The restaurant scene in Ridgewood is arguably more happening than Montclair. 
I have had the pleasure of dining at the fabulous classic French, Latour several weeks ago.
Recently dined at Joel's Malibu with friends, Lori and Dave, they love the place and we loved the place. Joel's is a hoot with a very eclectic menu and wild 60's-70's decor.
I am looking forward to trying Silver Oak, which everyone I know whose been there raves about, and can't wait to try Radicchio, which I also hear is great.
Joel is an eclectic California guy who was chef for many Hollywood celebrities. The walls of his Ridgewood Malibu Cafe the walls are filled with star photos.
He came to New Jersey and opened this great cafe, which the Times described as "Sweet and slightly down at heels, furnished from souvenir shops and relics of the peace-and-love era, late 60's -70's music and a menu so diverse you think you might have indulged in a mind altering substance, but know it is just Joel's." If you have ever been to Malibu you'll know that Joel's is the real thing.
We enjoyed a delicious Asian salad, the famous Latkes, a signature dish of hearty potato pancakes with artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, melted cheeses and balsamic-vinegar reduction that has been on the menu since 2002. 
We had a Shrimp appetizer that was fabulous. For an entree I had a special Vietnamese Jambalaya. Wow was that delicious. Lori had a delicious pasta, in the big bowl, Diana a crusted fish and Dave the Veal Scallopini.
We were all totally satiated by meal end but could not resists tasting a couple of Joel's delectable deserts.
"For California-style food in a funky setting, head to Joel’s Malibu Kitchen, where chef/owner Joel Scheinzeit serves dishes so unconventional they almost defy description—Fresh Fettuccine with Silly Sauce, Tie-dyed Mashed Potatoes, Rigatoni Duxelle à la Jack. The music complements the decor (Joel describes the restaurant’s design as “psychedelic opium den crossed with Bob Marley reggae hut”). " NJ Monthly also check out other here Chef Moz, NY Times, Ny Times Again
We had some awesome wines with dinner. Two awesome California Cult Wines,
The first was a Zinfandel by Turley Cellars. I first tasted this wine with my friends Rosie and Lowell Saferstein. Was happy to see it again. Turley is the undisputed king of California Zin. It is an incredible example of how good true American wine can be. Zinfandel is classic American rarely produced out side the U.S. except as Primitivo in Italy. This one had bright bouncing fruit t start and then settled into deep port flavors.
Our second wine was an other California artisanal wine, 2004 Sanguis, Wedding Syrah. Dave has a great cellar and gets many of his wines from the excellent Grapes, the Wine Company in Rye, NY
This wine was tight at first, needed at least 30 minutes to open, as we tasted it got better and better with vibrant flavors of cassis and black currants. I am not a big fan of Syrah but this one was irresistible.
Wine Advocate rating: “90…The 2004 Syrah The Wedding exhibits surprising elegance, good structure, a deep ruby/purple color, sweet crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, an attractive texture, and a showy style. Already approachable, interesting, and flavorful, it should be enjoyed over the next 5-7 years. Sadly, there are fewer than 150 cases of this wine.”
We will be back to Ridgewood soon.
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
I would like to speak to Joel. He gave me some citrus tarragon sauce and told me to call or write and he would give me the recipe????
I love this restaurant and can't wait to return. PLEASE call me at 516-728-2728.
Posted by: carrie bender | 06/19/2008 at 14:36
If you are interested in great food in Ridgewood you must eat at The Village Green. They have a tasting menue that is awesome.
Posted by: mary piacente | 09/14/2007 at 13:16
slight edit most wines come from www.grapesthewinecompany.com in Rye
http://www.grapesthewineco.com/
Posted by: | 07/08/2007 at 22:18