Dining near Closter NJ/Palisades NY

[LizG]

I will be getting married in Closter next month. My fiance and I have decided to go out for dinner, just the two of us, before all the craziness begins. The problem is we don't really know the area. We know even less about the dining scene. Generally, we like all types of food and consider food-exploration a hobby. The only thing we REALLY want is someplace quiet and relaxing, where we are unlikely to run into anyone we know. Any suggestions in any of the following areas?

Closter, NJ
Orangeburg, NY
Piermont, NY
Palisades, NY
Englewood, NJ

Thanks!

[Petite Chou]

Relish in Sparkill, the food is superb, very quiet atmosphere, desserts are sublime. Had a lovely quiet undisturbed meal there. Prices are right. Cafe Portofino in Piermont has a nice very quiet romantic vibe as well. Xaviers in Piermont, very expensive, small portions, ok but maybe not what you are looking for.

[nancyl126]

I'm for Relish...it's got a different vibe and the food is quite good. I've often seen well known people eating there undisturbed. Restaurant X can be very lovely...there are many seating areas and you can certainly request "a quiet table in the corner"

[sixelagogo]

I'm for Relish in Sparkill...they do a really nice job with local ingredients and interesting flavor combinations....Wish Piermont had better choices as the scenery is great, but even Peter Kelly failed to wow me there.

Other (greek) options:
-Axia in Tenafly :upscale greek- good stuff + liquor license
-the other new greek place in Englewood on Grande (not sure on the name, but if you do a search and you'll find it on this board)

[Claire]

This is a little off topic. I grew up in Closter and I'm wondering if the China Chalet is still there and, if so, if it's still good. It was wonderful then, but this is going back a long time.

[Nancy C]

Closed eons ago, turned into a Korean place, and now closed again.

[Claire]

Thanks Nancy. I have such great memories of the place.

[rifkind81]

Korea Palace just relocated a few blocks down by the corner of Piermont & Closter Dock.

[fourunder]

With due respect to NJfoodLover, this is not meant to be personal against his/her recommendation, but rather my opinion and public awareness. I have said my feelings on the attached thread and I suggest you read the attached links within.....I will not comment other than to say decide for yourself.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/568749
__________________________________________________________________

Based on your criteria of:

The only thing we REALLY want is someplace quiet and relaxing, where we are unlikely to run into anyone we know
____________________________________________________________________

For Fine Dining, consider Madeleine's Petit Paris. Chef Gaspard Caloz was a past winner of the Cooking Olympics

http://www.madeleinespetitparis.com/main.htm

For something with the local feel that recently brought in a new chef with credentials and a challenge win .....consider Hennessy's Tavern....owned by Jill Hennessey of "Law and Order" and "Crossing Jordan" fame.

http://www.hennessytavern.com/default.aspx

http://njmg.typepad.com/foodblog/2009...

[rifkind81]

Why don't you just go to Xaviar's in Piermont?

[michele cindy]

I've never been to Xavier's but I'd really like to go there too. If you want somewhere you'll remember as a special meal before your big day, from what I've read and heard, this is the place to go. The only thing is, men need to where a jacket & tie I believe so it may not fit relaxing..
As to "not running into someone you may know", reminds me of a story, my dad was in the army in Korea. While he was walking down a dirt road, miles away from his base he ran into a neighbor from his NJ hometown. You just can't predict that criteria.

[Bosmer]

Xaviars in Piermont
Restaurant X in Congers
Relish in Sparkill

Hennessy Tavern is a pub. It doesn't sound like you are looking for wings and a burger.

I agree about skipping Dimora.

[fourunder]

Bosmer,

According to published reports, Hennessey's has elevated their menu offerings with the new chef, who has a resume which includes some top restaurants, in both New York and New Jersey, I believe. His talents will be executed and expressed more in the Daily Specials.

http://njmg.typepad.com/foodblog/2008...

[NJfoodLover]

Dimora on Piermont Ave in on the boarder of Norwood and Closter is amazing. It is one of my favorite places to eat.
It is quiet and very relaxing and the service is fantastic.