WARNING!!!  Do NOT come here on a first date if you are hoping for a memorable kiss at the end of it!  It will be memorable, all right.  Or, at the very least, bring mints.  Lots of them.  Honestly, though, the breath of horror is soooooo worth it!

The Garlic Rose Bistro at 28 North Avenue West in Cranford does NOT skimp on the garlic!  From appetizers to dessert, it is highly prevalent in everything.  Decorative garlic bulbs even hang from the walls!  On- and off-site catering (a private room holds up to 100 people) is available. The Cranford bistro has a beautiful, relaxing interior with a warm, romantic atmosphere.   While the sister location in Madison is a BYOB, the Cranford location boasts a full bar and wine list.

They are open for lunch and dinner, and the food is nothing short of spectacular!  Personally, my favorite is the appetizer called “garlic angels on horseback,” which are huge gulf shrimp stuffed with crab stuffing and then wrapped in apple smoked bacon, then baked and served with arugula, tomatoes, red onions, and balsamic glaze.  Oh . . . . and GARLIC.  This dish, alone, is worth the trip!  If your mouth isn’t watering already, then check out their menu at http://www.garlicrose.com/index.html.  Be prepared to drool.

I mean, really, how could you NOT love a place that has a slogan like “Follow your nose to The Garlic Rose?”