Family owned businesses continue to form the backbone of this American economy. Some of the world's largest businesses (example: Walmart) are family owned, and succeed with shooting stars.
Now, if you are in New Jersey for a weekend, or just for the day, you must take your time to locate these three delicious, yet unique establishments, because it's not just about the food on the table.
1. The Ridge Diner
The Meidanis Family has owned this establishment since 1972. Five-time award winning best diner strives for the highest quality, best service, outstanding food, and that family owned environment that makes everyone put a smile on their face. Being a worker at The Ridge Diner has shown me what family is all about. It has shown me that it doesn't matter if you are having a good or bad day. When you walk through those front doors, our goal is to make you happy with a good conversation, a friendly smile, and a delicious meal off our very diverse 11-page menu.
You can go grab a pastry or dessert that is made by their very own baker on the premises, or bring a family member who has a gluten-free diet-- they have it all. Owner Mike Meidanis greets you with his warm smile, and once you see him and how he interacts with his customers, you know this place is one of the best.
While eating your delicious coconut shrimp salad [mixed greens, tomatoes, pineapple, shredded carrots, toasted coconut, Caribbean mango dressing topped with coconut shrimp], you can't help but take a picture to show your bestie what an amazing meal you just had at The Ridge, and how you are definitely coming back and bringing her with you.
But then, you come in for dinner and you have this huge craving for a bacon cheeseburger, and take a bite into this- that craving is complete.
[Cheeseburger deluxe with bacon, french fries with lettuce and tomato on the side]
The homemade, famous, and award-winning cheesecake is from The Ridge Diner. If you're feeling a little frisky, add some blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, or cherries on top to make it the most delicious fruit cheesecake.
College kids favorite place to meet after a great night out with friends, going to the local bars, or to just get some of your favorite foods- The Ridge Diner.
"Let's go to the Diner" or "Let's get Ridge" are probably the most common sayings amongst teenagers and young adults of Bergen County, I mean where else do you get the best cheese fries, the amazing combo wrap or platter, and disco fries?
[pictured below is seasoned fries with mozzarella cheese on top]
[pictured below is their famous, and delicious disco fries: french fries with brown gravy and mozzarella cheese]
Late night snacks can include milkshakes, brownie delights, trio samplers, grilled cheese, burgers, french onion soup, and so much more!
The Ridge Diner is the place to go morning, noon, and night.
While stopping into the diner to enjoy a meal, the television is airing Park Ridge's finest and talented Nick Meidanis on News 12 New Jersey, delivering the best sports news out there. Mike Meidanis opens his heart with a warm welcome when you step foot into the diner, you most likely meet his charming, wonderful, and youngest son Chris Meidanis right by his side. While then ordering your meal, you get to catch son Nick Meidanis on television. Then the hostesses up front tell you to check out other son Bobby Meidanis's restaurants: The Village Grille and co-owned restaurant Momma's Kitchen. But, you can't leave without passing the glorious pie case filled with homemade key lime tartlets , freshly baked everyday by wife Kathy Meidanis (among other seasonal delicious treats that she makes). Now, talk about family.
Working at a place like The Ridge Diner makes you feel some sort of comfort in knowing that you are in good hands. After losing my mom, working at The Ridge helped me cope with a huge loss in my family. I felt that every single person, including The Meidanis Family was right by my side when I needed them most. They help me smile even when I don't think it's possible; they are like my second family. They are excited to see me when I come back from school, and sad to see me as I go back to school. That's what this business is all about. It's not just about the food on the table (well, for The Ridge Diner, the food is a plus). It's about beneath the front door, when you walk in, you walk into this family—the Ridge Diner family.
This family makes your average meal feel like home. This place is where I call a second home, the workers make me laugh, smile, and sometimes even make me miss them when I'm away at school.
So, about that trip. If you're up in Bergen County and need a place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or even a fresh cup of coffee—The Ridge Diner is where to go.
The Ridge Diner... It's where strangers become friends, and friends become family.
2. The Village Grille.
Now, after a few hours go by and you are ready for lunch (or dinner) you can't think of somewhere to eat. But then, you remember that the hostess of The Ridge Diner told you about a place in Waldwick, New Jersey called The Village Grille.
"Honey, I know where we can go, The Village Grille!"
Immediately, everyone is happy. Not only are you happy that somebody finally decided on picking a place to eat, but this decision will make you want to come to The Village Grille every chance you get.
The Village Grille takes pride in being a restaurant and bar where family, friends, coworkers, of all ages can come and relax for a great meal. Chef and owner Bobby Meidanis takes after his father when greeting you with that warm, friendly smile, and you know that you just walked into that family-friendly restaurant just like The Ridge Diner.
"I have learned everything from my father. Well not everything, maybe 90 percent," Bobby Meidanis says, "The other 10 percent is schooling and experiences in my life in the business."
You can join the workers and customers for live music on Friday nights and NFL games on Sunday afternoon and Monday nights. Or, if it's the first Friday of the month, rest up your voice, grab a drink, and start off the night with some karaoke!
If you're in the mood for a great sandwich, don't forget to ask for the grilled steak sandwich with mozzarella and onions on toasted garlic bread.
