The writer was invited to visit Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen and the meal was complimentary.
So you’re looking for a date night option. Or perhaps you’re long overdue for a night out on the town with friends. And maybe you’re looking for the ideal option for dinner and drinks before—or after—a show at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC). No matter what, your night will be complete once it includes a trip to Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen.
The Setup
The restaurant is housed in an elegant restored mansion that was built between 1916 and 1918 in the center of town. The venue has a number of inviting areas that includes a spacious formal dining room, aka the Washington Room, brasserie fare in the Oyster Bar, a charming beer hall ambiance in the Rathskeller, and the Vail Bar. In the nice weather, guests can dine on the Patio. And you’ll find plenty of parking options, including valet service.
Managing Partner Chris Cannon and Executive Chef AJ Capella
Meet some of the accomplished restaurant pros that make Jockey Hollow a top destination. Managing Partner Chris Cannon brings a wealth of experience to the restaurant with more than 30 years as a New York restaurateur. He also has nationally recognized wine expertise. Each of his five NYC restaurants that include Judson Grill, L’Impero, Alto, Convivio and Marea has received three stars from the New York Times. In 2010, his businesses received five prestigious Michelin stars, more than any other single U.S. restaurant group.
Jockey Hollow’s newly appointed executive chef, AJ Capella, is the winner of the Garden State Culinary Arts Foundation’s 2017 Rising Star Chef Award. He has worked in restaurants and cooking for half of his life. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Capella spent the bulk of his career as the chef de cuisine at the Ryland Inn under Jockey Hollow’s former chef, Craig Polignano. AJ also served as the executive chef of A Toute Heure in Cranford, NJ, and worked for a time for Grant Achatz at The Aviary, in New York City.
At the Table
We had the pleasure of dining with other members of the press on a Thursday evening hosted by Cannon, who is truly passionate about fine food and drink. The menu features seasonal specialties and house favorites.
Guests have the option to order a la carte or enjoy a tasting menu format. Ingredients for all menu items are sourced from local and sustainable fisheries and farms that include La Belle Farm in New York and Barnegat Oyster Collective in NJ.
A Fine Feast
Start your meal with choices like the Chioggia beet Velouté with golden beet, smoked trout, and crème fraiche. The Barnegat scallop ceviche shouldn’t be missed with tomatillo, cilantro, and pearl radish. And you’ll find a seasonal preparation of Crudo, at market price.
All of the pastas are made in house using free-range local eggs and gluten-free, non-GMO flour. They are are served al dente, just right for the pasta lover. Try the hand-rolled Garganelli with cacio e pepe and lardo or the smoked fettuccine with clams, oven-dried tomatoes, basil, and pancetta.
Other mains include tender roasted duck breast with creamed corn, poblano peppers, pickled corn, and red corn bread. The beautifully presented steamed black bass is accompanied by carrot foie purée, confit carrot, and fingerling potato. Barnegat scallops are served with short rib agnolotti, sunchoke, and swiss chard. These are just some of the dishes that you will savor and long remember.
The beverage program features an outstanding wine list, and an excellent selection of fine spirits and of course, beers. Indulge in some of the classic and seasonal cocktail creations that are crafted by Bar Director James Gelmi and his team. Customer favorites include the Desperado with Milagro Silver, Lime, Strawberry and Prosecco, and the Killer Bee with Old Overholt Bonded Rye, Crème de Menthe and Pimento Dram.
Keep in Mind
Jockey Hollow’s knowledgeable staff is always pleased to advise guests of the best selections that pair well with their food choices, and guests can wrap up their evening with some coffee, tea, or an aperitif and discover the luscious desserts on the menu.
Jockey Hollow Restaurant & Bar is uniquely equipped to host your next gathering or holiday party with spaces that will accommodate parties of all sizes. They will assist you to plan every element of your gathering to perfection.
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen
110 South Street
Morristown, NJ 07940
973-644-3180
Open for lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, and brunch. Menu items subject to change.
Photos: Courtesy of Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen unless otherwise noted.
