taking the family out for a big 50th bday celebration in north jersey

[gadget170]

in a few weeks. anybody have recommendations for a really special meal for a large group, perhaps between 15 and 20 in number? the family likes Italian, French, or any variation of American food you can think up.

should be within a 45-minute drive of Parsippany.

[foodismylife]

Mentioned in NJ Monthly top 25 pizza places of the state but much much more
Reserve the upstairs you will look over the restaurant
BYOB which is a huge plus
This is the closest you will get to Naples.
Great people and most accomodating
Their gelato is ab fab
Also do nuice salads and other specialties like fish and their gnocchi my son eats two whole portions by himself
If you want I am sure they would be happy to do a special menu
Biggest attraction, go monday to Thursday, buy one pizza get another free
Help them they deserve to be successful
No I am not the owner
Please invite me I will bring a birthday present

-----
A Mano
Ridgewood, NJ, Ridgewood, NJ

[hobokeneddies]

i'll be 50 in april,ouch.i like dino and harry's in hoboken, it's a steak house,on 14th and garden,i always get a big t-bone with mashed potatoes and creamed spinache, but if i take my kids there's plenty of pasta dishes served and i'm sure if your planning a party the owner dino will oblidge, i also recomend park and orchard in rutherford,an awesome selection of everything especially pasta,my favorite is linguinne in a pink, spicy crawfish sauce, the owners are brothers and both are your chefs BUDDY AND KENNY,they also make a number one red wine vinegar out of excelent red wine,but thats a secret,you'll have to ask buddy if he'll share. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ED

[bropaul]

I think the Montville Inn would fit the bill nicely. If you have fewer than 20, their wine room is the perfect place to have a private party. I hosted a dinner for 16 their and it was fantastic. We were all at one long table- appetizers were served family style.

www.montvilleinn.com

[gadget170]

Thanks Bropaul! This is the one we chose. The staff has been extremely helpful in planning this with me.

[bropaul]

Glad to hear it! I'm always a little nervous when I make a recommendation.

[fershore]

Stonehouse in Warren is perfect. Breathtaking surroundings and a variety of good food.

http://www.stonehouseatstirlingridge....

[menton1]

Could you kindly be more specific about your meaning of "special"? Do you mean a splurge at a high end restaurant, or perhaps a place that is unique (that eliminates any Italian) or something kitchy?

[gadget170]

Hi Menton -- something more in the direction of "splurge at high end," out of those three options anyway. we'd prefer not to go bankrupt after, etc., etc., but this is a more apt characterization than non-Italian/unique or kitschy.

[ttoommyy]

I'm getting to sound like a broken record, but Amanda's in Hoboken is a wonderful place to celebrate a life event. They will make you feel at home, the restaurant is beautiful and the food is top notch. They have a private room next to the wine cellar that would be perfect for 20 people. I had my 40th surprise birthday party there and it was a wonderful evening. They also validate parking at a nearby garage, so no need to worry about the horror stories you may have heard about trying to park in Hoboken.

http://www.amandasrestaurant.com/

PS--Google directions clocks it at about 35 minutes from Parsippany to Hoboken.

[fletchphil]

I second Amanda's... The dining rooms divide nicely and would surely be great for a party. See if you can get the back room that overlooks the small patio...