CulinAriane: Small, Intimate, and a Chef's Table for Q&A

For a top meal, how about a Top Chef? Ariane Duarte, Top Chef contestant and chef at Orange Lawn Tennis Club, also owns the very romantic Culin Ariane in Montclair. The restaurant is one of many local options for this Valentine's Day weekend. 

You’ll really start your romantic evening off on a good foot by choosing to dine at Culin Ariane, 33 Walnut St., Montclair, because it’s off the beaten path, and therefore you won’t be driving around for ages looking for a parking spot. 

Voted as one of the best restaurants in the area by Zagat, the dining room is relatively small, only seating 48 people, making for a very intimate evening. It’s comfortable and unpretentious, with simple décor such as fresh flowers on the table and an inviting staff.

Owners Michael Duarte and his wife Ariane (who is the chef) have been in business five years. He feels the warm setting and fantastic food is what wins customers over. The upscale food, such as duck, monkfish and venison, makes the eatery enticing to couples, rather than families although they do get families on occasion.

There’s no official entertainment at Culin Ariane, but Michael likes to start the evening off with soft jazz on his iPod.” I end up turning it off because people are talking,” he said. “When they first walk in, I don’t want it to compete with the conversation. I don’t think it adds to mood. We like to laugh and enjoy ourselves.”

A unique feature at Culin Ariane is a chef’s table in the kitchen where couples can ask Ariane questions while they are eating. “She almost puts you in a food coma,” said Michael. “It’s simple food prepared well. Very simple, very clean. She doesn’t put a lot of things into each dish.”

Although not classified as organic, the foods used at Culin Ariane are wholesome and natural as possible. “The quality speaks for itself,” said Michael. “How she prepares it takes it to another level.”

For more information go to: http://culinariane.com/