WITH OVER 13 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, WE'RE HRT EXPERTS.
Did you know that more than 40% of adults in the United States suffer from obesity? Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for this condition. Perhaps worse is that more and more adults and children are gaining weight across the country, choosing the convenience of fast and nutrition-deficient foods over healthy eating, exercise, and positive life choices. From an aesthetic standpoint, being overweight is a struggle - clothes don't fit right, people make uncomfortable comments about how you look, and everyday activities are less appealing.
From a health and wellness standpoint, however, being obese is much worse. Your life is literally on the line. The people who love you and depend on you to be in their lives could lose you sooner than you expect. With time, you have a higher chance of suffering from significant, life-changing issues such as:
While obesity is a serious problem, a new medication on the market is giving hope to millions of men and women across the U.S. This game-changing treatment is called Semaglutide in Whippany, FL. This anti-obesity medication is unique because it treats obesity as a chronic metabolic disease, rather than a problem that can be solved through sheer willpower. The best part? Semaglutide and other medical weight-loss peptides are now available at Global Life Rejuvenation.
At Global Life Rejuvenation, we understand that losing weight is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our medical weight loss clinic offers custom medical weight loss plans tailored to your body, rather than plans based solely on your age or weight. In fact, our team of doctors and practitioners provides personalized guidance to help you achieve real results and live a healthier life.
Because the truth is maintaining good health and fitness are crucial in the modern world. Research has shown that viruses and diseases are more likely to affect those who are overweight and unhealthy. At Global Life Rejuvenation, we take a comprehensive, custom approach to medical weight loss that includes peptide therapy and more. We then work with you to make positive lifestyle changes, so you can lose weight, get healthy, and boost your wellbeing permanently - not for a few weeks or months.
If you're ready to get back to loving your life with more energy, confidence, and positivity, medical weight loss with peptide therapy may be for you. But to truly understand the benefits of peptides like Semaglutide, it's important you grasp what peptide therapy is and how it benefits your body.
Many individuals turn to peptide therapy to enhance their overall wellbeing by boosting hormones. Different types of peptides can target different areas of health, such as collagen peptides that can help improve skin, hair, and gut health.
Other peptides, such as AOD 9604, CJC 1295, and Semaglutide in Whippany, FL, are incredibly beneficial for losing weight. Compared to vitamin supplements, peptide therapy works differently as peptides are already part of the proteins in our bodies, making them easier to absorb and benefit from. Conversely, our bodies can sometimes fail to absorb all the nutrients present in multivitamins, leading to their excretion through urine.
However, it's important to note that weight loss is a complex process that involves various factors like age, genetics, lifestyle, exercise, and diet. While peptides like Semaglutide can provide much-needed assistance in achieving your weight loss goals, they are most effective when combined with healthy dietary choices, regular exercise routines, and overall healthier lifestyle choices.
If you've already tried different weight loss plans and diets but haven't had any success, medical weight loss with peptide therapy may provide that extra boost you need to realize your goals.
If you're looking to lose weight and keep it off, diet and exercise are important, but it can be difficult to stick to a routine. For busy adults and parents, Semaglutide can be a helpful tool for weight loss. This injection, approved by the FDA for diabetes and obesity, works by stimulating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and improve long-term health.
You may be wondering to yourself, "That sounds great, but how does this type of peptide work?" Semaglutide acts like glucagon in your body, which signals to your brain that you're full and don't need to eat anymore. When you take Semaglutide, and you try to overeat, your body waves a proverbial red flag as if to say, "That's enough."
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By reducing glucose spikes after meals, it reduces inflammation, which is important for overall health. Additionally, Semaglutide helps your pancreas secrete insulin, regulates the glucose levels in your body, and even has anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling to lose weight, peptide therapies for weight loss like Semaglutide can be an invaluable addition to your weight loss plan from Global Life Rejuvenation.
