Posts Tagged ‘small plates’

30
May
2015

Little Town Social

categories: Dinner, Hoboken, New American, Seafood, Specialty Cocktails
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Photo credit: Kyle Orlando

Most of us were fans of Little Town, the brainchild of Michael Sinensky and Sean McGarr in collaboration with Albie and Chris Manzo of RHONJ fame. The brand has been re-imagined as Little Town Social, which brings their orginal idea to the next level by moving the location a bit out of the tourist/frat-boy zone and more into a neighborhood spot. That’s not to say it’s dive-y, boring, or where you bring your grandparents. Anything but. Little Town Social operates on the key word “social,” where people gather over high-quality shared plates at communal tables or at the bar.

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Photo credit: Thomas Ling

The former Village Pourhouse space at 205 First St. has been revamped into a sophisticated gathering spot with a more intimate feel involving dim lighting and warm tones. The bar is still 360 degrees with 32 TVs, and features a mix of classic and artisinal cocktails, such as the Ellen Arthur Cosmo (Absolut, Cointreau, passion fruit and lime juice), which I tried and was pleased that it was not sweet like a regular 90’s Cosmo. Guests have the option of 30+ beers on draft from microbreweries in addition to rotating seasonal specials. There is an extensive selection of bourbon, scotch, and tequila as well.

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LTS’ menu is all about small plates and sharing, a concept that is not currently popular in Hoboken restaurants. Executive Chef Sarah Sproule is intense on the farm-to-table concept, sourcing everything as locally as possible and combining ingredients in innovative, flavorful ways.

Click below to continue reading about what the menu has to offer… (more…)

10
Dec
2013

Skinner’s Loft

categories: Bars, Grove Street, Historic Downtown Jersey City, Restaurants

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Skinner’s Loft (146 Newark Ave.) is one of my favorite spots. Choose your floor depending on your fancy.

The copper-ceilinged bar scene on the first floor is always bubbling and best suited for drinks and small bites with friends.

The second floor, which I most frequent, offers more intimate dining with its candlelit atmosphere, ever-present gorgeous fresh flowers, a fireplace, well thought-out antique decor and different place settings on each table (totes my style).

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Skinner’s has a warm, welcoming feel on cold winter nights. While the ambiance is beautiful, you don’t feel the need to dress up or be well-versed in wine (or Italian beer that comes in a corked bottle, for that matter). It is an elegant scene, but while the restaurant’s servers are super professional, they also make you feel relaxed—nothing’s uptight.

I’ve been here many times since I discovered it and will continue to go. Now, on to the menu:

Skinner’s Loft changes its menu seasonally, but here are some of the things I’ve tried:

Click below to read on…

(more…)