On Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2015, several of New Jersey’s most romantic restaurants are offering lovers a variety of dining options…
Avenue, 23 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ: What could be more romantic than dining by the Ocean? And Avenue Executive Chef John Johnson has prepared two special menus for the ultimate Valentine’s experience at the Jersey Shore. “Lovers’ Brunch” (including such tempting dishes as lobster hash and pain perdu) will be served on Saturday and Sunday, February 14 and 15, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. A prix fixe dinner menu will be offered on Valentine’s Day from 4:30 p.m. – midnight. Highlights include Tartare of Organic Salmon, Ceviche of Diver Scallops, Open Prairie Filet Mignon, and Crispy Skin Black Sea Bass. For Dessert: a Chocolate Lover’s Sampler. Following dinner, lovers may head upstairs to Avenue Nuit for cocktails and dancing. Brunch: $30.00 per person, plus tax & gratuity; Dinner, beginning at $48.00 per person, plus tax & gratuity. Reservations: (732) 759-2900.
Grissini, 484 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Couples who crave true Italian cuisine will take pleasure in dining at Grissini Restaurant. Grissini, known for sophistication and service since opening in Bergen County 21 years ago, will offer an abridged version of their à la carte menu. Specials from Executive Chef Giuseppe Lentini will include heart-shaped raviolis; and each table will receive complimentary chocolate-dipped strawberries. Seatings will be available at 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Reservations: (201) 568-3535.
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, 110 South Street, Morristown, NJ: The restaurant will mark its first Valentine’s Day with four distinct dining experiences prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Sippel and his team – one for each of the newly renovated Vail Mansion’s rooms. A 5-course tasting menu ($120.00 per person) will be served upstairs in the Dining Room on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Valentine’s weekend. Couples can alternatively choose to enjoy a 4-course dinner ($90.00 per person) on the main level in the Oyster Bar, or a 3-course dinner ($75.00 per person) in the German drinking hall inspired Rathskeller. Prices do not include tax & gratuity. The clubby Vail Bar in the mansion’s library will be open for singles throughout the weekend. Reservations: (973) 644-3180.
Maritime Parc, 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ: Executive Chef/Partner Chris Siversen’s spectacular Jersey City restaurant offers diners extraordinary views of the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan. On Valentine’s Day, couples can take in the view and enjoy a contemporary American four-course prix fixe menu. Highlights include: Chilled Crab and Avocado with Mustard Coulis and Micro Kale; Ricotta Gnudi with Kale Pesto and Winter Mushrooms, Bacon-Wrapped Quail with Sunshine Kabocha Squash and Roasted Pear Vinaigrette; Spice-Glazed Duck Breast with Parsnip Spaetzle, Red Cabbage Kraut and Fig Jam; and Dry-Aged Rib Eye with Creamed Greens and Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Desserts feature a choice of Nutella Cheesecake or Honey Nougat Glacé. $90.00 per person, plus tax & gratuity. Reservations: (201) 413-0050
Samba Montclair, 7 Park Street, Montclair, NJ: The tastes and sounds of Brazil will offer lovers a memorable evening at Samba Montclair, New Jersey’s most authentic home-style Brazilian dining experience. Samba will offer its regular à la carte menu, with such popular dishes as Bolinho de Mandioca (pastries made with yucca filled with dried beef and butternut squash), Andioca Frita com Linguica Calabresa e Cebola (fried yucca with Brazilian pork sausage and caramelized onions), Salmão ao Molho de Maracujá (Atlantic grilled salmon with passion fruit reduction) and Feijoada (the Brazilian national dish: black bean stew with prime meat). There will also be enticing dinner specials and pomegranates… Brazilians believe the fruit brings good luck when eaten at this time of year! Reservations: (973) 744-6764.
Strip House at Westminster Hotel, 550 West Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ: Lovers are invited to spend a romantic evening at the Strip House, New Jersey’s most seductive steak house experience. Chef Bill Zucosky’s imaginative menu will include prime cuts of meat, signature side dishes (truffle-creamed spinach, goose fat potatoes) and an extensive wine list. Valentine’s Day specials, which will be offered in addition to the à la carte menu, include: Caramelized Onion Soup, Dijon & Herb Crusted Prime Rib and Filet King Oscar, Alaskan King Crab. For dessert, indulge in such delicacies as Fried S’mores or the restaurant’s famed 24-layer Chocolate Cake. Reservations: (973) 548-0050.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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