Finding Finlandia at CulinAriane

by Melody Kettle


Last week, Montclair’s favorite celebrity chef, Ariane Duarte, hosted a presentation and recipe demonstration with Finlandia Cheese at CulinAriane. 

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Locals at Emeril's Table

by Melody Kettle


Photo credit: Anders Krusberg/Martha Stewart Living OmnimediaThis week, the Hallmark Channel will premier Emeril’s Table, a new half hour daily cooking show starring pioneer celebrity chef and restaurateur, Emeril Lagasse. 

Emeril’s Table is an informative, entertaining and interactive show, that invites a unique group of five special diners to gather at Emeril’s “table” for a themed show, that teaches techniques, shares tips and gives advice to the at-home viewers and in-studio guests.  

This Wednesday, September 28th at 11 am, in an episode title “Vinaigrettes Aren’t Just For Salads,” Emeril teaches five “recipe rut” moms, including Livingston locals, Bradi Nathan, Staci Berman, Mindy Scheier, Alison Leavy, and Helanie Kay from Upper Saddle River, the ease of making classic balsamic vinaigrette.  

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Tutti Vous: It's All About Love

by Melody Kettle in ,


“It’s all about love,” says Michael Mancino, of his restaurant, Tutti Vous.

Mancino, a Paterson native, and graduate of Montclair State University, has an extensive background in photography, but it was his passion for cooking that led him to open Tutti Vous, located at 348 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. 

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Custom Confections at Blue Daisy Bake Shop

by Melody Kettle


Tia's Food of Love is gone and Blue Daisy Bake Shop is in!

Owner of Blue Daisy Bake Shop, Montclair resident, Jennifer Schnyder, plans to open the Valley Road doors this October. 

Meanwhile, take a look at the Blue Daisy Bake Shop website for a peek at the custom confections!


Finally, Figs!

by Melody Kettle


I waited patiently for many months, and finally the day has come: the figs are ready for picking! 

This is the first time I will be picking figs from these trees - well, sort of. I consider these to be heirloom figs. 

I'll explain: When my great-grandfather, Angelo "Charlie" Dalessio, came over from Italy he brought a fig tree with him.  Maybe it was a shoot, but this is how the story goes. 

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3rdValve to Rock Taste of Montclair

by Melody Kettle


This weekend, September 23rd and 24th, the first annual Taste of Montclair will take place in the parking of Immaculate Conception High School, 33 Cottage Place. 

The live event will benefit the Human Needs Food Pantry. 

Restaurants participating in the event include Aroma Palace, Cupcakes Galore and More, Lalezar,  Mesob, Southern Belle, Tortilla Sunrise, Trumpets, and Whole Foods.

Entertainment will be provided by local performers and bands including, Meg Beattie Patrick, School of Rock and local favorite, 3rdValve, who will play tunes by Chicago,The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, The Beatles, Springsteen, Tom Petty and more.