When combined with healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, Semaglutide can help provide:
There are multiple medications available to combat obesity by suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss. However, Semaglutide stands out as an exceptional option.
A recent study of 2,000 obese adults examined the effects of Semaglutide when combined with a diet and exercise program. The results were compared to those who only made lifestyle changes without taking Semaglutide. After 68 weeks, it was found that half of the participants using Semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, with nearly a third losing 20%. In contrast, those who only made lifestyle changes lost an average of 2.4% of their weight.
It's obvious, then, that Semaglutide is a safe and effective supplement for your weight loss journey with Global Life Rejuvenation. But who is the ideal patient who should be taking it?
If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or higher and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, or if your BMI is 30kg/m2 or higher, the FDA recommends Semaglutide for weight loss.
As medical weight loss experts, one thing our doctors and practitioners know at Global Life Rejuvenation is that true weight loss isn't dictated by medicines. It's achieved by sticking to a combo of exercise, healthy life choices, and healthy eating habits. From there, peptides like Semaglutide in Whippany, FL are great for taking your weight loss efforts to the next level of success.
One area where many patients fail in this process is with their diet. If you're considering Semaglutide treatment, keep these diet tips in mind.
To enhance your dietary habits, a practical approach is to concentrate on consuming whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. These food items are rich in nutrients and can provide a feeling of fullness and satisfaction while also promoting your overall wellbeing.
Eating mindfully involves being fully present and engaged during meals. This entails taking the time to enjoy the flavor of your food, being aware of your body's hunger and fullness signals, and avoiding distractions like electronics or television.
To maintain good health and support weight loss, it's crucial to drink plenty of water. It's recommended to drink at least 8-10 cups of water daily. You may also try adding low-calorie drinks like herbal tea or infused water to keep things interesting.
Planning your meals in advance is an effective approach to maintaining a healthy diet. Set aside some time each week to plan your meals and snacks, keeping in mind to incorporate a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This will prevent impulsive food choices and guarantee that you have nutritious options available when hunger strikes.
Unlike many medical weight loss clinics, which only offer cookie-cutter weight loss plans and one or two additional fat-busting solutions, Global Life Rejuvenation provides access to new, innovative supplements and medicines. If you're used to fad diets and "quick" weight loss plans, peptides like AOD 9604 and others may be new to you. To help build your foundation of healthy living knowledge, let's take a look at a few of the most popular weight-loss peptides and medicines available at Global Life Rejuvenation.
Often combined with Semaglutide regimens, AOD 9604 is known to promote fat breakdown, inhibit lipogenesis, and support tendons and cartilage. However, most recently, it has gained popularity due to its ability to boost metabolism and aid in burning fat.
What sets AOD 9604 apart is that it stimulates the pituitary gland without affecting tissue growth or blood sugar levels. Additionally, it can burn fat without causing overeating, making it a viable option for obese men and women who are trying to implement better eating habits.
Interestingly, AOD 9604 activates your body's fat-burning processes without requiring an HGH receptor. It also releases obese fat cells and reduces the accumulation of new fat cells. By helping to regulate blood sugar and manage insulin levels, AOD 9604 is excellent for weight loss but also for other maladies like inflammation.
Some conditions that this powerful peptide can help address include the following:
This medical weight loss supplement Is technically a combo of two peptides. These substances work by stimulating your pituitary gland to produce more of your body's natural human growth hormone, which is secreted during both waking and sleeping periods.
This results in increased protein synthesis and levels of insulin-like growth factors. As hormone secretagogues, they help release hormones into circulation while mimicking the pituitary gland's production. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of CJC 1295 and Ipamorelin. As a tool for medical weight loss, it has shown very promising results.
That's because when growth hormone levels increase, nutrients are transported through the body faster, more fat is burned, and weight management becomes simpler. Additionally, because CJC 1295 and Ipamorelin increase the amount of growth hormone in your body, it stimulates the breakdown of triglycerides in adipocytes, leading to improved fat metabolism and reduced abdominal fat.
