The Embankment - Restaurant | Lounge | Bar - CLOSED

[MCA™]

Closed all last week, except for a private party (looked like a wedding reception ) on Saturday night. R.I.P.

[shahaggy]

word from a reliable source is The Embankment is closing.  Don't know the anticipated closing date though and the kitchen staff is in the dark apparently. 

[PuddinPop]

Say hello to Albi for me! 

[TMN]

Had the pleasure of dining here last week with good friends and the food was delicious! mr.t and I had their steak and fixins. Everything was wonderful, we'll go back!

[NON]

How's their brunch?

Fantastic. Terrific eggs benedict. Brunch cocktails are a little pricey, but menu-wise, the food is among the best brunch fare I've had in the city.

[Darna]

How's their brunch?

[skwirrlking]

Had a family dinner there for one of the mini's birthdays tonight. new menu, good food and service. still one of the better options in the neighborhood.  plus, amongst other recession-inspired promotions on the menu is a half price wine bottle night on Tuesdays.

[Olewnick]

I thought he was talking about the one with only two fingers.

[skwirrlking]

Well, rumor has it the one who worked out of her car in the hood was in the two-digit range.    She hasn't been seen in years, so I imagine you'd have to dial it in.

--- a hussy who can only handle "two digits"? no wonder she retired.

[Bobblehead]

The tab came to about $125 with only two drinks and no desserts. Not bad for what we got, but I can remember when not even the hookers in the neighborhood cost that much.  How things have changed.

Hookers in the neighborhood now do cost that much? 

Well, rumor has it the one who worked out of her car in the hood was in the two-digit range.    She hasn't been seen in years, so I imagine you'd have to dial it in.

[jcpeace]

The tab came to about $125 with only two drinks and no desserts. Not bad for what we got, but I can remember when not even the hookers in the neighborhood cost that much.  How things have changed.

Hookers in the neighborhood now do cost that much? 

bobblehead: sampling ALL of the neighborhood's offerings

please post a detailed review of the $125 hookers, bobb.

TIA

[NON]

The tab came to about $125 with only two drinks and no desserts. Not bad for what we got, but I can remember when not even the hookers in the neighborhood cost that much.  How things have changed.

Hookers in the neighborhood now do cost that much? 

[Bobblehead]

Went to The Embankment on Monday night. The place was empty (it was just before 6:00), which was fine because we had the kids with us and my mother in law.

While we were waiting, the amuse bouche (crab salad on endive) showed up, followed by some rolls.

I had the Mezze plate appetizer--a nice mix of hummus, lentils, roasted peppers, very tasty. I also had the chicken curry sandwich, which, while there was nothing wrong with it, there was nothing great about it either--kind of bland. No real curry flavor came through. Tasted more like just a chicken salad sandwich. The roll was toasted (yum) and it was satisfying, so it was a case of just not being what I expected. And the fries were good, but they were twice fried instead of freshly fried, it seemed. I washed it all down with two pints of Radeberger, a decent German pilsner on tap (I normally don't do pislners, but hey, it was a hot day).

Other people had the artic char, was was awesome, and the burger, which was huge and tasty. The salad appetizers my wife and MIL had looked fresh and delicious.

The service was fine, which it should have been, since we had the whole staff waiting on us.  People began to trickle in later on in the evening.

The decor is . . . well . . . early 1970s Brady Bunch house?  I was digging it.

The tab came to about $125 with only two drinks and no desserts. Not bad for what we got, but I can remember when not even the hookers in the neighborhood cost that much.  How things have changed.

[Neeners]

His exact words were, "it was a good one."

[AmbushBug]

Neeners, ask Sal how the Old Fashioned was, will you?

[NON]

Very glad to see this review - we had a similar experience, and the amuse bouche is a really nice touch. I hear they installed some additional new pendant lights near the windows since we went to dinner, so i'm psyched to see the place now.


Also, i foresee the bar being a really fun place to hangout this summer.

Sal and I went last night, spur of the moment.  We were greeted as soon as we walked in, and given our choice of seats.  The waiter came by immediately to see if we wanted a drink.  I ordered a pomegranate martini, and Sal got the old fashioned.  The martini was huge.

