Chef To Open Restaurant In Ridgewood This Month, A 'Lifelong Dream'

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A "chef-driven" New American restaurant is coming to Ridgewood later this month, according to its owner.

Lula, named after chef Conor Browne's 5-year-old daughter Lucy, will be located on Oak Street. Browne hopes to open on Jan. 30.

"Lula is the culmination of my professional experience and my love of community," said Browne, who said he first discovered his love of food as a Peace Corps volunteer in Jamaica. "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."

Highlights from the menu at Lula will 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

A description of the eatery says, "Built around seasonal, sustainable ingredients and thoughtful cooking, Lula delivers delicious, well-executed dishes that bring people together. Every detail—from the way we plate our food to the way we welcome our guests—reflects a commitment to creating an elevated yet approachable dining experience that fosters connection and purpose."

Inspired By The Island

During his time volunteering in Jamaica, Browne said, "I was inspired by the island’s vibrant culture and bold flavors. That experience planted the seed for my culinary journey, and when I returned home, I enrolled in the International Culinary Center in New York City to turn this passion into a career."

He has worked under James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman at Jams in New York City, and Turtle + The Wolf in Montclair under the leadership of Lauren Hirschberg, formerly of Craft in New York City, he noted.

He was also part of the opening team at Felina in Ridgewood, working alongside chef Anthony Bucco.

"When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry, I stepped back to reflect on what mattered most," he said. "After taking
some time off, I returned to lead the kitchen at St. Eve’s in Ho-Ho-Kus, a beloved local eatery by Steve Christianson, where I continued to hone my craft and connect with the community."

He noted that opening Lula has been a lifelong dream of his.

"After welcoming two children into my life, I knew it was time to take that leap," he said. "Lula was born out of my love for family, friends, and creating a space where people can gather and connect over exceptional food."

He plans to open later this month at 28 Oak St. Find out more at Lulanj.com.

Which restaurants have opened in North Jersey recently? READ MORE: 5 Restaurants That Opened Their Doors In North Jersey Last Month