Benefits of CJC 1295 and Ipamorelin for weight loss include:
A Methionine Inositol Choline (MIC) injection is a mixture of lipotropics that aid in fat breakdown. The key components - methionine, inositol, and choline - work together to metabolize fat cells and eliminate stored fat deposits in the liver and body. Methionine is an important amino acid, inositol contributes to proper cell formation, and choline is a water-soluble nutrient that promotes healthy liver function. When combined, these compounds may help reduce body fat.
When used in conjunction with a medical weight loss plan from Global Life Rejuvenation, MIC injections can be a powerful addition to reclaiming your health and wellbeing.
Request AppointmentLike other weight loss peptides and medicines on this page, Phentermine can help you lose weight when you stick to a medical weight loss plan that includes dieting, exercise, and smart life choices. It does so by reducing your appetite, which limits the number of calories you eat every day.
As is the case with Semaglutide, Phentermine has been approved by the FDA and is supported by clinical studies that show it can support weight loss. With time, patience, and healthy living, this supplement may help you reach your wellness goals sooner than you thought possible.
Request Appointment
In the body, 7-keto-DHEA is produced from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is a hormone made by glands near your kidneys. However, unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into androgen and estrogen in your body. Instead, 7-keto-DHEA is used orally or topically to boost your body's metabolism. It also helps convert more of your energy into heat, instead of storing it in your body as fat, which can accumulate with time and lifestyle choices.
Much like Semaglutide treatment in Whippany, FL, 7-keto-DHEA has been shown to be very effective for weight loss as well as a host of other issues. Additional benefits of taking 7-keto-DHEA may include the following:
Have you tried everything under the sun to try and eliminate the cellulite on your legs, arms, and other areas of your body? If you're like most people, getting rid of cellulite isn't just difficult - it's nearly impossible. Fortunately, those days are over. Lipo Sculpt Cream from Global Life Rejuvenation can help reduce the unsightly appearance of cellulite while also refining your figure and firming up your skin.
The active ingredients in this product have the ability to reduce and prevent the growth of fatty tissue while also improving microcirculation. They work together to treat both adipose and aqueous cellulite, and aid in the elimination of fatty deposits and excess water stored in the tissues. This results in a reduction of dimples and an overall improvement in the appearance of your skin.
If you have experienced success with a medical weight loss plan and reached your target weight but still suffer from cellulite, Lipo Sculpt Cream is a fantastic choice to consider. A few of the most common benefits include:
Are you craving a productive life at a healthy weight? Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones? The pathway to wellbeing starts by contacting our office for an in-depth consultation, where we'll learn more about your weight-loss goals and needs.
From there, we'll create a custom weight-loss plan tailored to your body. This plan will map out the steps of your weight-loss journey, including peptide therapies like Semaglutide in Whippany, FL. Though every person's weight management goals are different, when you're a patient at Global Life Rejuvenation, you benefit from dedicated doctors and practitioners committed to improving your weight and, in turn, your health.
Whether your health is on the line, or you don't like how being overweight makes you look and feel, our team is ready to guide you toward long-term health and happiness. This way, you can get healthy, stay in shape, and fall in love with your newfound body.
Call Us 866.793.9933
Wednesday, Jan. 4Bordentown 90, STEMCivics 46 - Box ScoreAbsegami 68, Buena 35 - Box ScoreMount Olive 53, West Windsor-Plainsboro North 38 - Box ScorePaul VI 56, Hamilton West 41 - ...
