CulinAriane

Appetizers

Lobster Bisque, Vanilla Bean Essence
8

Jumbo Lump Crabcake, Grain Mustard Remoulade, Mache
14

Sashimi Tuna Flower, Crispy Wontons, Pickled Cucumber, Wasabi Crème Fraiche
14

Cornmeal Crusted Oysters, Micro Greens, Horseradish Cream
12

Toasted Gnocchi, Vegetable Ragout, Tomato Fondue, Crispy Leeks
12

Salad of Baby Greens, Honey Infused Goat Cheese, Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette
10

Endive and Baby Arugula, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Toasted Pinenuts,
Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette
10

Dinner

Ravioli of Butternut Squash, Gorgonzola, Walnut Cream
16

Oven Roasted Sea bass, Peperonata Risotto, Micro Greens
22

Wild King Salmon, Grilled Radicchio, Tuscan White Beans,
Black Olive Vinaigrette
22

Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Imported Mushrooms Ragout, White Truffle Oil
24

French Cut Chicken Breast, Moroccan Apricot Stew, Herb Quinoa
21

Caraway Rubbed Pork Chop, Poblano Gratin, Caramelized Apples
24

Grilled Filet Mignon, Lobster Sweet Potato Hash, Port Wine Reduction
28

All seafood prepared medium rare

Please inquire about artwork for sale

Since we are not listed in the restaurant directory I have decided to keep posting information.

hours of operation: Wed-Sat 5:30-10pm
BYO

Just trying to give a little more information about the restaurant and owners.

CulinAriane came about more than 18 years ago when wife and husband team, Ariane and Michael Duarte, enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
Upon graduation from the CIA, Ariane accepted the position of sous chef at the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange, NJ. From there she worked at The Terrace in NYC, Star Canyon in Dallas, Trio in Chicago, and lastly as Executive Chef of Vine in NYC where she ran that kitchen for five years.
Michael fell into the restaurant business when his mother opened Las Bellas Artes, a fine dining Mexican restaurant in the Chicago suburbs. After his graduation from the CIA, he came to the family restaurant and worked his way up to the position of Executive Chef. He met Ariane at Star Canyon in Dallas during a six month sabbatical.
Two years after returning to NJ, Ariane and Michael started their catering company. Six years and many parties later they happened upon 33 Walnut as the location for their restaurant.

We had our annual "wash away the winter blue's" party catered by Culinariane and the food was amazing. Especially, the shrimp simply amazing. Thanks for the great food, it made the party.

Above menu has changed for the season.

Michael and Arianne are the best people in the world. I still have to get out of work to sample Arianne's food but from what I hear and see, it's ...marrrveloooous!!!! Truly, from my heart, Montclair deserves a place like this and I don't foresee anybody having a bad experience there.
Francois @ Egan's.

Me and my husband tried CuliAriane last Saturday. I had a good time. I loved my appetizer of Soft Shell Crab, my time for that and my husband loved his Cornmeal crusted Oysters. Our friends also was happy with their meals. We will definitely come back to this place. I love the silver wares. Good choice.

I went to Culinariane this past Saturday for the second time and it was great! My husband had the cornmeal crusted oysters (to die for!) and the halibut and I had the heirloom tomato salad and the rack of lamb. The food, the service, and the ambiance are just perfect!! I will definitely be a regular!

The prices are slightly higher than most Montclair restaurants but well worth it. I had the crab cake for appetizer and it was very good, but when I saw the oysters coming out for other people, I was sorry I didn't order them. Next time.

