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Gourmet Lunch-to-Go

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Cucina%20Sandwiches.jpg
From the kitchen of Corso 98 comes Cucina 98, offering home-cooked lunches to go, "prepared from only the best quality ingredients, so it has to taste good," says chef/owner Lisa Marie. A box lunch comes with your choice of a vegetarian dish, pannini, sandwich, or a hot special, accompanied by fresh fruit, salad, and homemade dolce. Customers stop in at the restaurant's kitchen door on Walnut Street, where they'll find the weekly menu - and Lisa Marie to describe the specials of the day.

On a particularly indulgent afternoon, I sampled the tuna/lemon/artichoke and kalamata mayo wrap which puts all other tuna salads to shame (imported tuna does make a difference). But I didn't stop there...Mama's stuffed peppers and broccoli rabe should've been reheated at home, but I consumed it at room temp as a mouth-watering antipasto. The grilled vegetable and goat cheese on raisin-nut-whole wheat sounded overly complex, but proved to be a winner too.

This isn't your average lunch take-out... Flavors burst, entertaining your palate. While my kids (who stole a few bites) found the mains too sophisticated, they loved the fresh berries and orzo pesto salad and Lisa's homemade cookie. You get a chilled bottle of water too - all for $10. Cucina 98 can even help your afternoon caffeine buzz with an espresso to go - $2.50.

This week's menu featured pistachio encrusted chicken roll, stuffed with sundried tomato, sage, and smoked mozz, served with wild rice salad and grapes. You could also try meat lasagne, or a grilled hummus and veggie sandwich on whole grain. Call in your order (973-746-0789) just stop by the kitchen, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11- 2:30.

Posted by Annette Batson on September 12, 2007 11:25 AM
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i got food from there yesterday... i bought the hummus and grilled vegie sandwich which in my opinion was absolutly amazing. also included the "homemade cookie bar" which was tasteful and a good choice. heard next week she was going to have soup i can't wait for that! good job!! one of my top favorite places now

Posted by wishfullthinker | September 12, 2007 8:28 PM
 

I stopped by for a panini and loved every mouthful. The fruit was very fresh and my kids loved the risoto.

Posted by heidi paulette | September 13, 2007 7:51 AM
 

Yum! Can't wait! Will also take the grands to test.

Posted by Nana | September 14, 2007 1:04 AM
 

i just wanted to personally thank annette for her great story and a huge thanks to all of you who came to see me this week. i hope everyone loved their boxed lunch! next week i'll have hot soup to go, sausage and peppers and some other goodies, hope to see you all again. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Posted by cucina 98 | September 14, 2007 10:37 AM
 

I read the baristanet last week and was interested in checking out this boxed lunch business. (I wasn't sure at first, being in the culinary business, and co-owning a cafe with my wife in SOHO for ten years, made me skeptical.) I had the tuna wrap, and it was delicious! A perfect blend of flavors, at an amazing price. After reading some of the feedback, I have to say my children enjoyed the lasagna. Definitely a high point for Montclair lunchtime, especially if you don't have time to sit and dine in the afternoon. Top Notch! Five out of five stars. Best of luck to the creators.

Posted by joejoebeans | September 15, 2007 5:03 PM
 

It is just as delicious as Corso 98! It's what we all expect from such a great restaurant. Cucina 98 is my new weekly lunch spot.

Posted by missfeed | September 16, 2007 1:46 PM
 

The food tastes so wonderful(I love the side salads), I want to try everything on the menu, but the best part is going in through the kitchen door. I feel like I'm part of the family coming in for a visit. I highly recommend stopping by and having one of these wonderful lunches--I can't wait to go back!

Posted by La Bella Cugina | September 20, 2007 9:34 AM
 

PLEASE come to Morris County for those of us not lucky enough to work in Montclair!
I am SO envious of those lucky folks who can get to go from you place!

Posted by Jetersgirl | September 21, 2007 7:30 PM
 

Ate here today, Zeppoles were out of this world and i never tried a pizza quite like theres...everything homemade and delicious

Posted by wishfullthinker | September 22, 2007 2:52 PM
 

Cucina 98 is a gem. The couple that runs this establishment are friendly and warm and make any vistor feel welcome. The pizza is the best! The zeppoles incredible. And the box lunches delicious. Fresh and welcoming and a most welcome addition to Walnut Street!!

Posted by Mitch | September 29, 2007 2:43 PM
 

Had the veggie panini with the cherry rice salad...unbelievable. a great alternative lunch at a great price. will return again.

Posted by AZbagoo | September 29, 2007 4:15 PM
 

Had the veggie panini with the cherry rice salad...unbelievable. a great alternative lunch at a great price. will return again.

Posted by AZbagoo | September 29, 2007 4:15 PM
 

This place is incredible!! From a perfectly dressed arugula salad with homegrown arugula to zucchini flowers stuffed,fresh ingredients rule!!
The Chitarra Bolognese was wonderful.
My wife had salmon and loved it!
If you are eating out Italian and not eating here,you are making a big mistake!!

 
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