese soup. The soup is green in color and made with a particular dark green cabbage that is not widely available beyond Portugal’s borders. Ours was prepared using collard greens. (Some restaurants use Kale). Full of wonderful aromas and flavors from the combination of potato puree, slices of chouriço sausage, and Portuguese olive oil, completed this delicious and hearty soup.
Next to reach our table was that Portuguese/Spanish classic, perfectly prepared Chorizo and Shrimp and Garlic. The aromas themselves put your taste buds into high gear. That salty, smoky, slightly sweet flavor of the chorizo perfectly accompanied the divine flavor combination of olive oil, lemon, and garlic, all of which added to the vibrant taste of the shrimp, and which married perfectly with the savory chorizo. Always one of my favorite appetizers when dining out in a Portuguese/Spanish restaurant.
Serradura
Portugalo Picadinho was the next to arrive. The combination of pork and shrimp served in a savory, yet slightly spicy sauce was a taste treat and was outstanding with right out of the oven-baked crusty Portuguese Grandma Rolls (Trinchado). Amazing flavors are incorporated into this dish. Also on the table by this time were sides of Spanish Potato Chips (thinly sliced potatoes, slow-cooked at a low temperature in extra virgin olive oil with an amazing crunch) and French fries.
As we were enjoying our appetizers, wine, and conversation, our entrees, which included barbequed chicken and ribs, were being prepared on Portugalo’s authentic wood-fired grille. Servings were paced perfectly, allowing everyone the opportunity to fully enjoy each serving before moving on to the next. The portion sizes were generous, and after finishing the appetizers it was hard to imagine that the entrees were still to come.
Someone from the table referred to the Portuguese Barbequed Ribs as heaven on the bone. These savory treats were expertly cooked and seasoned, fall off the bone, fresh, soft, moist, juicy, and flavorful. It was a hard choice between the beautiful ribs and the Portuguese Barbequed Chicken. The seasonings and marinades used to prepare both these entrees were masterful. I had to do the right thing, so I decided to take a serving of both. In the end, it came out a tie as to which one was better. Of course, what would these great dishes be without the accompanying side dishes of rice, beans, and potatoes, and there were ample amounts of everything.
Dessert was no slouch either. Several Pão de Ló, Portuguese Sponge cakes appeared, still warm from the oven, along with Serradura; whipped sweet cream layered with crumbled Portuguese cookies. I had never had this before, but I would never turn it down if offered again. Decadently delicious, and went great with espresso, with a dash of Cuarenta y Tres, to wash it all down.
So, when you are in the mood for some Portuguese cuisine, give yourself a treat, and give Portugalo Barbeque a try. Obviously, I would recommend it. As someone who often finds myself traveling to Ironbound for a Portuguese/Spanish dinner, I can now satisfy that urge with a short visit to East Hanover. Obrigado to our hosts, Kevin and Tony, and the staff at Portugalo for the tremendous hospitality.
Just as an end note Portugalo Barbeque does offer a limited but inviting menu which includes various Portuguese traditional favorites, and if pre-ordered they can prepare other special orders, including “Leitao”, a slow-roasted whole pig.
Interesting fact: Portugal Is the Oldest Country in Europe.
Delivery, Take-Out, Inside Dining, Outside Dining, Free Parking, BYOB. Open 7 Days a Week
Portugalo Barbeque, (Authentic Wood Fired Portuguese Grille), is located at 3 Ronald Drive, East Hanover. (973) 577-2000.
FLORHAM PARK — Matthew Falcone has earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
Falcone was among approximately 1,480 undergraduate and graduate students who earned degrees during the Summer 2021 semester.
The Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is a top 10 public research university developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.
The Institute offers business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences degrees. Its nearly 40,000 students, representing 50 states and 149 countries, study at the main campus in Atlanta, at campuses in France and China, and through distance and online learning.
As a leading technological university, Georgia Tech is an engine of economic development for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation, conducting more than $1 billion in research annually for government, industry, and society.
