One of the most difficult industries to  survive is the restaurant business. This challenge multiplies at each price point. 

We find ourselves ringside as another contender enters the competitive market of high-end restaurants in Jersey City’s Business district. 87 Sussex aims to set itself apart from a crowded arena of quality establishments on this side of the Hudson. 

The buzz about the restaurant is well deserved. (The mayor is among those with opening weekend reservations.) Brian Walter, an honorary James Beard Foundation Member, is the Executive Chef. He began his culinary journey at New York’s French Culinary Institute. Since then, he has spent over 20 years of his career honing his craft working at acclaimed restaurants and private clubs, including the French Consulate, Le Cirque 2000, Lespinasse, Guastavino’s, Acqua Ristorante, Char Steakhouse, the prestigious Hamilton Farm Golf Club, and Carmine’s in Times Square. He was named “Top 5 Chefs in NJ” by NJ Life Magazine and “NJ’s Best Burger” by NJ Monthly Magazine. At 87 Sussex, he chose to fuse a neo-American approach with French cuisine. 

We were invited to their soft opening the day before the grand opening. We entered to a completely remodeled space, with understated opulence and a beautiful blue gold theme established by a marble accent wall. This ambiance provides a unique backdrop to propose or impress business partners.

We first tried a delicate sweet roll with salt-herb butter. I appreciated the airy and light bread to start off the evening’s gourmet journey. 

Drinks followed. The bar stocked non-alcoholic alternatives to spirits, so we asked for their recommendations. The head of drinks, Josh, recommended “The Ransom.” This fruity mocktail managed to tame the traditionally over-sweet problem with fruity drinks by using fresh lemon, blackberries, and honey instead of sugar. Drinking one of these transported me to memories of summer picnics at sunset. It was refreshing like a cool evening after a hot day. 

For variety, the second drink was a spicy cocktail, the Inferno Jam. It packs a mild kick, but not until it hits your throat. The key is to let it swirl around your mouth before swallowing to enjoy the apricot hints and honey flavor. Again, this was very balanced without overpowering the palette. 

Then came the appetizers. Our waiter, Hazem, strongly encouraged us towards the escargot wontons and hopping poppers. The chef managed to make snail and frog legs incredibly approachable, fun, and playful. We chose the former. Easily the best escargot we have tried, he elevated the traditional butter and garlic approach by using black garlic marmalade and browned butter. The fermented flavors enhanced the depth of the umami taste to the dish.  When you visit, this is a must try appetizer. 

We also enjoyed the truffled turnips, a puff pastry layered with truffle, parsnip, spinach on a mousseline bed. The presentation, as you can see, was perfection, and the flavors came in waves, with each different note demanding a moment to savor.

We expected the vine tomato stuffed with bone marrow, organic chicken, ham, veal, and pecorino Romano to be our favorite with its broth of marrow and lemon, but it was not as distinct as the other dishes. Very good, yet forgettable among its siblings on the menu. 

We should have gone for the Hopping Poppers, seeing others enjoy them like chicken wings. 

Hazem also encouraged us to choose the brazed short rib and NY Strip. This time, we took his recommendation. All the meats at 87 Sussex are, as expected, high quality prime, as easily observed by the depth of flavor. 

The Braised Short Rib came on a sweet potato Mousseline and Chinese long beans. They brought a knife, which was unnecessary, except to cut the beans, as the short rib fell apart with the touch of a fork on its way to melting in one’s mouth. The flavors infused into the sweet potato base complimented the dish with a lighter sweetness that left us desiring more. Order this; if there ever was an entree to convert a vegetarian to the joys of meat, this would be it.

In spite of their depth of culinary mastery with meat, others in the restaurant opted for their plant-based options. We took a look at their vegetarian menu with its unique pastas and decided we would feel very comfortable bringing our friends with more selective tastes. 

In New York and New Jersey, great steaks are abundant. The Prime NY Steak is another solid entry. The star of this dish is the red wine, marrow, and butter bordelaise sauce. With as many other intriguing entries on the menu, such as the oysters, Barramundi, and inventive pastas, I will opt for one of the more creative items during our next visit. 

And there will be another visit, as I expect this restaurant will easily stand the test of time with such an inventive and experienced chef, knowledgeable and attentive staff, and fantastic ambiance. Everything from the temperature of our water, the room, even the angle of the chair backs, and the lighting made 87 Sussex stand out. 

We would have been incredibly satisfied with our experience without dessert, but we ordered two. I believe they were as large as the main courses, which is enough for two to four people after this meal. 

Their most popular dessert is a Chocolate Turtle Cake, and for good reason. Like everything else on the menu, it is made from scratch. The salted caramel matched the smoothness of the cake with just the right amount of richness without becoming sickeningly sweet. A top layer of toasted walnuts added an enhancing crunch to the end of the meal.

For those who prefer lighter desserts, the Passion Fruit Trifle layered lemon poppy cake, passion fruit curd, raspberries, and blackberries met the needs of those with tropical tastes. 

In one word, 87 Sussex excels in balance. Each aspect of our dining experience oozed attention to detail and an experienced hand. We highly recommend visiting this classy newcomer to the high-end gastronomic scene in New Jersey. 

Join in the festivities for opening weekend Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th by booking your reservation now. The new 87 Sussex will be celebrating their Grand Opening all weekend long starting at 5 p.m. with a ribbon cutting, live music performance, spirit and wine tastings, giveaways, photo booth and so much more. 
On Friday April 26, guests will immerse in the sounds of singer, songwriter, guitarist + harpist Candice Lee a.k.a. Pink Guitar Girl and on Saturday, April 27, Bennett Rhoad, a New Jersey popular cover band and will perform the songs everyone knows, expect a weekend of spectacular performances. A memorable culinary journey awaits at 87 Sussex, a new gourmet experience offering refined dining in the heart of Jersey City at 87 Sussex Street in the quaint neighborhood of Paulus Hook.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}