Bordentown 90, STEMCivics 46 - Box Score
Absegami 68, Buena 35 - Box Score
Mount Olive 53, West Windsor-Plainsboro North 38 - Box Score
Paul VI 56, Hamilton West 41 - Box Score
South River 80, Middlesex 48 - Box Score
East Brunswick Magnet 64, Perth Amboy Magnet 43 - Box Score
South Amboy 77, Central Jersey College Charter 30 - Box Score
Metuchen 49, Wardlaw-Hartridge 29 - Box Score
Timothy Christian 73, Spotswood 68 - Box Score
Lenape Valley 77, Hopatcong 13 - Box Score
Vernon 69, Morris Tech 28 - Box Score
Morris Knolls 57, Roxbury 50 - Box Score
Delbarton 50, Mendham 46 - Box Score
West Morris 61, Randolph 55 - Box Score
Mount Olive 53, West Windsor-Plainsboro North 38 - Box Score
North Warren 42, Kittatinny 39 - Box Score
Pequannock 60, Whippany Park 42 - Box Score
Sparta 43, Morristown 42 - Box Score
High Point 56, Sussex Tech 49 - Box Score
Jefferson 61, Wallkill Valley 39 - Box Score
Kinnelon 75, Parsippany 71 - Box Score
Hackettstown 61, Newton 33 - Box Score
Morristown-Beard 65, Dover 55 - Box Score
Morris Catholic 60, Hanover Park 42 - Box Score
Chatham 72, Montville 52 - Box Score
Madison 49, Parsippany Hills 41 - Box Score
Eastern Christian 75, Pompton Lakes 27 - Box Score
Secaucus 58, North Arlington 27 - Box Score
Weehawken 72, Lyndhurst 57 - Box Score
Park Ridge 48, Wood-Ridge 43 - Box Score
Emerson Boro 60, Waldwick 59 - Box Score
St. Mary (Ruth.) 87, Becton 62 - Box Score
Saddle River Day 58, Cresskill 33 - Box Score
Elmwood Park 49, Manchester Regional 39 - Box Score
Paterson Charter 68, Lodi 47 - Box Score
Midland Park 61, Bergen Charter 37 - Box Score
Bogota 65, New Milford 62 - Box Score
Hasbrouck Heights 63, Wallington 30 - Box Score
Columbus (FL) 75, Camden 66 - Box Score
Paul VI 56, Hamilton West 41 - Box Score
Raritan 49, Central Regional 48 - Box Score
Shipley (PA) 56, Pennington 49 - Box Score
South Amboy 77, Central Jersey College Charter 30 - Box Score
Columbus (FL) 75, Camden 66 - Box Score
Photo Credit: Hanover Park HSPhoto Credit: Hanover Park HSPhoto Credit: Hanover Park HSPhoto Caption 1: Juliana Campesi introduces the New York Jets Walter Payton Man of the Year, Jonotthan Harrison Photo Credit: Hanover Park HS...
Photo Credit: Hanover Park HS
Photo Credit: Hanover Park HS
Photo Credit: Hanover Park HS
Photo Caption 1: Juliana Campesi introduces the New York Jets Walter Payton Man of the Year, Jonotthan Harrison Photo Credit: Hanover Park HS
By Whippany Park High School
HANOVER, NJ - As part of the celebration of the NFL’s 100th season, Huddle for 100 looks to inspire 1 million people to volunteer 100 minutes of their time to make meaningful contributions to their communities — with the goal being 100 million minutes volunteered by Super Bowl LIV.
Ten Whippany Park students stepped up to meet the challenge by committing to the United Way Varsity Letter program. On Tuesday, December 17, those ten students were recognized by the New York Jets. Senior Juliana Campesi who accrued the most volunteer hours with 218 hours since September 1, announced Jonotthan Harrison as the New York Jets Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, considered one of the NFL’s most prestigious honors, acknowledges a player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. During the event, the New York Jets honored the students for their volunteer efforts by randomly selecting junior Emma Zachary; surprising her with a trip for two to Super Bowl LIV in Miami, Florida.
The Varsity Letter and Huddle for 100 challenge took place earlier this year at Hanover Park High School where the New York Jets awarded a Hanover Park student with a trip for two to the Super Bowl.