Spring Menu

Appetizers

Spring Asparagus, Tarragon Soup
8

Jumbo Lump Crabcake, Grain Mustard Remoulade, Mache
14

Sashimi Tuna Flower, Crispy Wontons, Pickled Cucumber, Wasabi Crème Fraiche
14

Cornmeal Crusted Oysters, Micro Greens, Horseradish Cream
12

Grilled Focaccia, Goat Cheese, Spring Vegetable Bruschetta
12

Salad of Baby Greens, Shaved Fennel, Gorgonzola Cheese
Orange Segments, Spiced Walnuts
10

Endive and Baby Arugula, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Toasted Pinenuts Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette
10

Dinner

Roasted Zucchini, Italian Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Ravioli, Tomato
Basil Pesto, Shaved Reggiano
20

Oven Roasted Sea bass, Peperonata Risotto, Micro Greens
24

Atlantic Halibut, Yukon Gold Potato, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Chervil-Chive Broth
26

Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Imported Mushrooms Ragout, White Truffle Oil
26

French Cut Chicken Breast, Moroccan Apricot Stew, Herb Quinoa
22

Rosemary Crusted Australian Rack of Lamb, Minted Gnocchi, Lamb Jus
30

Grilled Sirloin Steak, Crisp Maui Onions, Port Wine Reduction
30

Very, very disappointed with CulinAriane. My fiance & friends had been very much looking forward to dining here for weeks now. Unfortunately, the experience was far below our expectations.

We had a reservation for 4, and we had to wait 30 minutes - outside, on a chilled evening - to be seated.

Then we had to wait another 15 minutes before our order was taken.

Then I was informed the entree I wanted had just run out. I was bummed, especially since I saw the order I wanted go to a table who arrived after we did, which meant they got to order before us.

THEN we finally got something to eat - a small bite of endive with veggies and some croissants. (All yummy, I will say.) But this is over 45 minutes after we arrived at the restaurant.

The appetizers took forever to come out. I was astonished at how slow things were moving. Once they came, the apps were good, for sure. But then it was another, somewhat shorter wait for our entrees.

Entrees were also very good. But when it came time to order dessert, we were informed the dessert my friend wanted to order was out. Strike two! Needless, to say, none of us were pleased at this point.

The most galling aspects came at the end of the meal, when we were informed at dessert that as an apology for all of the waiting (which our server acknowledged through the meal), dessert would be on the house - that is, ONE dessert, not all three that we ordered. How insulting! They couldn't have comped all 3 desserts we ordered? How does giving us one $8 dessert for free make up for us spending 2 hours and 45 minutes there, with 30 of those minutes outside in the cold! How tacky.

Then the bill came. I can't believe how much we ended up paying for this experience. Outrageous.

The food was good - no complaints there. The server did check in on us after every course was served, which was also good.

I have worked in restaurants and catering, so I understand kitchens have off nights, but we were not treated properly at all considering what we were charged.

I was willing to give this place another shot until I saw the bill, but now - forget it. Especially after the "here's one free dessert" business. After an experience like that, I expected to be taken care of a little better than that.

I wish CulinAriane the best, but at these prices with this service...some changes need to take place.

P.S.

After contacting him directly, I received a prompt call from Michael at CulinAriane, most apologetic with a lovely offer to make things right.

I shall report back, and I hope to give a very different opinion with my next post. :)

I am pleased to report visit number two to CulinAriane was a happy visit indeed.

The food was even better than I remembered - I love that they do an amuse-bouche before the meal.

Our first course consisted of the succulent & savory heirloom tomato salad (a must this time of year for any tomato fan) & a delightfully presented tuna sashimi flower. It really IS a flower, and it is fabulous - great sauce, great fish, delicious!

Our entrees were terrific as well - the scallops with wild mushrooms had amazing flavor & texture; ditto for the steak with lobster & marscapone mashed potatoes. Fantastic!

For dessert, there was this chocolate mousse with almond brittle that was out of this world. The angel & devil food cake covered in ganache was also yummy, but a bit too dense for me after a full meal.

All in all, the food was absolutely delicious - layers of flavor in every dish; this is truly food to be savored.

The service was markedly improved since my last visit, although in the beginning it could have been a little more attentive - I would have liked our wine opened sooner, the bread (wonderful croissants) to have been delivered sooner, and for our order to have been taken sooner. It wasn't so slow that I felt neglected, but I did start to wonder about the wait; still room for improvement there. Once our order was taken, there were no issues with timing of service or check-ins at all.

