A Romantic Venue for Valentines Day

One thinks of Valentines Day when entering Vine—red-painted walls, soft lighting and formally arranged place settings on white tablecloths.

After passing through a foyer lined with glass-enclosed wine racks, diners can enter either the dining room or the bar. The bar area is large enough to accommodate several dining tables for those wishing to dine more casually, but here too the tables are graced with tablecloths and place settings.

For sports lovers not wishing to miss the latest scores,  a non-intrusive flat screen TV sits behind the bartender. Diners can order from the pub-like bar menu (even tapas) or from the standard dinner menu. Being a tad late for our reservation (and reservations are strongly recommended for a weekend night and definitely for Valentines Day) we declined a stop at the bar and were led directly to our table.

The menu at Vine is smaller than at many restaurants but covers all the bases offering multiple choices in seafood, poultry, pasta and meat. The specials are included on the regular menu; the night we dined these included Diver Scallops and Berkshire Pork Chops.

After ordering a glass of Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay (Wines by the Glass are included on the menu) and a Sapphire Gin Martini (for my dining companion) we selected the Sushi Pizza ($11) and the fresh Burata Mozzarella appetizers ($8). The menu described the Sushi Pizza as "spicy ahi tuna over a crunchy rice cake." All we could envision was the rice cakes you buy in the grocery story–this should be interesting.

And it was!  Delicately chopped tuna tartare resting on a disc of sticky rice which had been sautéed on both sides and drizzled with a spicy aioli; a lovely juxtaposition of sweet and spicy, softness and crunch. The Burata was a nice change from the more traditional Buffalo mozzarella with a creamy, buttery interior and served on a bed of baby arugula, grilled Mediterranean vegetables and a basil-infused extra virgin olive oil.

Having learned that the Bronzino ($28) was a Vine signature dish, we ordered it and the Diver Scallop ($32) special. Both were so fresh tasting that one would hardly think "seafood." The Bronzino was served with zucchini, spaghetti squash and a tomato confit. The Diver Scallops rested on a bed of couscous enhanced with porcini mushrooms and sundried tomato and finished with a roasted red pepper coulis.

Both dishes were flavorful and faultless. In addition, neither dish was weighed down with heavy creams or sauces. While the portion sizes were more than ample, we still looked forward to trying dessert. We concluded our evening with a traditional Crème Brulee($8) and Molten Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream  ($8)–perfection!

The service at the restaurant is extremely attentive and overseen by the owners, two brothers, Chef Antonio Berisha, and Afrin Berisha. Ten years ago the brothers opened Tres Vigne in this location that was formerly known as Giraffe. Tres Vigne specialized in Italian cuisine until two years ago when the brothers decided to take the restaurant in a different direction. Renovating the restaurant, revamping the menu to a Continental style, and renaming it has resulted in what we know today as Vine.

Given the relatively high prices, Vine would not be a regular "haunt" for everyone. For holidays and special occasions, however, when you don't mind spending extra, enjoy the very fine cuisine, service and atmosphere.

Vine is hosting a special Valentine Day $75 prix fixe menu featuring 7 appetizers, 7 entrees and 5 desserts to choose from. There will also be a jazz trio, Chef's Compliments Tastings and something special for all the ladies.

The Valentines Day Special will be available both Saturday, Feb. 13, and Sunday, Feb. 14. For reservations call 908-221-0017.

Vine Restaurant

95 Morristown Rd. (202 north)

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Dining Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30-3:00 pm
Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9:30 pm,  Fri & Sat 5-10:30 pm; 
Sunday—available for private parties.

Most major credit cards accepted 

Dress is Business Casual