The chef sent us a little mini-appetizer to get things started.  It was some sort of shrimp deliciousness (you all know how I love that shrimp!) on a sweet potato chip.  It was very good.

As an appetizer Sal and I shared the beef carpaccio.  It was extremely thin (may be the thinnest carpaccio I've had to date), but the accompanying sauce was wonderful.  It also came with a bit of salad and grilled shitake (decent sized, actually).

Sal ordered the duck, and I got the roasted black cod.  Sal gave the duck a thumb's up, and I thought the black cod tasted like something I'd get at Morimotos or Nobu.  It was delicious.  We were too full to order any dessert.

I give this place very high rankings.  It's not cheap -- it was $100 (including tip) for what we ordered, however it was easily comparable (or better) to many meals I've had for the same price in the city.  I'm glad to have it around and I'm looking forward to trying more things on the menu.  It's a big open place, and the staff were very attentive.

[jennymayla]

Last time I visited a place during the opening week, I got mocked.  No thanks.  I wish them lost of luck though!  Will definitely check them out soon!

Who mocked you jennymayla? 

LOL -- you were nothin' compared to the beating we got from people after that opening night at Skinner's Loft.  xo


:raises hand:

[Neeners]

Sal and I went last night, spur of the moment.  We were greeted as soon as we walked in, and given our choice of seats.  The waiter came by immediately to see if we wanted a drink.  I ordered a pomegranate martini, and Sal got the old fashioned.  The martini was huge.

The chef sent us a little mini-appetizer to get things started.  It was some sort of shrimp deliciousness (you all know how I love that shrimp!) on a sweet potato chip.  It was very good.

As an appetizer Sal and I shared the beef carpaccio.  It was extremely thin (may be the thinnest carpaccio I've had to date), but the accompanying sauce was wonderful.  It also came with a bit of salad and grilled shitake (decent sized, actually).

Sal ordered the duck, and I got the roasted black cod.  Sal gave the duck a thumb's up, and I thought the black cod tasted like something I'd get at Morimotos or Nobu.  It was delicious.  We were too full to order any dessert.

I give this place very high rankings.  It's not cheap -- it was $100 (including tip) for what we ordered, however it was easily comparable (or better) to many meals I've had for the same price in the city.  I'm glad to have it around and I'm looking forward to trying more things on the menu.  It's a big open place, and the staff were very attentive.

[NON]

Last time I visited a place during the opening week, I got mocked.  No thanks.  I wish them lost of luck though!  Will definitely check them out soon!

Who mocked you jennymayla? 

:raises hand:

[Kindelan]

Last time I visited a place during the opening week, I got mocked.  No thanks.  I wish them lost of luck though!  Will definitely check them out soon!

Who mocked you jennymayla? 

[MCA™]

From the Hudson Reporter:


Elegant décor and food you can bank on
New restaurant, The Embankment, opens in Jersey City
Diana Schwaeble
Managing Editor
03/19/2008
   
The Embankment Restaurant, 234 10th St., in Jersey City offers locals a taste of something delicious with swanky cocktails and inspired cuisine. The restaurant, which opened on Feb. 28, is the latest venture for siblings David and Anne-Marie O'Brien.

The pair also owns the successful Merchant bar and grill located on Grove Street in Downtown Jersey City. After they opened the Merchant in 2002, they quickly became established as a friendly neighborhood place known for comfort food and charm.

With the new restaurant, the siblings hope to offer something to locals who might be craving a special night out without having to travel to Manhattan to find it. According to David O'Brien, the food is going to be a major focus of the place. "I'm more of a foodie," said O'Brien. "We wanted to try something different than the Merchant." O'Brien's chef, Bryan Gregg created dishes made with fresh ingredients and delicate sauces and spices that are designed to showcase the food.

Understated elegance
On a recent Friday night, my companion and I made our way to the restaurant in the quiet Hamilton Park area to sample some fare. Crushed velvet drapes cover the inside entrance, which give way to a dramatic entryway with the ceiling over 20 feet high. The eye is drawn towards the custom designed lighting and the stone walls, which make one feel that the rooms were carved out of the stone.

