I have a friend moving to Watchung (how can she move there - isn't it an Indian Reservation?) and I'd like to buy her a gift certificate to a restaurant (not a chain). Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

There's a French restaurant in Westfield called Chez Catherine. We ate there a couple of years ago with some friends from the area. It's a little pricy, but very very good.

There are some wonderful restaurants in Westfield -- go to www.egullet.com, click on forums and click on NJ -- you are thinking of a great gift - be a little more specific in terms of cuisine and price range --

Watchung is a town just like most other suburbs in this area of NJ. There is a county park called "Watchung Reservation" there, and it likely has some indian heritage but no indians live there now. It's a large park with multiple areas for hiking, lakes, picnic areas, a nature museum etc.

There are a number of good restaurants in Westfield. Budman's suggestion is a good one. Ferarra's, Theresa's or Brick Oven are all good for Italian. Mojave Grill for upscale Tex-Mex would also be nice. All should sell GC's. Trish

Very helpful clarification tpatricco. Thanks.

I'm going to see if the restaurants on here have web sites. Thanks everybody!

Mojave's looks great! Do you think a $50 gift certificate is too cheap for there?

Otherwise, Theresa's looks good. How about that?

Both restaurants are BYO, as are most in Westfield. I think a $50 GC would be fine for either Mojave or Theresa's since there will be no liquor as part of the tab.

Great. Thank you!!!

Do you think it's weird that Mojave charges $5.00 to order a gift card over the phone?!

Will she being dining alone or with a significant other?
There is a fabulous restaurant in Kenilworth (less than 2 miles from the center of Westfield) called
Le Rendez-vous Bistro. It is a quaint
french restaurant that has outstanding food. It is a bring your own so prices are reasonable. I highly recommend it.(www.lerendez-vousnj.com)
Chez Catherine is nice but draws a much older crowd, is a little stuffy (IMO) and is much more pricey. Theresa's, Brick Oven and
Isabella's are all casual eateries. All consistently good, but nothing special. During the nice weather, you can eat outside.
Hope this helps.

Thanks you-go-girl. Do you think Le Rendez-vous Bistro would be close enough to Watchung?

Not far...about 1/2 hour at the most.
She could jump on Route 78 to the
Parkway South for about 2 miles to the Kenilworth exit. Restaurant is about
1/2 mile off the exit. Well worth the trip!!!

I second the recommendation on Le Rendez-vous in Kenilworth. A good bistro with solid country French dishes and excellent for BYOB (we attended an enjoyable informal tasting in the restaurant).