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. 

Read More

Meatless Monday at Rutherford Pancake House

by Dianne Wenz in ,

For vegans, the most unfriendly meal of the day is usually breakfast. Even if the dish is meatless, it’s usually made with eggs, milk or cheese, which vegans eschew. While it’s pretty easy to make tofu scrambles and egg-free pancakes at home, eating out can be pretty tricky. But lucky for us, we have Rutherford Pancake House, which serves both vegan and omnivorous fare, so it’s a perfect place to take family or meet with friends who might still be slightly wary of vegan food.
Read More

Fresh From Harvest Table in Newark

by Melody Kettle

Montclair resident, Carissa Borraggine, owner of Harvest Table Fresh Food Eatery, 127 Halsey Street, Newark, was recently awarded the Outstanding Small Business of the Year, by the Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation. 

Borraggine, who does not have any official culinary training, has worked in the restaurant industry since she was fourteen years old at places like 50s-style soda pop shops, to fine dining establishments, and food sales and distribution.

Carissa, who seems to be something of a old-world throw back, has always been passionate about healthy living.  She has practiced yoga for nearly fifteen years, and recently began teaching last year at Lotus Yoga Newark, sister studio to Lotus Montclair.

Read More