Northern Hospitality: Montclair Restaurants in the Aftermath of Sandy

by Melody Kettle in

*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. 

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Montclair: Center of the (NJ) Food Universe

by Melody Kettle

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.

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Adara: Amuse Bouche

by Melody Kettle

Here's a peek inside Adara, 77 Walnut Street, Montclair, at the Champagne Reception this evening.

Foodies, restaurateurs, and journalists turned out to mingle and enjoy a tasting of  Chef Tre Ghoshal's edge cuisine.

Stay tuned to Hot From The Kettle and Montclair Patch for the video and more photos!

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Cinco de Mayo in Montclair

by Melody Kettle

This Thursday is Cinco de Mayo.  But before we dip our first chip, let’s first understand why Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a Corona and Dos Equis imbibing bacchanalia.

There’s  a popular misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day.  In actuality, Cinco de Mayo commemorates of a victory by Mexican troops in La Batalla de Puebla on May 5, 1862.

I had to opportunity to chat with Michael Duarte, co-owner of CulinArine, 33 Walnut Street, Montclair, and husband of Montclair’s very own Top Cheftestant, Ariane Duarte.  Michael was born in Baltimore, but raised in Mexico City.  Here’s what Michael had to say about Cinco de Mayo:

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day.  Corona, is one of the major promoters of Cinco de Mayo, and really, it’s is a lot easier to say than16 de Septiembre. But it’s a good excuse for beer and wine lovers to drink and enjoy the day.

 If you’re planning on going out for Cinco de Mayo, CulinAriane and Amati Vino are teaming up to host a wine and beer pairing dinner.

The menu will begin with an appetizer of  Coctel de camaron y mango (Gulf coast shrimp and mango cocktail), followed by a second course of Flauta de pollo en mole poblano (Crispy chicken tacos, mole sauce). The  entrée will be Torta de bistek con ensalada de papa (Grilled skirt steak sandwich, avocado, mayonnaise, tomato lime corn potato salad), and  dessert Tamal de coco (Coconut tamal).

According to Amanti Vino,  there are 10 reservations still available. Call Amanti Vino to reserve at 973-509-9463.   

Click through for a Mole recipe from Michael, and a Sangria recipe and demo from yours truly!

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Talking Tomatoes with Ariane Duarte

by Melody Kettle

For me, there are few things more delicious than in-season Heirloom Tomatoes. When Ariane Duarte, owner and chef of CulinAriane, lends her Midas touch to these lutein packing beauties, their flavor exceeds even my palate's expectations - - it's gold.

Ariane and her husband, Michael, a fellow Culinary Institute of America graduate, and pastry chef, opened CulinAriane, initially as kitchen space for their catering business. The restaurant was very much secondary, with only ten small tables. Soon, however, popularity began to grow and CulinAriane became one of the stars of the Baristaville dining scene. Then Top Chef came calling and the rest was culinary (and reality tv) history.

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