It would be easy to describe The Saint Clair as a lunch and dinner spot featuring locally-sourced ingredients. But Executive Chef Leia Gaccione believes there is something more to the menu. She describes the food as having a unique point of view, one that is unequivocally “Leia Gaccione.”
The Saint Clair, offers a sustainable, seasonally-focused menu that includes lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. While many of the core ingredients will remain throughout the year, the garnishes will change to match the season. It’s “a fun menu with global influence that isn’t too froofy,” Leia says. “It feels like a hug when you eat it.”
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A Thoughtful Menu
From starters to dessert, everything at The Saint Clair is made with care. Their homemade cast iron cornbread is already a big hit, as is the halibut. “It’s cooked in a delicate way that keeps the integrity of the protein,” Leia explains. But her favorite dish is the beet salad served with strawberries.
While they don’t have a pastry chef, The Saint Clair makes two desserts in house. One is a milk and honey panna cotta, and the other is a Brambleberry galette. The latter uses a homemade dough and local blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
The restaurant does not serve alcohol, but does curate a seasonal mocktail program.
About the Restaurant
The Saint Clair has both a main dining area and an upstairs for additional seating or private dining. It has a chandelier, organic earth tones, and arched mirrors. “It’s a stunning space,” Leia says. Their sidewalk patio offers additional outdoor dining.
Born and raised in Passaic, cooking has always been an important part of Leia’s life. She has trained under acclaimed chefs, including working in five of Bobby Flay’s fine-dining restaurants. She’s been on Iron Chef America, Chopped, Top Chef: Houston, and Beat Bobby Flay.
Future plans include offering daily specials, takeout, delivery, and opening on Mondays. They also want to have a DJ on Sundays for a fun meal.
Visit The St Clair is located at 32 Church Street in Montclair. Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © Make Cool Sh*t (Provided by The Saint Clair)