My friends and I headed to Skinner's Loft in downtown Jersey City for our annual Christmas outing.
contemporary cuisine in an elegant, but comfortable setting.
are dining at someone's home.
failed to disappoint, however this was my first time dining here and my
expectations were certainly met.
Between the 4 of us we shared a bunch of appetizers and an entree.
Appetizers & Sharing Plates
Complimentary Rosemary Focaccia & Buttermilk
Biscuits - the Rosemary Focaccia was warm, soft and full of
flavor. It went perfectly with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
avocado, apple, candied pecan, red onion, bacon, crumbled blue cheese,
maple-mustard vinaigrette. My friend, Anu, said, "it was one of the best
salads I have ever had," and I second that. The dressing is what sets this
salad apart from any other salad... Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette, I can't even
begin to imagine who comes up with these concoctions. Simply perfection!
(large) - a blend of Sharp Cheddar, Gruyere and Monterey Jack. Crispy on top,
gooey on the inside, not overly cheesy. I devoured this within minutes...
incredibly delicious! Definitely get the large!
Wild Mushroom Pizetta - one of my
favorite dishes of the night. Mushroom pizza with ricotta, Mozzarella, arugula
and topped off with a drizzle of truffle oil. Truffle oil is what takes this
dish to a whole new level.
Vegetable Charcuterie – squash
& carrot rillette, porcini-pecan pâté, house pickled vegetables, cornichon,
assorted bread served on a wooden platter. A very unique dish, I loved the
presentation on this. This wasn't particularly a favorite or mine, but a couple
of my friends loved this dish, especially the squash.
Wild Mushroom Arancini - fried mushroom fritters with truffle aioli on the side. I
didn’t try this dish, but my friend thought it was just okay.
Roasted Beet & Avocado
Caprese - fennel, orange, burnt orange oil, balsamic, fried
rosemary. A fresh tasting salad, I loved the avocado and beet combination, but
I wasn't a fan of the hints of fennel.
Fried Calamari - the calamari was
crisp and non-chewy, well made. The roasted tomato sauce was yummy, but the
jalapeno-citrus aioli was divine!
Entrée
Pan Roasted
Fluke *Specials* - Fluke topped with herb-crusted breadcrumbs
and cooked in a lemon-garlic butter sauce with grilled asparagus on top. The
potato-hash was incredible cooked in extra virgin olive oil with some onion and
capers... the capers added a little tang to the potatoes. Outstanding dish, but
too bad it’s just on the Specials Menu.
Dessert
Coffee & ½ Dozen
Chocolate Chip Cookies - the coffee at Skinner's Loft is
exceptionally good, and I love those refills, especially brunch time. The
chocolate chip cookies were so tiny, warm and fresh. The side shot glass of
milk was a nice touch.
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Skinner’s Loft
COST: $$
CUISINE: New
American/Contemporary
FAVORITES: Wild Mushroom Pizetta | Mac & Cheese | Kale Salad | Pan Roasted Fluke (specials)
VERDICT: 4.5 /
5
Skinner's Loft
is one of my favorite restaurants in Jersey City and is my go to place for
brunch! The food here is consistently good as is the service. Our waiter was
friendly and attentive. The ambience is warm and cozy, I love the homey feel to
this place, it’s like home away from home. Additionally, this place also makes
a great date spot!
Food: Excellent |
Drinks: Very Good | Décor:
Romantic/Rustic/Cozy | Service: Friendly/Attentive|
Value: Good
LOCATION
146 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ
(historic downtown)
Question: Have you been to Skinner's Loft? What's your favorite item to order at a New American restaurant?
Anu says
I practically tried everything you reviewed above and I have to say that the kale salad here has got to be one of the most outstanding dishes I've had as far as salads go. The contrast between the kale and apple with the mustard dressing was just perfect; I've been wanting to see if I can recreate this recipe... any tips?
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks for your comment Anu. For the Maple-Mustard dressing I would add 1/2 a tsp of Dijon to some Extra Virgin Olive Oil, lemon juice, maple syrup with some salt and pepper. Whisk and you will probably have a somewhat similar dressing. Throw in all the ingredients of the salad and let me know how it goes.
Anu says
The pizette was also amazing! probably my second favorite! Too bad I didn't try the mac and cheese... but will definitely do so next time... picture making me hungry!!
honeywhatscooking says
Yeah, the mac and cheese was divine! 🙂
Marcela N says
Super! I live in NYC, so I'll definitely go there!
honeywhatscooking says
Although NYC has it all, JC has a lot of character, you can have brunch here and take a walk by the waterfront.
Yasmin says
It all looks so delicious! I want that mac and cheese, arancini and those biscuits!
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
honeywhatscooking says
The Mac and Cheese was excellent, and the biscuilts/rosemary bread - really good! 🙂
Kitchen Riffs says
Can never resist mac 'n cheese! Such good stuff, isn't it, and this looks superb. Sounds like a fun place. Thanks for the heads up!
honeywhatscooking says
I definitely can't resist mac and cheese. It's a great place in the JC area.
Jointy&Croissanty says
Everything look so delicious, especially wild mushroom and dessert! Beautiful interiors of this restaurant too!
jointyicroissanty
honeywhatscooking says
Loved the wild mushroom pizetta, so good! Truffle Oil is the key ingredient. The interior has a lot of character, very rustic.
Anna and Liz Recipes says
Great review! I have friends that live in NJ - I sent them your link! Good to see you again! Merry Christmas !!
honeywhatscooking says
Oh awesome. Thanks so much for doing that! Merry Christmas! 🙂
Pooja's Nook says
I have to check this place out! I want to try the mac and cheese!
jhiane says
This was a fun dinner outing . The mushroom pizzeta and the Mac and cheese was a standout for me . I loved how festive the ambience was for the holiday season. I was very impressed with the waiter how he catered to our needs and was very pleasant