Acorn

Whether you love or hate Valentine?s Day, there is one activity that most people can enjoy doing on the 14th ? eating. Valentine?s Day is coming up this Tuesday, so it may be helpful to know some local places where you can eat on the big night.

Shanghai Jazz - $$$$

The most expensive of the restaurants is also the closest to Drew?s campus. It's located on Main Street, but, of course, with the expense comes class. Shanghai Jazz does not necessarily have a dress code, but jeans may not be the best idea. Plus, it's Valentine's Day, so it wouldn't kill you to get out of your sweatpants and throw on a pair of khakis.

They have a variety of options with seafood, beef, chicken, duck and even vegetarian meals on their menu. But as the name implies, the food does all have an Asian theme, so you may want to make sure your date isn't opposed. Shanghai Jazz usually has live music, and Valentine's Day is no exception.

Tuesday night's entertainment will be provided by the Helio Alves Quartet with vocalist Vera Mara, who will be perform Brazilian love songs. Shanghai Jazz will have a special for this big date night with a full course dinner, dancing and show all costing $65 per person. This does not include your drinks, and they do have a bar, so expect to pay more.

You can only get in with a reservation, so, if you are interested, you may want to call 822-2899 fast.

Panna la Griglia - $$$

Located on Central Ave., Panna la Griglia, just like Shanghai Jazz, is not far from Drew?s campus. Also, like Shanghai Jazz, Panna la Griglia has a dress code of smart casual. The food may be a little different though, considering Panna la Griglia features all Italian meals on their menu.

The restaurant has a bistro and cozy feeling to it, making for a nice date place. Panna La Griglia may be the place for you if you aren?t really interested in dancing but still want to enjoy a nicer meal.

Salsa Chatham - $$

Further down Main Street you can find a warm, SoHo style restaurant in Salsa Chatham. More reasonably priced than the previous choices, this Mexican restaurant offers steak, seafood, baby back ribs and healthy dishes with a southwestern style.

They do not have a bar, so it is up to you to bring your own alcohol if you intend on drinking. Dress is more casual, and it?s very likely that you will see some familiar faces there, considering many Drew and FDU students work there.

As long as you don?t mind seeing some people you know, Salsa Chatham may be for you.

Firehouse Pizza - $

Looking for a cheap but nice date? Firehouse Pizza is a nice alternative. They serve pizza, of course, but they also have pasta, chicken, seafood, burgers and steaks on the menu.

Located on the same street as Panna la Griglia, it?s a pretty casual place. The food is good, and you can choose between a pizzeria- style side and restaurant area. It?s a small restaurant though, so it may fill up quickly.

Even though you may not have a date this Valentine?s Day, that shouldn?t stop you from enjoying a nice meal. Although you may hold off going to these restaurants until after V-Day, it?s good to know there are a bunch of good places located right near Drew.

And if you don?t get too full, you can always make a stop at McCool?s Ice Cream Parlor on your way back to school. What?s more romantic than eating cold ice cream in February? Well, if you do get cold, you will have at least have an excuse to sit close to each other ? this may be the only acceptable reason there is for couples to sit on the same side of the table.

Happy Valentine?s Day, and happy eating!

Article Tools