| Author |
Message |
    
lefty
Citizen
Username: Lefty
Post Number: 60
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 5:31 pm: |     |
since it's our third anniversary coming up, i've only had two dinners.
out of those two, only one top-5 worthy, so....
1. Jocelyn's
how about yours? |
Hank Zona
Supporter
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 3982
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 5:46 pm: | |
in NJ only or including the city? |
lefty
Citizen
Username: Lefty
Post Number: 61
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 5:47 pm: | |
Let's stay local...Essex, Union, Morris counties. |
msg
Citizen
Username: Msg
Post Number: 70
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 5:57 pm: | |
We love Cafe Arugala in SO, Garlic Rose in Madison, and Highlawn Pavillion in W Orange. |
Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 672
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 6:06 pm: | |
Rod's in Madison (Convent Station). Ask to sit in the parlor cars. |
Eric
Citizen
Username: Ericactive
Post Number: 39
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 6:11 pm: | |
Serenade and Scalini Fedelli in Chatham and the Stage House Inn in Scotch Plains |
The Man
Citizen
Username: Bumboklaat
Post Number: 32
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 6:38 pm: | |
If you want to trek to Hudson, the Chart House in Weehawken is awesome. Otherwise, Forno's in the Ironbound is one of the best as well. |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 87
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 7:32 pm: | |
I'd second Scalini ... really special food. Also, you can bring your own wine/champagne - just have to pay a corking fee. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 1542
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 7:58 pm: | |
Amanda's in Hoboken, hands down. Beautiful, romantic atmosphere. Great food. Impeccable service. Great wine list. Full bar with lots of creative mixed drinks. Really only a 20 minute drive from here. Consistantly rated in Zagats. And they do have an arragement with a parking garage to park for free. Plus, after, you can take a stroll up and down Washington Street.
www.amandasrestaurant.com |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3154
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 8:05 pm: | |
Went to the Ryland Inn for our first anniversary in 96. Tasting menu was incredible. I was very pregnant so I didn't have the accompanying wine, but would still recommend highly.
One other meal that stands out was a birthday meal a little less than 2 years ago. Blue Ribbon Sushi on Sullivan or Thompson, just below Houston. The sushi was incredible but so was the service and a very nice atmosphere. Mucho expensivo though.
Both places would probably be about $200 for dinner for 2(min.), but hey, you're worth it. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 900
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 9:27 pm: | |
Our first anniversary, we ate at Jocelyne's in town. Amazing. For the second, it was an Italian restaurant in Madison, forgot the name, the same owners as Scalini Fedeli but more moderately priced. Third was Verjus, food was pretty much on par with Jocelynes, only thing missing was quaint location -- Springfield Avenue is no Maplewood Village, alas. Fourth was Antonella's in South Orange, the least fancy of all but still nice atmosphere and wonderful food. Our fifth anniversary is this Friday, we wanted to try Terra (formerly American Fare) but seeing as we have a 5 month old baby and no babysitter lined up, looks like it's takeout for us this time around. Ahhhh, romance! |
AntoninaKC
Citizen
Username: Antoninakc
Post Number: 95
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 9:45 pm: | |
I second the Chart House in weehawken--- the whole place has floor to ceiling windows for an amazing unobstructed view of NYC. They mainly serve seafood and steaks but there are a few other dishes without. all in all its very romantic!!
|
Aschwartz
Citizen
Username: Aschwartz
Post Number: 21
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 10:48 pm: | |
A second for Amanda's...nothing compares around here in my opinion. |
Hank Zona
Supporter
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 3983
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 11:59 pm: | |
Serenade |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 1788
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 7:14 am: | |
http://www.highlawn.com/
For me, it's this place nearby in West Orange. First and second anniversaries here in NJ we celebrated at this lovely restaurant. Attractive bar, great views of Manhattan and similar, patio or inside dining, great food. And you can get a cab there and back if you feel like indulging! |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 890
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 9:16 am: | |
Highlawn Pavillion is a winner for an anniversary dinner - but I'm a little biased since we got married there... |
bmpsab
Citizen
Username: Bmpsab
Post Number: 153
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 1:28 pm: | |
Second for Ryland Inn. Had an absolutely fabulous anniversary dinner. They have several tasting menus and the food and wine were just fantastic. |
Lisa Ebert
Citizen
Username: Boomie
Post Number: 199
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 1:37 pm: | |
I actually find Legal Seafood in Short Hills Mall, really special and romantic. |
Sean Flood
Citizen
Username: Campus_sub_shop
Post Number: 36
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 2:28 pm: | |
Italian Restaurant in Madison that Amandacat was referring to:
Il Mondo Vecchio
Web Site: n/a
Address: 72 Main St
Madison , NJ 07940
Contact: Michael Cetrulo
(973) 301-0024
BYOB
|
Stevie
Citizen
Username: Rodman
Post Number: 14
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 6:01 pm: | |
Jocelyne's has just changed owners so the jury is still out for me. The food was great and the new owners are nice but I'm not sure the food is up to what it was. My two favorite restaurants for best food in NJ (I haven't eaten at Ryland Inn or Nicholas)are David Drake in Rahway (great food and decor) and Cafe Panache in Ramsey. |
Soulful Mr T
Citizen
Username: Howardt
Post Number: 843
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 6:43 pm: | |
Here's a great recommendation that many folks don't know about, if you don't mind heading to Jersey City... it's wonderful.