Michael, your food is exquisite and thank you for being such a gracious host. It was well worth the second visit, and I look forward to dining at CulinAriane again.

Fabulous dinner at CulinAriane two weeks ago!! Can't say enough about the food, which was exquisite. All four of us ordered different dishes and every bite was delicious. Service was excellent, very attentive and apologetic when they were out of one entree we wanted. We will definitely return again and again.

i had dinner this evening at CulinAriane with group of friends. overall, a lovely experience and special thanks to michael for accomodating a late addition to our party. he infact went home and got a table that would accomodate one addition to the party of four....the food was very good with attention to detail. the appetizers and entree were very good.we had the oysters as appetizer which were good. the others of the party which had the specials were very happy. as for the entree,the scallops with the mushrooms and the lamb were noteworthy. those who chose the special entreee for this night which was grouper with pureed cauliflower were especially pleased. the desserts were average, a bit on the heavier side.

to be filed under suggestion for improvement, when the specials are being listed, kindly announce the price. the one reason to not announce the price with listing of the specials would be if and only if menus without the listing of the price was specifically requested. (wonder if that could be accommodated )otherwise, the prices of the specials should always be listed.
a good evening with good friends and food was had indeed.

Yummy dinner last night... a little pricey though. Over $100 for 2 and we shared dessert.

I ate at CulinAriane yesterday with my wife and parents, and had a fantastic meal. Highlights were the sea bass (one of the best fish dishes I've ever eaten), scallops, tuna, and oysters (horseradish aioli was delicious). Fresh baked croissants were excellent. Dessert winner was the lemon meringue martini.

We brought two bottles of wine, which were opened promptly as we were seated. Service was generally good, although a little cumbersome.

As for the bill, you know what everything costs before you go, so you shouldn't be shocked when it arrives. Do the math. You can't have your cake, eat it too, and expect to part with only a few shekels.

Overall, a great evening. I only wish I lived closer, so I could experience it more often!

Had an amazing meal last night. Wonderful food, great service. Only knock s that there is no vegetarian option on the main menu.

Definitely don't skip dessert.

My boyfriend and I went to CulinAriane on Friday. We could only get a super early reservation, but it was worth it. The service was impeccable, the space is airy and clean. We each had an appetizer- foie gras and crab cake. Both were delicious! I had the lamb with cheese grits for entree and he had the filet mignon with potatoes. Both were incredibly delicious. For dessert, we had the chocolate truffle and the warm apple dumpling. And again, both were delicious (I was partial to the apple dumpling).

Michael was incredibly gracious and so was our waitress. The bill was pretty steep, but since we loved the food so much, it is definitely worth it. I can't wait to go back!

Call well in advance to get reservations at a decent hour!

My boyfriend and I went to CulinAriane on Friday. We could only get a super early reservation, but it was worth it. The service was impeccable, the space is airy and clean. We each had an appetizer- foie gras and crab cake. Both were delicious! I had the lamb with cheese grits for entree and he had the filet mignon with potatoes. Both were incredibly delicious. For dessert, we had the chocolate truffle and the warm apple dumpling. And again, both were delicious (I was partial to the apple dumpling).

Michael was incredibly gracious and so was our waitress. The bill was pretty steep, but since we loved the food so much, it is definitely worth it. I can't wait to go back!

Call well in advance to get reservations at a decent hour!

I have two words that describe my dining experiance Saturday night Simply Amazing!!!!

Looking forward to my next visit!

