Montclair: Center of the (NJ) Food Universe

by Melody Kettle

Michael Duarte and Ariane Duarte, Owners of CulinArianeAccording to Inside Jersey's  30 Best Meals in NJ, Montclair may well be the center of the food universe - at least in New Jersey.

Hot From The Kettle has had the pleasure of working with many of the renown chefs on the list - about eight of them actually.

At CulinAriane in Montclair, Top Chef and owner, Ariane Duarte, gave us a video demonstration of her famous Heirloom Tomato, Watermelon, and Feta Salad.

Ryan DePersio, of Montclair's Fascino and Bloomfield's Bara Cara,  taught us how to make Crispy Zucchini Blossoms at Fascino, and also visited Casa Kettle to make Sweet Sausage Bolognese, Ricotta Gnocchi, and Tuscan Seafood Soup.

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Chef Carrino Explains . . .

by Melody Kettle

The burgundy banner that bore the name Passionne is no loger hanging above  77 Walnut Street.  Another closing? Not quite.

Fortunately for owner of Passionne, Chef Michael Carrino, this is not a case of closure due to insufficient business.  Carrino is taking a brief hiatus to shop for a larger space where he can “grow his soapbox,” and provide the high quality locally sourced fare he is renowned for. 

When Carrino first opened Passionne in October 2006, he made a promise to himself to run the business, from Walnut Street for five years.  He did.  According to Carrino we will likely see him resurrect Passionne sometime before 2012.

Where will it be? Well, there’s still a bit of mystique surrounding the new location, I just hope he doesn’t go too far.  

Want the full scoop from Carrino himself? Watch the video.

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HOT NEWS: Brick Lane Curry House Soft Opening!

by Melody Kettle in

Indian food lovers have been waiting with bated breath for the opening of the highly acclaimed Brick Lane Curry House (BLCH) at it's new location, 540 Valley Road, Montclair.  Good News: the wait is over!

According to Ritesh Patel, Director of Communications for Brick Lane Curry House, this weekend Brick Lane will launch their soft opening.

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Grilled Peaches & Market Madness

by Melody Kettle

 

Take a look at the video! For more photos visit the gallery!

Northern & Southern Indian at Aroma Palace

by Melody Kettle

When I was in college I worked for a man who came from Southern India, his name was Desai. His wife, Lhata, would send us all kinds of southern Indian fare to snack on.

We received packages of spicy naan flecked with fenugreek, yogurt that was sweet and thick and topped with crushed pistachios, and tiny spicy balls. . . . I don’t know what they were, but they were good too.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed all the Indian food I had shared with Desai, I never attempted making it myself. In recent years I have purchased the ready made jars of Maya Kaimal Vindaloo or Coconut Curry from Whole Foods, but I never created an authentic Indian meal.

A few months ago, Hot From The Kettle visited Aroma Palace, 379 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ. When we arrived the lunch buffet was set out, and the diners were filling their plates, for a very reasonable $7.95. The staff were very welcoming and hospitable.

We walked back to the sizable kitchen where we met the chefs, George and Alex. They prepared two Indian dishes, one from the north, Chicken Tikka Masala, and one from the south, Masala Dosa. It was remarkably simple, and quite delicious.

Take a look:

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