Ideas for dinner this Wednesday please

[sjmjd]

Halfway between Union Beach and North Bergen. Some are vegetarian. A birthday dinner. I just am not familiar enough to make a suggestion to the group. Thanks for any help

[Curlz]

Not sure how far south Union Beach is, but how about Pairings in Cranford? Easy off the Parkway, food is very good, and they may still be doing their mid-week prix fixe! It's also BYO.

[bgut1]

Cranford/Kenilworth looks to be the logical midway point between North Bergen and Union Beach. Good choices in that area include A Toute Heure and the aforementioned Pairings in Cranford and Le Rendevous and Boulevard Five 72 in Kenilworth. Another idea (although a little further afield) is Ursino on the campus of Kean University in Union. Good Luck.

http://boulevardfive72.com/
http://www.atouteheure.com/
http://pairingscranford.com/
http://lerendez-vousnj.com/
http://www.ursinorestaurant.com/

[RGR]

I agree with your Ursino suggestion, b. We had a wonderful dinner there a few months ago. Superb cuisine, excellent service, and beautiful space. A perfect choice for a celebratory occasion.

Ursino photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157628425552473/

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com .

[bgut1]

Thanks R. Your excellent photos were one of the main reasons I decided to try Ursino a few weeks back. Although I wasn't blown away (having found the food and service to be inconsistent the night I tried it), I was more than impressed with the restaurant's design and its commitment to the locavore movement. I saw enough promise to expect the issues I experienced to be ironed out the next time I try it. Please continue with the photographs as they provide an excellent resource for the Chow community. Thanks again for your dedication.

[RGR]

b., Thanks so much for the compliment about my photos. :) Ursino was one of the first places we went to after I got my new camera. Getting used to it has been quite a challenge as it's more sophisticated than my old point and shoot.

Too bad your first experience at Ursino wasn't a complete success, but I'm glad you're willing to give it another try. I think Chef Peter Turso is very talented (he previously worked at Nicholas), and I'm looking forward to returning when he starts getting spring and summer produce from Ursino's own farm.

I'd be interested in hearing what dishes you had, and which of them you liked and disliked.

ETA: Maybe it would be better to post it on the Ursino thread. :)

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[fershore]

I suggest that you search this board for ideas in Cranbury.