The Nobel East: Duck Dynasty

by Melody Kettle


The Noble East, Montclair's newish Asian restaurant, boasts a  4.8 star rating from Google Reviews. I have ordered take-out from the restaurant several times, including Peking Duck, Ants on a Tree, Dan Dan noodles, and Pork Dumplings.

Read More

Escape, Innovative Farm Dining, Opens in Montclair

by Melody Kettle


A rectangular blackboard hangs on an exposed brick wall in the dining room of Escape.  It's a bill of fare, of sorts; a white chalk roster of New Jersey farmers and artisans from which chef and owner, Bryan Gregg, sources proteins and produce. Gregg is source-centric. 

There's a gastronomic school of thought that says, "farm-to-table isn’t a trend - it’s the way it should be," and therefore food writers shouldn't be impressed with a chef  just because he uses farm fresh ingredients and local purveyors.  

Read More