We first dined at Passionne in 
July of 2006.
We dined there again in the Fall of 2010 and found the restaurant excellent in every way.
In my humble opinion there are 4 qualities that make up a great restaurant, the quality of the cuisine, the presentation, service, and ambiance. If a place gets close to 100% on all it is a sure winner.
Passionne excels in the first two areas, but on this night lacked in the later two. The restaurant lacks personality, too many a fatal flaw. You enter Blu, Table 8 (now closed), Fascino, Corso, Il Forno and others you are swept into a world onto its own. Not so at Passionne. But this is not the case any longer, Passionne is wonderful as of 2010.
We arrived at 7:30 on a Wednesday night. The hostess greeted us with little "Passionne", I find more interest from the host at the local dinner. 
For wine we enjoyed at 2000 Bordeaux Pavillon des Connetables, Saint Julien, from Amanti Vino. An elegant deep red wine, with bright berry fruit on the nose and h a smoky edge. Easy and balanced with smooth tannin fruity palate. On the light side, but still plenty of to enjoy. Perfect with the Lamb. $29.99 at Amanti.
There was one other table seated in the upper area. We were seated us in the lower area. In the course of our dinner 5 tables were seated in all.
The room is rather plain with oddly placed mass produced "French" art. But that is all changed now.
Our waiter opened our wine and offered water. A nice young man but like the hostess not expressing any real interest. He later struggled to explain the specials of the night.
On the other hand when Diana asked if the Tagine on the menu was a real Tagine he, much to my surprise, knew exactly what a real Tagine was and explained very clearly how the Passionne tagine was not quite traditional.
The tagine of Atlantic Cod, Nicoise olives, lemon, lime and spices was delicious none the less; as was the Sea Bass cooked in parchment paper with leaks and potatoes.
The Lamb Chops were fantastic, perhaps one of the best I have ever had, with Dauphinoise potatoes, slightly under cooked, and a goat cheese stuffed Piquillo pepper, very tasty.
For appetizers we enjoyed the Wild Mushroom Tart with Gruyere and herbs which was very nice, the Trio of Tartare-Steak, Tuna and Salmon which I thought was fantastic, Diana complained it was too small, and the White Asparagus soup, with morel mushrooms and summer truffles which I thought was just fair.
In between we tried the Frisee au Lardon Roquefort cheese, Banyuls' vinaigrette, and Applewood lardons. It was awful, the greens tough and overly bitter; the lardons thin over cooked breakfast bacon.
Presentation was all very nice, not the exotic designs of Blu or CulinAriane. At each course plates were almost all served simultaneously. But, few Montclair restaurants get that right.
No salt or pepper is available on the table. A sign of a very confident chef in my mind. We did note that for some many of the dishes were a little to heavily salted.
For dessert we had the Creme Brulee, "classic velvety custard with a passionate twist." Very good.
We started with Bogle Sauvignon Blanc, a great value wine, that is smooth, balanced with deep citrus flavors. It avoids the excessive sharpness or grassy taste found in many SB's
All in all the dinner was very pleasant.
Michael Carrino does fabulous work in the kitchen. He would be served well by getting out into the dinning room more, making friends with patrons and inspiring his staff.
A review by the Ledger will be here for awhile, French favorites, prepared with Passionne.
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
what a disappointment. Went tonight Wednesday June 4 looking forward to a wonderful annniversary dinner. First of all we were the second party in there and we were placed at the smallest table, plenty of open tables. The service was poor, one young lady for the entire restaurant, no bus boy, nothing. So needless to say service was slow. Focaccia was delicious everything else was bland and over priced. My husband got the lamb and it was tasteless, I had the lobster crepe and you would need a magnifying glass to find any lobster. We were so looking forward to this place and now will not go back again!
Posted by: Jean | 06/04/2008 at 21:02
The wife and I dine at Passionne regularly now and believe me, you may want to return. Quite a difference from even just a few months ago.
P.S. Try the Halibut, heavenly...
Posted by: Melange | 05/30/2007 at 01:48
The dinner was 7/26/2006 and the review was posted on the 29th.
Posted by: Peter | 08/21/2006 at 20:15
Just wondering when this review was written?
Posted by: bella | 08/18/2006 at 10:17