Hot From The Kettle ™: Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant

by Melody Kettle

My first visit to Mesob was at the insistence of my vegan friend. My second, third, fourth, and fifth visits, however, were by my own craving.

Seven years ago, two sisters from Ethiopia, Berekti Mengistu and Akberet “Aki” Mengistu, opened Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant, at 515 Bloomfield Avenue, in Montclair. Berekti and Aki prepare and serve traditional Ethiopian food.

There is no item more ubiquitous in Ethiopian cuisine than the crepe-like, soft, spongy, slightly tangy, almost sour, and completely addictive flatbread, known as Injera. According to Berekti, Injera is unique and indigenous to Ethiopia and made no where else in Africa. Injera plays an essential role in Ethiopian table culture by encouraging, if not demanding, family style eating. At meal time, a large Injera is laid on a plate, while other preparations are placed on top of the Injera. Injera is both utensil and bread; to eat the food, one rips off a piece of Injera, uses it to pick up the food, and eats both together.

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Hot From The Kettle ™: Marrakech, by way of Bloomfield Avenue

by Melody Kettle

On a trip to southern Spain I balked at an opportunity to go to Morocco. I was cautioned that a day trip to Tangier, via Algeciras ferry, would be like spending the day in Tijuana and claiming to have been to Mexico. So, I put down Brion Gysin’s The Process, forgot the Joujouka Pipes, and drove to Gibraltar instead.

When I returned to our fair Montclair, I felt a bit unfulfilled. In an attempt to satisfy my North African gastronomic curiosities, I decided to dine at Montclair’s Moroccan restaurant, Marrakech, 708 Bloomflield Avenue.

I was pleasantly surprised; Marrakech is an exotic, romantic, colorful and somewhat decadent space, filled with subtle Moroccan music, gracious hospitality, and attentive service. In the middle of the afternoon, and with no wine at all, I was bit swept away. It was over this meal where I fell deeply in love with my most coveted condiment, the incredibly intense, slow burning, harissa, which has been a pantry staple ever since. My entree soon followed. I enjoyed a remarkably fragrant, surprisingly fresh and warmly satisfying bouillabaisse. After the entree, traditional mint tea was served – a suiting finale of fragrance.

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Hot From The Kettle ™: Butternut Squash Risotto - Savory Satisfaction

by Melody Kettle

As the days become increasingly chilly my senses demand only one thing – warmth. I want bread baking in my oven, down comforters on my bed, and carbohydrates – particularly the creamy, starchy, make-me-sleep-good-at-night kind of carbs.

So what could be a more satisfying epicurean union then to combine the queen mother of all starches, risotto, with autumn’s iconic gourd, the Butternut Squash?

Chef Luca Valerin, and Chef Robert Pantusa co-own Osteria Giotto, located at 21-23 Midland Avenue in Montclair, my personal favorite Baristaville haunt. Luca recently prepared for us his signature Butternut Squash Risotto. While there are other classic Fall combo’s: turkey and gravy, or buffalo wings and beer, Luca’s Butternut Squash Risotto went to work on my olfactory senses before it even touched my tongue. And when it did, satisfaction was had. Smooth, rich and gratifying.

Watch the video to see how it’s done.

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Hot From The Kettle ™: Highlawn Pavilion Centennial Celebration

by Melody Kettle

Last night, the Highlawn Pavilion turned the clock back a century to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of “The Casino,” the outstanding Italian-style pavilion atop Eagle Rock Reservation.

The Knowles Family, owners of the Highlawn Pavilion, as well as other esteemed New Jersey restaurants, celebrated in grand fashion (shown here, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Knowles). Revelers enjoyed a custom Centennial Menu created by Executive Chef Mitchell Altholz. The libation of the evening, The Century Cocktail, was created by mixologist, Jan Werner and contains 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce grilled orange juice, and 3/4 ounce Grand Marnier.

Although Edison’s Model-T couldn’t make it due to inclement weather, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo and former Governor Richard Codey were in attendance. Baristanet’s good friend, Frank Gerard Godlewski (Frankgg), Curator/Exhibitions Manager at The Aragon Contemporary Arts Gallery and The Angel Orensanz Foundation, NYC, explained the historical significance of the evening.

If you couldn’t make it, watch the video and check out the pictures for a glimpse of the evening.



 

Hot From The Kettle ™: Summit Wine & Food Festival: Ingrid Hoffman

by Melody Kettle

Hot From The Kettle ™: Summit Wine & Food Festival

by Melody Kettle

The second annual Summit Wine and Food Festival took place this weekend with events held at the Grand Summit Hotel and the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit. 

Over 2200 people, 30 chefs, and 14 sommeliers and beverage professionals turned out to support and participate in the event. Ivan Ruiz, the founder and organizer of the event, will donate to all proceeds to The Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

 

If you were not among the foodies and “wine geeks,” watch the video for a taste of the festival: