EATS

By Richard Posluszny

Iremember it just like it was the other day. I had been strolling along in downtown Ridgewood checking out the local scene when I was presented with something allnew that I hadn’t noticed before. It was a coffee shop on North Broad Street.

But there was a certain something about American Bulldog Coffee Roasters when I first set eyes on it that made me take note. Perhaps it was the way “SPECIALTY COFFEE” was written boldly on the large picture window, or maybe it was the old-school look and feel of the space. Being shy, I decided to return another time as the business was busy as a beehive.

As an early riser, I embarked on my first trip to Bulldog on a crisp Saturday morning. First in, first out is my modus operandi. As someone who typically abstains from coffee, it’s not a necessity for my daily routine — it was a rare treat for me. Arriving to find just one other patron in the shop, I was able to take it all in.

Once you cross through the doorway you’re transported into an antique paradise. There’s no doubting that there’s a carefully curated vibe here. But Bulldog’s visual appeal is completely overwhelmed by the scent of strong coffee and fresh baked goods that hangs in the air. In the middle of the walkway that leads to the main counter was a truly massive American Bulldog. Looking awfully cozy and tired, I made sure to carefully step over the intimidating dog. Looking a bit closer at her face I had a realization: This dog’s mug is the company’s logo. “Cute,” I thought.

Standing in front of the counter and observing two large chalkboards, I am sure it is a coffee lover’s dream scenario. As a novice, I quickly decided on a small vanilla latte. Then, the polite, baseball hat-wearing barista got to work. While my drink was being prepared, I curiously looked behind where I was standing — and into the kitchen — to discover a tall, blonde woman working feverishly on a tray of more fresh baked goods. From my passing glance I gathered it was a series of delightful-looking scones.

Wandering into the seating area where I noticed the dog was working its way into a peaceful slumber, I looked closer at the decorations and details. Every piece from the vintage light fixtures to the original ice cream parlor tables to the solid wood benches dripped of charm and made the space feel warm.

“Vanilla latte!” was barked and it was my time to sample

this shop’s coffee. Settling down in the quieter half of the storefront, I worked my way through my bold and flavorful beverage. By the time my cup was empty I knew that I found a gem. It was from that point on that I had one destination in mind whenever I’d feel like a caffeine-laced treat: Bulldog.

This began a seven-year dance where I would stop in early on weekend mornings to pass the time, write a profile about a unique person or the latest exotic automobile, or simply show a friend or relative the best coffee in the area. Eventually, I’d subvert my introverted ways and I’d make small talk with the aforementioned owners, Gadi Gilan and Maleigha Liburdi, and visit each of their other locations in Chestnut Ridge and Ramsey.

The one thing that continues to shine through is the team’s dedication to their craft, which ultimately yields a jaw-droppingly good product. Whether it’s American Bulldog Coffee Roasters’ drinks, sweet or savory treats, cakes and more, you know you’re being delivered something that has blood, sweat and tears in it — not literally, of course.

Having been in the food industry north of 35 years, the Chestnut Ridge-based duo know good eats. That’s why it sources 100 percent Arabica beans from across the globe. By purchasing natural, organic beans from a small

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network of providers that offer highly investigated microlots, quality is kept front and center at Bulldog.

According to Gadi, “We wanted to keep a narrow focus. That’s why we don’t offer a million items on our menu and we only work with several suppliers. We purchase the raw materials and we make everything in-house. For example, the baking that we do here makes it difficult to find a wholesaler that can deliver the quality we’re looking for.”

He’s not wrong.

Maleigha explained in detail how everything within American Bulldog Coffee Roasters’ four walls comes down to the ingredients. For example, Bulldog’s baked goods do not use gums or starches and there’s less than 10 ingredients per item. All of the flour is sourced from Lake Champlain and is whole wheat, spelt flour — this is easier on your digestive system. And, as the business maintains its high standards across the board, Maleigha continues to experiment in the kitchen in order to develop new, inventive offerings.

She proudly boasts that “My ice cream melts.” After an arduous, three-year process of figuring out how to produce natural ice cream that does not leverage corn syrup or any stabilizers, she was successful.

To me, this is what makes American Bulldog Coffee Roasters special. There’s an authenticity that runs through this business from the top to the bottom.

It starts with the owners and their respective passions: People, natural and organic foods/drinks, music, antiques and more. In a small way you can see how this works its way into things like the Ridgewood location’s diamond-patterned tin ceiling that was originally from Detroit. Most obviously, it is expressed in the products that Gadi and Maleigha serve their patrons and are enjoyed across northern New Jersey.

If you haven’t popped into one of their locations, you should. But be warned. You may become a regular, like me.

NJ Sharing Network Foundation held their annual Golf Classic and Pickleball Tournament at the Ridgewood Country Club. For more information visit: www.njsharingnetwork.org

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