It is February and with the flip of the calendar page, comes an overload of information about the sweetest day of the year. To help navigate through the cupid clutter, Jersey Bites’ writers have compiled a list of some sexy restaurants that are sure to put a little romance in your evening – whether in February or any other special time of the year.
Giumarello’s Restaurant and The G Bar – Westmont, NJ (329 Haddon Avenue, Westmont, NJ 07108) 856-858-9400. Sip on one of 32 martini variations while enjoying some of the award-winning dishes at this top south Jersey steakhouse.
Chakra – Paramus NJ (144 West State Route 4, Paramus, NJ 07652) 201-556-1530. Feast on Chef Thomas Ciszak’s eclectic new American cuisine in one of the sexiest restaurant in New Jersey.
Cafe Madison – Riverside, NJ (33 Lafayette Street, Riverside, NJ 08075) 856-764-4444. Two special Valentine celebrations: 2/12: 4-course dinner + bottled wine specials – $49.95/person and 2/14: 4-course surf & turf dinner – $65.95/person (prices do not include tax or gratuity). Evenings include piano music, live entertainment and dancing.
Gina’s Ristorante – Vineland, NJ (3600 East Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ) 856-205-0049. Fine Italian cuisine in a small, romantic setting. Reservations recommended. BYOB.
Janice A Bistro – Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ (23 Sheridan Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ) 201-445-2666. Great atmosphere – simply an inviting, intimate and happy place. BYOB.
Above – South Orange, NJ (1 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079) 973-762-2683. Beautiful 2/14 dinner menu featuring a la carte items including foie gras, sea bass and dessert / after dinner drinks.
Crystal Tavern at Crystal Springs Resort – Hamburg, NJ (One Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 07419) 973.827.5996 Ext 3. 2/11 and 2/12 offers a very special dinner: First Course – Maine Lobster Bisque “Encroute”, Second Course – Shaved Celeriac & Watercress Salad Toasted Hazelnuts, Dates, Pomegranate, Sherry Vinaigrette, Third Course – Grilled Filet of Grass-fed Beef Vegetable Strudel, Glazed Candy Cane Beets, Black Truffle Sauce, Dessert – White Chocolate & Strawberry Mousse Vanilla Anglaise, Strawberry Compote. $70 per Person or $105 Paired with Wine. Price does not include applicable tax and gratuities.
Ninety Acres: (2 Main Street, Peapack-Gladstone, NJ 07977) (908) 901-9500 Occupying the space of the historic carriage house and garage on the estate turned luxury resort known as Natirar, in Somerset County, Ninety Acres retains the original exposed brick in the 70 seat main dining room complemented with new, rich materials such as warm wood flooring, butternut millwork, walnut furniture and ceilings, green stressed-leather seating, and banquette fabric inspired by traditional equestrian blankets. Opt for the more traditional a la carte menu and sit at a copper top table in the Main Dining Room, or should you prefer something more unique, request to sit and dine BMF (Bring Me Food) style and you will find yourself near the open kitchen with a linen covered bistro-style table, or you can even pop in without a reservation to see if there is space at their live-edge communal dining table in The Cognac Room where you can feast on tapa-style small plates. If the weather cooperates, dining on the back patio adjacent to the farm will be sure to leave you relaxed and smiling.
A Toute Heure – Cranford, NJ (232 Centennial Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016) 908.276.6600. Valentine’s Day menu: – plate 1 – crispy bluepoint oysters with a smoked bacon & horseradish aioli – plate 2 – east coast bay scallop crudo with shaved black truffle, fennel, red onion & golden beets in a citrus vinaigrette – plate 3 – crispy “scampi” shrimp in a panko crust, with a pan-sautéed chickpea cake, fresh herb salad and garlic parsley scampi sauce – palate cleanser – passion fruit sorbet – plate 4 – brined, roast, crispy skinned quail with herb gnocchi, porcini confit, arugula, and a mascarpone crema – plate 5 – black & white chocolate ganache tart with a vanilla whipped cream and coca nib tuille dessert plate includes choice of regular or decaf ATH blend coffee with two seatings at 6PM and 8:30PM. $100/person includes tax and gratuity. BYOB.
The Ryland Inn – Jersey City (115 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889) 908-534-3586. The Ryland Inn aspires to make guests feel like they are walking into a friend’s home – warm, hospitable and welcoming while being inspired by the setting and their creatively-prepared meal.
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Jersey Bites!
Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.
