Quiet, out of the way places often yield delicious surprises, and something more — the thrill of ferreting out an undiscovered gem. Sistha Sistha Cafe is just that kind of place, although from the flurry of tips Baristanet received about this Frog Hollow find, it shouldn’t stay undiscovered for long. Open Monday – Saturday from 8 am to 7:30 pm, Sistha Sistha Cafe (and specifically Elsa Desouza) is feeding folks breakfast, lunch and dinner. The corner storefront restaurant, with room for just three tables (as well as more outside space in warm weather) has a cozy homestyle vibe made that much more welcoming by Desouza herself, who serves as both owner and chef.
To try: tender, fall-off-the-bone stewed chicken, spicy (but not too) jerk chicken, and an absolutely amazing, crispy, expertly-seasoned fried chicken. Another hit — her savory jerk burger on a traditional Jamaican roll. Stop in for coffee and cake or grab a soda and a Jamaican meat pie, and meet DeSouza. Besides chicken, entrees include fish (various preparations), oxtail and curry goat. Breakfast specials include ackee & salt fish, callaloo, salmon cakes, eggs, bacon and grits. Street parking is easy to find (turn onto William from Valley Road –landmark is Montclair Bikery). Oh, and ask Elsa to make you a “Sex on the Beach.” — Liz George
Sistha Sistha Cafe
25 William Street, Montclair, 973-655-1808
Mmmmmmm mmmm good. We had lunch there today. Elsa is a delight and the food was wonderful. There’s only one table so if you are too shy to eat with strangers, plan for take-out. We sat right down and joined the conversation.
I can’t believe I did not see anything on this site about Table 8. I was there a few different times and the food is GREAT. You have to check it out and please let me know what you think. Thanks to all you great people out in Montclair