ABOUT THE RESTAURANT:

Address: 252 Broad Ave, Palisades Park, NJ 07650

Phone: (201) 461-7900

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MamaChicken1

Living in Bergen County, I am part of a diverse group of people. However, I didn't know what I was getting myself into (actually I sort of did due to rumors) until I stepped foot into Bergen County Academies. The Academies, in and of itself, is a rigorous school with a long admissions process: there are plenty of tests, recommendation letters, and even an interview! All at the age of 13! While this school draws many overachievers all over Bergen County, a vast majority of them are Koreans. While I had a few Korean friends in elementary and middle school, I had lived in a predominately white neighborhood, so I was not exposed to the Korean culture as much.

On orientation, I remember one of the first thoughts I had was: 'I've never seen this much Asian diversity before!' Naturally, being surrounded by so many different people, I became more aware of a culture that I never before really had much motivation to be interested in. Being part of the Academies made me aware of so many parts of Bergen County I never heard of before. It also exposed me to some of the so-called "predominately Asian towns".

I remember the first time I went to Palisades Park. My dad told me that we were going to a dentist appointment, and we drove some 20 minutes at night to the office.

It never struck me as anything out of the ordinary.

Soon, however, I started hearing about the various Korean restaurants in Palisades Park. I remember the first time I went to Palisades Park with friends, I suddenly realized how much Korean culture was infused into this small town. Through these past 3 years in high school, I've accumulated many visits to this town and naturally have tried various restaurants. One, however, will always have a place in my heart.

MaMa Chicken.

One word to describe this place? Heaven.

MaMa Chicken is a casual-style restaurant. While you can take out, most people prefer to dine-in.

See how cute that wall is? The restaurant provides post-it notes and pens so you and your friends (or significant other) can put a little footprint in this room (I've written one every time I've been here). The space is extremely open and encourages discourse: it's a place you come to with friends to hang out and have fun!

The menu is very accommodating. There are many spicy options, but if you wish, there are also a few non-spicy options. However, be warned that there are little to no healthy options (but then again, this place is too good to not come time and time again).

My favorite item to order is the Kimchi Cheese Bacon-deop-bop. Essentially, it's a kimchi fried rice topped with melted cheese, a perfectly fried egg, and nori. Trust me, I've had my fair share of kimchi fried rice, and this one always comes out on top. So savory, with the perfect balance of spice. You also can't forget to scrape the sides of the pan for that leftover crunchy cheese.

The restaurant also always starts you off with small appetizers/starter dishes before your food comes. My favorite is the tteokbokki, which are spicy stir-fried rice cakes with fish cake!

I also love to get the Don Katsu, which is a breaded pork cutlet topped with brown sauce! The meat is always super moist, and the brown sauce is a great addition. Sometimes if I'm craving both, I'll get the MaMa Special, which includes the Don Katsu and Kimchi Fried Rice in smaller quantities. I always recommend that to first-timers.

There are also non-spicy options that are equally delicious.

This place is like no other I've been to that serves similar food. Warm and welcoming, and with delicious food. Kind of like mama's food.

ABOUT THE RESTAURANT:

Address: 22 Oak St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Phone: (201) 670-7502

Website: http://greenfusionnj.com

After some canceled plans to go into the city, my friend suggested we visit the newly opened vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant in town: Green Fusion. My interest was immediately piqued as I had never (never!) been to a vegetarian/vegan oriented establishment before.

Intrigued, I conducted a quick Google search and landed upon the Green Fusion website. I quickly determined that the menu, as of now, was merely a "soft opening" menu rather than the grand opening menu (which is set to be April 23rd).

Does this menu not make you want to eat everything?

Nestled between several health-conscious restaurants, Green Fusion immediately provides a calming ambiance the moment you step into it. While spa-like music dances in the background, the bright and spacious atmosphere gives a sense of openness.

We were greeted with a basic paper-printed menu with a cutout specials menu. Although it was not the most appealing way to present it, I understand that it was a soft opening menu. Graciously, the waitress told us we were allowed to choose any seating.

As I was waiting for the dish we ordered, the waitress kindly provided us with a complimentary dish: homemade potato chips with mango salsa, which I sadly was not able to take a picture of because we quickly devoured it.

The water comes in a glass vase, typical of an establishment like this.

Halfway through the meal however, we found out that orange juice was complimentary. However, I was the slightest bit disappointed, but not surprised, when I discovered it was not fresh squeezed

Rather, it was one of those typical "carton orange juices" that leave an aftertaste in your mouth (at least get Tropicana!) All jokes aside, it was an extremely nice gesture.

Soon after, our dishes arrived. We both ordered the "Porto Pasta", essentially creamy pesto pasta with flavorful mushrooms and fresh avocado. 

This dish came with either a side salad or a grain of one's choosing. I chose the quinoa while my friend ordered the brown rice. Neither was seasoned, but delicious nonetheless.

Reasonably priced, this restaurant is a great addition to the diner-friendly establishments prevalent in Ridgewood. It is nice to see the growing awareness of veganism/vegetarianism in the East Coast, as more and more people are becoming knowledgable of what they eat.

Overall, I would rate this restaurant a 4.5/5. This place holds enormous potential and I can't wait to see what they bring to the table next!