The New York Giants descended in Indianapolis Monday where Big Blue will face the Patriots of New England in Super Bowl XLVI. Unless you are a lucky ticketholder who will experience the game live at Lucas Oil Stadium (and only about 63,000 football fans are), you are probably going to be rooting for your team at home, at a party or in a pub come Sunday. Here's what you need to know if you are throwing a Super Bowl soiree, need an apropos hostess gift, or still deciding where to perch on a bar stool. Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC. If you are hosting … Making an antipasti or a big pot of …

I confess that I am not the greatest spa person in the world, although sometimes I wish I was. All in all, I'm just not that good at relaxing. Even so, here is a list of nearby spas, some of which I've heard are great, and others I've actually tried out myself. Let me know if you have more suggestions! 1) Sahana Spa is one of those rare places that transports one, in a mere few steps, from a busy and bustling Bloomfield Avenue to a sea of calm and serenity. The spa, which has been around for four years, is the creation of Anita Christian. Her dream was to create a space that was filled with a…

May the luck o' the Irish be with ya today. Here are seven lucky things to do while your donning Green on March 17 to celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland. 1) The Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Week – but March 17 is the BIG day with live Irish music playing from noon to midnight, bagpipers stopping in at 1 and 8 p.m. and a special visit from Zach the Leprechaun – who will be serving and working the crowds. Can’t make it tonight? Green beer and Irish food specials are on the menu through Sunday. 2) Whether you are cooking at home or are invited to a St. …

Tired of all the toddler to teenage drama? Well, put all that youngster angst to good use at a local summer theater camp. Patch has everything from starter camps to rigorous Shakespearean training for those kids for whom "all the world's a stage"! JCC MetroWest in West Orange offers Triple Threat Theater Camp for grades K-3 and grades 4-10 in 3, 4 or 7-week sessions. Campers study voice, acting and dance with working theater professionals, see Broadway matinees, have master classes and put on a showcase performance for each session. The South Orange/Maplewood Adult School Children's Summer …

Read Across America was officially Wednesday, March 2, but adults can continue to encourage young people to read all year round. The West Caldwell Public Library provided these selections for kids of all ages. 1. Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I Don’t ) by Barbra BottnerA first-grade girl who does not like to read stubbornly resists her school librarian's efforts to convince her to love books until she finds one that might change her mind. Pre-school – Gr. 2. 2. Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd HoffDanny visits the dinosaur room at a museum, and a dinosaur follows him out and around the city. Ages…

Spring is finally around the corner. Soon we'll be looking in the crevices of our closets for lighter clothing, strappier shoes and accessories for the new season. Visit these shops in the Caldwells to freshen up your wardrobe for the warmer weather. Bari's Baubles – Co-owners Bari and Jessica Butter know their clients and what they like. The store is brimming with clothing and accessories for women who love to look current from head to toe; and the Butter sisters are always eager to help you put your look together. Piquant – Newly opened second-floor shop at 309 Bloomfield Ave. in Caldwell (…

Mark you calendar, save the date, and – yes – get out your checkbooks and credit cards. Our friends and neighbors are involved with many worthy causes that could use your help in the coming days, weeks and months. The Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation's annual Night out for a Good Cause will take place at the Ringside Pub in Caldwell on Friday, Feb. 18, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The foundation raises money for an individual battling cancer in memory of West Orange resident Dean Michael Clarizio who succumbed to the disease in June 2005.  Cycle for Survival raised $5,000 for Memorial Sloan-…

Valentine’s Day is Monday, Feb. 14. It’s time to make plans for the biggest “date night” of the year. Here are some Patch Picks for a romantic and memorable evening. The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange: The Highlawn offers a tradition of fine dining in a beautiful atmosphere with views of the Manhattan skyline. A perfect choice if you plan to pop the big question! Essex County Codey Arena at South Mountain in West Orange. Couples who love to be active will enjoy skating hand-in-hand in the wonderful facility. Check website for public session schedule. Richie Cecere’s Supper Club, 2 Erie St…

Super Bowl XLV kicks off Sunday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m., when the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Green Bay Packers at Cowboys Stadium in Texas. Tickets for the championship are ranging from $3,000 to $23,000 a piece. But you can enjoy the game right in the Caldwells for a heck of a lot less. Throw a party, be a gracious guest or punt the invitations altogether with these Patch Picks. Vila Meats – For cold cuts, chicken wings and other meat needs if you are hosting. Edible Arrangements – Fruit bouquets arranged in a keepsake football container make a great centerpiece or hostess gift. Hog Wild …