Mama's In The Kitchen At Cucina 98 in Montclair

by Melody Kettle

It's Saturday, 10 am. 

Mama is in the kitchen rolling out dough for ravioli.  Lisa Marie, coffee in hand, is answering the phone, taking reservations, and making sure everything is in order for the party coming in at 1 pm.  Then, Elio, Lisa’s hubby/Mama’s boy, walks in.  Clad in a white undershirt, (you know, the kind Italian guys made famous), he acknowledges the others in the Mama, and Lisa Marie Surianoroom and makes for the espresso machine.

I'm at Cucina 98, the kitchen and storefront adjacent to Montclair's hidden gem, Corso 98.  The Suriano Family, who live in Montclair, have owned and operated Corso 98 for past thirteen years.  Though Corso 98 does not receive the press that other high profile Montclair restaurants do, Corso has developed a clientele the old-fashioned way - through authentically made food, great service, and word of mouth. 

Every Saturday morning, the Suriano's  open the door at Cucina 98 to sell a variety of fresh, homemade - and I mean homemade- Italian staples.  

Boxes of ravioli, made just minutes ago by Mama are boxed  for sale.  Some are stufffed with braised lamb, others with roasted vegetables and goat cheese, and the classic, super-creamy Five Cheese Ravioli stuffed ricotta, fontina, and mascarpone. Boxes of ravioli are priced at $15 for a box of 15.

What's a ravioli without sauce? Cucina 98 also sells quarts of bolognese, vodka, marinara, and lamb bolognese sauce. There's even veal demi glace, and the special Corso vinaigrette. 

And the dolce! Biscotti, pignoli cookies, orange almond biscotti, “got milk” biscotti, sicilian pistachio bars, 7 layer (rainbow) cookies, linzer cookies, mama’s knots, and more, are all made fresh!


Stay tuned to Hot From The Kettle for a full tasting from Corso 98!


Corso 98

98 Walnut Street

Montclair, NJ 07042

Bibimbap and Bulgogi at Koreander

by Melody Kettle

After months of waiting, Koreander Fusion Restaurant has opened its doors at the corner of Watchung Avenue and North Fullerton, the former site of QBA and Orbis.

The space has been transformed into a warm and welcoming eat-in or take-out restaurant with a dash of requisite Asian flare.

The menu at Koreander is a fusion of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine.

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A Recipe for Passion . . . Fruit Mousse

by Melody Kettle

Ilson Goncalves, owner of Montclair’s hottest new restaurant, Samba Montclair, recently stopped into the Kettle Kitchen to demonstrate how to make traditional Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse (Mousse de Maracuja).

According to llson, “all the Moms in Brazil make it.”  I could see why: it’s totally easy! If you’re a little late on planning your Valentine’s Day meal, this recipe is the perfect option for something quick and delicious.

Watch the video to see how you can blend up Passion Fruit Mousse at home.  All you need is a blender and a refrigerator. Ilson also suggests experimenting with your favorite flavors - pomegranate, peach, mango, guava, what ever you like!  Go for it!

Click through for the video and recipe!

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More Than Just Ah'Pizz

by Melody Kettle

Co-Owner Christopher Delisio, Chef Greg Lampariello, Pizzaiolo Robert Cino, Co-Owner Michael LaMorte

Ah'Pizz, Montclair’s home of Pizza Napoletana, located at 7 N. Willow St., is taking their cuisine to the next level. 

 

Ah'Pizz has brought on a new executive chef, Nutley native and resident, Greg Lampariello to broaden their quality Neopolitan menu. A graduate of New York Restaurant School, Lampariello, has been cooking professionally for over twenty years at restaurants like Terrazza in Nutley and the Forest Hill Field Club.

 

But have no fear Ah’Pizz loyalists, Robert Cino is still the pizzaiolo at the wood burning oven turning out those crispy, flavorful pies Montclair has come to love.  According to co-owner, Michael LaMorte, the difference is “now, our food is just as good as our pizza."

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