Update 1/26/10: The Bloomfield Ave. Starbucks closing was announced to staff today. Last lattes will be poured on 2/26/10.
Starbucks’ baristas on Bloomfield Avenue have been spilling the beans for a couple of weeks, and yes, the coffee shop is closing. That leaves Montclair with two corporate latte palaces. Their final brew date is not certain, but it will probably happen by March. Just this morning, a reader blogged about a random act of coffee kindness at this very location…Whole Foods manager Matt Hare has been cagey about how they intend to use the space (we’re thinking a sit-down cafe) and sent us this statement: “Whole Foods Market Montclair is finalizing plans to acquire the space adjacent to our store due to the closing of its current occupant, Starbucks. Future plans are under development to expand our current Montclair location to include this space.”
Celebrity chef Ariane Duarte and husband Michael have finally expanded CulinAriane to accomodate the endless pilgrims trekking to this food Mecca. The softly lit room glows in a beautiful gold-ochre. Michael told us they are 50% bigger, accommodating 44 diners. Still, you’ll need to book three weeks in advance to get a table. That is, unless you are a member of Orange Lawn Tennis Club, where, starting mid-February, Ariane and Michael will be spreading their culinary charm. “We started out last year as OLTC’s exclusive caterer, and now they’ve invited us to take over the kitchen,” says Michael. Now that’s what I call a real kitchen revival…The club restaurant will be open to members four nights a week, and eventually OLTC may open it up to the public as a sort of dinner club.
A lot of people rave about the smoothilicious drinks made at Red Mango. No, not open in Montclair, yet, but the anticipation is killing us. Red Mango Montclair opens in its dream Church Street location in about a month, once they complete the build-out and pass inspections, owner Elliot Bloom says. Bloom, a marathon runner was racing in California when he tasted his first Red Mango concoction – and it was love at first sip. We’ll be telling you more (later) about the big opening party when you can grab a free drink, and see what all the hoopla is about. Until then, you’ll have to go to Manhattan or Palisades Park.
Even though this week we heard Cianci and Joe Bartoni’s pretty much left without a trace, it’s not all bad news around Valley Road. Across from Bartoni’s, Nauna’s owner Tommy Moloughny says “we’re not going anywhere,” and business is looking up for family-run Enzo’s Pizzeria, which hopped two doors down into a bigger space. They’ve kicked it up a notch, going from takeout to casual dining. Table service! Enzo fans can eat in, and enjoy the homemade soups, pizza, pasta, and Italian specialties. Soon, they’ll have an espresso bar and serve home made pastries, “like mama makes,” says Alex…And moving into Enzo’s old digs is California Chicken. A big sign is hanging in the window promising chicken every which way: “Fride,” Grilled, Rotisserie, yum.
The shelves are bare at Montclair’s favorite cupcake store, Flour Patch. Owners Jason and Jeri say they’re only closed temporarily and are in discussions with a wholesale partner in NYC. The goal is to re-open the Montclair sweet shop with a modified menu. Jason and Jeri expressed their gratitude to loyal customers: “please convey our sincerest appreciation to all the people in town who have supported Flour Patch…The Vietnamese place on Elm, Little Saigon, has disappeared, every last bit of it. The building, stripped bare to its concrete shell has a “For Lease” sign in the window. I’ll bet the new neighbors across the street at 24 Elm are disappointed.
Indigo Smoke in Montclair is closed for renovations. There’s a note on the window saying they’re moved to Maplewood (and with a full bar). Looks like that’s the only Indigo location, if you look at their website. We hear the owner is changing directions and will re-open a new restaurant with a new concept, but it’s all very hush-hush.
Other rumblings: We’ve seen a Bloomfield restaurant space in construction, across the street from Panang on Broad Street. Street intel says it’s going to be a French place, “Laissez Faire.” What’s taking 32 Church so long to open? We hear they’re waiting to pass building inspection, and expect to be open for Montclair’s Restaurant Weeks. (This may also explain what’s delaying the opening of Five Guys in Upper Montclair.)Â Salute on Glenridge Ave. looks like they’re making incremental progress, although no opening date yet. Around the corner on North Willow, another pizzeria(in the old smoothie shop), “Ahh Pizz” is almost ready to fire up the ovens. Remember the short-lived Aqua Blue Caribbean joint on Bloomfield? Truly, the most confusing fusion concept will be introduced there: Haitian-Italian. The new restaurant, “Tutti Vous” plans to open in a couple of weeks, there was no menu avaiilable when we stopped by.
Gigi’s Bay Street Cafe closed…replaced by “Urban Chicken.” And informed sources say former recording studio “The Tallest Tree” on Glenridge Avenue is being renovated to make way for a sushi resto.
And finally, we hear an ice cream/confectioner place may open on Bloomfield Avenue, next to Smashburger.
Contrary to the tease on the front page, there is no further information available about Bar Cara anywhere after the jump.
Ahh… the info on Bar Cara is, in fact, part of a different story. Very confusing.
Has anyone tried the Mexican place next to Spice 2? Curious….
