There are just some things I don't expect. For example, polishing and sorting flatware in the full dining room of a romantic Italian restaurant - with linens and a piano in the foyer. The rhythmic drop and clank of the knife into a bus tub did no service to the otherwise enjoyable soundtrack of acoustic - albeit eclectic -renditions of Stairway to Heaven, As Time Goes By, and Think of Me.
Read MoreLunching 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!
Samba Montclair: New Hours in the New Year
Ilson Goncalves, owner of Samba Montclair, has announced that as of January 1, 2013, Samba Montclair will no longer be serving breakfast. The good news is that Samba will be adding dinner service on Sundays!
The updated hours will be:
Lunch
Monday - Thursday
11 am - 4 pm
Friday & Saturday
11 am - 3 pm
Dinner
Monday - Thursday
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday & Saturday
5pm - 10pm
Sunday
3pm - 8pm
A Quick Bite at Comfort Food Kitchen in Watchung Plaza, Montclair
I was early for my 11:30 doctor appointment and was feeling premature lunch pangs. I decided to stop into Comfort Food Kitchen, located next door to the doctor’s office, to quell the rumblings in my tumblings.
Hot From The Kettle was on the scene a few months ago when Suzanne Michaud opened Comfort Food Kitchen (CFK). Suzanne has done a lovely job reinventing the space, and has created a bright, casual, atmosphere.
Lunching At: Bar Cara in Bloomfield
There are a lot of really good restaurants in our area. Often times, many go overlooked – but not by Hot From The Kettle®. I recently had an awesome lunch at Ryan DePersio’s Bar Cara in Bloomfield.
I started out with a little antipasti of grilled octopus with shaved sunchokes, and tomato vinaigrette ($12). The crisp sunchoke, also referred to as Jerusalem artichoke – has a crisp texture of an apple, the color of gingerroot and a somewhat rooty, water chestnut flavor. Dressed with tangy, crisp vinaigrette, and laid on topped of charred octopus, it was a fresh and satisfying opening course.
For all those who didn’t know, take heed: Bar Cara makes great pizza! The dough at Bar Cara undergoes a 24-hour cold ferment – like any great pizza dough should – and has a nice flavor profile that is noticeable and a light lift. I enjoyed Ryan’s Pie which is topped with sauce, ricotta salata, house cured-pancetta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a sprinkle of chive. This pizza is everything a pie should be.
New Jersey Lunch: The Best of Montclair Restaurants 2
Costanera, Cocina Peruana located at 511 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, makes the HFTK Lunch Hot Spot List!
Read more on Montclair Restaurant News.