Mothers Day of 2010 was the year I knew I loved food. It should be called the curse of a foodie, my mother, Melody Kettle, as most of you know is a known food blogger, she has formed me into the person that loves food and likes to blog about it.
Read More"You Have A Groupon, Right?" At Saveur Creole, Montclair
Haitian cuisine seemed an appropriate selection in the midst of a sweltering NJ heat wave. So, with that in mind, Saveur Creole was set as our Ladies Night dining destination.
Located in a inconspicuous, little spot on Grove Street, Saveur Creole is a Montclair BYO that serves "une novelle cuisine Hatienne" in a Caribbean inspired atmosphere (envision a smaller, finer version of Cuban Pete's with more comfortable chairs).
Read MoreEscape, Innovative Farm Dining, Opens in Montclair
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 MoreNuevo Latin Cuisine at Mamajuana in Secaucus, NJ
One-third through my first Coco Mojito, I became blind to the traffic zooming by on Route 3 East. It’s safe to say, that if I were capable of only three senses – taste, smell and sound - I might fancy myself somewhere in the Riviera Maya. But I wasn’t in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, or some sexy South American city. I was in Secaucus, NJ.
Adios to Tapastry in Montclair
Good food is always better in the company of friends, and as Greg and Cheryl Spinelli prepare to close Tapastry this Sunday, March 24, I only hope the new owners will continue the tradition of community, music and friendship that prevailed at Tapastry.
But before Greg and Cheryl sail off into the sunset – actually, they’ll be just down Bloomfield Avenue operating a catering and private party business at Chill – I’d like to say a word or two about the last meal I enjoyed at Tapastry. While Tapastry was never as critically acclaimed as other Montclair restaurants, there was a certain charm to the communal small plates in a lively, seasonally al fresco, atmosphere.
Read all about it on Devil Gourmet.
Lunching at Giotto in Montclair
Penne alla Norma at Osteria GiottoEach week I invariably ask myself, “where should I have lunch today?” Most frequently, the answer is Osteria Giotto. Whether it’s familiar faces like Pete The Tennis Instructor, or Mariesa, the infallible waitress, or the inimitable, intoxicating aroma of Penne alla Norma - I simply can’t stop going back to Giotto!
Read the about lunch at Giotto, and a little about the history of Penne alla Norma, on Devil Gourmet!