Michael Duarte and Ariane Duarte, Owners of CulinArianeAccording to Inside Jersey's 30 Best Meals in NJ, Montclair may well be the center of the food universe - at least in New Jersey.

Hot From The Kettle has had the pleasure of working with many of the renown chefs on the list - about eight of them actually.

At CulinAriane in Montclair, Top Chef and owner, Ariane Duarte, gave us a video demonstration of her famous Heirloom Tomato, Watermelon, and Feta Salad.

Ryan DePersio, of Montclair's Fascino and Bloomfield's Bara Cara, taught us how to make Crispy Zucchini Blossoms at Fascino, and also visited Casa Kettle to make Sweet Sausage Bolognese, Ricotta Gnocchi, and Tuscan Seafood Soup.

The burgundy banner that bore the name Passionne is no loger hanging above 77 Walnut Street. Another closing? Not quite.

Fortunately for owner of Passionne, Chef Michael Carrino, this is not a case of closure due to insufficient business. Carrino is taking a brief hiatus to shop for a larger space where he can “grow his soapbox,” and provide the high quality locally sourced fare he is renowned for.

When Carrino first opened Passionne in October 2006, he made a promise to himself to run the business, from Walnut Street for five years. He did. According to Carrino we will likely see him resurrect Passionne sometime before 2012.

Where will it be? Well, there’s still a bit of mystique surrounding the new location, I just hope he doesn’t go too far.

Want the full scoop from Carrino himself? Watch the video.

Montclair: Center of the (NJ) Food Universe

Chef Carrino Explains . . .