January 18, 2013

Jersey Shore Relief on the Thai Elephant Food Truck in Montclair

The Thai Elephant Food Truck, often seen at lunchtime at Montclair High School, and evenings at either the Walnut Street Train Station, or, in front of Olive That and More, played an important role in Sandy Relief starting while the power was still out. But, they are continuing their good work, and will reward their customers for being a part of this effort.

Right after the storm the truck made its way to Jersey City and, casting aside its usual menu, served up free coffee and hot cocoa to residents who were without power. At times the glow of the Thai Elepant truck was the only light in a neighborhood. (They even became a mobile charging station for phones.)

Shortly thereafter, the team on the truck started making runs to the shore areas that were most gravely affected by the storm briging and serving donated food. While most of us have gotten our lives back in order here in the suburbs, the folks on the Aroy-D truck know just how bad things are for people in the affected areas, and they continue to make runs to the shore feedin

g people, and at times lending a hand in the rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Between shore runs, the truck plied the streets of Montclair offering their usual menu of great Thai food. I've known about the shore runs and have sought out the truck to support their business as they do so much to support

new friends they are just meeting for the first time. I'd love to say get the drunken noodles, but then I'd forget the Pad Thai, and if I mentioned the Masaman Curry I might forget the Tom Kha soup. They are all brilliant, and picking out a favorite is challenging, so go several times, try everything, and leave a comment below about what you loved most.

On January 27th, the Elephant will be goi

ng back down the shore to provide food AND needed supplies to the workers rebuilding the shore. Until that time, Elefans (fans of the Thai Elephant) can bring supplies to the truck any day and get $2 off your order in exchange for your much needed donation.

Where will the truck be today? Follow them on twitter to find out https://twitter.com/Aroy_D or call at (201) 474-5432 to find out and place an order for pick up.

November 11, 2012

Zod Arifai Offers Special Sandy Aftermath Menu at Restaurant Blu, Next Door and Daryl

by Melody Kettle in Local

Beginning this Tuesday, November 13th, Zod Arifai, owner and executive chef at the acclaimed Blu and Next Door in Montclair, and Daryl Wine Bar in New Brunswick, will be offering two courses plus a bite of dessert for limited-time menu at all three of his restaurants, priced at just $19.50 (beverages, tax and gratuities not included).

If you've never had the opportunity to dine at one of Zod's restaurants, this is the perfect opportunity to experience his cuisine.

Arifai wrote:

In the wake of the disaster caused by Hurricane Sandy and the following Nor’easter, thousands of lives have been disrupted. Simple things we take for granted, like electric, gas and food, have been in short supply. In light of these circumstances, many people have expressed that they would enjoy an inexpensive, quick, casual, hot meal, without any fuss.

November 8, 2012

Justin Time for Sandy Relief at Chakra in Paramus‏, NJ

by Melody Kettle

This just in! Charity event at Chakra, details below:

With many New Jersey residents still without power, water and food, Chakra (W 144 Route 4, Paramus, NJ, www.chakrarestaurant.com, 201-556-1530) is holding a special wine dinner benefiting Sandy relief efforts on November 12 at 6:30pm with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which has been working to respond to the needs of the many local residents affected by the devastation.

November 8, 2012

Northern Hospitality: Montclair Restaurants in the Aftermath of Sandy

by Melody Kettle in Local

*Also published in the Montclair Times

Outside, the smell of wood burning fireplaces, the hum of generators and a haunting sense of déjà vu filled the damp air. Trees stood shattered or lay uprooted across yards and roads, while phone and power lines hung dangerously low. Inside, eighty percent of Montclair homes were dark and cold, while the refrigerators, ironically, were warm.

In the aftermath of Frankenstorm, residents scrambled for blankets and batteries, while Montclair restaurateurs gathered staff, organized deliveries and opened their doors. In a food-town, like Montclair, it’s easy to take these open doors for granted.

October 31, 2012

Samba Montclair & Verasoni Worldwide Offer Thanks to First Responders

by Melody Kettle

As a thank you for their continued service to our community and bravery during and in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Samba Montclair and Verasoni Worldwide are offering free cups of hot coffee and tea to all first responders, including Police, Firefighters, EMS, and Emergency Room Personnel, in the Montclair area. The free coffee and tea will be distributed by Samba Montclair, a restaurant and café located at 7 Park St in Montclair, on Friday November 2, 2012 between the hours of 10 AM – 3 PM.