5 Montclair Restaurants, Bars Team Up To Host Dinner Event

MONTCLAIR, NJ — It’s not just a five-course dinner. It’s a sign of solidarity amid the coronavirus pandemic, a group of Montclair business owners say.

On Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m., a “collaborative” dinner between several local restaurants and bars will take place at Just Jake’s, 30 Park Street in Montclair. The other participating businesses are Montclair Brewery, Guerriero's Gelato and Cakes (Gelati), Le French Dad Boulangerie, and Paper Plane Coffee Company.

The dinner will have starters, and then proceed with three courses, ending with dessert and espresso. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling Just Jake’s at (973) 655-8987.

See the full menu here.

According to a news release, the event is being organized by Just Jake’s chef and owner, Alec Abd. Other local artisans that are taking part include Leo Sawadogo, from Montclair Brewery, Jonathan Echeverry from Paper Plane Coffee Company, Arben Gasi from Le French Dad Boulangerie, and Mike Guerriero from Guerriero Gelato.

“It was obvious during the peak of the pandemic how the food and beverage community in our town bonded together so we can all survive,” Abd said. “This inspired me to collaborate with those amazing and passionate craftsmen in an event to tell our own story and to confirm that each individual has something to offer.”

For example, Montclair Brewery will be pairing each meal course with one of its craft beers. The brewery also collaborated with Guerriero’s Gelati for the dessert menu; Guerriero created their “Black Excellence Ice Cream” with the brewery’s “Black is Beautiful Coconut Stout.”

• See related article: Montclair Restaurant Owner Takes Gutsy Leap, Expands Amid COVID

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