Authentically Mexican in Bloomfield

by Elizabeth Palmer Starnes

For all the devotees of Taqueria Autentica Mexican food truck at the Montclair Farmer's Market, the new namesake restaurant on Broad Street in Bloomfield will not disappoint. And for all those new to chef Michael Natiello’s brand of Mexican food (myself included), it will definitely not disappoint.

With the doors flung open to let in the sunshine and the breeze, the teal walls of the restaurant and wooden tables give the whole place an almost beachy vibe. The food too tastes like it was prepared somewhere beachy, with its fresh, local ingredients and tangy flavor combinations.

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Taqueria Autentica Opening Tonight!

by Melody Kettle

Mexican food lovers rejoice! Taqueria Autentica will be opening it's doors at 1035 Broad St. in Bloomfield tonight! 

If the name sounds familiar to you that's because owner, Bloomfield native, Michael Natiello, has operated the much loved Taqueria Autentica Mexican food truck at the Montclair Farmer's Market since 2009.  Following the success at the Montclair Market, Taqueria Autentica expanded to the Summit Farmers Market in October of 2009.  Natiello then quit is full-time job as an attorney, purchased a Freightliner newspaper truck from the Asbury Park Press, installed a kitchen, and at the insistence of his wife, who has worked in Newark for more than 10 years as a public interest lawyer, began operating in downtown Newark in May 2010.

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In The Garden with Francesco Palmieri

by Melody Kettle

Chef Francesco Palmieri and Melody KettleCheck out this video from Francesco Palmieri's family garden!

Visit the gallery for beautiful foliage pics!

by Melody Kettle

Summit Avenue, MontclairThe morning after Hurricane Irene, there wasn't much damage to complain of on the Kettle homefront - a few small limbs down, and a little water in the basement.  So, after I retrieved my car from the secret, off-site parking location, I decide to take a ride around Montclair to assess the damage.

Unfotunately, many locations in Montclair did not fare as well.  Burnside Street at Watchung Avenue is flooded, and Anderson Park has been transformed into a small pond.  Many large limbs are down, and several huge trees were uprooted and are blocking Grove Street south of Watchung Avenue, and Summit Avenue east of Park Street. But, signs of life are out and about; Nelson Tree Service trucks are cruising the area, and people are venturing out to the sidewalks to clear fallen limbs, and walk their dogs.

 

Click Here for more pics!

Opened, Closed & Opening?

by Melody Kettle

Cafe Amici, Church St., Saturday before noonWhat's going on at the local businesses? Well, some are opened as usual, others are closing on Sunday, some are taping the windows, and others, like Montclair's new kid on Church St., Cafe Amici, were spotted putting out tables and umbrellas just a short while ago.

Here's the info we've got so far.  We will continue to update throughout the day.

Farmer's Market, Montclair:

Open

Amanti Vino, Montclair:

Open

Montclair Farmer's Market, Saturday morningGary's Wine & Marketplace, Wayne and other locations:

Montclair Music Studio, Watchung AvenueOpen

Brick Lane Curry House, Montclair:

Open Saturday; Open Sunday

Tapastry, Montclair:

Open Saturday; on Sunday considering closing for brunch tomorrow but opening for dinner

Osteria Giotto, Montclair:

Open

Ah'Pizz, Montclair:

Open

Toast, Montclair:

Open Saturday; Open Sunday

Toast, Asbury:

Open Saturday; Closed Sunday

DaVinci's, Bellevue Avenue, MontclairAsana House, Montclair:

Open Saturday

Fascino, Montclair:

Open Saturday; Closed Sunday

Bar Cara, Bloomfield:

Open Saturday; Closed Sunday

CulinAriane, Montclair:

Open Saturday; Closed Sunday

Orange Squirrel, Bloomfield:

Open Saturday, and possibly Sunday

Chakra, Paramus:

Open Saturday

Serenade, Chatham:

Open Saturday

Restaurant Marc Forgione, NYC:

Closed Sat & Sun

Corton, NYC:

Closed

All Danny Meyer restaurants, NYC:                        

Closed

If you have info you would like listed, please send it over via the contact form in the left sidebar.

 

Picked In Time!

by Melody Kettle

The Concord Grapes are safe! The little purple gems ripened just in time to avoid Irene's wrath.

Although there are a few green grapes still hanging on the vine, my real concern has shifted to the heirloom tomatoes. Unfortunately, they are not quite ready to pick. I hope the ride out the storm safely.