Joel: The fun was gone

Poor cash flow had left Joel's Malibu Kitchen in dire straits, but it was its owner's burnout that ultimately led to the tiny restaurant's closure 12 days ago.

After 12 years and six months of 80-hour weeks and being the smiling face behind perhaps the only Ridgewood restaurant with any real personality, "it got to the point where it wasn't fun anymore," Joel Scheinzeit said in a phone call today.

Though grateful for a loyal following that helped him outlast most of his neighbors in Ridgewood, Scheinzeit said he decided at the beginning of December -- after his partner discovered an out in his lease -- that it was time to pack his lava lamps, tie-dyed tapestries and the drums that he played in his basement.

He plans on spending the next month working out to "restore my body," he said, followed by a cross-country drive to restore his mind.

He doubts he'll return to a restaurant kitchen but hopes to eventually open up a prepared foods store in North Jersey.

"The way I saw [Joel's] 13 years ago and made it happen is how I'll make this work," he said.

Comments

[Rita and Harvey]

We'll miss the friendships, the warmth, and the good food.

[Caryn]

I had one of the all-time worst dining experiences in my life at Joel's and never went back. Between being ignored by wait staff, not having the order taken for probably 1/2 hour - and then having the order lost somewhere in the kitchen ... it was abysmal. I actually walked up to the kitchen window myself to ask where our order was, since no one else seemed to notice everyone around us had been served. After 45 min. the food came out ... and it was just OK, so hardly worth the wait.

I could not wait to get out of there and never went back. Was amazed there was a line waiting to get in - I reported my sorry experience to the waiting diners outside. I was in the restaurant business for 8 years myself (management) and know what it takes to get through a busy shift - and take care of the customers with efficiency and grace. None of that was present that one time we ate there. I'm not surprised nor sorry it's gone.

[Fred]

Caryn,

If you were truly in the restaurant business for 8 years, I would think you would be a little more understanding

As for reporting to the people waiting outside, you have no class.

[Fredknows]

I'll 2nd that. Just because there's more than one Fred here to do it.

Caryn, why don't you try eating out on a night other than Saturday at a time other than 7:3opm

[Nancy vanbackrub]

Joel cooked every one of the dishes that came out of that kitchen personally! the reason there was a line to get in is because the people with taste and heart knew that Joel cooked with love as well as food. Joel will be sorely missed by patrons and friends who always knew that there would be good times and good people waiting inside! But Joel is a talent that will not be quelled-look for him, he will be back, better than ever-love you Joel-you rock

[michele]

sad to see the closing of another restaurant, but Joel always seemed annoyed or rushed when dining at his place. waitstaff wasn't friendly either. maybe it was time to leave.

[edie]

Ah - Joels' - I remember the day it opened and he would bring me treats and experiments to where I worked across the street at the Pet Store. A wonderfully talented man - he and his culinary creations will be missed.