Carrying on the family tradition Ruby Rose Restaurant owner hands reins to son

By Ginny Privitar
West Milford -- Matt Bendfeldt has been working in his father Allan's restaurant since he was 12, at first answering the phone and washing dishes, and now he's officially managing Ruby Rose Restaurant, which offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes.
In fact, the recent West Milford High School graduate has taken over already, working in the restaurant six days a week.
"I feel good that I have a career right out of high school," he said.
Matthew expects to uphold the family tradition of fine Latin food created by his dad, a chef for more than 26 years, who's worked internationally and as a private chef.
Among the offerings are empanadas, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, tacos, quesadillas and chimichangas. There are family combinations, as well, and they've recently started serving churros, those sinfully delicious deep-fried pastries. Sandwiches include the El Cubano, with pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and Dijon mustard. There is also Pollo a la Parrilla: grilled chicken with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion and homemade dressing. Another favorite is the Jamon y Queso or ham and cheese with all the fixings. And if you just want a burger, they serve that, too.
Reviews on their Facebook page extol the virtues of Ruby Rose: Porsha Alexandra Corter wrote: "I love going here; great food, great people, it's amazing."
Karen Leptuck-Gabel wrote: "Everything we have had has been top-notch and service has been exceptional. Allan goes out of his way to make meals the way you like. Great having a local place like this!!!"
Ruby Rose will be introducing rotisserie chicken back on weekends until winter and if it goes well then it "will go ahead and continue them longer," said Matt. "Growing up in a Hispanic household I always had the best food possible and the best home recipes."
Those home recipes and his dad's experience as a chef in multiple restaurants combine to make Ruby Rose unique.
To expand on his experience, Matt also plans to take management courses in the future.
When he's not working, Matt said he's really into cars and likes working on them. He's been saving up and recently got a used BMW. But mostly he's concentrating on business.
He knows a lot of people in town and they've become customers.
"I like to talk to everybody," Matt said, "I learned that from my dad; he's always talking to people and getting into conversations here."
With a dad who showed him everything, Matt's off to a good start.

If you go:
Ruby Rose Restaurant
1604 Union Valley Rd
West Milford, NJ 07480
(973) 506-4762
Hours: noon- 8 p.m. daily