the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood is set to welcome Lula, a chef-driven New American restaurant, opening on January 30th at 28 Oak Street. This much-anticipated eatery is the creation of Chef Conor Browne, who draws inspiration from his extensive culinary journey and love for community.
About Lula: A Dream Turned Reality
Named after Browne’s 5-year-old daughter, Lucy, Lula represents the culmination of his professional experience and passion for creating meaningful dining experiences.
“Lula is the culmination of my professional experience and my love of community,” said Browne.
Local Roots, Global Inspiration
Browne discovered his love for food as a Peace Corps volunteer in Jamaica, where the vibrant culture and bold flavors sparked his culinary journey. After returning home, he honed his craft at the International Culinary Center in New York City and worked under renowned chefs like Jonathan Waxman (Jams, NYC) and Lauren Hirschberg (Turtle + The Wolf, Montclair).
“Being local isn’t just about the food—most of our plateware, furnishings, and millwork have all been thoughtfully sourced from local artisans, embodying what it means to be a true neighborhood restaurant,” Browne shared.
The Lula Menu: Seasonal and Sustainable
Built around seasonal, sustainable ingredients, Lula’s menu offers well-executed dishes designed to bring people together. Highlights include:
- Lula House Focaccia Bread with Whipped Herb Butter
- Fluke Crudo with Pomegranate, Blood Orange, and Pistachio
- Chicken Liver Mousse with Amarena Cherry and Rosemary
- Winter Salad with Endive, Pecorino Sardo, Bosc Pear, Orange, and Hazelnut
- Goffle Road ½ Chicken with Smashed Fingerling Potatoes and Pan Drippings
- Ricotta Agnolotti with Braised Oxtail, Chanterelles, and 48-Month Parmigiano Reggiano
Each dish is crafted with care to offer an elevated yet approachable dining experience.
A Community-Centered Vision
For Browne, opening Lula is more than just starting a restaurant—it’s about creating a gathering place for friends, family, and neighbors.
“Lula was born out of my love for family, friends, and creating a space where people can gather and connect over exceptional food,” he said.
More About Chef Conor Browne
Browne’s culinary resume includes stints at Ridgewood’s Felina and Ho-Ho-Kus’ St. Eve’s, where he led the kitchen and connected with the local community. The COVID-19 pandemic offered him a moment of reflection, reigniting his dream of opening his own restaurant.
“After welcoming two children into my life, I knew it was time to take that leap,” Browne said.
Opening Details
Lula is set to open on January 30th at 28 Oak Street, Ridgewood. Learn more about the restaurant and its offerings at Lulanj.com.
For Ridgewood residents and food enthusiasts alike, Lula promises to deliver a dining experience rooted in community, quality, and connection. Don’t miss this exciting new addition to the local culinary scene!
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Oooh, a chef-driven restaurant. I like the sound of that! So tired of visiting all of these busboy-driven slop houses. Also love that it’s going to be a community-centered gathering place. Me and the boys can sit there with our laptops all day, now that we’ve been banned from Starbucks for loitering.
you cant afford coffee???
A seven dollar cup of burnt coffee is a luxury. You should buy me one. Especially after all that I do, subsidizing your east side kids! talk crap to me after you see my tax bill.
Looks great and I cannot wait to try it out. What do you think chef-driven means?
The chef is the owner and makes all the important decisions.
It means it sounds fancy and I’ll pay 20% more for the marketing jargon.
The worse a business idea is, the more people flock to it because they think they are different from the crowds that have already failed.
at least its not a bakery or barber shop
The food is top notch. This place rocks