But ugh, you're in the mood for something like a dinner. Nothing too crazy, but not a sandwich-like meal. Don't worry, The Village Grille has a list of many different entrees that will leave your taste buds constantly wanting more.
Or, you had a long day at work (which, I mean, who doesn't?). You grab your friends to sit by the bar and have anything from a glass of wine to a cocktail, or even a nice margarita. There is something for everyone!
Bobby Meidanis has mastered the art of bringing a warm, comfortable and loving establishment to a friendly environment where the idea of family-owned business still sticks.
"I take pride in many things when customers walk in the door. I take pride in them enjoying my food and atmosphere. I think the best thing is when they compliment the service and people working for me," Bobby Meidanis says, "...especially when they say that the workers seem to enjoy working here and enjoy having you as a boss."
You're sitting at The Village Grille wishing that you were able to snag a key lime tartlet from The Ridge Diner, but when your waitress tells you that they are four-year award winning restaurants for best dessert-- you are excited.
Then you learn that Kathy Meidanis makes their homemade brownie, which is served warm with vanilla ice cream. You just had to get two. Well, one for you, and one for your kids. No sharing desserts... that's the rule!
From key lime pie to rice pudding, cheesecake and more, you will never leave unhappy.
Bobby Meidanis stated, "I am always learning in this business and trying to change, adapt, learn something new and get better every day."
Looks like Bobby Meidanis has definitely taken the wonderful tips from father Mike Meidanis to succeed in this beautiful establishment.
Ridge Diner for breakfast, Village Grille for lunch, where to next...
3. Momma's Kitchen.
Forget about the delicious and mouth-watering food inside the restaurant, just take a look at the name... Momma's Kitchen. I mean, how do you not want to go somewhere where the title represents exactly what you get out of it? When you walk into Bobby Meidanis's and Paul Skiadas's Momma's Kitchen, you feel like you just had a Sunday family night dinner that Mom didn't have to cook this time, she was able to sit down and enjoy it from start to finish.
Bobby and Paul have created this place in comfort and love. You walk in and are greeted by the lovely hostesses up in the front, where you most likely see Bobby or Paul smiling at you and welcoming you into their restaurant. You sit down and see this menu and really don't know where to start...
Do you want the Italian nachos (Homemade Parmesan Chips, Bolognese, Sweet Sausage, Roasted Red Peppers, Kalamata Olives, Tomatoes, Melted Mozzarella, Pesto Drizzle, Arugula & Tomato Basil Dipping Sauce) or the oven-roasted wings (Fresh Herbs & Caramelized Onions or Buffalo, Spicy Chipotle, Honey Citrus, Szechuan or Italian) to start?
Wait.. you have to keep reading the menu.
Because now, you got to their homemade pizza.
(You are a little angry now that you kept reading because now you are totally stuck with making probably the hardest decision of your day)
You see:
White Pizza
(Bacon, Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Feta, Mozzarella, Oregano & Olive Oil)
Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza
(Fresh Pears, Caramelized Onions, Marcona Almonds, Greens & Gorgonzola)
And then calzones, salads, entrees, sandwiches, and yes, don't think any further, they do have a dessert menu.
And yes, you did see a Campfire pizza being delivered to a customer right next to you.
And yes it did just look like this.
[campfire pizza: pizza crust, Nutella, and toasted marshmallows]
You keep staring at the table next to you because this campfire pizza is mouth-watering.
There are no words to describe how great this restaurant is. I mean, it can be a casual night out with friends, a nice sunday family dinner spot, or even a spot to bring a loved one to enjoy your date night.
And yes...they do have gluten free options!
Bobby and Paul have worked very hard to excel in this industry. You walk in the front door and see Bobby and/or Paul greeting you. You know that you have come to the right place. Beneath the delicious food, it's a companionship where people care. People care about you, and each other. It's what is behind the front door. The good food, the good people, and the good place to be.
Flip to the dessert menu again, I know you can't leave without trying something!
A homemade cookie sandwich with ice cream in the middle... oh my!
Bobby and Paul are two very caring restaurant owners, they care about their staff, their customers, their food, and all of the above. Just like The Ridge, and The Village Grille, the end of this trifecta completes the piece. It calls anyone of any age to sit down and enjoy anything from a few appetizers, to a nice pizza, to an entree, or even a sandwich for some lunch.
But don't forget, you are not sharing your own ice cream sandwich. that's why they call it "your own".
As Elsa Schiaparelli said, "Eating is not merely a material pleasure. Eating well gives a spectacular joy to life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship. It is of great importance to the morale." You are not eating well until you visit one of the three of this amazing and beautiful trifecta. Sometimes you have to dig deeper--you have to look beyond the establishment itself and look into what makes something so special.It's when you enter the front door of any of these restaurants...the company you are surrounded by, the atmosphere, the love, the family-like environment-- it's all part of the trifecta.
The Ridge Diner
https://www.facebook.com/The-Ridge-Diner-162338600...
125 Kinderkamack Road Park Ridge, NJ 07656
The Village Grille
https://www.facebook.com/TheVillageGrille/?fref=ts
71 Crescent Avenue Waldwick, NJ 07463
Momma's Kitchen
https://www.facebook.com/mommaskitchennj/?fref=ts
15 West Grand Avenue Montvale, NJ 07645
