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Chef Dishes On Cuisine At Ridgewood’s New Steel Wheel

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — The Steel Wheel Tavern on North Broad Street will open in mid-August at the site of the former Smith Brothers Steak and Chophouse.

Glenn Carlough, owner of the soon-to-open Steel Wheel Tavern in Ridgewood.

Glenn Carlough, owner of the soon-to-open Steel Wheel Tavern in Ridgewood.

Photo Credit: Lorraine Ash
The facade of the Steel Wheel Tavern at 51 N. Broad St., Ridgewood.

The facade of the Steel Wheel Tavern at 51 N. Broad St., Ridgewood.

Photo Credit: Lorraine Ash

“We’re shooting for serving friends and family on Aug. 12 and 13 and opening to the public Aug. 14,” said Executive Chef Bryan Tortorella.

The new menu, almost ready to be put in jackets, shows a crowd-pleasing array of options.

They include craft cocktails – Jersey Lemonade, anyone? – popular pasta dishes, including shrimp and capellini, locally sourced white meat and veggie dishes, and great seafood, sandwiches, and burgers.

Three kinds of French fries will be offered: Parmesan Truffle, Sweet Potato, and Crab.

A total of 10 Steel Wheel’s “Splendid Sides” include braised red cabbage, baby vegetables, sweet potato puree, and quinoa.

Desserts include trendy chocolate lava cake, crème brulee, banana bread pudding, ice creams, sorbets, and more.

Chef Tortorella spoke to Daily Voice:

Q. How would you describe the cuisine at Steel Wheel?

A. Creative American. I spent the last 13 years up in Rhode Island, so I have a very New England seafood influence.

I’m very big into supporting local business. I support Goffle Road Poultry Farm.

We use Ironbound Hard Cider, produced by Jersey Cider Works, on our duck dish for which we use duck from Goffle Farm.

Q. Can you give us an idea of the variety of your menu?

A. We use grass-fed meats, Angus beef, pastas, and composed seafood dishes.

We also have a dozen appetizers and just as many salad options as well.

Q. Do you have a special menu for children?

A. A pretty extensive one. I think almost any kid would find something to eat. I have two of the pickiest kids on the planet and I know they could find something to eat on the menu, which is good.

Q. What’s it like to be moving into such a time-honored restaurant space? Smith Brothers was here for decades.

A. It’s exciting. This is a new chapter. It’s like turning the page. It’s a great spot. You’re across the street from the train station. We’ve done a fantastic job with renovations. It looks absolutely gorgeous.

It’s been a long road and we’re now excited to open up and give the people what they want.

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