I love Montclair, and not just because I’m president of the Business Improvement District. I’ve been here for over 25 years and with over 80 restaurants we are known as a dining town. When I have a fave, I like to get the word out.

MishMish is a Middle Eastern gem. I dare you to try the hummus…you’ll be hooked! The charred octopus appetizer is fantastic and the roast Amish chicken is comfort food at its best.

“MishMish, which means ‘apricot’ in Hebrew, is located on Glenridge Avenue. It’s a combination of traditional Moroccan Jewish food and French cuisine. “

The chef, Meny Vaknin, was a winning contestant on Food Network’s award-winning show Chopped, and additionally scored a rave review in the New York Times. Impressive, no?

Through my commercial photography and videography subsidiary, Cantor Creative Media , I recently produced a promotional video for MishMish. Directed by my partner and son, Ethan Cantor, the one-minute video relates Meny’s story and his philosophy of food. It’s a window into what inspires and moves an artist like this young man.

…and on that note, who wants some shawarma tacos?!

Out of all the restaurants in Montclair or New Jersey, which is your favorite? Comment below!