Suggestions needed for "50th" birthday dinner

[lainer105]

A special dinner for a special girl on a special day......hubby is taking me out for my 50th. We are looking for a place with great food, service and ambiance. All suggestions appreciated.

[bropaul]

Restaurant Serenade in Chatham is lovely and the Bernards Inn in Bernardsville is always special.

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The Bernards Inn
27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924

[Curlz]

After the meal I had at the Bernards Inn last month (my first and last trip), I can't in good conscience tell ANYONE to go there--even a total stranger! Pretentious, TERRIBLE service (how many times do you enjoy being interrupted?), insanely-priced, and mediocre are the adjectives I'd use to describe the place and the food.

Lorena is definitely a good option; and it's BYO to boot! And what about 90 Acres? I'm hearing/reading good things...

[bropaul]

Always the risk when one makes a recommendation. . .

[Curlz]

True dat! :-)

[lainer105]

thanks so much.....Ninety Acres is on our possible list

[ambrose]

Perhaps you could tell us exactly what you mean by northern NJ. I did not even consider suggesting Ninety Acres, but if you're willing to go that far "south" it would make a fine choice.

[lainer105]

Northern NJ--Upper Montclair.....Basking Ridge, Peapack area isn't "that far south" if the dinner is worth it.

[RGR]

We did the BMF Chef's Table at Ninety Acres in May. I felt that the food, while interesting and well-prepared, was not rave-worthy. Service was excellent, and it is a big, beautiful place. But if food is paramount, imo, there is much better to be had elsewhere.

Ninety Acres photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157626490127919/

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[bifpocaroba]

Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange

Saddle River Inn, Saddle River

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Saddle River Inn
2 Barnstable Ct, Saddle River, NJ 07458

Highlawn Pavilion
Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange, NJ 07052

[ambrose]

Lainer105, the following thread may be of some assistance:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/795413

Given the two geographic locations you mention, my choices would be Lorena's in Maplewood and Nicholas (see RGR's post for web site).

http://www.restaurantlorena.com

[RGR]

I would recommend Nicholas - http://www.restaurantnicholas.com

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[scholar399]

In Northern NJ, I would suggest Picnic in Fair Lawn, Chefs Table in Franklin Lakes, 5 Seasons which just opened in Ridgewood has gotten some great press, St Eve's in Hohokus, The Vine in Basking Ridge area (a little further), or saddle river inn are some of my favorites for a nicer night.

[lainer105]

Adding on a PS......Northern NJ or Monmouth County...Italian, French or Continental. Price for this dinner isn't a concern since it's a special day.

[RGR]

You need to provide some specifics. Where specifically in NJ do you want to have this dinner? Do you want casual or fancy? Cuisine preferences? And give us your per person budget for *food only*, keeping in mind that you will have to drinks, tax & 20% tip.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[equal_Mark]

Some specifics on things like location, price range and type of food may help narrow things down a bit.

[lainer105]

Northern NJ area although Monmouth County by our shore home is OK as well. Price doesn't matter on this day ;) and food can either be Italian, French or Continental.