Suggestions for a romantic 40th birthday dinner in the Manalapan area?

[buttertart]

A friend wants to take his wife out for her 40th and is having a hard time finding anywhere suitable in his neck of the woods (willing to travel 25 miles from home). Any ideas? Thanks very much in advance.

[buttertart]

FWIW:
They ended up going to Ponte Vecchio in Old Bridge and said the food (lobster ravioli, seafood salad, veal chop, rack of lamb, Kahlua cheesecake and vanilla something dessert were great, the service excellent, and the price very reasonable.

[Gold]

I'm not sure if i would consider Ponte Vecchio romantic but they do have great food

[buttertart]

I haven't been there but it suited them nicely.

[Mr. Bingley]

McDonalds can be romantic with the right partner :)

[buttertart]

Indeed it can. (As can a chance meeting at Netherfield. My middle name is Elizabeth.) They had a nice time.

[Mr. Bingley]

glad to hear it, Miss Elizabeth!

[MGZ]

I agree that Trinity is a particularly romantic spot and the food is significantly better than that at Whispers. I had my 40th birthday dinner there and it could only be described as "epic." I'd do it again if I could!

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/599263

Nicholas is pretty and the food is delicious, but I don't really get much of a "romantic" vibe from it - it's sort of sterile in a way. Also, I would not call the food there "French." It's really nore "New American."

[KeithH]

I have not dined there yet because I don't eat a lot of French food, but I would say that many on this Board would recommend Nicholas in Middletown. From what I hear, the space is intimate, the food is great, and it should only be about a half hour (or less) from Manalapan. Hope you have a great time.

[bgut1]

I agree with KeithH's recommendation. Nicholas would make an excellent choice. Although I wouldn't consider it in the "Manalapan area", another one that comes to mind is Lorena in Maplewood. Good Luck.

[mbw1024]

I think Trinity can be romantic, esp. the upper level.
Maybe Whispers in Spring Lake?
Not too many others spring to mind.