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Joel’s Malibu Kitchen (201-493-9477) at 14 Oak St., in Ridgewood, is a funky little unpretentious place that serves some quite nice food. Yes, it’s California in style. But, what does that mean? California cuisine is really an amalgamation of Southwest and Asian influences with plenty of room for creative impulses and unusual combinations. Joel’s succeeds admirably, from the pretty, colorful decor to the pretty, colorful dishes. Emphasis is on fish and chicken, but Fillet Mignon is available for meat lovers. All dishes are very attractively presented and portions are more than adequate. The menu is quite varied. Interesting examples recently included Fettucini with shrimp and wild mushrooms in a light pink sauce; Soft shelled crabs in a garlic lemon sauce; Lightly battered chicken, shrimp and walnuts in a ginger and plum sauce; Rainbow trout with a honey roasted cashew crust in an orange champagne dill burré sauce! It works. They also serve nice lunches. $$ [6/98] Sergio's
Sergio’s is the perfect place to go before a show at the Papermill Playhouse. You can park free in the municipal lot and it’s only a 3 block walk to the theater. Strictly Italian, Sergio’s does most of the standards quite well. The Cream of Mushroom soup is worth the trip. The breads are delicious, there are some interesting salads and the desserts are absolutely decadent. Although strangely located on the third floor of a building (above a Starbucks!), it works once you get used to it. The atmosphere is comfortable and the service is certainly adequate. $$$ [4/98]
Taipei Noodle House
This is one of the most interesting Oriental restaurants in North Jersey. It’s like four restaurants in one. Of course, there is the standard American Chinese fare. Much more interesting is the traditional Taiwanese cuisine (some exotic stuff like squid and pork intestine, but lots of mainstream dishes, too). You must try some of the wonderful noodle soups featuring 7 different types of noodles in various combinations with meat, fish and vegetables. These are a meal in themselves or a great appetizer for 3 or 4. In addition, there is a serious “diet menu” that is interesting, varied and well thought out. Finally, there is a Japanese menu complete with a sushi and sashimi bar. Interesting food, well prepared, some of it quite authentic! $ ($$ for sushi) [2/98, revisited 10/02] Luka's Italian Cuisine
Luka’s is the perfect storefront Italian restaurant to visit on the way into the city. This popular eatery offers high quality food at a fair price. There are a variety of styles, including some fairly creative dishes that branch out from the typical Italian restaurant in Bergen County. The service was attentive without being obsequious. There’s a very impressive early bird special. If nothing else, go for the roasted pepper and mozzarella appetizer! $$ [10/97, revisited 9/03] Grand Buffet Chinese Restaurant
Grand Buffet represents a new phenomenon in Bergen County. These large all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurants offer phenomenal value. Food quality may not be first rate Chinese, but it’s as good as most take out. It’s also a fun place to take kids or to just have a decent cheap meal out. Most standard Chinese fare is presented in large steam trays. One wouldn’t expect lobster or shrimp at these prices, but they are usually present in one form or another. There are also some nice salads and decent desserts! $ [9/97]
520 Boulevard, Kenilworth (908) 931-0888 Le Rondez-vous is well worth the 40 minute drive. This 10 table French/Mediterranean restaurant is very polished and the food is high style and very well prepared. Le Rondez-vous is owned by two brothers, one of whom is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in NY, the other a graduate of an English hotel/restaurant school. They clearly know what they are doing. Entrees range from a fabulous bouillabaisse to a cosmopolitan duck galantine. The rare tuna was the best we've very had. $$$-$$$$ [6/97, revisited several times] New World Grill
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