Second Time Around the Montclair Center
Plant installation in the Montclair Center. Image courtesy of Carianne Hixson
By Mike Delia
Hello Montclairians! Hope all is well. With last week’s debut of “Montclair by Mike” I mentioned that for the first couple of weeks, I will be doing an “Around The Neighborhood” series on the different districts in Montclair. Since Montclair Center is so vast it had to be split up into two parts. Last week I covered the northern half of Montclair Center. This week I will be covering the southern half from North Willow down to the Glen Ridge border. The southern half has definitely stepped up their game with new restaurants, shopping, and apartments in the last five years or so.
Dining:
Fascino’s. Image courtesy of Fascino’s
A long-time Montclair staple, Fascino has been serving up delicious Italian food for over 20 years. Fascino has delicious pasta, seafood, beef, and chicken. The restaurant also offers a Sunday brunch and is available for private events and catering.
Right off of Bloomfield Avenue is this mini-chain of Colombian restaurants. Serving delicious Colombian dishes including steak, chicken, and salads. Noches also has a bakery located inside where you can indulge in some delicious Colombian treats. The bar menu is quite impressive as well. My favorite is their frozen Margarita. Perfect to cool you down on a hot summer night. The restaurant can also be rented out for live venues and private parties.
If it’s a pastrami sandwich that you are craving definitely stop by this hidden gem located at the intersection of North Willow Street and Glenridge Avenue. With a takeout window and outside seating, Tostchu serves up mouthwatering pastrami and melted sandwiches. If you are looking to quench your thirst, they also have a juice bar that features a variety of smoothies.
A relative newcomer to the Montclair scene, Elyssia’s Kitchen serves up delicious Asian fusion and Chinese cuisine. Be sure to try the homemade dumplings. One of the restaurant’s specialties.
Shopping:
Taking over a long-vacant storefront near Lackawanna Plaza, Cool Cat Music Company opened in the late summer of 2018. A father and son duo, Joe & Ken DePoto opened Cool Cat bringing something Montclair Center had been missing for a long time: a local music store. Guitars, drums, basses, and amplifiers both new and used can be found here along with a wide selection of accessories and sheet music. Cool Cat also offers services including repairs and music lessons.
Connie’s Vintage Trunk. Image courtesy of Connie’s Vintage Trunk
If you are looking for something unique and at times funky and eclectic to wear be sure to check out Connie’s Vintage Trunk. Located right by Grove Street, Connie’s is bursting with gently used clothing and accessories.
In two weeks, I will be covering the uptown gem Upper Montclair and all that it has to offer. Until then, see you soon Montclair!
