45 Years Later, A Morristown Café Still Serves French Food With A Friendly Smile

MORRISTOWN, NJ — While Morris County and the country, for that matter, have quite the anniversary coming up, one of Morristown's longest-running restaurants is also marking a major milestone this month.

The Grand Café, located at 42 Washington St., is celebrating its 45th anniversary on July 1, honoring more than four decades of serving guests in downtown Morristown with a month of special events, dining promotions and live entertainment.

The family-owned restaurant first opened in 1981 and is now led by second-generation owner and operator Allison Lloyd Porter, daughter of founders Desmond and Alice Lloyd.

"Since my parents opened the doors in 1981, The Grand Café has welcomed generations of guests seeking memorable dining experiences, from milestone celebrations and romantic evenings to business dinners and holiday gatherings," Lloyd Porter said in a statement.

"Our entire family is deeply grateful to our loyal guests, dedicated team members, and the entire Morristown community for its unwavering support throughout the years, especially after the recent loss of our beloved parents. This anniversary is a celebration of everyone who has been part of our history."

To mark the occasion, The Grand Café will offer a series of anniversary promotions and performances throughout July, including:

• A 45th Anniversary Weekday Prix Fixe Lunch Menu featuring signature dishes from the restaurant's history for $45 per person.
• Select bottles of wine at 45 percent off.
• Live piano music every Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the main dining room.
• A jazz quartet performance on Thursday, July 9, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Chez Grand on the restaurant's second floor. Reservations are required.
• A performance by harpist and vocalist Lexie Lowell on Thursday, July 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Chez Grand. Reservations are required.

Located in a historic three-story building, The Grand Café has become a fixture of Morristown's dining scene, known for its French-inspired American cuisine with Asian influences, extensive wine selection and private dining spaces. The restaurant also features a seasonal outdoor garden dining area.

Over the years, the restaurant has built a reputation for blending classic French techniques with modern American flavors and Asian influences. Signature menu offerings include pan-seared foie gras with port wine reduction, the Grand Café's classic steak tartare, house-smoked salmon, Maine lobster bisque and French onion soup. Popular entrées include herb-crusted rack of lamb, pan-roasted Angus filet mignon, pan-seared branzino with Thai basil beurre blanc, and lobster fusilli seafood pasta with shrimp, scallops and lobster in a tomato ragout.

The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list and occupies a historic three-story building with multiple private dining rooms, the upstairs Chez Grand event space, and a seasonal outdoor garden dining area. The combination has made it a popular destination for anniversaries, weddings, business dinners and other special occasions.

Now in its second generation of family ownership, the restaurant continues to serve as a destination for celebrations, business dinners and special occasions while maintaining the hospitality that has defined it for more than four decades.

Related — Morristown Mourns Staple Restaurateur: ‘A Horrible Loss To Our Community'

More information about the anniversary events and reservations is available at thegrandcafe.com or on Instagram at @thegrandcafe.alle1981.