Catfood

I've had dinner at Raymond's a couple of times since they started it up again just before Christmas. Wonderful on all occasions! It also hasn't been too crowded and the dinner menu contains some items from the lunch menu(at the lunch prices) as well as some really terrific new things. I had the sea bass on New Year's Eve and it was fantastic!

I had the same experience the last couple of times I was at Top Quality too. The smell wasn't nearly as bad as East West and the store felt much cleaner to me. Maybe I just got them on a good day!

My favorite Asian market is Top Quality on route 46 west in Parsippany. I'm not sure of the exact address - don't know if I've seen it on the builiding. It's a great market - clean and very well stocked. Then there's East West Asian Gourmet Market 67 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ 973-748-0030. This is closer to Montclair but not nearly as well stocked and not quite as clean. I have a listing of some other markets on my site atCat Food under the heading "Where to get the good stuff". Cheers- Cat

Hi there- I was a pastry chef for a number of years and did lots of Jocondes. I just baked them off on a regular parchment lined sheet pan - not greased. You want to make sure that the colored bits and the background bits are the same temperature going into the oven. I would lay it all out on the sheet and then pop it in the frig for awhile before putting it in the oven. what are you using to color your joconde? Hope that helps. Cheers- Cat

Thanks Rosie! Really glad to be here! Cheers! Cat

I have not had dinner at Richie Cecere's but I have been there for cocktails on a couple of occasions and each time it has been a great experience - especially last Friday night. The bartenders were really friendly and make the best martinis we've had in New Jersey. They also will make up a beautiful cheese plate - at no charge - to have with your drinks. We had such a nice time we ended up sharing the king crab cocktail and chatting with others at the bar for quite some time. Before we left we also checked out the 15 piece big band that was playing upstairs - they were amazing! We're definitely planning to go back and have a proper dinner some time real soon.

Aozora is my pick for favorite new sushi place in Montclair. I've eaten there several times and the food has always been amazingly fresh and beautifully presented. The wait staff has been very attentive (in a good way) and on monday nights they were having live music. The last time it was asian inspired flute. Just beautiful! Aozora Japanese Restaurant 407 Bloomfield Ave Montclair 973.233.9400