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Here’s your hot restaurant buzz from Montclair!

Chef Michael Carrino, formerly of the acclaimed Restaurant Passionne, has decided to take the train! For the past several months Chef Michael Carrino, has been working on one of the most historic restaurant projects in New Jersey. The renowned chef plans to open his new restaurant concept this summer at Lackawanna Railroad Station, located at [...]

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Jersey style

You don’t need a Mexican background to love guacamole, carne asada, and margaritas. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a holiday commemorating a victorious Mexican battle, this Saturday at one of these Jersey Bites-recommended restaurants: ATLANTIC COUNTY Las Lomas Grille features authentic Northern Mexican cuisine in a family atmosphere. Meals are prepared to order — no fast [...]

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Curtain Up in Newark! Nico Kitchen & Bar

A world class performing arts center needs a restaurant of the same caliber, and NJPAC in Newark is no exception. So without further adieu, please welcome Nico to the stage. Brought to life by the capable hands of Ryan DePersio, Nico recently opened in the space previously owned by the Theatre Square Grill. And while [...]

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Restaurant Blu: Nothing But Blu Skies For Montclair Restaurant Goers

Zod Arifai’s well-known restaurant, Blu, in downtown Montclair offers a sleek, professional, comfortable dining experience. At a media dinner a few weeks ago, we were treated to Chef Zod’s take on modern cuisine with French, Asian, and Italian influences. Blu has been in business for six years, and truth be told, when I visited a [...]

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First Annual Montclair Film Festival – Celebrated with Wine

On April 3, I had the opportunity to attend a lovely benefit event hosted by Amanti Vino, the boutique wine and spirits shop on Church Street in Montclair.  The event was a gathering of 35 French winemakers presenting over 150 wines in the gorgeous setting of The Vault at Bangz Salon + Spa on South Fullerton [...]

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Manischewitz Thinks Outside the Box (of Matzo)

By Lauren Weiss Jewish food is not typically associated with the phrase “thinner and thinner.” Unless, of course, you are watching the production of matzo at the Manischewitz Company’s new state-of-the-art baking facility in Newark, NJ. I was invited to attend the exciting Schmura Matzo Run last week as the kosher food company giant Manischewitz [...]

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Good Karma and Food at Cielo in Fairfield

When a new restaurant takes over the space vacated by an establishment with a less than stellar reputation, I’m always a little wary that the bad karma might carry forward. But I am happy to report that Cielo has escaped this fate.  Billing itself as a “restaurant with an active bar,” Chef/owner Anthony Pucciarello describes [...]

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Adara – Elevating Fine Dining in Northern New Jersey

Away from Montclair’s bustling Bloomfield Avenue resides Adara, perhaps New Jersey’s first ‘real’ molecular gastronomy restaurant.  This epicurean haven offers a contemporary space, stellar service and outstanding food it dubs “Modernist” in style. Art Institute of New York City graduate and ACF certified Master Chef, Tre Ghoshal, has extensive experience working under Chef Joe Bastianich [...]

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Tantalizing Truffles – Winter’s Edible “Jewels”

Every season offers its own mix of irresistible fresh gems. Think of a gorgeous summer peach and fat juicy melons, autumn’s luscious golden pears, bright spring asparagus. Winter’s root vegetables and leafy greens, in comparison, can sometimes seem a little dull. But shining there among those nutrient-rich but slightly pizzazz-free options are winter’s ace in [...]

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Hot From The Kettle December 2011

The holidays are a busy time and the Montclair restaurant scene is as busy as ever!  Let’s begin with the latest news! The acclaimed Bloomfield Avenue restaurant, Blu, along with its sister property, Next Door, home of New Jersey’s best burger, will be closed for the next two months as chef/owner, Zod Arifai, the self-taught, [...]

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