Pictured in the third photo attached are Members of Hanover Park Regional High School District, New York Jets and United Way of Northern New Jersey. Pictured from left to right: Maria Carrell, Superintendent of Schools, Christopher Kelly, Whippany Park High School Principal, Juliana Campesi, Samantha Davidson, Michael Kiel, Emma Zachary, Daniela Riverso, United Way of Northern New Jersey, Jonotthan Harrison, New York Jets, Julia Kierney, Noah Kaplan, Erik L., Dominic Roselli, Cadence Sabatino, Brent Kaiser, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Whippany Park High School, Theresa Leamy, Sr. V.P. Resource Development , United Way of Northern New Jersey
For FLORIDA TODAYThere is something really charming about the idea of a musical about gold miners. Picture the roughest, toughest, grisliest folks around singing and dancing on stage. Quite a delightful image, no?Surfside Players' production of "Paint Your Wagon" with music by Frederick Loewe and book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner has no shortage of charm. Set in 1853 during the gold rush, the play begins when an old miner, Ben Rumson, stakes his claim in the California Wilderness after h...
For FLORIDA TODAY
There is something really charming about the idea of a musical about gold miners. Picture the roughest, toughest, grisliest folks around singing and dancing on stage. Quite a delightful image, no?
Surfside Players' production of "Paint Your Wagon" with music by Frederick Loewe and book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner has no shortage of charm. Set in 1853 during the gold rush, the play begins when an old miner, Ben Rumson, stakes his claim in the California Wilderness after his daughter, Jennifer, discovers a gold nugget while digging in a makeshift grave for a departed companion.
Scott Sutherland as Ben Rumpson is powerful and fun to watch, but it's Misty Posey as Jennifer Rumpson who really steals the show. You can see that she is fully committed to her character from the moment she walks on stage before she even speaks a line.
As word spreads of Rumpson's good fortune, hopeful prospectors from across the country make their way to the mining camp, which he dubs Rumpson's Creek, to seek their fortune.
Here is where the play starts to lose its charm for me, and it has nothing to do with Surfside's production and everything to do with the subject matter of the play itself.
As the men pour into camp they begin to bemoan the fact that there are 400 of them and only one female (Jennifer) and urge Rumpson to send her away because they "don't want anything to happen to her." They shun her, refuse to speak to her, and forbid her from going to the general store because, the show seems to imply, her mere presence makes the men feel they may be unable to control themselves and their desires.
Posey told FLORIDA TODAY earlier this month that she was drawn to the show because of Jennifer's situation — "She's just a little complicated to be in an uncomplicated situation with uncomplicated people," she said.
Later the second and third women roll into town, Sarah and Elizabeth Woodling, both married to a Mormon, Jacob Woodling. The men insist that since Jacob has two wives and the rest of them have none at all, that it's only right and fair that he should sell one of his wives.
Oh, man.
Rumpson buys her for $800 in an auction following a very uncomfortable scene in which men come in to inspect her by groping her breasts and checking out her teeth.
It should be noted that Dorothy Wright turns in a lovely performance as Elizabeth Woodling, the unfortunate wife who is sold (and later resold to another man).
Wright's cheerful and complete character and strong singing voice are probably what saves this plot point from being the sort of thing that makes you want to cover your eyes with the playbill. She also pulls double duty and serves as music director for this production.
The costumes are perfect. The music is catchy ("Wand'rin Star" has been in my head for three days). The performances are energetic and interesting. If you see this show, you might really like how Surfside has upped their game with sets and lighting.
I do wish Surfside used this show as an opportunity to speak to our times. Alas, it's a famous musical, and it is meant to be fun.
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Follow Liz on Twitter: @lizzlark
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The details
What: "Paint Your Wagon"
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, April 17-May 3
Where: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach
Cost: Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and military and $17 for students.
Info: Call 321-783-3127 or visit surfsideplayers.com. Send a Tweet to @surfsideplayers
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'Paint Your Wagon' facts
The book: It was written by lyricist Alan Lerner and not based on any particular story from fiction or history.
