May 8, 2002, section ‘Savor, Taste of New Jersey,’ page 32, article: “Indigo Smoke gets in your nostrils and taste buds,” author Brooke Tarabour
“If I had to name one town in New Jersey with the most good food, it would be Montclair – hands down. You can find almost any cuisine to fit most budgets, … and there are many standouts among the crowd.
But it’s not often I hear so many raves from so many people about a new place, especially when it’s within one block of places like Déjà vu … Blue Sky Café … and the consistently fine Rocky’s West Indian barbecue. Everthing I heard about Indigo Smoke I liked.
… my friend Sandy and I decided to eat in at one of the eight tables and were made to feel at home by the friendliest staff around. Dressed in blue denim chef’s jackets, they look professional, act professional, and get you in the mood for what’s to come. ‘Oh, try this – it’s great,’ says Derek. And ‘You’ll love that.’
Well, mostly, we did. … Even after eating more than we should have, we saw an order of crispy Indigo fries go by and wanted to try them, too.”
I talked to a take-out customer, who had come to Indigo Smoke because she too had heard great things about the food. “A friend who recommended it to me kept raving about the food and the atmosphere,” says Henrietta Parker, a producer for New Jersey Network. “They make it nice for you with convenient shopping bags, they’re very particular about the way they pack and the people are so friendly.”
Indigo Smoke is on to something. If this is the future of take-out food, dinner just got a whole lot easier to take – out, that is.”
Review this article, which further discusses restaurant atmosphere, varied menu items, and take-out experiences.
April 23, 2003, seasonal section ‘May in Montclair,’ page M-4, article: “Montclair eateries have global flavor,” author Sally Friedman
“Using the Kansas City method of barbecuing, Indigo Smoke goes one step beyond, and finishes the slow cooking process with a ‘saucing’ and a spell on the grill … that lets the caramelizing seep in.
Indigo Smoke is also dedicated to soul food – with a twist. From Knowling’s extensive experience as a chef in high-end restaurants like Butterfield 81 in Manhattan, he has wed soul food with special gourmet touches. Grilled boneless short ribs wear a coating of onion rings; grilled catfish is coupled with smoked tomatoes.
‘We like to think that our customers get a unique experience in the all-American art of barbecue,’ said Knowling, ‘and also get a taste of soul food with a boutique flair.’”
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