LeRoy J. Jones Jr., NJDSC Chairman, Governor Phil Murphy; Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman Candidate Judy Hernandez, Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Candidate Cori Herbig and Morris County Democratic Chairman Chip Robinson
PARSIPPANY — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visited Parsippany on Friday, October 29 to remind voters to get out and vote early.
As the governor hosted a small rally in a pavilion at Veterans Memorial Park, he was confronted by about a dozen loud protesters standing just outside.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano is also seeking re-election, said Democrats should respect differences of opinion. But he faulted the chanting and yelling protestors for not respecting the rights of others to speak.
It was obvious at the event, there were more Murphy Oliver signs than there were attendees.
Murphy ended with a chant of “Four More Years, Four More Years.”
Governor Phil Murphy, Moms Demand Action and Mayor Michael SorianoFriendly protesters at the Rally
MORRIS COUNTY — In March of 2021, legislation was passed in New Jersey enacting in-person Early Voting. Eligible voters will now have the opportunity to vote in person on a machine during the established period of time prior to an election.
All registered voters in Morris County are eligible to vote early.
Based on state guidelines, there are seven locations throughout Morris County for early voting. Eligible Morris County residents can vote at any of the seven locations.
Early voting for the 2021 General Election will take place on Saturday, October 23 through Sunday, October 31. Hours are Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Early Voting Locations are located at Central Park of Morris County: 2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains; Denville, 1 Saint Mary’s Place; Hanover, 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany; Madison, 28 Walnut Street, Madison; Morristown, 200 South Street; Mount Arlington, 18 North Glen Avenue; Mount Olive, 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano at an “Early Voting Location”Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano exiting the polling machine
HANOVER — Hanover Township Sgt. Rob Carpenter arrested Mr. Arthur Willis, 59, Parsippany, for DWI, on Sunday, September 12.
Sgt. Carpenter responded to the Quick Check for a reported male slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle while sitting at the gas pumps.
Upon arrival, Sgt. Carpenter located the vehicle that was running and parked at the pumps. He approached the vehicle and spoke with the lone occupant, Mr. Willis, and detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage.
Subsequent field sobriety tests resulted in Mr. Willis being arrested and being issued motor vehicle summonses for DWI and reckless driving. He was released to a family member pending his court date.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
BOONTON — The New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles Mobile Unit will be in Boonton at Town Hall Parking Lot, 100 Washington Street, on Wednesday, November 3, from 10:0 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Mobile Units provide the opportunity for drivers to renew their license, obtain a duplicate license, change their name and address on their license, add a boat endorsement, add a veteran designation, register to vote, and/or make organ donation selections.
The mobile units can provide residents with photo identification that may then serve a primary or secondary form of personal ID.
Drivers may renew their registrations or obtain a duplicate registration card for their vehicle.
Mobile units can provide real ID to a limited number of customers whose license or ID cards are expiring with the next six months. Customers that have scheduled appointments for real ID’s must arrive no later than noon, the day of their appointment.
Mobile Units allow drivers the option to surrender license plates.
Drivers may obtain a “Persons with a Disability, Purple Heart or Disabled Veteran” placard.
Customers can apply for an examination permit to take a written (law/knowledge) test. However, the written test itself is not available in the Mobile Units.
Customers will need their six points of ID and you must bring your social security card. Those who do not have a social security card may submit an affidavit form which can be found on the MVC website. In place of a social security card, a customer can present a W2 from the past tax year (2020), a current pay stub (number cannot be redacted), or a 1099 form. These are the only replacements for a SS card.
BOONTON — “Love More Judge Less” held a Ribbon Cutting Celebration recently at 1017 Main Street, Boonton.
In the storefront on Main Street, Vicki Duffy, the founder, and executive director of “Love More Judge Less” offers support and reaches out to others who self-injure and need their help.
“Our message is you are not alone,” she said of Love More Judge Less, the first support group of its kind in New Jersey.