Pronto Cena Ristorante
87 Sussex St, Jersey City
(201) 435-0004
|
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 1552
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 7:05 pm: | |
Haven't been to Pronto Cena in years. It was good than, glad to hear it's still good. Guess we gotta get back sometime soon.
What about that other place, what's it called, the Iron Monkey? Think we ate there once and remember it being pretty good as well.
However, I still maintain that Amanda's is the most elegant and romantic. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 1553
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 7:08 pm: | |
Yup, Iron Monkey. Here's a link to more info:
http://www.restaurantrow.com/MoreInfo.cfm?Code=121062 |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3160
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 10:42 pm: | |
I dunno. We went to Pronto Cena once when we lived in JC. I don't recall it being anything out of the ordinary.
(Edited to add)
It was good, but I don't think it was more than a nice Saturday night meal. |
Sean Flood
Citizen
Username: Campus_sub_shop
Post Number: 38
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 2:50 pm: | |
How about Laicos in Jersey City? Maybe not an anniversary joint but I always loved the food. |
mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 399
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 9:37 pm: | |
Great restaurants in NJ:
Stage House (Scotch Plains, in an old, old house, fantastic food, unbelievable wine list--its also a wine bar--and very expensive)
Dining Room, Short Hills Hilton: the best meal my wife and I ever had, easily; unbelievable service, very nice atmosphere (they even have a harp player sometimes) and a nice, well-spaced (read 2/3 hour) meal
Frog and the Peach (New Brunswick, very nice, excellent food, pretty hip space)
Amandas (Hoboken, already mentioned here, fantastic romantic atmosphere and very good food)
Scalini--good food, high prices, I have to confess, that my wife and I were not overwhelmed; it was good, but the hype had us expecting an unbelievable meal, and it wasn't that.
Whatever you choose, enjoy and congrats. Cheers. |
Jason
Citizen
Username: Jason
Post Number: 36
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 10:30 am: | |
We just had our anniversary dinner at Frog and the Peach. I realize that it is slightly outside the geographical boundaries of the discussion, but it is a truly awesome place. Service was great, and the food was delicious and extremely well presented. |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1059
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 1:49 pm: | |
Stage House is awesome. I recently became acquainted with it, and it's a fabulous place. Is it just me or does it have a pretty low profile? I've lived in the area for almost eight years and really hadn't heard of it much until recently. Anyway, well worth the 15-minute drive to Scotch Plains. |
Mrs T
Citizen
Username: Netjack
Post Number: 239
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 5:24 pm: | |
Pronto Chena is where we had our wedding dinner, married at City Hall in the city. When we lived in JC, we would always go there for our anniversary. Love, love the food. Our 'new' favorite is Cafe Arrugula here in SO, fantastic food, atmosphere not exacly romantic. |
Mummite
Citizen
Username: Mummite
Post Number: 127
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 6:54 pm: | |
basilico in millburn |
Yonti2323
Citizen
Username: Yonti2323
Post Number: 39
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 2:43 pm: | |
The Dining Room at the Short Hills Hilton was the best "special occasion" meal my wife and I have had in this general area. It's on par with some of the best restaurants in NYC. The food is creative and delicious. The wine list is extensive. The service is meticulous, attentive and personal, but not overbearing. The tables are very large and spread out. It is VERY expensive, but definitely worth it for a splurge. |
SO Emigré
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1054
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 9:57 pm: | |
It is my belief that an anniversary dinner should be outside of your normal dining universe...it needs to be special and out of the ordinary.
My suggestion would be an evening at Rat's - located on the Grounds for Sculpture - in Hamilton. The restaurant is phenomenal, an astounding wine list, and the sculptures by Seward Johnson are amazing - you could should spend hours touring the grounds. You will NOT be disappointed. www.ratsrestaurant.org |
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