Manny's Diner, Montclair: Hot Sauce Helps

by Melody Kettle


It's difficult to imagine the space at 12 Church Street as anything other than a diner - though restauranteurs have certainly tried.  Formerly Tapastry, previously Market (and for a hot minute The Honest Dog), Manny's Diner moved into the Church Street, Montclair, earlier this year.  

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My First Love: Bread + Butter

by Melody Kettle in ,


Before I graduated to pork products, bread and butter was my first true love. A simple, complimentary, truly harmonious pair - if only every relationship could be like bread and butter! 

 

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Mehndi, Morristown: Getting My Goat, Pot Pie!

by Melody Kettle


We've all had naan, the flat,  steamy, pita-like, tandoor-oven-cooked bread, synonymous with Indian cuisine.  And chicken tikka masala - who hasn't had that?

Mehndi, one of a triumvirate of restaurants including SM 23 Bar & Lounge, and Ming II, operated by the successful Mehtani Restaurant Group in the Morristown Hyatt, creates a total dining experience - including the possibility of a henna tattoo on Saturdays.  

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Yellow Plum: Pretty, Underwhelming

by Melody Kettle


Good looks only go so far.  If we ate with our eyes Yellow Plum would be just fine.  The plates, colorful and photogenic, and the decor, contemporary, attractive and gender neutral.  Maybe, if Yellow Plum didn't look so nice,  I wouldn't feel so disappointed.   

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The Iron Shaker: NJ's Craftiest Bartender

by Melody Kettle in


I get all the worst gigs!   Press dinners, wine events, food festivals, and the absolute worst task I've ever been asked -  judge The Iron Shaker cocktail competition.  (Read: I love my job! :)

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