There are several rooms to enjoy including: the spacious, separate bar area; the main dining room: a separate dining room, which would be perfect for a large private party; and an upstairs lounge that has comfortable low couches and tables.

Yet for all of its elegance, it's not stuffy. The Embankment still provides the kind of charm one would expect from a venue owned by the O'Brien family. "We tried to bring a bit of the outside in," said O'Brien as he pointed to the stones outside the window. "If you look across the street you can see the bricks over there."

When we sat at the long wooden bar, we were greeted by the very friendly bar staff and enjoyed the complimentary homemade potato chips. They offer a pleasant selection of specialty cocktails including: the old fashioned, the Rob Roy, Rusty Nail, the Side Car and others.

The Martini list has the staples like the Cosmopolitan, the espresso martini and newer varieties like the Ruby Red grapefruit. In addition, they have a wide selection of beer (on tap or in a bottle) and select wines by the glass and the bottle.

O'Brien said that they've been doing well since the soft opening and they have plans for the grand opening party in April. "It's been going good," said O'Brien. "It's been excellent on the weekends."

Glorious food
O'Brien said that they will change the menu every season and described the food as "seasonal new American" cuisine. Gregg has created dishes that should satisfy a variety of appetites. For starters they offer hummus, meat platters, poached clams with smoked bacon and more. For entrees, they offer pulled pork with fondue and apple slaw; curried chicken; grilled corned beef, hanger steak with potato puree and others.

But those looking for a simple, yet satisfying burger or sandwich can still order that off the bar menu. On the night we were there, we sampled the Lobster salad sandwich with hand cut fries - which was fantastic. The salad was perfectly seasoned and not too stuffed (where it ends up on your hands). The fries were perfectly crunchy and satisfied our need for salt.

They are open for lunch weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner is served from 5 to 10 p.m. On weekends, dinner is served until 11 p.m. In addition, they have a late night menu at the bar that is available until 1 a.m. Those looking to sample several of the menu items should try the prix fixe menu (weekdays 5 to 7 p.m.). Additionally, during Happy Hour everything on the menu is half price.

According to O'Brien they are planning to host upcoming tasting events that will pair wine or beer with food designed to compliment the beverage. But that is only one of the things that plan to do to entice guests. In the future, they plan to have live music. "Once you start something, you have to put your energy behind it," said O'Brien.

©The Hudson Reporter 2008

[Olewnick]

We went Friday evening. Big place but pretty bland design, mauve walls and such. We were seated in the rear room, which would've been a nice quiet nook (about five tables) except that they insisted on piping in Lite-FM, which was extremely unpleasant. Why do meals require a soundtrack?  And if you're going to do it, why such maudlin fare?

Had a nice stout, wife a generous cosmo. Shared the clam appetizer which, while OK, was seven wee clams for $13. Asawa had the seafood pasta; I took a few forkfuls and it was very tasty, though lacking in visible chunks of fish matter. I had the mushroom risotto; pretty good, the risotto nicely al dente, though nothing memorable. I'd noticed that no bread had been served and thought it odd. We ordered dessert, sharing the Valrhona terrine. A moment later, the bread was brought to our table. No biggie, it's their second night, but it was humorous. After returning the pear dessert that was delivered in error, we enjoyed the rich, seriously chocolaty terrine. Good stuff. The accompanying cappuccinos, however, were notably weak.

All in all, a bit of a meh for me. Scanning the menu, there really wasn't anything that jumped out, demanding to be tried. For the price, Ox wins hands down in terms of deliciousness. In fact, for the immediate area, the atmosphere at Simple trumps the fancier fare here for me. 

[SamS]

This evening I enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Embankment, where the decor was great, the music enjoyable and the staff very very attentive and effective.  This is definitely a great new addition to the neighborhood and they will certainly be getting more of my money.

Good job folks.

[jennymayla]

Last time I visited a place during the opening week, I got mocked.  No thanks.  I wish them lost of luck though!  Will definitely check them out soon!

[NON]

If they do in fact open on Thursday, I'm probably going to stop in around 9pm for at least a drink to celebrate. Show your support people (with suitably tempered expectations for a new place on its first night!).