Baristanet Food

Sommelier Sharon Sevrens thought of everthing in her efforts to create Amanti Vino, a gorgeous jewel of a wine shop that opened this week on Church Street. Her attention to detail is evident, from the beautifully displayed bottles lining the walls of a gallery-style space where the wine is the art (design genius courtesy of the creative minds at MADLAB), to a phone number with the last four digits spelling "wine." Sevrens brings something to the space sure to attract wine lovers of every taste -- her seasoned palate. She tasted every bottle of wine before adding it to the stock of the store and rejected 1000 some odd bottles that just didn't pass muster. The result? While you won't find wines from Yellowtail, you will find wines for the same price that Sevrens has tasted and found to be superior. If you are a wine lover (the translation of the store's moniker) but far from an expert, Sevrens wants to get to know you, hear about the wines you do like, and help you select new vintages to enjoy. Each bottle of wine will be accompanied by detailed tasting notes as well as a "pairs with" recommendation. Commit their phone number to memory; the store plans to deliver wine directly to restaurants, a plus for those of us who always manage to forget our wine or want to make a last-minute selection based on choices off a menu. You'll find wines for $6.99 all the way up to $250 a bottle. On Saturdays, Amanti Vino will hold weekly wine tastings (check back on Baristanet for this week's offerings). -- Liz George

Amanti Vino
30 Church Street, Montclair
973-509-WINE

For folks waiting to try out State Street Grill, we've learned that the former Willie's will open on Wednesday, August 30th.

Meanwhile, Bloomfield has found Nemo. Located directly across from 12 Miles West are "coming soon" signs for Nemos Seafood, a take-away chain with a shellfish-friendly menu.

Also worth mentioning in Baristaville's foodscape: Montclair's CulinAriane, a Barista fave, gets an enthusiastic nod from NJ Monthly, on the heels of a previous glowing review by the Star Ledger.

The food here is very good, an uncomplicated menu with a couple of daily specials, all beautifully presented. Dinner begins with a tiny amuse-bouche: one evening it’s tortilla chips topped with guacamole, goat cheese, and beets; another time a tiny mushroom burger. Both are delicious.

Be sure to order the white asparagus appetizer when it’s available, served in a sprightly vinaigrette with chopped morels, micro greens, and shaved Parmesan. Green asparagus soup served over fresh asparagus is also good. I particularly like the crisp, juicy, popcorn rock shrimp with lemon-garlic crème fraîche, and the meaty, cornmeal-crusted oysters with horseradish cream. I’ve had better crab cakes, but I have rarely tasted such delicious tuna sashimi. Chef Duarte’s Sashimi Tuna Flower consists of small cubes of tuna glossed with sesame oil and soy atop petals of wontons, garnished with ruffles of pickled cucumber and a chive stem, served with parsley and wasabi crème fraîche. It is as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Who wants to take bets on a David Corcoran review next?

199 Bellevue Ave
Montclair
973.509.8878

381 Bloomfield Ave.
Montclair
973.233.1520

The new pink awning tipped us off weeks ago that the Moroccan restaurant, Marrakech, would be opening on Bloomfield Avenue opposite Whole Foods.  We happened to be walking by last night - the door was open, and the music, soft lights, and our curiousity induced us to go in. Although Marrakech wasn't serving yet, owners Said and Simon Chbihi from Casablanca were happy to show us around.  They have opened up a jewel of a restaurant - a magical transformation of the space formerly occupied by Taste of Asia.  The upscale, chic look is acheived with tables, lanterns, and architectural accents imported from Morocco. And it looks like the space has great party potential.