Eloy Yip

Last Thursday I finally got a first glimpse of the new Terminal A at Newark airport (EWR), home to Air Canada, American, Delta, JetBlue, and select United, officially opened in phases throughout 2023. After exiting TSA before heading to one of 33 gates or 4 lounges, what a striking contrast view from its predecessor with high ceilings and airy, light-filled concourses filled with murals and other public art works from New Jersey artists. The furniture was modern, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Travelers relaxed with their laptops on cozy wooden chaise lounge chairs, waiting for their flights. This terminal received a five-star rating—and the best new terminal in the world designation—from this year's Skytrax World Airport Awards. What's next at this airport: rebuilding Terminal B. It's part of Port Authority plans to spend $30 billion to redo New York City-area airports.

Considered American Airlines second-largest hub in the U.S., it was my first time to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) last Thursday on my way to South Bend. With 1.8 million square feet, it’s big and bright, centered around a single terminal building as the heart of the airport, connecting travelers to five concourses, A through E, for both domestic and international flights through 114 gates. There's more than a variety of restaurants, stores, bars, and entertainment. From Gate A to Gate E, it was about a 16-minute walk. Despite its bustling nature, the airport maintained a sense of calm and order, with clear signage and helpful staff ensuring a smooth flow of passengers. Unfortunately, throughout the entire airport, seating can be a premium. Overall, it’s a good airport for connecting flights.

Located on 30th Avenue in Astoria, my cousin and I found this cozy gem for a quick meal. Pochana is a trendy family-owned Thai establishment with an interesting lunch menu that includes an app and entree starting at $12. Upon arrival, the decor was simple. Their menu, although limited, was manageable and clear, making it easy to decide. For starters, we decided on the spring rolls (vegetarian fried rolls with plum dipping sauce) and garden salad (mixed green salad with peanut sauce). For our main meal, we opted for the pad see ew (fresh noodles, eggs, and Chinese broccoli) and mixed vegetables Thai wok fried rice. The food was very authentically flavorful, tasty, and all ingredients were fresh. The service was good, as the staff came over to refill our glass. The price is very good and is not overrated. We can recommend this place.

There comes a time when some of us are summoned to do our civic duty as potential jurors in a civil case. Today was my day at the Bergen County Courthouse located in Hackensack, where I was able to see its interior beauty. Designed by architect James Reilly Gordon ca. 1911, this courthouse is a fine example of the Beaux Arts style, reflecting monuments of classical Rome and the Italian Renaissance. The building is capped by a copper-coated dome with a cupola and surmounted by a statue. The interior dome of the rotunda area of the courthouse is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome and topped with Tiffany-stained glass. Since this building is rich with history, if you get a chance to be inside, go to the 2nd floor and follow the sign to the rotunda.

Voted and winner of the Best of Bergen 2023, my partner, our friends and I came as first-timers to this establishment located on W. Crescent Ave. in Allendale for dinner yesterday. Reservations were easily booked through Open Table. Once a residential home, Savini has transformed into an upscale solid Italian restaurant well-known for their fresh steak and chicken dishes. Upon arrival, one is greeted by valet staff who parked our vehicles. Upon entering the foyer, we were further greeted by the host and shown to our linen-covered table. A 2-page menu offered classic Northern Italian and American cuisine, with a variety of options available as well as today’s special. As an appetizer, we decided on the beef & lentil soup, Sicilian rice ball with filet mignon tips, and Caprese salad. For the main meal, we chose Chicken Vino Bianco Sautéed with Artichokes Hearts, Asparagus, and Shitake Mushrooms in a White Wine Sauce, Veal Forestiere Sautéed with Portobello, Shitake, and Champignon Mushrooms in a Sherry Wine Demi-Glace Sauce, Chicken Marsala, Filet Mignon, and Jumbo Shrimps served over spaghetti instead of linguine. Some of us even saved room for dessert and got crème brûlée and chocolate mousse. Complimentary, fresh, warm bread started our meal. All dishes were beautifully served and cooked to perfection. The prices were not cheap, but we got value for our money. The servers were friendly and informative. The host went around to the table, making sure it was to our liking. While we were there, several occasions were being celebrated where we could recommend this place.