The writers: Lerner wrote the words and partner Fritz Loewe, the music, in their fifth collaboration since 1942. Their previous effort was "Brigadoon," and it preceded "My Fair Lady" in 1956.
The show: It ran from November 1951 through July 1952. The dances were arranged by Trude Rittman and Agnes DeMille.
The movie: Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood and Jean Seberg, none known for singing prowess, starred in the movie, for which music was added by Andre Previn. Paddy Chayefsky's story was significantly differently than Lerner's book.
Silly trivia: Two of the character names in the show are shout-outs to towns in New Jersey; Rumson and Whippany
The Surfside Players cast: Scott Sutherland as Ben Rumson; Misty Posey, Jennifer Rumson; David Diaz, Julio Valveras and Pete Billings; Rod Hagen, Steve Bullnack; Joel Shugars, Jake Whippany; Dorothy Wright, Elizabeth Woodling; Karita Reifsnyder, Sarah Woodling; Chris Tsocanos, Jacob Woodling; Nick Budge, Sandy Twist; Bill Fry, Edgar Crocker; Doug Sontag, Mike Mooney; Travis O'Bier, Reuben Sloane and Joe; Rich Reifsnyder, Salem Trumbull; Tom Kramer, Sam; Michael Thompson, Raymond Janney; Fandango Girls: Liz Keimer, Cherry Jourdel Miranda Kane, Yvonne Sorel; Christina L'Heureux, Suzanne Duval; Sandy Ganio; Virginia Kurtz; Alison Shugars; Jamie Storvik
— Lyn Dowling, for FLORIDA TODAY
Duck Donuts, known for its Warm, Delicious and Made-to-Order! ® donuts, keeps its 2022 growth momentum strong with the signing of 13 franchise agreements for 19 shops during the second quarter.The newest Duck Donuts Franchise Partners have signed on in Whippany, New Jersey; North Tampa, Florida; Lynn, Massachusetts; Knightdale, North Carolina; Geneva, Illinois; Newtown, Pennsylvania; Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; Mission, Texas; and multi-unit agreements in Raleigh, North Carolina (two); Johnson Ci...
Duck Donuts, known for its Warm, Delicious and Made-to-Order! ® donuts, keeps its 2022 growth momentum strong with the signing of 13 franchise agreements for 19 shops during the second quarter.
The newest Duck Donuts Franchise Partners have signed on in Whippany, New Jersey; North Tampa, Florida; Lynn, Massachusetts; Knightdale, North Carolina; Geneva, Illinois; Newtown, Pennsylvania; Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; Mission, Texas; and multi-unit agreements in Raleigh, North Carolina (two); Johnson City and Bristol, Tennessee (two); Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona (three); Wellington and North Palm Beach, Florida (two); Jacksonville, Florida (two).
“We’re very excited to welcome our newest franchise partners to the Duck Donuts family and look forward to strengthening our footprint across the United States,” said Eric Lavinder, Duck Donuts chief development officer. “We are confident that through their enthusiasm, passion for the brand and experience, this group of franchise partners has the ability
to launch and manage a very successful business, as they work to introduce the warm, delicious and made-to-order Duck Donuts experience in their markets.”
Building on the momentum of the new franchise agreements signed this past quarter, Duck Donuts also opened four shops and eight are slated to open through September. Since April, Duck Donuts opened in Libertyville, its first Illinois location; Twin Falls, Idaho; Carolina, Puerto Rico; and Burlington, Ontario.
The company currently operates two international and 111 U.S. franchise locations across 22 states and Puerto Rico. For more information on franchising, visit https://www.duckdonuts.com/about-us/franchising-info/.
