Fantastic Foods and Flavors Launches an Innovative Concept
Fantastic Foods and Flavors (FFF) in Norwood, N.J. brings its unique style of eatery to the Hudson Valley. Since opening in the fall, FFF offers old-world charm with a modern flair. Its website promotes an ambitious, seemingly unrealistic agenda; “Part street food alley, part café, part lounge, part restaurant, part specialty import shop, part artisanal market, part cooking school.” Yet, as this healthy skeptic can attest, what awaits is a vibrant environment where quality food is celebrated, and in keeping with today’s diverse clientele, is both on display and delivered in a variety of ways.
This expansive agenda makes FFF an intriguing place to visit. Before entering, you pass beneath multi-colored flags and a sign that reads, Taste L.I.F.E. In addition to being a slogan that invites holistic living, the sign’s letters represent the four ethnic entities found throughout FFF’s retail marketplace and in the dishes available for takeout or served in its café: Lebanon, Italia, France, España.
Under the watchful eyes of owners Lama and Anthony El-Koury, both of Lebanese descent and the parents of three young children, Fantastic Foods and Flavors has joined a number of new establishments on Livingston Avenue in Norwood to bring a distinctive touch to the region’s culinary cachet.
Mayor James Barsa, a frequent customer, is fervent in his praise. “Their dedication to culinary excellence and commitment to providing an exceptional experience, are some of the many things that make this establishment stand out.”
Lama “sets the table,” greeting guests with buoyant hospitality. “We offer a combination of a gourmet food market experience coupled with tasty bites from our live cooking stations,” she says. “One complements the other, but it’s our passion that shows through in both.” This passion is immediately apparent in the El–Koury’s devotion to what might be called “the aesthetic of eating.” Wander through its boutique marketplace and you’ll find unusual cooking tools, consumable goods and gourmet foods are attractively displayed on spacious shelves. Browsing is encouraged as many items are hard to find in other Hudson Valley shops. Gourmet foods and cookery are arranged by country of origin. You can get fresh gelato to go or sample a wide variety of imported specialties from chocolate to charcuterie and olives to cheese.
And you can eat in!
Café service at FFF is gracious and attentive, never rushed. The staff is warm and welcoming. Their attention to detail creates a latticework for the senses; an environment where the food, with its unique Mediterranean flair, can be savored and enjoyed. Check out their unique cutlery and—my favorite—cold drinks served with pasta straws! The lentil soup (Lebanon) is perhaps the best I’ve ever had and their hand–made cannoli (Italy) provides an excellent ending to any meal or can be purchased for a decadent delight to relish back home to close out a difficult day. FFF is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Anthony reports that when they originally moved to the U.S., the El–Koury’s felt alienated from Mediterranean food. “Try as we might, we couldn’t replicate the tastes from back home,” he says. “Many ingredients are not available in the U.S., so we were determined to build a business that would give our guests an authentic Mediterranean experience.” This led to a two–year process resulting in the unique gastronomic experience recently unveiled in Norwood. Anthony continues proudly, “All our ingredients are imported from their country of origin.”
In the few months since they opened, the business has grown. All items featured in the marketplace can now be ordered online and there is an expanding selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten–free and nut–free options for those on restricted diets.
Most recently, the FFF Academy has opened offering on–sight daytime and evening cooking classes for up to 16 guests at a time or for private parties with a maximum of 24. Gathering over the preparation of food can be an innovative bonding experience among friends and colleagues, and regularly scheduled classes offer the opportunity to make new friends in a unique setting. Dishes prepared in the class are then shared in a meal at the close of each 90–minute session.
Lama and Anthony El–Koury envision a future where FFF can be found in metropolitan settings across the country. Lama’s challenge to potential customers is “Come curious!” Indeed, if you do, you may discover unique and unimagined taste sensations. “One of the most rewarding things,” Lama exclaims, “is when a customer tries something new from a different culture and their face lights up with the question, ‘What is this incredible party in my mouth?!’” You are invited to venture to Norwood and join the party.
