By Roseanna Lane
New Jersey has many fine restaurants that offer
romantic ambiance, exquisite food and knowledgeable, elegant servers. In particular, the state has some of the finest French restaurants in the country. Here are some that you might consider when planning an anniversary, wooing your date or just in the mood for good food and sophisticated surroundings.
Charmed along the Delaware: The Frenchtown Inn
Frenchtown Inn offers a statuesque welcome.
Dine along the Delaware River in the Frenchtown Inn, a charming 18th century three-story inn that received four stars from local newspapers the Courier News and the Star-Ledger. Linger over a glass of wine selected from a list that received an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Choose from such delicious, filling dishes as the Grilled Hanger Steak with Bacon, Australian Rack of Lamb or a Jumbo Lump Crabcake. Please note that while casual dress is allowed for the Outdoor Dining and Grill Room, there is a dress code of business casual for the main dining room. In other words, no jeans or shorts.
Frenchtown Inn
7 Bridge St.
Frenchtown, NJ 08825-1201
(908) 996-3300
Simply the Best: Lorena's
Lorena's cozy, never cramped dining room.
Rated by the New York Times as one of the best restaurants in the state of New Jersey and one of American's finest by Zagat, small, cozy Lorena's offers superior cooking using foods from local farms and organic ingredients. Featuring such dishes as Maine Skate Wing and Long Island Duck Breast, make sure to save room for delicious desserts such as crepes stuffed with locally-grown apples and creme fraiche. Or try the three-course prix fixe menu, which is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Uncommon for a French restaurant, Lorena's does not serve wine or alcohol, though they encourage you to bring your own.
Lorena's Restaurant
168 Maplewood Ave.
Maplewood, NJ 07040-2582
(973) 763-4460
(A) Serenade with James Laird
Young and talented chef, James Laird.
Also favored by the New York Times, Zagat and other reviews, Serenade owes much of its success to its classically-trained chef James Laird. Famed for his opulent touches and his emphasis on seasonal, locally-grown food, Serenade also has an award-wining wine list. In addition to a tasting menu, Serenade serves up such entrees as Berkshire Pork and seared Sea Bass. On their official website, Serenade generously includes recipes and cooking videos.
Serenade
6 Roosevelt Ave,
Chatham, NJ 07928
(973) 701-0303
Resources
About the Author:
Roseanna Lane published her first poem in 1998, while still an undergrad. She has written a variety of articles for Demand Studios and has published work on both eHow and Travels.com. Lane has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and a Master of Fine Arts in poetry from the University of Michigan.
