THIS FUN, NEW RESTAURANT SERIES IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWOCENTS, AN APP THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO ANY BUSINESS YOU VISIT IN NEW JERSEY – AND YOU CAN DO IT ANONYMOUSLY IF YOU WANT.
📍 La Fontaine, 12 N Willow Street, Montclair
🎧 Hear the full episode (above)
Montclair locals might grab their morning coffee on autopilot, but at La Fontaine, you might just end up brushing elbows with Hollywood celebs. “It was 4th of July, and I turned around. Adam Sandler was standing there! I was like, ‘Oh, I think I know you from stuff,’” laughs owner Pinar Fazlioglu, still savoring the memory of serving the star eggs and a black Americano.
Mike adds with a chuckle, “Can you imagine? You go in for your usual coffee, and suddenly it’s Adam Sandler ordering next to you.” Farnoosh agrees, “That’s the kind of Montclair magic you don’t forget. It makes this café feel extra special.”
EUROPEAN ROOTS
La Fontaine is a French-named café with a Turkish soul. Fazlioglu moved from Turkey and opened the cozy spot four years ago, bringing a touch of European flair to Montclair. “When I went to Montclair for the first time, it reminded me of Europe. And, I wanted to bring a piece of Europe to Montclair.” she says.
Even the café’s name carries a story. La Fontaine nods to the French poet popular in Turkey, but it’s also a personal touch: Pinar, the owner’s first name, means “fountain” in Turkish. “So really, La Fontaine is my name,” she says.
And for those in the know, there’s a little secret off-menu: authentic Turkish coffee, ready to transport your taste buds straight to Istanbul.
WHAT WE ATE
La Fontaine’s menu blends French, Italian, and Turkish influences. Think: Turkish simit, French-style crepes, Italian-inspired coffee drinks, and smoothies. “We make our crepes from scratch and use organic milk for the coffees. Everything is the highest quality,” she says.
“The bagel with the egg smells amazing—it pulls apart like a soft pretzel,” Mike adds.
“The spinach and cheese crepe melts in your mouth,” Farnoosh adds.
“That simit – I’d eat it on its own with spicy mustard,” Mike observes.
“I don’t know where else you’ll get this type of cuisine in Montclair,” Farnoosh concludes.
a café for everyone – even your pup!
Whether you’re after a European-style breakfast, a new neighborhood coffee shop, or just the thrill of spotting a celebrity, La Fontaine offers magic in every cup and a story with every bite.
They can even whip up smoothies for your dog! “Goat milk, kefir, banana, blueberry, mango for only five dollars? That’s a good deal for a dog smoothie!” Farnoosh laughs.
