1 year Anniversary - Suggestions

[J M S]

I know a lot of you have been to Ama Ristorante in Atlantic Highlands and I was looking for suggestions of restaurants that are somewhat like it. What I mean by that, is a place that serves delicious food, great service, and the option of having the chef do a tasting menu for us. BYOB would be a big plus also, but its not neccesary. Also it does not have to be Italian.

This is for my one year wedding anniversary with my wife so I would like it to be nice. We are willing to go anywhere in NJ or even NYC.

Thanks in advance

[ambrose]

The CIA would be a wonderful choice but if you're planning on dinner don't forget about that long drive home. Of course, you could always stay in the area overnight and return the next day.

If, however, "BYOB would be a big plus" then I suggest you consider Lorena's in Maplewood, NJ. The food is terrific and the service is exceptional. I don't believe they do a tasting menu but I could be wrong. There are many very positive comments about Lorena's on this board. Just do a search over the past five years. You can also read numerous reviews on Lorena's web site.

http://www.restaurantlorena.com/

[ladyberd]

Lorena's is a great suggestion. My husband and I went there for a Valentine's dinner last year and it was excellent. I'd also recommend A Toute Heure in Cranford - BYO and they use fresh local ingredients. It's top of my mind because my husband and I will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary there on Friday night!

Happy anniversary - and many more to come
Ladyberd
http://ladyberds-kitchen.blogspot.com

[JustJake]

I like Hill's recommendation and I'd take it a half step further. Call the CIA up in Hyde Park NY should you be looking for a wonderful place to celebrate. It will require a reservation and this can be a day trip with plenty of room to spend the day up there and return home to the Monmouth area. We've done it and always love it, especially in October when it's truly beautiful up there (from relaxing on a blanket at the Rockefeller Estate to visiting farm markets etc). We've dined at all of them. Especially love Escoffier. No BYOB.

http://www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/de...

[MGZ]

Trinity in Keyport offers what ChefMD calls a "Mercy" dinner. We have truly enjoyed it on more than one occassion.

[HillJ]

French Culinary Institute in NYC http://www.frenchculinary.com/lecole.htm
Special, delicious and reasonable dining destination

[nomistone]

elements in Princeton, at the Chef's table in the kitchen