Breaking News: Zod Arifai, Opening and Reopening

Executive chef Zod Arifai announces news of his three restaurants: the much-decorated Blu and Next Door in Montclair and the new, exciting Daryl in New Brunswick...

Daryl, 302 George St, New Brunswick is now open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner daily (732-253-7780).

Next Door, 556 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair will reopen Tuesday January 24th with some menu changes; (973-744-3600); BYO.

Blu, 554 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair will reopen Thursday February 2nd (973-509-2202); BYO.

Blu and Next Door had been closed since early December when Arifai moved his staff to New Brunswick to reopen Daryl, which had been closed for some time after the departure of former executive chef David Drake. Arifai has taken over Daryl and reopened it with new decor and a new menu.

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AND THE WINNER IS…
ROUND ONE ULTIMATE CHEF BERGEN COUNTY

Chef Laurie Cera of 5 Seasons Bistro, Ridgewood (201- 857-5900) won Round one of the Ultimate Chef Bergen County that was held on January 14 at Chef Central, 240 Rt 17 N, Paramus. She competed against Ari Starkman owner of Elan Catering, Lodi (973-777-0503). Round Two will be held on January 21 at 11 AM at Chef Central with Ninamarie Bojekian of Ooh Lala Catering (201-707-0817) vying against Chris Holland of Session Bistro, Maywood (201-880-7810). Judging with me will be Susan Sherrill, food editor of The Record, and Thomas Griffiths, senior executive chef and director of Campbell’s Culinary Institute. Today’s secret ingredient was bananas. Join us next Saturday and say hello.