Montclair’s Restaurant Blu and its sister restaurant, Next Door, will close on August 30, 2015. Blu’s reputation far exceeds its modest size and sensibility, receiving kudos from local, national and even global journalists and critics. People love Executive Chef and Owner Zod Arifai for his unconventional and exciting New American cuisine, personal style and humor.
Blu leaves behind a lasting impression on its patrons. As for Next Door, Arifai’s goal was to create a restaurant that was smaller, more casual and even less expensive. With that in mind, Next Door offers sandwiches, salads and simple fare at extremely gentle prices.
We’re Blue About Restaurant Blu
However, the restaurant closures will enable Arifai to travel throughout Europe and Asia for three months and to finalize plans for a new concept that will open in New York City in the Spring of 2016. He’s also considering offers for projects outside the U.S. as well as in Montclair.
In fact, Arifai noted, “Montclair has been wonderful to me for the past ten years. We have some great eaters here who truly enjoy food and it’s been a pleasure cooking for them.” Right now, “business as usual” is the plan for Blu and Next Door. Of course, watch for future announcements of possible special celebrations as the closing date approaches.
Finally, you can read more about the party at Chakra.
