Chef Todd prepared a finely tuned six-course autumn menu which practically got a standing ovation. The point and counterpoint of tastes and textures was like an epicurian symphony, our two favorites being the mild tasting Pan Roasted Monk Fish laced with a mussel reduction accompanied by sweet potato confit and chorizo wilted greens - and an amazing Juniper Berry Cured Duck Breast in a foie gras butter, served with jasmine rice, asparagus, and fennel. We ate way too much, but we couldn't stop - even at cracking open the decorative chocolate pumkin at the end of our meal.
"The Professor," Neil Baldwin, gleefully over-indulged with us and sends this review:
To grab a reservation call 973-233-0216 a.s.a.p! If that seems like an unsophisticated, crass and blatant way to start a restaurant review, so be it.The phone number is the highest praise I can provide, the quickest way to tell everybody about one of Montclair's tastiest dining destinations, Church Street Kitchen.
I was filled with the best intentions of writing this review as soon as I got home from the inaugural tasting hosted by ebullient co-owners Cheryl and Greg Spinelli and Laura Eveleth.
Alas (but don't feel too sorry for me), perhaps it was the combination of bewitchingly-sweet Moscatel wine, addictive chocolate petit fours, aromatic Port poached pear, exotically-varied artisan cheese "trilogy,"
...the fork-soft juniper berry cured duck breast, comforting pan roasted monk fish, crispy lobster and crab wontons, butternut squash ginger soup with crisp little shards of coconut floating on the surface - not to mention the exquisitely decadent hors d'oeuvres: escargot vol au vent nestled in an evanescent puff-pastry, grilled hanger steak resting gently upon foie gras, alaskan salmon tartar with yuzu creme fraiche (don't ask what it is, just taste it), smoked portobello and sundried tomato...no, no...maybe it was the happy-tasting Prosecco or the Wyatt Chardonnay or Pinot Noir...that caused me to fall asleep with visions of more food dancing in my head...so I awoke this morning full of resolve to share my story.It's not "just the food," (another understatement), although that is more than enough to commend this fine restaurant. It's also the service, which is something of particular interest to me, and many of you as well. If I'm going to spend a respectable amount of money on a nice meal, I don't want to start looking around wondering where my next course is, or why my water glass has been empty for fifteen minutes.
No worries! -- Church Street Kitchen has got this all-important department well covered.
Church Street Kitchen is open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and lunch/brunch. I reiterate: The phone number is 973-233-0216.
Tell them Professor Baldwin urged you to call... -- Neil Baldwin
And here's a tip...every Wednesday,Thursday and Friday, Todd prepares a special prix-fixe tasting menu, $50 per person. Don't hold back!
I'm on the phone right now, this is the third time I've called tonight, NO ANSWER! I don't think you should have started the review out with that number.