There was no support group focused on self-injury when Duffy, 52, began self-harming at age eight and continued into her teens. Her cycle was triggered by sexual abuse as a child and rape by a family member when she was 19.
“I did not know how to handle it or deal with it,” she recalled. “I wanted to jump in front of a bus, and instead, I took a piece of glass and just started hitting myself with it.”
Duffy pointed to a large burn scar on the inside of one forearm to explain.
Those seeking help also can count on receiving it from someone who knows their struggle from a personal perspective at Love More Judge Less.
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn display the ribbon from Parsippany Area Chamber of CommerceAssemblywoman Aura Dunn presents a citation congratulating Love More Judge LessCouncil Member Ward 3 Joseph E. Bock, Jr. congratulates Vicki Duffy is the founder and executive director of Love More Judge Less
Duffy started the group as Launching Point in 2005. For the first 15 years, they met in a 4,500-square-foot second-story room above Living Praise Church, Florham Park. They had to vacate the space over five years ago and spent the next three years meeting in an office space on Pine Street in Rockaway.
Another move to an office space in Boonton helped Duffy realize that the inclusive feel of the town was where she wanted to be, but it was not until early this year that she saw a “for rent” sign in the window of a small storefront at 1017 Main Street.
The group can be reached at (973) 224-4144 or online at judgeless.org.
BOONTON — Boonton Main Street Inc. together with The Boonton Holmes Public Library invite you to the grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of The Holmes Library Garden located in the backyard of the Library at 621 Main Street on Friday, November 5, at 5:00 p.m.
This project was made possible by the Main Street New Jersey COVID-19 Relief grant awarded to Boonton Main Street Inc. in 2020 and the beautiful craftsmanship of Kohut and Sons Landscaping Company led by John Kohut.
Boonton Main Street hopes you can join in celebrating the unveiling of this beautiful outdoor space that will be enjoyed by visitors of Main Street for years to come.
BMS will be sharing a special announcement during the ceremony, we hope you can join us to celebrate this addition to Main Street and learn about our exciting news! Refreshments and appetizers will be graciously provided by Chef Mickey from i2i Italian Indian Fusion in the library’s newly renovated interior.
MORRIS COUNTY — A provision of New Jersey’s commitment to reduce plastics pollution statewide will take effect on Thursday, November 4 when food-service businesses may provide single-use plastic straws to a customer only upon request, the Department of Environmental Protection and NJ Business Action Center announced.
Food-service businesses include all restaurants, convenience stores, and fast-food businesses, each of which must also educate their employees and customers about the restriction.
Consumers will still be able to purchase packages of straws and beverages prepackaged with a straw, such as juice boxes, after November 4. The restriction on single-use plastic straws is part of a broader state law enacted in 2020 banning the sale or provision of single-use plastic carryout bags from stores and food-service businesses; single-use paper carryout bags from grocery stores larger than or equal to 2,500 square feet; and use of polystyrene foam food-service products.
These additional provisions of the law take effect on May 4, 2022, and will supersede any established local laws at that time. “When we move beyond single-use plastics, we can reduce our reliance on the fossil fuels that create plastic, remove a source of litter from our communities, and protect wild and marine life from the harm of ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic products,” DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said.
The DEP, NJ Business Action Center, and the NJ Clean Communities Council are working together to help businesses and communities understand and comply with the law.
A new website is available by clicking here, includes helpful information for regulated entities, including a Frequently Asked Questions page, a list of establishments and how the law impacts them, a copy of the law, and more. “The ban was designed to address the problem of plastic pollution with solutions to protect the environment for future generations,” said Melanie Willoughby, executive director of the New Jersey Business Action Center.
“To assist businesses with compliance, the NJ Business Action Center (NJBAC) has rolled out resources on our website and encourages businesses to keep track of important timelines.” Additionally, the NJ Business Action Center has created a clearinghouse by clicking here to aid businesses in identifying vendors and manufacturers who sell the reusable carryout bags permitted by the new law.
To learn more about the Clean Communities Council’s Bag Up NJ campaign click here.
