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 MoreRevisioned: Sushi Hana, Montclair
Sushi Hana opened in Montclair in 1999. Quick math - that's almost fifteen years ago; a respectable run by Montclair standards. Still, owner, Irene felt it was time for a make-over.
Read MoreHuong Viet, Nutley: 3, 16, 24, and 69
Before we go any further, remember these numbers: 3, 16, 24, and 69. Those are the lucky numbers at Huong Viet in Nutley.
On to the story: a couple of weeks ago, it was Lou Palma's birthday. I wanted to take the maestro-of-all-things-pork out for a celebratory lunch. Criteria like ambiance, service, and good lighting, didn't really matter to the gastro-mechanic or myself. The only criteria worthy of consideration was the food - particularly, the deliciousness of it. I thought about the usual lunch suspects, namely,
Read MoreFood Foto Friday: Fascino, Montclair
Fricasseè French Bistro Prepares to Open in Montclair
Chef Mark Papera
In December, HFTK broke the story on Mark Papera's return to Montclair to resurrect Epernay, his former space, as a new French bistro.
Since that time, Papera and his crew have been renovating 6 Park Street at a rapid clip. New sheet rock and fresh paint, a new mosaic tile floor, new lighting, a new kitchen, and soon, a new awning, will announce Montclair's newest restaurant, Fricassee French Bistro!
Avez-vous faim? Papera expects to launch a soft opening next week. In the meantime, take a look at the menu:
Orange Squirrel Vincent Price Cookbook Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 4
UPDATE: The Orange Squirrel Restaurant in Bloomfield, NJ, will pay homage to Vincent Price's legacy on Sunday, November 4, at 5 pm.
Owner/Chef Francesco Palmieri resurrects a selection of frighteningly amazing dishes from A Treasury of Great Recipes by Vincent & Mary Price. Many of the restaurants referenced in the book have long since vanished, but Chef Palmieri has conjured an exclusive dinner where he will recreate six legendary dishes from these great restaurants of the world in his own style, paired with wines for $130 per person or $95 without wine.*