Mémoire Opens Chestnut Street Doors

A new Ridgewood restaurant opened its doors for dinner Tuesday, its owner promising a “SoHo feel” without the bank-breaking New York City prices.

As Patch previously reported, mémoire is planning a rotating, seasonal menu, introducing new items each month and updating its offerings with the changes in the weather.

Restaurateur Thomas Finelli said that friends and family were in over the weekend to help the new staff prepare for the public opening. But the team is made up of seasoned hands.

“We wanted to make sure we got the atmosphere and the hospitality right for our customers,” Finelli said of his “hand-selected” team.

Mémoire’s executive chef, Giacomo Mistretta, previously held the same role at Napa Valley Grille in Paramus and Park Ridge’s Esty Street. General manager Jim Guarasci, Finelli said, has 30 years of ownership and management under his belt, including at Jimmy’s on Main in Nanuet, NY.

The crew has been hard at work since acquiring the Chestnut Street storefront in August, when Tre Voci closed its doors after a four-year run. The interior was renovated extensively to give the dining room a classy but still casual feel, with new walls, ceiling, floor and fireplace.

“It was pretty amazing what we did in two months,” Finelli said.

Among the first fall offerings of the new eatery are a seasonal ravioli stuffed with butternut squash, maytag blue cheese and walnut sage brown butter; and grilled salmon with roasted fall vegetables, Israeli couscous and cranberry ginger honey butter.

The menu’s entrees, including several gluten free and vegetarian options, range in price from $16-28. Dining is kid-friendly, Finelli said.

The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays, and serves lunch Fridays and weekends.