Need A Cool, Casual Lunch Place For A Ladies' Lunch Day Near Kenilworth

[CookingBabs]

Meeting some friends from all around the state for a fun, not-too-expensive lunch in the centrally located (from us at least) Kenilworth. Only problem, I know nothing about Kenilworth or the surrounding few miles. We are a mix of gals who don't cook or care what they eat, to great home cooks with more developed palates. We all love Italian cuisine, so that's a start, but are open to any type of menu except Asian or steak houses. Thanks!

[gudeatz]

CookingBabs...where did you have lunch?

[CookingBabs]

Thanks for asking, gudeatz. We haven't gone yet. We're going next week. Going to LouCas in Edison. Surprised that's what they chose, but oh well, that was the general agreement! A couple of the girls heard good things about it, so they wanted to try it. I'm still determined to get to La Grilia and ATH wih hubby soon!

[menton1]

Edison? Wow, that's a good haul from Kenilworth! (Summit, MUCH closer...)

[drongo]

I ate at La Griglia in Kenilworth for lunch about a year ago, and it was quite good. It's Italian, so meets that preference. Not cheap though, so may fail your "not-too-expensive" criterion. See http://www.lagriglia.com

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La Griglia
740 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ 07033

[CookingBabs]

Thanks, Drongo. That looks great for a nice dinner with hubby when we feel like taking a nice little ride in the cool fall months. I saw the lunch prix fixe and it looks quite reasonable to me, but once we add drinks, it might be a little too pricey.

[HillJ]

La Griglia Seafood Grill offers a nice dinner prefix. We enjoyed the short ribs and salmon there a few weeks back. drongo, what did you enjoy at La Griglia?

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La Griglia
740 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ 07033

[LttlMichey]

I love the lunch at A Toute Heure. That would definitely be my choice for the area.

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A Toute Heure
232 Centennial Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016

[CookingBabs]

A Toute Heure looks really interesting. Just wonder if it is the kind of place that is comfortable to hang out for a few hours, or is it too small that they need the table? No liquour, right?

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A Toute Heure
232 Centennial Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016

[HillJ]

ATH is really interesting and I'm happy to know you're considering my recommendation. They are a BYO and offer inside and outside seating if the weather is nice. I've spent 3 hours there with a group of 10 and never felt odd. They are super welcoming, nice owners and if you have any concerns ask when you make your reservation. I will mention this, the owners are put off by late arrivers and won't hold your table/res. for any length of time. So arriving on time is more important to the experience than staying too long :)

Enjoy!

[CookingBabs]

Thanks so much for the help! ATH is my choice! I'm going to suggest 2 or 3 places to the group, and let them decide! We are a very punctual group, so the owners will like that!

[HillJ]

Have a ball (if you wind up there) and if you're a fish lover and they are offering selections, go for it. Amazing.

[CookingBabs]

Thanks! Will definitely have the fish; fingers crossed that everyone chooses ATH!

[Angelina]

What about Mojave Grill in Westfield?

http://mojavegrille.com/

I have always enjoyed this place. Located in Westfield.

[Curlz]

On my last visit to Mojave grill (in the last couple of months), I found the same menu and same decor as my previous one--which had been 5 years ago; the whole place struck me as tired.

[CookingBabs]

Thanks, all! Love dinining in Summit, but not a good location for this group. Saw A Tout Heure, glad you suggested it because I thought it looked interesting. I'll have to check out Van Gogh's Ear.

[menton1]

FYI, Summit is about 12 minutes drive from Kenilworth...
Or, you can head to Westfield, adjacent to Kenilworth, with some very good choices as well--

Italian--
Aquaviva delle Fonti www.acquaviva-dellefonti.com/
Theresa's www.theresasrestaurant.com
16 Prospect Wine Bar www.16prospect.com/

[HillJ]

http://www.atouteheure.com/php_upload...

Or head to Cranford! A Toute Heure. Call ahead for daily menus/prices/reservations.
They are closed Monday.
Enjoy!

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A Toute Heure
232 Centennial Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016

[menton1]

Kenilworth is not the ideal town for cool restaurants. If you meet in Summit, a few miles west, you will have a pretty, upscale town with a lot of restaurants to choose from.

One good choice is Huntley Taverne, also Beacon Hill, and a third (Italian) is Fiorino. Summit is a good restaurant town.

http://www.fiorinoristorante.com/

http://www.beaconhilltavern.com/

http://www.thehuntleytaverne.com/

[mickeygee]

I like van gogh's ear in union. Casual quirky place, and the food may not be out of this world but I've found it yummy.