A Tip Can Change A Family At Hunger Construction Food Truck

by Melody Kettle


In November we were all saddened by the loss of Shegan Rubin of Hunger Construction. Whether a first time customer or a regular, Shegan had a way of making everyone feel like the most welcomed person in the world, if only for a few moments while ordering a spud.

As details emerge of the events of that sad day, we learned that some hot shot cop engaged in a high speed chase through residential areas. The suspect lost control of his car, struck other cars, which in turn struck Shegan who was simply walking on the sidewalk.

Our grief was further met with frustration as we learned that as he made his transition, Shegan left behind two children, ages 10 and 3, who now only have their mother to care for them. The Montclair food community cried, and mourned, and offered condolences.

Now we have a chance to offer Hope.

Now through Christmas, all tips left on the Hunger Construction truck will be given to Shegan Rubin's family. To find the Hunger Construction food truck, simply follow them on twitter at @hungerconstruct

Of course if you're in a generous mood, but not in the mood for one of the best stuffed baked potatoes in the country, feel free to drop off a 'tip' for Shegan's family.


Meatless Monday at True North Osteria in Montclair

by Dianne Wenz in ,


True North Osteria is a cute and cozy little café that serves specialty pizzas, bruschettas and small plates. They cook all of their meals with high quality ingredients and use old world techniques that have been “reinvented for the modern American table”. The vegetables are all fresh and sourced locally, the sauce is made from 100% Jersey tomatoes and the bread is baked fresh in house daily.  

The sign outside True North Osteria says, “This pizza will change your life”, and I just might have to agree with it. Don’t go to True North expecting the average grab-a-slice-and-go-pizza though. This is artisanal pizza that needs to be savored bite by tasty bite, as the thin, chewy, yet crispy dough is carefully handmade from scratch, covered with farm fresh toppings and grilled – yes grilled – to create the most mouthwateringly flavorful little pie unlike any you’ve tasted before. Just as the taste isn’t ordinary, neither are the flavors, with the spicy Jersey Devil pie, the pesto topped True North and the sandwich inspired Grilled Cheese.

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Restaurant Stakeout Visits Taqueria Autentica in Bloomfield

by Melody Kettle


Carnitas at Taqueria AutenticaThe Food Network series, Restaurant Stakeout, recently paid a visit to Taqueria Autentica, located at 1035 Broad St., in Bloomfield.

Taqueria Authentica, the much loved, perenial food truck at the Montclair Farmer's Market, opened their first brick and mortar storefront in late August 2011. Since that time, I've eaten many a delicious carnita from the food truck.  I've also dined in the restaurant, where no matter how unique the interior or unusual the service, the food was consistently fresh and delicious.

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Hunger Construction To Open Brick & Mortar

by Melody Kettle


Hunger Construction, the mobile purveyor of stuffed baked potatoes (and one of Hot From The Kettle's favorite food trucks), will be opening their first brick and mortar establishment in January. 

The Hunger Construction storefront will be at the corner of Bay St. and Glenridge Avenue in Montclair, in the former site of Ma Dear's.   According to owner, Aaron Rosenzweig, 600 sq-ft space will be take out only with additional potato options, loaded fries, and more.

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Fricasseè French Bistro Coming to Montclair

by Melody Kettle


Francophiles rejoice! The space at 6 Park Street, formerly Epernay, adjacent to the famous rooster mural, will soon become Fricasseè!

The new owner of the space, Mark Papera, is no stranger the Montclair dining scene.  Mark originally opened Epernay with his ex-wife, Courtnay Papera, in 2000.

Mark has purchased the space (again) and will be bringing some of his favorite dishes back to Montclair.  According to Papera, "I am beginning renovations and rename/rebrand into a great, classical French Bistro."  Fricassee plans to open in February and will serve dinner Monday-Saturday 5-10pm.

 


Video: How to Cut a Strip Steak at the Strip House

by Melody Kettle


Nothing gets my glands going like a good piece of meat! Marbleized, thick, and rare - it's the stuff Pavlovian dreams are made of!

Hot From The Kettle has been inside many kitchens, but few have left me in an absolute state of salivation like Chef Bill Zucosky at the Strip House. 

The Strip House is located in the award winning Westminster Hotel in Livingston.  Decked out in red, black and velour, the Strip House might be the setting for scandalous affair, but it is always the place for a phenomenally satisfying meal and excellent cocktails.

Chef Bill taught me how to cut the Strip House's signature strip steak.  Check out the video!

How to Butcher a Strip Steak at Strip House from Hot From The Kettle on Vimeo.