Though many people are aware of French cuisine thanks to TV and film, not many younger generations have tried it. Luckily, a small handful of authentic, fine dining French restaurants are still actively perfecting the craft in New Jersey. Latour in Ridgewood is one such example.
Latour has been around for 27 years, making it one of the oldest restaurants in town. It is also among the longest-tenured fine dining French restaurants in the state. Chef and Owner Michael Latour vividly recalls what the town was like back when the restaurant first opened in 1998. “Ridgewood was all retail stores and banks, with only a handful of restaurants,” he says.
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A Pillar of Consistency
“We did well right off the bat,” Michael remembers. In fact, they earned a three-star rating from The New York Times, which rarely reviewed NJ restaurants at the time. Flash forward to present day, and Latour offers classical yet somewhat modern French entrees.
That’s especially the case with their sauces like Bordelaise and Grand Marinier. It takes days to prepare each sauce, with typically 20 of them cooking at any given time. Most restaurants don’t have the manpower or training for such an old-school approach to French cooking. “We take innovative approaches to our sauces, which are the foundation of classical French food,” Michael says. Latour bakes all bread on premises, and many vegetables come from the chef’s own garden at his home in Ramsey.
One of their most popular menu items is the dover sole, served with a Grand Marnier sauce and fileted tableside. Other seafood options include filet of bronzini and grilled Atlantic salmon. Their Filet of Beef Wellington Napoleon is also a hit. This dish is served with a layered puff pastry, wild mushroom duxelle, paté de foie gras, and veal demi glacé. Michael also recommends the half-roasted Grand Mariner crispy duck (his favorite dish).
“The stigma with French food is that you’ll go away hungry since the portions are small. We don’t have that going on here.” Michael explains. “Try something different. Open your mind to different cuisines. To me, that’s what it’s all about. Change up your diet.”
Desserts & Deals
Desserts include Bavarian apple strudel, Grand Marnier cheesecake, profiteroles with ice cream and chocolate sauce, and chocolate mousse cake.
Patrons interested in a bargain can order the $55 four-course prix fixe tasting menu. This includes a choice of appetizer, soup or salad, entrée, and dessert. Latour offers this special deal every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
The restaurant offers another special deal on Tuesdays, as well. Patrons who order an a la carter appetizer and entrée receive a free Grand Marinier soufflé for dessert. (Just remember to ask for the soufflé in advance when placing the dinner order.)
About the Chef
Michael Latour was trained at Johnson & Wales University. He worked at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park and the Four Seasons Hotel New York. He went on to work at Doral Park Avenue Hotel. He is also President of the NJ Chapter of Société Culinaire Philanthropique, a community and association supporting French migrant chefs. (Members include a number of world-renown chefs and culinary experts in French cuisine.)
Visit Latour 6 East Ridgewood Ave in Ridgewood. (See them on Google Maps.) To learn more:
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-445-5056 |
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Latour FAQs
Do you accept Reservations?
Yes, they accept reservations.
Are there Gluten-free options?
Yes, there are gluten-free options.
Are there Vegetarian options?
Latour offers vegetarian options, yes.
Do you offer Takeout?
They offer Takeout, yes.
Can you offer Delivery?
No, they do not offer delivery.
Do you have a Liquor license?
The restaurant does not serve alcohol, no.
Is there a Kids’ menu?
No, they do not have a kids’ menu.
Photos: © Latour | Website