25th anniversary dinner

[Guest johnh91011]

We are going to be celebrating our 25th anniversary on St. Patricks day in March. Would like recommendations for a very special restaurant. Preferably BYOB since we have 2 bottles of very special Chateau Margaux for the occasion.

I think that NYC is out since there are so few BYOB's there although some restaurants charge a corkage fee.

ANy help would be appreciated

[Hank]

I DON'T THINK THAT YOU SHOULD WRITE NEW YORK OFF THAT QUICKLY. ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS, IMHO, IS GRAMERCY TAVERN AND THEY ONLY CHARGE $20.00 PER BOTTLE CORKAGE. SO, IF YOU SAY THAT YOU HAVE TWO VERY SPECIAL BOTTLES OF CHATEAU MARGAUX I WOULD THINK THAT YOU WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HAVE VERY SPECIAL FOOD TO GO WITH THEM. I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU SPRING FOR THEIR MOST REASONABLE CORKAGE CHARGE AND MAKE A RESERVATION SOON.

[steakas]

Scalini Fedeli in Chatham - definitely one of my finest dining experiences.

I think their corkage fee is $15.

I've also heard great things about Whispers in Spring Lake and Saddle River Inn – I don't know if they have a corkage fee, you may want to call. I know Saddle River Inn had over a month wait when I called one time, so I wrote them off.

[Curlz]

Happy Anniversary! 25 years certainly is something to celebrate.

Depending on the ambience you're looking for, I'll chime in (as I have in the past) and suggest Tim Shafer's in Morristown. I've had great special occasion dinners there with both intimate and large gatherings. The caveat here is that it's hardly a quiet, romantic setting--but I like it because it's fun! And they really do appreciate foodies there. Their menus are on line, I think, although I'm not certain about all of the seasonal items. Worth a look if you don't want a quiet corner table where you can just sit and gaze into one anothers' eyes...

The other suggestion is Il Mundo Vecchio in Madison, but I haven't been in YEARS; you'll have to depend on other egulleteers for more current thoughts.

[Kim WB]

I's suggest Stage House Inn..not sure when the anniversary falls, they waive corkage M-th, and have areasonable fee the other times. Call to confirm, I believe this policy is still in effect.

[Rosie]

Jocelyne's--Maplewood BYO

[rozrapp]

I've also heard great things about Whispers in Spring Lake....

Whisper's is a BYO.

[birder53]

I's suggest Stage House Inn..not sure when the anniversary falls, they waive corkage M-th, and have areasonable fee the other times. Call to confirm, I believe this policy is still in effect.

You're in luck! There is no corkage fee at SHI on March 17th (unless they change their policy before that date.) I second Kim's suggestion for your special dinner. Congratulations! We also celebrated our 25th at SHI and it was wonderful.

[menton1]

I's suggest Stage House Inn..not sure when the anniversary falls, they waive corkage M-th, and have areasonable fee the other times. Call to confirm, I believe this policy is still in effect.

Hasn't Rosie stated that in New Jersey charging corkage is illegal?

[Rosie]

I's suggest Stage House Inn..not sure when the anniversary falls, they waive corkage M-th, and have areasonable fee the other times. Call to confirm, I believe this policy is still in effect.

Hasn't Rosie stated that in New Jersey charging corkage is illegal?

It's illegal to charge corkage in a BYO--not in an establishment that has a liquor license.

[Sheri-FB]

For our 10th, we went to Cafe Matisse in Rutherford. Its BYO, romantic (at least by my standards) and has an interesting menu (although limited). We really enjoyed our evening - take a look to see if it fits your style (www.cafematisse.com). And - congratulations!!

[Rosie]

Ditto to Cafe Matisse. Lovely restaurant.