Neighborhood Eats: Duck Tacos at Le Salbuen

MONCLAIR (WABC) -- There is something about Le Salbuen in Montclair, New Jersey that reminds people of a city like New York or even Paris, and that's exactly the feel the owners are going for -- high school sweethearts who've been together for 17 years.

The menu reflects that too. There's the Spanish breakfast, the Portuguese French toast, and a Mediterranean omelet - all with local or organic ingredients.

John and Christina Buenano started cooking for fun, and eventually started catering for friends and family.

"Every night I'd cook and cook and wonder where is it going to take me and it took me somewhere I'm really happy about that,"

As are customers, who often clamor the for duck tacos.

Le Salbuen is a mix of John's last name Salierno and Christina's maiden name-- Buenano.

The two also opened Le Willow 83, a clothing store around the corner, showing their commitment to Montclair.

Learn more about Le Salbuen Cafe by visiting their website at www.lesalbuen.com.

Recipe for Braised Duck Tacos:

1 whole duck broken down into breast and thighs

1 large red onion

4 tomatoes

1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic

2 tablespoons of Sesame oil

3/4 cup red wine

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1/4 cup of maple syrup

Pinch of Himalayan salt, pepper, smoked paprika

1 teaspoon Cinnamon, clove

2 tablespoons Siracha

1 tablespoon of creme fraiche

Cilantro leaves

2 tablespoons pickled cabbage

Steps:

Pan sear duck on all sides until browned, seasoned with Himalayan salt, pepper, smoked paprika in cast iron pot

Remove from pot and put aside

Sauted onions, garlic and tomatoes with cinnamon and clove until soft

Add wine, vinegar and maple syrup

Add the seared duck back into the put and put in oven for 3 hours

Remove from oven

Pull apart until it's shredded add siracha, smoked paprika

Toast tacos over stove burners add meat and top with purple pickled cabbage, creme fraiche, cilantro