West Orange Businesses Get 'Best Of' Nods

West Orange establishments are in the business of winning — and business is looking good.

New Jersey Jewish News and Suburban Essex Magazine posted their annual, online-based "best of" competitions, leaving it to the people who know the essentials of some of Essex County's most notable businesses.

Despite heavy competition from neighboring towns such as Maplewood, Montclair and South Orange, West Orange proves to display its best stores forward.

Categories range from burgers to outdoor dining, brunch to plumber, banquet facility to martini.

The famed Highlawn Pavilion not only is nominated for best martini, but also for banquet facility, outdoor dining, full-service restaurant and romantic restaurant.

"I hope that the people who haven't had a chance to come up, will see us," said Michael Mahle, director of communications for the Highlawn Pavilion. "We have a lot of regular customers, but we'd always love to have new people come in the door and we're so pleased when they do. It usually ends up with them coming back with new friends. We want to introduce ourselves to those who may not have known us."

The critically acclaimed restaurant didn't find the nomination that surprising.

"I think what Highlawn does is offer a truly unique experience for a number of things: one, there is no better view of New York City, which is wonderful in itself. It is a true, fine dining destination. The food is excellent, the chef is incredibly talented," said Mahle. "It's also a very elegant dining experience. It offers an incredible dining experience whether it's for a group of friends or for a romantic occasion."

Margery Bauman, owner of Walter Bauman Jewelers, another West Orange business, said it's the customers that help her location thrive.

"We love our customers and we're glad they reciprocated," she said. "So many of them took the time to come and say to us how thrilled they were for us. We were absolutely thrilled."

When it comes to an equation for success, Bauman said it's all about making one feel part of the family.

"It's always been that integrity is the most important part of our business; value, quality, selection, and service," she said. "I think the fact that we're a family is paramount. We treat all of our customers like they are part of the family."

Connie Lior, owner of CBL Fine Art, who received nominations in categories such as best gift shop, home accessories, Judaic gifts, art and frame gallery and gift shop (Essex County), feel grateful and optimistic from the publicity the contests bring.

"I'm thrilled, proud, and flattered," she said. "It's always good reinforcement of our message. It means we're doing something right if people recognize us."

For NJJN Reader's Choice, the nominations are:

Best Caterer: 4Sixty6, The Manor, Pleasantdale Chateau, Wilshire Grand

Gift Shops: CBL Fine Art, Walter Bauman

Judaica: CBL Fine Art

Home Accessories: CBL Fine Art

Exercise and Fitness: JCC MetroWest

Bagels: Bagel Box

Butcher: Pleasantdale Kosher, Meat Market

Deli: Kosher Korner

Jewelry: Walter Bauman

For Suburban Essex Magazine, the nominations are:

Best Art and Frame Gallery: CBL Fine Art, Jerry's Artist Outlet

Bakery: Supreme Bakery

Banquet Facility: Wilshire Grand, Pleasantdale Chateau, Highlawn Pavillion

Chinese Restaurant: China Gourmet

Electrician: E&R O'Harra, Inc.

Gift Shop: CBL Fine Art, Lubavitch Center Judaica shop

Home Services: R & G Custom Carpentry Roofing

Jewelry and Custom Jewelry: Walter Bauman

Liquor and Wine: Total Wine and More

Bar: Egan and Sons

Brunch: Sweet Basil's Café, The Manor

Burger: Gaffer's Pub, Pals Cabin, Sweet Basil's

Diner: Eagle Rock Diner, West Orange Diner

Florist: Crest Florist

Golf: Francis Byrne Golf Course, Montclair Golf Course

Ice Cream: Mark and Julies, PZ Ice Cream

Martini: Highlawn Pavillion

Outdoor Living: Highlawn Pavillion

Pizza: Pie-zon Pizza

Restaurant Full Service: Highlawn Pavillion, The Manor,

Romantic Restaurant: Highlawn Pavillion, The Manor

Plumber: Russo Bros & Comp

Toy/Hobby Store: Just a Dream, Jerry's Artist Outlet

Deli: The Deli Guy

NJJN will have results in by the coming of the Rosh Hashana edition.

Suburban Essex Magazine competition stops Sept. 15. All voters must be 18 years or older.