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Ep. # 95 Behind the Kitchen Door: The Surprising Path to Owning a Beloved Local Eatery
Description
Arthur Toufayan's culinary journey begins like a fairytale turned on its head – born into his family's bakery business after they fled war-torn Egypt in the 1960s, he witnessed firsthand how a small North Bergen bakery grew into the nationally recognized Toufayan's Bakery brand. But rather than continuing directly in the family business, Arthur's path took an unexpected turn when he enlisted in the Army and joined an elite bomb squad unit.
This military service formed the foundation of the precision and discipline that would later define his cooking style, while also exposing him to global cuisines that expanded his palate. After completing his service, Arthur used his GI Bill to attend the Culinary Institute of America, launching himself into a remarkable career alongside culinary legends. From The Waldorf Astoria to Tom Colicchio's Mondrian, Charlie Palmer's Oriole, and Danny Meyer's Union Square Cafe, he absorbed techniques and philosophies from the very best in the business.
The story of how Arthur eventually came to own Café Amici in Wyckoff reveals the winding path of a chef committed to quality above all else. After transforming the restaurant's approach by eliminating frozen ingredients and establishing relationships with local farms, Arthur has created a dining destination that's survived and thrived for 21 years – even through the challenges of the pandemic. Today, the 60-seat restaurant serves fresh, farm-to-table cuisine seven days a week, with plans to expand with permanent outdoor dining.
Visit Café Amici at 315 Franklin Avenue in Wyckoff to experience the culmination of Arthur's unique journey – where military precision, culinary artistry from New York's finest kitchens, and a commitment to local sourcing create consistently excellent dining experiences. Call 201-848-0198 for reservations and discover why this neighborhood gem has remained beloved for over two decades.
Cafe Amici of Wyckoff
Arthur Toufayan
315 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481
(201) 848-0198
cafeamiciwyckoffnj@gmail.com