Food was pretty good. They start you off with this little nubbie of a cracker, cheesy thing. I forget what it was since I was there weeks ago. It was fine. The Tuna Sashimi app was AWESOME! For dinner my wife had the filet mignon which was not as good as it shoudl have been but was good. I have the Amber Jack which was GREAT! So the food and service was very good, though it was a bit hard to understand our waitres who had a very thick asian accent. However what I didn't like about the place was the noise. It was incredibly loud and at times it was actually hard to hear my wife from across tht table. The couple next to us seem to be having the same issue. The owner was aware of the problem but he did not help it by also talking VERY loudly to the table next to us while standing behind me. That was a bit annoying. I would go there again, but not that often. It is too expensive.

Very disappointed after all the hype. It's diffcult to enjoy a meal when the noise level is so loud you can't talk to your dinner partner. I had the skate which was unfortunately placed
on a large mound of mashed potates. Whoever invented this terrible combination must like fishy potates...and mushy fish. No vegetables included with the overpriced entrees. Hovering waitress who was obviously told to get us eating and out as quickly as possible so the next group could get in. Neither I nor my companion plan to go back any time soon.

Whenever I have friends in town that I want to impress, I take them to CulinAriane. The food is on par with the best NYC restaurants, and the service is lovely and unobtrusive. They rightfully deserve the incredible reviews they have received, not just in local papers such as the Star Ledger, but also in the New York Times.

And the atmosphere is delightful. Small enough where the owners get to know you well, and lit like a little jewel box in the middle of a quiet residential area that always has parking available.

If you plan on going at prime time, make sure you plan ahead as they are quickly booked.

My friend and I had the utmost pleasure of dining at CulinAriane located at 33 Walnut Street in Montclair, NJ last night and I can't help but incessantly gush about this place to everyone that crosses my path! After an arduous 1.5 hour drive there through traffic and snow, we had arrived a half hour late for our reservation and slightly cranky. It was immediately melted away by the warm, cozy and intimate decor and it's welcoming and gracious host, Michael (owner and husband to Ariane) whom took our jackets, promptly seated us and told us not to worry and take our time despite our tardiness. Our waitress appeared immediately and uncorked and poured the wine we had brought for our meal (another amazing perk about Montclair restaurants all being BYO). She was so patient and attentive as we pored over the menu and asked questions and knew that her responses were of similar sincerity and appreciation for the Ariane's food.

We were started off by being served soft croissants (everything is cooked and baked in the kitchen from scratch) and a small appetizer compliments of the chef. With the rave reviews we read about the Tuna Sashimi Flower with Crispy Wontons, Pickled Cucumber in a drizzled Wasabi Crème, we ordered that as our appetizer. My goodness, how surprised we were by the gorgeous presentation and the dazzling flavor in every bite! This was where the waterfall of gushing started. I wondered if the entree could even top the appetizer we had just eaten. While happily appeased and waiting for our entree, we couldn't help but notice the oysters being devoured at the table next to us. The oysters were cornmeal crusted, topped with micro greens and horseradish cream. We HAD to have them. They were just as amazing as the Tuna Sashimi Flower in the most different heavenly way. We couldn't wait till our entree!

We had ordered the Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Imported Mushrooms Ragout in drizzled White Truffle Oil and the Grilled Skate with Cauliflower Puree. We were absolutely floored at the perfection each was cooked in! Every bite was mouthwatering and just as best as the one bite prior. We didn't want the meal to ever end! For dessert we had a perfectly made cappucino to accompany the Chocolate Mousse and almond brittle in a champagne cream sauce. What a bangin' way to end the meal! Although it had come to an end we were sad to see, we were completely satiated and gurgling with happiness and glee that we had discovered such a gem of a restaurant in New Jersey.

I honestly don't think we even had a word in about anything other than what we were eating. It was truly a stellar dining experience and we will go back again and again to try all their seasonally changing menus and especially to share the joy of CulinAriane with other people.

This is one of the Best Restaurants I have ever been to. The Staff there is very nice. I love all of the homemade food, especially the croissants. The two owners Michael and Ariane Duarte have created a great menu that changes every few months. There are specials made every day. On of my favorite things there is the Fillet Mignon. Also some of the appetizers have some of the nicest plating I have seen such as the Sashimi Tuna Flower.