ABOUT DUCK DONUTS
Duck Donuts opened its first locations in 2007 in the beach resort towns of Duck and Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with the intention to create an oasis for vacationers to enjoy warm, delicious, made-to-order donuts. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the company began franchising in 2013, and prides itself on sprinkling happiness to its guests through its unique in-store experience, exceptional guest service and a duckzillion donut combinations. As one of the fastest-growing donut franchise companies, Duck Donuts has more than 100 locally owned and operated shops across 22 states, Puerto Rico and two international locations in Burlington, Ontario and Riyadh, KSA. For more information, visit www.duckdonuts.com.
CorrespondentStep inside Don Jose Mexican Restaurant in East Hanover, and the strip center storefront at 200 Route 10 West quickly gives way to an inviting interior.Picturesque wall murals abound. Tabletops and chair-backs flaunt colorful drawings of the flora and fauna of Mexico. Large-brimmed sombreros hang wherever they can fit.During evening hours Friday through Sunday, diners are serenaded to the likes of "Cielito Lindo," "Guantanamera" and "La Cucaracha" by a singing gui...
Correspondent
Step inside Don Jose Mexican Restaurant in East Hanover, and the strip center storefront at 200 Route 10 West quickly gives way to an inviting interior.
Picturesque wall murals abound. Tabletops and chair-backs flaunt colorful drawings of the flora and fauna of Mexico. Large-brimmed sombreros hang wherever they can fit.
During evening hours Friday through Sunday, diners are serenaded to the likes of "Cielito Lindo," "Guantanamera" and "La Cucaracha" by a singing guitarist.
SEE PHOTOS>>http://dailyre.co/1aiHFYU
Atmosphere aside, a loyal contingent of patrons swears by the quality of Don Jose's food, which, they maintain, has been the eatery's hallmark since opening in 1998.
Pinning the mere label of "regular customers" on Marybeth and Paul Lombardino – with whom we met up on a recent lunchtime visit – would almost be an understatement.
The Lombardinos, of Whippany, owners of Politi Auto Parts in East Hanover, recall dining at Don Jose the first week it opened.
"We're fans of Mexican food," Paul said. "We watched the restaurant's sign go up."
Since that time, the couple has made it a ritual to come for lunch at least once a week, and then return at night for weekly dinners, now bringing their three children, aged 6-13.
"Our older daughter is learning Spanish. She practices with everyone who comes to the table," said Paul, who ordered the Shrimp Enchiladas combination lunch ($10.95), one of Don Jose's biggest sellers.
The dish features shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, cut in sections and stuffed into a pair of enchiladas. The enchiladas are topped with melted cheese and an array of veggies, highlighted by mushrooms, sweet peppers, tomatoes and onions, alongside rice and refried beans.
Marybeth was in more of a taco mood, so she selected the Soft Shell Tacos plate ($8.95).
Included were two tacos — a choice of either seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken varieties, so she picked one of each — topped with shredded cheese, with rice and beans.
"It's good, wholesome food," she said. "Fresh, not processed."
The moderate prices add to the appeal, with lunch menu entrees ranging from $7.95 to $13.95, and dinners from $10.95 to $17.95.
Fresh ingredients
Manager and co-owner Sam Arceo, part of the original ownership family that hails from Jalisco, Mexico, says the restaurant's success is dependent upon an insistence that only first-rate ingredients be used.
When it comes to guacamole, a starting point for more than half of Don Jose's customers, that means being very particular about the avocados.
"It has to be a good avocado – Hass from Mexico," Arceo says.
Then there's the expert preparation, "The way you mash it and mix it with tomatoes and onions and cilantro," he explains. "We don't need a lot of salt because it already has the flavor."
The result is a pleasant tasting, smoothly textured guacamole that beckons for dipping.
Don Jose avoids the pomp and circumstance of having cooking staff mash avocados at tableside, resulting in a price break for customers ($5.95 per bowl).
Counter-balancing the coolness of the guacamole is the jalapeño-induced kick of the homemade salsa, brought with a basket of chips to each table at no charge. (Up to three complimentary refills of salsa are offered).
