The name of Jersey City's stylish LITM is, at first glance, just as perplexing as the place itself. The name is an acronym for Love is the Message, and the domain is equally as all-encompassing -- it's a modern restaurant, a surprisingly versatile bar and an art gallery all rolled into one, right in the heart of downtown Jersey City.
Owner Jelynne Jardiniano has worked hard during the past five years since LITM opened to create a synergy between these different elements that provides a fun, comfortable and hip place to hang out.
"In essence, we are a neighborhood destination that offers a creative atmosphere and a great selection of food and drinks," Jardiniano said.
The relaxing vibe and warm lighting of LITM allow for a space that is a functional art gallery -- with high ceilings, white walls adorned with paintings and white tables and chairs -- that still evokes the charm of a neighborhood bar.
A young, casual crowd can be found at LITM, which has an inventive drink menu that includes a list of "Art Cocktails" named after famous artists. There's the "Jackson Pollock," which contains vanilla vodka, apple brandy and Goldschlager ($7). The "Edgar Degas" blends Ciroc vodka, Lucid Absinthe, Chambord, a sugar cube and water -- a modern take on absinthe ($14).
LITM's beer selection includes 60 bottled beers and two drafts, which rotate seasonally. There also is a decently priced wine list and flavor-infused organic vodkas that are made in-house.
The bar offers discounted drinks daily for happy hour, and choices include mini-martinis or oyster shots for $3 each. There are themed nightly drink specials, such as Jersey Grown Tuesdays, which feature discounts on beers, wines and a brand of vodka from the Garden State.
As for food, LITM's dinner menu features modern cuisine from chef Todd Villani. The eclectic entrée choices include Moroccan-spiced rack of lamb and lemongrass pulled pork. The menu changes each season, and every item comes with suggested beer or wine pairings.
LITM has a DJ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. On the third Saturday of every month, groove band Caté Musiq Group entertains crowds with live jazz music.
If nothing else, LITM is a great spot to bring a date -- when there is an awkward lull in your conversation, just look up at the walls and talk about the art. Exhibitions change every month and draw on talent from the large artistic community in Jersey City, Jardiniano said, although artists from Mexico and the Philippines also have been showcased.
The events at LITM also have a focus on creativity. Interested guests can sign up for bartending or cooking classes that are taught by LITM's experts and held on Saturdays. Every Sunday evening, the restaurant screens classic films and serves a prix-fixe, three-course meal. On Jan. 20, LITM has scheduled an Inauguration Party and will screen the ceremony and serve president-elect Barack Obama's favorite food and drinks.
What other people are saying...
sweet t from long beach - January 26, 2009 at 5:28 PM
They have Lucid Absinthe?? They should have Le Tourment Vert instead. I've tried both and Le Tourment wins by a landslide
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