Had a wonderful meal, but have one small complaint. The silver. I use silver on a daily basis in my home and it is a pet peeve of mine when silver is unpolished. The salt spoon, the sugar scoop, etc. If your going to put out silver you need to keep it polished or use stainless. There are plenty of great restaurants, so it comes down to the details... this is a detail that seems to have been overlooked.

Agree with the poster above, was there this past weekend, everything was super-fantastic, had the scallops with mushroom ragout and the crab cocktail, love the simplicity and the chocolate cake for dessert - yum, but come on, all the silver was not cleaned - it wasn't dirty, it just wasnt polished - could have gotten away with one piece but there was a lot and it was nice. oh and i think our waiter was high. but who cares? anyway, overall loved it!

It's not silver -it's stainless when I had a great meal there yesterday. The best restaurant in Montclair, well worth the money.

They will make vegetarian dishes if you ask. Any restaurant of this quality will do the same. The ones Ariane made for us were truly amazing. She came out explained what she made, too, which was very nice. Service was excellent and the food even better. Pricey, but that's to be expected - this is really a NYC restaurant in Montclair.

Still the best in Montclair. I am going again for my wifes Bday.

Finally went after hearing so much about it. Simply put...nothing is overstated about this place.
The food is sublime & on par with the best restaurants in NYC.
The service was polished, unobtrusive and friendly.
The space manages to be both cozy & elegant.
The prices, for what you get, are better than reasonable.
I wish I had gone sooner.
Bravo!

A CulinAriane story: Several weeks ago, I planned a party for a family member at another restaurant in town. Two days before the event, the restaurant tried to redirect us to a less desirable table and change the time of our reservation. I went begging to Michael for a table two days later (a Saturday night.) He heard my desperation and promised us a table outside (usually available only to same day callers.) We arrived to find a beautiful table surrounded by those nice heat lamps, with shawls available for the grandmas in the party, waiters who patiently tolerated our kids' food quirks, and of course those amazing oysters in cornmeal. Three cheers!

Still the best in Montclair. Going again Friday.

CulinAriane now has their own website
http://culinariane.com/index.php

CulinAriane now has their own website
http://culinariane.com/index.php

Michael/ Ariane,
Congrats on the new website.
L. Ricciardi

Outstanding. Great service. Great atmosphere. Fantastic food. Tucked far enough away from Bloomfield Avenue!!!
Enjoy.

By far the best restaurant in Montclair...

Ariane is masteful in the kitchen & Michael really knows how to provide top notch service. What a team!!

Wonderful experience! My husband and I had dinner last night. Oysters were amazing as well as the tuna flower. The trout and cod were beautifully cooked, had balanced flavors an overall... perfect dishes. Cannot wait to dine again.

Anybody else hear the Ariane will be on the next series of Top Chef? It's confirmed on Bravo's Top Chef website

Anybody else hear the Ariane will be on the next series of Top Chef? It's confirmed on Bravo's Top Chef website

Jelly - see Baristanet 10/1/08

http://www.baristanet.com/2008/10/baristavilles_toque_in_bravos.php

Yes, i believe it is confirmed that Ariane will be on the next series of Top Chef. Good luck Ariane.

TOP CHEF PREMIER STARTS WEDNESDAY NIGHT

GO ARIANE!

I'm looking forward to watching. Hoping Ariane wins!

Ariane, you did great. i thought leah should of been voted off (and so did the poll conducted on bravotv.com). Hope to make it to your restuarant some day!

Ariane, it was so bogus you went home over that ho Leah. You know the producers only kept her for the drama-romance factor.

I hope that your restaurant continues to thrive with the publicity you got from the show. I know I'll be back - if I can get a reservation, that is! Haha!

Ok. This place is small. No waiting area, little ambiance. Price - moderate to high. Food - WOW ! i can't believe she did not make it to finals or win. She should have, because this place is NYC top food in a suburb setting. She could be the executive chef anywhere and command twice what they are charging. I will go back, on an off-time, after the swarm of foodnetwork watchers clears.