"It's addictive," says Arceo's nephew, José Oliveros, who assists with cooking, hosting and table-waiting duties. "I like the little spicy kick."
Fresh ingredients are key, and the seasonal nature of the jalapeños calibrates the salsa's level of hotness.
"Some seasons are hotter than others," Oliveros said. "Right now is the spicy season, from middle of winter to late spring."
Working our way towards the back of the restaurant, we ran into the Vita family, from Union, including Lilian and husband Manuel, along with their daughter, Charmaine.
A three year-plus regular, Lilian considers Don Jose's cuisine unique.
"The flavor is different. It's not like the other Mexican restaurants," she said, choosing the Salmon Garlic Arceo ($11.75) for this particular lunch.
Honoring Don Jose's owners, the namesake dish offers salmon broiled with white wine, peeled garlic and lime, with rice and black beans.
"I work at College of Saint Elizabeth (in Morristown). That's why I always come here," she said.
The other members of her family were trying the restaurant for the first time.
Manuel opted for Steak Pueblo ($12.50), a New York strip steak sautéed with garlic, and topped with beans, cheese and green tomatillo sauce. Rice and black beans add the finishing touch.
"It's nice and tender," said the retired chemical operator. "A big portion, and the sauce is good."
Charmaine, a financial advisor who describes herself as a "big food fanatic," couldn't resist tapping into the combination plate portion of the lunch menu for a "Number 4" ($10.95) — a chicken burrito topped with green sauce, cheese enchilada with red sauce and beef taco, paired with the requisite rice and beans.
"Absolutely delicious," Charmaine critiqued. "It's the best of both worlds. You're getting different meats and different sauces that enhance the flavor. It just melts in your mouth."
She shared a bowl of fried ice cream ($3.50) for dessert with her father.
Nachos, salads, ceviche (cold marinated seafood) and vegetarian dishes – such as burritos or fajitas with sautéed mixed vegetables – are also on the menu.
Family passion
Beyond the flavorful food, family is at the core of Don Jose's saga, which embodies the quintessential American dream.
Two more locations have opened, one in Sebring, Fla. in 2000, the other in Netcong (at 124 Rte. 46 East) in 2011, giving the restaurant its second Morris County operation.
Thanks to the Arceo family's size, and passion for keeping their business vibrant by maintaining hands-on involvement, there's no outsourcing of management required.
One of 10 Arceo children — seven boys and three girls — Sam, 43, of West Orange, remembers having to wait his turn, as the fifth child and "middle brother," before becoming manager.
"My older brothers were here before me," he said.
Oldest brother Rosendo now runs Don Jose in Florida with brothers Luis and Mario, while brother Antonio manages in Netcong with brothers José in the kitchen and Moises at the bar.
"We're very fortunate to have each other, and grow up as a business," said Maria Arceo, 35, youngest of the Arceo children, who waits tables, serves as hostess and handles catering at the East Hanover restaurant.
Meanwhile, José Oliveros, 19, representing the next generation, is eager to hone his skills and take on more responsibilities.
"I would come here wanting to help the family since I was 12 years old," says Oliveros, now studying for his culinary arts certification at the International Culinary Center in Manhattan on days he isn't working at Don Jose.
His mother, Elisa, oldest of the Arceo siblings, and father, also named Sam, will be holding down the dinner shift.
Oliveros says he is inspired by "seeing my family work together, and put food out that people love."
For 17-year customer Paul Lombardino, keeping up with the Arceos and their children is another reason to keep coming back.
"They make you feel like you're family, because they're all family," he said.
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Don Jose Mexican Restaurant
Location: 200 Route 10 West, East Hanover
Phone: 973-781-0155
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m, Monday to Friday; noon to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Website: www.donjosemexican.com
Sister locations: 124 U.S. Rte. 46 East, Netcong, 973-527-7330; and Sebring, FL
Prices: Moderate
Alcoholic beverages: BYOB (no alcohol served) at East Hanover location; bar service available in Netcong
