Coming Soon to Watchung Plaza: Comfort Food Kitchen

It's the perfect location—right by Comfort Food Kitchen plans to open by June 1 at 54 Fairfield Street, the spot formerly occupied by which moved this month to 620 Valley Road in Upper Montclair.

So what is Comfort Food Kitchen? Here's the scoop from Suzanne Michaud, the chef and founder.

About me: Cooking is a second career for me. In a past life, I worked in investment banking/finance and traveled the globe. Food has always been such an important part of my life, and having lived overseas three times, I came to respect local traditions of preparing food. I knew that I wanted to immerse myself into the culinary field and went on to graduate from the French Culinary Institute in New York City. 

My mantra: Cooking is a fun cathartic group activity and meals are most satisfying when they are shared with others. It is so important for families to eat together, even if they cannot cook together. 

Comfort Food Kitchen: For the past 18 months I have been teaching people to cook in their homes—private lessons and cooking parties—and have gotten rave reviews. I also started a line of old-fashioned cookies using heirloom recipes and was overwhelmed with demand. So many people were telling me, "You should open a shop, your food is so delicious!" So...I have decided to open my first gourmet takeaway shop! We will offer artisanal soups, salads and sandwiches daily, plus fresh takeaway dinners for busy commuters and families. The space will have a rustic feel and have a few communal tables. I will, of course, continue to offer my famous cookies, cooking lessons and other scrumptious treats. We will also offer catering for important events and holidays. We make everything from scratch using only the highest-quality products and, where possible, organic, locally sourced ingredients. 

Favorite foods: My favorite winter meal is French beef stew. In summertime it would be ratatouille with a piece of grilled fish!

Where I live: I live in West Orange but my kids go to school in Montclair and my whole life is in Montclair.

Do you know of any businesses coming or going or moving? Please email Shelley@patch.com.