Recently ate at CulinAriane.

Expected near perfection, from all the comments here and elsewhere.

But, um, must've been an off night. Or, maybe it's because I was lucky enough to recently eat at what must be one of NJ's best new restaurants, in Bernardsville, Equus. That meal was truly NY-quality. And, as we all know, that's saying a lot.

So i guess that was the "bar" against which I was comparing CulinAriane.

First, the Amuse Bouche was weird. The carpaccio was fine, but it came with potato salad that, frankly, could have been bought at Kings.

It took forever to get bread, and that was strange too--little croissants with a sweet glaze, like a breakfast pastry. Not bad but not great.

The menu was strange--why so many adjectives? Why so much explanation? it was like a cookbook and really got in the way of making a decision.

My entree was okay--chicken with an overly-sweet barbecue glaze, some soggy spinach, and I THINK some kind of pasta underneath. Again, just okay, certainly edible, but NOT over the top good.

The service was very slow, and the waitress either argued with every choice I made, or forgot to tell us stuff--like that the bread pudding dessert special "took extra time." (she told us that 20 minutes after we ordered and dessert still hadn't come.)

And dessert was awful! Well, the bread pudding was okay--very very sweet, but good. My chocolate pudding something or rather was a gelatinous brick of gooey chocolate, and not great chocolate at that.

And the NOISE WAS, as one reviewer mentioned above, horrible. I gave up trying to have a conversation after a while, and could not wait to get outside into the quiet nighttime air. A comparison: I think Raymond's acoustics are not great. But this made that place seem like a church by comparison.

One other quibble, and I probably wouldn't have even noticed if the meal had been truly memorable: The tap water tasted disgusting. Now, my tap water at home is not great. But we use a simple filter, and it's fine. They couldn't do that? Ugh.

Anyway, I have really high standards, granted. And I get really excited when a new LOCAL restaurant is truly good. I realize that the business is very tough, and I cannot imagine cooking night after night for a lot of picky people who are paying top dollar. So i really hope this WAS an off night, and that the restaurant will fare well.

Me? I won't be going back. There are too many interesting restaurants in this area, not to mention NY, to waste on something that may or may not deliver.

In a word..."meh".

I had high hopes and to be honest, the food was average. We had the beet salad, crab cake, scallops, sirloin and cherry peach tart. The only item worth remembering was the crab cake. All other dishes were average or below.

Sorry, just being truthful.

Had another amazing dinner there last night. I really don't even like oysters- except the cornmeal crusted at Culin Ariane.

Does anyone know when Culinariane is going to re-open??

What a disappointment. I had high expectations for CulinAriane due to all the hype it has received. All I know is I had my first and last visit there. The food was bland and forgettable. The main courses that my girlfriend and I had were actually raw and had to be sent back. Also, the place was very chaotic and disorganized. When we walked in there were about 20 people just standing in the front of the restaurant with no hostess or wait staff to be found. Hopefully anyone else that goes there has a better experience than we did. I will certainly not be recommending it to anyone.

I'm writing this review about 2 months after I dined at culinariane but I think my comments are still very much vaild.

I can only say that I was very disappointed with my dining experience. The meal started out pretty good (not exceptional). Both my wife and I enjoyed our appetizers. In fact, my wife enjoyed her entree as well although it certainly did not live up to the hype that this restaurant seems to have generated.
My entree on the other hand was just not appetizing in the least. I ordered a winter squash ravioli. The ravioli was served as a single gigantic ravioli that was not really a ravioli at all. It was a pile of seasoned squash with a huge sheet of pasta laying on top. It was served with this gray/brown sauce that was very unappetizing to look at and only just palatable to eat.
Normally, I will give any establishment a 2nd chance, but quite honestly, for the premium you pay at this restaurant coupled with the need for reservations several weeks in advance, I will not likely be back