Habanero’s? I’ve tried it, wasn’t very impressed. Montclair is missing a great Mexican Place. Mexicali leaves a lot to be desired, i haven’t found Senorita’s to be all that great, and Tinga isn’t my cup of tea either. Anybody have any recommendations?
Relax People – Maybe Dick Grabowsky should move the license (which he failed to do) to the cianci space, or the vacant lighting store for a good Mexican Place?
Ah, so the lighting store is closed. I missed that. A shocker you might say. The Grabber’s vision for a retail shangrila takes yet another hit.
3rdwarder,
Man, don’t get me started!
The Tallest Tree was a recording studio?! I always wondered what that place was.
Relax People: I’m trying to get you started! I thought I was the only one who noticed. They never went to the planning board, never formally noticed of a transfer. Mr Grabowsky speaks of them as tenants, yet he’s the legal operator and owner of the business and license as far as the state’s concerned. I’m curious why all of the local pols who post on this site won’t look into this? Maybe the ABC would be interested in it?
Little Saigon has relocated and opened as Huong Viet in Nutley. The address is 358 Passaic Ave, not far from Nutley High School.
3rdwarder,
I called the ABC. They said they would look into it. It would help if many more people called.
Here’s the info:
http://www.nj.gov/oag/abc/enforcement.html
Call 866-713-8392 – to report illegal activity to the ABC Investigative Unit.
You can’t lease a liquor license. If he is doing that, it is illegal. Otherwise he is the owner/operator of Club 501. Any problems/fines associated with Club 501 are squarely with Grabowski.
Little Saigon, previously of Elm St. in Montclair, has changed its name to Huong Viet and relocated to 358 Passaic Ave., Nutley, phone 973-667-0827. They reopened last Saturday and we’ve been there a few times already. We’re happy to reort that the food is as delicious as it has always been.
There are also 2 new Japanese restaurants in Upper Montclair. Sakura where Fawa used to be and Sapporo where Daruma was. Not sure if there are any good though.
We went to Sapporo the other week and the sushi was pretty bad. Can’t speak of the hibachi, as we didn’t try it, but given the number of sushi places in town, I see no need to return.
Also, concerning Indigo, when we were there two or so months ago, they had returned to their table service (instead of ordering at the counter). The manager was chatting with a few of the tables about how he wanted to make changes to the menu along with adding a few child-friendly options. The Maplewood location has been there a while, so I guess they are just directing them there until the Montclair location is ready again?
“Other rumblings: We’ve seen a Bloomfield restaurant space in construction, across the street from Panang on Broad Street. Street intel says it’s going to be a French place, “Laissez Faire.”
Annette, I believe you are talking about”Pandan,” not Panang. Panang has several locations in NJ, but not in Baristaville. Pandan, in case you haven’t tried it, is an absolute jewel. Lovely people, fine food, and their prices are sensational.
I have lived in Montclair for years and I have dined at nearly all of the many restaurants in town, both new and old. I have to say that while I enjoy trying all the new restaurants in town, my favorite restaurants still remain those restaurants that have been a Montclair staple for years now. In fact, my favorite restaurant, Epernay, has been around Montclair for almost ten years now and consistently impresses me both with their delicious food and great service. I have always loved Epernay and had sometimes felt that they never got the recognition that they deserved, up until recently at least. A friend of mine(knowing how much I love the restaurant) informed me two weeks ago that they were voted best french restaurant in NJ Savvy Living magazine…..what a well deserved reward! New restaurants are exciting, but I think more focus needs to be paid to the oldies but goodies hidden around this wonderful town on Montclair. Congratulations Epernay! Keep up the good work.
primecap, you’re so right…Epernay is a great French restaurant…serving a variety of entrees.
I’ve had Chef Franco on my show many times over the last few years. I always have him prepare something table side, which for those that really want a very special dinner – that’s the way to go.
Should tv-34 allow public programming again, you could be sure I’ll do another episode with Epernay.
As some of you may know, Urban Chicken is now open. I was thinking of giving them a try tomorrow for the Super Bowl. When I stopped by to pick up a menu, I learned that you get 15% off your order from now until May. Does anyone have any feedback about the food from Urban Chicken yet? Thanks.
I ordered from Urban Chicken on Sunday and wanted to follow up about it. I got the Buffalo Chicken Fingers, Ribs, French Fries and Mac & Cheese. The Chicken Fingers were large, juicey and came with a variety of dipping sauces. The Ribs were pretty good, but were closer in taste to Chinese-style than Southern BBQ. The Fries were steak-style, yet still crispy and flavorful.
In general, the portions were enormous (except for the Mac & Cheese which was quite small) and a great value- especially with 15% off. Additionally, while the menu says that my particular order came with “rolls”, it actually came with cornbread which was preferable for me. Additionally, the staff/owner was very friendly, professional and very interested in feedback about the food-both good and bad.
-Zman
Went to Ahh Pizz tonight for dinner! EXCELLENT! Fresh delicous pizza has finally arrived in Montclair! Had the Margarita Pie. The owner is warm, friendly and very welcoming. Will definately be back!
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