Ridgewood’s new Craving Tapas Bistro serves up global tapas
Thursday, November 14, 2013
The Record
Cravings Tapas Bistro
8 Wilsey Square, Ridgewood, 201-857-8533, cravingstapas.com (under construction)
* A bit of background first: Chef/owner Michael Merida has worked in some of the most high-profile kitchens in the world, including El Bulli in Spain, Park Avenue Café, Vong and Le Bernadin in Manhattan. In addition, he co-founded the now-closed midtown restaurant Mia Donna and most recently was the opening executive chef for the Mediterranean eatery Mezza in Westwood. But when the father of two young daughters prepared to launch his next Bergen County eatery, whom did he turn to for guidance? Women, of course. “Women usually make the choice of where to eat,” says Merida. “The husbands and significant others want to please the women and make them happy.” Doing market research, he noticed that female diners prefer to have a diversity of cuisines, but when going out they usually have to settle on only one. (Sushi or Italian? Spanish or French?) His global small-plates menu is anchored with Spanish tapas dishes, but also includes a French, Japanese, Tuscan and Mediterranean influence. The menu will change seasonally, and with customer demand, he adds. “It caters to everyone’s needs,” he says.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/food_dining/231859631_Ridgewood_s_new_Craving_Tapas_Bistro_serves_up_global_tapas.html#sthash.ErCL29ki.dpuf
