Sarfin’s family boasts 49 years in the Manhattan book business — that is, until last year when their rent tripled, and Sarfin decided to bring New York City standards to Northvale. “We offer personal service,” says Sarfin, “and we sell books the old-fashioned way — we read them.” He’s not kidding. Sarfin takes pride in knowing the titles in his store, and is happy to recommend books he likes. If Sarfin’s mother, Florence, isn’t in when you stop by, you can check out her favorite reads on the store’s website, as well as those of Sarfin’s wife and teenage kids — mighty helpful when looking for that perfect gift. And if Sarfin doesn’t have the book you’re looking for, he can most likely get it in a day, but chances are you’ll be consoled by something else from his 25,000-title inventory. Easy access to bestsellers, classics and cookbooks isn’t the only thing this comfy shop has going for it, however.

Books and Greetings offers an ample selection of upscale children’s toys (brands such as ALEX and Melissa & Doug), greeting cards by Papyrus, stuffed animals, gift wrap supplies, high quality notebooks and journals, Filofax items, and soon, Godiva chocolates. Sarfin also sponsors author events such as talks and signings, and hopes to start a children’s story time. This high quality store is a breath of fresh air in the neighborhood, and as Sarfin says, “If you come in once, you’ll be back.”

Books and Greetings 271G Livingston St. (next to Applebee’s) Northvale, NJ 07647 (201)784-BOOK www.booksandgreetings.com

And while we’re on the subject of excellent family businesses, let’s talk about Bravo Dry Cleaners. Bravo is, hands down, the best dry cleaner I’ve ever used. The storefront is clean and pleasant, there’s no nasty chemical smell on the clothes, and everything is returned beautifully hung and padded. It’s also an ersatz art gallery, but more on that later.

Alex and Olga Arbit, émigrés from Ukraine, opened their first dry cleaning business in Brooklyn in 1985, moved it to Pomona, then opened Bravo in Tappan in 2000. Their son David, after moonlighting as a musician and d.j., bought the business in 2002. “I got married and bought a house, so it was time to get serious,” he says. David learned the business from his father, and developed the various hanging and packing techniques that distinguish Bravo from other dry cleaners. “I listened to the customers. They’d tell me where things got wrinkled and I’d figure out how to avoid it,” he says. In addition, stains are individually marked and given special care, advice is dispensed on how to handle a troublesome item, and sweaters are de-pilled and mended if necessary.

Such attention to detail is enough to set Bravo apart, but dropping off a few shirts offers a surprising aesthetic experience as well. David’s older brother Arthur, not only works as a tailor in the shop, but also displays his bold and lively paintings in a rotating exhibit on the shop walls. Abundant natural light makes for a vivid gallery space alongside the rotating rack and drop off bins, and the paintings really pop. There’s usually some great music playing, and glossy design magazines beckon. Who knew going to the dry cleaner in the burbs could be fun?

For the ecologically aware, Bravo offers wet cleaning wherein solvents are combined with water to wash dry-clean-only items using fewer chemicals. Shirts are pressed on sight, cleaning of rugs, leather and drapery is available, and everything can be delivered to your door. It doesn’t get any better — and it’s right here in our backyard.

Bravo Dry Cleaners 38 Route 303 Tappan, NY (845) 398-0368